Ah, the Forges of Astera - where weapons meant to slay titans were made. I might not have been able to acquire advanced technology here, but the knowledge I acquired in those forges more than made up for it.

You know, I half expected you to need a change of pants after that.

Viv, I don't like weapons like that. Maybe Ruby Rose does, but not me.

ha, ha, ha. Now, get back on topic.

Fine.

Once we reached the forges, the Head Smith and Commander of the Second Fleet asked what we wanted. I was surprised the Commander had informed him about us so quickly, but didn't really see any reason to debate that. Using the materials we'd acquired from the great Jagras, plus some errant bones and metal ore, we decided on what weapons we wanted. Owing to the supplies we had on hand, they were willing to give us a choice of three weapons.

I needed a moment to think on mine, but ultimately, I decided upon the sword and shield, the light bow gun, and the insect glaive. The sword and shield was the base ore one, the bowgun a Jagras Blitz, and the glaive the starter for the bone line. As for Viv, she chose to go with a bone hammer, bow, and, to my surprise, the gunlance. Interesting choices, no doubt, though some more straightforward than mine.

Eh, why go for skill when you have tons of strength?

Point made.

Once the weapons were chosen, the smiths swiftly started building them. I watched them in earnest, eager to learn the secrets of the forges - I really wanted to learn how to make these fine instruments of murder!

When the weapons were finished, we still had enough parts to make each of us a set of armor - and a high-rank one at that. I went for the jagras Alpha set while Viv went with the beta. part of me wondered if that was intentional on her part.

It was, you silly little boy.

I let the jab slide, before recovering my equipment and getting ready to explore Astera some more - I wanted to do some more things before we settled down for the night. You now, gather provisions, learn how to make traps and tranquilizers...oh, and check on my monsties.

XXXXX

Three hours later, and we had completed our errands - whilst I had recovered provisions, Viv had talked with the head chef (and maybe learned from him how to cook monster meat), whilst also taking some time to learn from Zoe what being a handler for the Commission Entailed.

"Look, I'd prefer to beat the hell out of any monster I can find, my dear former pawn, but someone has to fill out all of your forms and paperwork for when you cause some overgrown lizard to croak."

I'd surprised myself with how I responded to that.

"...Could you teach me some of that, then?"

"...What?"

"If you're going to do my guild paperwork, I might as well do yours."

She'd actually gone quiet on that for a moment, before quickly giving me a crash course on how to fill out the forms and similar stuff. Fun times.

*shiver*

After that, I'd briefly met with the team watching my adorable monsters to make sure they knew I hadn't forgotten about them, fed and played with them (as did Viv), then retired for the night. First, though, we took a moment to sit down by the Cantina and watch the stars.

"So, we're in a world where there's no technology for you to munch on."

"Yep."

"And you are fine with this, correct?"

"...Yeah, I suppose so. I like the challenge."

"Hmph. I bet most commanders would beg to differ. Of course, you're not most commanders."

"...Nope."

"Yep...You know, if you ever met another commander, they'd probably see you as some kind of traitor. I mean, you made peace with me...and took me on as one of your crew."

"Well, that's true, but you aren't a B.R.O.B., you're a B.R.O.B."

"...What?"

"First one is a Bastard Random Omnipotent Being. You? A Benevolent Random Omnipotent Being."

"Oh. I'm flattered. No, really, I am."

XXXXX

The next day, after feeding one of the Pteryx I'd caught, my...well, our first mission began - eliminating a horde of vespoid. Nothing too big, just a simple mission so that we didn't hurt ourselves after yesterday's events.

I made use of my insect glaive during this mission, using the parkour skills I'd learned while in the Origin System to complement the glaive's maneuverability. Viv, meanwhile, used her hammer to reduce the bugs to bits. One had the misfortune of falling to her capture net, though.

As the last bug died, I smiled. Mission one: done!

XXXXXXXXX

AN: Read and Review! This is Flameal15k, signing off!