Published: January 22, 2026
"Well then, let's wrap up the introductions and questions for now. It's getting late. As for tomorrow's plan, we're going to dive into the Great Labyrinth right away. The goal is to test the coordination of the new hero party that includes Orun. We're planning to explore the lower levels, but I'll explain the exact location tomorrow. First, as usual, gather here at 9 a.m. tomorrow. Orun, when you're going dungeon exploring, think of 9 a.m. here as the basic time. If there are any changes, I'll let you know separately."
"Got it."
The introductions were over.
Judging by Ms. Selma's tone, this seemed like the end of the meeting.
Just as I thought so,
"Then, how about we go eat somewhere to celebrate Orun’s welcome?" Will suggested.
"Ah... I really appreciate the offer, but can we do it after tomorrow? Actually, there’s something I want to take care of now for tomorrow's dungeon exploration..."
It felt a bit guilty to refuse such a kind invitation, but this was something I wanted to handle today.
"Preparing for tomorrow? Can I ask what it is?"
"I'm planning to go buy a sword."
I had lost two swords in the black dragon battle the day before yesterday.
It would have been better to buy new ones yesterday, but I only realized this just before going to bed...
"What!? You don’t have any weapons right now!?"
Will gasped in surprise.
The other three looked similarly shocked.
"No, I still have one left, so I can explore, but I want to stock up just in case."
"In that case, why not do it after tomorrow? Weapons can’t be made in a day anyway."
"No, the ones I use are commercially available, so I can get them today."
"What!? Aren’t they custom-made!?"
Everyone was surprised again.
Well, for advanced explorers, custom-made weapons are normal.
It's understandable to get this reaction.
"No, I was a swordsman back when I was b rank, so I don’t have any custom-made swords. Besides, now I can manage sharpness, durability, and such with support magic, so I don’t think I need to buy expensive ones."
"I'm not an expert on swords, but commercially available ones have different balance points, right? Even if they look the same? Doesn’t that cause discomfort?"
"That much can be fixed after swinging a few times. Also, if you don’t buy ones with big differences, there’s no problem."
"Ahhh! That might be true, but! You’re the ace of the silver rabbits of the night sky's first squad starting today! You shouldn’t let others see you using cheap commercial swords!"
Ms. Rain said that, grabbed my hand, and tried to move me somewhere.
"Hey, Rain!? Where are you taking me!?"
Ignoring Will’s voice, she pulled my hand and walked purposefully somewhere.
◇
I was brought to what seemed like a forge inside another building on the same premises.
Still holding my hand, Ms. Rain led me deeper inside.
By the way, the other three were following behind.
Then, when we reached a burly middle-aged man, my hand was finally released.
"Hey, the whole first squad coming here, what’s going on...?"
Well, he was surprised by our sudden appearance.
"Mr. Alan! Please make a sword for this kid!"
Ms. Rain suddenly requested.
Judging by his demeanor, the man called Alan was probably a blacksmith.
"A sword, huh?"
Alan stared at me intently.
"...Are you the rumored dragon slayer?"
After looking me up and down, he asked.
"I don’t know about rumors, but I’m the one who defeated the black dragon the other day."
"Just as I thought, your stance screams a seasoned warrior. I could tell right away."
"...Thank you?"
"So, you want me to make a sword? It’s an honor to make the sword for the famous dragon slayer. Since you belonged to a hero party, didn’t you already have a famous blacksmith?"
"Normally, you'd think so, right!? But he’s been using commercial weapons," Ms. Rain explained excitedly.
"What!? Is that true!?"
"Y-Yes, it’s true..."
"You’re entrusting your life to that? Why are you settling for something bought on a whim!?"
Alan got furious.
A sword is often said to be the soul of a swordsman.
Besides, my mindset has changed now.