by Park Saenal
The tales of the legends that Grid knew were all sad and vilified. Grid didn’t want to be like them. Kraugel was the same.
“…It’s a great honor.”
“Okay. Then let’s begin.” Legendary Blacksmith’s Creation.”
[Legendary Blacksmith’s Creation]
You can create three equipment item production methods every time the skill level of the ‘Legendary Blacksmith’s Craftsmanship Skill’ goes up.
Number of items that can be created at present: 9/24.]
* When items are produced using this skill, the name of the creator is automatically placed on the item.
Jiing-
A blank blueprint appeared in front of him.
“I think the ideal sword using the knowledge of a Sword Saint…”
The blueprint had a huge black space.
“It’s different from person to person, but it’s generally a heavy sword. It’s the easiest to use in terms of width, length, and weight, thus having high utility. Considering all the variables. It’s the least inconvenient to use.”
“Really? I thought it was a long sword. In fact, the Enlightenment Sword is a long sword. It is a sword that emits black flames.”
“Have you ever used a heavy sword?”
“I don’t like it. I’ve always used a greatsword or a long sword…”
“…Well, as I said, the ideal form is different for each individual. In the first place, it might be arrogant to discuss an ideal form. When cutting fruit, a knife is the best. When walking through a jungle, a machete is the best. There are differences depending on the application.”
The experiences and knowledge of a Sword Saint combined with the knowledge and skills of the legendary blacksmith.
“But universally, a heavy sword is better in combat? Are there any other special features?”
“No.”
“Do you intend to add another option by giving the sword a distinct shape?”
“Like the shark that is part of Failure?”
“Yes.”
“If you don’t know, the basic form of the sword is good. It is more important to have the balance of the sword be even than to have the center of gravity to one side.”
“The answer is correct. This is why the cross section of the sword is a diamond shape.”
“Section?”
“The cutting surface you see when you cut with the sword. The balance is important so a perfect diamond as the cutting surface is preferred. On the other hand, I prefer a hexagon or octagon.”
“I don’t know anything about these details.”
“You don’t know about me.”
“…?”
“I’m a legendary blacksmith. Even if I put special decorations on the blade, I can perfectly balance it. I can do it with my skills. So tell me what you are thinking. What features do you want?”
“This is interesting…”
Buzz buzz.
The blacksmiths gathered near Grid and Kraugel started to make a disturbance. It was surprising that a black-eyed man with a good face was sharing his thoughts with their king.
“This…?”
The four biggest blacksmiths from Pangea, including White, were the most surprised. They remembered that Kraugel was the ‘Little Hero’ of Pangea. The Kraugel they remembered was a great warrior. Yes, he wasn’t a blacksmith. Nevertheless, Grid was listening to Kraugel’s opinions.
‘Why?’
Was he qualified to replace Khan’s vacancy? The blacksmiths questioned it.
“He is a saint with a sword.”
“…?”
“The first Sword Saint after Muller.”
“…!!”
The youngest blacksmith, Panmir, announced the true identity of the black-eyed man. The stir was huge. The blacksmiths were astounded as they saw a prominent figure in a totally unexpected place. As they were at a loss for words, Panmir gave his opinion.
“Wouldn’t the two of them make the best sword in history?”
No one was able to reject Panmir’s opinion. The expectations about what sword would be born from the combined knowledge, experiences, and techniques of the legendary blacksmith and Sword Saint were great.
“But…” White was feeling admiration when he felt a sense of incongruity and asked, “Panmir, have you gathered all the firewood for today?”
“…I will go and come back to see His Majesty’s sword.”
It was very sad. Panmir pouted. He was the youngest blacksmith in the smithy despite being the 1st ranked blacksmith.
***
Over three hours. This was the time it took Grid and Kraugel to coordinate their opinions. They finally finished the shape of the sword. Now all that was left were the materials.
“The Blue Dragon’s Breath and White Tiger’s Breath…”
Grid confirmed the two breaths that Kraugel had.
“Will the sword use the Blue Dragon’s Breath? Then I have to use a mineral compatible with the lightning attribute.”
“No, I want my sword to contain the White Tiger’s Breath.”
“What?” Grid was confused. “Isn’t the white tiger of the earth attribute?”
The earth attribute was related to a higher defense. It was common for the earth attribute to create options for a higher defense. Meanwhile, the lightning attribute was good for speed and power. Generally, it gave options for increasing attack power. In other words, the breath most suitable for a weapon was the blue dragon, not the white tiger.
“Why are you using a white tiger breath for your weapon? Isn’t it better for armor? Shouldn’t you use the White Tiger’s Breath for armor?”
“No, this adamantium that I gathered is for armor. The Blue Dragon’s Breath will be attached to the boots to increase the overall speed.”
“But still. Isn’t it hard to expect overwhelming attack power if you attach the White Tiger’s Breath to the weapon? Shouldn’t a weapon have high attack power? Look at the blueprint. You can expect to have additional defense options just from the form of the sword. But you want to increase your defense even more?”
“Just as speed is linked with power, weight is also directly linked to power. For example, Chris’ 1,000 ton Sword.”
“…Ah.” Grid’s common sense was broken. “Minerals with the earth attribute are generally harder and heavier… Do you think you can use that weight to exert a higher attack power?”
“Yes, I believe that if the White Tiger’s Breath is used well, you can complete the best sword that combines high attack power and defense.”
“That’s a possible interpretation.”
If he looked at magic as an example, the power of earth magic wasn’t very weak. In particular, magic of the stone crushing series was very powerful.
“A weapon with the earth property…”
A smile crossed Grid’s face. Once he heard Kraugel’s words, he wondered about the results of earth-based weapons.
‘It will be easy to name the item.’
A sword with strong earth attributes. A sword made of stone. Then he would try it.
“Okay. Let’s finish the Stone Sword.”
‘Stone Sword?’
What was the Stone Sword? A chill went down Kraugel’s spine.
Overgeared Guild, Overgeared Kingdom, Overgeared King… Grid’s naming sense was the worse.
“Wait a minute, Grid.”
“The material will be stone. We can sometimes replace it with bloodstone.”
The mass production of the sword. A sword made of stone would be ideal for the Overgeared Kings while the version made of bloodstone would be ideal for Grid and the Overgeared members. Yes, from the time that he asked Kraugel to cooperate with the item creation, Grid was aiming to improve the overall strength of the kingdom. Imagine the Overgeared Knights and the soldiers using a sword designed by a Sword Saint. It would be overwhelming.
“The name of the item.”
“Hey Grid…”
“Stone Sword.”
“…�
��
Kraugel couldn’t understand Grid’s naming sense. He should be glad of one fact. There was room for various modifiers to be added to the items that Grid produced. Yes, the name of the sword used by Kraugel in the future wasn’t likely to be a simple Stone Sword. Especially when it was a sword with the White Tiger’s Breath attached.
However, Kraugel didn’t know this fact and was filled with deep despair.
Chapter 791
Chapter 791
[Do you want to name the item Stone Sword?]
“…No, wait.”
Grid, who was flowing with the momentum, suddenly stopped. He realized that the name of Stone Sword is inadequate. Was it because he heard the sighs of Kraugel and the blacksmiths? No. The cause of Grid’s current enlightenment was the armour he was wearing.
Khan’s posthumous work, Valhalla. It was the armor Grid had never taken off since Khan died.
‘The name of the item is important. I need to think carefully and decide.’
Why did Khan call the armor Valhalla? In fact, Grid didn’t find much meaning in it. It was modelled after the Valhalla armor made by Albatino, Khan’s ancestor. Grid just through that the name was copied from that. But he found out later. One of the other meanings of Valhalla was ‘house of joy.’
‘Thanks to this, I was able to get a glimpse of Khan’s heart.’
Khan was hoping that Grid would be a huge house-like entity that could embrace many people and give them joy.
‘Yes, the name is important.’
Grid’s thinking, which had been biased towards the design and function of the item, started to activate. Grid recalled Lauel’s advice to ‘always think.’ If Khan’s name was simply Iron Armor, Grid wouldn’t have felt the same way he did now. He recognized the weight of the name.
‘In the first place…’
This was a work he made with his friend. It was insincere to his friend to give it a name like this.
“I’ll correct it.”
Stone Sword. Grid’s imposing voice resonated with the blacksmiths who were silent with shock from the name.
“Muksabal.” (TL: Generally acorn jelly in a chilled broth. But it can also be slang for badly damaging or disfiguring a face i.e. beating to a pulp).
“…?”
“The sword’s name will be Muksabal.”
From a general point of view, the power of the earth was close to the symbol of ‘guardian.’ However, Hero King Grid and Sword Saint Kraugel were monsters of a level that could wield the ground. The ‘land’ they wielded would overwhelm the enemy with its weight.
“That’s why it is Muksabal.”
“…Is it really possible to pull up the ground?”
“…”
Panmir forgot the concept of an analogy and asked. Due to this, the solemn (?) atmosphere became awkward, but Grid didn’t mind.
“Kraugel, I don’t doubt that our knowledge, skills, and experience will greatly damage our enemies. Muksabal… It’s a name I carefully thought of. I wish you can hear it in your heart.”
“…Yes. I won’t speak long words.”
There were too many parts to tackle. But Grid looked so serious that Kraugel couldn’t refute it.
Just.
‘I should introduce it with a different name.’
He could only think of it like this.
***
[Design: Muksabal]
Rating: Epic ~ Legendary
Epic Rating Information:
Durability: 455~790 Attack Power: 390~650 Defense: 100~188
* The options are unforeseen.
Unique Rating Information:
Durability: 667~980 Attack Power: 493~817 Defense: 140~246
* The options are unforeseen.
Legendary Rating Information:
Durability: ??? Attack Power: ??? Defense: ???
* The options are unforeseen.
A weapon design from Blacksmith Grid, who has gone beyond a legend and is becoming a myth, and Sword Saint Kraugel.
It is in the form of a sword, with a knuckle bow at the handle. The purpose is to protect the hands. The knuckle bow is designed as a miniature crown and looks great. The top part of the handle extends from side to side, giving the illusion that there are two handles. The special sword will allow for anomalous attacks and will also defend against enemy attacks.
The material of the sword is the 10,000 year stone or bloodstone and will vary significantly depending on the material.
The weight is so heavy that people with low strength can’t swing it. However, it’s a very ideal sword with no flaws in its balance.
Weight: 6,800~13,900
Conditions of Use: Unforeseen
‘If I make it with the 10,000 year stone, the minimum stats will be applied. When made with bloodstone, the maximum stats will apply. On the other hand, the weight will be overwhelming high when I use the 10,000 year stone.’
Grid’s face blossomed like a flower as he confirmed the finished design. He didn’t know exactly what the options were yet, but it was a very good weapon when just looking at the attributes. Wasn’t an epic rated one-handed sword guaranteed at least 390 attack power and 100 defense? It was hard to find a comparable performance among the level 300 items.
‘In addition, the level limit of Muksabal is likely to be very low.’
The ideal sword that Kraugel thought about was a ‘wearable sword’ and Grid also focused on Kraugel’s ideals. In other words, it had high versatility and practicality. There was a high weight due to the characteristics of the materials, but those who had the minimum strength would be able to handle Muksabal easily.
‘The high cost of the 10,000 year stone will mean it will take a long time before I can distribute it to the soldiers… Let’s distribute it to the knights first.’
It was a powerful weapon that couldn’t be compared to the mass-produced Grid weapons. The unique rated Muksabal was superior to the attack power of many legendary weapons. It was clear that the strength of the Overgeared Knights would grow by leaps and bounds.
Grid was delighted and now the most important task remained. It was to produce it.
“Kraugel, give me the White Tiger’s Breath.”
“Yes.”
A material that couldn’t be obtained unless a hidden quest on the East Continent was cleared or a gold medal was won in the National Competition. Kraugel handled the white bead that was worth an astronomical amount to Grid without hesitation. In front of the blast furnace where the white phosphorus wood was still burning, Grid was reminded of the time he made the Red Phoenix Bow and the Enlightenment Sword.
‘The basic premise for making a myth rated weapon is strengthening the core materials.
With the Red Phoenix Bow, he strengthened the Red Phoenix Breath and with the Enlightenment Sword, he strengthened Belial’s Horn. Looking back now, it was very hard work. It would take at least three days, the long task of hammering on one item for a week and even delicate techniques. It was physically and mentally hard.
The biggest problem was the ‘resistance’ of the item. The Red Phoenix’s Breath emitted hot fire every time it was hit with a hammer while Belial’s Horn exploded. If Grid didn’t have the combination of high defense and stamina, it would be impossible to strengthen both the Red Phoenix Breath and Belial’s Horn. He would’ve been dead after hammering a few times!
‘The White Tiger’s Breath will also resist.’
It could take more than a week for smelting, assuming it had a temper.
‘It won’t be easy.’
He was afraid when thinking about the pain he would have to endure. Grid needed to control his mind. After taking several deep breaths, Grid’s expression relaxed. Kraugel and Panmir had no choice but to misunderstand. They thought that Grid was nervous about a high-rated item not appearing. They never imagined that he was afraid of the act of making an item itself.
It was natural. So far, all the blacksmithing work they had seen, heard, and experienced was ordinary. Yes,
most blacksmiths produced items by pressing a single ‘production’ button. Even Panmir, who was proud of making items by hand, relied on all types of systems. They couldn’t predict how much effort and time Grid placed into making items.
“Okay. Let’s start the production.”
He acted fast once the preparations were over. Grid put the White Tiger’s Breath into the furnace. The temperature in the furnace rapidly increased and the white bead heated up.
[The temperature is too high!]
“Kuk…!”
Panmir watched Grid and sighed. Grid aggressively utilized the characteristics of the white phosphorus wood and continued to raise the temperature of the furnace. Panmir was burned despite watching from a few meters away. Panmir clutched his burning forearm and belatedly realized. Apart from himself, the other blacksmiths were already far away from Grid’s furnace. It was the same even for White, the greatest of the four blacksmiths.
‘Even the craftsmen can’t endure the temperature?’
It was amazing that Grid instantly generated such a high temperature! As Panmir was feeling surprise beyond admiration.
Puoook!
Chik! Chiiiik!
Grid removed the red bead and started quenching it. The bucket that was filled with at least 100 liters of water started boiling like lava. Kraugel, who had been watching from Grid’s side, avoided the water drops using Super Sensitivity. It was an almost instinctive motion.
“Ohh! Truly a Sword Saint…!”
The blacksmiths marvelled at Kraugel’s brilliant movements while Kraugel wondered.
‘Was making an item originally so urgent and dangerous?’
Teong!
Grid put the bead on his anvil. He still looked grim. He was like a warrior on the battlefield. Kraugel couldn’t help gulping at the momentum.
Ttaaang!
Grid finally started hammering. The moment that his hammer hit the White Tiger’s Breath.
Kwarururung!
The White Tiger’s Breath roared. Heavy shaking! Sharp thorns made of stones emerged like a hedgehog.
“Kuk…!”
Grid’s cheeks, neck, and wrists were wounded. He couldn’t completely evade the thorns that came from the White Tiger’s Breath.