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

CHAPTER 199: Tiphanna Eryndoril - The Elven Blacksmith

Both women stood in stunned silence.

Finally, the elf's gaze flickered back down to the dagger, her mind racing. These weapons are rudimentary at best—how has he managed to survive with these for so long? And to slay a creature as formidable as an Armored Arachnid... could he be some kind of monster himself?

Monster.

As the unsavory word lingered in her mind, her thoughts spiraled back to the eerie glow of his golden eyes behind the black mask. Last night, when faced with that dark specter, any other decision could have cost her dearly. The weight of that reality sent a chill down her spine.

Her relieved laughter now felt like a mistake. At any moment, he could revert to the fiend who had threatened her life. It was crucial they stayed in his good graces.

"...My name is Tiphanna," the elf introduced herself with as much sincerity as she could muster. "Tiphanna Eryndoril, and this is my assistant, Josephine."

The clerk bowed her head politely, feeling regretful for even remotely contemplating attacking him earlier.

"My name is Haxks."

"Haxks... I owe you an apology," Tiphanna said, her voice heavy with regret. "I shouldn't have dismissed your request so abruptly. I've been consumed with worry... it's difficult to focus on blacksmithing when those children need me." Her delicate brows furrowed in distress.

Josephine lowered her gaze, clearly ashamed.

"There's no need to apologize," Daisuke replied with a quiet understanding. "I've been in similar situations more times than I care to admit, so I get it.

Rest assured," he continued, his eyes gleaming with genuine resolve. "I'll help you rescue the children. We'll see it through. However, once we've done that, I need your word that you'll hold up your end of the bargain."

Daisuke's expression shifted, his eyes darkening with a hint of urgency... and danger. "Believe it or not, something dark and sinister is taking shape in the kingdom right now. The effort that you invest into making these weapons, Tiphanna Eryndoril... will largely determine whether this kingdom stays afloat or crumbles."

Both women exchanged uneasy glances before nodding in agreement. Then Tiphanna turned and started heading toward the back of the shop "Follow me," she muttered, then her pear green eyes half-lidded in contemplation.

Even if his claim about the state of the kingdom is false, it still wouldn't be in our best interest to defy him. Besides, I don't see how this arrangement is to our disadvantage—he's clearly powerful, which increases our chances of freeing the children. And, from what I can tell, I'll get the chance to work with some rare materials.

"So," Daisuke murmured, his gaze shifting to the rune-etched key as he followed her around the counter. "What was your plan for the key? Was it meant to unlock the mysterious door to get to the children?"

Tiphanna nodded, her lips curving into a confident smile. "Exactly. That door has been my greatest hurdle. I forged the key with runes designed to dismantle the magic seal placed on it. It's the only way I could think to get through."

A muscle twitched in Daisuke's jaw. That door's definitely a hassle. Even with the Eye of Verity, I could barely make out anything inside that building. I caught glimpses of the children, but who knows what else is lurking in there.

Daisuke's thoughts trailed off as he stepped into the workshop. The moment he crossed the threshold, he was met with an overwhelming sense of order—everything had its place, every tool meticulously arranged, and not a single speck of dust dared to settle on the polished surfaces.