"Yes, that's what I'm truly worried about." Karin sighed softly. "You must have seen it before, he used Midair Spinning Blade Dance with a Sword and Shield.
The length, weight, and center of gravity of the Dual Blades were all repeatedly modified and adjusted specifically for Demon Mode and Blade Dance before their design was finalized.
If you asked me to activate Demon Mode with a Sword and Shield, I could do it. But if you asked me to perform Midair Spinning Blade Dance with a Sword and Shield, I might twist my back or even slice off my own wrist."
Joda, also a Dual Blades user, nodded. He finally understood why Karin was always so worried about Altaïr.
"Then why did you suddenly decide to leave?"
Karin gave a somewhat strained smile. "Because I suddenly realized that he's truly grown up.
He's been promoted to 1★, become an official hunter, and gained the ability to stand on his own. If I were to forbid him from going where he wants or doing what he wants, he might still listen to me now.
But will he listen forever?
Not to mention, I can't even be sure if the advice I give him is right or wrong.
The Guild Master also reminded me that if I keep managing him like this, the boy might even turn to extremes. I..."
Karin's shoulders slumped in a display of helplessness. "Perhaps the one being held back isn't me, but him. It might be time to let go."
Joda gave Karin a sympathetic look.
He had a child of his own, not two years younger than Altaïr, who was always running around foolishly.
He was a mediocre child, not suited to be a hunter, nor a scholar or merchant. He would most likely find a stable job and live a peaceful, steady life.
Altaïr was far more outstanding than his child, but at the same time, he had to face and endure so much more.
"Is there anything I can help with?" Joda asked.
"He promised me back then that he wouldn't use any weapon other than the Sword and Shield until I gave him permission.
The reason I placed this restriction was that the Sword and Shield is the most balanced, easiest to master, and safest of all weapons. I thought it might protect him from the harm of his 'self.'
But now, perhaps the time has come to lift this ban."
At this, Karin placed her hands on her thighs, lowering her shoulders and head. "Please, help me pass on a message to him.
Ask your heart three times. If the answer is 'yes' every time, then do whatever you want to do. Your teacher will always support you.
Here is the key to the house. After your teacher leaves, you must take good care of yourself."
"Why not tell him in person?" Joda asked, a little puzzled. "Aren't you going to see him one last time to say goodbye before you leave Loc Lac?"
"No." Karin stood up and bowed deeply again. "That boy's personality is just like mine; we're not used to this sort of thing.
Whether it's sentiments or complaints, let's save them for when we meet again in the future."
—--
After being led to the Rangers' warehouse and changing into a brand-new set of Ranger's Armor, Altaïr turned around, moved his arms, and stretched his legs, finding it to be a good fit.
This armor set was a type of light armor that prioritized dexterity, so it didn't hinder his movements. He liked it a lot.
"Does anything need adjusting?" the craftsman at his side asked.
Altaïr took a moment to feel it out. "The abdomen and the belt, could you tighten them a little? About two centimeters."
"Of course."
An adjustment of this degree was simple. The craftsman didn't even have him take off the gear, completing the task just by readjusting the straps.
"Thank you very much." After offering his sincere thanks, Altaïr walked out of the storeroom.
"Whew-whew!" Resha, who had been waiting outside, whistled as she looked him over a few times. "You look really...!"
"Really what?"
"Really, really like one of the Loc Lac Rangers!"
"..."
"Just kidding! Don't be so serious, little brother Altaïr!" Resha said with a grin. "Need a weapon? Though all the Rangers can provide are the initial ore-based weapons, just like that Hunter's Dagger you're using now.
But if you want to use other weapon types, we can provide those too, you know. Like Dual Blades or something.
Sajji just told me everything. You know how to use Dual Blades, right?"
Altaïr hesitated for a second before shaking his head. "No, thank you. I don't plan on changing weapons for the time being."
"Alright, suit yourself.
Speaking of weapons, though, I have a question."
"What question?"
"Boss Joda is a Dual Blades user, correct? And you, Miss Resha, use a Hunter's Bow."
"I told you to stop using those honorifics!" Resha shot Altaïr a dissatisfied look. "That's right, Boss Joda's specialty is the Dual Blades. The boss has a five-star hunter's license and once hunted a Diablos all by himself. Pretty strong, right?
As for me, I actually started out with Dual Blades too, but I later felt they weren't for me, so I switched to the Bow."
"A swordsman switching to a gunner... you, that's quite a big change."
"Ah, well, my mom was in the Loc Lac Rangers when she was young, and she used Dual Blades, so she forced me to learn a little.
It was only after I tried out ranged weapons that I discovered I really prefer that 'whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!' feeling, so I switched!
Right, you said you had a question. What was it?"
If she hadn't brought it up, Altaïr himself would have almost forgotten the question. "Including Boss Joda and you, Miss Resha, all the members of the Loc Lac Rangers I've seen in the past seem to use light weapons.
Things like Dual Blades, Sword and Shield, Light Bowguns, and Bows. I've rarely even seen a Long Sword, and I've never once seen a Great Sword or a Gunlance.
Is it because the Loc Lac Rangers have restrictions on the weapon types its members can use?"
"Uh, that question... there aren't any restrictions, really, but there is the issue of suitability," Resha explained. "Let's take the emergency you went through this morning as an example.
It was very appropriate for you to take care of that Monster with a Sword and Shield on a crowded street full of stalls. But imagine if you had a Great Sword, or even a Gunlance. Can you picture that scene?
It would turn into one of those 'What exactly did you protect?!' situations."
"I see..."
"However, the Loc Lac Rangers do have heavy weapon users. But most of those muscle-bound brothers and sisters don't participate in the daily patrols within the city.
You're planning to take on more subjugation-type quests later, right? They're in charge of that area too. They're all a bunch of hearty and frank people, so you'll have plenty of chances to deal with them in the future."
Altaïr nodded in understanding.
"You're all geared up, so now I'll take you to the dorms. I should warn you in advance, don't get your hopes up about the accommodations. After all, they're just dorms.
Oh, right, there's one more thing I almost forgot to tell you." Resha suddenly turned around. "You're not used to wearing a helmet, are you?"
"Yeah, that's right." Altaïr didn't try to hide it.
"You'd better get used to it. When you're on duty, you must remember to wear the matching straw hat." As Resha spoke, she pulled on her own face scarf, leaving only her eyes visible.
"The Loc Lac Rangers are an official organization with some law enforcement duties, so it's necessary to maintain a certain air of authority and mystery.
The blademaster set has the straw hat, and even though it's inconvenient for us gunners, we still have to wear face scarves. When you're on the job, don't just chat with passersby. Be serious, you have to be serious, understand?"
Sajji glanced sideways at her. "You're not the one who should be teaching Altaïr that, meow. It'd be great if you could just pay attention to it yourself, meow."
"It's for symbolic reasons. I understand. I won't be willful."
Altaïr placed the straw hat on his head and pressed down on the brim, letting the shadow cover his face.