Dawn found Adam exercising, not at the usual mansion but at Bill's forge workshop.
Thanks to Bill's hospitality, the party had avoided staying at an inn. Yet while this solved their accommodation needs, the location proved less than ideal for his companions.
The reason? The constant, deafening noise!
Bill lived up to his reputation as a famous blacksmith — one might even call him the "Iron-Pumping Maniac."
He would work late into the night, hammering away at raw iron by the forge fire. Come morning, he'd be up before even Adam, already back at his craft.
The dedication of a blacksmith was truly something else.
"Adam... good morning." Aqua emerged from her room half-asleep and, spotting him, wrapped him in a hug despite his ongoing morning practice.
"Good morning." Adam sheathed his sword and looked down at her, "What's wrong, Aqua?"
"It's so noisy, I couldn't sleep well last night."
"Please bear with it a little longer. We're fortunate to have a place to stay, so let's not complain."
"How mean..." She pouted dejectedly.
Better to ignore her unspoken request before she could voice it.
They had endured worse conditions in the stables before. She could manage this a while longer — at least until the mansion's reconstruction was complete.
Their finances demanded it. Between the mansion's reconstruction, rare ingredients, and winter supplies, they faced substantial expenses.
The mansion's explosion and collapse had destroyed all their clothes and daily necessities, requiring complete replacement.
Their party savings were dwindling rapidly with all these expenses.
"To think that I, a goddess, have to live in a place ..."
Though clearly dissatisfied, Aqua accepted the situation once she understood their predicament and returned to catch more sleep.
Just then, the other party members emerged.
"Good morning, Adam-senpai."
"Adam, good morning."
"Aqua, Adam, good morning."
Noting their weary expressions, he greeted them back, "Good morning, Kazuma-kun, Darkness, Megumin. You're all up early today."
"Well, we couldn't sleep." Megumin stretched and rubbed her sleepy eyes groggily, "Between the unfamiliar bed and the hammering all night, I couldn't get any rest."
Kazuma and Darkness agreed with her.
"Well, I'm really sorry about that!" Bill appeared behind everyone, calling out loudly before Adam could finish, "I had some urgent equipment to forge, so I put in extra effort. Don't worry — it won't happen again now that I've finished everything."
"Bill, I appreciate your hospitality." Adam said firmly, "Though I must say these problem children could show more gratitude for your generosity."
"It's fine, it's fine!" Bill grinned broadly, his teeth gleaming white in the morning sun, "I won't take such small matters to heart — aren't we comrades?"
Come on, at least show some displeasure!
That cheerful smile just makes me feel even more awkward. You're really too nice, Bill.
With the morning drama concluded, it was time for business.
"Adam, I haven't given you the equipment you commissioned yet — what should we do?" Bill had visited the mansion yesterday to deliver the special item he'd made for Adam.
Though it was a commission, it wasn't a weapon but rather a piece of equipment.
"I completely forgot about that." He smacked his forehead, "Where is it? Could I have it now?"
"Of course, it's kept in the weapons shop up front, we can get it right now."
With that, Bill brought over the cloak.
Looking at the cloak before them, the party members all wore curious expressions.
"Adam-senpai, is this the party's new uniform?" Kazuma tugged at the cloak, noticing it was made of the same material as their capes, just in a different style.
Aqua asked curiously, "Could it be that winter's coming, so we're switching from capes to cloaks?"
"I still think capes look cooler." The arch-wizard fluttered her cape, preferring it to the warmer cloak.
"If that's the case, I must decline." The masochistic crusader declared loudly, "I won't need one! Just imagine — walking through snow in thin clothes during the cold winter, the bone-chilling wind and fierce snowstorm sweeping in, body frozen stiff yet forced to continue adventuring. And if I don't comply, I'll be punished by the party leader... Yes, disobeying orders only to be stripped naked by the evil leader, walking through the freezing snow without a stitch of clothing... That feeling, it's wonderful—!"
As she spoke, she began trembling with a flushed face.
Adam seriously doubted she'd feel cold even walking naked through snow, given how her constant excitement kept her body temperature high.
"No, this cloak is for my personal use."
This statement made them even more confused.
"Could it be something like a Leader's equipment?"
"Stupid Aqua, it's like how there needs to be a clear distinction between guild master and members — the cloak is equipment exclusive to the leader."
"Oh, I see, I understand... Hey, don't call me stupid!"
The party members were all talking at once, but they had it wrong.
"No, you're all misunderstanding." Adam explained, "This cloak has a special function, one that wouldn't suit the Hero party that's trying to become famous right now."
"Yes, I plan to inscribe a magic circle on this equipment — a type of magic that prevents others from prying, diverts attention, and reduces one's presence."
Magic -〘Perception Barrier〙
This technique was something Adam had requested from Roswaal, the same magic circle inscribed on the "Recognition Obstruction Robe" that Roswaal made for Emilia.
The ability to make others overlook oneself was an extremely useful piece of equipment for him, a traveler between worlds.
But for the『Hero』Party aiming to make a name for themselves, it would be rather pointless.
"Of course, this equipment would also suit you well, Kazuma-kun. If you want one, I can make one for you too."
"Please do, Adam-senpai!" Kazuma immediately replied without hesitation.
In his mind, this equipment would be perfect for stealth, assassination, and survival — ideal for a thief-specialized adventurer like himself.
"Well then, let me inscribe the magic circle and complete it."
Laying the cloak neatly on the counter, Adam began inscribing the magic circle.
", and this, and this... Done."
Half an hour later, the magic circle was complete, and a subtle light flashed.
Recognition Obstruction Cloak completed!
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