For the past few days, Isla kept returning to the dwarf, asking for various weapons: a short dagger, dual daggers, a short sword, a screw spear, a normal spear, an axe, an assassin's dagger, dual swords, kunai, and more.
Finally, the day arrived to collect their commissioned weapons. Isla was given a long black case containing all the weapons she'd ordered. They were high-quality, red and black, just as she had requested. Isla had paid with her entire year's savings—500,000 gold. Sylveria and Isao were stunned by how many weapons Isla had asked for.
Isla practically vibrated with excitement as the dwarf handed her the intricately crafted black case, adorned with crimson accents that matched the hue of her eager blush. Her wide eyes sparkled like gemstones as she lifted the lid, revealing an arsenal of exquisite weapons that surpassed even her most ambitious wishes. There lay the delicate yet deadly dual daggers, their razor-sharp blades glinting menacingly in the soft light. Next to them rested the sleek short sword, its slender form exuding elegance and lethality in equal measure. A set of screw spears and a sturdy normal spear followed, each one crafted with meticulous attention to detail and balance. An imposing axe, its heavy head tempered to perfection, occupied one corner, while a cunning assassin's dagger curled patiently in another. Two sets of dual swords - one with ornate hilts, the other bearing subtle engravings - occupied pride of place amidst the collection.
Isao was also amazed by her beautiful katana and wakizashi, which glowed with a violet aura due to her blood being mixed in. The design was exactly what she loved, and the short katana, or wakizashi, was also elegantly crafted. Sylveria felt proud of the weapons the dwarf had made.
"Alright, let's go back to the castle." Sylveria said. Isao and Isla nodded, but then Isla fell backward. The case was heavy, even though the dwarf had made the weapons light, the sheer number of Isla's request made it heavy.
"Well, the case is heavy because there are so many weapons inside." the dwarf explained, watching Isla struggle to lift it. "Er, Isla, we'll call an attendant-" Sylveria said. Before she could finish, Sebastian appeared with two guards in disguise. "Don't worry, Princess Sylveria. We'll take Lady Isla's case back to the castle." Sebastian said.
The unlikely entourage departed the workshop in high spirits, leaving the bewildered dwarf behind to ponder the peculiar circumstances that had led to such a monumental order. Sebastian and his men efficiently retrieved the heavy case, easily maneuvering it as they accompanied the princess and her friends back to the castle grounds.
Once inside the palace, the group reunited with the rest of the nobility, who marveled at the impressive display of weapons on full display within the case. Sylveria couldn't help but beam with pride at the masterful craftsmanship on display, while Isao couldn't stop fawning over her newly acquired katana and wakizashi, admiring how the subtle violet aura seemed to emanate from within. Isla, however, quickly grew restless, eager to test out her extensive arsenal. With Sebastian's tacit approval, she excused herself, heading straight for the training yard where she could freely unleash her enthusiasm for battle.
As Isla stormed into the training ground, her clothes rustled softly, hinting at the arsenal of weapons concealed within. She approached a nearby dummy with purposeful strides, her eyes locked onto the lifeless target.
With fluid motions, Isla pulled out a dagger and flung it toward the dummy's chest. She jump, In mid-air, she altered her trajectory, leaping sideways to land lightly on the thrown blade, using it as a temporary foothold to spring into a flip. Her momentum carried her toward the dummy's other side, where she slashed with the second dagger in a seamless combination attack. This dizzying display repeated itself, Isla exploiting her agility and precision to maximize the effectiveness of each weapon.
"Sebastian, please throw the case in the air while it is open" Isla said.
Without hesitation, Sebastian grasped the heavy case and hurled it skyward, the noble guards watching in stunned silence as the weapons scattered across the courtyard. Isla stood poised, a gleam of anticipation in her eyes. When the arsenal descended, Isla charged forward, weaving through the blades with practiced ease. She snatched up a dagger, its edge flashing as she employed it in a series of swift, precise strikes against the armored dummies. In the blink of an eye, she discarded the dagger, reaching for a short sword instead. Isla's movements became a blur, each weapon serving as an extension of her body within the "zone" she had created. Dual daggers flashed in her grip, their tips piercing through metal and flesh alike. A screw spear whipped through the air, impaling a dummy with ruthless efficiency.
Isao and Sylveria watched, agog, as Isla unleashed her multifaceted fighting style. They had glimpsed Isla's prodigious skill before, witnessing her effortlessly slice through demons with a humble apple cutter. Yet, this display was something altogether new, a symphony of lethal grace as she orchestrated her arsenal with deadly precision. "It's unlike anything I've seen," Sylveria breathed, her light blue eyes following Isla's lightning-fast movements. "Using daggers, a short sword, and even the screw spears as an extension of her body—each weapon serves a specific purpose in her dance of death." Isao nodded vigorously; her usual calm demeanor replaced by an infectious excitement. "Bizarre and elegant, yes, but above all, deadlier than I ever imagined! To think our little Isla has been hiding such depth beneath her surface..."
Sylveria pondered aloud, her observations shedding light on Isla's evolution as a warrior. "It seems Isla has indeed elevated her skills, given that her original arsenal isn't available in this world. Without the all-seeing eyes, white mana, or her spirit weapon 'God Destroyer' she never had much incentive to develop new techniques. Now, however, forced out of her comfort zone, she's drawing upon her knowledge and weapon expertise to craft novel movements and strategies." Isao interjected; her brow furrowed with curiosity. "Are you certain she doesn't possess the all-seeing eye? Her combat precision remains flawless, uncannily reminiscent of her former self."
Sylveria reassured her companion, her confidence unwavering. "Absolutely sure, Isao. The all-seeing eye emits a distinctive gray-silver glow when Isla engages in battle. Yet her eyes remain a deep brown."
Isao nodded thoughtfully, her mind processing the implications. "Then it seems Isla's determination to excel has led her to develop a distinct fighting style tailored to these new circumstances. Quite admirable, really."
Sylveria smiled, pride shining in her eyes. "Indeed." After a lot of moving Isla fall to the ground looking at the sky "Body hurts... exhausted." Isao and Sylveria almost fell comedically at Isla's words. "Of course, she will be exhausted and have her body hurting. She was moving like a monkey when her body isn't so flexible and used to her new movement and style!" the two friends thought at the same time.
Laughter bubbled forth from both Isao and Sylveria, their relief at Isla's candid admission mingling with amusement. It was easy to forget, amidst their awe at Isla's impressive display, that they were all still children navigating the physical demands of martial arts training. "A masseuse, a healer... and a team of wranglers to lasso her exhausted limbs?" Isao giggled, struggling to contain her mirth. "You may be joking, but I'm not entirely opposed to the idea!"
Sylveria shot her friend a playful glare, though a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. "You'd love nothing more than to have an excuse to wrestle our poor, exhausted friend into submission, wouldn't you?" Turning to Sebastian, who looked equal parts amused and concerned, Sylveria gestured emphatically. "Please, do send for whatever assistance Isla requires."
Amidst the serene tranquility of the garden courtyard, a rather unusual scene unfolded as Isla reclined, subject to a vigorous massage administered by Sylveria. "AAAGHHHHHH!! SYLV! YOU DEMON!" The bodyguard's initial reactions ranged from pained expressions to involuntary moans, her discomfort palpable. "Oh, Isla, that's a massage – it's meant to stimulate, not tickle." Sylveria remarked dryly, unfazed by her friend's agony as she sipped her tea nearby. Isao, observing the spectacle, couldn't contain her mirth, her laughter echoing through the courtyard. Isla's vocalizations crescendo, her cries growing increasingly desperate until, finally, exhaustion claimed her, and she succumbed to unconsciousness, sprawled limply across the massage table.
As Sylveria continued her teasing, Isao laughed harder, her shoulders shaking with mirth. She reached out to pat Isla's flushed cheek affectionately. "Don't worry, Isla, just let the masseuse work her magic. You're going to feel amazing afterward, I promise." With a final chuckle, Sylveria rose from her seat, gently placing her teacup aside. She moved closer to where Isla lay sprawled, the unconscious girl's chest rising and falling steadily with each breath. A small, amused smile played on Sylveria's lips as she watched her friend drift off into a massage-induced slumber. "She sure does make a dramatic performance out of everything, doesn't she?" Sylveria remarked, exchanging a knowing glance with Isao. The two shared a hearty chuckle, their bond of friendship forged through countless memories, including this amusing encounter.
