When Ren Isana and the others arrived at Maya's shop, their attention was immediately drawn to that Dimensional Rift passage. Was this passage completely open to the public?
What kind of world was on the other side? Ren Isana suddenly became curious. Perhaps he really should take some time to learn about the various worlds connected by the Dimensional Rift on Nexus Island.
Asuna and the others also looked at the Dimensional Rift with inquisitive gazes, curiosity flashing in their eyes as well.
However, the group didn't dwell on it for long. After a few lingering glances, they entered Maya's weapon shop together. As soon as they stepped inside, they were greeted by the sight of various weapons displayed on the counters.
The front was dedicated to weapon displays, while the back served as the area for repairs and forging. Quite a few blacksmiths could be seen busy at work within.
In addition, there was a reception lounge where several customers were waiting for their commissions to be finished. It was clear that Maya's business was doing exceptionally well. Maya herself was there, though she was currently in her office.
As soon as the group entered, a shop assistant approached them and asked, "Is there anything I can help you with?"
Facing the young lady's inquiry, Ren Isana spoke directly. "We're here to see Maya. You go ahead with your work; don't worry about us."
After saying that, Ren Isana headed straight for Maya's office. The assistant was a bit surprised by his words. Maya? He was looking for the boss?
Seeing Ren Isana and the others walk confidently toward the manager's office, she didn't say anything further and silently returned to her post. These people were clearly close acquaintances of the owner.
Ren Isana and the others reached Maya's office and knocked. Only after a voice from inside granted permission did Ren open the door and walk in.
Seeing Ren Isana, Maya couldn't help but flash a smile. "That was fast. Tsubaki and the others are in the back; I'll take you over. Did the rest of the group not come?"
She stood up and walked out as she spoke. There was no need for formal pleasantries between them since they were all very familiar with each other. Aside from that, she cast a curious glance at Mahiru Shiina.
*Is this their new teammate? It looks like quite a few people joined that class, otherwise Ren Isana's team wouldn't have a newcomer.*
"I've already told them. I expect they'll be arriving shortly," Ren Isana explained. They had headed out first, while the others would likely take a bit longer.
Maya nodded and didn't pry further. Leading Ren Isana and the group, she arrived at the forging area in the back. At this moment, Tsubaki and members of the Hephaestus Familia were gathered together, busy with their work.
The moment she stepped inside, Mahiru Shiina began observing her surroundings with curiosity. Everything around her was fascinating.
Noticing the arrival of Ren Isana and the others, Tsubaki set down her work to offer a greeting. "Ren Isana, you're here! Just leave the weapons you want to reinforce. We'll handle them for you in a bit."
After saying that, she went back to her work. She was currently working on a custom weapon order, as their reputation had been steadily growing.
Consequently, many people were now willing to commission them for custom weapons. They didn't have to worry about the sales aspect; all they had to do was focus on their craft.
Maya's shop handled all the orders for them, which was quite a comfortable arrangement. Because of this, their smithing skills were skyrocketing.
"You stay focused on your work. I'm going to forge some equipment myself," Ren Isana told Tsubaki before getting busy. He wanted to get the weapons for Mahiru Shiina and Asagi Aiba ready first.
Tsubaki nodded without further comment and turned back to her own forge. Ren Isana found an unused furnace and began his work.
Seeing this, Asuna and the others didn't stay to disturb him. Instead, they followed Maya outside to chat, as they couldn't help with the forging process anyway.
Not long after Ren Isana started, the other classmates began arriving one after another. Everyone brought in their weapons and materials. Tsubaki and her team knew exactly what to do.
The reinforcement of existing equipment was left to Tsubaki and her crew, while Ren Isana focused exclusively on the new classmates' weapons. Ren spent the entire day working at Maya's shop.
Lunch was handled right there in the shop. It wasn't until the afternoon that Ren Isana finally finished forging weapons for everyone.
Those who received their weapons were overjoyed, including Sayaka Kirasaka. Her weapon had been reforged into a growth-type weapon, while maintaining its original appearance as a bow.
"Thanks, Class Rep! How much do I owe you? I'll transfer it to you right now!" Kojou Akatsuki looked at the weapon in his hand, a look of pleasant surprise in his eyes. It was a greatsword that Ren Isana had named [Tenma Shittsui].
He loved the sword immensely. With this weapon, he estimated his strength would increase significantly, so the joy on his face was impossible to hide.
"You'll have to ask Tsubaki about the cost of the reinforcements. As for the cost of the base weapons, there's no charge. This is a Hestia Familia benefit; everyone gets one," Ren Isana said, refusing their money.
After all, this was entirely a Familia benefit. Bell and Haruhime had received them when they joined, so there was no reason the new students shouldn't. As Class Rep, Ren Isana was very fair.
The new students were stunned to hear this. There was actually such a benefit? Asuna couldn't help but chime in, "Just accept it. Everyone gets a share, and it doesn't actually cost much money."
The materials were all obtained through their own hunts, and it only cost Ren Isana a bit of effort. This was nothing to him, as she knew better than anyone what his forging process was like.
The others also took turns explaining, and the realization finally dawned on the newcomers. They stopped mentioning payment, but they made sure to remember the favor.
Sometimes, a debt of gratitude is the hardest to repay. The weapons Ren Isana made for them weren't just ordinary gear; they were high-quality items that could be used for a lifetime, perhaps even becoming family heirlooms!
Everyone looked at the weapons in their hands, their faces filled with excitement. They were delighted with their new gear, knowing they only needed to keep reinforcing them in the future.
"Let's go, it's about time we headed back." Having finished everyone's weapons and seeing the sky growing dark, Ren didn't intend to stay longer. He signaled to the group and walked outside.
After saying goodbye to Maya, Ren Isana returned to the dorms with his classmates. Walking beside him, Asuna couldn't help but say, "The world linked to the rift in front of Maya's shop seems worth exploring. Should we go check it out some day?"
Hearing Asuna's suggestion, Ren Isana asked curiously, "What's the situation with that world? Have you looked into it? I haven't checked that one yet."
Based on her comment, Ren realized she must have gathered some information about it. He was curious to know what kind of world it was.
Asuna nodded and explained, "I got a brief overview while chatting with Maya earlier. It seems to be a medieval magic world, but because it's been connected to our side for a while, many things have started leaning toward modernization."
Ren Isana was surprised to hear this. A medieval magic world? He asked, "Is our current magic system derived from that world?"
Since it was a fully open world, it must have been one of the earliest ones they contacted. Their world's magic system was likely imported from other worlds after all.
"Exactly. Most of the [Magic] in our world comes from there. That world has beings like dragons and even gods," Asuna shared what she had learned today.
Ren Isana was even more surprised by her description. A world with dragons and gods? Could it be the world where Director Ken was injured?
If it was now fully open to the public, did that mean it had been completely brought under the rule of their world...
No, that wasn't right. It should be said to be within the scope of cooperation?
If it weren't for that, people wouldn't be allowed to move freely between the worlds.
"We'll go see it when we have time," Ren Isana said with a nod, making a mental note of that world. However, they didn't have time right now; classes were starting again on Monday.
Furthermore, their class might have special arrangements, and since no one knew the specifics yet, Ren Isana wouldn't lead everyone off on a whim.
The group returned to school. For the remaining time, no one went out; they stayed in their dorms to read. They had been sent to a different world shortly after receiving their books, after all.
Now that classes were resuming, they naturally needed to catch up on their studies. Although the teaching was just beginning, self-study and review were still necessary.
Asuna took advantage of the opportunity to spend the weekend in Ren Isana's dorm. Unfortunately, Asuna was quite shy, and so far, the two of them had only progressed as far as holding hands.
The few days of vacation passed quickly, and Monday morning officially arrived. Ren Isana and the others finally began their university courses in earnest.
Aside from some courses held in their own classroom, they spent the rest of their time separated, heading to the specific classrooms for the subjects they were studying.
Since each classroom taught a different type of [Magic], some courses would span several periods. The timetable didn't list subjects, but rather the names of specific spells.
If you wanted to learn a spell, you could go listen to the lecture. If not, you could simply choose a different one. There was always one that would suit you. Every day, from the first period in the morning to the third, the usage of a [Magic] spell would be broken down. You didn't have to worry about missing anything.
Ren Isana chose a few spells he was interested in to study. However, he learned them quite quickly; essentially, after listening to the first lecture, his observational ability allowed him to master them immediately.