Chapter 152
Three days passed since I began working on Melt’s weapons. For now, I focused on one thing: creating the necessary alloys through combinations of materials.
I already decided what kind of weapon to make. I could recreate weapons from the game, but that wouldn’t fully satisfy Melt’s wishes.
So, using real world knowledge -documents and videos- I experimented to see whether I could combine the materials and techniques of this world to create the weapon Melt was asking for.
“…An alloy that conducts mana…this should work… but the color’s bad. If I base it on tin or brass… It’s a soft material, but… since it’ll be sandwiched in, it might work…” (Shizuma)
The structural concept was based on what has become popular in recent years: Damascus steel.
A technique born from attempts to recreate a legendary material that once existed, using modern methods.
By layering multiple types of iron with different textures and properties, it produces layers like those of annual tree rings, and when the blade is finished, beautiful ripples and patterns emerge on its surface.
Taking that one step further, there were modern creators who emphasized the patterns by combining materials of different colors. My goal was to reproduce that here in this fantasy world, making use of monster materials.
By making the blade easy to conduct mana through, and sandwiching in alloys with lower hardness, it produces an effect close to the folded-forging of Japanese swords.
Because this manufacturing method doesn’t yet exist in this world, the result should be a weapon that is both beautiful and high-performance…and usable as a magical catalyst as well. “…The soft alloy is fine like this… The real issue is how to finish the main alloy and make it truly strong.” (Shizuma)
Quenching with special flames.
Adding special materials to the solution used to cool the blade to impart properties.
There are also methods like hammering monster materials into the blade during forging to grant traits, or mixing them into the alloy from the start; manufacturing processes and techniques unthinkable on Earth exist in this world.
“Finding all this endlessly fascinating…is probably Shijima’s nature.” (Shizuma)
With that thought, I headed to the materials wholesaler directly operated by the Blacksmith Guild, to purchase materials from this world that I still hadn’t tested.
Now then, let’s see if there’s anything suitable for an alloy to form the blade; the very lifeblood of a weapon.
—————–
“Oh, Shijima-san! What do you need today?”
The older shopkeeper greeted me cheerfully as I entered the shop.
I have been recognized as a valued customer, thanks to the fact that on my first day I bought a considerable number of promising ores and ingots all at once.
“I’ll take one of each ore I haven’t bought yet. This time it’s alloy testing… One kilo per type is enough.” (Shizuma)
In this world, units of length differ from Earth, but weight is the same…or at least, that’s how my brain recognizes it.
So using kilos works just fine.
“Even if you say one kilo, there are over thirty types, you know? The price will add up quite a bit.”
“That’s fine. How much?” (Shizuma)
“All together… Six large gold coins and three gold coins. I’ll waive the change.”
“Much appreciated. See you.” (Shizuma)
Another customer raised his voice so I could hear as the large amount of goods was being loaded onto a handcart.
“Well, aren’t you flush with cash? A noble’s patron, huh? Buying without even knowing what you want, just testing everything at random? Must be nice…spending lavishly and increasing waste without anyone complaining.”
Was he a local, or an outsider like me?
…Probably not a local. If it were, he’d be used to scenes like this and wouldn’t get worked up over it now.
I knew it wasn’t even worth responding…but still, something burned deep in my chest.
Shijima was furious without a doubt. So, instead of exploding in rage…
“Yeah, I am fortunate. Thankfully, I’m someone who can produce things worthy of evaluation before spewing ugly jealousy. It just turned out this way.” (Shizuma)
“Hah!? What the hell do you mean by that!?”
“Exactly what I said. See you.” (Shizuma)
“Hey, wait, you bastard!”
When I left the shop, the man -apparently a blacksmith- chased after me, raised the hammer at his waist, and swung it at me.
Ah…this is bad. My consciousness is being dragged away…
—————–
“Don’t screw with me, you bastard!!!!!!!”
I grabbed the hammer as it came down and smashed my other fist straight into this idiot.
I walked up to the fool who’d been blown across the ground, grabbed him by the collar, and lifted him up.
“You use your work tool…your partner…to swing at a person!? What kind of idiot does that!? What do you think a craftsman’s life is worth!? Come at me with your fists, damn it! I’ll take you on, you moron!!”
This damn idiot. I’ll punch you as many times as it takes. I’ll beat that rotten core of yours straight!
“H-Hiih! I’m sorry! I’m sorry!! Please forgive me!!! I was wrong!!!!”
“Not to me! Apologize to your tools!! Now take this and get the hell out of here!”
Watching the absolute fool flee in terror, I finally felt my anger settle.
…Huh? Why am I outside?
…Did I get too worked up and shove Shizuma’s consciousness aside?
Damn it…
“…For now, let’s go back to the workshop.” (Shijima)
—————–
“…Maybe I should try meditating.” (Shijima)
I extinguished the furnace fire, and once the room temperature settled at a comfortable level, I sat down on a chair and closed my eyes.
It felt good. Letting myself sink into the smell and warmth of the forge, drifting like a light nap.
Nostalgic… Even if these memories are false, manufactured ones, that feeling can’t be stopped.
No…they aren’t false. They definitely existed. At least, within me…within us.
And so, my consciousness slowly sank into the depths of darkness…
—————–
In the darkness, I found myself facing a large man.
Shijima. The body I had been using until just moments ago…and likely the original owner residing within it.
He suddenly bowed his head.
“I’m sorry, Shizuma. I…lost my temper, and I came to the surface. I interfered with your actions. Please forgive me.” (Shijima)
I accepted his earnest apology. No, no, it wasn’t something he needed to apologize for.
That act of trying to hit someone with a hammer, must have been utterly unforgivable to Shijima.
“I’m not angry. It just proves how sincerely you’ve devoted yourself to blacksmithing. If it were me, I’d have resorted to force even more impulsively.” (Shizuma)
“I’m sorry. I just couldn’t forgive using tools for violence.” (Shijima)
“It’s fine. I forgive you. I wasn’t angry to begin with… Actually, couldn’t this be perfect timing? A chance to get a professional opinion on the weapon I’m trying to make.” (Shizuma)
That’s right. If I could talk to Shijima directly, I could ask for his input on the weapon I was designing.
“Technically and knowledge-wise, I think my consciousness and your current one are the same, but…you’re right. Exchanging opinions like this might result in something better.” (Shijima)
“Right? I’m trying to meet Melt’s wishes, but do you think this is actually feasible?” (Shizuma)
“Hmmm… The design and shape of the weapon aren’t an issue, but making it a medium for magic activation is the difficult part, isn’t it? Using folded and interleaved techniques to insert an alloy with high magic affinity is a good idea, but whether it’ll withstand long-term use is unknown. That’s why you’re creating many types of alloys, so different ones will bond and adhere firmly, right?” (Shijima)
“Exactly. But I also want to emphasize design, so if possible, I want clear differences in color. Like the ones you see on video sites.” (Shizuma)
“That’s the result of doing blackening treatment at the end. If the alloys react at different strengths, the difference in reaction produces beautiful patterns. If you can create a reactive solution using materials from this world, it might stabilize both the alloy bonding and the magic pathways. Use my experience. I made many magic swords in my previous world.” (Shijima)
My goal is a weapon that is strong and beautiful.
Among my memories, experiences, and vast materials, there was one real sword I wanted to recreate in this world.
It was a blade with a beautiful, black-plated appearance.
And within that blade, a golden metal was sandwiched in…golden lines adorning the blade like Damascus steel.
What’s more, the pattern wasn’t random; it deliberately formed geometric shapes.
I wanted to adapt those patterns so they could serve as magic activation media, and forge a blade.
“Formulating the reactive solution itself should be easy. It blackens different metals while protecting the magic pathways, and when polished, the black remains only on the more strongly reacting parts. The result is a blade that can withstand powerful magic, with a vivid contrast of black and gold. But…the problem is the material containing powerful mana to add to the solution. Using the game methods alone won’t make a strong activation medium. Is there anything? A material from this world that holds immense power. Try prototyping the solution with that.” (Shijima)
“I see… Got it. I’ll try it. If the bonding can be reinforced with the reactive solution, then I’ll prioritize creating a powerful ingot first, even if affinity comes second.” (Shizuma)
“Yeah, do that… I’m looking forward to it. If it works, you’ll end up with an outrageous magic sword. The only concern is whether Melt-jouchan will like the black-and-gold color scheme.” (Shijima)
“She always uses equipment and clothes in the same color family. I figured at least her weapon could stand out -a contrasting accent. So I chose the opposite of silver.” (Shizuma)
Gold is the opposite of silver. Black is the opposite of white. That was my reasoning.
Well, I also fell in love with it at first sight when I saw it in the reference videos.
“Then I wish you luck. I’m counting on you, Shizuma.” (Shijima)
“Yeah. Leave it to me, Shijima.” (Shizuma)
And with that, I felt my consciousness drifting away from the dark world.
…Shijima truly was a man with a burning hot craftsman’s soul.
—————–
“Oh, I’m back. I see…finishing it with a reactive solution. Come to think of it, even in the game, we immersed weapons in special liquids…” (Shizuma)
In any case, for now my top priority was to focus on making ingots, then forge the sword itself.
Melt hadn’t shown her face here since the first day… What is she up to now, I wonder…
—————–
“Thank you for your hard work. You really helped us, Melt-san. There aren’t many adventurers at Ruby Rank coming here this season, and with the government announcement, more people are heading to the provinces. So we’re short on people who can take on mining subjugation missions…”
“You’re welcome! The more you defeat, the more rewards you get, and you can gather lots of rare materials too! With this, you should have the blacksmiths make plenty of strong weapons!” (Melt)
“Yes, we promise. All the materials so far are being appraised by the Blacksmith Guild, and once they’re sold, we’ll transfer the money to your account, Melt-san.”
“Okaaay. Now then, what should I do for my next request… Are there any easy jobs I can do within the town?” (Melt)
“Well…we try to assign easy requests to newcomers as much as possible, but…ah, how about taking charge of training new adventurers? There are several newcomers in this town right now. How about giving them instruction? We’ll formally designate you, Melt-san, for the guild request.”
“Ooh… Do you think I can do that? I’ve never done anything like it.” (Melt)
At that time, Melt was taking on quests available in Izbel, mainly subjugation missions inside mines or near mountain peaks, indirectly supporting Shijima by ensuring that participants in the blacksmith tournament wouldn’t run short on materials.
Naturally, the works submitted to this blacksmith tournament could also be purchased by the general public through negotiation.
That’s why high-ranking adventurers with ample funds would come to watch…but that was closer to the final day.
Since it was still early in the event, many adventurers visible now were newcomers who had arrived early without knowing the circumstances.
In that environment, the guild receptionist proposed assigning Melt -an upper ranked adventurer who had arrived unusually early- to train newcomers.
They thought showing combat basics and letting them see how higher ranked adventurers fought would be good stimulation for those not yet able to take on full fledged subjugation quests.
…But later, they would realize this was a mistake.
Simply put, the receptionist didn’t understand what would happen to adventurers who are utterly overwhelmed by the sheer difference in power, even if the one demonstrating it is a young girl.
Or perhaps…it was a tragedy born from not knowing that this gentle girl possessed combat prowess rivaling even the Thirteen Knights.
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