Cursed Villainess' Obsession-Chapter 15

“Wow… Warm wind.”

The first item I created was a hairdryer-like magical tool. It uses both fire and wind spirit stones, with the temperature and wind strength controlled by rune designs. However, because my skill level with rune design is still low, I couldn’t rely on any skill assistance.

But this isn’t a game—it’s reality.

So, I’ve been learning from books to compensate for my lack of knowledge. As a result, I managed to create an item that generates warm wind through magical power.

“That’s amazing, Ken! With this, everything will dry in no time!”

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Laphne, being a girl, seemed especially pleased with the magical hairdryer. Naturally, items like this don't exist in this world, which is based on a simulation RPG game. Normally, no one would bother creating such an item using two spirit stones and rune designs. They’d just dry their hair with magic.

Still, this creation gave me a rough understanding of magic enhancement. I continued crafting various items after that. However, even with Laphne’s help, spirit stones are limited, so I had to minimize the production of magic-enhanced items.

‘Maybe I should use that Cyclops bone I got earlier.’

While practicing, I decided to create a weapon for myself as well. It’ll be a temporary weapon until I can obtain something better later on.

Crafting a weapon from the Cyclops bone is straightforward. I simply cut the bone into the shape of a sword and sharpen the blade. Even the handle is made of bone, resulting in a simple, crude sword. However, for an early-stage weapon, it’s quite decent. While it’s not dragon bone, Cyclops bone is durable. Since it’s bone, it also has striking power, making it effective against monsters like golems, which are resistant to slashing attacks.

[System: You have reached maximum proficiency in item crafting. Related skills have leveled up.]

[Item Crafting – Dexterity LV 3 Weapon Crafting LV 3]

By crafting various weapons beyond the bone sword, I managed to level up both my dexterity and weapon crafting skills.

‘This is as far as I can go with repetitive crafting…’

From level 4 onward, I’ll need to craft more unique and advanced items to gain experience points more quickly.

‘Now, let’s create the magic-enhanced sword.’

With my proficiency increased, it’s time to move on to the main crafting project. High-level magic requires high-grade spirit stones and intricate rune designs. Given my current skill levels in dexterity and magical item crafting, most attempts at high-rank magic would fail.

That’s why, for Siegfried’s sword, I need to achieve maximum effect with minimal magic.

I have an idea.

"Laphne, could you bring some fire?"

“O-Okay!”

The basic process is the same as when I made the dagger. However, the materials are different this time. In the game, as long as a weapon had certain stats, it would suffice to clear an event.

But this is reality, so I have to give Siegfried the best weapon I can create.

Instead of using regular metal, I decided to use Blacksteel ingots for the sword. This metal, which has high durability and absorbs magic, was something Laphne helped me acquire.

Ideally, I would use a higher-tier metal like mithril, but my skills aren’t advanced enough to handle it, and Laphne said it’s also difficult to obtain. Blacksteel offers the best value for its price. It naturally absorbs magic, making it easier to enchant, and it’s also excellent as armor material.

Clang! Clang!

Through hammering, the black iron lump gradually took the form of a sword. I shaped the blade and sharpened it. For the handle, I used ebony wood, which also amplifies magic.

Finally, I adorned the guard with a black gem. I wasn’t going for a color match, but the gem just happened to be black as well.

"Alright, now guide me through the rune symbols."

"Hold on, just a moment!"

Laphne read aloud from the magic book I had shown her earlier.

Slowly, carefully, and with great attention to detail, I carved the symbols one by one. Even though I could speed up the process with my skill, I took my time to ensure precision.

Sweat rolled down my face as I engraved the runes for several minutes.

“Phew, now for the final touch—bring the powder.”

“Here you go!”

I mixed magic-infused resin powder with alchemical ingredients to create a finishing coat, which I applied over the runes. As I carefully infused the powder with magic, the Blacksteel quickly absorbed it, spreading the magic throughout the blade. The finishing coat over the runes reacted and began to glow before fading as the symbols disappeared into the Blacksteel.

[System: You have created a unique item not listed in the item crafting category. Bonus experience points granted.]

[System: You have created the ‘Black Sword.’]

[System: The ‘Black Sword’ recipe has been added to the crafting category.]

The magic-enhanced black sword was complete.

[System: Due to repeated use of rare materials and complex crafting methods, you have acquired a new skill.]

[Unique Skill: Item Crafting Proficiency

Dexterity LV 3 Weapon Crafting LV 3 Potion Crafting LV 1 Magical Tool Crafting LV 2 – UP! Repair LV 1 – NEW! Material Identification LV 1 – NEW!]

‘Repair… and Material Identification?’

After completing the weapon, my magical tool crafting leveled up, and I acquired new skills. Material Identification…

‘I’ve never seen these crafting skills before, so it’s hard to get a sense of them…’

Rather than overthink it, I decided to try using them.

‘…This is interesting.’

As I focused my intent, magic flowed through my body and into the black sword I was holding, before returning back into me. Then, a blue window appeared before my eyes.

[Black Sword – Rank B

Type: Sword

Materials Used: Blacksteel, Ebony Wood, Magic-Absorbing Stone]

‘I see, it’s a skill to identify the materials used in equipment.’

This skill will definitely come in handy at some point. Gathering such information is always valuable.

This mini-event seems like it's yielding plenty of benefits.

The next day, I headed straight to the rooftop garden.

"Is this the weapon you mentioned?"

“What do you think? Do you like it?”

There, I showed Siegfried the sword I had made. As he drew the blade from its sheath, the smooth, black sword gleamed in the light. After briefly inspecting the blade, Siegfried sheathed it again and looked at me.

“It’s a good sword.”

“Awesome!”

“But…”

Siegfried attached the sword to his belt and continued.

“The condition is that I must win the tournament. Only if this sword helps me do so.”

“Yes! I understand.”

As expected, he’s clear-cut when it comes to conditions. I never thought just giving him a weapon would automatically make him agree to mentor me. He’s that kind of character.

Even if he wins the tournament, if he feels the sword wasn’t helpful, he’ll definitely turn me down. But if he believes the sword helped, he will surely keep his promise. Siegfried is a man who honors his principles.

“Oh, and here. This is my thanks for the sword.”

Siegfried suddenly pulled something out of his pocket and handed it to me.

“Huh? But the sword is already a condition for you agreeing to my request…”

“You asked for first place in the tournament. The sword is separate. I’m not shameless enough to take such a fine sword for nothing.”

What he handed me was two tickets.

‘As expected, he never lets anything go without compensation…’

He’s exactly as I remembered from playing the game. He always keeps his promises and hates doing anything that goes against his principles. He’s the very image of an upright swordsman.

“Um… What are these for?”

“These are tickets to watch the tournament I’m participating in. It’s not enough as payment for the sword, but I’ll repay the rest with something else.”

“Aha… But why two tickets?”

I wondered why there were two tickets when one would have been enough for me to watch the tournament. Siegfried tilted his head as if confused by my question.

“…Isn’t it obvious you’d bring a friend?”

“Ugh!”

His warm gesture hit me right in the heart.

‘…Someone to go with, huh.’

Of course, I could go alone. But it felt a bit wrong to waste the extra ticket he had so kindly given me.

The first person who came to mind was, naturally, Laphne.

‘The problem is, she can’t leave the tower.’

So, Laphne was out. Sorry, Laphne. I’ll take you somewhere nice next time.

That left me with limited options since Ken’s social circle isn’t very wide.

“…So, um… would you be interested?”

“Huh? A… swordsmanship tournament… together?”

Naturally, I first asked Mary. We had grown closer recently, and since I owed her a lot, I thought she’d be the perfect choice.

“Oh, I see… It’s on the weekend, right? Hmm~.”

Mary twirled her hair with her fingers and glanced at me. Is she hesitant? Or does she actually like the idea? I couldn’t read her expression.

“If you’re busy, then—”

“No! Not at all! I’m not busy… I’m totally free. It’s fine.”

Thankfully, she wasn’t opposed. She waved her hands to stop me from misunderstanding.

“Hehe.”

She smiled softly as she took the ticket from me. I found myself staring at her.

‘She’s showing more emotions lately.’

In the game, she always seemed cold, distant, and sharp. But in reality, she was more girlish and cute. Of course, when she was drenched from the rain, she looked like a helpless crybaby.

But I never imagined she’d make such a gentle expression in everyday life.

Her cheeks reddened as she gazed fondly at the ticket, and I felt my heart skip a beat.

Was that Ken’s reaction… or mine?

“Hey, Ken.”

After tucking the ticket into her purse, Mary hesitated before speaking to me.

“…On that day.”

She glanced at me briefly, then looked away.

“…Should I dress up nicely?”

Once again, the girl who used to be as cold as ice blushed as she shyly gazed at me.

‘…Something feels different here.’

This was a side of her I hadn’t seen before. How was I supposed to respond to this?

Suddenly feeling embarrassed, I averted my eyes.

“…Sure, that sounds good.”

What was the right answer here? I’ve never seen anything like this in any strategy guide.

But it seemed like my response wasn’t wrong, as Mary smiled brightly.

“Yes, I’ll be looking forward to it.”

“……”

That smile… was another first for me.