Happy Hino

The gauntlets and boots glow brightly like Hinos shoulder armor did before. The light slowly dissipates and the once faded, rusty and beaten up weapons are now shining bright blue. They're as blue as an ocean and the colors are moving constantly like the raging sea. Unlike Hinos current ones though, which flow like a calm river, these are much more fierce. I take the remaining gold bars out of my inventory and Hino takes the weapons.

"It worked!?" Kagiyama says flabbergasted. Hino mumbles as she stares at the gauntlets and boots she never though she'd hold again.

"Here, I didn't need them all, just about two thirds." I say handing Kagiyama the bag back. He stares at it and hesitantly takes the bag. When he feels the weight I see his face go from confused to utter shock and disbelief. For a while he and Hino just stand there in their thoughts. I turn to look at Myla and see her with her own shocked expression. "What did I do this time to shock you this much?" I ask already used to surprising them.

"You repaired Mythical grade equipment. With only gold bars." Myla answers for me.

"What do you mean by Mythical?" I ask her confused myself.

"Every weapon, armor or item we use to fight us given a rank. The rank it's given reflects the objects power. You have Common, this is the weakest and, aptly named, most common rank. Next is Rare, it's stronger than common and typically uses magic. After that is Epic, this is, again, stronger than rare. Epic usually is enchanted or made by experts. Then Legendary, these are very powerful and often have special abilities. Finally is Mythical, these are the most unique. Mythical is comprised of object or weapons that all are extremely powerful, I've heard of a sword that can destroy mountains. Mythical items, like the name imply, are all made entirely of Mythical class monsters like Dragons or Krakens. That's why we're shocked. Your capable of repairing literal weapons of mass destruction." Myla says causing me to sigh. Before I can say anything Hino hugs me.

"Thank you!" She says, squeezing me tightly. I'm about to say something when Kagiyama cuts me off by pushing the bag of gold in front of me.

"Here. I saved this to repair them and since you did, you should take the rest." I try to move but Hino has both my arms pinned.

"No, I can't take that. You should keep it in case... in case the gauntlets need to be repaired again." I say, trying to wiggle out of Hinos grasp. "Anyway, you said you had two reasons for coming here?" Hearing this, and feeling my movements, Hino lets go.

"Yes, we've got another Natural Dungeon. This one is called the Giant Spider Den. We want you to clear it and since I was here Kallen called to get me to ask you. Scott should be downstairs with the car. Oh and before you ask Hino, yes you can take the gauntlets." I hear Hino squeal and she quickly puts them on.

"You said giant spiders right?" I ask him and he nods. "Oh great." I sigh and Myla lets out a chuckle.

"Are you scared of spiders Eric?" She asks, getting Hinos attention.

"Yep, I've got a nice case of arachnophobia. So this'll be fun."

"If you want, you don't have to go Eric. Like we've said before, we just send the girls in to help them get experience fighting. But they can handle it and to be safe I'll g..." Kagiyama says but I put my hand up to stop him.

"Thanks but I'm going. I'll need to get over this sooner or later, might as well be sooner." He chuckles and pats me on the back. Kagiyama and I walk inside and close the door behind us. The bell for next period rang a while ago and the girls are changing on the roof. I've changed to my armor as well, except for my katana. I decided walking around school with it wouldn't be the best idea, even though I'm wearing my armor.

"So Eric, what do you think of Hino?" He asks catching me off guard.

"W-what do you mean?" I reply trying, and failing, to feign confusion. He laughs before answering me.

"You know what I mean. Do you like her? Maybe love her?"

"Why are you asking?" I say trying to buy time for the girls to finish since I'd like to avoid this talk. Especially with me dating Myla, Luna and Asami.

"I have a few reasons, mainly because you seem trustworthy. That and Hino seems to like you, probably not love, but it's a possibility. Also your skills, as a guild master I have to admit, if you and Hino married it would be beneficial to the guild."

"So basically you want me and Hino to marry so you'll have access to my skills."

"No, that is a part of it but like I said, Hino appears to have taken a liking to you."

"That matters why? I'm sure she's had lots of others interested in her, surely she liked at least one other."

"Nope, you are correct that she's had people asking for her hand. You see we guilds have our own politics, as you'll soon find out. A lot of guilds tend to marry others to increase their power. And while I may not compete with the Starry Night guild, the Blue Locus is well known and respected. Hinos had suitors asking for her hand in marriage since she was in middle school. Before you ask, it was from other kids. Their parents wanted them to wed, but the kids rarely complained. However she's never expressed interest in anyone of them. Well, until yesterday, she came home and started going on and on about how she got beaten in a dual with you. Then afterwards she asked Sugano for advice on men. I'll admit, I am glad she's taking an interest in someone but as her dad I'm unsure if I should be glad or mad." He finishes and sighs.

"Y'know, I'm unsure how to feel about this myself." My response makes him laugh and he pushes my back.

"Good, now come on. I told the girls to take the other exit so we wouldn't get interrupted. They're probably wondering where we are." I sigh and start climbing down the stairs.