In the months leading up to the new year, Haruki and Suzu were together every day, training and solidifying their skills.

They had quickly become something close to lovers, but Haruki stayed firmly reluctant to do anything too 'physical' while they were technically minors. After much pouting and nagging, he finally gave up a little ground.

“Let's aim to graduate first. By then, we will both be considered adults... After that, ok?”

Sulking slightly, she eventually agreed. The thought of spending the next few years by his side was enough to fill her with a fiery joy, so she was content for now.

“What if they ask at the academy?” she asked, blushing.

“Let's just say we're due to be wed. That should stop any annoyances.” he casually replied.

“Nn...”

A pink atmosphere filled Haruki's room as they sat, enjoying the silence.

With a crash and a cackle, Ayako burst into their room.

“Dinner's ready. Was I interrupting anything good?”

“Okaa-san...”

“I don't mind if you're 3 minutes late...”

After exchanging a pained glance, the two followed her down to eat.

“Ahh, Haruki my boy, come here a moment!” Ketrel got up from the dinner table, dragged him into the living room like a ragdoll. Today was their last night at home.

“Tomorrow, you will start your journey into the world as a man. But a man can't protect what he must with cheap iron weapons.”

With a swish, he pulled off a cloth that was covering a nearby table. Glistening on the table sat a dagger, a rapier and a long-sword. Haruki was almost afraid to touch them, each weapon was bordering on a work of art.

First, he pulled out the dagger. The blade was a pitch black colour.

'Some type of Obsidian?'

The blade ended in a sharp, sturdy point for penetrating armour, while the spine of the blade had vicious serrated cutouts for rending flesh. The handle was wrapped simply, but neatly, in a soft black material that turned slightly sticky as it absorbed liquid.

The Rapier was on the thicker side with a large ornate hand-guard made from dense, sparkling black bone . The long, flexible blade had small runes carved along the spine, glowing gently with a shadowy purple hue.

Finally, the long-sword. It was also forged with a similar material and style, but the handle was significantly more ornate. Gold filigree wrapped the handle and sheath,while the basic design of the guard added a contrasting simplistic elegance, completing the ceremonial look. A pulsating orb shone a dim orange from inside the pommel.

Staring down at the weapons, Haruki's mouth had been hanging open the whole time. Ketrel roared with pleasure, seeing him speechless.

“Old Nito owed me some favours, so I forced... I mean asked him gently to make you some quality weapons. No son of mine will go to the academy with old goods! After dinner, make sure you learn their qualities! Come now, let's eat!”

Haruki, still slightly in shock, bowed low. “Otou-san. Thank you for everything.”

Ketrel simply belted out another round of raucous laughter, slapping him mightily on the shoulder.

Crash!

“Ketrel dear, please don't use barbarian level strength in the house, 'kay?” Ayako peered around the corner, with a demon materializing behind her.

'How the hell are these women even doing that!?'

“Dinner's ready, come and get it!” Ayako followed up, instantly turning as sweet as sugar. Haruki and Ketrel looked at each other and shivered.

“Scary” x2

After dinner, Haruki hurried off to inspect his new weapons:

“Inspect”

Obsidian Demon Dagger (75/75) (Rare)

30-40 physical damage

Fast attack speed

45% armour penetration

Can cause serious bleeding with the

correct technique.

Stats locked until level 15 (Identified)

+100 dexterity

+50 strength

+2% attack speed

+2% to cause a deadly wound.

If the blade is pulled backwards through

flesh, it will rip open a horrifying wound

causing profound bleeding.

Made from rare Obsidian Demon bones.

Obsidian Demon Long-Sword (75/75) (Rare)

45- 79 physical damage

Average attack speed

15% armour penetration

Stats locked until level 15 (Identified)

+100 strength

+50 dexterity

+2% on attack to cover the blade in demonic

flames, spreading fire with every hit.

Lasts for 2 minutes.

Part of an Obsidian Demon's elemental core

is embedded in the blade. A durable and

effective blade, crafted by Nito.

Obsidian Demon Rapier (Unique)

30-50 physical damage

Fast attack speed

5% armour penetration

Stats locked until level 15 (Identified)

+200 dexterity

+20 strength

+5% attack speed

+Indestructible

Engraved: Rune of the Dark Ones.

Striking an enemy will absorb

a small amount of blood.

When enough is absorbed,

the weapon will evolve,

becoming slightly stronger.

Level 1 - 0%

Crafted using an unknown technique,

it pulses with a dark energy.

Crafted by the skilled smith, Nito.

Haruki's mind lurched to a halt.

'How much did Nito owe my father!? These weapons are insane compared my old trash!'

Originally, he had planned on using a long-sword until he could find someone to train him in rapiers, but now that he had all 3 weapons before him, his plans changed.

'I'll train with all 3, a rapier isn't effective against a tank, after all...'

Attaching the rapier and dagger to his belt, he looked towards the long-sword with a puzzled expression.

'If I buy a harness, keeping it on my back would be fine. I only need it for heavy armour and it's not like I need to wear backpacks...'

Even though Haruki couldn't use the stats on the weapons yet, he was drooling with anticipation.