Nido Tensei Shita Shounen wa S-rank Boukensha Toshite Heion ni Sugosu ~ Zense ga Kenja de Eiyūdatta

Episode 114: Let’s Make New Equipment

The day after it was announced that the Dragon Emperor Ceremony would be held along with the Dragon Princess Ceremony, we came to the town’s blacksmith. By the way, this place is a workshop borrowed to mass-produce equipment to counter the attacks of monster hordes.

Of course, the purpose is…

“Well then, let’s make everyone’s equipment.”

Yes, we came here to completely renew everyone’s equipment. We ended up participating in the Dragon Princess Ceremony and the Dragon Emperor Ceremony, so we decided to renew everyone’s equipment on this occasion.

After all, Gyro and the others haven’t changed their equipment much since becoming adventurers. Everyone’s equipment is worn out from the battles with the demons so far and the recent battles with dragons and hordes of monsters.

We need to replace our equipment with something proper soon, because there are limits to defense through magic.

“Whoa! Big brother making our equipment, I’m so excited!”

“Hey Gyro, don’t get too excited, it’s embarrassing.”

“You say that, but Mina is excited too.”

“Haha, well, it’s a bit exciting to have new equipment, no matter what.”

Gyro and the others are excited and frolicking, unable to wait any longer.

“I had my equipment made before, so I’ll keep it this time.”

Liliera mutters with a slightly disappointed air.

“No, I will repair and modify Liliera’s equipment as well. We have just the right materials for it.”

“Huh!? Is that okay!? Will the equipment become even better!?”

Liliera, who didn’t expect her own equipment to be modified, looks at me with a surprised and excited expression mixed together.

“Yes, until now we didn’t have enough materials, so we made do with what we had. But now we have enough decent materials, so I think we can make something good.”

“…So far, it was just making do, huh…”

Huh? Liliera’s eyes suddenly wander off. I wonder what’s wrong? I thought she would be happy that her makeshift equipment will finally become proper equipment.

“You guys are so lucky…”

Lune, who was following me, murmurs enviously.

“No, don’t worry, Lune. I will make your equipment too.”

“Huh!? You will make my equipment too!?”

Lune raises her voice in surprise, as if she wanted to ask why.

“But, but, I’m not Rex’s companion, right? Is it okay for an outsider like me, who intruded and became an apprentice, to receive the secret techniques of equipment used by the Dragon Emperor!?”

Well, I’m not a dragon knight or the Dragon Emperor or anything. Oh, but I might be using some dwarf techniques. …Well, whatever.

“Don’t worry about it. Lune is also participating in the Dragon Princess Ceremony, so you need to have proper equipment. Besides, even though it’s for a limited time, you are my disciple. It’s like a master’s parental heart to do something for their disciple. Well, it’s embarrassing to say that, though.”

“I’m so happy, Master Rex!”

Lune, overwhelmed with joy, expresses her excitement by jumping up and down. She looks cute, like a small animal.

And I also need to prepare for that.

So, with the permission of the blacksmith, I decided to borrow a corner of the workshop…

“……”

Everyone in the workshop is staring at my hands. Well, that’s the condition for using the workshop, so it can’t be helped.

When I asked to use the workshop, the master asked me to show him my work as a condition. I was puzzled by that, wondering if it was okay, but the master said it was more valuable than receiving money.

“Your work of making weapons from the dragon materials the other day was impressive. I couldn’t watch it carefully at that time because of the situation, so this time I want to concentrate and watch.”

It’s just a normal process. If it was some secret technique of a top-class craftsman, it would be a problem to show it, but what I learned is only the basic skills of a blacksmith.

Or maybe the master wants to see the way of other blacksmiths from different countries, which can be called other schools. The materials used would often be different depending on the region, so he might want to know those small differences.

If it’s a technique that can be understood by watching, it probably wouldn’t change much even if the country is different. And if that’s the case, there should be no problem showing it.

“Well then, let’s begin.”

This time, the main material I will use is the dragon scales obtained from Dragon’s Peak. I also take out the materials from the Ancient Plant that I obtained before, the scales of Bahamut collected from the Sky Island, and various chimera materials obtained from the underground ruins.

I also line up the set of equipment borrowed from everyone for size confirmation and modification.

“Let’s start with the weapons.”

I put the crushed dragon scales into the furnace and cast a protective magic on it. Then, I raise the temperature inside the furnace with high-temperature magic, burning off impurities in the dragon scales and melting them. When the melted scales flow down to the bottom of the furnace, I slowly lower the temperature and shape them into a rough form using processing magic.

“Hey, hey, isn’t that the furnace we use here? How can the dragon scales melt so easily!?”

“And why does the material that flowed into the furnace already have the shape of a weapon!?”

“And are you working on other equipment at the same time!?”

“Am I… really watching a blacksmith’s work?”

The blacksmiths who were apparently eavesdropping in the workshop are surprised. But why? Well, I’m just working at a normal speed. In my previous life, I had acquaintances who worked at a speed that was literally too fast to see. I always said that anyone who can only work at a speed visible to the eye is still an amateur.

Anyway, while we were talking, everyone’s new equipment was completed.

And a few days later, when I informed everyone that their equipment was complete, they hurriedly came to the workshop. Everyone’s equipment was lined up on the workshop table.

“It’s really surprising that everyone’s equipment is already completed. Normally, it takes quite a long time to make even one custom-made equipment.”

“Well, I don’t have that much skill, so I don’t have to wait for years in line at a famous workshop.”

“Eh?”

Why is everyone looking at me like that?

“Well, whatever. It’s the usual thing, right?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

Why do they all understand when I say that?

“Well then, everyone try on your new equipment. If it’s too tight or loose, we’ll adjust it right away.”

“Yes!”

“Hehe, new equipment made by big brother! Oh! My equipment is red! It looks cool!.”

“Why did you bother painting it? The surface will get all worn out in battle anyway, isn’t it a waste of money?”

Mina asks me if it’s a waste while watching Gyro, who is excited about his new equipment.

“That paint is part of the equipment. That red paint is made by processing powdered ruby dragon blood specialized in flames. It not only gives resistance to fire-based magic and heat, but also enhances your own fire-based attacks. Gyro is good at enhancing fire-based magic, so the equipment is tailored to that.”

“Ah, so that’s why our equipment also has colors.”

Norbu nods in agreement while looking at their own equipment. Yes, the equipment I prepared for everyone had paint that matched each person’s body enhancement magic attribute. It’s just a small trick, but if it’s your own dedicated equipment, you would want to pay attention to the color.

“I see… At this point, it’s more like magic items than new equipment…”

“Wow! My sword looks so cool! It’s big, red, and powerful! It’s great!”

“That sword can also be used as a staff to enhance the power of fire-based magic. And if you infuse the sword with magic power, you can instantly activate simple flame magic with inscribed spells.”

“Seriously!?”

The blacksmiths who were listening in the background are surprised.

“When did you install something like that!?”

“Your speed and precision in the work are amazing, we didn’t even notice!?”

Huh? The blacksmiths seem to be amazed for some reason. Well, I’m just working at a normal speed. I always said that anyone who can only work at a speed visible to the eye is still an amateur.

While we were talking, everyone finished putting on their new equipment.

“How is it? Is it too tight or loose?”

“It’s totally fine!”

“Yes, it fits perfectly. And the shape has changed quite a bit due to the modifications.”

Liliera is surprised by the modified equipment.

“Yes, I made significant modifications while exchanging the materials. I tuned them to everyone’s combat style and attributes, so the usability might have changed a bit.”

“I see… But at this point, it’s more like brand new.”

Liliera says that while looking happy. New equipment is exciting, after all.

“Um, um, Rex-sensei, about my equipment…”,Lune-san, who has changed into the new equipment, approaches and speaks.

“Somehow, it feels similar to my previous equipment.”

Oh, sharp observation.

“Yes, Lune-san’s equipment is actually made by reusing the equipment you were already using. The original materials were of good quality.”

Yes, Lune-san’s equipment was worn out, but the materials used were still good. So I made modifications while recalling the equipment of the ancient dragon knights that I saw in my past life, tailored to Lune-san’s combat style. You could say it’s like an ancient dragon knight equipment upgrade.

“Lune-san’s equipment has been passed down through generations, so it’s better to continue using it as it is.”

“Huh!? You’ve been considering that much, Master Rex…”

Lune-san trembles as she speaks to me in a trembling voice.

“Even when Lune-san didn’t know how to properly maintain the inherited spear and couldn’t use it well, she continued to use it without easily switching weapons. So I thought maybe she has an attachment to her armor as well.”

“Ah, thank you so much, Master Rex!”

Lune-san expresses her gratitude with teary eyes.

“I will definitely win the Dragon Princess Ceremony!”

Yes, being filled with motivation is a good thing.

“Woah! I can’t wait to use the new equipment!”

“Yes, I want to get the equipment accustomed before the match.”

Haha, it seems like everyone is eager to try out the new equipment.

“Then, as a test for the new equipment, shall we go monster hunting?”

“Yes!”

“Kyuu!”

Mofumofu, we’re going for a test run, not to hunt for food, okay?

“Let’s go.”

We took off from our territory and headed towards the human village.

We are Dark Dragons, proud jet-black dragons.

Don’t mistake us for weaklings like Black Dragons. Our scales have a different luster. Look at this beautiful shine, as if wet with water.

…I digressed.

We, who have no interest in flocking together with other dragons, initially didn’t know about the recent commotion.

However, we realized the reason why the area outside our nest had been noisy recently when we heard the Emerald Dragon, who loves gossip, chirping loudly.

And that’s why we decided to head towards the human village. The reason being to trample the humans.

You see, we learned that the one who claimed to be our leader, the Golden Dragon, was defeated by mere humans. Moreover, they shamelessly followed the outdated constraints and even allowed humans to ride on their backs. It’s unbelievable.

We dragons are the strongest creatures in the world. It is unacceptable for dragons like us to obey feeble beings like humans.

Therefore, we, the Dark Dragons, will correct the arrogance of the humans in place of the pathetic Golden Dragon.

Well, it’s a good opportunity. We will show the humans that the strongest dragon is not the Golden Dragon, but us, the Dark Dragons. We will demonstrate the power of the ruler of darkness to the humans!

“Leader, the humans are approaching us.”

One of the young dragons in our group noticed humans wandering outside the village.

“Oh my, if those humans return to the village without any of their companions, they will feel lonely.”

“Oh, that’s so pitiful.”

The young dragons, while pretending to pity the humans, were actually expecting something as they looked towards us. They are truly hopeless.

“Alright, alright. To ensure that those humans don’t feel lonely, let’s trample them first.”

“Haha, yes! As expected of our leader! You understand!”

Not only the young dragons but also the older ones started descending.

Oh well, I’m starting to feel a little sorry for the humans. While thinking such heartless thoughts, I gazed at the ground. The dragon at the front attacked the humans.

In passing, it either tore the humans apart with its proud claws or crushed them with the speed of its descent. I watched to see how the humans would meet their end, but the young dragon at the front was split in half.

Split in half, completely.

“…Huh?”

Huh? What just happened?

“Whoa, that was a surprise! What the hell was that!?”

Gyro exclaimed in surprise as he narrowly intercepted the black dragon that suddenly attacked from the sky.

“Seems like a stray dragon came to attack, huh?”

Following Rex’s gaze, I looked up at the sky and saw several black shadows flying.

“A stray dragon? Like the one that attacked the town before?”

Liliera remembered the Green Dragon that attacked the town before and asked Rex while keeping her gaze fixed on the sky. The dragons, perhaps wary of being cut in half by Gyro, were not attacking and were circling in the sky.

“Yes, but they’re not wyverns, they’re of the same species. So maybe they’re not strays but moving as a group?”

Either way, dragons are dangerous, right? I glanced at the dragon that Gyro had split in half. Its black scales were the same as the Black Dragon that Rex defeated before.

“And Gyro just split the dragon in half without even receiving any enhancement magic from Rex.”

“Come to think of it…”

Upon hearing Meguri’s voice, I realized that it was Gyro, not Rex, who defeated the dragon. And not only that, he didn’t even receive any support from Rex.

“Because the weapon was made by refining dragon materials. It’s natural for it to easily cut through dragon scales.”

Rex casually asserts, but his reasoning seems really strange.

“Um… is that so? If you use a weapon made from dragon materials to strike dragon scales, wouldn’t both of them break?”

Liliera also seems confused and asks Rex again. Well, they are both made from the same material, after all.

“It’s like iron. A weapon forged from refined iron, with impurities removed, is stronger than one made from raw iron ore, right? Dragon materials are the same.”

“I see… now that you mention it, it does feel that way.”

Rex’s explanation, using a familiar material for warriors, convinces Liliera.

“Well, I don’t really get it, but it means that the weapon made by my big brother is amazing!”

“Hey, don’t stray too far from Dragon Slayer, you idiot!”

Oh dear, it’s frustrating how simple-minded and envious he is. Or rather, it means that Rex has the ability to manipulate dragon materials freely.

When the horde of monsters attacked the other day, he easily pierced the tough dragon materials and surprised everyone with makeshift equipment. But this time, it’s not some amateur work, but the ability to freely manipulate materials as a technician. The same process, but the meaning is completely different.

“Anyway, it’s been proven that the equipment made by Rex-san is amazing. Well, I already knew that, but it was even more than I expected…”

Norbu stares at the red sword in Gyro’s hand and his gaze becomes distant. I can understand that feeling. It’s becoming overwhelming and I don’t know what to say anymore.

“Alright, I’ve decided! Since I defeated the black dragon with this sword, let’s call it the Black Dragon Slayer!”

“No, that sword is red, it’s not black. Someone will definitely point that out.”

Oh no, I couldn’t help but retort to his foolish statement.

“Then how about Red Dragon Slayer?”

“Get away from Dragon Slayer, you idiot!”

Ahh, we’re in a situation where we shouldn’t be having such silly conversations!

“…”

While I was making such a pointless retort to the idiot, Rex was staring at the dead body of the black dragon, lost in thought.

“Kyuu Kyuu!”

And Mofumofu is nibbling on its feathers. Is that okay?

“What’s wrong, Rex?”

“Well, I’m just intrigued by the luster of its scales.”

Luster of the scales? What’s that? Does it increase its value?

“Kyuu? Gaji Gaji”

Ah, Mofumofu started nibbling on the scales, following Rex. Well, whatever. It’s not the prey I caught.

“…Ah, this isn’t a Black Dragon.”

“Huh?”

Rex, who had been observing the black dragon’s corpse intently, suddenly said that.

“But isn’t it a Black Dragon because it’s black?”

“No, it’s the luster of these scales… This is a Dark Dragon, an upper-tier elemental dragon.”

“Dark Dragon!?”,Wait, seriously!? It’s really a Dark Dragon!?

“The Dark Dragon, the legendary evil dragon that destroyed several countries with its cursed power?”

Wait, what is that!? Are you saying that a dangerous creature like that is flying around in the sky!? And yet, Rex looks at me with a puzzled expression, as if saying, “What’s that?”

“No, no, the Dark Dragon is simply a dragon with the power of darkness. It can manipulate darkness and inflict damage on the mind, but it can’t use curses.”

“I-Is that so?”

If it can’t use curses like the ones in legends, then maybe it’s not that scary of an opponent? Well, I mean, it’s still a dragon, so it’s definitely a formidable opponent.

“Well, if someone with a weak mind receives damage to their psyche, they might faint or even become a vegetable.”

“W-What?! That’s terrifying!!”

Wait, that’s still plenty terrifying!

“Don’t worry. Everyone’s equipment has a certain resistance to magic attacks for undead, so we won’t receive much damage from the Dark Dragon’s mental attacks.”

“Really? Is that so?”

“Yes, when I was considering Norbu’s equipment as a priest, I thought that priests mainly fight undead, so I added measures against mental and paralysis attacks, just in case everyone ends up fighting undead.”

“Wow, there are some unexpected features, huh?”

Undead countermeasures that work even against dragons… What is that?

“This equipment is a confident work considering the materials we had on hand. After all, the gem I received from the parent of the Megalowhale before was excellent as a catalyst for magic items.”

Rex starts talking confidently about the materials he used for our equipment.

“The parent of the Megalowhale, the one we encountered in the sea?”

“Yes, the Megalowhale we encountered during the Kraken incident. When I was thinking about making new equipment, I wondered if I could use that huge gemstone I received from the parent of the Megalowhale. Gems are often excellent as catalysts for magic items and rituals.”

“Do you have any leftover gemstones?”

Meguri’s eyes light up at the mention of gemstones and she joins the conversation. She really has a weakness for shiny things. Well, in her case, it can’t be helped considering her family circumstances.

“So, when I tried using it, it unexpectedly had good compatibility with the magic item’s formula, and thanks to that, I was able to incorporate various functions into the equipment.”

It wasn’t the best material, but Rex seems satisfied that he did the best job he could with the materials available.

“Phew, with that, I have no idea what kind of crazy functions are in this equipment.”

Seriously, it’s scary because we don’t know what’s been incorporated into it.

“By the way, if we were to withstand a dragon’s attack, wouldn’t it be too dangerous to use a sword that would cut the opponent in half? It wouldn’t be usable in a match, right?”

“…!?”

We exchanged glances in surprise at Norbu’s casual remark.

“…?”

Lune, who still doesn’t fully understand Rex’s scariness, tilts her head in confusion.

“Oh no… That’s right! It could have been a disaster, producing a large number of casualties at the town festival!”

“It would be a scene of chaos, not just entertainment for the festival!”

“…I think that would be really bad.”

Liliera panics and Meguri mutters with a pale face.

“Huh? Huh? So should we just fight without using weapons? Is that better?”

Lune, who still doesn’t understand the situation well, asks if it’s okay not to use weapons. But it’s not that simple.

“No, it’s not just weapons, we don’t even know what terrifying functions are in the armor. It wouldn’t be strange if it had a function that would turn the attacking opponent into ashes!”

“T-That’s… I can’t believe that…”

While Lune laughs awkwardly, thinking that it’s unlikely, Rex suddenly brightens up.

“Ah, you understood it well. Just in case we encounter a stronger opponent, I installed a shock reversal mechanism that reflects the accumulated damage back to the opponent when we receive a certain amount of heavy damage.”

“W-We found it! We found it!”

Don’t innocently rejoice as if you found the secret ingredient in a dish!

“Hey, Rex! What other functions did you add? Tell us everything!”

I ask Rex what other functions he incorporated into our equipment.

“In that case, the Dark Dragon attacking us was the perfect timing. It’s a good opportunity to test the functions incorporated into the equipment against the Dark Dragon.”

I see, even if I hear it in words, I wouldn’t know how dangerous the functions are. It’s good to have a sturdy test subject.

“Alright! Everyone, let’s test the functions of the new equipment on the Dark Dragon!”

“Ooh!”

“Huh? Why is everyone so cautious? The functions incorporated into the equipment are just normal ones, you know?”

“We can’t trust that!”

“Yes! We don’t trust it, even if we don’t understand it, we’ll fight!”

Lune, who still doesn’t fully understand the situation, is excitedly talking about fighting the Dark Dragon. Well, that’s fine. When the actual battle begins, they’ll understand what it means.

“No way, Rex! It’s impossible for what you made to be normal!”

It’s impossible for what Rex made to be normal!