-----
After spending two hours wandering around in our small date, we quickly walked back home merrily. There were indeed some stares, but mostly of people that recognized us as the "hero's children" and me as the daughter of the governor of the city, so everyone's always freaking out when a half-elf girl with red hair and green eyes shows up, screaming "T-The young lady!".
In our way back home, we meet with Saphaley that was wandering around rather worried. He seemed to not be trying to go to our house to meet Elphiette again. Has he been holding meeting her until he could properly apologize for not being able to reciprocate her feelings and all?
"Hey!" I said, slapping his back.
B A A A M!
"U A A G G H!"
He fell into the floor.
Wait, that was just a small slap!
Have I grown so strong lately?!
"Y-Young Lady Sylphy! Young Lady Aquarina…" Saphaley said with a relieved face, the handsome elf stood up.
"S-Sorry about that! I didn't wanted to throw you into the ground… I didn't knew you were so weak." I sighed.
"I-I actually am not. I just haven't slept for two days…" The elf sighed, his face clearly said "I haven't slept for two days" he looked incredibly gloomy. "I've been trying to find you but it has been hard. Knowing what happened in that dungeon and all…"
"Yeah, sorry for delaying this too much." I apologized.
"Oh please don't apologize, it was all my idea after all." Saphaley sighed. "Though, are the tools done? I've prepared some good wood and carved tons of figures. Here."
Saphaley opened a bag he was carrying, showing us tons of figures. They looked gorgeous, almost life-like. He made one of Furoh on his Fenrir form, one of me, another of Aquarina, one of Zack, one of my father and Shade, and then several dozens of Elphiette in all sorts of different dresses.
"You sure love her; you've made her into so many styles!" Aquarina was shocked. "Oh! Can I keep Sylphy's figure?"
"S-Sure." Saphaley nodded. "A-Are they that good?!"
"Of course they are! They're almost life-like! I can't believe you're so good at this Saphaley!" I was amazed. "Honestly, how did you do it?"
"I just… began remembering the shapes of people I've seen, and then my hands moved on their own. The details of their living expressions, the brightness of people's eyes. The beauty of Elphiette's long hair and her lips…" Saphaley sighed. "I still can't believe she likes me. Are you sure?! Maybe it is a misunderstanding and she just appreciates me as a friend…"
"She has been into you for many years." Aquarina facepalmed.
"Yep, we are girls so we can easily tell." I said while nodding.
"Well, alright…" Saphaley sighed. "I just have terrible self-esteem, I suppose…"
"Yeah, now let's get those materials done." I said.
D i n g!
[A New [Special Quest] has been generated: [Create the Magical Wood Carving Tools for Saphaley!]
[Saphaley has finally showed up in front of you, concerned about what's been happening with you lately. Now that you're finally back home, how about you get done the wood carving tools you promised him to make? Hurry up before it is too late! Elphiette is already feeling strange that her friend hasn't talked with her for a while…]
[Completion Rewards: [50000 EXP] [25000 Shared EXP] [???] x1]
[Time Limit: 6 Hours.]
O h, even a new Quest surged, huh.
We quickly made our way back home, evading the pretty guard Elphiette who was standing there in front of the house's walls, wondering where her partner has been lately. We circled the residence and jumped using Furoh's help, then, we reached my atelier and got to work.
I put the wood carving tools inside the Alchemy Cauldron without even much thought, added some materials here and there, and…
P O O O O F!
D i n g!
[You've created [Magical Wood Carving Tools Set (B Grade)] x1!]
[You've earned 2500 Alchemy Skill Proficiency.]
"Here!" I gave Saphaley the whole set. "They are imbued with spiritual magic and magical runes, so whatever you carve with these will result even more beautiful, mystical, and might even possess special magical effects, such as working as a charm that can keep someone safe or enchant their magic power or enhance their mana regeneration speed."
"A-Amazing…" Saphaley felt surprised. "Thank you so much, young lady!"
D i n g!
[You have Completed the [Special Quest]: [Create the Magical Wood Carving Tools for Saphaley!]
[Well done! Now Saphaley got the tools and the only thing he needs is to make some beautiful wood carvings. It is all up to him, isn't it? Now let's see this story unfold.]
[You have received bonus rewards for having completed the quest in less than 3 hours.]
[Completion Rewards: [75000 EXP] [45000 Shared EXP] [Saphaley's Warrior Badge (D Grade)] x1]
Oh, I got a Badge? Is it like an accessory item? Interesting, it does indeed give some bonuses when equipped. Badges can be equipped anywhere too.
"Hahhh… I am ready to… Ugh…"
However, before Saphaley could even begin moving, he dropped half-dead over the floor.
"Agggh…"
"Eh?! Saphaley?!" I quickly ran to his side, using Heavenly Eyes to analyze him.
"What's wrong with him? Is he too tired, maybe?" Aquarina wondered.
D i n g!
[Saphaley hasn't slept for more than two days and hasn't eaten in more than two days.]
[Because he has been wood carving all this time without doing anything else, his body is under extreme fatigue and exhaustion…]
"He's really too tired. Hey, did you really just stayed that much time without eating or sleeping?" I sighed.
"I-I… I wanted to improve for Elphiette…" Saphaley sighed. "Ungh…"
"Maybe we'll have to make him something so he can recover." Aquarina said, pitying him.
"Yeah, I guess…" I nodded.
D i n g!
[A New [Special Quest] has been generated: [Heal Saphaley's Extreme Fatigue and Exhaustion]!]
-----