Chapter 215: A Summons from the Master
After about three days, it seemed that the investigation results of those three had settled in, and the Guild had regained its composure. As I was enjoying a peaceful day without any sightings of that stalker, I received a message from the master of Ruigentz Workshop.
“Good morning!”
As soon as I arrived at the workshop in the morning, the master, wearing a proud expression, was waiting for me.
“Oh? How unusual. The master is manning the shop today.”
“No, I was just waiting for Shu and the others to arrive.”
“Still, that’s quite rare.”
“Gahaha! I called you here, so it’s only natural to wait!”
“Well, well, it’s not the best to chat out front. Let’s head inside.”
Encouraged by Paula, we all entered the workshop. The fact that the master summoned us at this time made me wonder if something significant was about to happen. He seemed to be in a fantastic mood, so perhaps I could expect something great.
“Without further ado, it’s finally complete!”
Once we were seated, the master eagerly placed a katana on the table. Unlike the one we had hastily crafted, this blade was not overly flashy but had intricate decorations that showcased its craftsmanship.
“Can I hold it?”
“Ah, of course! This is also a reward for learning the techniques of Master Artisan Luciel. It belongs to you and Shu.”
“Thank you very much!”
As I picked it up, I was surprised by how light it felt. It looked to be the same size as the long sword I had made, but was it not made of Adamantite?
＝＝＝＝＝
Type: Weapon (Katana)
Name: None
Description: A katana forged from Orichalcum.
Its cutting ability is unmatched by any other weapon,
and it is said that nothing in this world can surpass it.
The scabbard is also carefully crafted, allowing for a smooth draw.
Quality: S-
Enchantment: None
Creator: Ruigentz
＝＝＝＝＝
“Orichalcum!?”
“Gahaha! With my skills, this is just a warm-up!”
Paula looked on with an exasperated expression at the master, who puffed out his chest with pride. From what I had heard, the secret to forging Orichalcum was precisely the technique of Master Artisan Luciel. It had already been somewhat successful, but when infused with Magic Power during the forging process, it turned out remarkably well.
I learned that Orichalcum becomes smoother the more it is polished, and the inside of the scabbard had been meticulously polished to facilitate a swift draw. Even the parts that were difficult to join were made smooth by infusing them with Magic Power. Indeed, when I tried to draw the blade, it felt as if it would come out effortlessly.
“The quality is S-! This is the best piece I’ve seen from the master so far!”
“What did you say!?”
“Is that true!?”
“Y-yes. The appraisal results show S-.”
“I can’t sit idle! I must start on my next piece immediately!”
“Master! Please calm down!”
Paula tried to soothe the master, who stood up abruptly. I wondered if there was something special about achieving an S rank.
“I understand your excitement, but could you explain a bit more—”
“That’s up to Paula!”
“W-wait!?”
But he brushed her off and hurried into the workshop.
“Sigh… I apologize for the master’s behavior…”
As I watched him go, Paula offered an explanation. It seemed that a blacksmith capable of creating weapons of S rank was a special existence within the blacksmith guild. I couldn’t recall how many there were, but I was told that there was only one craftsman who could create an S rank without any negatives attached.
“Then what about S+ quality?”
“I’ve heard there are none. At that level, it’s considered the realm of gods.”
“Really? That’s interesting.”
Hmm. I had only recently started noticing quality levels, but I didn’t know such a system existed. I wondered what quality the equipment I received from my master had. I had never appraised it again, but perhaps it was a good opportunity to do so. I might as well check when I return to the inn.
“Yes. So, I think he went to start creating a piece for the exhibition right away…”
“Eh…? But I have a weapon of S quality right here!”
I looked at the katana in my hand, but Paula shook her head.
“That was given to you as a reward, so it cannot be submitted to the exhibition. Please accept it.”
“If you insist… then I understand. We will use this.”
“Yes, please do.”
After I had examined the Orichalcum katana, I handed it to Rio, who began to touch it with delight.
“Then, after you finish submitting your piece for the exhibition, could you make another katana for me?”
I took out a chunk of Orichalcum from the Dimensional Box and offered it to Paula. I had decided to give the previous katana to Rio, but I found myself wanting one for myself as well. I thought I could just make one later, but seeing the real thing changed my mind.
“Eh? Well… I don’t think the master would refuse, but… let me check.”
Since I had already made one, the amount of Orichalcum I had wouldn’t be enough for another katana. Therefore, the piece I had just given her was slightly more than what was needed. The master could submit a fully Orichalcum weapon to the exhibition, and we could have one made for ourselves—a win-win situation.
Sure enough, Paula returned from the back of the workshop with a beaming smile, ready to give her enthusiastic approval.