Chapter 5: The Sword's True Test
Reyn's workshop was a haze of smoke and heat, the rhythmic clang of his hammer echoing throughout the forge. Sparks flew as he struck the heated metal, shaping it into the massive blade that Garret had requested. Days had passed since Garret delivered the special materials—dragonsteel for the blade, auracite shards for magical resonance, and a sturdy mythril alloy for the hilt. The components were rare and expensive, far beyond what Reyn could have afforded on his own, but they were perfect for this ambitious project.
The Buster Sword was taking shape, slowly but surely. The process was grueling, with countless steps requiring the utmost precision. Forging such a large weapon was no easy feat; Reyn had to continually reheat the blade and hammer out any imperfections. He infused the auracite shards into the core of the sword, using his growing skill with enchantments to amplify the dragonsteel's natural magical affinity. The enchantments took, causing the blade to shimmer faintly with an inner light.
Liora visited the forge during these days, bringing him water and meals while keeping him company. She would sit nearby, reading the book on magic materials aloud to him or just watching in silence as Reyn worked. Her presence was a comfort, helping to keep him grounded amidst the exhaustion of such demanding work.
Finally, after several days of sweat, toil, and nearly draining his magic reserves, the Buster Sword was complete. The massive blade rested on a wide rack, gleaming in the light of the forge. It was an imposing weapon, nearly as tall as Reyn, with a broad, thick blade and a durable grip wrapped in dragonhide leather. The aura of magic was palpable—power radiated from the sword, and its weight alone was a testament to its craftsmanship.
When Garret came to collect the sword, he whistled low at the sight of it. "By the gods, kid, you really did it," he said, striding forward to grip the hilt. He hefted the blade, his muscles straining slightly as he lifted it off the rack. "This thing is a beast."
Reyn wiped the sweat from his brow and grinned, a mix of pride and exhaustion in his eyes. "It's heavier than I thought it would be," he admitted. "But it's also strong enough to withstand just about anything. The enchantments should let you channel magic through the blade, too, if you're up for it."
Garret tested the blade, swinging it a few times with controlled motions. The sword cut through the air with a faint hum, and the runes etched along the metal glowed faintly with each swing. He gave a satisfied nod. "Feels right," he said. "You've got some real talent, kid."
A few days later, news began to spread through the Adventurers' Guild. Garret had taken the Buster Sword on a quest to clear out a pack of powerful monsters that had been terrorizing the nearby forest. Stories came back of how he had wielded the blade with remarkable skill, cleaving through beasts with a single strike and even using the sword's magical properties to unleash powerful bursts of energy. The adventurers who witnessed the battle spoke in awe of the blade's craftsmanship and the way it seemed to resonate with Garret's own strength.
When Garret returned to the guild, he found Reyn there, speaking with Liora and some of the other adventurers. He walked over with a wide grin and tossed a heavy pouch onto the table in front of Reyn. It landed with a loud clink, spilling some coins onto the surface. "That's your share," Garret said. "Every bit I made from that quest is yours. That sword saved my life more times than I can count. It's worth every coin."
Reyn's eyes widened as he looked at the pouch. It was more money than he had ever seen at once, and he struggled to find the words. "I—I can't take all of this," he stammered, glancing up at Garret. "You're the one who risked your life out there."
Garret shook his head with a chuckle. "You earned it, lad. That sword's more than just a piece of metal; it's a work of art, and it made all the difference in the fight. Consider it an investment in your future." He clapped Reyn on the shoulder and added, "You've got a bright one, kid. Keep this up, and you'll be the most sought-after smith in the kingdom."
Reyn gripped the pouch tightly, a swell of pride and excitement filling him. He was one step closer to reaching his dreams. The Buster Sword had proven itself on the battlefield, and now, Reyn's reputation was starting to grow. As he looked over at Liora, who was beaming with pride, he couldn't help but feel that this was just the beginning. There were many more legendary weapons to forge and worthy warriors to arm, and Reyn was determined to make his mark on the world, one blade at a time.
The months flew by, filled with anticipation and hard work. Reyn and Liora had both reached important milestones—Reyn was finally old enough to enroll at the prestigious magical academy, and Liora was ready to start her journey as a beginner adventurer. Their efforts had paid off, and the path ahead was beginning to unfold, filled with possibilities.
Reyn had managed to save just enough money from his work at the forge and the coins Garret had given him after the Buster Sword quest. It felt surreal to finally hold the academy's enrollment letter in his hands, the official seal glinting in the light. His dream of learning magic in a structured setting, gaining skills that would elevate his craft to new heights, was finally coming true.
Liora, meanwhile, had been eagerly awaiting the day she could officially register as an adventurer. She had trained hard with the weapons Reyn had made, growing more adept with each passing day. Her confidence soared as she practiced with swords, spears, and even the enchanted training weights Reyn had crafted for her. Now, she was ready to take on the world, even if it meant starting small with low-class missions outside the city.
To celebrate their accomplishments, Reyn and Liora decided to throw a feast with the help of their parents. The small banquet was set up in Reyn's family home, with the delicious aroma of freshly cooked food wafting through the air. Reyn's mother, a skilled cook, outdid herself, preparing roasted meats, savory pies, fresh bread, and all manner of sweet treats. Reyn's father, though not much of a cook himself, helped by setting up tables and chairs in their small dining area.
Liora's parents joined in, bringing bottles of fine cider and jugs of fruit juice, while their children helped set the table and light candles. The atmosphere was warm and lively, and the simple feast took on a special significance for everyone present.
As they ate, they shared stories, laughter, and excitement about the future. Reyn's parents beamed with pride as he spoke about the academy, and Liora's parents couldn't hide their delight at their daughter's determination to follow the path of an adventurer.
Reyn raised his cup, brimming with cider, and tapped it against Liora's. "To new beginnings," he said with a smile, his eyes shining with the fire of ambition. "May we both find what we're looking for."
"To new beginnings!" Liora echoed, grinning. "And to plenty of adventures ahead. I'll make sure to bring you back some interesting materials whenever I can."
Their parents joined in, and the room erupted with cheers and clinking cups. The future stretched out before Reyn and Liora like an uncharted road, filled with challenges and rewards waiting to be claimed. They were ready to step onto that road, side by side, and see where it would lead.
The night drew on, and as the last of the food was finished and the candles burned low, Reyn felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. He thought about how far he had come since his previous life and how different things could have been without the love and support of his new family. For the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to simply enjoy the moment, knowing that tomorrow would bring new challenges and new opportunities.
As they tidied up after the feast, Reyn and Liora shared a glance that spoke of a mutual promise: no matter where life took them, they would always be there to support each other. With that unspoken bond, they closed the night on a note of hope and readiness for the adventures to come.