『精霊の工廠』では今日も今日とて若い錬金術師達が切磋琢磨していた。
（よし。今日こそはノルマをこなせるぜ）
ウェインはまだ就業時間が残っているにもかかわらず、１０個目の剣Ｃを完成させようとしていた。
（アイズはまだ９個目の剣だ。よし。こいつには勝ったな。こいつを倒せば次はアイナだ。あいつを倒しさえすれば、ロランもこの俺をギルドのエースとして認めざるを得まい！）
ウェインは再度アイズの作業台をチラリと見た。
アイズは剣Ｂを作っていた。
（なにっ？）
【アイズ?ガルナーのスキルとステータス】
?スキル
『金属成型』：Ｂ（↑１）
?ステータス
腕力(パワー)：５０（↑１０）ー７０（↑１０）
耐久(タフネス)：５０（↑１０）ー７０（↑１０）
「アイズ。その剣、Ｂクラスじゃないか」
「はい。ロランさんのアドバイスのおかげでスキルアップしたみたいっす」
「君も明日からはロディのサポートなしでいけそうだね」
「いやー、まさかこんなにあっさりスキルアップするとは」
ウェインは愕然とした。
（マジかよ。こいつ、入った頃はせいぜいＣクラスの『金属成型』だったのに。もう、Ｂクラスになったってのか？ 俺がスキルをＣクラスからＢクラスに上げるまでには、数年の期間を要したってのに。それをコイツは数日で……）
ロランはウェインの方を振り返った。
「おっ、ウェイン。今日はノルマ達成できそうじゃないか。その調子だよ」
（くっ、この野郎）
【ウェイン?メルツァのステータス】
腕力(パワー)：６０（↑１０）ー７０
耐久(タフネス)：６０（↑１０）ー７０
俊敏(アジリティ)：４０（↑１０）?５０
（ウェイン、ようやくステータスを万全に戻したか。アイズもいい具合にスキルとステータスをアップさせた。引き続き、ウェインの『ちょうどいい競争相手』になってくれるだろう）
「ロランさーん」
アイナがついたて(パーティション)を超えてこちらに顔を出してきた。
「アイナ、どうした？」
「モニカさん用の装備ちょっと作ってみたんですけど、見ていただけますか？」
「ああ、今行く」
ウェインは気づかれないようロランの後ろからついていき、アイナの作業場を盗み見る。
（あれがアイナの作った弓矢か。流石に質のいい弓矢を作りやがるな）
【アイナの作った弓矢】
威力：９０（『コーティング』により↑２０）
耐久：９０（『コーティング』により↑２０）
特殊効果：弾力(フレキシビリティ)
「なるほど。弓矢に弾力(フレキシビリティ)を付加して威力と耐久を上げたのか」
「はい」
「威力９０に耐久９０か。でも、これじゃ『銀製鉄破弓』には届かない」
「そうなんですよね」
「鉱石一番いいの使っていいから。もうちょっと頑張ってみようか」
「はい」
ウェインはその会話を聞いて歯噛みする。
（くっ、こいつら。威力９０の弓矢で足りないだと？ 威力１００越えの装備作る気かよ。こんな弱小ギルドの分際でなめやがって）
ウェインは自分の作業台に戻って作業を再開させる。
「あれ？ ウェインさん。今日の仕事終わったんじゃ？」
アイズが不思議そうに言った。
「るせぇ」
（俺はこんな奴らに負けてる場合じゃねぇんだよ！）
「ウェインのやつ、今日はノルマを達成したんですね」
アイナは、ウェインが自分の作業場に戻ったのを見越してからロランにそう言った（ウェインが盗み見していたのはアイナとロランにはバレバレだった）。
「ああ、そうみたいだね。さすがに『竜の熾火』で働いてただけのことはある。本来の調子を取り戻してきたようだ」
「私もうかうかしてられませんね」
アイナはすぐさま新しい弓矢の製作に取り掛かるのであった。
（ウェインの競争心が工房(アトリエ)全体にいい影響を及ぼしてきたな。やはりこのタイミングでウェインをとっておいて正解だった）
ロディは設計図を書いていた。
(Aina is working hard to make class A equipment. I''ll have to support her with my skill "Product Design")
As Roddy was drawing lines on a piece of paper, I could see the lines emerging vaguely on the still-blank area of the paper.
(What is it? I can get an image of the design even though I haven''t written anything down yet. I feel that if I draw lines according to this image, I will be able to draw a good blueprint. (What the heck is this ......)
As Roddy drew the lines according to his image, he completed the blueprints for the Class A equipment.
Loran appraises Roddy''s skills.
(This is ...... a happy miscalculation. Roddy got to Class A first?)
[Roddy Leavitt''s skills.
Product Design": A (↑1)
At that time, at "Dragon''s Fireside".
Guild leader, this way please for authorization.
Edgar submitted an application to Medes for additional funds to be allocated for the "Arsenal of the Spirits" measure.
An additional budget," Edgar said. Well, this time the circumstances are different. It''s unavoidable.
Medes signed the documents submitted by Edgar, as if he was too lazy to do so.
(Whew. For a while I wondered what would happen, but now I can make new equipment again. Wait and see, "Arsenal of the Spirits. Next time I''m going to crush you once and for all!)
Edgar, be careful not to make the same mistake. "Edgar, be careful not to make the same mistake. If you make the same mistake, there will be no next time.
I''m not sure. I am very much aware of that.
I guess that''s it for the additional budget for now. Now, regarding the matter of destroying the "Arsenal of Spirits," I have actually received a new proposal from Mr. Gilbert.
A new proposal?
Gilbert seems to think that we are being too lax in our approach. It is not enough for us to just hit the adventurers'' guilds, which are the clients of the Arsenal of Spirits. He has told us that we need to strike a blow directly at the Arsenal of Spirits.
What do you mean?
It''s that simple. We will set up a branch of "Dragon''s Fires" right next to the workshop (atelier) of "Arsenal of Spirits. This will allow us to steal their customers, and at the same time, by strengthening our surveillance, we will be able to quickly detect their movements and respond immediately if they make any moves.
I see.
It would be an extra cost, but if Mr. Gilbert is asking me to do something, I can''t refuse. So, what do we do about this? Running a branch office may be too much for you to handle alone. Shall I arrange for someone to work with you? For example, Lizetta or ......"
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. You can''t leave it to Lizetta. There is no way she can manage a branch. She''s a silversmith idiot who can only do silversmithing. I''ll be in charge of managing the branch.
But are you sure? You are in charge of manufacturing fire lances (javelins) for the "Knight of the Crescent Moon," and you also have to make equipment to destroy the "Shield of Dawn" and the "Arrow of the Heavenly Horse," don''t you? Don''t you have too much work to do?"
It''s all right. I''ll make it work with my subordinates. Please leave this to me.
I see. Well, if you insist, I''ll leave it to you.
Yes, sir. I will work hard and live up to your expectations!
The next day, Wayne was walking along the road to the "Spirit Arsenal" with a sore throat.
(Haaaaah.... They don''t let me do high-ranking work here at all. Hmm? (That''s ......)
Wayne noticed a new store in the building directly across from the "Spirit Arsenal.
The sign bears a familiar emblem, the emblem of a furnace heated by dragon''s breath (breath).
(Is that the emblem of the "Dragon''s Fiery Fire"? (I don''t think that means ......)
As Wayne approaches, he sees several people working on bringing in the cargo.
Among them was someone Wayne knew well.
(That''s ...... Edgar!!!)
Wayne stares at Edgar with hostility.
Edgar did not notice Wayne''s gaze and walked into the back of the store.
Dylan hurriedly opened the door and ran into Roland''s room.
''Roland, are you there?
Dylan. Dylan. What''s wrong? In such a hurry."
There''s nothing wrong with that. Didn''t you see the front door?
I saw it. It''s a branch of "Dragon''s Fires," isn''t it?
If you saw it, why are you waiting so long? If you saw them, why are you waiting so long? If we don''t do something, they''ll take all our potential customers.
That''s all right," he said. It''s no big deal.
What?
Think about it. We don''t compete on the merits of our location. Our strength lies in the quality of our partnerships, which provide appropriate support to the Adventurers'' Guild. We came here in the first place because we were dissatisfied with the equipment made by Dragon''s Fires, whether it be the Shield of Dawn or the Arrow of the Heavenly Horse. We won''t be dominated by the fact that they just opened a new branch. As long as we continue to enhance our partnership as before, there will be no problem.
I see.
If we don''t have to worry about losing customers, the remaining concern is related to information warfare. If they are serious about monitoring us and gathering information, it would be troublesome, but so far, none of the people we are working with are highly skilled in information gathering.
(!?!!) (Had you already completed a skills appraisal of your adversary?)
What can I say, ...... you work fast too."
The fact that they can set up a branch office is not a serious threat. The problem is ....... Dylan. If you can spare the time, would you be willing to go and do a hostile situation check on your end?"
Me?"
I''m not sure I''m going to be able to do it. You''re better than me when it comes to information retrieval skills."
Dylan''s Skills
Information Retrieval: A
That''s fine, but why? Not a particular threat, is it?"
I''m not sure I''m going to be able to do it. Not a threat. But that doesn''t make sense. Why is "Dragon''s Fires" wasting time and money like this? The impression that everything they do is so random is undeniable. It is as if they are doing things because someone told them to. Something may be wrong within the "Dragon''s Fires.
I see. If we can identify the anomaly, it will give us a chance to fight back. Is that what you''re saying?
Yes. But only if you can afford it. First, we will strengthen relations with existing guilds, market to new adventurer guilds, expand our sales channels to arms dealers, and increase our presence in the market. Hostile inspections are a secondary priority.
I get it."
Dylan put his hat back on and promptly went into business.
After giving Dylan his instructions, Roland went down to the workshop to conduct a morning meeting with the alchemists.
Everyone take a look at this," he said. Roddy made the blueprints for the Class A equipment yesterday.
Roland pasted the blueprints on the board so that everyone could see them.
''Is this the blueprint for Class A equipment: ......?''
Aina tilted her head.
''Yes,'' she said. Roddy''s skill "Product Design" was originally designed to increase the adaptability of adventurers and equipment. However, the A-class "Product Design" supports the alchemist''s equipment manufacturing and encourages him to improve his skills. If made according to this design, even an alchemist with "Metal Forming" B should be able to make A-class equipment. Tomorrow, Leon, Monica and the others will return to collect the "Earth Craft". By then ......"
Hey, hey, hey, hey, guild leader. What are you talking about today''s business?
Wayne interrupted.
''Yes, Wayne? What''s on your mind?"
There''s nothing to be concerned about. You''re not blind, are you? They''re right in front of us, right now. Don''t you see the emblem of the Dragon''s Fires?
Wayne pointed toward the wall of the workshop, beyond the wall is the branch of "Dragon''s Fires".
Roland sighed.
''I was going to tell you about that later,'' he said. It''s just that it''s not that important, so I''ve been putting it off."
Not so important?"
Yes," he said. We''ve got that taken care of, so you guys don''t have to worry about it."
No need to worry? What the hell are you talking about?
Wayne stood up and gasped.
It was as if a big deal was just around the corner.
Wayne?
Don''t you get it? Because I joined the "Arsenal of Spirits," the store opened at this time. It''s obvious what they want. They came after me! To destroy me!"
No, I don''t think so."
What? No?
No, it''s not. The "Arsenal of Spirits" has been attacked by the "Dragon''s Fires" for some time. The opening of the new store is thought to be a part of that. I don''t think it has anything to do with you.
What? No, but ......"
If they wanted to talk to you, they wouldn''t have bothered to set up a branch, they would have contacted you directly, wouldn''t they?
I see. That''s true, too. Mm."
(Yes, that''s right. (I remember I came here to annoy them because "Dragon''s Fires" is having trouble with "Spirit Arsenal". I forgot all about it. d*mn, but they all ignore my existence. ......)
(How self-conscious is this guy?)
Aina looked at Wayne with a bit of a drawl.
I''ve heard enough about "Dragon''s Fires," haven''t I? Let''s get back to the story then. Anyway, the important thing now is to make A-class equipment to support "Shield of Dawn". That will eventually lead to victory in the battle against the "Dragon''s Fierce Fire. So, first, Aina."
Yes, sir.
At all costs, we must have the equipment for Monica in time for tomorrow.
Understood.
Roddy, Ize. You guys will support Aina with your power and agility. You guys support Aina with your power and agility so that she can focus on molding.
Yes."
And Wayne.
Oh.
You''re on routine.
Oh, I''ll take care of it!" Why the hell is ......?"
I''m going to support Aina, too," he said. You''re going to have to fill the void left by the regular workload, right?"
I don''t have time for business as usual. Let me work on the "dragon''s fiery fire" countermeasure!
It is impossible to make two A-class equipment in our workshop (atelier) right now. Your unique skill ''cutting magic stone'' is still in its infancy.
Wayne Merza''s Unique Skills]
Cutting": E to A
On the other hand, Aina''s unique skill "Exterior Reinforcement (Coating)" is already B class. Considering that, it''s a good idea to bet on Aina this time, right?"
Nuh-uh.
There will surely come a time in the future when we will need your help. For now, please work on maintaining your status in preparation for that time."
(d*mn. Roland is so obviously partial to Aina. I''ve been doing my quota lately too.)
Wayne was biting his teeth in disagreement.
Now, that''s enough about job assignments," Wayne said. Now for the equipment for Monica: ......, take a look at this.
Roland pulled out one fine bow and arrow for all to see.
Wayne reacted to the familiar bow and arrow and suddenly began to feel hostile.
(That is ...... Edgar''s ......)
Roland did not miss the change in Wayne''s expression.
(After all, he had reacted to Edgar''s bow and arrow. After all, does Wayne have some kind of feud with Edgar?)
Aina. This bow is the work of Edgar Logue, one of the ''Dragon''s Fires'' quartet."
The Quartet''s ......"
Aina couldn''t help but admire the iron bow, forged to the utmost limit.
The bow was made of steel and was completely black, yet it shimmered like obsidian.
(Amazing. (It is amazing that she can forge an iron bow to this extent using only "metal molding".)
Aina, you must create a work of art that surpasses this bow and arrow."
What?" I ...... this bow?"
Yes, with your skills, you should be able to create a piece that surpasses Edgar''s."
[Aina''s skills and status
Skills
Metal Forming": B to A
Exterior Reinforcement (Coating): B → A
Status
Arm strength (power): 60-70
Endurance (toughness): 40-50
Agility: 70-80
Stamina: 60-70
Magic power: 50
（With the development of "Flexibility," "Exterior Reinforcement (Coating)" became "B". However, it is only B class. At this rate, he is still an excellent alchemist. In order to become an ace in the "Arsenal of Spirits," he needs to become an A class or higher. In terms of status, he should already meet the requirements for "A" in "metal molding. I''ll let you find out what you are missing in this quest.)
Well, that''s why Wayne. This time, give it up to Aina to take down Edgar.
Roland said in an easygoing tone, as if he were talking about a game he had a good chance of winning.
(Beat Edgar? (Is this guy serious?)
Wayne glanced at Roland probingly, unable to gauge Roland''s true intentions.
However, Roland only smiled and smiled amiably.
Wayne began to get creeped out by Roland.
Wayne''s constant chants of revenge against Edgar were half a self-delusion to keep his mind stable, and he did not really believe that he could defeat Edgar.
However, there was a greatness in the way Roland spoke that scared even Wayne.
By this time, even Wayne, the quintessential Wayne, was dimly aware that Roland was more than just a connoisseur.
(What the hell is this guy? ......)
Nice, huh?"
Roland smiled a smug, pressured smile.
The tone of his noncommittal tone implied that he intended to "fatten you up if you got in the way.
(Huh. There is no way Aina can beat Edgar.)
Wayne convinced himself by thinking so and withdrew meekly.
Aina immediately set to work, but looked at Roddy''s blueprints with a quizzical look on her face.
Can you really make a class-A piece of equipment by following these instructions?"
Well, just go ahead and do it."
I think I can make something like this without any blueprints at all.
Just do it.
Yes."
Aina blurted out and applied her skill "metal molding" to the lump of iron.
Then, with four or five blows from Aina, the iron, which was only a square lump, was instantly curved and transformed into an arched shape.
(Holla. It''s not easy. Now, if I add one or two more blows, it will be ......, huh?)
Suddenly, a point of light disappears from the mass of steel.
(The light spot disappears. No way. Is that the limit of molding?)
There was a limit to the amount of metal that could be forged in "metal molding".
Once that limit is exceeded, no more can be done to increase the power or durability of the equipment, no matter how much you hit or cut it.
(Did I hit it a little too hard? Next time I''ll have to be extra careful not to inflict too much damage.)
Aina again uses "metal molding" to produce a bow and arrow from a lump of iron.
(Alright. This time according to the blueprint. ...... Huh?)
The light spot disappeared again.
(Why? I thought I hit it exactly right this time. (No way. Did I run out of time?)
When the first blow is struck, a time limit is imposed on the metal molding.
And once the time limit is exceeded, no matter how much processing is done, the status will not increase any further.
After that, Aina tried molding it according to the blueprints a couple of times, but it did not go well.
Inevitably, she would take more than a certain amount of damage or exceed the time limit.
(I thought it would be easy, but this is surprisingly difficult. It requires precision in one unit of arm strength (power) and agility to do it quickly. I don''t know what to do.)
Aina stood there with her half-finished bow and arrow in front of her and pondered for a moment.
（I can''t help it. Let''s use the "exterior reinforcement (coating)" to raise its status. If we do our best, Mr. Roland will be satisfied.)
Aina applied "coating" to the bow and arrow to raise its status.
Aina then applied a "coating" to the bow and arrow to boost its status. Roland-san, it''s done!
However, Roland''s reply was curt.
No."
What? Why?"
I use ''exterior reinforcement (coating). This time I want you to surpass Edgar''s bow and arrow with ''metal molding'' alone."
But ...... this still exceeds Mr. Edgar''s bow and arrow, so why not?"
No," he said. This will not satisfy Monica."
......"
The use of ''exterior reinforcement (coating)'' is strictly forbidden from now on. We will complete A-class bows and arrows using only ''metal molding.
Ugh. Yes.
Aina returned to the workbench, pissed off.
(Aina''s ability to think flexibly is a good thing, but it''s also a good thing to be too precise. You end up compromising in the wrong place. An alchemist inevitably needs a single-minded pursuit of quality. Now, let''s see how far he can go with his unique skills blocked. (I''ll let you show me.)
Aina wrote down the work process on a piece of paper and summarized it in terms of the number of blows and the damage inflicted.
1st stroke : 60
Second stroke : 70
Third stroke : 30
Fourth stroke : 70
~
10th stroke: 60
(Is this the number of strokes and damage required to make something as per the blueprint? Inevitably, this is the third stroke. (I tend to put too much power into this third stroke, which rapidly decreases in power.)
Aina tried again, keeping this table in mind.
However, she inevitably ran into a wall of molding limits.
(No good. (No good. I put too much force into it. (But if I do it slowly, the time limit will pass. ......)
Aina is pondering in front of the workbench.
(What should I do? I know exactly what the problem is, but I don''t know what to do.)
Roland watched Aina carefully.
(It''s a feat that you were able to identify the issue so far on your own. (After all, she is a "Workshop Management" A.)
[Aina Burke''s skills
Workshop Management": B (↑1)
(But is this where we are now? Let''s give them a helping hand.)
Eyes. You try molding too."
Roland said.
''What? Me?"
Ize, who had been hauling iron, stopped and looked at Roland.
''Maybe by watching others work, Aina might be able to get something out of it.
I understand. I''ll try."
Wayne was hammering away at the iron at a distance, while Aina and her friends were fidgeting in the distance.
(d*mn, what''s that? I''m the only one who feels so alienated. ......)
Wayne swung the hammer down toward the iron.
The resounding sound of the blow echoed in the workshop.
Ize strikes the iron in small increments.
However, it does not go according to the blueprint.
He said, "Huh? It''s not going well.
You''re hitting too fast. You need to put more power into it.
But if you don''t do it this fast, you''ll run out of time.
That''s the hard part of this quest."
（Oh, I think I got it.)
Aina, what did you find out?"
Yes, sir. I''ll give it a try."
(Shortening the swing can reduce the power while maintaining speed!)
Aina shortens the swing of the third stroke and goes on striking the iron in rhythm.
(So, did you get it?)
(You''ve passed the hard part. You''ll get through the rest on your own.)
Roland casually stepped back and watched her progress from a step back.
Aina continued to try and try again.
(She got the hang of the third stroke. A little more ...... to go. I''ve got to get into a rhythm if I''m going to complete the molding within the time limit (time limit). Don, don, con. Like this? All right. Let''s do this.)
And the moment finally arrives.
After a total of 10 tries, the A-class shine finally shines on the iron that has been hammered.
Status of bow A
Power: 100
Durability: 100
Oh," he said. That''s great."
You did it. Ms. Aina."
Roddy and Ize clap.
(Ya, I did it. But ......)
Aina felt somewhat inadequate in front of the A-class bow and arrow she had trained herself.
I think I can strengthen it even more by using "exterior reinforcement (coating)" and "fire-absorbing ore (fifeult)".
(But it''s an A-class bow and arrow I went to the trouble of making. ......)
Aina. You have an idea, don''t you? Feel free to try."
Mr. Roland. But this bow and arrow is barely made Class A. ......"
It''s all right. I won''t be mad if you fail."
Yes, sir.
To Aina, the interior of the metal was crystal clear.
The density of the metal, the degree of polishing, the bonding of the elements.
She could see the relationship between them, not by logic, but by firsthand experience.
Aina Burke''s skills
Metal Forming": A (up1)
(At last, Aina''s "Metal Forming" became A class. I don''t know what she sees from this point on. What she sees now is a world that ordinary people can never reach, the world of Class A!)
Aina shaves the A-class bow and arrow and applies "exterior reinforcement (coating)" to the empty space.
(This part is coated with a green coating. Then, she applies "Fire Felt" to this part (......).
Status of Bow A
Power: 140
Durability: 140
"Mr. Roland, this is ......."
Oh, congratulations," he said. You are a class A alchemist."
[Aina Burke''s skills
Metal Forming: A (up1)
Exterior Reinforcement (Coating): A (up 1)
(Finally awakened. Aina''s A class here is huge. With this, she can not only fend off the attack of "Dragon''s Fiery Fire" that has opened a new store, but she can also return the favor!)
Yay!"
Aina raises her hand and rejoices.
''Well done, Aina.
Yes," he said. I ...... Loran!
Aina was so impressed that she grabbed Roland and hugged him.
(Ugh)
The feel of Aina''s soft body stimulates every part of Roland''s body.
''Mr. Roland, I, I ......
Aina tends to hug Roland tightly with all her emotions.
Various parts of her, including her arms, back, and breasts, come into close contact with me.
''Uh, let''s see. Aina. It''s about time ......."
Roland gently held Aina''s shoulders and gently released her.
?"
Aina tilts her head curiously.
(Whew. Watch out, watch out.)
Although he had been indifferent due to his long period of disadvantage, recently, Roland was finally becoming aware that he was quite popular.
And that he has a weakness for women.
He therefore told himself not to get too close to his subordinates, especially female subordinates.
After all, Aina was quite an attractive girl.
Her ponytail, which gave off a lively atmosphere, and her dignified, strong-willed eyes were in perfect harmony with her pretty face.
Above all, her breasts, which could be felt through her work clothes, were as ample as Monica''s.
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