The dwarves' magic system only allows them to each Tier 6, and the Stronghelm Kingdom is a Tier 7 Civilization because of a powerful weapon. A sword, to be precise, called Chaosview. Edward guessed Thazmin wanted the Star Mana Core to elevate Chaosview to Tier 8 or higher.
"You are correct," replied Thazmin. Then, he suddenly remembered something. "You're an Artificer, right?"
"Yes, and one of the best in the universe."
Thazmin was shocked by this act of boating and did not know how to answer. Then, he remembered the video on the Universe Web that he saw of the Floating City. From the information the Arcane Empire revealed, the Arcane Emperor created that piece of Artificer wonder.
Although Thazmin did not know whether this news was pure propaganda, if it were real, the latter would have every right to brag about being one of the best in the universe. Any decent Artificer can create a Tier 9 Magical Weapon once they are in the same tier. However, to make something as complex as a floating city with multipurpose facilities or systems, only the truly gifted can do.
And Thazmin took into account the Arcane Emperor is only Tier 8, then this achievement can be only accomplished by these Divine Artificers that he heard of from the universe's central region.
"If you don't mind, I would like you to give me your opinion of Chaosview," said Thazmin.
"Are you sure?" asked Edward. "If I'm not mistaken, that sword is your kingdom's natural treasure."
"It's fine. I'm asking from one Artificer to another." Most dwarves considered themselves blacksmiths instead of Artificers. However, once their skills reach a certain level, they will acquire that title even without enchanting capabilities. "Plus, I'm sure a Tier 7 magical artifact is nothing to you."
Thazmin could detect Edward's robe was a Tier 8 artifact, and all the rings in his ten fingers were between Tier 7 and 8. For such a person, a Tier 7 sword was indeed nothing significant.
Edward did not outwardly acknowledge Thazmin's words since he knew when to be cocky and when to apply modesty. He agreed with the latter's invitation before taking some time to talk with Huki Ironflame.
He knew the importance of connection–even if there was a prominent class and status difference. As such, Edward communicated with Huki and the other mercenaries; he even gifted them with a few magical artifacts and magic scrolls to help them survive the war.
Afterward, he took his spaceship with Thazmin, heading to Mountain Flame Star System, Longbeard Planet, the home of the dwarves. During the entire voyage, Thazmin admired the craftsmanship of the spaceship, and they discussed techniques.
After notifying his court, the spaceship successfully landed on Planet Longbeard. As soon as Thazmin descended the ship, they saw two dwarves–one man and a woman–running towards them.
"Your majesty, did you succeed?" yelled the female dwarf. However, when they saw Edward next to their king, they immediately took out their weapons and became weary. Not even a second later, another group came from behind these two with the same excitement.
However, they pulled out their weapons when they laid eyes on Edward, ready to attack at a moment's notice.
"At ease," commanded Thazmin. "This is our guest, the Arcane Empire's Emperor." Yet, his words did not appease these people.
"Your majesty, you know the rule, commented the female dwarf.
"I know. Do what you have to do." She motioned to her companion, and the dwarf took a necklace and slowly walked before Thazmin, waving it before him.
"No sign of mind control or possession. But, we cannot be completely sure."
"Don't waste our time. Bring Chaosview: it can detect if I am me or not," said Thazmin, and the dwarves agreed. A few minutes later, someone brought a beautiful silver sword in a brown wooden box. The sword was simple, with no design. Yet, its simplicity elevated its beauty.
'Who says the dwarves have no aesthetic bones in their bodies,' thought Edward, waiting for the dwarves to deal with their security check. Thazmin did not waste time picking up the sword, and all the dwarves sighed in relief. They knew that even if Guzznad himself possessed Thazmin, he would never pick up the sword unless he used swords.
Only the Stronghelm Royal Family can only pick up Chaosview.
"Hurry up: we have a guest to receive."
Soon, the dwarves set up a banquet with alcohol and meat–primarily boars. Edward shared his divine wine with them; the God of Wine from the Konosuba World made it for him with many precious materials.
At the central table, Thazmin, Edward, and the Stronghelm Kingdom's most influential ministers sat at the main table while a few other guests came to attend.
"So, what do you think of the sword?" asked Thazmin, taking a big gulp of wine. Edward drank elegantly as he looked at the sword in the middle of the table.
"It's a great sword. Orichalcum is a very hard, heavy, dense metal and extremely difficult to melt and mold. The creator of this sword used the heat from the core of a star to melt it.
"To remove the impurity, the forger used a spell alternating between extreme cold and heat. To shape the sword, a total of 10. 435, 290 strikes equivalent to a Tier 6 attack were used."
Edward looked at the sword even closer. Ignoring the shocked look of everyone nearby, he continued: "Originally, this sword was only Tier 6. But it was recently reforged to Tier 7, and I'm guessing that was your work, Thazmin."
Although Edward said recently, he could tell the sword was reforged more than two hundred thousand years ago.
"T-That's right," replied Thazmin. Edward nodded before continuing to analyze it. Orichalcum is a heavy metal, so the swords inherited its property. It can increase its weight to the point of crushing a star. Of course, the wielder will not be affected by the weight.
"This sword can be considered perfect amongst Tier 7 magical artifacts. No offense, but with the skills I've observed, you can not refine such a perfect Tier 7 weapon. It is so powerful because it contains a ray of divinity.
"After the citizen of the Stronghelm Kingdom have worshiped the sword for many generations, you have generated Faith that it has absorbed, granting it some divine aura and a spirit; this is the reason that only the royal family could lift the sword."
"So, that's the reason. I've always felt the sword was unique, but I could never pinpoint why." Thazmin never told anyone that the sword would communicate with him through warnings of danger. One of the reasons the kingdom survived Guzznad's Fall of Darkness is because the sword warned him of impending danger, allowing him to be prepared.
"This sword is quite unique. It only needs a few Enchantments to reach Tier 8. And if it has enough Faith, it can evolve into a true spirit and gain sentience. By then, it could evolve on its own and maybe become a False God."
"Are you serious?"
"There is no need to lie."
Thazmin gulped as he did not expect the sword to have so much potential. Anything related to Goodhod was considered extraordinary. Furthermore, he could not help what an achievement it would be to forge a God Sword.
"Reply honestly: is it true that all races in the Empire are treated equally? That they have access to free magical education?" asked Thazmin, an act that made all the ministers stop drinking and pay attention.
"It's true. My philosophy has always been that all races and civilizations' magic is unique, or they can bring a different perspective to how we understand it. And if they can work together and share their understanding, magic civilization can prosper.
"So, my goal in creating the Empire has always been for that goal."
Thazmin pondered. He did not know whether the Arcane Emperor was spewing flowery words. However, based on his intuition and what he has observed so far, these words seemed to be true.
"Alright. I've decided."