『Gagaga! Gagagagaga!!』

The Giant Soldier didn’t seem to have given up on attacking yet. It let out a deep roar as it pushed its sword forward, but my treasured sword didn’t budge an inch.

『Gaaah! Gaaah!』

It seemed like the Giant Soldier was giving its all.

Even though it desperately pressed its sword against mine, I remained unfazed.

Well, since Remia called this an “experiment,” it probably wasn’t that strong of an opponent. Normally, being forced to fight a powerful enemy right off the bat… would be unheard of.

“Alright, here I go.”

Cheat Code Activation.

《Attack Power Up (Small)》.

“Engen Style… First Form. 《Swift First Slash》.”

『G-Guaaaaaaah!!』

My ultra-fast sword strike accurately struck the Giant Soldier.

As expected, it wasn’t that formidable of an opponent.

『N-Nuaaaah…!』

With just that one strike, the Giant Soldier crumbled.

『I… Impossible…』

A low female voice echoed from somewhere.

『My magic tool… to be so easily…』

“Well, is this enough for you?”

I let out a sigh as I sheathed my sword.

“It’s about time you let us through. I’d like to hear your opinion on the mysterious gem.”

『…………』

Remia fell silent for a moment.

『Former Sword Saint candidate… You were supposed to be pushed back by the Giant Soldier’s sword… and yet, you show no sign of exhaustion…?』

“Well, not really. You wouldn’t bring out a magic tool that strong, would you?”

Even with its attack power reduced, I hardly felt anything.

『……』

However, for some reason, Remia’s voice was filled with frustration.

『Unbelievable. That I would be so completely overpowered…』

“U-Um… Remia?”

『Former Sword Saint candidate. What was your name again?』

“A-Arios. Arios Macba.”

『Arios, is it? Very well. You may pass. Your companions may enter as well.』

Shwiiiin…

With some unseen mechanism, the door before me automatically opened. Truly, an incredible magic tool craftsman.

At last, I had been acknowledged.

Now, I simply needed to focus on what had to be done.

“Ah, wait a second.”

Looking uneasy, Ray once again clung to my arm.

★

Remia Reias, the eccentric Magic Tool Craftsman.

The very person that even Altro described as a troublesome character.

I had wondered what kind of person she would be—but unexpectedly, she was quite small.

Yeah.

I wouldn’t say it out loud, but…

She was small.

“…I know exactly what you’re thinking.”

Remia puffed up her cheeks and glared up at me, her voice trembling with frustration.

“Hmph. Appearance is irrelevant. I am the greatest Magic Tool Craftsman. Understood?!”

“Yes, I understand.”

“Don’t look at me with that amused expression!”

She glared at me with teary eyes.

Well, according to Altro, her actual age was 22. That meant she was older than me, so I had to keep my attitude in check.

“…But I have to say, this place is really impressive. The setup is incredible.”

“Hmph. Of course it is.”

Remia nodded, looking a little pleased.

Of course, I wasn’t just flattering her.

This place—rather than a house, it was more fitting to call it a research lab—was clearly not ordinary.

For instance, the dolls that moved just because Remia called them.

Or the soldiers that looked like slightly smaller versions of the Giant Soldier from earlier, patrolling the area.

There was no doubt that she was a masterful Magic Tool Craftsman.

“Speaking of amazing things, Arios, what was that? That Giant Soldier should have been classified as a B-Rank threat. And yet, you defeated it effortlessly…”

“Huh…?”

A B-Rank class monster?

No way.

And wait, she actually sent something like that against me without hesitation? Altro really wasn’t exaggerating.

“Moreover, you took its attack head-on and remained unscathed… What kind of body do you have? Hmm… I wonder if I could study it?”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa! Please don’t!”

I hurriedly stopped Remia as she tried to pat and prod me all over.