[T.L: punisher87]
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There was not a single force currently observing the territory of the Sword Emperor.
As the contamination zones left by Glyek were not yet completely cleared, the most severe Territory of the Sword Emperor was completely off the table.
"If we use this place as a shipyard, we won't face any constraints from any force. The visible chaos makes it difficult to suspect, and even if they do suspect, meddling with the Territory of the Sword Emperor... would only mean that they are challenging me, ready to face the consequences."
Dante's words carried the symbolic weight of the "Land where Ron fell."
No one dared to touch the resting place of the hero who saved the world without any justification.
Dante and Jin raised their glasses, smiling.
"The basic construction of the shipyard will be quickly completed once our knights, technicians, and the Black King and Ghost mercenaries are deployed. Our researchers were quite amazed when they saw Dr. Qwaul's blueprints and creations."
"He indeed possesses exceptional genius."
The designs the Imperial researchers examined were not the blueprint of the Golden Fleet.
They were the blueprints for the underground shipyard and state-of-the-art battleship equipment that he had newly implemented.
Just that alone made the Imperial researchers unable to hide their admiration for the Vamel alliance's technology, which had surpassed them by centuries.
If they combined Valeria's and Qwaul's abilities, it wouldn't be an incorrect statement.
"But I have some concerns."
"Is it because of the suspicions regarding Ganesto's bloodline, like the evil god?"
"Yes. If Sir Padler's last words were true, Dr. Qwaul could also eventually become one of Ganesto's puppets. And perhaps..."
Jin paused for a moment, swallowing a sigh.
"It could also apply to us flagbearers, the children of the evil god. We too have received a portion of Ganesto's blood."
Of course, that was the worst-case scenario.
Until now, apart from Joshua, no one showed any signs of such a nature, but it was a well-known fact that the remaining flagbearers were born from Rosa.
"It's a terrible story indeed. However, it seems that you and the remaining flagbearers won't be affected. If Lokia Ganesto could have intervened in your inner realm battle, the evil god wouldn't have ended that easily."
"That's true. Still, I will continue to confirm me, flagbearers, and Dr. Qwaul through Valeria."
So far, there has been no apparent connection to Ganesto in the records.
If Valeria couldn't find any evidence even after finding the succession temples and raising the level of record magic to the maximum, then he could completely set his minds at ease.
"Don't worry too much. For now, what's important is the construction of the shipyard, the mass production of battleships, and replenishing mana supplies, materials, and manpower."
"I have thought about the mana."
"What is it?"
"The mirror."
"Colon's artifact?"
-[Yes. What this seal is containing is the very source of infinite mana. And the expanding mana can erase this entire world at any time...]
Kullam, the god of mana, said this during the massacre of the native colon inhabitants.
Jin had been restraining the use of the mirror as much as possible, abiding by Kullam's warning.
He only used it in truly urgent moments, when he needed to save his comrades and people.
"Didn't you call it a dangerous object?"
"Yeah, I didn't mean to use it recklessly just because it's urgent. I secured a means to use it safely."
To be precise, it wasn't securing, but rather confirming.
Since leaving for closed door training in Laprarosa, Jin had achieved explosive growth.
In aura, mana, and shadow force, in all areas.
As a result, Jin had reached a state where he could control the seal of Solderet, which blocked the mirror's mana, and absorb its power.
Moreover, there were dual safety measures. If Jin were to lose control of the seal and an accident were to occur, he could check the state of the mirror through record magic.
When Jin explained this, Dante nodded.
"If you say so, then you should be able to use it without any problems. So, all we need to do is solve the manpower and resources issues?"
"Mages from various regions who have confirmed the existence of Valeria will come. Of course, that alone won't solve the manpower issue, so we'll have to find people ourselves."
"I'll quickly look into it. As for resources, except for steel, we can secure enough supplies within the Empire. It might be a bit difficult, though."
The most important material was steel.
Even with a large infusion of mana, highly pure steel that wouldn't deteriorate was needed the most for battleship construction.
Even after considering the entire Runcandel and Vamel Alliance, there was still a severe shortage of steel.
Just the task of rebuilding the damage and supplying weapons was enough to strain the available resources. If they wanted to acquire steel, they had no choice but to trade with external forces.
"I plan to meet with Kinzelo soon and negotiate on that matter."
"If you're in charge of negotiations, it will undoubtedly be an unfair deal again."
"Well, this time we don't have as much backing, so if they come out uncooperative, we'll have to adopt a submissive stance. Demanding that much steel itself is an announcement of battleship construction, so the negotiation alone is a burden in this situation."
"Hmm."
"I'm going to meet with the leaders of the Minche Blacksmith Association soon, so we might be able to acquire some through them, thanks to lord Picon's reputation..."
As Jin mentioned that, Dante suddenly clapped his hands. Smack!
"Uh?"
"What's the matter Dante?"
"Come to think of it, I remember hearing something like that from Grandfather when I was young!"
-Ha! Is there really no way to manipulate the Minche Blacksmith Association? They enjoy all the protection, yet their arrogance knows no bounds. Ah, if only we could have a good conversation with them, the Empire's steel reserves could easily surpass the combined amounts of the major clans.
-I've heard that they even rejected Chiron's exclusive contract a few years ago, Lord patriarch. Don't be too disheartened.
-Calmine, don't try to comfort me with that. Chiron just got rejected, but as soon as I mentioned an exclusive contract, I was kicked out! Chiron is scary, but I'm not. Tsk! Grandson, come here and sing a song for me. I can't seem to shake off this bad mood.
-Yes, Grandfather! What song would you like me to sing?
-I think your self-composed and self-written "March of the Sword Emperor" would be good.
It happened when Dante was six years old.
As Dante explained the memory, Jin's pupils twinkled.
"March of the Sword Emperor? Did you really compose that song when you were six... No, that's not important. The fact that the Empire's steel reserves could surpass those of the major clans... Did Sir Ron really say that?"
"That's right."
"He is talking as if the entire island of the Minche Blacksmith Association is made of steel, but it doesn't make sense."
"Well, I don't think Grandfather would say something that isn't true, so there's probably something."
The fact that the "Minche Blacksmith Association" had a tremendous amount of steel was something Jin should have known, regardless of this conversation. It was recorded in the highly confidential documents of Runcandel that were lost during the Evil God War.
Jin didn't know that, but anyway, he felt like a breath of fresh air had come through.
"I have a feeling things will go smoothly. I should go to the island of blacksmiths right away."
"Right now?"
"We should finish the drinks we had with Sir Ron first. Let's drink slowly. I have a lot to say to Sir Ron too."
"I thought someone busy like you would scold me for drinking alcohol here."
"Oh, come on, it's just one bottle."
The two laughed and finished their drinks.
***
The Island of the blacksmiths.
Located in the unprotected zone of the northern imperial waters, the island was not particularly large, about the size of a small city.
Being in the unprotected zone, the Island of the blacksmiths always received the protection of the Empire. Although a considerable number of personnel and budget were allocated, the Empire had to provide them to receive supplies from the Association.
Not only the Empire, but Runcandel also periodically sent knights to eliminate the monsters near the island, and even Zipfel offered various assistance to the Association.
Despite receiving all of that, the members of the Minche Blacksmith Association never bowed their heads to anyone, making them one of the most exclusive and proud groups in the world.
Jin, along with Syris and Vin Branche, arrived near the island on Mort.
From a distance, the island seemed dark and gloomy even in broad daylight.
"...Do you think those annoying people will bow their heads just because lord Picon is here?"
Syris said. She had visited this place a few times with Talaris and had unpleasant experiences.
"It's about a 90% possibility, Lady Syris."
"So it's not a sure thing. I wonder if they'll even give a word of thanks for the assistance in the Evil God War. They are such shameless people."
"Don't worry too much and let's go."
The announcement of the arrival of the "Picon Minche" had been sent in advance.
It was a message that they had never received from the Picon even once in nearly a thousand years.
In fact, now that they had arrived, Jin felt a little nervous.
Although it was widely known that the Association was composed of fanatical followers of Picon, it was still uncertain whether they could obtain the exclusive contract "unconditionally."
The thought of having to make a deal with Kinzelo if the Association refused was also daunting.
As Mort swam towards the harbor, the members of the Association, who had come out in advance, glared at the group with suspicious eyes.
Jin fixed his gaze on one of them.
The person had a tattoo of "Anvil" on his forehead.
'Is that person Anvil?'
At first glance, Anvil gave the impression that communication would be difficult.
"Stop right there!"
"Are you the young patriarch of Runcandel?"
"Yes."
"Present evidence to confirm your status!"
Despite clearly seeing the black coat adorned with ten black swords, Anvil displayed a rude attitude.
"I am Syris Endorma, the acting master of the Hidden Palace."
"I... I'm Vin Branche."
"The young patriarch Runcandel and the acting master of the Hidden Palace may enter, but Vin Branche is not allowed. Especially the young patriarch Runcandel will have a lot to explain to us today! You have been renting the weapons we provided to Runcandel without any consultation... And that ridiculous message..."
Jin gestured to Vin, indicating that there was no need to say more.
It meant to immediately summon Picon.
As soon as Vin Branche's appearance began to transform into the manifestation state, the person with an anvil tattoo trembled all over when he saw Vin's appearance change like Picon.
"You... Is it really... Picon Minche...?"
[That's right! I am the legendary blacksmith, Picon Minche! Currently, I am also a god of the blacksmiths.]
Thud!
The man and the members of the Association sat down, blinking in disbelief.
Anvil didn't even doubt the appearance of the manifesting Picon.
Anvil quickly corrected his posture and the members of the Association followed suit.
Soon, Anvil spoke, satisfying Jin.
"From now on, everything in our Association, down to every grain of sand on this island, belongs to Lord Picon. Please forgive us for not recognizing you from the beginning and showing disrespect."
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