Evan D. Sherden, Turning Fourteen (3)

Even though they had confirmed that they would enter the dungeon with Anastasia, it wouldnt be possible to enter right away. They would need to enter tomorrow. Evan asked Anastasia to practice with the other knights, as he had other things he had to deal with.

Follow me, Lua.

Yes, master.

I want to go!

Serena, this way.

Ahh, I hate Arisha! You interfere every time!

Practice together.

Arisha firmly caught hold of Serena, who had been trying to cling to Evan. Evan felt grateful for heralthough Arisha would do the same to him when her opportunity came.

Where are you going, master?

Grandpa, Bernard. I need to talk about metal refining.

Of course, he had talked to Bernard in advance. The very rare and high-quality magic metal had been coming in large quantities from the Leonine Duchy, given the Brotherhood Corporations exclusive contract with them.

That was real?

Its nothing new, Grandpa.

You didnt even think about hiding your special abilities anymore.

[Thats nothing new, Bernard.]

Evan showed the metal that had been mined to Bernard as they met in the medicine room as always. Bernard, looking at it closely with his alchemy-trained eye, was quick to draw conclusions about it.

Ive seen some artifacts containing this metal before, but I dont know its name. This can be said to be the first time it has properly appeared in human history. Do you know what I mean? Boy, it means you are writing a new history.

Well, its not new.

[You really are Bernards disciple.]

Bernard was staring right at him, but Rose was nodding her head in satisfaction. While Rose and Evan shook hands (although Roses hand was so small that he only held out one finger), Bernard continued to speak to Evan.

Did you give it a name?

UhI dont know.

This metal first appeared in Yoma Great War 4. At the time, the pseudo-religious group that occupied the mines gave it a name related to the god they worshipped, but that didnt fit now.

Then, it will be called EB metal.

Isnt it after the first letters of our names? Putting my initials there even though I had nothing to do with it

in the future, I will acquire help from you in relation to the EB metal, and for that, I will pay you in advance.

So, the name of the metal became EB metal. It was a name that had nothing to do with Anastasia or the Duchy of Leonine, where the metal was mined, but he didnt care at all.

Oh, I didnt tell you before. This is great on its own, but in fact, it can be mixed with a few other common metals to make a better alloy. The name EB metal will be attached to the alloy.

Of course, you already know the ratio, right?

Yeah, but maybe you can improve it.

As one of the main enemies of Yoma Great War 4 was the pseudo-religious group to which Rin and Lan belonged, the research on the metals used by their soldiers were actively conducted by the players. Andwhats to hide, because in his previous life he had learned a considerable level of alchemy even in that game, which he played for less than three weeks. He had succeeded in creating an alloy of magic metal in cooperation with other alchemist players. The recipe Evan knew now was from that time.

But with Bernard, the legendary alchemist, we can create more than that.

Of course, Evans level was also higher than it was then. He vaguely recalled fragments of his previous lifes memories, but he had written down the types and proportions of the metals that went into the alloy on a piece of paper and presented it to Bernard.

Lets improve it a little bit more based on this. Still, if possible, I would like to produce results within the day. I have to enter the dungeon again tomorrow.

The dungeon at this time. Isnt your birthday in a few days?

Yes, so Im only going to clear up to the 30th floor before my birthday and come back.

Only up to the 30th floor.

Bernard just laughed. As Evan and Rose had said, it wasnt really new. If given enough time, this guy would be able to break through the 70th floor.

Grandpa and your group also came out after clearing up to the 70th floor with the knight commander. The knight commander and the Ironwall knights were rather happy, as was my father.

The Silk Line nobles, regardless of whether they were male or female, had the custom of calling their fathers father at a young age, and now even Evan was doing so.

Its all thanks to you. Leo, Aria, and Iloin wouldnt have been capable of such dramatic achievements at this age if it hadnt been for the training you taught me.

Sometimes, a shortcut isnt bad, no? because of that; this was attainable.

Come on, you know.

In fact, Bernard didnt initially think that Evans training would be so expedient. The logic that governed this world had always been the rationality of irrationality. Ever since he saw the demons vision of the Demon King and the Rose Queen, he had always thought so.

If there is a way to become strong, I cant resist it. That is the reason for this world.

Right. Anyway, my grandpa got stronger, so I struggled.

Heh, if anyone heard, theyd think you were our guardian.

It was truly cheeky; however, he couldnt condemn Evans sincerity. His concern for Leo and Bernard werent so light. Every time he felt it, Bernard felt strangely embarrassed. It was like he had a son.

Leo probably feels like that

Not long ago, their party had safely reached the 70th floor with the knight commander. Bernard sighed as he recalled what Leo had said and quietly called out Evans name.

Evan.

Yeah?

It seems that Leo prepared a pretty big present for your birthday.

Geh, is it another strange skill?

On his thirteen birthday, Leo had tried to give him one of his own skills, a footwork technique that not only provided rapid movement but could also be ways in combat. The name of it was Lion Run, a unique skill that not everyone could learn. It fit Leos fierce fighting style best. Evans technique had increased a lot in training, but in the end, he couldnt learn the skill itself

WellI dont know that much.

Hes trying to give me another weird skill! He really doesnt have time for anything other than practice, and hes dying to torment me again

But not this time. I think he did a lot of research on his own based on his last failure.

No.

If Bernard said that, it made it seem like Leo was working hard. In the end, he had examined why Evan didnt receive his skillEvan smiled bitterly, recalling Leos expression at that time.

Im no genius like my grandpa.

Yes, youre always like that.

Going forward, lets focus on our alloy.

Evan urged Bernard as he lined up the materials on the table. Bernard reached out and gently ruffled Evans hair.

Evan, be nice to Leo.

Theres no need to say it.

Yes.

Evan replied without hesitation, and Bernard nodded. Evan tilted his head, wondering if something had happened to him.

***

Five hours passed, and Evan finally acquired an alloy he liked. His level was different from when he made it with the players of Yoma Great War 4, and now there was the legendary alchemist Bernard with him. There may be some room for improvement in the future, but at the moment, they had succeeded in creating the strongest magical metal possible.

Then Ill take this to Horta. Actually, as a part of the transaction, I decided to make an armament for Princess Anastasia first.

Wont the other guys complain?

As long as we can acquire a supply of magic metal bases, we can make it bit by bit with materials from the dungeon. But for now, Princess Anastasias work is urgent.

Not thatwont you get a birthday present from Leo this time? Would you like to take one to him as well?

Ah

Evan stopped and thought of Bernards words. Then he remembered that Leo had been complaining a lot about his favorite greatsword.

I did take care of my grandpas birthday, butthats right, it certainly wouldnt be a bad idea to make him a greatsword.

Right?

By the way, Grandpa Bernard.

Huh?

Evan held Bernards gaze and looked at him sternly.

What happened to Grandpa Leo? Does Grandpa Leo have an anklet that calls out for the Demon King or something like that too?

Its not like that, boy! For more details, you can listen to Leo directly!

[Theres no way an ignorant person like him can use a complex magic trick like me! Hahahahaha!]

Bernard shouted at Evan, while Rose rolled around and laughed happily without knowing what was funny. From the reaction, it seemed that it wasnt a crisis related to Leos life. But the next moment, Evan had a flash of intuition.

Is Grandpa Leo going to leave the dungeon city?

That

Bernard was speechless, so it seemed to be the correct answer. Evan nodded, remembering that Leo had been oddly quiet recently. He was hoping that he would settle down in the dungeon city like thisafter all, things didnt seem to work that easily. Evan pouted slightly.

I shouldnt just go into the dungeon.

If you postpone going into the dungeon for that reason, Leo will be angry.

No.

Evan groaned and soon picked up the metal bar that had been perfectly alloyed. He realized he couldnt solve this through thinking alone.

Before Princess Anastasia, lets make Grandpa Leos greatsword firstas a bonus, Ill make something for Aria as well.

Aria will be thrilled. Then, Ill diligently focus on alloying.

Please, Grandpa.

With that, extracting the Devil Rune and making the Elixir, rest still seems far away.

Its far. This Grandpa shouldnt leave me anytime soonyou still have 45 more years left.

Youre noisy, boy. I know the arrangementwhat?

Evan hugged Bernard, who responded bluntly and then fell off him. At that moment, Iloin, having just finished training, entered the medicine room alone.

Im back, Bernard!

Wow.

Whoo, smells good.

Boo, act a little shy. Dont lick it!

[That annoying elf is back.]

Iloin hugged Bernard tightly and sniffed him, burying her face into his neck. Then, she started making noises as she kissed his neck. What a lewd elfEvan nodded, remembering what Rose had once said. Bernards cheeks turned red.

Oh my god, Evan. Youre here?

No, lets go now. Iloins training lasted a while.

Because Im in charge of all of Jins education except for the morning joint session, his growth is clear.

It must be. Im going to take him into the dungeon this time.

Thats right.

Iloin smiled brightly as she hugged Bernard.

Jin must be happy.

Thank you for teaching him, Iloin. Please look forward to his growth in the future.

Sure. Its hard to find a child that is so rewarding to teach, even among the elves.

Then, if youll excuse me.

Evan waved goodbye and left the room. Hannah, standing behind the counter, greeted him.

Oh, its been a while, master.

Huh? You werent here before. I heard you and Serpina entered the dungeon.

We just came out a while ago, and I went back to work after a bath.

For reference, which floor?

Hannah held up two fingers in response. It meant they had cleared up to the 20th floor. She had a proud expression on her face, having apparently overcome her dungeon phobia. Evan smiled.

This time, Im trying to have all of our kids clear the 20th floor.

Oh, why?!

I have to work hard not to fall behind. Still, dont work too hard.

Ah, really!

Evan left the pharmacy with Belois after successfully disheartening Hannah.

Horta was very burdened with the fact that he had to make the heros armament, but eventually, he ended up accepting Evans request.