This Body Is Forged as a Sword

"Big brother Merlin, the Magus of Flowers, is leading a party through the Dark Thunder Ruins team dungeon! Professional support, damage boosts, healing—enjoy the ultimate offense and flawless defense."

"No red potions needed~ One Light Coin per person. The raid starts at 99, and we're only seven short. Limited spots, first come, first served~"

"Sorry, I don't take bookings for the Immortal Qin Dungeon or Cosmic Heroic Spirits team dungeons~~~ Can't be helped. That's just how I'm set up."

"Great, I've got the seven Light Coins. Huh? Master, you're awake? Bad timing—I'm taking a party into a dungeon first. See you tonight~~"

Merlin waved his staff at Ritsuka Fujimaru, then marched toward the Dimensional Gate surrounded by players. He was clearly a star among them.

"This is so wrong!" Ritsuka Fujimaru pointed at Merlin and said to Mash:

"What is this veteran-guides-newbies setup? He'll earn more Light Coins from one dungeon run than Mr. Three Waves gets from a trip through the Immortal Qin Dungeon!"

"And why is he so practiced at it?!"

Mash explained:

"We can't really help it. Food and lodging here cost Light Commemorative Coins, and players treat us like NPCs and expect payment even for information. Mr. Merlin only contacted us a few days ago."

"I see." Ritsuka Fujimaru had the distinct feeling someone was enjoying himself.

Right.

That look on Merlin's face was unmistakably the look of a man who had found a new toy.

"Where are Master Sanzang and Senior Yu Meiren?" Ritsuka Fujimaru asked. "Weren't they with you?"

"Well..." Mash hesitated for a few seconds. "Right now, they're..."

"Thought moves with the heart, following the flow of nature's breath..."

"All conditioned things are impermanent, subject to arising and passing away; when arising and passing cease, stillness is bliss."

"Amitabha."

"This is the Ultimate