Chapter 40 : The Villainess Showdown (Part 2)

At the same day, Rei continuously practicing his archery skill along with Ray inside his mind.

Rei took a new arrow and positioned himself, taking a deep breath while closing his eyes and started pulling the string...

"Hmmmm...."

*TRRUTTTT*

He opened his eyes, focusing on the target in front of him.

"Hmf!"

Then he released the string...

*TUNG*

*SWOOSH*

His arrow flew swiftly in the air towards the target in front of him and eventually the arrow landed.

*THUD*

Rei sighed softly at that, taking a moment to appreciate his work and then bumping his fist, "Yosh! I did!"

But Ray suddenly hit his head from behind.

*BAK*

"You didn't do it at all!"

Rei groaned, rubbing his head, "Ugh...Hey! I finally managed to comprehend his skill alright!"

"Yeah! By missing the bullseye!"

Ray casually pointed out his mistakes and it was clear that his arrow hit the target a bit too far away from the red dot in the middle.

Rei laughed awkwardly, looking at anything but him. "Hehehe..."

Ray sighed, "Let's take a break first."

Rei sighed as well and sat down, "We sure practiced a lot..."

"Yeah...I guess we did." Ray nodded, looking at the many targets with multiples arrow stuck on them.

"How long have we trained?" Rei asked while looking at him.

"Hmmm...maybe around 1 hour." Ray estimated, not entirely sure himself.

"I see..." Rei paused a moment, collecting his thought, "...say, do you think Iris-san's brother would like the sword we made?"

"Well I hope so."

"Your method of creating it was interesting, maybe I should try it on my weapon next time."

"Really? It wasn't that interesting though, but...I guess you could say I mastered it alone."

"Alone!?"

"Of course, do you remember what I taught you about the aura that can be mixed into a weapon?"

"What about it?"

"What you were doing is based on your unconscious. You cannot control which skill you're going to get from it."

"Then what about it?! I still don't understand! Did I do wrong?!"

"No, you didn't but since that time I was merely instructing you and not teach you about it...I shall give you a chance to learn about it."

"O-okay??"

"If there's something that cannot be controlled...you can do it as long you know how to learn it."

"For example...the time when you separated the core into few pieces, do you think about the shape of the weapon and the item you want it to be?"

"Hmmm...yeah, I guess so."

"Tell me in details."

"Hmmm...from the sword...I used the claw and the core...I guess I was thinking about that time that monster used his corrosive claw on me." Rei mused, "While the helmet and leg guards...i remembered its strength and its movements? I guess..."

"I see...that means...the weapon that you forged was based on what you imagined them to be...the sword that holds the power of corrosive...the helmet and the leg guards that holds the power of its raw strength and movements." Ray concluded, "The stronger the experience impacted you, the stronger the image...and that's why you were able to create such things."

"Hmmm...then does that include the spear we made for Uncle Nel?"

"Yeah, but the difference is that...you're using a different kind of core. The core of the weapon for Uncle Nel was from other monster that we bought...but with the same affinity elements with him."

"Since you experienced Nel's power instead of the monster...the image was overlapping, but a new ability was created to increase the power of the wielder."

"Ohhh...now I understand! But...what about the sword that we made for Iris-san's brother?"

"Well that one is of a different method. But since you have the talent of wide imagination...it succeeded, and so a weapon that could contain two different affinities existed."

"My talent??"

"Yep, you have a talent which making you easy to create an image of what weapon you want it to be...Remember the time when i told you to imagine the shape of fire?"

"Yeah?"

"What do you think about the fire itself?"

"Ummmm...it's warm, fierce, strong but at the same time dangerous."

"Then from that image and focusing on forging that sword...you unconsciously controlled your aura and mixed it together with the core of that monster."

"With the addition of using [Blacksmith Flame] skill...the image and your will...will be even stronger."

"And finally...you created a new type of weapon that holds both [Corrosion] skill from the monster and [Fire] skill from the creator of that weapon...from then on, a new skill that no one has ever heard of its existence...would show up." Ray explained.

******

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[The Crimson Moon Sword]

Grade: Epic

Type: Sword

STRENGTH: +75

Durability: 100%

A sword that was created using the claws from an unknown beast that roamed the night. But because of the will of the creator was strong, it stayed and created a new force—a fire spirit that was formed by the creator. The sword ultimately became a vessel for two different kind of force, namely fire and darkness

Skill:

[Corrosive]

Due to its dark energy, it could apply [Corrosion] status towards everything it touches, including the wielders' enemies.

[The Blacksmith Will]

Duration : 2 min.

Cooldown : 60 sec.

The creator imprinted his will into this sword, giving the wielder a strength to pave their way through hurdles and challenges. Overall status increased by 20%

[Zwart Ignis]

MP Cost : 400

Cooldown : 2 min.

Maintain the skill: -20 MP/1 sec.

With the power from both the momster and man mixed together, it created a dark flame which covered the whole blade, destroying everything it touches.

=======================================

Meanwhile, back in the middle of Albert's Birthday Party. The people who attended it, fixated their eyes towards the sword on Albert's hands.

Iris couldn't help but stare at that sword also and by using her [Magic Eyes], she appraised the sword before her.

"Ray-sama...to not have you work with me...what a shame..."

"You really exceed my expectations."

Iris felt proud of her friend's achievement and be amazed at his ability to create such an item.

'[The Crimson Moon Sword].'

A black sword with a red gem embedded on it which held two differrent kinds of power from a wolf monster and the blacksmith who forged the sword.

'An [Epic] class sword...with three skills on it, I never thought he would forge such a thing within a span of 2 years.'

Iris smiled and giggled a bit, "I guess...I might lose my bet with him in the next few years."

Meanwhile, beside her was Alex and Emma who were fascinated with the sword that Albert hold.

"U-umm...I-iris-sama, that sword...is it from–"

"Yepp~ it's from our dearest friend, Ray Houston~" Iris interrupeted when Alex was about to finish his words.

"Woah...I can't believe it...to think that Ray-san could forge that kind of weapon..." Alex praised as his eyes sparkled.

"Indeed...but now, we should keep it hush-hushed."

Alex blinked, turning to her, "Huh? Why?"

"Because it will lead to a new problem and there will be a possibility that someone with bad intention...is targeting the village." Iris spoke grimly.

"I-i see...that's true."

"So I hope you both keep it a secret that mr. R was Ray-sama, okay?" Iris spoke to them, holding out her pinky fingers. "Pinky promise"

Alex nodded, Intertwining his own finger to hers, followed by Emma, "I promise."

Iris smiled. "Let's enjoy the party now."

Albert was still staring at the sword and only snapped out of it when the servant coughed,

"Ahem...sir."

"Huh??" Albert woke up from his day dreaming and looked at the servant, "Ah...yes! forgive me, I never thought I would get such a wonderful gift like this, but now let's continue our party. Let us all dance!"

Albert put the sword back to the sheath when a gentle song broke the silence in the room, signalling the start of the dance session.

The girls and the guys were paired with one another as they dance around with practiced elegance.

Iris who stood right on the sideline was approached by Albert.

"Hey, Iris." Albert greeted.

"Happy Birthday...Onii-sama~" Iris replied with a sweet smile.

"Thank you." Albert smiled and stood right beside her, "Please pass my thanks to your friend for bringing me such a gift. It was most wonderful."

"Well I did told you...he have potential~"

"But I still don't like him for getting close to you!" Albert pouted.

Iris giggled, "But now you should at least approve him as my friend right?"

"Ummmm...Nope, I won't approve of him yet!"

"Hmmm but you do know that sword had three skills on it, don't you~?"

"Three?! E-ehem...that doesn't change anything! I-i do feel grateful for him to giving me such gift...but that's a different issue!" Albert countinued to be in denial and he was still suprised after knowing the sword was coming with 3 skills.

Iris giggled once again, obviously having so much fun seeing her brother's reaction.

'Well...a weapon that has three skills on it is considered rare.' Iris thought and smiled, 'But I'm glad he's happy about it~'

Albert sighed and smiled as well then he looked forward to watch the people dance. "I heard that [he] had departed from his village, don't you feel worried about him?"

"Hmmm...of course, but after knowing he could defeat a boss monster alone...I'm not that worried anymore~" Iris smiled fondlt

"I see..." Albert couldn't help but smile as well, "But I still hope he can survive at the outside world though...you know how it is, evil creatures and all that."

"...Indeed." Iris made such a complex looks on her face, looking somewhat distant.

Albert who noticed it quickly held her hand and pulled her over to the dance floor.

"Enough about that. ..we should dance before the party is over." Albert spoke to break themselves out of the sudden grim atmosphere around them.

Iris blinked twice and smiled at his attempt to cheer her up, "Fine~ you can have this one dance, Onii-sama~"

The two of them started to dance together, gathering many eyes from the spectators towards them, watching over their dance moves.

The two danced elegantly and beautifully and at the same time created such a happy atmosphere around the ballroom, affecting the party in a positive vibe and caused them to enjoy the dance even more after they too joined in to the dance floor.

******

Soon the party finally came to an end after they finished the dance. The people around them gave their applause to the two siblings who danced magnificently.

The siblings accepted their applause by bowing their head a bit before walking back to the crowd to take a break and when they walked together, Iris and Albert were greeted by Alex and Emma.

"That was amazing Iris-sama and Albert-sama." Alex complimented them.

"Y-yes! I-it was beautiful! E-especially Iris-sama! With that dress, you look like an ice fairy dancing in that hall!" Emma added as well, with her eyes pretty much sparkled as she remembered how she danced earlier.

"Ice fairy? Fufufu~ thank you for the compliments Emma-chan~ and Alex-kun as well~" Iris responded in kind.

As for Albert, he patted his little sister head with his hand. "Well then, thank you for the dance Iris. You can go and rest while I deal with the end of the party."

"Thank you, Onii-sama." She nodded and turned to the twins "Emma-chan, Alex-kun. I'll excuse myself first~ have fun with the party~"

"Yes, thank you for your time as well Iris-sama. Have a good rest." Alex bowed at her.

Seeing her brother bowed to her, Emma followed suit also, "Y-yes! Have a good rest Iris-sama!"

Iris bowed back before she left the room on her own.

******

*TAP*

*TAP*

*TAP*

On her way to her room, she saw a girl in a maid outfit with her beautiful silver hair and purple eyes already waiting right beside the door.

"Welcome back Iris Ojou-sama." Silvi greeted her with a respectful bow.

Iris smiled at her presence, "Yeah, I am back."

*CREAK*

Silvi opened the door for her and Iris took that chance to speak as she walked to the room, followed by Silvi, "Is there anything to report?"

Silvi nodded, "Yes, Ojou-sama."

"What is it?" Iris asked while she took a seat on her bed, allowing Silvi to help her took her stocking off.

"It seems one of the [Underworld Six Kings], [Banzana, The Bandit's King] was dead before we arrived at the destination."

Silvi spoke while slowly taking the jewelry that Iris wore and put them into the box.

"Huh?? What?!" Iris balked her eyes after hearing it as she didn't expect that one of the kings died. But then she collected herself and cleared her throat, controlling her emotion

"A-ahem...then can you tell me how he died?"

"It seems Banzana and his crew was defeated by some unknown irregularities, when our soldiers arrived...it was total disaster."

"They found what's left of a large battle in there, the trees and the ground around the forest was completely destroyed and in the middle of it...we found a headless body sitting there." As Silvi explained, she was helping her to change into her white dress pajamas.

"...Banzana" Iris guessed.

"Yes, Ojou-sama...the body belonged to Banzana...his body was partially damaged beyond saving around his left chest to his left arm...it was completely destroyed by something unidentified."

"I see...it seems it was a long battle, when did this happen?"

"I got an information from the nearby village...according to the information...it seems Banzana was killed yesterday night."

Iris widened his eyes, 'Yesterday night? If I remember correctly...I send my army to there 3 days ago. To have killed one of the Six...in a single night was pretty unimaginable.' Iris thought and then looked at Silvi.

"Then...do you find the girl?"

"Yes...Ojou-sama. We found her...the girl named Alicia..was found uninjured."

"I see...I'm glad to hear it." Iris sighed in relief as Silvi slowly brushed her hair from behind.

"By the way, do you know about the one who killed Banzana?" Iris asked while turning her head a bit to look curiously at Silvi.

"Hmmm...according to the information, it was a young man wearing a black armor, a helmet that looked like a beast and the most conspicuous part of this man is that...

He was wearing a red scarf."

"A red scarf??"

"Yes...[The young man who rushed to save us...he was like a beast at night who hunts evil...but despite that, he was kind and generous to us who had lost everything because of those evil. When he left, we saw his scarf fluttered around his neck...

it was like a crimson flame that was fierce yet warm.]"

"I see...a crimson flame huh." Iris spoke, suddenly remembering about something.

"Ojou-sama?...is there something wrong?" Silvi asked as she finished brushing her hair.

"It kinda remind me of him." Iris mumbled as she smiled faintly.

"Him??"

"Nothing" Iris shook her head, "Well then, is that all?? Does he have a name?"

"According to the villagers...he revealed his name to be [Crimson]."

"[Crimson]??"

"Yes...Ojou-sama."

"Hmmmm...I wonder what he looks like..."

"I apologize Ojou-sama...it also seems that this man always used his helmet to hide his identity."

'A helmet huh...Ray-sama did leave the village a week ago but I haven't heard anything about him afterwards though.'

'Then this Crimson guy appeared out of nowhere...is it a coincidence when Ray-sama left...and he appeared?'

'Furthermore...I never heard about him in the game and I don't know where this is leading to since the timeline of the story is getting messed up...'

'But...I guess I shouldn't be worrying as long he isn't my enemy.' Iris thought, nodding to herself.

"Well it is fine~ we will deal with this matter another time." She smiled, "How does the preparation going? Is everything alright?"

Silvi knelt before her, "Yes...Ojou-sama, the preparation is almost complete."

Iris nodded approvingly, "Well then~ I shall take a rest for today. Tomorrow we will focus on this plan for sure."

"Before that...Ojou-sama, I have something to give to you."

"Hmmm?? What is it?" When Iris about to rest her body on the bed, Silvi brought out something from behind her.

It was an item wrapped in cloth and a letter beside it.

"What is this?" Iris blinked twice as she took the letter first.

Silvi didn't answer her since she just bowed her head to present the item in front of her.

Iris examined the letter first but couldn't find a name on it and so she opened it.

Iris slowly read it out loud, "Dear Iris-san...I hope you forgive me, for not saying anything on your birthday but I hope you will accept this gift." Iris widened her eyes as she quickly grabbed the item.

And then...

*SHUUSTH*

She took off the cloths from it and she felt her eyes grew wide at the sight.

"T-this is..."

It's a long sheathed rapier. It has a blue gem embedded on the hilt, the same color as her eyes.

*CLINK*

When iris slowly pulled out the rapier, it shone brightly under the light of the moon that came in from the window of her room.

It didn't take long for her to reveal the dark blue blade underneath the sheathe that gleamed like a beautiful crystal. It's also the same shade of blue as her hair.

When she looked at the last part of the letter, it is said...

.

.

.

.

.

"Happy Belated Birthday...

.

.

.

.

.

from your dearest friend, Ray Houston."

To be continue...

*Iris' current status*

=======================================

[STATUS]

NAME: Iris Mei Welford/ Hanamachii Yomi

JOB : Magic Swordsman

TITLE : [The Other Worlder]; [The Villainess]; [Quick Learner]; [Magic Master]; [Sword Master]

[Level: 27]

[HP: 4020/4020]

[MP: 1200/1200]

[FATIGUE: 0]

EXP: 0/9000

STATUS POINT : 0

______

STRENGTH : 77(+15)

AGILITY : 77

VITALITY : 77

INTELLIGENCE : 115(+15)

SENSE : 59(+15)

SKILL

<PASSIVE>

Magic Mastery Lv5; Sword Mastery Lv5; Super Growth LvMax; Darkness Magic Lv5, Light Magic Lv4; Magic Eyes Lv4; The Villainess LvMax; Etiquette Lv6; Knitting Lv4; Cooking Lv4

<ACTIVE>

Status Appraisal Lv4

Foresight Lv4

Restraint Lv5

Intimidate Lv4

Shadow Movement Lv5

Shadow Blade Lv5

Heal Lv5

Holy Light Lv3

Sword Dance Lv5

Vital Strike Lv5

Omni-Slash Lv6

Dark Pulse Lv3

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