Chapter 60

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Translator: penny

Chapter: 60

Chapter Title: Magical Girl?

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"Ugh..."

"Hah—"

Unlike what I'd feared, there was no disaster where Il-ho puked from overeating or I ended up starving.

Because Miss So-jeong had also ordered a combo pizza. Surprisingly, the pineapple one was pretty damn good.

'Though regular pizza tastes way better.'

After gorging on pizza and cola until our bellies were stuffed, I half-collapsed against the sofa. Il-ho copied me, sprawling out and staring at the ceiling.

"How was the meal?"

"It was great! How'd you even know about this place?"

It was a bit far for delivery, but the kind of taste worth trekking out for. Of course, thanks to Miss So-jeong ordering ahead, we'd scarfed it down just ten minutes after getting home.

"It was a favorite spot of someone I know. The pineapple pizza was their recommendation."

"Hmm, really?"

Knows all the best eats but digs pineapple pizza? What a weirdo.

"Sounds like they've got some unique tastes."

"...Yes. Pretty much."

For some reason, she wore a distant, wistful look.

A few days later, the internet started buzzing with repeated sightings of one particular hunter.

Yeah, yeah. That's my Il-ho for you—totally badass.

Scrolling through the posts brings an automatic proud grin. The little sis I raised, rocking gear I crafted, getting all this praise? Makes my shoulders puff up.

...Though I'm not sure how to feel about the "ajusshi" vibes. And what's wrong with "Dragonblood Knight"? Sounds cool as hell, right?

That aside, yeah, there's this weird twinge of jealousy.

'Why's it all Il-ho talk lately? Nothing about me?'

Sure, I haven't cranked out any S-rank weapons lately, and it's been weeks since an A-rank...!

But c'mon, can't they mention me? I've spat out multiple S-ranks—enough to burn the gallery down for a year.

Lately it's just baseless speculation from places like Rekka YouTube. Guess I've been too tight-lipped with info.

I was scrolling through with mixed feelings when—

A ding echoed from the elevator down the hall.

'Il-ho's not due back yet?'

Plus, today was Miss So-jeong's regular day off. Meaning no one should show up all day.

Ding-dong!

Short buzz of the doorbell, then a thud like something dropped at the door. Elevator doors slid shut again.

"Oh! Package!"

That sound—I knew it was the thing I'd been waiting for. Bolted out of the Lair, dashing to the entrance.

Click.

Door swung open to reveal a long box on the floor, greeting me.

Hauled it inside pronto, ripped off the outer wrap. Used a wing claw to slice the tape, flung the box wide.

Inside gleamed another box, wrapped in flashy pink.

Lustrous logo smack in the center. Below it, gold-embossed product name shining bright.

"Heh heh heh... This is the one."

Lifted the box reverently. I'd already snagged one and stashed it behind my Lair—out of Il-ho and Miss So-jeong's sight.

'Limited edition, was a pain to get.'

Metal staff version for adult fans like me, so permits and crap too. But snagging this second one through all that hassle? Big reason.

The 'ingredients.'

Something I'd mulled over for ages.

My defense and mana pool are nuts, but offense? Zilch. Can't fight back in danger—that's a huge problem.

Like if orcs nab me: won't die from hits, but get swung around, tortured primitive-style, starve to death.

So I resolved: craft a 'transformation ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠tool' for offense.

Grabbed the box and headed straight to my workshop. Set it gently on the workbench, popped the lid.

A dazzling magic wand emerged. Heavy alloy build, intricate gemwork. Unbelievable quality for a 'toy.'

Had one already, but this masterpiece still mesmerized.

'But this is just the start.'

Rummaged through storage bins, gathering materials.

'If Il-ho's the knight, I'm the mage!'

Can't let my lil sis outshine me.

Placed the staff on the bench with seven of my painstakingly collected scales, plus the 'Condensed Heart of the Blazing Drake' I'd hoarded skipping meals.

"Hot hot hot!"

Condensed Heart of the Blazing Drake. Even heat-resistant me feels it like a hot pack—insanely potent.

Asked Yeon Geum-hee to craft it from a perfect Blazing Drake heart with tons of mana hearts. Kept it in a special container, but now's the time.

Piled on more workbench mats—mostly staff-making stuff. Pulled up the skill menu.

"Divine Tool Creation."

Design locked in my head, double-checked mats.

Just gotta craft now.

"...Here goes."

With this, I'll be a real magical girl.

Squeeze!

Hit the button—mana surges wildly from my body to the bench.

"Ngh?!"

A draining fatigue I'd never felt before slipped out as a groan.

Vrrrrooom—!

Mats levitated in unison. Glowing rose-gold, they began melting into formless shapes.

Blinding mana light—squeezed eyes shut, arm up to shield.

Mats fused with resonant hums. Workshop shook.

After ages, mana flow calmed, light faded.

Hum died—I lowered my arm. Eyes adjusted to new brightness.

Blinked to focus on the elegant object hovering over the bench and—

"Whoaaaa..."

Mouth gaped, drool-worthy awe burst out unbidden.