Chapter 8: Rising Stakes and New Opportunities
Reyn sat in the grand library of the magic academy, surrounded by stacks of books on enchanting and magical forging techniques. His focus was on learning more about binding elemental power to weapons, but his mind was drifting. He had recently succeeded in simple enchantments—fire, wind, and ice—but the more advanced theories of using monster cores, bones, spirits, and blessings still eluded him.
It had been a few months since he started attending the academy, and although he was making steady progress, he knew that his real talent lay not in casting spells but in creating magical items. As he thumbed through a thick tome on rare materials, he heard faint echoes of voices from the courtyard below. Reyn glanced up, his curiosity piqued, but the conversation was happening too far away for him to make out.
Across the academy grounds, at the knight academy, Garrett was engaged in a deep conversation with Sir Edgar, one of the kingdom's most decorated knights. They stood near the training grounds, the clanging of metal from sparring knights echoing in the background. Garrett, with his usual laid-back demeanor, leaned against the stone wall, his massive Buster Sword resting casually on his back. Sir Edgar, on the other hand, was all business, his brow furrowed in thought as he discussed the upcoming capital tournament.
"I've been chosen to compete in the grand tournament at the capital in a few months," Sir Edgar said, his voice serious. "It's going to be the biggest event of the year—knights, mages, adventurers from all over the kingdom will be there."
Garrett raised an eyebrow. "The capital tournament? That's no joke. You'll be going up against the best."
Sir Edgar nodded, his gaze intense. "Exactly. And that's why I need your help. The competition will be brutal, and I can't afford to enter with just any weapon. I need something more… something special."
Garrett glanced at the Buster Sword on his back. "You're thinking of upgrading?"
"Not upgrading," Sir Edgar corrected. "I need a completely new weapon. Your sword has gotten quite the reputation lately—people are saying it's enchanted in ways they've never seen before. I've heard tales of how you took down a wyvern with it. If the person who made your sword can craft something like that, then I need to meet them."
Garrett smirked. "You're not wrong. This sword has served me well, but it's not about the sword—it's about the one who forged it."
Sir Edgar's eyes narrowed. "Then I need an introduction. If I'm going to stand a chance in this tournament, I need a weapon crafted by someone with that level of skill. Can you arrange that?"
Garrett took a moment to think, his gaze drifting toward the magic academy in the distance. He had always kept Reyn's identity quiet, not wanting to overwhelm the young smith with too much attention too soon. But now, with the tournament on the horizon and Sir Edgar's request, it seemed like the right time to put Reyn's work on an even bigger stage.
"I'll talk to him," Garrett said finally. "If anyone can make you a weapon worthy of that tournament, it's Reyn."
Sir Edgar gave a grateful nod. "I appreciate it, Garrett. I'll need all the help I can get. This tournament isn't just about personal glory—it's about making a name for myself and securing the future of my house."
Garrett pushed off the wall and adjusted the Buster Sword on his back. "Don't worry. I'll get you that weapon. Just make sure you're ready to use it."
As the two knights parted ways, Garrett's mind was already turning to how he would approach Reyn with the request. Reyn had proven his talent with the Buster Sword, but this was a whole new challenge. The tournament would be held in front of the kingdom's elite, and Reyn's creation would be seen by nobles, mages, and warriors alike.
Back in the magic academy library, Reyn continued his studies, unaware of the conversation that had just taken place at the knight academy. He knew Garrett had been using the Buster Sword to great effect, but he had no idea that his next commission could be for one of the kingdom's most prestigious knights—and that it would be used in one of the most important tournaments in the realm.
For now, Reyn was focused on perfecting his enchanting techniques, unaware that his work was about to be tested on a much grander stage than he had ever anticipated.
Meanwhile Liora stood at the front desk of the adventurer's guild, her hands trembling slightly as she filled out the necessary forms. Today was the day she would attempt the test to rank up from E-rank to D-rank. Her heart raced, a mix of excitement and anxiety thrumming through her as the guild bustled with activity—adventurers preparing for missions, and others returning from their quests.
For weeks, Liora had been taking small jobs: gathering herbs, delivering supplies, and learning the basics of adventuring. But this test would be different—her first real combat mission outside the city walls. Reaching D-rank meant venturing beyond the relative safety of simple tasks. It meant facing monsters.
She handed her form to the guild receptionist, who gave her a friendly nod. "Rank promotion test, huh? You'll be in a group, so don't worry too much. Just a simple escort mission to Windfall Village. Nothing too dangerous—though there have been some goblin sightings."
Liora nodded, but the weight of the task ahead of her still made her stomach churn. She knew her lack of battle experience was a concern. Even though she had sparred with Reyn using his crafted weapons, real danger was a different story. Still, she had to press forward. Her dream was to become a worthy adventurer—someone capable of wielding the incredible weapons Reyn would one day forge.
As she walked out of the guild, her thoughts went back to the night before in Reyn's forge.
---
Reyn was packing a satchel for her, carefully placing the items he had worked on into it. "I know you'll be fine," he said, handing the bag to Liora. "But just in case, I made some tools to help out."
Liora peeked into the satchel and grinned at the sight of Reyn's handiwork. "Self-heating pots? Wind-enhanced cutting knives? You've really thought of everything."
Reyn smiled, wiping the sweat from his brow. "You'll be out there for a few days, and I figured a bit of extra comfort wouldn't hurt. The pots will let you cook even if it's freezing, and the knife will help with anything you need to cut—whether it's food or small obstacles. Better to be prepared, right?"
Liora slung the satchel over her shoulder, feeling the comforting weight of Reyn's creations. "Thanks, Reyn. I'll come back with a great story from the trip. And maybe, when I pass this test, you can forge me a real magic weapon."
Reyn chuckled. "Deal. But only if you promise to be careful."
At that moment, Allister, the noble Reyn had befriended at the academy, walked into the forge. His eyes widened as he saw the exchange. Allister had heard many things about Reyn's skill, but seeing him casually give Liora a collection of enchanted tools caught him off guard. He had grown up surrounded by nobles who would never even think to craft something as intricate as the tools Reyn was giving away so easily.
"These are... incredible," Allister said, stepping closer and inspecting the items Reyn had made. "You're giving her these just for an adventurer's test?"
Reyn shrugged, as if it were the most normal thing in the world. "Liora's got a big challenge ahead of her. It's nothing fancy, just a few things to make life easier out there."
Liora smiled. "Reyn's always been thoughtful like that."
Allister shook his head in disbelief. "You're really something else, Reyn. Most nobles would sell their enchanted items for a fortune, and here you are, just handing them out. I'm starting to think I need to ask you for a commission myself."
Reyn smirked. "Maybe after I finish my studies. For now, Liora needs these more than anyone else."
Liora turned to Allister, giving him a quick nod. "I'll make good use of them, I promise."
---
Now, standing by the gates of the city, Liora adjusted the satchel, feeling the reassuring presence of Reyn's crafted tools. Her team was a mixed group of adventurers—some experienced, some like her, just beginning to find their way. The leader of the group, a tall, battle-hardened D-rank adventurer named Jareth, explained the mission.
"We're escorting a caravan to Windfall Village," Jareth said, his voice steady. "It's a two-day journey through the forest. Should be quiet, but goblins have been reported recently, so stay alert. Stick together, follow my lead, and we'll be fine."
Liora nodded, taking a deep breath. It was a simple mission on paper, but the looming danger of goblins gnawed at the edges of her mind. This was no practice run, no sparring session—this was real.
As the group started their journey, Liora glanced at the road ahead. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the path. She felt a surge of gratitude for Reyn and his creations. With his tools by her side and her own determination, she knew she could face whatever challenges lay ahead.
The adventure was dangerous, but it was also the first step toward proving herself—and becoming the adventurer she had always dreamed of being.