Chapter 53: Ilmhillt's Hunt
"Welcome, well if it isn't you."
As I entered the weaponsmith's workshop, the Dwarf master greeted me with those words right off the bat.
It seems like he recognized me from just one visit.
Perhaps it was because I brought in Sword Boar materials and placed various strange orders, not to mention my reputation as a demon slayer was quickly known as well.
"Hello. I've come to pick up the items I ordered."
"Ah, they're all ready. Hey, you lot, bring them over."
Upon his command, the apprentices in the workshop brought out weapons and armor from the back room.
"First… it's the shield. Let's call it Felt Shield."
This was a shield for Ashley. The fur of the Sword Boar was processed into felt and used as the surface armor of the shield. It felt unbelievably lightweight when I held it.
"It looks good. Seems easy to handle."
"It's not just about the weight."
The master grinned and pointed to a spear with a bent tip.
"I tried testing the finishing touch, and this is the result."
Though it was light, it apparently offered greater sturdiness than a metal shield. Since it was composed of materials from living creatures, it was also more receptive to enchantments.
With a lightweight and durable fabric-like material, there were various potential uses. I also had them make a breastplate to protect the upper body, and gauntlets and greaves to protect the arms and legs, considering our party's roles and distributing them accordingly.
"It must have been quite a challenge to make it into felt."
"That's true. People bring all sorts of materials to this workshop in the border city."
The master responded with a proud expression. He must have a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
"Now, this is the dagger, right?"
From the large tusks of the Sword Boar, a pair of daggers were crafted for Sheela. The thick blade was impressively menacing.
"I only carved and sharpened it. I guarantee its durability. The sharpness is quite something too."
Naturally, its compatibility with fighting spirit was also favorable, making it suitable for combat techniques.
The challenge lay in Grace's equipment. Grace's axe was a completed weapon in itself, and she didn't prioritize armor since she had regenerative abilities. So, I had an apron dress tailored with Luna Worm thread from the same shop where I got my coat. That way, I could enchant it when the need arose.
"Now, this is the one causing the issue."
Lastly, the master brought out a large bow and arrows.
The bow had some decorative elements, but its appearance wasn't exceptionally unique. There was a magic stone embedded in it.
Among the arrows, a few had a slightly unusual shape. These were intended for Ilmhillt's use, but since they were a result of my whims, they also served as an experiment.
I didn't want the weapon entrusted with our lives to be a waste, so I also had a perfectly ordinary bow and arrows prepared.
"Well, it was quite a challenge. After all, it was the first time I received such an order. Well, as weapons, they're accurate enough, and they've all turned out as ordered… I think."
As usual, the string part of the bow was a product of Sword Boar processing. Strings could likely be made from intestines or leather.
"Understood. I'll gather opinions from the wielders."
"Sure thing. If there are any issues, let me know."
The master showed a broad grin, revealing his teeth. Since I provided the materials, it cost a total of 2500 Kiligs. Well, I've been relatively well off in terms of funds lately.
Immediately, we decided to test out the new weapons in the labyrinth. We parked the carriage at the stable and distributed the weapons and armor to everyone.
The chest piece, whose destination wasn't determined, went to Ilmhillt as she was going to use a bow. The gauntlets and greaves, critical for hit-and-run tactics, went to Sheela.
"So, I've also prepared a bow, and I'd like to hear your opinion."
I handed Ilmhillt the custom-made bow and asked. She examined it, holding the bow and touching the string, her eyes widening.
"Um… this seems like a really good item, but can I use it?"
"It's actually a prototype. I thought you might want to experiment with it if it seems feasible."
"Experiment?"
"Could you try pulling the string?"
Ilmhillt gave me a puzzled look as she pulled the untouched string. The sound of the string resonated with a pleasing tone as she released it.
"What's this…?"
"Well… according to my research, there's a country somewhere that uses the sound produced when the string is released as part of a ritual to ward off evil. I figured someone like you, who can infuse magic into musical instruments, might be able to do something similar."
…That country was basically referring to Japan.
I had seen a priest at a shrine playing a bow as part of a purification ritual when Kei was young. Drawing inspiration from Ilmhillt, who excelled in string instruments, I thought of trying it out.
It was a traditional ceremony, but I wondered what would happen if a Lamia did it… well, it truly was an experiment.
So, for that reason, I made a rather odd request for a bow that would produce the best sound possible. While the Dwarf master looked at me with suspicion, it was likely one of the reasons he remembered me.
The bow itself was made from the same wood commonly used for magic wands, making it conducive to channeling magical energy. The embedded magic stones should amplify the sound through wind magic once the circuit is activated.
If you are going to perform the Ningen, you will likely need Kakinoya as well, so I prepared arrows with the structure of a flute attached. Whether the released arrows will play a curse melody is something we won't know until we try experimenting. If it's meaningless, it will be just comical.
"Well then, let's give it a try."
And once again, IlmHilte pulled the strings. When she released the bow, the sound definitely carried magical energy and spread. For now, it seems to have gone as planned, but the real test will be how it performs in actual combat.
Descending into the twilight forest, IlmHilte was the first to engage in a normal fight. I wanted to see her skill with the bow and her adventurer-like qualities.
Since she was likely already discovered, she transformed into a Lamia and nocked an arrow onto the bow.
Standing up, she secured a favorable position from a significantly higher vantage point before launching attacks recklessly toward the monsters.
Even without Fairy Light, her movements were unwavering.
I wonder if she can maintain her visibility in the darkness or if she senses the opponent's position through subtle changes in thermal reactions. Every time there was rustling in the bushes, she shot an arrow there.
Though there were many obstacles in the forest, she skillfully maneuvered her body to secure a clear line of sight.
Arrows shot into the thicket seemed to hit their mark accurately. The darkness of the twilight forest didn't seem to pose much of a problem for her.
And then, after releasing one arrow, the cycle to shoot the next arrow was unusually fast. She pulled an arrow from the quiver on her back with her tail, nocked it on the drawn bow, and immediately released the second and third arrows. It's almost like she has a third arm.
Arrows were shot at the Killer Plant that emerged from the thicket. The sound of the Ningen reverberated strongly in the surroundings, and the Killer Plant, struck by an arrow, suddenly attacked the nearby Whispermash.
Was that confusion effect? Just placing the curse melody on a regular arrow?
Shooting from a high point, a stable upper body that didn't waver even while moving, a strong sense of pinpointing the opponent's position accurately. The fast shooting cycle. Arrows with additional effects.
... This is quite powerful, isn't it?
Speaking of Lamia, there were actions like entwining to immobilize and then feeding on blood. I thought that was the main approach.
Well, contact with various monsters carries significant risks. Let's consider it a sort of insurance in case the distance is closed.
"... While it might seem like Lamia can do that, using the technique of humanization significantly weakens her. She can only use weak arrows as well."
"Ugh."
Seemingly understanding my question, Sheela exposed this ruthlessly. IlmHilte's expression turned sad. Well... that's certainly important information.
In other words, she can't unleash her full potential unless she reverts to her original form. I should keep this in mind, just like with Grace.
This might also be a reason for her capture by the Snakebite. For instance, if she were subjected to things like paralysis or involuntary teleportation, it would be a problem before even considering whether to lift the humanization spell.
"Well... If she's in her original form, I now understand that she's already quite strong. If we prepare a powerful bow, it should be fine, right?"
There seemed to be quite a bit of room left for her to pull her bow.
"Hmm. If I use my tail, I think I can handle most bows."
I see... Then let's prepare a trump card for emergencies.
At the very least, I think she possesses enough ability to venture into the labyrinth together.
While IlmHilte kept the surrounding monsters under control, I entered the thicket to gather flowers.
Last time, even though we came all the way to the twilight forest, this part remained untouched.
"What's that?"
"Oh, these are ingredients for potions. They can be processed and sold, or kept in stock. They have various uses. From now on, let's not just focus on skinning, but also gather these."
After looking at each other's faces, everyone nodded.
So, our goal is to process and sell potions and stockpile them. They can be sold or used as needed. The sap of the Sabonatree, which can be used as a detergent, is the same. That's why we headed to the twilight forest.