Soul Armament (2)
The footsteps of Hwanryeong Team 2 as they headed to the workshop to customize their Soul Armaments were lighter than ever before.
They couldn't help but feel that way. No one in their right mind would feel down about receiving equipment that could dramatically elevate their abilities.
Even though they were scheduled to depart for North Korea the following week, that fact had already been wiped clean from their minds.
When they arrived at the workshop, the resident artisans greeted them warmly.
"Hmm... Chae Gain, since you possess fire-attribute mana, we could use this magic stone to..."
"For Cha Hyeonseong, we'll focus on supplementing a bit more durability for when you're holding the vanguard position..."
"For Lee Mina, we'll prioritize functionality and speed in the suit and rapier so you can better capitalize on the acceleration from Cynea..."
The workshop staff clustered around them, measuring each Awakened's mana signature and beginning to draft armaments tailored to their individual physiques.
Yusoha watched them with a distinctly satisfied expression until a familiar voice echoed in her mind.
"What is it, Eclipse?"
"No. I don't have one yet."
"I'd love to make one, but high-grade magic stones from iron-attribute magic beasts still haven't made their way into Hwanryeong. So it's impossible for now. Like I explained before, it requires stones from high-grade beasts, and iron-attribute ones aren't exactly common."
"Why? Remember that armor I tried to give you last time?"
"That was equipment on par with a Soul Armament. It didn't go through the full customization process like true Soul Armaments, so the performance is relatively lower, but it was still crafted from a high-grade magic stone..."
"Exactly. But you said you didn't need it."
"However?"
Yusoha nodded thoughtfully. It made sense. Providing him with a sturdy sword would be far better than wasting mana every time.
"That's true. During the last Hwanryeong tournament, you looked pretty exhausted after swinging that sword, right?"
"Understood. Want to materialize so we can get started?"
Eclipse materialized at once. Several idle artisans nearby brightened at the sudden appearance of the towering figure.
"Excuse me, Team 2 Leader? Is this the Guardian Star we've heard about?"
They had all caught wind of the rumors surrounding Eclipse. This was the very Guardian Star who had defeated even Shin Seongmin.
"Yes. Perfect timing. Eclipse mentioned he needs a sword for himself."
Yusoha watched the artisans crowd around without needing further invitation and spoke up.
"Are you requesting a Soul Armament?"
When the artisans asked, Yusoha gave Eclipse a light nudge.
"Tell them yourself. Oh, and just so you know, Soul Armaments can't be used without mana."
"Then a Soul Armament is out of the question. I cannot wield mana."
"...Pardon?"
"He's right. Eclipse can't manipulate mana."
"In that case, using a Soul Armament would prove difficult. The equipment is powered by mana, after all... Might we ask what manner of weapon you desire?"
"A sturdy sword will suffice. It simply must not break easily. Weight is irrelevant even if it is heavy."
"Weight is irrelevant even if heavy... Then we should use a heavy but exceptionally durable metal... What form would you prefer?"
"Can you see the sword currently on my back?"
"Yes."
"A similar shape to that one will do."
"Understood."
A short while later, one of the artisans returned with a blueprint and presented it to Eclipse.
"Lord Eclipse? If we restore the broken greatsword to its original form, would this be accurate?"
"Precisely. I'm impressed."
"Understood. Regarding the length, width, and thickness... Would it be possible to touch it? Direct contact usually yields higher precision."
"Unfortunately, direct contact won't be possible. It could be dangerous."
"Ah... Of course. Understood."
The artisan accepted the refusal swiftly. There were far too many recorded incidents of people coming to harm after carelessly handling a Guardian Star's weapon.
"Then we will proceed with this design. Is that acceptable?"
"It is. And thank you."
"Haha. Team 2 Leader has commissioned quite the lavish order this time. Consider this our service."
"I see."
"By the way, Team 2 Leader?"
"Yes? What is it?"
"Does the leader require anything? We feel we should offer some form of compensation for this commission."
"Ah, no need. Instead, if you come across any good magic stones during the North Korea expedition, use them to make me a Soul Armament."
"Haha. Understood. Thank you for continuing to patronize the Hwanryeong Workshop."
Once the artisan returned to his station, Eclipse turned back to Yusoha.
"Soha."
"Hm?"
"I have a question, if I may."
"What is it?"
"I was told this workshop belongs to Hwanryeong. Does that not mean it is owned by your father? Then why do you pay?"
"Ah. The artisans are indeed affiliated with Hwanryeong, and most standard equipment can be used freely by guild members. But Soul Armaments and other labor-intensive pieces are produced for fair compensation. The greatsword you just ordered will probably require quite a lot of detailed work."
"I understand now."
When the Team 2 members finished their customization orders, Yusoha gathered them together.
"Everyone finished placing your Soul Armament orders?"
"Yes!"
They answered with genuine enthusiasm.
"Good. Since the equipment has been ordered, you're free to head home for the rest of today."
"Thank y... Wait. Today?"
"Yes. Today. Starting tomorrow, we'll begin full-scale training to prepare for the North Korea expedition."
"Ah..."
The brightness drained from their faces in an instant.
They had expected it to some degree, but hearing the words directly still killed their mood completely.
So much for a pleasant vacation. Still, it can't be helped. We've received Soul Armaments, so the only option is to give it our all...
"If you don't want to, that's fine. We can pretend the Soul Armament orders never happened..."
At Yusoha's words, they instantly reversed course.
"No! We've been dying to train!"
It felt like she had become an animal trainer. Yusoha was almost speechless at how effective it was. Even she hadn't expected such a dramatic reaction.
"Good. Then we'll dismiss for today. See everyone at the training center tomorrow."
"Yes!"
Back home, the first thing Yusoha did was call Shin Seongmin.
"Hello? Shin Seongmin?"
"Yusoha? What's going on?"
"You remember what I mentioned last time about the North Korea expedition, right?"
"Yes, of course I do."
"I'm planning some training to prepare for it. Would it be possible to use the data you have on the magic beasts from the northern regions? I heard you hold all the information rights for those creatures. We'll need the data to recreate them as holograms in the training center."
"Ah, yes. Feel free to use whatever you need. I'll let the training center management know right away."
Shin Seongmin agreed without hesitation.
"Thank you."
"By the way, Soha."
"Yes?"
"Will Eclipse-nim be attending the training session as well?"
"Of course. I'm going, so he will be too."
"Then, in exchange for letting you use the magic beast data, could I ask for one favor?"
"What favor?"
"Could I receive some swordsmanship instruction from Eclipse-nim?"
"Hold on a moment."
She lowered the phone and turned to Eclipse.
"Eclipse."
"Shin Seongmin wants to learn some swordsmanship from you. Is that okay?"
"I'm asking you to. We'll need the magic beast data he collected for training Team 2 anyway..."
"Got it."
With Eclipse's approval, Yusoha lifted the phone again.
"He says it's fine."
"Then what time would be good?"
"We're starting training tomorrow, so drop by the Hwanryeong Training Center anytime between morning and evening."
"Understood. Thank you!"
"See you tomorrow."
"Yes!"
Yusoha ended the call with a broad smile on her face.
Everything was falling into place perfectly.
Having vowed to push herself and her team to their limits over the next week to ensure the North Korea expedition's success, she stopped Eclipse as he prepared to rest and asked him to instruct her in swordsmanship. He accepted her request without complaint.
She wondered if the members of Hwanryeong Team 2 realized they had essentially sold their souls to their new Soul Armaments and were about to plunge headfirst into a training regimen from hell.
"Nice."
"...It's those people again?"
"Yes. We've arranged for instruction from Eclipse-nim this time."
"I really don't want to see them..."
Adein made her strong aversion perfectly clear. Ever since being thoroughly thrashed by Eclipse's greatsword last time, she had developed a genuine trace of fear toward him.
"I'm sorry, Adein, but I can't compromise on this. You saw it too. That incredible swordsmanship Eclipse-nim displayed."
"...It was incredible, I'll admit."
When Adein nodded with clear reluctance, Shin Seongmin's eyes sparkled as he spoke excitedly.
"I've never seen anyone handle a sword like that. It was just the fundamentals, yet simply watching felt completely different. If I can learn from him, I know I can grow stronger. I can't pass up an opportunity like this."
Seeing the pure excitement in his eyes, Adein let out a long sigh of half-resignation.
"Haa. Fine. I get it, so stop talking about that tin can... We're going to see him again tomorrow anyway."
"Ah. Sorry."
"Just don't call me when you meet that tin can tomorrow. That greatsword of his feels way too ominous. I don't even want to be near it."
"I'll remember. Thank you, really."
The moment Adein gave her permission, Shin Seongmin pulled her into a tight hug.
"Ah, seriously... Stop smoothing things over with hugs like this."
Though her words expressed refusal, Adein eagerly pressed herself deeper into his embrace.
