Don't move, it's a robbery!

Looking at the shattered "Elegant Glacier," I couldn't help but smile wryly.

The hope of turning the tide has vanished.

Taking advantage of the fire giant's pause, I rolled over and hid among the surrounding ruins, dodging possible attacks while searching for a way to escape.

(ﾟωﾟ): "Well, I know it's not really appropriate to say this now, but since 'Elegant Glacier' is broken, is it okay for me to take a bite?"

"Get lost, I'm not in the mood to argue with you about this right now. Besides, all I have is the hilt. I have no idea where the other fragments went."

(ﾟωﾟ): "As long as the core is there, the appearance has nothing to do with the subsystem's capabilities."

"What?!"

I stopped abruptly, looking at the hilt of the sword in my hand with a look of surprise and delight.

"In other words, even if only the hilt is left, I can still use it to its original effect!"

(ﾟωﾟ): "Uh, it's impossible. Although the blade and such are not very useful, they are, after all, the hardware that carries the subsystem. No matter how powerful the operating system and software are, they still need basic equipment to be effective."

"Can't understand."

(ﾟωﾟ): "You can think of it this way: without the blade, relying solely on the core will definitely reduce its effectiveness. But if you insist on using it, I do have a compromise."

"What method?"

(ﾟωﾟ): "Ahem, well, I ate 'tribute' before, and I also took its external hardware. So, you can use the blade of 'tribute' to load the core of 'Elegant Glacier'."

"'Tribute'? Hasn't that stuff rusted into dust by now?"

(˶'ᵕ'˶): "Some of them are still usable. And when 'Elegant Glacier' shattered just now, I actually collected some fragments. If you combine the two, you can still piece together a sword. Of course, if you don't like it, you can make it into another shape, but afterwards you have to let me eat the core of 'Elegant Glacier'."

"What?! Why should I?! Just because you fixed my sword? No way!"

(˶'ᵕ'˶): "Don't be so stingy~ How about I give you one-tenth?"

"Only one-tenth? Are you trying to fob me off? Wait, can I eat all these so-called cores too?"

(˶'ᵕ'˶): "No way."

"Then what are you even talking about?!"

(˶'ᵕ'˶): "What I mean is, I can let you use part of the ability to activate 'Elegant Glacier,' so how about this, 3%, I'll keep 3% of the power of 'Elegant Glacier' for you, is that okay? Don't forget you still have a big problem right now!"

"No way! Split it in half!"

I started bargaining with 'West Copper', but before we could finish our discussion, the ground suddenly shook violently, and the roar of the fire giant echoed from the sky.

"Robin Hood! Come out! Stop hiding!"

"If you don't come out, the entire city will lose its lives because of your cowardice!"

"Look carefully!"

Because I was hiding under the ruins, I didn't know what the fire giant had done, but judging from the tremors coming from the ground, I guessed that he had slashed the ground with his sword again.

"So, is he trying to morally blackmail me?"

(˶'ᵕ'˶): "Yeah, what a classic villain line. You're definitely going to fight, right? So, giving you 30% is a fair deal. Our supply and demand are not equal."

"Bullshit, supply and demand imbalance? Do you believe I'll just throw the sword hilt right into that underground fissure?"

(눈_눈): "That's a bit much. Bargaining is fine, but why resort to threats?"

"Because I'm a robber! It has to be a 50/50 split anyway! I actually feel like I'm getting the short end of the stick!"

(눈_눈): "Fine, fine, I must have had the worst luck in my past lives to have met you."

"boom!!!"

Another roar came from outside, followed by a shout. Clearly, the fire giant didn't have much tracking ability, so if I chose to run away, I should be able to escape.

It seems like doing business with 'West Copper' is a bit of a loss.

(눈_눈): "Still losing money? If you're so capable, why don't you run away! Can you really leave all these people in the city behind?"

Well, if there's a way to save them, I'll definitely try my best.

"Alright, let's get started."

I loosened my grip on the sword hilt. Instead of falling to the ground, it floated in the air and quickly separated, revealing the core gem inside.

A ripple suddenly spread through the air, and then a decaying giant sword appeared abruptly, with many small blue blade fragments floating around it.

Under the control of 'West Copper', these materials quickly fused together. Without any strange flames or forging, they fused together effortlessly, as if they had liquefied.

Gradually, the rusty "Tribute" greatsword regained its metallic luster, revealing exquisite patterns and sharp edges, and pulsating with mysterious runes; perhaps because of the addition of "Elegant Glacier" fragments, half of its blade also shone with a silvery-white radiance.

"A greatsword? I haven't used it much."

(ﾟωﾟ): "Who told you not to say so before? It's already finished, and there's no going back now."

So, is it now a "tribute pilgrimage" or an "elegant glacier"?

(ﾟωﾟ): "Neither. Also, I have to remind you that although this sword can produce the effect of 'Elegant Glacier,' it is ultimately just a collection of junk. It might break down at any time, so you'd better finish this quickly."

"Yeah, I've been playing all night, and I'm almost out of energy."

(ﾟωﾟ): "There is some good news too. I just tried... cough cough, and modified the core. The energy that was originally absorbed by 'Elegant Glacier' can now be used. However, the power cannot be adjusted, and this sword can't withstand much force. This move can only be used as a last resort."

"You were just saying you took a bite, weren't you? You definitely took a bite!"

(◑ω◑): "I did modify some restrictions, don't worry about these little things~"

I reached out and touched the greatsword, then grasped it in my hand.

Then I realized that I couldn't lift the sword at all.

"...How heavy is this thing?"

(ﾟωﾟ): "It's probably more than a ton."

"...If I had that strength, it wouldn't have been so difficult for me just now!"

(ﾟωﾟ): "Hey, it's no big deal, just bind it, come on, let me bind it for you."

As the words of 'West Copper' were spoken, I once again felt the unique sensation of holding 'Elegant Glacier' in my hands. At the same time, the greatsword suddenly burst forth with two beams of light, one golden and one white.

They intertwined, and beams of light shot straight into the sky, as if to pierce the dark curtain of the heavens and sprinkle light into every corner.

"Damn it! Not again!"

(ﾟωﾟ): "Just tell me if it's bound or not."