Regarding the attribute points brought about by leveling up, Rein usually kept them unused, according to habit.
As for the Skill Points, Rein hadn't decided where to use them yet.
So, he also left them untouched for the time being.
With Lagaray completing the last step of the process, she handed over a Dual-Handed Greatsword that glimmered with a faint light to Rein.
Upon seeing the brand-new greatsword, Rein's first impression was that it resembled the 'Laser Sword' from Star Wars in his previous life, except it wasn't as bright.
However, what was magical was that, after swinging the greatsword a few times, the originally faintly glowing blade gradually calmed down.
It seemed that the Glowstone's dazzling light was retracting into the Fine Steel Greatsword, but upon close inspection, one would notice three exceptionally bright, wavy patterns still emitting a faint glow at the edge of the blade.
Because the greatsword had integrated Glowstone and star iron, its weight had increased noticeably, but it might also be due to the removal of impurities during the reforging, so overall, the difference wasn't too significant.
And with Rein's steadily increasing Strength, the weight of the greatsword felt just right in his hand.
Moreover, he could clearly feel that the greatsword was different from before, not just sharper, but as if there was something else indescribable within it.
"Rein, are you wondering why the light of the Glowstone weapon is gradually fading?" Lagaray noticed Rein's astonishment and took the initiative to ask.
"Indeed, it's quite strange," Rein nodded.
"Glowstone weapons only emit that kind of faint glow when they encounter evil. They don't normally show it, except for a brief period right after they've been successfully forged," Lagaray explained.
"By the way, Rein, aren't you going to name your greatsword? It's a Glowstone weapon after all!!" Boris, who seemed to be ready to leave, couldn't help interjecting when he saw the two preparing to leave.
On hearing this, Lagaray also nodded in agreement, "A Glowstone weapon indeed deserves a unique name."
Rein thought for a while, but had to admit he was terrible at naming. Eventually, he came up with a name.
"Err... how about calling it the Glimmering Greatsword?"
Boris slapped his forehead, looking speechless.
But unexpectedly, Lagaray actually nodded, seeming to think it was not a bad choice, and said, "Not bad, but how about we change one word to Glimmering Greatsword, Rein, what do you think?"
"Great name!" Rein couldn't help but praise.
Meanwhile, Blacksmith Boris was staring at the two with a speechless expression, mumbling something under his breath, but he didn't speak up in the end.
Actually, he was inwardly screaming that such a name should include the creator's own name, to be remembered for centuries to come! At least it should be something like "Rein's Sword" or "Rein's Demon-Repelling Greatsword"! And if it were his creation, he would definitely have named it "Boris's Sword".
After solemnly wrapping the 'Glimmering Greatsword' in soft sheepskin, Rein and Lagaray bid farewell to Blacksmith Boris.
At this time, the sun had just passed directly overhead, and it was approximately one o'clock in the afternoon.
It was only now that Rein felt a wave of hunger pangs from his stomach, as he had been so focused on forging a new weapon that he had nearly missed lunch.
Because Lagaray's appearance and clothing were too distinctive, Rein decided to take her home to solve the lunch issue.
On the way, Rein thought of something and turned his head to look at the bandages around Lagaray's wrist, speaking apologetically.
"I'm sorry, Lagaray, for making you..."
But before he could finish, Lagaray interrupted him.
"Rein, you saved my life. Helping you forge a weapon does not even begin to repay you. You don't need to apologize," Lagaray said seriously, her deep blue eyes looking intently at Rein.
Her words caught Rein off guard.
Soon, Rein understood why Lagaray would say such a thing.
It was because he considered himself and Lagaray to be friends now. Forging the Glimmering Greatsword was an embodiment of their friendship, but to Lagaray, it was a way to repay him for saving her life.
Rein thought to himself that he better not continue this topic any further, or it might seem he was holding a favor over her.
After considering it for a moment, Rein instead asked, "So, Lagaray, what are your plans after this?"
"I want to retrieve my brother's and the others' weapons and, if possible, find their remains," Lagaray said with a mix of longing and regret in her expression.
There was no help for the regret; weapons might be retrievable, but finding the remains was nearly impossible with the many wild beasts and unknown creatures in Nightingale Forest.
Besides, even if she wanted to retrieve the weapons, it would be very difficult to do so on her own.
"Why the weapons?" Rein asked, puzzled.
"In the legends of our barbarian tribes, the spirit of a warrior resides within their weapon. Bringing the weapons back to the tribe allows the spirits of the warriors who perished abroad to return to the Hall of Heroes."
Rein nodded, and after a brief thought, he reassured her, "It's not completely without chance. Perhaps, you'll be able to fulfill this wish sooner than you think."
"The appearance of the Evil Spirit Knight has been reported to the County Town and the Church by Lord Hamilton, the sheriff. I think people should arrive in Flashgold Town soon to address this issue."
Rein was confident in the Empire's official strength; otherwise, how could the Empire maintain such vast territories?
His words restored a glint of life in Lagaray's eyes; she pursed her lips and said, "Rein, I heard from Anna that you're a Night Watchman of Flashgold Town and that you're quite familiar with Lord Hamilton. Could you do me a favor?"
Although Lagaray hadn't specified what kind of favor, Rein already had a guess in his mind.
"Do you want to join the County Town's team to kill the Evil Spirit Knight, to avenge your brother?" Rein proactively said.
"Mm!" Lagaray nodded.
Rein fell silent, wanting to say that her brother had fought to the death to help her escape, not to watch his sister rush back into danger for his sake.
But Rein knew if he did not let Lagaray seek revenge, she might forever live in the shadow of that event, not knowing how long it would take for her to emerge from it.
Of course, the most important thing was that if Lagaray was going with the County Town's team, there would likely be a certain level of safety guaranteed.
So, Rein nodded and said, "I promise you, I'll accompany you to see Lord Hamilton this afternoon, but I cannot guarantee he will agree, and if it's the County Town's team, it's highly likely that Lord Hamilton won't be the commander."
"Meaning, even Lord Hamilton might not be able to decide anything."
Lagaray nodded, uttered a sound of acknowledgment, and did not say anything else.
The two made their way to Hamilton's office.
For Hamilton, he had long wanted to meet Lagaray, the only survivor of the Bounty Hunters' team, to learn more about the Evil Spirit Knight.
After a discussion, Lagaray put forward her request.
However, upon hearing Lagaray's request, Hamilton furrowed his brow and said:
"Lagaray, I regret and sympathize with what happened to you. At the moment, I am not certain which lord has come from the County Town, so I can't guarantee they will agree to let you go with them."
"However, I will speak with them and ask that they bring back your brother's and companions' weapons; that shouldn't be a problem. Of course, if there are remains, they will assist in retrieving and burying them as well."
"Thank you, Lord Hamilton." Lagaray gave a slight bow, expressing her gratitude.
After leaving the office, Rein said to Lagaray, "I'm going to the training ground to practice archery for a while, want to come with me?"
"Sure!" Lagaray seemed to be in a much better mood having attended to the matter, showing glimpses of a lively teenage girl's spirit.
Once the two arrived at the training ground, Rein noticed there were very few people there, due to the heightened alert ordered by Hamilton, which had mobilized nearly all of the Night Watchmen and peace officers.
It was only during archery practice that Rein discovered Lagaray's archery skills were far superior to his own.
Lagaray had unbound the bandages on her wrist, revealing only a light scar on her tough barbarian skin.
After practicing archery for a while, Lagaray took the initiative to invite Rein to test their close-combat skills, which was exactly what Rein was looking for.
He had always lacked a suitable sparring partner, a "source of experience," which at the moment was temporarily unavailable.
Lagaray chose an oak shield and an ironwood axe, and Rein, naturally, did not use the 'Glimmering Greatsword' on his back but held an ironwood greatsword as he and Lagaray took their places on the field.
Lagaray tapped her oak shield with her ironwood axe and said with a clear ring, "Come on, then!"
"You better be careful," Rein replied.
Rein pushed off with his left foot and charged towards Lagaray, leaping into the air when he was three meters away and bringing down his greatsword in a powerful overhead chop.
It was the Giant Bear Sword Technique's 'Leap Slash'.
Just as Rein thought Lagaray would certainly dodge the heavy and mighty Leap Slash, she did the opposite and advanced, leaping up to meet the greatsword head-on with her raised round shield.
The loud sound of sword clashing against shield filled the air, and Rein, suspended mid-jump, felt a tremendous recoil force against his greatsword, almost losing his grip on the hilt.
Kicked back by the violent shield, Rein was forced to retreat several meters.
This left Rein looking at Lagaray in astonishment.
He had never encountered such a counter to his 'Leap Slash' before.
"What's the matter, Rein? Surprised?" Lagaray couldn't help but let a smile creep across her face.
"If you come across an opponent with strength and agility similar to yours, that Leap Slash of yours isn't hard to counter," she added.
"Besides, I have the shield I am most familiar with in my hands." Lagaray lifted her round shield to illustrate her point.
In an instant, a spark of realization flashed through Rein's mind.
He thought, why do I need to go to the quartermaster to exchange for shield combat techniques? Right in front of me, I have a 'master' of shield handling!
I've been so foolish!
It only just now occurred to me!
"Lagaray, is this some kind of combat skill for using shield defense? Can you teach it to me?" Rein asked with a hint of anticipation.
"You want to learn?" Hearing Rein's request, Lagaray's expression was strange; it was as though she was mixed with feelings of reminiscence, happiness, and difficulty, all at once.
But the next second, her eyes showed unwavering resolve.
Lagaray smiled and said, "Yes, I can teach you—but there is one condition!"