Chapter 9: Life's Brutal (2)
When Blake achieved the perfect crescent curve, Vargar examined the blade's spine and edge, checking that hammer marks were smoothed out, the surface was consistent, and the edge was sharp and even. There were a few minor imperfections that could be fixed through polishing, which wasn't a problem.
"Yeah, it's good work for a first-timer," Vargar said. "This blade is eager to slice through enemies and, to me, feels like a beast restrained by chains."
"Does it?" Blake asked, narrowing his eyes as he tried to sense the blade's spirit, which somehow eluded him despite his strong connection to it. Of course, it wasn't a true katana yet; the blade still needed a handle—a tsuka.
Vargar didn't have much expertise with handles. He often outsourced that work to artisans in neighboring cities. Depending on a handle's quality, he'd either leave it as is or add extra carvings to perfect his creation.
Now that he'd shared part of his knowledge with Blake, the two crafted a simple handle for Blake's first katana. Once assembled, the weapon was complete.
<+25 STR, +40 DEX>
DING!
<+10% AS>
Blake hadn't noticed a single message from his game system. Instead, he gazed at his katana, captivated. He could now see what Vargar had sensed within the blade—its restrained, beast-like nature. It felt as though he'd poured part of his own fierce spirit into it, granting life to an entity that craved blood on his behalf. It was like controlling his own impatience.
All he needed was to craft a sheath and slide the katana into place. Beyond that, the weapon felt so precious that he wanted to give it what it deserved: blood and proper care. He also felt inspired to forge more items, leaving a piece of himself in each.
At that moment, a spark of creative inspiration ignited within him!
"I want so much more of this," Blake whispered, admiring his blade, which gleamed with a fresh, hungry sheen. The beast had been tamed.
–
Reading the title's description, Blake learned that he was now recognized as a part of The Lost Kingdom. Essentially, this granted him access to other zones related to The Lost Kingdom without special prerequisites. Perhaps, in time, it would upgrade to reveal the specific locations of these zones.
Knowing his katana's measurements intimately, Blake carved a wooden sheath for it. Vargar also had black paint on hand to give the sheath a better look. Of course, he didn't go easy on Blake, offering stern guidance.
"Ye're not painting just a part but the entire sheath! Use broad strokes!"
"Okay, I get it! I'm only familiar with digital coloring, you know?"
"I don't know what that means!"
Since they both felt a restrained beast resided within Blake's katana, they decided to add stylish chains to its otherwise plain handle—features that wouldn't hinder the weapon's use. After that, the katana project was truly complete. It rested at Blake's hip like an extension of himself and complemented his appearance.
Though he was from the western part of the world, people often joked that he was the reincarnation of a Japanese man, given his talent with katanas and artistic sensibilities.
"I'll get a blueprint for my mask… I mean, helmet," Blake said.
"Ye don't want to forge armor first? Yer priorities and preferences are peculiar," Vargar replied, stroking his beard.
Later that day, Blake lamented the lack of digital conveniences, to Vargar's utter confusion.
–
Meanwhile, Joel had defeated a mini-boss in the abandoned village and picked up one of the items reserved for him.
His heart leaped as he gripped the weapon's shaft. The spear had a sleek silver design and radiated a cold, menacing aura—chilly to the touch. He couldn't check its stats just yet; he needed to prepare himself mentally first.
Closing his eyes, he tilted his head back and took a deep breath. Finally, he examined the name and description:
<+15 STR, +17 DEX>
<1 Skill—Thrust (Common): Thrust your weapon to deal 100% of your spear's damage>
A glistening tear formed at the corner of Joel's eye. He wiped it away and exhaled.
"Not yet," Joel whispered. "…My destined legendary weapon isn't here yet."
Joel stood in silent contemplation for a minute.