Chapter 156
The next morning, I woke up early as usual, and before starting today’s finishing work, I headed to the town’s public bath to cleanse myself.
…You know, your sense of smell is the easiest one to dull. You get used to your own scent, so even if you actually stink pretty badly, you don’t notice it yourself…
I mean, I have been working in front of the fire day after day, drenched in sweat. Of course I had to smell.
There’s no way a quick rinse with water would be enough to deal with how filthy I must be.
And so, I paid the attendant and headed for the men’s bath.
—————–
“…Guess everyone’s thinking the same thing, same situation too.” (Shizuma)
When I entered the bath, a group of rough-looking, powerfully built men -probably fellow craftsmen- were gathered there.
Judging by the scars on their arms rather than their bodies, and the sheer number of burn marks, there was no doubt about it.
I properly rinsed myself first, washing away the grime from head to toe, then stepped into the tub. “Aaahhh~… I’m alive again…” (Shizuma)
The deep, gruff voice that escaped me echoed through the bath more than I expected.
But it wasn’t anything special; similar voices were rising from all around.
It wasn’t just me. Everyone’s muscles were fatigued from swinging hammers day after day.
They all sounded like the hot water was melting away their exhaustion and stiffness.
“Oh, you’re that craftsman who came from outside, right? So how’s the work going?”
“Hm? Ah… well, it’s entered the final stretch.” (Shizuma)
“That’s fast. What’re you making?”
Well, I guess there’s no problem answering.
“Two magic swords. And top-tier ones at that. Sorry, but…this time, I’m taking first place. I have to. There are…reasons.” (Shizuma)
As I said that, both the craftsman who asked and the others around us swallowed audibly.
This was a declaration of war. I will win. And then…I will give Melt the heart-silver.
I still don’t know all the details, but if it is medicine, I am sure she has judged that it will be needed someday.
“You sure talk big. Didn’t know you were a magic swordsmith too.”
At that moment, a dwarf man who just entered the tub came over nearby.
“Oh? You too, huh. Then…maybe it’ll end up being a duel between you and me.” (Shizuma)
“That’d be nice, but…it’s not that simple. That’s what makes this tournament tricky. I took second place last year. First place went to a craftsman team hired as a unit by some noble. For the past three years, it’s been them every time.”
“Oh? So they’ve got plenty of funds and manpower. I’m not saying that’s wrong.” (Shizuma)
I see. There’s no rule saying one person has to finish a single weapon alone.
In that case, a team competing with full preparation really would be strong.
“That alone would be one thing, but there’re dark rumors too. They’ve already been buying up materials, and there are even rumors they’ve been sabotaging others.”
“Buying up materials, huh. If anyone here’s lacking something, say the word. I’ve got a wide variety stockpiled for research. I can probably spare some.” (Shizuma)
When I made that offer, the men all crowded closer at once.
Too much muscle! A cluster of macho men is way too much visually!!!
I told them I’d hand over what I could later and gave them my workshop’s location.
“Phew… Alright, I’m heading out. If you need anything, come by the workshop later.” (Shizuma)
“Got it! Man, sorry about that!”
“That helps a ton! I was just about out of stock.”
Still…maybe winning this tournament means more than I imagined.
If there are people willing to sabotage others just to win…
—————–
“Oh, it’s Shijima!”
“Mm, Melt, huh.” (Shizuma)
After changing and stepping into the resting area, I ran into Melt, who’d clearly just finished bathing too; her tail still looked a little damp.
“Perfect timing. Melt, I’m about to start the final weapon finishing. I want to measure your hands to make the grip. Can you come by the workshop after this?” (Shizuma)
“Yeah, sure! So it’s finally happening…my weapon’s almost done! I believe you’ll make an amazing weapon that’ll win first place, Shijima!” (Melt)
“Leave it to me. I’ll make something…the absolute best, something no one else could ever copy.” (Shizuma)
I headed back to the workshop with Melt in tow.
Come to think of it, it’s been a while since Melt last came here.
—————–
The moment we arrived in front of the workshop, I noticed something was wrong.
A faint chemical scent mixed with the smell of burned materials drifted in the air. There were clear signs that someone had broken in.
“Melt, get your weapon ready.” (Shizuma)
“Okay.” (Melt)
Had I become a target of sabotage?
…Looks like my growing notoriety has backfired.
I flung the door open and Melt rushed in with her weapon at the ready. But…
“No one’s here. I don’t sense anything. But…” (Melt)
“Yeah. It’s completely trashed. Most of the materials I stored are gone. And…the special equipment I borrowed from the guild is missing too.” (Shizuma)
The tub I used for the reaction solution is gone.
It was a core piece of equipment for making magic swords.
“Shijima! What do we do!? Did they steal your weapon!?” (Melt)
“Hm? No, I keep all of that stored on me.” (Shizuma)
“Ah…right… Thank goodness…!!!” (Melt)
“For now, we report this to the guild. Let’s go, Melt.” (Shizuma)
…Was this the work of that rumored ‘team-based workshop’…?
—————–
“So it was your place this year…”
When we went to report it at the Blacksmith Guild, that was the first thing the receptionist muttered.
This kind of sabotage apparently happens every year, and they said I wouldn’t be held responsible for the stolen tub.
“But then…what about your magic weapon, Shijima?”
“The blades are already finished. Once I make the grips, it’s done. No problem.” (Shizuma)
“Wha…! You work fast. The blades weren’t stolen, right? Then a smaller container will do. Want one?”
“Yeah, that’d help.” (Shizuma)
“Wait here. Accessory craftsmen have plenty of containers about that size.”
So there was no real issue.
Still, that workshop ticks me off. It is apparently called Golha Workshop.
…That said, this wasn’t something I could solve with force, and I had no proof.
Then the only option was to win fair and square.
“Sorry to keep you waiting. Here’s the container. What about your workshop? Same place okay?”
“No problem. We’ll assign a guard starting today.” (Shizuma)
“Do your best, Shijima. Honestly, I hate seeing suspicious people with shady methods strutting around. You’re an outsider, but…I know you’ve got the soul of a true craftsman. So show us.”
“Leave it to me.” (Shizuma)
That’s not me, that’s Shijima’s personality, but still…I feel the same way.
Melt and I returned to the workshop and immediately began taking measurements for the grip, then produced the necessary alloy once more as part of the final finishing steps.
—————–
“It’s hot, it’s hot…! I’m taking this off!” (Melt)
“…In front of men, stop at your outerwear. Don’t show your shirt.” (Shizuma)
“Eeh!? I started wearing something called a ‘bra’ properly, you know! Even if I take my shirt off, my boo—chest is covered!” (Melt)
“Underwear is not something you show.” (Shizuma)
“Muu…” (Melt)
I scolded Melt as she started taking off her clothes while shaping the alloy for the grip.
She’s growing as a person, sure, but she still hasn’t matured enough as a woman…!
And I can’t exactly teach Melt that kind of knowledge or common sense anymore as Shire… What should I do?
“Alright, now all that’s left is engraving and immersing it in the reaction solution…” (Shizuma)
In truth, the blade still needed to be immersed in the reaction solution. Losing the container at that timing hurt. But…
There is one other method I might be able to use.
“Melt. Can you use magic to make a bath about this big… Big enough to fully submerge the dagger you’re using now?” (Shizuma)
“Hm? Yeah, I can.” (Melt)
“And can you keep reinforcing it with magic so it’s as sturdy as possible, resistant to corrosion and deterioration?” (Shizuma)
“Probably. It’ll use a lot of mana, though… But if I keep taking medicine?” (Melt)
“Alright, then drink this while you do it.” (Shizuma)
For the first time in a while, I took out a top-tier recovery item from my item box.
It was the medicine I once gave to three rookie adventurers to heal them from near-fatal injuries.
“Oh, that’s an amazing potion! Is it really okay?” (Melt)
“It is. We’re making the best weapons possible, after all. No point holding back.” (Shizuma)
I poured the reaction solution into the container Melt created and submerged the blades where she couldn’t see them.
I wasn’t going to let her see this weapon’s form until the finished product was revealed.
“Mmm… yeah, the container’s under a lot of strain! It’s melting a bit…and I can feel some really strong mana!” (Melt)
“Thought so. Actually, this reaction solution…” (Shizuma)
The final catalyst required for the solution: a substance containing powerful mana.
For that, I used…a fragment of the original Dungeon Core from Lindblum’s Lair.
In other words, the core taken from Isaka’s chest.
It might be unsettling. But among mana infused substances that truly grew within this world, I believed it would be the strongest catalyst.
The berserk core from the artificial dungeon would likely be used for stabilizing and resetting that dungeon instead.
“Shijima, I will open my mouth, so have me drink the potion.” (Melt)
“Mm, got it.” (Shizuma)
Melt kept both hands on the container, constantly pouring mana into it.
So I brought the bottle to her mouth instead.
It’s kind of like feeding a small critter… She’s adorable.
“Gulp… gulp… whew. You can stop for a bit. I recovered a ton just from that.” (Melt)
“That really is powerful…” (Shizuma)
“Right? And it’s tasty too! It’s got this strange flavor… orange, apple, and some fruit I don’t recognize. The taste keeps changing over and over.” (Melt)
Seriously!? It tastes that good!?
“Shijima, the solution’s changing color! And the bubbling stopped!” (Melt)
“Mm, then it’s probably done. Melt, I’m going to drain it now, so don’t look inside.” (Shizuma)
“Okay! I’ll close my eyes!” (Melt)
Melt squeezing her eyes shut is adorable.
After draining the solution and looking inside, the blades were blackened and dull, with no visible pattern…like they were completely painted over with soot.
When I polished them with a coarse cloth, a faint sheen appeared, and then golden lines emerged on the blade.
Further polishing with finer files, cloths, and abrasives, then finishing with oil…
That would complete it.
“Alright, we’re good, Melt. The rest of the grip work can be done with the container we borrowed from the guild, so I don’t need your help anymore.” (Shizuma)
“Got it! Then I won’t come by the workshop for a while, right? But…what about the guard?” (Melt)
“Hm? Like this.” (Shizuma)
I summoned Shilent via Order Summoning.
…From an outside perspective, this pressure is absurd. No wonder everyone’s complexion changes.
Shilent isn’t a production-type, so the commands I can give are limited.
But one of them is [Gatekeeper].
“Shilent, guard the workshop. If anyone tries to force their way in through the windows or doors, knock them out.” (Shizuma)
“……”
Shilent silently moved outside and began guarding.
With this, the workshop was practically guaranteed absolute security.
“So, that’s that. We’re safe now.” (Shizuma)
“I see! …Shilent really is scary! This should definitely keep things safe!” (Melt)
Melt followed Shilent outside, watching him and commenting like that…
I am sure there was no ill-intent, but…I could’ve sworn Shilent’s expression twisted sadly for just a moment.
Then Melt left the workshop altogether.
“Alright… Grip and guard, blackening treatment… Once I polish and assemble it, it’s done.” (Shizuma)
There was still plenty of time.
But I planned to finish early and keep the weapon stored in my menu rather than with the guild.
I should ask whether submitting it on the day itself is okay.
—————–
Later, the craftsmen I talked to at the bath came to pick up the materials.
As expected, they nearly collapsed when they saw Shilent guarding the place.
Sorry about that… I completely forgot.
Ah, don’t worry. The materials weren’t stolen.
They were safely stored in my menu.
—————–
After that, I entered the final finishing stage.
Shilent stood guard without making a single sound, and the night remained quiet.
In that silence, the only thing that echoed was the grind, grind of engraving into hard metal.
I carved non-slip grooves into the grip made to fit Melt’s hand, then inlaid golden alloy with high mana conductivity in a pattern, using it as a channel to transmit magic to the blade.
“…Done. Now, into the container…” (Shizuma)
The reaction solution hissed softly, bubbling and glowing as it changed the grip’s color.
The guard section darkened as well, slowly turning to the desired shade.
“…Alright.” (Shizuma)
Eventually, all the parts -the blade, guard, grip, and pommel- were complete.
All of them blackened and sooty, not beautiful by any flattering description.
But I carefully polished each one.
Using files, rough cloth, and polishing compounds, I meticulously worked every detail.
Finally, I lightly buffed the entire weapon with plant-based oil to finish it.
“…It’s done.” (Shizuma)
What emerged were two black-plated daggers.
Tree-ring-like layers floated along the blades, with golden lines surfacing among them to form patterns.
The grip, decorated as though wrapped in gold, also gleamed black, radiating a mysterious beauty.
I unconsciously forgot to breathe at the sheer level of completion.
“…Let’s appraise them.” (Shizuma)
I returned to my original form, Shizuma.
I felt the blacksmithing knowledge feeding back into me along with a slight dizziness.
But I could endure it.
“…Amazing… My skills have gone up this much already.” (Shizuma)
—————–
Vitality: 5581
Strength: 1901
Magic: 136
Mind: 671
Agility: 1755
[Growth Rate: Highest – Full Reflection]
[Blessing of the Silver Fox]
[Divine Eye]
[Basic Universal Magic]
[Warrior’s High]
[High-Speed Movement]
[Gourmet Linker]
[Super Strength] ← New
[Blacksmithing] ← Master
[Performance Lv3]
[Cooking Lv4]
[Crafting Lv8] ← New
[Sewing Lv1]
[Swordsmanship Lv6]
[Archery Lv1]
[Martial Arts Lv1]
[Hunter Knowledge Lv1]
[Scholar Knowledge Lv1]
[Thief Knowledge Lv1]
[Swordsman Knowledge Lv4]
[Warrior Knowledge Lv7]
[Mercenary Knowledge Lv2]
[Dancer Knowledge Lv4]
[Saint Knowledge Lv2]
[Brutal Fist Knowledge Lv1]
[Magic Knowledge Lv2]
[Star Arts Knowledge Lv1]
—————–
It seems like before I managed to acquire the basic skill [Crafting], but this time, since I did proper blacksmithing work, I acquired [Blacksmithing], and having fully mastered it, the word Master was added.
After checking my status, it was finally time to appraise the completed weapons.
I activated my evolved skill [Divine Eye], focused on the two finished daggers within my field of view, and…
A joint work by the blacksmith Shijima and Shizuma.
A magic sword imbued with overwhelming mana and sharpness, created with extremely advanced techniques.
Highly compatible with magic and aids the wielder’s spellcasting.
Easy to imbue with attributes, allowing use as an elemental weapon.
Leaks vast mana, gradually restoring the wielder’s mana and absorbing mana from defeated enemies.
A supreme pair created for one person alone.
“…It named itself on its own. But…this works.” (Shizuma)
Light in the darkness. Two golden streaks racing across black-glimmering blades.
The guard seamlessly extending from the flowing blade should help deflect attacks.
And the grip, designed to fit Melt’s hands, makes it easy to wield.
Just from its performance alone, it’s clear this quality can’t be summed up with a single word like ‘supreme.’
On top of that, it can serve as a medium for magic.
That alone puts it leagues above other weapons.
It apparently qualifies as a magic sword…and magic swords are rare to begin with.
I remember one being auctioned off once.
And even then, it fetched an absurd price.
“…I’ll keep these stored in my menu for now. All that’s left is making the sheaths.” (Shizuma)
Now then…I’m looking forward to the tournament.
Don’t lose heart when you see my blades, Golha Workshop.
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