The weekends were usually packed with tasks, like heading into the forest to gather herbs or going on hunts and marking territories.
But after the Hunter showed up and Porori lost their life force, Rod banned anyone from entering. I wasn’t any different.
No matter how brave I felt, I knew I’d be defenseless if a Hunter ambushed me. I could agree with that, so I obediently complied.
Instead, I decided to visit Jane’s workshop. It had been a while since I last saw her, and I had no idea how far along she was.
Knowing Jane, I assumed she must have completed more than half of her project, but it was best to check in. I needed to see what obstacles she was encountering.
‘After all, the completion will be after the Academy collapses.’
Even for Jane, inventing an Iron Man suit was an arduous job. Moreover, this world doesn’t have advanced technology like Earth.
If there’s a roadblock, I should help her think it through, and if she’s lacking anything, I’ll fill in the gaps. After all, I’m the investor.
I just need to trust her and wait. The most important thing is her health.
Like many geniuses, she has a tendency to neglect her own body while being consumed by her work.
Especially since Jane creates with her own two hands, I had to keep a close eye on her.
‘Historically, being a blacksmith has been hard on the body.’
Especially her hands. Regardless of everything else, she cannot afford to injure them. For Jane, her hands are a matter of life and death.
First, I would check on Jane’s condition, and if there was a problem, I’d stop her work immediately.
She might say it’s unnecessary, but her body and mind are her assets.
Buzz! Buzz!
Before long, I stepped into Jane’s familiar workshop.
Normally it was tightly locked, but as an investor, I could visit anytime.
And as soon as I stepped in, the sound of welding hit my ears. It seemed she was working hard even on the weekend.
‘Oooh… Looks like she’s made quite a bit!’
I walked past Jane, who was wearing a mask while welding, to check the items she had created.
Though it looked a bit messy, it was clear that complex machine parts were strewn about.
The most eye-catching piece was undoubtedly a mask that resembled a helmet more than a traditional mask.
‘This really looks like the initial design.’
The thought of this hefty thing flying around powered by magic and magical energy was just delightful.
For reference, this wasn’t something I was going to wear myself. I had no idea what would happen if I did.
“Whoa… Huh? Ah! When did you arrive?”
It seemed she had just finished her task. Jane jumped in surprise upon seeing me.
I gazed at her, still wearing that helmet-like mask, noticing how her hair was soaked with sweat from working for a while.
“Just a moment ago.”
“Got it. Is there something you needed?”
“I came to check in.”
“Uh… The items aren’t fully completed yet…”
Upon hearing that I had come to check, Jane immediately looked nervous. It seemed she thought I was here to inspect her creations.
Of course, that wasn’t the case at all. I shook my head and spoke up.
“It’s not about the items. I’m here to check on you.”
“Huh? M-Me?”
“Yeah. Your health.”
Upon hearing that I was here to check on her health, Jane looked bewildered, utterly caught off guard.
So, instead of words, I showed her through action. I approached Jane and checked her most important hands first.
“Ah…!”
Jane flinched at my sudden grab of her hands. I ignored her protest, focused on her hands.
‘Thankfully, they look clean.’
More accurately, there were no visible wounds or burn marks.
Given her job requires using her hands a lot, there might be scars or calluses, but no recent injuries were apparent.
If I had seen any signs of burns or traces of a mishap with the hammer, I would have immediately halted her work.
“Are you hurt anywhere?”
“N-No, I’m fine. Thank you for your concern.”
“No, this is just natural…”
While touching her hands, I locked eyes with Jane. I couldn’t help but trail off.
Jane’s beautiful face was just as stunning as ever. Especially since she took off her glasses, making her look more radiant.
But my concern was her eyes. Jane’s once bright blue eyes now had a hint of redness lingering.
“Jane.”
“Yeah?”
“Do your eyes hurt?”
“U-Um… Sometimes they sting? But it’s not a problem for my work.”
That might not be true. Those were likely the signs of eye burns.
Frequent exposure to UV rays or harsh light could indeed burn one’s eyes.
Especially since Jane was working close to fire. Even with protection goggles, she wouldn’t be spared.
“You can’t do that.”
“What?”
“Rest. Your eyes hurt.”
“N-No, I’m fine…”
“Are you sure I’m not paying you?”
“…Yes.”
Flustered, Jane nearly agreed to take a break before I waved my hand dismissively. Therefore, she reluctantly accepted.
For now, she was banned from working until her eyes heal. And judging by the slight red tinge, fatigue seemed to be piling up.
“How long have you been working?”
“I’ve been coming to the workshop after classes.”
“And when do you sleep?”
“I usually go to bed at dawn.”
“A week off from work.”
“Wait, what?!”
This is how fatigue builds up and eventually leads to overwork. This might have been fun for her, but…
Therefore, I need to insist more. If this continues, she could end up bedridden for a month.
Especially since, other than me, Jane had no decent means of contact. I might need to find someone else to keep in touch with her.
“You’re pushing yourself too hard. Take a break for a while.”
“B-But…”
“Money.”
“Okay, I’ll take a good break.”
I was really curious about how tight her finances were that my one statement threw her into submission.
I chuckled to myself and gently lowered Jane’s hands. She gazed at her hands with a strange expression.
“Don’t get hurt. Don’t feel pain. Your health is the most important. Got it?”
“Y-Yeah, but… I’m the one receiving your investment…”
“I invested because of you. If you break down, it defeats the purpose.”
“Uh…”
At my words, Jane rolled her eyes. Her red-tinted ones were now brimming with questions.
Following that, she wriggled her fingers and cautiously looked at me before quietly speaking.
“…Did you invest because of me?”
“Yeah.”
“I’ve been meaning to ask… What exactly did you see in me…?”
It’s a perfectly valid question from Jane’s perspective. At the time of investment, she was just an ordinary student with nothing special.
No, she was beyond ordinary; she was a total oddball. Known as the weird girl among the professors.
So, it would only make sense for her to find it odd that I would suddenly invest in her.
At that time, I must have been too desperate to think straight. I wanted it that badly.
“Your hands.”
“My hands…?”
“Yeah. Just like back then. The calluses and scars.”
I couldn’t say it was because I knew the future, instead offering up a decent excuse.
The calluses and scars that spoke of a craftsman’s touch were lies that testified to her years and experiences.
Scars like these at her age would certainly mean she had gone through numerous trials. Even a genius cannot defy time.
“You have a lot of scars. That means you’ve got a lot of experience. That’s why I believed in you.”
“…”
“Is that enough?”
Jane blinked as she stared at me with a dazed expression. She seemed genuinely touched.
Meanwhile, her fidgeting hands were kind of adorable. Without her glasses, her softer expression only added to that.
“…Sivar.”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you. Truly, thank you.”
Jane clasped her hands together and bowed her head deeply. She was sincerely grateful.
She exaggeratedly bent so low, I thought her head might just hit the ground. I placed my hand gently on her shoulder and eased her back up.
Once she was upright, I noticed her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Her eyes were filled with water, and her lips pressed together tightly.
‘Is she this moved?’
I couldn’t tell. Perhaps it’s due to the denial of her genius and the pressures she faced.
I carefully wiped away her tears. As I did, she quickly followed suit, dabbing at her own tears.
“I-I’ll follow your request and take a break for now. I’ll return to work in a healthier state.”
“Okay. So what will you do during your break?”
“I plan to visit Professor Godin for some studying. I have a few questions for him.”
She was such a textbook case of a hardworking genius. No wonder she manages to persevere through failures and eventually succeeds.
Afterward, I left Jane with some encouraging words as I exited the workshop. She deeply bowed as I stepped outside.
“Oh, by the way, Jane. Do you have time for lunch?”
“Lunch? Nope. I think I’ll be alone in the workshop.”
“Then don’t eat. Let’s eat together. There’s one more person.”
“I’m okay with that.”
Now that I had this chance, I should introduce Eli to her while also handing over some herbs good for the eyes.
Since both were in a Non-Combat Class, they might find common ground. In terms of academia, they’d also be senior and junior.
Now all that’s left is to head to Rod’s Residence and meet Eli. And, of course, get permission from Rod to access the forest.
‘This time, I’m just going for herbs.’
I also planned to mark my territory. The last time I didn’t, another creature could have breached it.
Aside from that, marking territory is something I need to maintain regularly. Rod certainly agrees with that, so I should be able to get away with it.
“Back already?”
As soon as I arrived at Rod’s Residence, I was greeted by none other than Eli.
As usual, she rushed up to me, hugging me tightly while rubbing her face against my chest.
Feeling her sweet affection, I wrapped my arms around her. The soft sensation I felt below always brought me joy.
“Luna? Not here today?”
“Not at the moment. She’ll probably come later.”
“Really? And Grandpa?”
“I’m right here.”
I turned toward the voice and saw Rod standing there with his hands behind his back.
He wore a pleasant smile, clearly amused by our affectionate display. I felt a bit shy but didn’t let go, immersed in the warmth.
“Grandpa.”
“Yes?”
“I want to enter the forest. I have my reasons.”
“Reasons? Alright then, go ahead.”
“Huh?”
Isn’t he permitting me a bit too easily without hearing my reasons? I blinked in surprise.
However, Rod maintained a benevolent smile, as if to say it was fine, and spoke up.
“If it’s you, I’m sure you have a plan. You won’t be going in recklessly, right?”
“Yeah. I brought some paint.”
Just for reference, I got the paint from Jane’s workshop. If a Hunter shows up, I plan to douse them with it.
Rod seemed to be satisfied that I was well-prepared and gladly accepted my request. Now all I had left was to go into the forest and find the herbs.
‘But what was that herb good for the eyes again?’
My memory was a bit hazy. But luckily, I had an expert in herbs right next to me.
I called out to Eli, still basking in that comforting warmth.
“Eli.”
“Yeah?”
Eli peeked up at me, a big smile spreading across her face.
She truly exuded cuteness. Brought on by her lovely demeanor, I gently caressed her face.
There’s a saying that when one’s physique is outstanding, their beauty enhances as well, and Eli was living proof of that; her natural charm was impressive.
‘If I don’t fall for her, I’m not a man.’
If I cause a bit of trouble down the line, it would likely be because of Eli. Suppressing my desire, I asked her.
“Do you know any herbs good for the eyes? Someone has a burn on their eye.”
“An eye burn? Who?”
“My friend. Just someone you don’t know.”
“…Is it a girl?”
Eli’s voice, which had slightly cooled, suddenly perked up. I flinched at her reaction but nodded nonetheless.
Following that, Eli narrowed her eyes and glared at me, shrugging her shoulders. As if to say it was no big deal.
“Well, one more person doesn’t hurt, right? Anyway, what did they do to get an eye burn?”
“She’s a blacksmith. But she also welds.”
“Ah, that’s a common issue among blacksmiths.”
Rod chimed in. He must have figured it out quickly considering his experience.
Eli pondered for a moment after hearing the general symptoms I had described. Before long, she spoke up.
“For an eye burn… Yakolt is the best. Just boil it and pour the liquid into their eyes.”
“Can you find it?”
“I can. It would be easier if I went with you…”
Eli trailed off while glancing nervously at Rod.
If it was just me going, no problem, but taking Eli with me might put her in danger.
If luck turns, a Hunter could take her hostage. That’s my worry.
“Hmm… Sivar. Do you know what the herb Eli mentioned looks like?”
“No idea.”
“Then go get it. It’s better to look for it with an expert than alone. It’ll save you time.”
“Thank you!”
“Just make sure you’re cautious. You never know when they might spring up.”
That much I know. So, I’ll do everything necessary to prepare for this trip.
‘If they take Eli hostage…’
Just imagining it sends chills down my spine. I have to ensure she stays by my side.
Porori was still languishing from the aftereffects of losing their life force. So much regret all around.
“I’ll be back as soon as I can!”
“Sure. Stay safe.”
“I will.”
With Rod’s support behind me, we stepped into the forest.
A mix of worry and expectation in my heart.
*****
Just as Sivar and Eli had just entered the forest.
“They’ve arrived.”
The Hunter, hidden in the darkness, quickly noticed their presence.
Not through his own eyes, but via his subordinates, using them to monitor the situation instead.
[Don’t provoke them; just observe. However, we must confirm whether they’re using Red Magic.]
The Hunter recalled his orders. He stroked the concealed chin under his mask.
‘For now, I just need to watch what they’re up to.’
Quietly, he began to follow them at a distance. Just as expected, they were oblivious to his presence.
Completely concealed in darkness and thanks to his demonic, innate traits, this mission would prove easy as pie.
“Eli. I need a moment.”
“Uh? Where are you going?”
“I have something to do.”
At that moment, as Sivar claimed to have something to do and stepped away from Eli, the Hunter seized that chance.
Should he capture Eli as a hostage to provoke a fight, or simply let them go?
‘No, I need to watch first.’
He chose to observe. After all, he still didn’t fully understand their living patterns.
There was no need to rush. The higher-ups also said to retreat if they sensed danger.
The Hunter silently followed Sivar, keeping a close watch. In each hand, he wielded an axe and a greatsword.
Thud—
Before long, Sivar set his weapons down on the ground. It seemed he was preparing to do something.
The Hunter keenly observed the situation. Seeing him lay down his weapons meant something significant was about to occur.
‘Could it be they’ve caught wind of me? Trying to bait me out…’
Just as the Hunter thought that, Sivar raised his hand and—
Swoosh—
He casually dropped his pants and underwear. The Hunter was momentarily dumbfounded by the action.
And then…
‘…Oh, what the hell.’
Sivar was clearly marking his territory, to the Hunter’s dismay.
‘What a beastly creature.’
*****
[Faith is rising!]
“Huh?”
What’s going on? Did someone do something weird somewhere?