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"You could have bought better ones," Mengdie remarked, weighing the nearly empty purse in her hand as they left the magic shop.
Xiu shook his head, leaning on his staff, quietly following the group.
At the equipment store, Mengdie first bought Nia a light leather armor for close-fitting wear. Then it was time to choose a sword for Edward.
"Alright, Edward, we have... 127 Sulas left. You can look around and try some swords to see which one feels right."
Edward browsed the weapon store, testing various great swords and weapons recommended by the shopkeeper. After some swinging, his gaze locked onto a plain, black great sword hanging on the wall.
The sword was unadorned, its black body unassuming, almost as if it hadn't been fully forged from the furnace. The hilt was wrapped in ragged cloth, seemingly worn from use.
Edward picked up the sword, and a look of surprise and joy instantly lit up his face.
"Nia, let's step back," Mengdie said, pulling her back. Before Nia could process why, the massive black blade was already swinging down fiercely! As it nearly touched the ground, the air around seemed to burst apart from the pressure.
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Edward swung the black blade with increasing excitement, creating streaks of black light. The sword's movements became more fluid, generating fierce winds inside the store, far from the hesitancy and fear he showed in the fight with Mengdie.
"It's perfect! Just like my old sword! I'm taking this one, Mengdie!"
"You seem in great form. Even stronger than when we first met," Mengdie observed.
Edward, ecstatic with his new 'toy,' swung the sword continuously, nearly grazing the store's other merchandise. The shopkeeper, anxious to intervene but unable to approach Edward, watched in horror.
To the shopkeeper's surprise, instead of the imposing man, the seemingly frail girl, Mengdie, approached to pay.
"How much for this sword?"
The shopkeeper, still in shock, barely responded. "The obsidian sword? 120 Sulas."
Mengdie frowned, thinking about the price relative to the magic fragments she bought, but decided it was worth it since Edward liked it. She paid, leaving them with only 7 Sulas – not enough for new armor for Edward. However, Edward didn't seem to mind; he was too engrossed in his new sword, repeatedly drawing and sheathing it.
With Edward unconcerned, the group set sail as soon as the martial law was lifted, joining the fleet heading towards the opposite shore of Lake Missouriwa.
※※※
The journey from the island to Mave City took about three hours. The pleasant afternoon weather on the lake lifted Mengdie's spirits.
"You seem in a good mood," Xiu commented, standing behind her.
Mengdie didn't turn around, just smiled softly. Suddenly, a gust of wind blew her hair about. She hurriedly tried to tame her long hair, but the enticing fragrance had already spread with the wind.
Xiu watched the girl fussing over her hair, then took out a sapphire blue ribbon and offered it to her.
"Here, Mengdie, use this."
Mengdie accepted the ribbon, smiling at Xiu. She gathered her hair and tied it neatly with the ribbon, finally taming her loose hair.
Xiu stood beside Mengdie, both admiring the lake view. Birds circled overhead, as if seeing off the fleet.
"Mengdie, I'm curious, why are you traveling with that prince? You don’t seem to be... in a special relationship."
Mengdie paused, contemplating whether to reveal Edward's quest for the King's Cup. Deciding against it, she changed the topic.
"What about you? You’re a magic apprentice, so why delve into science?"
Xiu laughed. "Ah, Mengdie, you don't understand. I didn't become a magic apprentice to learn magic but to determine which is more suitable for this world – science or magic."
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