Vol. 13 - Ch. 739 - Gant-senpai has junior?

The curtains opened on Monday. 

It was the scheduled day to pick up our 4th «Mechanical Carriage».

Yesterday, as we'd planned, we managed to hit the 20th floor of «Altar Dungeon». The beginning area barely required any effort, so there was nothing worth talking about. The real challenges were from the second half of the dungeon, that's when difficulty starts ramping up. 

Honestly, the difference between 1st floor and 49th floor was too drastic, more than any other dungeon. 

Since we'd managed to effortlessly reach our target, having free time on our hands, we decided to bring newcomers for level grind as well. After all, dungeon exploration was important, but levelling was just as much.

Even this morning, while awaiting the message, we pulled new members to grind level. On the other hand, my wait continued, and it wasn't until noon—we'd just come back from dungeon for lunch—while having my fill that my «Smartphone» pinged. Promptly, I left to visit Gant-senpai's guild. 

Before leaving, I asked the girls to gather the rest of the members together. I'd also informed everyone while having our lunch, so I doubt anyone will be missing the event. 

Arriving at the shop, I promptly entered. 

"How do you do, Gant-senpai? I come for what we disc—hmm?"

It was the same as usual. I found Gant-senpai almost immediately, but there was one unfamiliar boy beside him.

The uniform's collar was coded blue, so a freshman. He was tall, and his arms were thick like logs. Now, who may this be?

"——Bring it."

"Huh, come on, guildmaster. How am I supposed to know what exactly to bring? Um, you're Zephyr-san from «Eden», right? The product is parked in the parking space behind."

"Yes, I am. Well, and you're working here? And what do you mean by guildmaster?"

There was something the robust freshman said I couldn't ignore and inadvertently inquired. Was it just an auditory hallucination?

"Err, yeah. I'm Kentarou, a novice in the «Masters of Metal Engraving». And guildmaster? I was referring to Gant-senpai."

"......What, you're the guildmaster, Gant-senpai?!"

"......Hmph."

Gant-senpai crossed his arms, and snorted through his nose when I turned to him, utterly bewildered. It's as if saying 'so am I, what about it?'

What, whoa?! I didn't know that! And wow, so «Master of Metal Engraving» was the guild's name? I didn't know until now since there was no signboard at the entrance.

"Guildmaster, you didn't tell our regular client?"

"Unnecessary."

"Ain't no way?! «Masters of Metal Engravers» puts merits above all! The guildmaster can only be the person who beats everyone before them! If the guildmaster is going to make equipment himself, it's absolutely necessary to tell that!"

Almost as if explaining the details itself, Ketarou remarked. I nodded in agreement. Putting other things aside, Kentarou seemed to be a man of more words, unlike Gant-senpai. Good to see that!

Though, it appeared Kentarou's explanation didn't reach Gant-senpai. The latter, who'd put artisan spirit before anything, replied with—

"First surpass me."

"So you're saying I should first overcome myself if I want you to change you way? Hmm-mm, alright. I am going to trample over you, guildmaster!"

"......Hmph."

Kentarou sure knew how to speak, huh. He sounds more like a grunt trying to fight his boss, though.

Meanwhile, Gant-senpai snorted, his arms still crossed. But, there was a faint air of content around him.

Then, suddenly realising he'd left the customer hanging, Kentarou hastily apologised, and acted.

"Ah! I really apologise for that! I made you watch something unworthy. Yeah, your product. Please follow me. —Hmm? You're not coming, Gant-senpai?"

"Take care."

"Grg-gh, fine. After me, Zephyr-san."

Gant-senpai seemingly decided to look after the shop, so Kentarou showed me the way to the 4th carriage. As we circled around the shop, making our way to the back of the shop, I tried to hit a conversation with Kentarou.

"Say, Kentarou-kun. Why is Gant-senpai—your guildmaster personally attending the shop?

I was most curious about this honestly. After all, I just couldn't see Gant-senpai as someone suited to face customers. 

"Guildmaster? Well, this is just his hobby. He didn't want anyone else to have the request if it's something interesting, and that's how he's here."

"Didn't want anyone to have it?"

"The higher the difficulty, the more it excites the spirit of Guildmaster apparently."

"I see."

"And regular orders fall on our, his juniors, hands."

So there was no big reason, huh. He just wanted to keep the best thing to himself. Well, it's truly on par with Gant-senpai and his fervent artisan spirit. That said, he still didn't forget to look after his juniors still, colouring me surprised.

"Wait, then what brought you to the shop, Kentarou-kun? I mean, I have always seen him hanging around in the shop alone."

"Hmm, about that, it's because I helped in «Mechanical Carriage» production this time."

"You did?"

I couldn't help but stare at Kentarou with slight wide-eyes.

After all, he should be a freshman. And while carriage recipe was a drop from beginner dungeons, to manufacture it so soon, and even had Gant-senpai acknowledge his skills was unexpected.

"I am often asked around by guildmaster. The only reason I've been that good is because the guildmaster teaches me well."

I see. Kentarou was perhaps a disciple figure for Gant-senpai. Truly, as a senior, he didn't neglect raising his successor huh.

"Oh, that fills in. I guess, I will be having your help frequently going ahead. I will be counting on you then."

"Huh? A-Ah, I will! I, too, hope to see the relationship with «Eden» going long!"

"Hahaha."

I couldn't help slipping out a short laugh seeing Kentarou, a figure taller than me, suddenly halting, and bowing.

That said, it was good news. 

This might be the 4th carriage, but it wasn't going to be the last. And, more importantly, we're going to get them from an advanced dungeon once we begin our journey there. It would be a problem if Gant-senpai, the finest craftsman of «Masters of Metal Engraver», graduated and there was no one else to take over.

A talented successor was a breath of relief. Yep, we're going to have a long run, Kentarou-kun. 

Amidst our chat, we soon arrived at the parking space.

"Woah! This is... another great design!"

Why did it feel like I kept shouting "Woah!" more often than not when visiting here. No, it's just how impressive they're!

"Yeah. We're stumped at first, since the request was to make it streamline, something that can cut through even water, and able to deal with monsters if bumped into them. So we added bumps!"

As Kentarou phrased, the front of the carriage had two bumps attached to it, conical in shape, like a rocket's head. It was just like «Thunder Javelin» that was made after the shape of lightning. 

Apparently, they could also release an attack called Hydro Pump. It looks strong. 

Rosetta, who was going to take over it, was a tank. It certainly gives the image of toughness («—just his imagination.)

Speaking of, it was actually Rosetta who had asked to add something that reminisced the flow of water, something streamline. She seemed to see the fending with shield movements like flow of water. I felt like the carriage was tough in different sense (Zephyr's Prespective).

"What do you think? I mean, it does look like two pipes have been attacked to it."

"I think the attack would be impactful, so it seems fine, I guess? Anyway, I will be bringing that. I will be counting on you if we require modification though."

"I guesss~."

Was it just me, or Kentarou-kun's reply was a bit vague? Regardless, I stored the carriage, «Cstream ver.», into my «Item Bag». 

Alright, it was time for a surprise!