What is this Dimensional Chat???

"Honoured Blacksmith? Appraisal!" The sword activated its skill to scan the dwarf standing before them.

A glowing screen appeared in the sword's vision, revealing the man's stats and skills.

"Is he trustworthy, Shisou?" Fran asked, her grip on the hilt tightening.

"Yep, he's legit," the sword replied. "This guy is no ordinary blacksmith; he's a master of his craft. Relax, Fran. He's not an enemy—at least, not today. Let's hear him out."

The dwarf chuckled, stroking his beard. "You talk to your sword, eh? Never seen an intelligence weapon up close. Must be some piece of work."

Fran gave a slight shrug. "How about you tell us why you were following us first?"

The dwarf laughed heartily. "Straight to the point! I like it! Fine, fine. I overheard you're looking for gear. Ever since I saw this little miss handle those thugs in the Adventure Guild, I've been curious. Name's Granzel—an honoured blacksmith in these parts. I don't sell my creations to just anyone. Only the worthy. And you three... well, you caught my eye. You're interesting, and I reckon my work would suit you perfectly."

Naruto raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Confident, aren't you, old man? I could use some new kunai and shuriken, and we haven't found anything worthwhile in this town yet. Might as well check it out. What do you guys think?"

Fran nodded. "I'm in. I've got money to spend, and I need better gear anyway."

Satria crossed his arms, smirking. "Sure, why not? But I'll warn you now, Granzel—we've been let down by a lot of weapon shops here. Hope you're not just all talk, or it's going to be a waste of time."

The dwarf grinned confidently. "Disappointed? Not a chance, lad. My creations speak for themselves. Follow me, and I'll show you weapons and gear you won't find anywhere else."

"Alright then," Fran said, stepping forward. "Lead the way."

They followed Granzel through narrow alleyways and winding streets until they arrived at a hidden entrance. The shop was tucked away so well that it was clear the blacksmith had no intention of letting just anyone find it.

Satria glanced around, impressed. "You're really serious about keeping random folks out, huh?"

Granzel chuckled as he unlocked the door. "That's the idea. Come in."

The group stepped into the shop, their eyes adjusting to the warm glow of the forge. Weapons and armor lined the walls, each piece radiating craftsmanship far superior to anything they'd seen in town.

"I've got a question for you, Mr. Granzel," Satria said, breaking the silence.

"Go ahead, lad. What's on your mind?" Granzel replied, stoking the flames of his forge.

"Why don't you let just anyone buy your work? You do know that's a bad move for a merchant, right? If your weapons are as good as you claim, they could help so many people survive in this harsh world."

Granzel paused, his expression somber. "You're not wrong, young man. I used to think that way too. But then, I watched as unskilled fools relied too much on my weapons instead of their own abilities. They went into battles they weren't ready for, and they didn't come back. My creations—masterpieces I poured my heart into—were lost, left to rot on some battlefield.

"After losing countless weapons and seeing good iron go to waste, I decided to change my ways. Now, I only sell to those I deem worthy—people who can use my work to its fullest and respect it."

The group fell silent, respecting his conviction.

"Hey," the sword whispered to Satria. "Ask him how he figured out I'm an intelligence weapon. We need to address this—it's not good if random people can figure me out."

Satria smirked. "Strange... I'm hearing the whining of a spineless man, but I can't seem to find him anywhere. Fran, do you hear it? A crybaby, somewhere close by?"

Fran blinked and tilted her head, suppressing a smile. "Hmm... maybe. It does sound a bit familiar."

The sword's voice rose indignantly. "Fran! Did you hear what he said? He's a bully! A big, fat bully! I demand justice! Protect your Shishou's pride! And for the record, I'm not a crybaby!"

Fran, now giggling, reached out and pinched Satria's cheek. "Don't bully my Shishou, Satria. I want you two to get along, okay?"

Satria pouted, rubbing his cheek. "Me? Be friends with him? Ha! Not in a thousand years!"

The sword scoffed. "As if I'd ever be friends with this moron! The feeling's mutual, you overgrown child!"

Fran sighed, shaking her head. "Boys…"

Naruto, standing off to the side, let out a long-suffering sigh. "You two are so much trouble. Fran-chan, you've got your work cut out for you keeping them in line."

Granzel, meanwhile, observed the group's antics with an amused smile. "Hah, you lot are something else. But you'll need that kind of spirit to handle my creations. Now, let's see if you're really worthy of them." 

•

Naruto pulled out a kunai and a handful of shuriken, showing them to Granzel. "Do you have anything like this?"

The blacksmith leaned closer, inspecting the unusual tools. "Hmm... this material is something I've never seen before. Where did you get these weapons?"

Naruto scratched the back of his head awkwardly. 'Yeah, I figured this would happen. These are made from a godly alloy called Hihiirokane... No way someone here could replicate them exactly.'

Granzel's eyes lit up with inspiration. "I may not be able to forge these exact weapons, but I could create something similar. The design is simple enough. How about that?"

Naruto's face brightened. "Really? That's good enough for me. I'm counting on you, Mr. Granzel!"

Granzel then turned to Fran, who was scolding Satria and her sword about their constant bickering. "And what about you, young lady? Anything catch your interest?"

Fran perked up at the question. "Oh, yes. I'd like to see what armor you have. I don't need weapons right now, but I could really use better protection."

"Ah, armor! Just give me a moment."

The blacksmith disappeared into the back of the shop and returned with four impressive pieces:

Flame Bull Dress Armor: A lightweight yet durable white dress with flame-resistant properties.

Paralysis Cat Gloves: Sleek gloves designed to protect against paralysis effects.

Venom Wyvern Boots: Sturdy black boots that grant resistance to toxic environments.

Mithril Armband (Cat Type): A magical armband with high defense and resistance to various spells, featuring a cat motif.

Each piece was crafted with care, offering both protection and mobility—perfect for a versatile fighter like Fran.

Fran's eyes sparkled at the selection but turned to Satria, gently touching his hand. "What do you think, Satria?"

Satria tapped his chin, deep in thought. He scanned the options, envisioning which would best suit her combat style. His gaze fell on the Armor, a striking white dress paired with sleek black accents. It had a chest protector for extra durability and didn't compromise her agility.

"You should go with the black-and-white set. It'll look amazing on you—not just adorable, but functional too. It's perfect for someone who needs to stay light on their feet. What do you think, oh mighty and opinionated sword?"

The sword grumbled for a moment but eventually agreed. "Hmph. For once, you're not completely wrong. The stats are solid, and it's a great fit for Fran. But, are you sure we can afford this? This armor looks rare and expensive for rookies like us."

Granzel laughed heartily. "Don't worry about that. It's rare to come across an intelligent weapon like you, and I believe your wielder has the potential to become a famous adventurer one day. Supporting promising adventurers is part of my job."

Fran smiled shyly. "Thank you, Mr. Granzel. I'll take this one."

The blacksmith turned to Satria. "And what about you, lad? You don't seem like the type to need weapons. Are you looking for armor?"

Satria crossed his arms, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. "Actually, I'd like to commission a custom-made set of armor, designed by me. Would you be willing to take the job?"

The entire group stared at him, curious about what this eccentric man had in mind.

Granzel raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Custom-made, eh? Interesting. Do you have the design ready?"

"Not yet," Satria admitted. "But I'll deliver it to you now. It won't take me long to sketch it out. I guarantee it'll be worth your time."

Granzel nodded, his interest clearly piqued. "You've got yourself a deal. I'm curious to see what kind of armor someone like you would dream up."

Fran tilted her head. "Satria, what kind of armor are you planning? Something flashy?"

Satria smirked. "Oh, you'll see. Let's just say it'll make me stand out even more."

Naruto groaned, rolling his eyes. "As if you don't already..."

Satria leaned over the counter in Granzel's shop, sketching furiously on a piece of parchment. Lines and curves flowed as he poured his vision into the design. After a few moments, he held it up proudly.

The blacksmith and the rest of the group leaned in to examine it.

The design resembled a mage's outfit—long, flowing robes of black and green, with intricate golden patterns etched into the fabric. The hood gave it an air of mystery, and the cape seemed to shimmer, as if it were alive with magic. The centerpiece of the ensemble was a sleek, elaborate staff adorned with floating cards that hovered and twirled around it like enchanted familiars.

Granzel stroked his beard. "Hmm... This is impressive work, lad. You've got a good eye for aesthetics. But, uh... are you sure about this?"

Naruto stared at the design, blinking in confusion. "Wait, wait, wait. You're a brawler, right? Why the heck are you dressing up like a mage? Aren't fighters supposed to wear armor or something practical?"

Fran tilted her head, curious. "It does look cool, though. Are you secretly a mage, Satria?"

Satria straightened his back, placing one hand dramatically on his chest. "Mage? Hah! No. I am no mere mage. You may call me... Grand Magus!"

There was a long silence before the sword groaned. "Great. Not only are you a cosplayer and show-off, but now you've got delusions of grandeur."

Fran blinked. "What's a Grand Magus?"

Naruto sighed. "Knowing him? It's just a fancier way of saying 'I'm flashy for no reason.'"

Satria crossed his arms, looking both smug and dramatic. "Tch. You fools don't understand true style. It's not about practicality—it's about presence. When I walk into a fight wearing this, my enemies won't know what hit them. They'll be too busy gawking at how awesome I look."

Granzel chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, if this is what you want, I'll do my best to bring it to life. But I hope you don't regret your choice when you're dodging swords and arrows in this fancy getup."

"Regret?" Satria scoffed. "Me? Never. Besides, it's not just for show. Those cards? I want them to float around the staff and move dynamically during combat. Imagine me dodging attacks and bam! a card deflects a blow while I punch someone into oblivion. Style and utility!"

Naruto scratched his head. "It still sounds ridiculous. But hey, if it works for you, I guess…"

Fran's ears twitched. "I think it'll look good on you, Satria."

"See? Fran gets it!" Satria beamed, lifting her into the air and spinning her around playfully.

"Put me down!" Fran protested, but her small smile betrayed her amusement.

"Alright, alright," Satria said, setting her down gently. "But don't you worry, Fran. When this is finished, you'll see the true power of the Grand Magus!"

Naruto sighed, shaking his head. "Well, whatever makes you happy."

Granzel laughed, rolling up the blueprint. "You're certainly unique, lad. I'll start working on this right away. It'll take some time to get the details just right, especially with the floating cards. Come back in a few days, and I'll have something to show you."

"Take your time," Satria said, already imagining himself decked out in his new gear. "This is going to be legendary."

After completing their shopping spree, the group gathered outside the blacksmith's shop.

Fran had spent a hefty 300,000 gold on her new armor and a custom sword sheath, while Naruto shelled out 200,000 gold for the kunai and shuriken he had ordered.

Fran, eager to test her new dress armor, donned it on the spot. The shimmering white and black ensemble hugged her petite frame perfectly, exuding both elegance and strength.

Naruto and Satria, predictably, whipped out their devices to take photos.

"Wow! So cute! You look amazing, Fran-chan!" Naruto gushed, snapping pictures like an overexcited paparazzo.

'Not bad at all,' the sword thought, impressed by the balance of utility and charm in the armor. 'She looks both strong and adorable.'

Satria, not one to be outdone, waved enthusiastically. "Fran, that's it! Now, can you strike another pose? Maybe something more heroic?"

Fran, though flustered, gave a small smile and complied, raising her sword slightly in a poised battle stance.

"You lolicon," Fatalis interjected with a dry tone.

"I'm NOT a lolicon, you idiot!" Satria snapped back internally.

'Yeah, keep telling yourself that,' Fatalis teased.

Meanwhile, Fran chuckled softly, holding onto Satria's arm. "You're so cute, Satria. I like you."

The comment made Satria freeze. 'Why do girls keep calling me cute? What part of me is cute?!' he grumbled in his mind, recalling how his wives often used the same description.

Fatalis joined in with his usual banter. "She's got a point, puppy~ You are adorable. Believe it."

"Puck you," Satria muttered under his breath, his face flushed.

The sword, however, shifted the conversation. "By the way, Granzel, how did you know I'm an intelligent weapon? It's not something people usually pick up on so easily."

Granzel smiled, pointing to his eyes. "My eyes have an ability called God-Sight. It lets me see through almost anything. No one can hide their status or identity from me."

The sword hummed thoughtfully. "Interesting... But you didn't know about these two?" 

Granzel's expression turned curious. "That's the odd part. I can't read their statuses at all. The only thing I see is their levels marked as 'one,' which makes no sense after what I witnessed at the guild earlier."

Naruto rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Probably because we're not from here. Your system can't exactly figure us out."

Satria smirked confidently. "What can I say? I'm just too amazing for any system to comprehend."

The sword groaned audibly. "No, no. What you meant to say is: 'I'm the biggest idiot in this world.' That's more accurate."

Fran giggled again at their banter, finding it endearing. She tightened her grip on Satria's arm, her bright eyes shining. "You're the best."

Satria sighed, shaking his head. "Seriously. Why does everyone think I'm some kind of softie?"

"Because you are, puppy~ Deal with it," Fatalis said with mock glee.

Naruto laughed at the exchange, slinging his bag of newly bought weapons over his shoulder. "Alright, lovebirds. Let's find an inn and get some rest before the next adventure. We've got a long day ahead tomorrow."

"Lovebirds?" Satria and Fran chorused, their faces turning red.

"See?" Fatalis teased with a grin. "Cute."

"DON'T START!"

After purchasing everything they needed from the blacksmith shop, the group made their way to a clothing store to buy some casual clothes for Fran.

As they entered, a cheerful blue-haired clerk greeted them.

"Welcome! How can I assist you today?"

Fran hesitated slightly, glancing at Satria. "Are you sure about this? I should be the one spoiling you, not the other way around," she said, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

As he spoke, the clerk's eyes sparkled. She approached Satria with a flirtatious gleam in her eyes. "Hello~! If you need anything, gentleman, please let us know. And if you don't mind..." She whispered, leaning in close, "Would you be interested in getting to know me better after my shift? Maybe a dinner?" Her voice was smooth and seductive.

Satria groaned inwardly. 'Not this again. Maybe I should start wearing a hood or mask like him.' He glanced at Naruto, who had cleverly concealed his face like a ninja. Even the sword seemed to grow anxious for some reason as it nervously hummed at his side. 'I bet this guy's never even had a girlfriend in his past life.'

"You speak like you've had a girlfriend in your past life, don't you?" Fatalis teased him, the black dragons tone laced with amusement.

Satria sighed. "It's not that. I was just too busy with my job to have a relationship. I traveled too much, and when I did have free time, my parents insisted I continue with my college studies. Then, of course, Truck-kun had to interfere. Damn him."

Fran, sensing Satria's discomfort, stepped forward and smiled at the clerk, cutting her off. "He's with me, and I'd appreciate it if you could show me some suitable undergarments for me."

The clerk's flirtation faltered, replaced by a polite but tight-lipped smile. "Of course. Please follow me, young lady."

Fran followed the clerk, trying on various clothes, each one cuter and more attention-grabbing than the last. She even picked out some playful outfits, hoping to catch Satria's eye.

Satria couldn't help but smile at the sight of her, but his thoughts were jumbled. 'She's so cute. But wait... she's not a cat...' He tried to keep his composure.

Fran giggled, enjoying the attention but still feeling a little nervous. She approached Satria, her face flushed. "So... What do you think of me, Satria?"

Satria's heart skipped a beat at her shyness. 'She's too adorable... No, wait. Hold yourself together! You can't just hug her. She's a person, not a cat. It's not right to hug a lady without her permission.'

Taking a deep breath, Satria gave her a reassuring pat on the head. "You're cute and beautiful, Fran. Never doubt it."

Fran's face lit up with happiness at his words, and she decided to go ahead and buy the clothes.

Naruto's POV

"They're too many, but that won't stop me from cutting down their numbers."

Naruto created a Lava-Style: Rasenshuriken and hurled it at the monstrous army. The searing weapon exploded, incinerating a quarter of the horde in an instant. However, before he could celebrate, an ear-splitting roar echoed across the battlefield. A massive black dragon, an S-Class monster and one of the divine beasts, descended, opening its maw to unleash a devastating Black Cannon Buster.

The beam obliterated one of Naruto's shadow clones.

•

Satria, Naruto, and Fran had completed their preparations, stocking up on potions and cooking ingredients. However, potions were outrageously expensive in this town.

"Fran, buy the potions from the Dimension Chat Shop instead. They're way cheaper there," Satria suggested.

Fran nodded, and with Satria and Naruto each giving her 500©, she made the purchase, ensuring she didn't dip into her own savings.

With the shopping done, the group rented rooms at an inn—one for each member.

Satria, predictably, refused to share a room with Naruto.

"I like my privacy," he declared, leaving out the fact that he simply love to be alone. 

Before long, Fran made an unexpected request. "I want to sleep with Shin."

The sword immediately protested. "NO!!! I won't let you share a room with this man!"

Satria pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing. "Fran, you're a girl, and it's inappropriate for a man and woman who aren't in a relationship to sleep in the same room."

Fran's ears drooped in disappointment. "…Fine."

Feeling guilty, Satria quickly added, "I'll stay with you until you fall asleep. How about that?"

Her face instantly brightened. "Really?! Yay! Take care of me, Satria!"

She dashed to her room with a spring in her step, leaving Satria and Naruto behind.

Naruto crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes. "Don't try anything weird, got it?"

"Who do you think I am? I'm not that kind of guy," Satria replied with a scowl.

Suddenly, Naruto's demeanor grew serious. "...One of my clones was destroyed. The monsters horde will arrive tomorrow."

He quickly formed another clone and ordered it, "Report to the guild master."

The clone nodded and vanished into the wind.

Naruto turned back to Satria, his expression grim. "If we don't act, this city will fall. Why aren't we stopping them now?"

Satria leaned against the wall, smirking. "Because we need to make an impression. Unlike you, Mr. Shadow Operative, I want to make a name for myself in this world. When we destroy that army tomorrow—in front of everyone—we'll earn the admiration of these people. Connections, influence, reputation... All of that becomes ours. Besides," he added, glancing toward Fran's room, "I want my kitten's adventure to proceed smoothly. Fame will pave her way."

Naruto's jaw tightened. "So that's what this is about? Fame? What about the people here?"

"With you and me working together, no one will die," Satria replied casually, waving off Naruto's concerns. "And if there are casualties… well, my deepest condolences to them. Every plan has its flaws, after all."

Naruto's patience snapped. Without a word, he activated his Kurama Chakra Mode, sending both of them into his personal domain.

His fist collided with Satria's palm in a thunderous impact. "Do you realize your plan puts everyone in danger?!" Naruto roared, his chakra flaring.

Satria didn't flinch, meeting Naruto's glare with a smug grin. "The better question is—do you think I care?"

Naruto's eyes widened in disbelief. "You're insane!"

Satria chuckled darkly. "Insane? Perhaps. But this is how you make a legacy in this world. Now, show me—what's stronger? The shadow you carry or the light I embrace?"

The two stared each other down, their power swirling in the air like an oncoming storm.

This was the beginning of the clash between light and shadow.

To be continued...