Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended [Part Two]

CHAPTER 199: Tiphanna Eryndoril - The Elven Blacksmith

"On the contrary," Daisuke said coolly, his eyes glinting with the sharpness of a devil about to broker a deal. "If you agree to my request," he paused, letting the weight of his words settle, "I'll help you free the elves."

"...!"

"...!"

Daisuke's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Looks like I was right."

"H-How could you possibly know about the elves?" she asked incredulously. "The guards outsourced from the guild aren't permitted beyond the outer courtyard—so how did you—"

Daisuke frowned expectantly.

"Ah—" the woman caught herself, shutting her mouth as realization dawned. I didn't escape last night... Her lips pressed into a tense line. He let me go after linking the runes to the dagger. If he overpowered me that easily... who knows what else he's capable of?

"So?" The elf folded her arms across her chest, a feigned display of composure. "You mentioned being willing to help if I agreed to your request. What is it?"

The clerk swallowed, her nerves on edge. She couldn't shake the image of the silver-haired boy with devil horns and a tail. And then, her mind wandered further—to her boss, bound and gagged in her birthday suit while being deliciously teased and tormented, her stern personality giving way to utter subservience. Swaying breasts, enticing curves, smooth slopes and surfaces—her silky white skin flushed under the sting of a leather flogger.

The girl quickly pushed the fantasy—thought aside, refocusing as the boy opened his mouth to utter his vile demands, his voice cold and demanding.

Daisuke inhaled, his lips parting. "I want you to..."

Both women leaned forward in anticipation—Josephine's eagerness verging on something almost improper. "To?" they prompted in unison.

"MAKE. ME. NEW. WEAPONS!!" Daisuke bellowed in distress. "I've been stuck with these two lousy daggers since the beginning of time! I'm thankful for the trials they've helped me survive, but it's beyond time for an upgrade!"

"..."

"..."

Silence stretched.

Then—

"Pff," the elf tittered, and before long, she was laughing uncontrollably, clutching her stomach and shaking with the force of it. Even the clerk couldn't hold back a smile, her lips curling at the unexpected turn.

The elf wiped away a tear when the laughter subsided. "I thought you were going to demand my father's dagger or even try to take over the shop as payment for your help... but all you want is for me to craft you new weapons? Well, I can certainly do that."

Daisuke shot the girl a glowering look. "You'd understand my frustration if you fought half the monsters I have with these things," he muttered, a touch of petulance in his tone as he summoned the daggers.

Both women began inspecting the weapons.

"Just yesterday, I had to take down an Armored Arachnid with these," he added with a grim frown.

The humor in the room evaporated instantly, and both women felt the color drain from their faces.

The elven blacksmith scrutinized the Lipanthyer's Fang, noting the numerous dings and scratches on the blade, the telltale signs of extended combat with tough opponents. "You...you fought an Armored Arachnid with this dagger?" she asked, incredulity in her voice.

Josephine offered a nervous, awkward smile. "But surely your party members helped, right? With better weapons?"

Daisuke raised an eyebrow, his expression weary. "Party?" he muttered, shaking his head. "What're you talking about? I said I defeated the Armored Arachnid with these daggers. That means I did it on my own."