Chapter 76: Slowly Completing Our Mission

That night I somehow managed to pass out relatively easily, the pains and chills in my arm gradually fading as I basked in Cameia's warmth.

Even though I feared that she may try something, it seems that she truly has little idea about anything, as even though she showed physical reactions to me, she made no move to ease her 'pains'.

Of course, it could have also been out of consideration for me being wounded, but I was going to trust my intuition on this...

After all, I have enough experience to be able to piece something together based on what I know.

The next morning was awkward though, as Cameia had no problems showing off her 'morning might' to us three, making Anko chortle and Kurenai purse her lips.

As for me...

Well, I could feel a slight twinge from deep inside, but I did everything I could to take my eyes and mind off of it as best I could.

I managed to convince Kurenai that I wasn't so broken and fragile that I couldn't cook, so I found myself slicing the venison we had into thin strips before chopping up the scallions, mushrooms, and other vegetables and spices for a good stir fry.

Anko and Cameia sat quietly at the table, sharpening their blades as they watched us, the lust radiating off them making Kurenai and I gulp.

Finishing up breakfast, I led the three women out towards Dragaia's smithy, the busty smith frowning again as she saw Anko, Kurenai, AND Cameia behind me.

Pouting slightly, Dragaia sighed in defeat as she murmured "Well, guess I lost then."

Chuckling, I rolled my eyes at her before saying "Dragaia, we were promised a weapon each when we hunted and killed the Basan, so we came to make true of that promise."

The smith nodded, her eyes turning serious as she opened her door wider.

"Come in, then let me know what each of you wants. Of course, if it's crazy then I'll decline."

Sitting at the table, I let the other two go first, mulling over what I wanted.

Kurenai nodded to Dragaia, listing our her request.

"Could you make an exact replica of this, but in that metal?"

Kurenai placed a kunai on the table, making Dragaia chuckle.

"Aye, that's simple enough. Are you sure though?"

Nodding, Kurenai smiled wryly as she scratched her cheek.

"To be honest, I fight with my illusions more than a blade. But if I do, I use these."

"Very well, I can understand relying on something simple and reliable."

Turning towards Anko, Dragaia narrowed her eyes as she met the smirking, triumphant gaze of Anko.

"Make me a club, about this big, and inscribe it with those runes you have on Kokoro's blade."

Anko held out her hands, measuring out around a foot and a half.

"What kind of club? Rounded head, straight, what?"

Dragaia leaned forwards, and Anko explained it more in depth, making the smith give her a begrudging nod.

"Well, at least it'll be a challenge. Now, Kokoro, what'll it be?"

I pursed my lips, thinking for a moment.

I had my sword back, and from the little I've used it, I really liked it.

Light, balanced, and incredibly sharp.

However, what else could I want..?

Sighing, I thought for a few more moments before nodding to myself.

"Could you forge a blade exactly like the one you gave me, but half the size?"

Dragia nodded again, smirking as she said "You want a matching set?"

"Yeah, I usually prefer using only one blade, but if I need to I can use two."

"Alright. Anything else?"

Dragaia looked us over, her eyes falling on Cameia for a moment.

"Actually, we have a lot of bones to trade for some metal."

Placing the scroll on the table, Dragaia unfurled it and started sorting through the bones of the Rock Deer, nodding to herself as she studied each one.

"You want ingots for this, right?"

"Yes please."

Getting up, Dragaia walked over towards the large stack of blue-grey metal in the corner, and she lifted a couple.

Each ingot was about three inches wide, two inches tall, and six inches long.

She placed twelve ingots on the table, and I looked over at Cameia to make sure.

Seeing that, Dragaia clicked her tongue in displeasure, especially when Cameia nodded back to me, confirming it was the right amount.

"I've been ripped off too many times, Dragaia. Better to make sure and offend someone than to be made an idiot."

She sighed, nodding.

"Well, if you want more you need to cough up some more bones, pelts, skulls, or meats."

"We'll be back in a few days..."

Nodding again, Dragaia got up, gesturing to the door.

"Your blades'll be ready in at least three days. So, until then..."

Waving to us, she close the door as we exited, and we made our way back towards the house.

Entering, I fell back into a chair in the kitchen, sighing as I gently massaged my numb right arm.

Hah... this was getting annoying to deal with...

Pursing my lips, I groaned slightly as I felt Anko lay her hands on my shoulders, gently massaging them.

Closing my eyes, I enjoyed her careful administrations, before looking over at Kurenai as she said "Should Cameia and I go out hunting today?"

"Mmm~ No, all three of you go... I'm tired, so..."

Yawning, I closed my eyes again, groaning in displeasure as Anko removed her hands a few minutes later.

Getting up, I stretched myself out, walking towards the bedroom.

"Well, have fun..."

Without waiting for a reply I entered the bedroom, plopping onto the bed with a moan as the soft mattress enveloped my body.

Pulling the blankets over me, I nuzzled into the warm sheets before closing my eyes again, ready for a good nap.

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Shorter again, sorry, but I wanted something out, and I have an idea for next chapter, which should hopefully be longer.

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