Main Weapon!
Hypno rattled off the features he wanted for his main weapon. First, it should float up automatically when infused with mana. Second, after floating and hovering around him, he should be able to maneuver the orb freely at will. Third, a mild X-ray function to peek inside clothes when staring into the orb and channeling mana. Fourth, the ability to capture still photos or record videos of scenes he saw or from the orb's own viewpoint, preserving them indefinitely. Fifth, it would remember his mana signature and return to him even from afar. And finally, sixth, an inventory function to store as many items as needed.
"How about it? Possible?"
Honestly, the fifth and sixth were just me spitballing.
Hypno had thrown out everything he could think of anyway.
"Of course it's possible! Leave it to me!"
Maiking accepted Hypno's demands without the slightest hesitation.
"The photo and video preservation can borrow from Mekatrom's tech. Auto-return is like the link functions spirit mages or summoners use. For inventory and X-ray, I've got connections in the mage guild—I can slap on top-tier spatial magic and see-through spells! Just hand over one staff, and they'll bite."
"Ooh."
Hypno hadn't expected him to greenlight everything.
"Hmm, but I've got one question."
"Yeah?"
"Why the first two? The floating and orbiting functions—what's the point?"
"An orb bobbing around you, circling like a drone... or blasting spells from mid-air. Isn't that just cool?"
"Aha! You get it!"
"Heh heh heh. Every guy's gotta have some romantic flair like that. Oh, but the X-ray doesn't need to be too strong."
"Nonsense! It's your wish—I'll make it happen! Hell, I wanna amp it up even more!"
"You can adjust the X-ray intensity, right?"
"Naturally! If you want X-ray... it's gotta be that kind, yeah?"
Maiking flashed a sly, knowing grin. He had Hypno's number.
"Heh heh heh. No ethical hang-ups or anything?"
"You're my benefactor—what do I care about ethics? Don't sweat it! I'll cap it so it doesn't go full-body scan by default—no awkward internals unless you crank it up. But if you want the full power option, it's there."
"Thanks for the thoughtful design. Heh heh heh."
"Hahaha! This is nothing for my savior! But with all these features, it'll take about two weeks to enchant. Where should I send it when it's done?"
"Well..."
Hypno gave him the inn coordinates where Nabi had booked his stay, plus the room number.
"Or drop it at the adventurer guild with the item clerk named Mika."
"Got it! And once more... thanks for giving me the chance to forge the masterpiece of my life, Hypno!"
"Nah, I'm the one who scored the Cheonma's Orb. Oh, speaking of... why Cheonma's Orb?"
"Because it's an orb fit for one who wields a thousand magics. Sure, there are way more than a thousand spells out there... but Cheonma just hits different. Manma? Nah, falls flat!"
"Naming's all about that vibe!"
"Exactly!"
Maiking was a smith who understood the romance.
Hypno left Maiking's forge and headed back to the adventurer guild. It was still buzzing, clerks hustling as always.
Wonder which cool-looking clerk I'll bag today~.
Hypno scanned the receptionists with glee—until his eyes landed on Mika taking an item from a bare-chested barbarian warrior type.
"Here's your quest reward."
"Thanks! You're always such a hard worker—makes me so happy!"
Mika took the item with a bright chirp, her fingers brushing the adventurer's hand.
"Uh? Oh, y-yeah... It's just what any adventurer does."
"That diligence... it's so impressive."
"Thanks. Hey... you seem extra cheery today, Mika?"
"Do I? Hehe, well, I've had a recent revelation."
"Revelation?"
"Yep! Oh, right—Balbara, actually, I need a favor. If it's not too much...?"
"Huh? Favor? Sure, if it's simple!"
"Really?!"
Mika set the item down and clasped the adventurer's hands in both of hers.
"Thank you!"
"Uh, y-yeah."
The suddenly bold, beaming Mika flustered the guy pink.
She leaned in close, her face inches from his.
"Then after I clock out... follow me?♥ I'll give you a little 'reward' for helping♥"
"Nngh...! Y-yeah? But what do you need help with?"
"Some heavy stuff to move. Too much for little ol' me..."
Mika's hand trailed lightly over his chest.
"Hoped a sturdy guy like you, Balbara, could lend a hand."
"L-leave it to me! After, uh, quitting time? I'll be here."
"Yes♥ Please♥ You will come, right?♥"
"O-of course!"
Face beet-red, the adventurer spun on his heel and strode out.
Hypno watched with immense satisfaction.
She's walking the lewd bitch path perfectly, Mika!
Brimming with pride, he approached her.
"You're doing great."
"Ah, M-Master... Hypno♥"
"Already locked in a seduction target, huh?"
"Yes♥ As Hypno's lewd bitch...♥ I crave cock every single day♥ With this mouth... and the one below♥"
"Perfect!"
"Aah, I'm so happy♥ Praise from Hypno♥"
"Heh heh heh. Keep pushing forward as an outstanding bitch!"
"Yes! Um... Hypno, sometimes... me too...?♥"
"While I'm around, if I feel like it. Till then, hone that bitch power to make me happier!"
"Yes!"
Mika beamed innocently.
"Oh, where's that clerk from the infirmary yesterday? Don't see her."
"Millis senior? She's grabbing files from the storage room. Back any minute."
"Gotcha."
Screeech.
A door swung open. Out stepped a sharp career-woman type: blue bob, black glasses, arms full of papers. Millis.
"Ah, Millis senior~!"
"Hm?"
She turned toward the voice.
"Oh."
Millis quick-stepped to a desk, dropping her files.
"Needed materials."
"Thanks, Millis senior!"
Then she approached Mika and Hypno, bowing to him.
"Welcome, Hypno. We've been expecting you."
"Heh heh heh. Ready for your promotion exam right away?"
"Yes. Everything's prepared. The reception room's cleared—please follow me."
Hypno trailed Millis to the Jenid guild's reception room. Spacious and upscale compared to Poling's.
Once inside, she eyed the closed door.
"Lock."
A faint mana shimmered over the room, then vanished.
"What was that...?"
"Security magic. Promotion exams must be private between examiner and candidate, so no interruptions. No one enters, no peeking from outside, no sounds escape."
"That thorough?"
"Standard for VIPs or sensitive quests."
"Ah."
"Now, Hypno. Tell me the exam details. We'll proceed immediately."
"Heh heh heh, alright then..."
Hypno licked his lips and laid it out for Millis.
"We'll do a male prowess exam."
"Male... prowess?"
Hypnosis Wave.
Hypno hit her with a light wave and continued.
"Yes. Any male adventurer—especially high-rankers—needs strong male prowess. Stamina, virility, the power to make females melt. All that. Obvious, right?"
"Yes, correct."
"To test male prowess, the clerk—you, Millis—must use your body directly. You follow my methods exactly, no exceptions. Got it?"
"Yes. Understood. Hypno, which exam first?"
Millis took it in stride. Hypno eyed her.
"One question first. Millis, are you a virgin?"
"Pardon?"
She tilted her head, confused. Hypno clarified.
"Just confirming if the examiner's a virgin. Answer: are you?"
"Nngh..."
Millis flushed faintly, eyes fluttering shut.
"Yes... I am."
"Oho!"
Hypno's eyes lit up. Every woman he'd bedded here—Nabi aside—wasn't a virgin.
"A virgin examiner! Rare find. You're pretty—figured you'd dated at least once or twice. No boyfriends ever?"
"That's personal..."
"Huh? Standard background check. Answer up."
"Ah... right, of course. My apologies. No lovers... ever. I've gotten admiring looks, but... no dating experience."
"Hmm? Know why?"
Millis turned away, awkward.
"...Probably my vibe. The icy workaholic clerk. No interest in men—work's my lover. They think approaching's pointless. I know the rep."
Hypno winced; he'd thought the same.
"No desire for a boyfriend?"
"I do."
Firmly.
"I want marriage. Dating too. Getting to that precarious age for romance. I'm a woman—I like men. But starting feels scary, so I wait for someone interested to approach... and here I am."
She sank gloomier. Hypno clapped sharply.
"Perfect timing then! While testing my male prowess... we'll boost your female prowess too!"
"Female... prowess?"
"Heh heh heh, yes. The power of an alluring female! Higher female prowess means seducing males easier... way higher boyfriend odds! Right?"
"Y-yes, spot on."
"Then! I'll assist your female prowess while getting my exam."
"But... this is your male prowess test. No need to—"
"Heh heh heh, good's good! Watching your female prowess rise makes my exam even better!"
Hypno grinned wide, arms spread.
"Come on! Great for me, great for you—let's start the male prowess exam!"