I stared at the slime crystal in Hesbeirn's hand, tapping my chin.
"So… you're saying this tiny thing can actually power up my sword?"
Hesbeirn nodded. "Yup. Not a huge boost, but it's a start."
I crossed my arms, pondering.
Was this common knowledge? Did all adventurers do this? Or had I just unlocked some hidden weapon upgrade system?!
…Nah. If that were the case, those overpowered isekai protagonists would be using this trick all the time.
Still… it wasn't like I had any better options right now.
I sighed, cracking my knuckles. "Okay, let's do this. Fuse that thing into my sword."
Hesbeirn smirked. "Heh. You won't regret it. Just don't freak out when it starts glowing."
…"Wait, what?"
Before I could ask, he was already moving.
He grabbed my short sword and placed it carefully on the anvil, then set the slime crystal onto a small engraved plate on his workbench.
With a few swift motions, he threw more coal into the forge, making the flames flare up with intense heat.
The temperature in the shop rose instantly, forcing me to step back. "Whoa, okay, it's getting kinda hot in here."
Hesbeirn just grinned as he pulled on his gloves. "That's how it works. You wanted a powered-up sword, right? Then watch."
I gripped the edge of the workbench, eyes glued to the process.
He picked up a pair of metal tongs, gripping the glowing crystal, and carefully placed it onto the base of my short sword's blade—right above the hilt.
Then, with precise movements, he raised his hammer.
Clang!
The first strike sent a wave of sparks flying.
The second made the crystal pulse with a faint blue light.
The third…
The crystal began to melt.
Or at least, that's what it looked like.
Instead of shattering, the clear crystal started dissolving into a thin, glowing mist that seeped into the metal of my sword.
I felt my breath hitch.
The blade, originally a dull silver, slowly took on a faint bluish sheen, as if it had been infused with something beyond normal steel.
Hesbeirn kept hammering, his movements controlled and rhythmic. Each hit made the glow pulse, spreading evenly throughout the blade.
I leaned forward, eyes wide. "Oho~ now this is interesting."
Hesbeirn wiped his forehead. "Almost done."
After a few more strikes, the glow began to fade, settling into the metal like it had always been a part of it.
He lifted the sword, inspecting it under the light.
Then, with a satisfied nod, he held it out to me. "Here. It's done."
I reached out and gripped the hilt.
The moment I did—I felt it.
It was subtle, but the sword felt lighter, smoother, almost like it had adjusted to my grip.
I gave it a few test swings, and for some reason, it felt… just a little sharper.
Not drastic, but noticeable.
Hesbeirn chuckled. "It won't make you a master swordsman overnight, but trust me—it's better than before."
I smirked. "Hah! Well, I'll take it!"
He nodded. "Remember, the more you use it, the more it adapts. Keep killing monsters, and your sword will get stronger."
My grip tightened around the hilt.
A sword that could grow stronger the more I used it?
Now that's a proper isekai weapon!
"Alright! Time to test this baby out!"
Before I could even take a step—
"Ahem."
I turned back. "Huh? What now, Hesbeirn?"
He crossed his arms and smirked. "It cost 1 silver for the fusing."
…
"EHHH!? You trying to choke me dry?!"
Hesbeirn shrugged. "If you took it to another blacksmith, they'd charge you around 3 to 5 silver."
"EHHH!? That expensive?!"
I clutched my chest dramatically, as if I had just taken a fatal hit.
"Fine! Fine! Put it on my tab! Ehehehe…"
Hesbeirn chuckled. "Yeah, yeah. Just make sure you don't die before paying me back."
…
Yeah, yeah. No promises.
"And Hazuki?"
I froze mid-step and slowly turned back. "What now? You gonna charge me again?"
Hesbeirn shook his head. "No… but you better not go out at night."
I raised an eyebrow. "Huh? Why?"
He leaned against the counter. "The monsters are fiercer at night. Sure, their EXP is double, but… trust me, it ain't worth it."
I blinked. "Errr… what do you mean?"
He gave me a deadpan look. "You know how slimes are easy to kill during the day, right?"
"Uh-huh…"
"They don't fight back in the daytime. But at night?" He smirked. "They might jump on your head and drown you."
…
"FOR REAL!?"
I instantly grabbed my throat, as if I could already feel the slime suffocating me.
"You mean those jiggly bastards turn into killers after sunset?!"
Hesbeirn nodded, grinning. "Yup. Ever heard of a Slime Drowner? No? Well, you don't wanna meet one."
I gulped.
EXP or not… yeah, screw that.
Now that my weapon fusion was done, I had nothing else to do.
Go out and kill slimes at night?
HELL NO!
Who the hell would risk their life just to die like an idiot?!
Not me.
I shuddered, shaking my head. Screw that.
Well, best if I go eat first. Maybe even grab one or two drinks.
Hehehe…
Yeah. That sounded way better than getting murdered by a blob.
"Okay! Let's head out!"
I took one step outside—
"Mommy! That person is talking to himself."
…
EHHH?!
I turned my head slowly and locked eyes with a small child clutching his mother's hand, staring at me like I was some kind of lunatic.
The mother quickly pulled the kid away, whispering, "Don't look! Just keep walking!"
I flinched, waving my hands frantically. "Eeeekk! No! I'm not crazy! Believe me!"
The mother walked faster.
The kid kept staring.
…
Damn it. Not again.
Hesbeirn's laughter echoed from his store.
"Ahahahaha! No wonder they call you 'crazy guy'!"
…
I froze.
Slowly, I turned back, glaring at him. "Damn it, Hesbeirn! Not you too!"
He just kept laughing, wiping a tear from his eye. "Pffft—seriously, man. Talking to yourself in public? Classic."
I clicked my tongue, crossing my arms. "Hmph! I was just thinking out loud! That's totally normal!"
He smirked. "Yeah? Tell that to the terrified mother and child."
…
Okay, fair point.
I grumbled under my breath and stormed off.
Food. Beer. Forget this ever happened.
Well, at least my weapon looks cool now.
When I grab the hilt, the blade faintly glows, and it feels lighter in my hand.
And me?
I feel stronger.
…Well, not really.
I slowly walked around town, the evening breeze cooling my face.
It was already near night, but the sun was still hanging there, turning the sky a deep orange.
Honestly? Kinda nice.
The town itself? Cobblestone roads, medieval-style buildings—classic fantasy stuff.
Believe me, they don't build skyscrapers like back in Japan.
And the food? No clue what's in half of it.
I never bothered exploring the town or kingdom yet, so for all I know, they could be serving dragon meat somewhere.
…
Actually, now that I think about it—
If I ever earn something big, maybe—just maybe—I'll go sightseeing all over this kingdom.
Maybe even check out other kingdoms.
But for now?
Let's eat!
( End of Chapter )