Chapter 200: The Method of Weapon Forging
After a lively lunch with everyone, we gathered once more in the workshop to learn about our weapon crafting methods. I had thought the master blacksmith might be busy, but it turned out he had scheduled plenty of time for occasions like this.
“First, let me give you a brief overview of how we create our weapons.”
The two blacksmiths at the table nodded solemnly. By the way, why are Ivan and Phonia sitting at the same table? They can listen in, but do they really have an interest in weapon crafting…?
“In simple terms, we use this metal and employ Earth Magic to shape it.”
Rio picked up a piece of Iron Ore from the table, channeling her Magic Power to extract the iron.
“Wow… it’s that simple…?”
“…!”
Ignoring the astonished expressions of the two, she proceeded to shape the extracted iron into a long, slender rod. However, given that it was just one piece of Iron Ore, we couldn’t even make a small knife.
“Since it requires a fair amount of Magic Power, I don’t think the two of you could create even a small knife.”
“There’s also the matter of magical aptitude.”
Upon reassessing the two, I found their MP and Magic Power both in the low triple digits. Paula’s MP was even in the double digits. However, I didn’t think they were completely incapable of contributing to weapon crafting.
“So, rather than relying solely on this method to create weapons, I believe it would be better to incorporate it into your regular blacksmithing practices.”
“…………?”
The master blacksmith looked at me with a questioning gaze, but I had a rough idea of what he was getting at.
“I haven’t seen the blacksmithing process firsthand, but you melt the metal in a furnace and then hammer it, right?”
“Yes… There’s also casting, where you pour the molten metal into a mold, but swords are typically forged by hammering.”
It seemed my somewhat superficial knowledge of fantasy elements wasn’t entirely wrong.
“I see, so during that process, you could infuse it with Magic Power while hammering, is that what you’re suggesting?”
I nodded in response to Rio’s words. Since he was reputed to be a skilled blacksmith, it was possible he was already doing this unconsciously. If he could grasp the technique, perhaps he could make a significant leap in his craft.
“Do you really think it would work that easily?”
Ivan looked skeptical, but I thought we wouldn’t know unless we tried. I was counting on Ruigentz for that.
“Hmm…”
Phonia, who had been handed the Iron Ore by Rio, was concentrating hard. She looked incredibly cute.
“…………!”
“Wait, can you understand something, Master!?”
“…………”
“Ah, I-I got it!”
After a brief exchange, the master suddenly stood up with a clatter and left the room. I had no idea what was happening. It was quite inconvenient. But if he could understand that vague explanation, perhaps he had been using the technique unconsciously.
“I’m sorry, but I’ll be right back, so please wait.”
Paula hurried after the master. After a while, she returned, holding two short blades.
“These are a temporary gift from the master. They’re old works, so he isn’t giving them away, but you’re welcome to handle them and examine them thoroughly.”
“Temporary gift…?”
“Well, the actual payment will be a sword forged using the techniques we learned.”
“Oh, really? That sounds exciting!”
Rio’s eyes sparkled with excitement. However, she also seemed intrigued by the weapons in Paula’s hands. Upon closer inspection, I noticed they had a curve, suggesting they were swords. Given their short length, they were likely wakizashi. Moreover—
“They’re made of Adamantite.”
As we each took a wakizashi from the table, we began to examine them closely.
＝＝＝＝＝
Type: Weapon (Sword)
Name: None
Description: A sword forged from Adamantite.
Its sharpness surpasses that of other weapons, placing it among the top tier of bladed weapons.
Quality: A
Enhancements: None
Creator: Ruigentz
＝＝＝＝＝
Wow, a quality rating of A! Incredible. While there were no enhancements, just being made of Adamantite made it feel like it would have high attack power. Due to the properties of the metal, it didn’t seem to conduct Magic Power well, but it appeared to be strong against physical attacks. However, Earth Magic should pass through it relatively well. I carefully drew the blade from its scabbard to conduct a thorough analysis.
“Um, excuse me, Shu.”
While I was analyzing the Adamantite sword, Paula’s voice interrupted me.
“The master is calling for you. Could you come a bit further inside?”
“Oh, sure. That’s fine.”
I wondered what was going on. I didn’t think I could communicate with the master directly, but as long as Paula was there, I felt it would be okay.
“Thank you. This way, please.”
Despite my growing unease, I followed her. As we walked down the corridor, the temperature gradually rose. It seemed we were getting closer to the furnace, but I wondered if it was safe to go this far in.
When we reached the designated room, the master was seated in front of the furnace.
“I brought Shu.”
Upon hearing Paula’s voice, the master raised a hand and turned his face slightly to speak.
“Hey, Master! I can’t understand you if you don’t face me!”
It seemed even Paula had trouble understanding him just now. She asked him to repeat himself.
“Um, he wants to know how you usually channel your Magic Power…”
“Ah…”
He was asking for tips on the spot. From the atmosphere, it felt like he had gained a clearer understanding of what he had been doing all along. But it was indeed inconvenient not being able to communicate directly.
If he couldn’t speak, then how about this?
“Master, can you hear me?”
“Oh? What’s this?”
Once I established a telepathic connection, I found I could communicate with the master effortlessly. It felt like most of our issues had been resolved just like that.