But suddenly the atmosphere in the blacksmith shop became tense as soon as I walked in to join Sin.
Vex and Sin stood glaring at each other intensely, weapons ready to strike at any moment. One side with twin hammers radiating scorching heat, the other side with twin swords gleaming coldly. Standing in the middle, I could only gulp hard, feeling like a third wheel.
"Uh... um..." Before I could say any greeting...
The father and son charged at each other like a storm! The sound of sword clashing against hammer thundered so violently the whole shop shook! Dust and debris rained down from the ceiling.
"Wait, what the hell is going on?!" I shouted in shock. "Aren't they supposed to be father and son, not enemies?!" My thoughts were in complete chaos.
Both of them struck at each other relentlessly. Vex swung his twin hammers, crashing into Sin's defense with full force until Sin lost his footing. His body was sent flying through the back wall of the shop into the forest outside with a thunderous crash!
Crash! BOOM!
The sound of splintering wood followed. Sin got blasted out, but Vex didn't wait even a second. His hefty body shot after him with speed I could barely believe! Unbelievable that someone that big could move so nimbly!
The sound of hammer and sword clashing echoed throughout the forest. Even though Sin was at a disadvantage initially, he could still deflect his father's heavy attacks and even find moments to counterattack impressively. Each clash was so intense that both of them were knocked backwards, but they kept charging at each other with incredible speed.
Some people around there glanced over, but only briefly before acting like nothing was happening. I guess Uncle Vex probably "greets" his son like this regularly, so the townspeople have gotten used to it.
Vex seized the moment when Sin was defending, hurling one of his hammers in a crescent arc. Sin had to dodge and use his sword to deflect the other hammer following behind with all his might. But that was the opening Vex wanted! He clenched his fist, gathered all his power, and punched Sin's stomach with full force until his son's body sank into the ground!
Not satisfied yet, Vex jumped up to grab both hammers still floating in the air, spun once in midair, then slammed both hammers down on Sin's still motionless body with full strength!
BOOOOOOM!
The thunderous sound shook like the earth would split apart! Dust and smoke billowed throughout the area.
"Hmph! Still hopeless as always!" Vex snorted, but his eyes didn't look as angry as before.
"Dad's the same... still amazing as ever," Sin's muffled voice came from the hole. He slowly pushed himself up, brushing dirt and leaves off himself. Looks like he managed to cross his twin swords and barely block his father's final attack just in time.
Then both of them walked back arm-in-arm through the back door of the shop... uh... which didn't have a door anymore. Just a huge gaping hole they'd just created together.
"Alright, let's fix the shop," Vex said matter-of-factly, like nothing happened.
"You! Rift! And Sin! Go find some wood!" He turned to order me and his son.
What?! They wreck the shop themselves and still have the nerve to make other people help?! I could only think this to myself, not daring to say it out loud.
"Find? You want to know where the mask is? If you want to know, hurry up and find wood to fix the shop. Stop complaining!" Vex threatened when he saw me looking like I didn't want to cooperate.
Oh right... I almost completely forgot about the mask. I had to reluctantly comply, because if I found that mask, I'd get enough money to support myself for several more days. Maybe even have enough left to buy new weapons.
After being busy repairing the shop (which was wrecked because father and son fought) for quite a while, it was finally almost complete. Just a few more spots left.
"Hey Sin, your sister's coming here today too," Vex said, breaking the silence.
Sin has a sister too? Looks like this family isn't just about violence. They have bonds with each other too... No! Shake off those crazy thoughts! I don't need to be jealous of other people's families!
"Really, Dad?" Sin immediately looked excited.
"Yeah, today's when we arranged to meet," Vex replied.
"Woohoo, finally done!" I collapsed to sit on the floor, exhausted, wiping sweat from my forehead.
"Now that it's done, can you tell me about the mask, Uncle Vex?" I immediately got to the point, not wanting to waste any more time.
"Come inside," Vex replied shortly. I quickly got up and followed him into the inner part of the shop.
Vex went to get an old cloth bundle from under the counter. He placed it on the table gently before slowly unwrapping the cloth.
"The Stone Wolf Mask..." he began while clearing his throat softly. "Ahem... I have it myself."
Those words shocked me to my core! It was with Uncle Vex all along?! Could it be that easy?! Why didn't he just give it up nicely from the start? Is it some kind of precious treasure to him?
"What do you mean?" I asked, confused.
"Exactly what I said," Vex replied. "I made this mask myself. It's a mask for concealing Soul Power."
"The reason the Hunter Guild has a job posting for it is because this was a custom order from some guy," he continued explaining. "But that bastard doesn't have the guts to show up and collect it himself, so he put it in a Hunter Guild job posting instead."
"Coward! And he still hasn't paid for making it either!" Vex complained angrily. "That's why I won't give it to anyone. Get it now?"
"But since you went to the trouble of bringing back my good-for-nothing son, I'll give you this mask as a reward. Consider it helping each other out."
"Th-thank you so much, Uncle Vex!" I bowed to him repeatedly, feeling so happy I couldn't speak. Finally this crazy mission was over!
"What stinks around here?" Suddenly, a cold woman's voice rang out from behind me. I jumped slightly and quickly turned around.
"Sylvia!" Uncle Vex called out that name with an unusually wide smile I'd never seen before. So this is Sin's sister he mentioned? Is there going to be another family battle?! I'm starting to get a bad feeling.
Then she walked into the shop. Tall figure, crossed arms, scowling face. I accidentally stared at her for a moment. Sin's sister... has a pretty good figure. Plus her face is really beautiful and sharp. Made me blush a little without realizing it.
"What are you looking at?!" Her sharp scolding voice made me jump out of my daze.
"Hey, you!" Suddenly she pointed at me. Those beautiful sharp eyes widened, staring at me with an even more serious expression, like she'd seen a ghost!
"Dad! Why did you..." She turned to yell loudly at Uncle Vex before turning back to me again. Her eyes were full of hatred and... fear?
"...bring such a terrifying 'CURSE' into the shop?!" At the end of her words, she grabbed the twin axes hanging at her waist. Freezing cold suddenly spread rapidly throughout the shop. I could see tiny ice crystals clinging to her axe blades. Murderous intent so powerful radiated from this young woman that my hair stood on end!
She was ready to chop me to pieces at any moment!
"You're the most horrifying curse in my life! Just die!" Sylvia roared before charging at me at high speed, twin axes raised and ready to behead me!