by Fujino Omori
. Welf-san held the chisel-like tool and hammer in his hand. He began the job of cutting down the Drop Loot.
When the huge thumping sound was about to reach 50 times, the
“Do you know why the Crosso Family can create Magic Swords?”
Welf-san used the special scissors 2 that could be seen even from far away to grip the horn piece and placed it inside the already heated furnace.
I gazed at Welf-san, who was immersed in his work. “No……” I replied.
“Originally, Crosso is a name of a boy. Later on, his descendants used it as a surname. We all call that boy as the first generation. It was something that appeared before the Gods descended to the Lower World.”
The time before the Gods descended to the Lower World was called
The origin of
“It seems like the first generation is a blacksmith who did not have many customers. Naturally, he did not create Magic Sword. Speaking of which, it is also true that the first generation had laid down the foundations for prosperity for the
After an interval of a beat, Welf-san continued to speak:
“The first generation came forward and saved a certain race who was attacked by a Monster.”
“A certain race is referring to……”
“That is
——What, my voice echoed by itself above the floor.
Welf-san squinted at me, who had a shocked expression, and faintly continued:
“The first generation who suffered a grave injury seemed to have received help from the spirit and was saved. They cut their body and gave their own blood to the first generation.”
“T…Then,
“That’s correct. They have the blood of Spirits.”
——Spirits.
Nymph, Spirits, Elemental……And the other names used to call them were Lower World residents. Compared to other races, their numbers are extremely rare. They are a mysterious existence.
There were various evaluations amongst the humans and demi-human. The only thing clear was that spirits were the closest race to the Gods.
“The first generation healed as if nothing happened after drinking the blood of the Spirit. It was literally a miraculous power. And then from now on, despite that the first generation was a human, he could also use Magic……And he could also make Magic Sword.”
The Spirit’s potential is overwhelming compared to the other races.
They are a Magic Race that is on par with the Elves. They are able to create fire, call out storms. Able to create a lake in the forest and could even refine gold, silver and gems.
They powers could be said to be equivalent to a demi-god.
In other words, they could bring forth a
“Could it be…
“Ahhh, that is impossible. Because no matter how good or bad the first generation was, it was said that he was a very ordinary person.”
In many stories, Spirits, especially in Hero’s Tales ——Many of the Hero’s Tales are not simply a creation, but actually used the truth as an origin, this was what my grandfather had told me——appeared numerous times.
The Spirits would use their miraculous powers to guide the heroes, occasionally help them out and push them to complete their mission.
Specifically, it was just like how Welf-san had said it. Granting them the power of Magic or a powerful weapon. There should also be Spirits who turn themselves into weapons. 3
The power of the Spirits and the Heroes’ Achievements are usually interlinked and would also contribute greatly.
If it was when the Gods have not yet descended to the Lower World, it could be said that their blessing is essentially a proxy version of
“The blood of the first generation, which even extends life, is also because the Spirit’s power still remains up to this day. There is also a testimony from a God in Heaven, who looks over everything, that we are the first generation offspring.”
Since the Gods have descended to the Lower World, the Spirits, who usually would not have any contact with the outside world, began to appear. Aren’t the Spirits overly casual? It seems like they are quite unsure with themselves. Aside from that part, almost all of it had not changed.
The Gnome race fares rather well with us. They, who had an elderly appearance, relies on their skills in processing precious metal and gems, silently support our life.
Although beside of the trend of God’s Grace, the Spirits were not as valuable as before, but they still tend to be a mysterious existence. To the extent that they are longed for in every sense by humans and demi-humans.
“But even if within their body flows the Spirits’ blood, the Spirits power never had a significant impact on the first generation’s offspring……Then, a few generations ago, when the
“……Skill?”
“Yes. Only to create a Magic Sword. Most of the people in the family all unconditionally learned the same skill.”
Using the
Crossing over generations, it was the moment where the Spirit’s power was once again awakened.
“Then the rest is the same as what Follower Lili had said.
Welf-san also continued to speak, it was at that time, they become a member of the kingdom.
In conclusion, it was because the first generation Crosso was granted the Spirits before, and could create Magic Sword before the
Crosso’s foundation for their prosperity is because of the quality of their blood.
“It was said that after they earned their position, they began to act as they please. Thanks to the Magic Sword that our family made, the kingdom had never lost in a war. Sounds of praises and compliments came nonstop from the royal family. We were immersed in food and wine every day……We also did not know what dreams we had for a blacksmith to learn to become a noble.”
Welf-san said with a self-depreciating tone while he looked at the burning fire inside the furnace.
The conversation was interrupted.
For a long period of time, only the sound of the flames could be heard inside the workshop.
“……
——So that’s why they were cursed.
Welf-san clearly said it.
“ The kingdom that
“T…This I know.”
“They not only earned the resentment from elves. They even earned the resentment of Spirits, which granted blood to the first generation.”
“!?”
“Spirits prefer to live in naturally rich lands. The mountain collapsed, the lake dried up, the forest was burnt……Just like the elves that had lost their village, the Spirits were also chased out of their home.”
I had heard this from Ryuu-san, the relationship between Crosso and elves.
By returning kindness with ingratitude, the Spirits also had something important stolen away by
“The elves’ resentment was directed towa
rds the country. Then the Spirits’ anger was directed towards the Magic Sword and
“……”
“During a certain battle, all the Magic Swords at the front lines all broke without warning. Before they were used, they all crumbled to powder. The Kingdom army that naturally relied on the Magic Sword suffered a heavy defeat in that battle.”
“Is that the Spirit’s doing?”
“It must be. At the same time,
Saying that they were cursed, so that’s what it was all about……?
I unconsciously tightened my shoulders.
“Afterwards, the Kingdom continued to lose.
From heaven to hell. Although this could be said as retribution……
So this is the story related with the current fallen
Huh, but wait……?
“Then, isn’t it that
“Yes. If it is me, then I can make it. Although I do not know why.”
Is it because the curse had already disappeared, or was it because the Spirits have calmed down, or was it because it was Welf-san?
Although I do not know the reason, but it seems that Welf-san is the only one who can create
But Welf-san ignored the
“Although it is to revive my family, I am still grateful to my father and grandfather, who instilled smithing techniques into me. Because of them, I am able to experience the pleasure of using my own hands to create weapons.”
The surrounding temperature had increased again. The perception of time had already become extremely ambiguous. At this moment, Welf-san took the Drop Loot from the furnace and moved it to the anvil.
Although you could still see the original shape, the
“Inside the workshop that was filled with coal and the smell of rust, I did not hate it when I was standing next to my father and grandfather while doing the work of an assistant.”
Once he recalled the feelings when he first hit steel, his voice showed such emotions.
I do not know why it was mixed with a little bit of sadness.
“However……when my father knew I had the talent, in order to revive
Welf-san held a hammer in one hand and took some time to breath.
Then, he lifted his eyes and his mouth began a single lin.
This was the first time that I saw Welf-san’s expression as a blacksmith.
My breathing instantly stopped.
“……He accidently let it slip that he wanted me to make a tool that would make us rise to the royal family.”
Then, Welf-san grasp the hammer and swung the hammer downwards in one go.
“That’s not it, it isn’t like that, a weapon.”
The ferocious sound of metal striking marks the beginning of refining.
As if he wanted to instill the feelings he had inside his heart, Welf-san swung the hammer.
“It is not a tool for political purposes, nor a method to climb up. A weapon is half of the life of the user.”
Although Welf-san’s striking sound was separated by a small margin, the striking sound was extremely loud to the extent that it was shocking.
Through the correction capacity of the ability
“Even when a user would face an overwhelming situation, only a weapon cannot betray him. When you grasp the handle of the weapon, this guy and the user should already have the same body and heart.
Was it because of the difference in strength, but the location of the hammer differs every time when it falls down.
Sometimes it was a loud metallic sound which seems to be stretched, sometimes it is a subtle sound as if it was fixing.
There was no need to assist. You could see with the naked eye that the red colored metal piece was changing shape.
“And blacksmiths must create this kind of weapon.”
Instilling the passion to the weapon. It was as if Welf-san had turned into flames.
The overwhelming sincerity and unwavering thoughts.
“Using the extreme fiery passion to reach the ultimate confrontation of strength and iron. When we directly confront the iron, we are finally able to create a weapon. How can we deceive this fact, how can we rely on our blood to make swords, how can we…forget the essence of smithing?”
He concentrated and hit the iron.
His entire body exuded a ghostly aura as if he was being possessed.
Welf-san, through that metal that was burning red, what did you see?
“I hate Magic Sword. I hate that it will absolutely break, the Magic Sword that will eventually leave the user by themselves.”
Flying sparks. Crimson flashes.
Every time the hammer hit the Drop Loot, the burning metal fragments would bounce. It was nowhere inferior to an Adventurer’s armor, the black colored kimono that Welf-san was wearing would rebound the metallic debris and let it fall down on the ground.
Then I noticed it.
The tattered-like clothes this person was wearing was actually his work clothes.
These clothes were scorched black and had an old appearance. It is the evidence that it had experience numerous smithing operations.
“I….hate Magic Sword. Its power would corrupt people’s heart. Whether it is the user’s modestry or a blacksmith’s pride, it will consume everything. At least, the swords that we (Crosso) created was like that.”
Causing a blacksmith family to fall, the extremely powerful Magic Sword.
I seem to have understand the true meaning of this word.
“I will not create a Magic Sword. Even if I create one, I will not sell it.”
Ignoring the sweat flowing down his cheeks, Welf-san lifted the hammer again.
The striking sound continued. Without the slightest break, the fiery collision melody enveloped this small workshop.
Looking at Welf-san like this, I even forgot to wipe my sweat.
It was the smell of iron that I had felt when I entered this room.
It was a smell that was so strong that it made me want to cover my nose, but now it had escaped far away from me.
Welf-san only looked forward. Again and again, he swung down the hammer in his hand.
× × ×
Looking outside from the shutters, the outside was already dyed in the darkness of dusk. It had already begun to become dark.
Welf-san’s job also entered the final stages.
“……Completed.”
“UWAH……!”
Walking out from within the depths of his workshop, Welf-san used both hands to place the box onto the table.
I leaned forward to peek inside the box. Inside, there was a dagger shining with a crimson glow.
A transparent-like, sharp blade. Its length was slightly shorter than even the
The dagger hilt and blade was close to a red copper color. It was probably adjusted according to my palm.
“T…This…Isn’t it amazing……!?”
“Probably because the material was extremely good. Among all my works so far, it is undoubtedly the best.”
While revealing fatigue, Welf-san happily curved his eyes and smiled while revealing his smile.
Although it
was a bit modest, even Welf-san, himself, felt that his work this time was successful. Otherwise, I feel that he would not say
I excited bowed towards Welf-san again and again.
“Ah, sorry. I did not have time to prepare a sheath for you. I will make one for you tomorrow, so why not just take a random one and improvise with it?”
“I…It doesn’t matter. Rather, it is fine if you do not make it tomorrow……You already worked until so late today.”
“No, it is better to get everything done when it’s still hot.”
Are all the artisans the same as Welf-san, I smiled while I thought of this.
“Okay, let’s give it a name.”
While thinking of that sort of thing and could not stop smiling, Welf-san, who was beside me, leaned forward to take glance and stared at the crimson dagger.
He rested his chin on his right hand and narrowed his eyes.
Releasing an incredible concentration, Welf-san slowly muttered:
“Ushiwakamaru……No, Mino-tan.”
“Nonononononononononono!? Isn’t the first one fine!?”
“Ah? Bell thinks that Ushiwakamaru is better?”
“There is no need to hesitate!?”
I, who was turning pale, directed a roar with enormous momentum towards Welf-san.
Because I desperately pleaded, with a regretful voice, Welf-san said “Is that so” and reluctantly agreed.
“Then, take it.”
“Okay. I really appreciate it, Welf-san.”
Temporarily borrow the sheath of other creations, Welf-san handed the dagger to me with one hand.
I thanked Welf-san again and extended my hand……Hyoi, the dagger was raised up.
I looked at the hand that rushed into the empty space and, “Eh?”, revealed a confused expression.
“That.”
“W…What?”
“Get rid of your rigid speaking style.”
I listened to his words and widened my eyes.
“I have just met you a while ago, so it would not let you fully trust me. However, please treat me the same as Follower Lili and casually talk with me.”