Forge the Heart to Shoot

**Chapter 7 - Forge the Heart to Shoot**  (鍛え撃つ心) is the 7th Chapter of Arc 1 in Main Story.

Previous Chapter: **What One Can Do as Star Savior**

Next Chapter: '

## Dialogue

### Departure From Quiet Rest (静養からの旅立ち)

 Seraphinite: That's true... It clears fatigue and heals your wounds... I feel like I've recovered a little...
It's been a few days since we defeated the **Zolne**, which was causing a blizzard on the mountains. During that period, we stayed at the **light spring** and healed our fatigue and our wounds that we couldn't heal from the fights we had up to that point
 Coral: Hey, everyone. How about some refreshments? Your meals are almost ready!
Aqua Aura: Wow! Thank you, Coral! Coral's food tastes delicious, I'm looking forward to it!
Seraphinite: Oh, by the way... Miss Coral. If you don't mind, could you teach me about cooking again? I want to learn to create that taste that soothes me when I eat it!
Coral: It's alright! Miss Seraphinite works hard, so Coral's teachings are also very rewarding.
Coral, who's now free after the **Zolne** had been subjugated, was very hardworking by entertaining and taking care of us. Thanks to that, Aqua Aura and Seraphinite were full of energy.
 Tinctura: ...
On the other hand, Tinctura was downhearted. It was because neither the **light spring's** healing properties nor Coral's hospitality could bring back her **armament** to her body.
Aqua Aura: Oh, that. Master Tinctura? Did Coral brought you tea? Also, it seems that meal will be ready soon? You're looking forward to it, right?
Tinctura: ...Yes. The food that Coral prepares is lovely.
Aqua Aura: Then, let's cheer up! With Master and the **light spring's** energy, everything should be fine!
Tinctura: Precisely why I despise myself. Even if I have **Master's** power, or even if I am immersed inside the **light spring**, the fact that I cannot bring out my **armament** indicates my worthlessness...!
Seraphinite: Master Tinctura... Please don't think that way so much. None of us thinks Master Tinctura is worthless!
Is there anything we can do for you?
Those words popped out of my mouth out of the blue. Tinctura in front of me is in trouble. Lamenting that, I thought I should reach out as **Star Savior**.
Tinctura: Master... Suchs words for me, who is so worthless... If so, although it is a bother, there are things I would like to ask for your help.
Seraphinite: Of course, we are of little help, but we will still help you! Hey, Miss Aqua Aura!
Aqua Aura: Certainly! Master Tinctura, please tell us anything! We will do our best to help you!
Tinctura: Both of you... Thank you. Then I'll rely on everyone. I want to visit Adamantite if she is still alive. Therefore, I want you to help me find her.
Coral: Master Adamantite...! Since that person is said to be able to repair any wounds of a **jewel princess**, she may be possible to repair Master Tinctura's **armament**!
Aqua Aura: Is Adamantite that amazing? I mean, I don't think it's possible to repair all the wounds of
a **jewel prince**, let alone a **Regalia**.
Seraphinite: Miss Aqua Aura! Master Adamantite is a **Regalia** herself! Isn't she known for repairing any **jewel princess's armaments**!? Didn't you learn anything about that from **Embryon**!?
Aqua Aura: Eh!? Ah...ahahahaha. I've dozed off in my lectures quite a bit, so maybe I missed that.
Regardless of Aqua Aura's lessons in **Embryon**, if she is a master of forging, then Tinctura will surely get her **Armament** back.
Thinking about it, Tinctura shook her head, objecting to Coral's statements.
Tinctura: No, what I wanted is not restoration. I want to meet Adamantite, and hopefully she has the kindness to help tailor for me a new **armament**.
Seraphinite: Ah, a new, **armament**...!?
Tinctura: **Master**, I am very aware that it is a very unscrupulous wish. It is a new selfish request that stops **Master's** wishes to save the people as we don't even know where Adamantite is, but...
Tinctura: Please, I beg you...!
Tinctura bowed down, her face hidden. Even if she didn't do that, I wasn't willing to back away from my words. I wanted to help Tinctura who was in trouble. That is already my unanimous determination.
Aqua Aura: It's alright, Master Tinctura! Master seems to be very motivated, and I will help you as well!
Seraphinite: Yes! I will do my best so that Master Tinctura can meet Master Adamantite as soon as possible and make the **armament**!
Upon hearing the determination of the three of us, Tinctura opened her eyes. She finally smiled, looked over at our face and bowed again, this time cheerfully.
Tinctura: Everyone... Thank you so much.

### To the Capital Again (再び央都へ)

 Tinctura: **Master** has shared his starlight with me, and I would say my body's fully recovered, since I had been treated in this **light spring**. However, my **armament** has not yet returned to me.
Tinctura: In other words, it seems natural to form a conclusion that I no longer have any **armament** at present. In that case, in order for me to be on par with everyone, a new **armament** is needed. And only Adamantite can forge one.
 Aqua Aura: Eh? Eh? Please hold on, Master Tinctura. My head hurts...
 Seraphinite: Oh Geeze! Aqua Aura you... Simply put, if she lets Master Adamantite create a new **Armament** for her, she'll be able to fight with us.
Aqua Aura: I see! That's why she wants to meet Master Adamantite! Oh! Then, we should have asked Ruby or Sapphire on Master Adamantite's whereabouts back then...
Tinctura: At the time, I didn't think that I wouldn't be able to recover my **armament** using this **light spring**. It's a bother again, but do you want to visit the **World Parliament**?
As we were talking, Coral, who had been silent, raised her face and spoke words that would kill all of the enthusiasm of the three.
Coral: ...No, Master Tinctura. It may be a little premature. Coral does recommend heading to the central capital, but not to visit Master Adamantite anytime soon.
With such a wet blanket thrown by her subconciously, Tinctura's expression hardened when hearing that, she then questioned Coral with a tone as hard as her expression.
Tinctura: Why? You can't say such words without even a mere thought. I would like to inquire what were you thinking to conclude that.
Coral: As far as Coral's understanding of the history looking back, Coral has not heard any examples of a **jewel princess** getting a new **armament** after losing their **armament**.
Coral: This is because the **armament** represents half of a **jewel princess's** body. Most of the time, the body would never accept the new one even if it was lost.
Coral: In addition, Master Tinctura is a **Regalia**. In order for you, who have more power than **jewelia**, to even consider accepting a new **armament**, the body should better be prepared accordingly.
Certainly, some of the **jewel princesses** that I met during our journey had generated **armaments** from within his own body. The connection between **jewel princesses** and their **armaments** may be quite deep.
If so, in order to obtain a new **armament**, Tinctura, who is a **Regalia**, it is necessary to prepare not only the first-grade **armament** for her, but also preparation of her body to accept that **armament**. It's not strange to think that way.
Tinctura: ...Excuse me for just now. Please forgive me for not realizing your advice. Certainly, it may be necessary to do something to my body.
Coral: Care alone is not enough. Anyways, before looking for Master Adamantite, Coral recommends that you search for what you need in the central capital in order to accept the **armament**.
First of all, to the central capital.
Tinctura: Yes, there are a few more things to look for, but the end road remains the same. Aqua Aura, Serafinite. It will be another journey. Can I ask for you escort throughout the way?
Seraphinite: Ye-yes! Please leave it to me!
Aqua Aura: I will do my best! Both Master and Master Tinctura will have perfect protection!!
The faces of the two, who were reliable, gleamed involuntarily. In order to reassure Tinctura as soon as possible, I started to move quickly to pack up our luggage.

### Self-Proclaimed Genius Doctor (自称天才医師)

Seraphinite happily pointed to the crowd in a town we stopped by on the way to the central capital. She was happy to see the group moving in the opposite direction of us.
Seraphinite: Since we were able to exterminate the **Zolne**, it seems everyone is able to continue their journey peacefully... I'm happy.
 Aqua Aura: Mhm mhm! It's clear to see that we're useful to everyone! I'll so excited! I feel great!
Seeing Aqua Aura and Seraphinite sharing their excitement together when they were down a while ago made me smile. Tinctura was also smiling out of the blue.
 Tinctura: Jeez... Although the two are reliable these days, I can't help but mention they they are still behaving childishly.
Although she sounded peppy, it's certain that the two cheerful figures had uplifted her mood. While we had this good atmosphere, I proposed to search for any clues.
Aqua Aura: Looking for clues? What kind of clues?
Tinctura: Clues about what I need to do to be able to accept a new **armament**. We can't stop being pleased with our progress, but we shouldn't forget what we need to do, alright?
Aqua Aura: Yeesss. Excuse me, Master Tinctura. But... How does anyone around here know how to prepare your body to make a new **armament**?
Seraphinite: We don't know, that's why we should ask first... Maybe somebody does know, right?
Aqua Aura: Aye aye! Then, it's better to ask multiple people at once!
That being said, Aqua Aura looked around the street, smiled, took a deep breath, and began to shout loudly to all the passer-bys along the way.
Aqua Aura: EVERYOOOONNEEE!! DOES ANYONE HERE KNOW HOW TO MAKE A BODY ACCEPT A NEW **ARMAMENT**!!!?
Seraphinite: Hyah!
Tinctura: !?
Everyone was upset and frowned at the unbearably loud voice that's close to our ears. I was relieved to see that it caused no big commotion, but nobody responded to Aqua Aura's voice.
Aqua Aura: Well, nobody here knows it I think... I guess I'll change to another street and try again!
I was sorry to Aqua Aura, but I couldn't stand her any more. Just when I was about to stop her, a **jewel princess** stood in front of us.
 ???: Hey, you there! Did you just shouted something interesting? Something about how to make a body accept a new **armament**...
Aqua Aura: Oh, yeah! Do you know, little girl? ...Or do you know any grownup that knows the details?
???: Oh come on! I'm not a little girl!! Don't you know that's an extremely rude way to address the genius doctor, Pearl!? I am no longer interested to diagnose anyone after hearing that!!
Seraphinite: Genius... doctor... Pearl... Oh! You are Master Pearl! I'm so sorry! Please wait...!
At that moment Seraphinite realized something, she apologized profusely and dragged us towards the end of the street. She gestured to bring her face closer and shouted.
Seraphinite: I've heard about this in Elixseed...! Pearl, the lone wolf, wandering genius doctor, affiliated to nobody, in order to study the treatment methods to people affected by **Zolne**...!
Aqua Aura: Is that kid really that amazing? She looks like a kid no matter how I see it.
Seraphinite: Th-that's because her growth speed is far slower than anyone else! Discussing about that topic in front of her would be very unwise! Please be careful of what you say!!
Tinctura: ...I am really unconvinced, are you absolutely sure?
Seraphinite: Yes. It seems that the cause was that something awkward happened during her research in treatment, but she is definitely a genius. In current times, everyone's evaluation of her is that she would take both first and second place in achievements.
Then, let's have her do a medical examination.
Tinctura: If she is a doctor, she should know a lot more than we do. I didn't even think that any information would be gathered here in the first place, so it's not a bad idea to try her for clues.
Nodding, Tinctura separated herself from us, who had formed a circle discussing secretly between each other, and she graciously bowed to Pearl, introduced herself in a confident, dignified air befitting of a **Regalia**.
Tinctura: I am the **Regalia**, Tinctura. I have awoken from a long sleep and is now suffering from a disorder that I never had before falling asleep. The doctor who calls herself a genius. Can you please provide me a medical diagnosis?
Pearl: Ueeeeehah!? **Regalia**! !! Moreover, Tinctura, the **Wrath of the Star**!? Wheeehhhhh! Please no, spare my life...!
Tinctura: Ngh, stop crying. I want you to examine me, not me trying to hurt you!
Pearl: What? Oh, ah. Is that so... Erhem! Well then, yo... you are now my patient I presume?
Pearl quickly recovered her tone similar with Tinctura's charisma, but it seems that she didn't address her as "Master". Although she does respect her, she still sounds boastful.
Pearl: Then leave it to me! Now, we should discuss on all symptoms you have experienced from your current condition! You all! Please acquire a room in any inn around here!
As long as she will diagnose her, we will follow the instructions of the doctor as much as possible. We were instructed as such by Seraphinite, and rushed to book a room.

### Famous Doctor's Examination (名医の診察)

Immediately after entering the room where Aqua Aura and Seraphinite is in, Pearl, who was examining Tinctura's body, frowned and complained.
 Tinctura: Certainly, I may have worded it wrongly. My body is given **starlight** from the **Star Savior** over there, and I can say that my body is in better shape than before I went to sleep.
On the other hand, Tinctura didn't change her expression even after receiving Pearl's wrath. She accepted the mistake gently. However, in order to avoid Pearl interrupting further, she continued promptly.
Tinctura: However, I currently do not have an **armament**. I thought about getting a new **armament**, but according to Coral who is a protector of a **light spring**, it is necessary that my body be prepared to accept one.
Tinctura: That is why, I wanted to seek advice from you, as you are a famous doctor. Do you have any ideas about such a preparation? For now, that's all that I have to say.
Tinctura looks at Pearl's eyes and tried to convince her. However, Pearl, who was the main focus, was not looking at Tinctura. Instead, her eyes are on me.
Pearl: ...Given **starlight**!? Moreover, having a figure of a male human being!? **Star Savior**!? ...What ridiculousness. May I do a little inspection?
Tinctura: Miss Pearl? Do you realize that it is I who is talking to you right now? And if you want to carelessly harm **Master**, then I will have to put my foot down first.
Pearl: Piii!? I don't want to hurt him!! Just for a moment, let me examine his body for medical progress...
Tinctura: You will be given the chance after you settle my problem. Can you get started now?
Pearl was overwhelmed by Tinctura's words, her head shook fiercely, her eyes teared up. Apparently, despite her bullish attitude she cowers easily when intimidated.
Pearl: We, well! I understand the situation. I will discuss about his inspection later... So did you want to get a new **armament**?
Pearl: Should I agree with the individual named Coral? Certainly, **Regalia**... No, even if she is a **jewelia**, cannot simply harness a new **armament** just by preparing a substitute.
Why can you affirm that?
Pearl: I'll explain it in layman terms. We as **jewel princesses** have a very tough body that can take in a lot of **starlight**. This is a feature of us that cannot be duplicated by humans or animals.
Speaking of which, it was only me and **jewel princesses** who have approached or dipped into a **light spring**. Aqua Aura and Seraphinite also initially thought I was a human male and rushed in to look at me.
Pearl: This toughness of ours is both a strength and a weakness. It doesn't change easily, but once it's changed... It's also impossible to restore it back to normal.
Tinctura: ...In other words, before and after my deep sleep, I was in a natural state that is without an **armament**?
Pearl: Otherwise, I can't really explain why you can't release your **armament** even though you're healthy. So in order to be able to control a new armament, it is necessary to transform your body again.
 Seraphinite: So it makes the body think that it is natural to have a new armament. Do you have any good ideas, Master Pearl?
Pearl: ...I'm reluctant, but I don't know of any reliable method at present. This is currently a difficult problem when I am treating **jewel princesses** corrupted by the **Zolne**.
Pearl: **Zolne** is able to forcibly alter and corrupt **jewel princesses**. That's the reason why I research...
Pearl turned her back with regret. I could understand her mixed feelings as I too could not save the suffering people. Her profession as a doctor in her may be blaming herself for being unworthy.
Tinctura: ...Then, you have room to be uncertain. Miss Pearl. I want you to try all possible methods you know. I really need a new **armament**...!
Pearl: Then, I have this.
With a piece of paper in her hand, Pearl started writing something akin to a list rather furiously. Apparently, the names of herbs are listed, but I don't know what they are.
Pearl: It is the materials for a drug that causes the most alteration in my research so far. Collect these. Then, I will extract and mix. Will you be staying in this town?
Tinctura: No, **Master** has a difficult task to save the world. Currently, I have made a selfish request and took a lot of his time. I want to have my **armament** created and travel as soon as possible.
Pearl: If so, I have to make enough for consumption until the **armament** is completed. I require a considerable amount of ingredients collected.
Aqua Aura: Leave it to us! Even if **Zolne** is in our way, I will quickly beat it and collect the materials! Instead, do your best to make medicine, Master Pearl!
Pearl: Hmph! This genius doctor, Pearl's reputation, could be damaged by the development of this medicine! As this is for a new clinical trial. I will have the magnum opus made!
Pearl's initial regrettable expression was replaced with her regained confident face and she smiled invincibly as she proclaimed that. And as I recalled, she demanded that we go collect the materials.
Pearl: Oh, you all. If you have exterminated **Zolne**, bring some of them home. Let's have those dissected and use it as data!

### Medicine Masterpiece (薬の出来栄え)

It's been a while since we gathered the ingredients and returned them to Pearl. Pearl, who is alarmed by the number of **Zolne** we brought back, immediately synthesized her formulation and returned with some liquid in a glass.
 Tinctura: Understood. ...Here goes nothing.
Tinctura, who winced slightly upon hearing the word "side effects", took the cup and drinked it slowly. She returned the cup to Pearl and began rubbing her hand around her chest.
Tinctura: I feel that there is a slight heat around here. Is this a side effect?
Pearl: No, it's not. The drug is being absorbed. ...Now, **Star Savior**. You can share **starlight**, right? Try a little now.
I followed Pearl's instructions and shared my **starlight** to Tinctura. Although it was a little difficult to adjust the amount, my **starlight** disappeared into Tinctura faster than I can blink my eyes.
Tinctura: This is...! **Starlight** is absorbed much faster than usual! It always filled my body by the time I had two heartbeats, but now it's faster than I can blink...!
Pearl: The effects have appeared. The drug should bring about some alterations that reduces the time it would take for a jewel princess would normally do without. It doesn't accelerate starlight recovery though.
We turned our eyes and were startled. In other words, Pearl had been successful in transforming **jewel princess**, which was claimed to be very difficult. Thinking that, Pearl shook her and snorted.
Pearl: If it can even be done normally. The effect for things that you do not usually do is still unknown, this includes accustoming a new **armament** to your body. I don't know what the result will be if you keep drinking it. This is the best I can do.
Tinctura: ...Still, I think I could see hope for myself. If I continue to take this medicine, I may be able to obtain a new **armament**. If so, I cannot thank you enough, Miss Pearl.
Pearl seemed to be dissatisfied when Tinctura thanked her. She scuffled her head into a mess and stomped on the ground. In the end, she threw a tantrum similarly to a spoiled child.
Pearl: Darn it!! Cannot accept this! I cannot accept this!! This is me! This is all that is that this Pearl can only do!! Oi! Tinctura... Master!!
Perhaps she wasn't used to address others with an honorific title, all of Pearl's internal alarm bells rang as she pointed at Tinctura, and made a grand declaration.
Pearl: This is a clue to me for treating **Zolne** victims! So I'll do some more research! I swear! I'll make sure your **armament** will return to you someday!
Pearl: I'll obtain samples, and I'll have these **Zolne** eliminated! As a consideration, if I meet you next time, I'll diagnose you for free! I'm sorry as I have to start my research soon! Farewell!
Pearl disappeared like a whirlwind. We could only see her off, but we were frozen for a while, but then time moved again, and Tinctura smiled bitterly.
Tinctura: She was a noisy and impolite **jewel princess**, However... Her passion as a doctor is genuine. She is also a **jewel princess** who is worthy of being called a hero.
 Seraphinite: ...Yes. I also have to emulate her. I can't live like her, but I want to do my best and heal everyone.
 Aqua Aura: For the time being, your body is prepared by relying on Pearl's medicine, which saved us a lot of trouble. Where is Master Adamantite now?
Tinctura: Pearl left so quickly that I couldn't even ask her. If we can't get any information while asking along the way, let's do a full-scale investigation in the central city. Well then, **Master**. Shall we move?
I gently nodded upon hearing Tinctura's words, while gently putting the vial that Pearl left behind into my luggage. So where is the master blacksmith, **Regalia** Adamantite now?

### Encounter (出逢い)

 Aqua Aura: Hey... the **World Parliament** governs the world, and while Diamond may be busy, I thought Ruby or Sapphire may knew where she is.
 Seraphinite: She looked for blacksmithing materials, then went on a journey without telling anyone where she went... Moreover, isn't it a little dangerous to not ask for escorts?
Tinctura: Adamantite isn't very conversational, so I don't think she wasn't talking to anyone much. She hasn't taken any disciples yet...
When we returned to the capital city, we asked about Adamantite's whereabouts by walking around and visiting the **Parliament**. However, all we got was information that Adamantite had set out on a journey.
I have no idea what to do next other than vis-a-vis as there are so few clues. We were completely stuck.
Aqua Aura: What do we do, Master Tinctura? It seems that she's not in the central city for the time being, so let's pursue her.
Tinctura: We don't even know which way she went, so we can't pursue here. It's useless to move aimlessly.
Seraphinite: She's a **Regalia**, so she shouldn't be affected by the **Zolne**...
Tinctura: ...Adamantite, as much as I could remember, was a craftsman who can forget to sleep and eat just for blacksmithing. She could have fainted anytime anywhere.
Aqua Aura: Isn't that bad, Master Tinctura? Without Adamantite, there would be no one who could repair your **Armament**!
My head went through the worst case scenarios, everyone's facial expressions turned dark and pale. Just when Seraphinite began to tremble, it happened.
 ???: Woahwoahwoah! Getoutgetoutgetout!!!
* THUD\*

Aqua Aura: Yeowch!
While we gathered to the sides of the road so as not to get in the way to avoid someone who's running towards us, she collided with Aqua Aura and both fell.
???: Are you okay? So sorry! I was in a hurry right now, and I didn't have time to look in front of me...! No injuries!?
Aqua Aura: Oh, I'm okay. I've been training! This is fine!
Peridot: That's a relief...
She has an active look that gave her a cheerful impression, then a loud shout echoed from the direction she was running just as she patted her chest.
???: Prin-ceeeess! Please, come hoome!! Princess Peridooot!
Considering the situation up to that point, the girl who bumped into us is probably Princess Peridot herself. She might be a fairly high-ranked **jewel princess**.
Peridot: Tch! I have to run! Anyways, everyone! Keep running!!!
Aqua Aura: Eh..? Ah, right!
Seraphinite: Ye, yes!!