Chapter 12
The weeks passed, each one shaping Reyn and Liora in new and unexpected ways. For Liora, life as a Rank D adventurer meant facing tougher challenges and going farther afield than ever before. The jobs were no longer just gathering herbs or patrolling the outer city. She was taking on creatures that, just months ago, she would have struggled to face. Her armor grew new scratches and dents, and the weight of each battle seemed to press into her posture. Yet, despite the bruises and exhaustion, her eyes sparkled with the thrill of victory, her spirit hardened and sharpened like a well-forged blade.
Reyn, meanwhile, found his days equally full, though with a different kind of rigor. One afternoon, he met up with Alistor, eager to catch up on the business they'd set into motion. Alistor, however, greeted him with a grin that spoke of far more than he'd expected. The business was booming. Nobles had become fanatical about chess, with sets now gracing parlors, study rooms, and even the prestigious halls of city lords. The spatial tent, on the other hand, had gained a cult following among the adventurers. Those lucky enough to afford one spoke of it in awed whispers, tales of its convenience and magic spreading like wildfire through the guilds.
"Even the academy's cafeteria has changed," Alistor said, unable to hide a laugh. "The enchanted cooking tools have raised the quality of meals. It's becoming one of the best places in the city to eat, thanks to you!"
Reyn couldn't help but smile, feeling a pride he'd rarely allowed himself to savor. For someone who had once worried about even affording the academy's tuition, the success of their venture felt unreal. Money was flowing in, and with it, opportunities he hadn't dared to dream of were now within reach.
After spending the afternoon with Alistor, Reyn wandered back to his room, the gold and the success of their business swirling in his mind. He looked over the notes he had already started on for the Masamune—a blade inspired by one of his favorite creations in his past life. With the tournament in the capital approaching and Sir Edgar needing a weapon, Reyn knew this was his chance to forge something exceptional.
As he looked over sketches of the Masamune, he imagined the blade in Edgar's hands, gleaming under the sunlight of the tournament grounds, its presence alone enough to silence the crowd. He knew Garret would soon return with materials, but with his new financial resources, Reyn planned to add the finest elements available. He wanted to layer the blade with magic so precise it would feel as if the weapon itself were alive in its wielder's hands.
But as the thought lingered, Reyn felt an unexpected urge to do more than just build a weapon. This would be a sword crafted not only with skill but with his ambition woven into each strike of the hammer. He wanted it to be a weapon that would embody a warrior's spirit, much like the legendary swords he'd loved in stories, but even more, he wanted it to be his own creation.
And while the Masamune would take time and precision, Reyn's mind began to wander to another project—one sparked by the gift Liora had given him from her latest quest. The lightning beast core she'd given him was a powerful artifact, brimming with energy, and he could feel its raw magic every time he picked it up. He couldn't help but think how perfectly it would fit into a blade suited for Liora's growing skills.
Then the memory of one of his favorite weapons flashed into his mind: Kiba, the legendary twin lightning blades. They were small, swift, and devastating when wielded by someone fast and agile—a perfect match for Liora. The idea struck him like lightning, and without a second thought, Reyn sketched out the plans. His workroom filled with rough drafts and diagrams as he went over every detail, envisioning the twin swords and how they could channel the core's power.
He couldn't help but imagine Liora's face when he handed them to her, ready to test her skills against stronger foes. The blades would be forged with the lightning beast core embedded in them, allowing her to conduct its electricity and summon its energy at will. He wanted to make sure she would have the upper hand in the battles that awaited her as her adventurer rank grew. He spent hours refining the design until he was certain that this new creation would be one of his best yet.
Just as Reyn was beginning to gather materials for Kiba, he heard a familiar knock on the door. He looked up to see Garrett stepping into his workshop, a familiar grin spread across his face.
"Hard at work, I see," Garrett said, taking in the blueprints scattered across the room. "I just stopped by to see how things are going with Sir Edgar's sword."
Reyn smiled, wiping his hands on his apron. "It's coming along, don't worry. I've been planning to make it my masterpiece. But since you're here, do you have those materials we talked about?"
Garrett held up a small satchel, jingling with a variety of enchanted metals and rare ores. "Got them from the guild's suppliers. They're some of the best you'll find in the region."
Reyn felt a surge of excitement as he took the materials, mentally already placing them into the design for the Masamune. He glanced back at his sketches, imagining the final result, then looked back at Garrett. "When I finish the Masamune, you and Edgar better make sure it's well-used."
Garrett gave a hearty laugh. "With that blade, we'll be the talk of the city.
As soon as Garrett left, Reyn wasted no time getting started on the Masamune. He gathered the finest materials he'd acquired from his sales success, and the rare ore Garrett had brought. Setting up his tools and sharpening his focus, Reyn began the meticulous work, hammering the metal into shape, carefully tempering each section to perfection.
Hours blurred together as Reyn worked, his hands in constant rhythm with his hammer, and Ember, his loyal companion, watched him from a safe corner of the workshop. Sometimes she'd dart over to nudge his materials closer or provide warmth with a gentle flame, earning a chuckle from Reyn. "Good assistant," he'd say, patting her head before getting back to work. He talked to Ember, explaining every step in forging the Masamune. She seemed to listen, her rainbow tail flicking with interest as Reyn detailed his vision for the sword's balance, its legendary sharpness, and durability.
Days passed, and Reyn immersed himself in the Masamune, pouring every bit of skill and passion into each part of the blade. Occasionally, he'd stop to consider how to incorporate the rare ore Garrett brought into the sword's edge, imagining how its properties would help Masamune glide through enemies with ease, like cutting through butter. He thought about his previous life, remembering every aspect he knew of the weapon, aiming to recreate its legendary, unbreakable quality with newfound magical enhancements.
As he neared completion, Reyn etched subtle runes along the blade, carefully channeling mana to enhance its cutting power and add a touch of magical resilience. This part was delicate; too much energy could cause instability, so he whispered spells, guiding the energy flow as if it were another element in the forging process.
Throughout this, Reyn's mother quietly left meals near his workspace, knowing he'd eat when he took a break. Ember would nudge him, drawing his attention to the food, and only then would he realize how long he'd been at it. He'd smile at his mother's thoughtfulness, grateful for her silent encouragement and understanding of his drive.
Finally, after many grueling days and late nights, Reyn set down his hammer and held the completed Masamune in his hands. A surge of satisfaction welled up in him, admiring the blade's flawless edge and gleaming finish. He imagined Garretts friend esger wielding it in the upcoming tournament, and he felt a thrill at the thought of his work shining in battle.
Reyn carefully inspected the completed blade in the soft glow of his workshop. The Masamune was breathtaking—its impossibly long, slender blade glinted with a pale, ghostly sheen under the light, a silvery gleam that seemed to shimmer like moonlight on water. The metal surface was smooth, reflecting every angle of light with a soft glow, but with a darker edge that hinted at its unyielding sharpness.
The length of the blade extended longer than any standard sword, sleek and elegant, giving it an almost ethereal presence. Tiny runes etched along the spine pulsed faintly, whispering promises of power and precision. They were subtle, their magic quietly humming beneath the surface—a true master's touch that would enhance the weapon's sharpness and balance with every swing.
The hilt was wrapped in dark, polished leather, designed for a firm grip, while the guard was understated but distinct, curved upward like a pair of wings. It framed the blade with a simplicity that let its beauty shine, and the pommel, crafted from a rare, dark gemstone, glowed faintly, as if channeling the magic within the sword itself.
Holding it up, Reyn marveled at how perfectly it captured his vision. The Masamune was not just a weapon; it was a masterpiece, a blade forged for a true warrior destined for greatness.
With his masterpiece complete, Reyn laid the sword down and slumped into a nearby chair, feeling the weight of exhaustion. Ember curled up beside him, purring contentedly, and he rested, his heart filled with pride and a sense of accomplishment unlike any he'd felt before.