Level Eater

(T/N: This week free chapter coming a day faster than normal!!!)

In the warehouse of the McDermott merchant family's mansion, Tatsuro and his companion Ai were currently engaged in negotiations other than equipment.

The reason for this diversion was Tatsuro's desire to make the interior of that rhino carriage more comfortable. Since they were already at it, Tatsuro thought it would be a good idea to discuss anything else that might contribute to a more comfortable journey.

"When it comes to that, then maybe─"(Tatsuro)

"Yeah, in that case─"(Reginald Mac Dermott)

"Well then─"(Ai)

"………………" (Gillian Mac Dermott)

Except for Gillian, who had little interest in mere furniture negotiations, the others were discussing what could make their journey more comfortable. After spending some time like that, the conversation eventually took a different turn.

"By the way, how's the bow Lord gave you the other day?" (Reginald Mac Dermott)

"Even if you ask, I've been taking a break since then, so I haven't tried it yet." (Ai)

"Is that so? I thought you might have unleashed its true power already." (Reginald Mac Dermott)

"………………" (Ai)

"What do you mean, Father!" (Reginald Mac Dermott)

While Gillian seemed genuinely surprised, Tatsuro, having been told by Ai that there was still something more to it, didn't react to the revelation itself. However, it surprised both him and Ai that Reginald had also noticed it, just like Ai.

"I noticed when Ai briefly tilted her head at that time. I thought there might be something, and judging by her expression, I hit the mark." (Reginald Mac Dermott)

"Mu. It's unfair to spring it on me out of nowhere!" (Ai)

"Haha, sorry, sorry." (Reginald Mac Dermott)

Tatsuro also nodded in agreement with Ai's words. They had smoothly inserted those words into the casual flow of conversation. Against formidable opponents like the Mac Dermott's, who had lived for only a little over a decade, dodging such things was not an easy task.

"But, knowing that, what do you plan to do? We won't sell it" (Ai)

"Or do you intend to say, ‘No, I can't give it away' to the Lord?" (Tatsuro)

"No, no, I have no intention of that. Besides, Lord probably already knew." (Reginald Mac Dermott)

"Then why didn't you say that at the time?" (Ai)

"Well, once something is revealed, I had no intention of retracting it. Also, if it had been proven there that the bow was exceptional, the subordinates around might have started to make comments." (Reginald Mac Dermott)

Understanding the Lord's feelings in such a situation, Tatsuro accepted it. If Ai was satisfied, Reginald thought it was okay to proceed with the conversation.

"Well, it's just at the level of ‘there might be something,' and we don't know what will happen. I was thinking of trying it outside the town." (Ai)

"Hmm, if that's the reason, how about trying it here? This place is sturdy inside and out, and there's plenty of space. If you do it away from the goods, it should be fine. Besides, here, only my son and I will know." (Reginald Mac Dermott)

{Because, Tatsuro, what should we do?} (Ai)

{Well, it's better to clarify it sooner rather than later, so let's take advantage of his offer. Besides, if we show it here, he might be more generous in lowering the price of the Armor we're buying.} (Tatsuro)

Since they had already agreed to purchase, it was only about negotiating the price. If they could show something unusual here, they could present themselves even more boldly. So, the two decided to go along with it.

With that settled, it was time to act. First, they moved to a place away from the metal boxes of the goods, and Ai took out the bow. Tatsuro, Reginald, and Gillian observed from a little distance.

{Alright, let's begin.} (Ai)

{Yeah. If it gets dangerous, stop immediately, okay?} (Tatsuro)

{I know.} (Ai)

Sending a telepathic signal to Tatsuro, who was a bit away, Ai aimed the bow and poured a large amount of Ki (Energy) into it, just like before. As a result, a Ki (Energy) arrow was created, just like last time. This time, however, the goal was not to shoot it. Ai wanted to see the deep power within the bow.

Therefore, she focused a massive amount of Ki (Energy) only into the thin blue sphere in the center of the handle.

(───Hmm. This is a bit tough.)

About eighty percent of Ai's entire Ki (Energy) was absorbed in an instant, causing a momentary strain. However, with the help of her skills, she quickly recovered. Having regained her composure, Ai, with the bow still glowing blue, aimed it at the floor and shot the spiritual power arrow.

|Skill Acquired: Archery Level 1.|

"First, mmm!?" (Reginald Mac Dermott)

"What the!?" (Gillian Mac Dermott)

"What!?" (Tatsuro)

The moment Ai's shot hit the floor, two spears appeared around her and danced, slashing through the surroundings. These two spears reacted to the arrow's launch, and one each emerged from the upper and lower halves of the bow, curving like car wipers, it seemed. However, these were not ordinary spears. The shaft had three ball joints longer than the bow itself, bending in all directions. The slender, elongated conical tips seemed to be formed solely by Ai's Energy and were intangible, appearing as ethereal blue spearheads.

Tatsuro was surprised by the scene, but he sweated at the fact that those two spear tips, seemingly sturdy, had scratched and torn apart a corner of the warehouse-like paper. He couldn't help but worry if compensation might be necessary.

However, the owner of the warehouse seemed completely unconcerned about the situation of his property being shredded inside.

"Is that an automated armament?" (Reginald Mac Dermott)

Despite his warehouse being torn apart, Reginald spoke with the most excited expression Tatsuro had ever seen.

At those words, Gillian's eyes widened in disbelief.

{Ai, are you okay over there?} (Tatsuro)

{Yeah. The spot I'm standing on is untouched.} (Ai)

{Good.} (Tatsuro)

Though things seemed fine, just to be sure, Tatsuro confirmed and then asked Reginald and others for more details on the situation.

"Earlier, you mentioned an automated armament. Does that mean a weapon that moves on its own without being held?" (Tatsuro)

"Yeah, that's right. In fact, you guys seem to have almost no knowledge about such things." (Reginald Mac Dermott)

"Well, let's put that aside for now. More importantly, judging by Reginald's reaction, it seems to be quite a rare item?" (Tatsuro)

"Well, it's rare, for sure. Automated armaments are even rarer among Celestial Armaments, and there were only six known in the current world." (Reginald Mac Dermott)

(T/N: Celestial armour = Celestial Armaments)

Even among rare Celestial Armaments, it seemed to be something extraordinary. Tatsuro thought they got a good deal. As the spearheads disappeared and the handle retracted into the bow, he inquired further.

"How precisely can you control it with the wielder's intention?" (Tatsuro)

"Well, there aren't many examples, so I won't say it's absolute, but it's said to interpret the wielder's thoughts and take the optimal actions." (Reginald Mac Dermott)

"That's quite convenient, isn't it?" (Tatsuro)

"It would undoubtedly broaden the tactical possibilities." (Reginald Mac Dermott)

With Ai returning from a distance, storing the bow in her [Item Box], Reginald, wearing a serious expression, approached them.

"I have a confidential matter to discuss. Would that be acceptable?" (Reginald Mac Dermott)

"Even if you ask to sell it, we have no intention." (Tatsuro)

"Hmm. Well, it would be better if you did sell it now. What I want to talk about is the future." (Reginald Mac Dermott)

"The future…?" (Tatsuro)

As Tatsuro asked in a somewhat bewildered manner, Reginald nodded affirmatively.

"Yes, the future. If, from now on, you find something better and no longer wish to use it, or when you grow old and quit being adventurers, and there's no one you feel like giving this bow to as a special gift. Simply, when you no longer need it. Such a future. If such a moment comes for you, please sell it to the McDermott family. Even if I die, or after Gillian's gone. When you decide to let it go, remember this place." (Reginald Mac Dermott)

"What benefits do we get from such a vague promise?" (Tatsuro)

"…All the items you are currently considering purchasing would add up to a considerable amount. I'll sell it for 80 million." (Reginald Mac Dermott)

"80 million! Father! That's… I understand if it's something else, but the works of the late Mr. Traugott alone, released to the public, are not something you can buy for around 80 million!" (Gillian Mac Dermott)

From Gillian's tone, it was apparent that Tatsuro and Ai had gotten quite a deal. However, assuming this wasn't just an act, Gillian didn't seem adept at such performances, so it was probably genuine.

"But is it okay to make such a grand gesture with just a vague promise?" (Tatsuro)

"If there's another buyer, I thought I might as well take a chance. Besides, you two seem to have a rather principled character." (Reginald Mac Dermott)

"Yeah…" (Tatsuro)

Certainly, if they received something more than the favor they gave, they didn't seem like the kind to easily forget it. Understanding that, Reginald continued.

"True, if someday you have the opportunity to sell it elsewhere, it's worth trying. Besides, you two seem like the type who won't easily forget obligations." (Reginald Mac Dermott)

"Indeed. If we ever think of selling it somewhere, we'll likely come here." (Tatsuro)

Seeing through their personalities so accurately, it seemed he wasn't just a muscle head. Yet, that's precisely why Tatsuro believed he was sincere in his business dealings. He must be paying careful attention to each customer.

"Is that all you need?" (Tatsuro)

"Yeah, but it would be helpful if you could write a contract. We don't know how many years from now and when Gillian's child will receive it, but at that time it will be better to have it in a more understandable format right?" (Reginald Mac Dermott)

"True. But I can't say for sure that we will sell it" (Tatsuro)

"That Okay" (Reginald Mac Dermott)

Then the dialogue which can hardly be called a business negotiation was brought to an end. Tatsuro and Ai both read and signed the document.

"Ha…" (Ai)

"Hmm, what happened?" (Reginald Mac Dermott)

"We have not received the reward for defeating Depris from the Adventurer guild" (Ai)

"Ah… I have completely forgotten about it since then, but wasn't the client the previous mayor? I wonder if we will still be able to get our reward if we go now" (Tatsuro)

"That okay, once a request is issued through the Adventurer guild, no matter what happens to the client, the guild will pay for it" (Reginald Mac Dermott)

"I am relieved to know that" (Ai)

"That is reassuring" (Tatsuro)

Tatsuro expressed his gratitude for filling in the small doubts, and Reginald, still dissatisfied with selling it for 80 million Sis, instructed Gillian, who looked displeased, to bring the items they had bought for their rhino carriage life. Once Gillian left, he sighed.

"My son is pitiful, holding on to things for so long…" (Reginald Mac Dermott)

"Well, for Gillian, these goods seem to be important, so we don't mind." (Tatsuro)

"Yeah, he doesn't seem to be angry at us either." (Ai)

While saying this, Ai sent a meaningful glance to Reginald. Reginald, smiling wryly, changed the subject.

"Now that you've bought new equipment, it might be a good idea to get used to it in a nearby dungeon." (Reginald Mac Dermott)

"Aren't there three around this area?" (Tatsuro)

Recalling the researched locations of the dungeons, Tatsuro said, and Reginald nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, two level 1 dungeons and one level 3. It should be just a warm-up for you guys." (Reginald Mac Dermott)

"Well, we were planning to go someday." (Ai)

"Oh? So, have you two never entered a dungeon before?" (Reginald Mac Dermott)

"No, we haven't." (Tatsuro)

Acknowledging that they hadn't, Reginald nodded thoughtfully and took out a book from his [Item Box].

"There you go." (Reginald Mac Dermott)

"‘First Dungeon Experience'…?" (Tatsuro)

"Yeah. It's a book for those who have never entered a dungeon before. It's kind of like a children's book, but it's packed with the necessary knowledge. It's good to read. Feel free to take it" (Reginald Mac Dermott)

"Thank you" (Ai)

"Thanks for the favor" (Tatsuro)

Tatsuro and Ai accepted Reginald's words with a small smile and thus obtained information about the dungeon.

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