*****

After the King commissioned me to craft a Magic Item, I found myself in Master Clein's workshop, working on an arrow alongside Leon.

This particular item was created by deploying both Formation and Enchantment fields simultaneously, all while consuming a Sacred Mana Stone.

And that item was—

「It's done! This might actually be the Arrow of Banishing...!」

「No, that's a Holy Arrow. It's the kind that's super effective against the undead.」

Leon shot me down with a bright, cheerful smile.

Even if Obaba-sama recognized my potential, and even if the King had high hopes for me, the reality of being an apprentice alchemist was still just that. If making Magic Items were that easy, nobody would ever struggle with it.

Still, couldn't a girl dream a little? It's not like I wasn't feeling the pressure just like any normal person would.

「That makes five that turned out to be Holy Arrows. And I've even been tweaking the flow of mana slightly with each Enchantment...」

「That tweak is actually making a difference in the quality! Look, see? The one you just made is by far the best Holy Arrow yet!」

「...Thank you!」

Being flattered by someone as pure and innocent as Leon made it impossible to pout. Even a little compliment like that made me genuinely happy.

Since Leon was sticking by my side and coaching me through it—especially since I'd only just picked up the Enchantment skill—we were actually having a pretty good time working together despite everything.

Of course, my mentor, Master Clein, was also pitching in. He kept an eye on my alchemy while flipping through books to research how to make the Arrow of Banishing.

「Mia, you are severely lacking in Enchantment experience. Trial and error is fine, but simply repeating the process over and over is a valid approach as well.」

「Got it! In that case, I'll just follow my instincts and see what happens!」

With Master Clein's encouragement, I decided to let my instincts take the wheel and kept using my alchemy.

Normally, you have to think things through carefully to make the item you actually want. Mindlessly throwing alchemy at the wall to see what sticks is the absolute height of stupidity.

But this time, we were dealing with a legendary Magic Item where everything from the materials to the recipe was a total mystery.

Rather than sitting around overthinking it and getting nowhere, building up my Enchantment experience opened up way more possibilities. I needed to find a breakthrough to crafting a Magic Item first.

(Even if I resorted to Sacred Alchemy, trying to use it without knowing how to make the item would just take a massive toll on my body.)

The only reason I could work with such a relaxed attitude was because our little workshop was small and filled with a warm, cozy atmosphere.

Nobody would get mad if things didn't work out or if I failed. They were all just genuinely supportive and cared about me.

「I can understand why Obaba expects so much from you, but there is no need to push yourself to the breaking point. Keep giving up as a valid option.」

「I agree. Demanding that someone develop a Magic Item on the spot is a ridiculously absurd request that no Court Alchemist could pull off.」

I was incredibly grateful to have them both in my corner. Then again, the reality was that I only got stuck with this Magic Item commission because Obaba-sama had given up on those exact two.

Not that I doubted their sincerity, but I definitely needed to make absolutely sure about one thing.

「So, if we have to report to the King that the commission failed, you'll both come with me, right?」

「Of course. His Majesty must know deep down that he made an unreasonable request. Even if we give up, I doubt he would treat us harshly.」

It looked like he really had my back. We were starting to feel like a proper master and apprentice, which made me kinda happy.

(...Though in a *proper* master-apprentice relationship, the assistant wouldn't be the one tasked with making a legendary Magic Item.)

「Well, I'll give it a shot for now. I should probably save face for Obaba-sama, and honestly, I do want to try.」

Strictly speaking, this was a national crisis that could shake the entire kingdom, so I probably should have been taking it way more seriously. Still, it wasn't the kind of burden an apprentice alchemist like me should be shouldering all alone.

Normally, someone with actual accountability should be handling this. Besides, the King probably figured it'd just be a nice bonus if I actually succeeded.

The only ones placing any real expectations on me were Obaba-sama and my two workshop companions.

「Given what happened with the EX-Potions, I believe the possibility is not zero. Feel free to experiment to your heart's content.」

「I'll help out as much as I can too.」

Failing to craft a Magic Item was the default expectation anyway, so there was no need to worry about getting scolded. I didn't know how much I could deliver, but I might as well give it everything I had.

「Got it. Thanks, you guys!」

Eager to find any clue that might lead to crafting a Magic Item, I deployed both Enchantment and Formation fields simultaneously, continuing my attempt to craft the Arrow of Banishing.

*****

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