Chapter 107 - Commence Of Inna's Feast

Viswa's presence in the forge had thwarted Ishit's plans. Ishit had wanted to forge his Astra purely based on Glassian's smithy, which was now not possible. Though Viswa seemed to have no qualms about losing his forge and taking orders from him, Ishit doubted this was his genuine feelings.

Because no one would be happy after losing his cherished forge and status to some kid. Ishit regretted picking Viswa of all the master smiths in the smithy. 

Now he would have to manage with a Vartian Astra only. So Ishit devised his Astra with a little modified yantra. It was a one-star sword made of cosmic dust and adamantine churned with lightning essence. The weapon was as dark as night with a blue hue because of lightning essence. it was a bit powerful than the dragon-slaying sword. 

"Master Ishit, can I have look?" Viswa asked, looking at the newly forged sword floating in the energy field. 

"Go ahead," Ishit said, he too wanted to hear the old smith's opinion; after all, he was a renowned master smith of Vartian smithy. 

"Thanks," Viswa said as he picked up the sword. 

Four feet long weapon cried as the master smith infused his spirit. Lightning crackled along its razor-sharp edge as if threatening Viswa not to mess around with it. After some careful observations of its length and blade width, and balancing it on his finger, he raised it and slashed the air. 

The air split apart as a bolt of lightning flashed and vanished.  Viswa's face turned grim as he gave another appraising look to the sword.  What the hell! Since when one-star Astras started to affect emotions! 

He was sure of what he had felt just now. Undoubtedly, it was the manipulation of emotions. But only two-star Astra could achieve that feat. 

"So how was it?" Ishit asked. 

Viswa didn't reply immediately and continued to study the blade.

"Weight and height ratio is a bit off, but the error is very subtle so it won't cause any problem unless you decide to deplete Astra's energy. Apart from this everything is perfect. Master Ishit is really gifted.  Not many smiths in our guild can achieve this much accuracy. " Viswa said putting back the sword on its stand. 

"I used the Lucifer formula to decide the ratio. " Ishit said looking straight into the man's eyes.

"I guessed it.  The Lucifer formula is good for a cutlass or a saber but for a long sword, it causes errors, next time use Nith rules. Though the computation is cucumber some, the result will not disappoint you."

Ishit couldn't help but be impressed, This was called experience, nothing could make up for it. 

"Thanks for the advice. " Ishit said. 

"Haha, It was just a suggestion of this ignorant apprentice. I don't dare to advise you, Master." Viswa chuckled.

Ishit didn't know if it was sarcasm. 

"By the way master, what this apprentice couldn't figure out how you gave it mind manipulation field without installing a second-star yantra," Viswa asked, looking at him with nieve eyes. 

What a willy fox! He was obviously praising him for this. 

"It's one of my secrets," said Ishit. He didn't have time to waste on the man. The eighth pahar had started, he had to leave for Guha's. 

"Ah! But I'm your apprentice, you must pass your legacy to me,"  replied Viswa,

"Yes, this master will, but you have to please me first, pupil" After working with the master smith all afternoon, Ishit realized that Viswa was what you call a freak of smithing. He will go to any lengths to reach his goal. 

"Tell me what this apprentice can do to please Master. " Viswa asked, looking at him expectantly.

"Nothing! "  Ishit picked up his sword, he needed a sheath now. The problem of astras of the lower grade was that they couldn't be dissolved or condensed at will. Wilders needed to carry them around. 

"What's about? I finish all your orders. " Viswa offered, 

"They are not my orders. It was you who had to finish them, to begin with. " Ishit replied as he looked for the suitable sheath for his blade in the pile of readymade covers. 

"Yes, but they are yours now. because you're the master of this forge."

"Am I?" Ishit replied. " Then, why can't even use a hammer without your permission? Let's not waste each other time. I'm leaving so this forge is yours now until tomorrow afternoon. Do whatever you want to do? " Ishit picked up a leather sheath and placed his blade inside. The cover fitted perfectly. 

Viswa didn't speak as he watched Ishit, tying the sword back on his shoulder in silence. His face seemed a playground of emotions. After a long pause, he spoke in a sullen tone, a tone that startled Ishit. 

"Look, boy. It was not me who told you to come and challenge me for Jalpa. " Ishit gave a look to the master smith, whose face had darkened,

"I was living perfectly fine with a good reputation and wealthy clients. But you came and ruined my life-long hard work for no rhyme and reason. I don't recall ever offending you. As for my conflict with your father, I doubted Oman would have ever mentioned it to you.  I'm not his enemy or anything. Or I wouldn't have forged astras for his men all these years. I would have left Minaak long ago if I hadn't given my word to Lord Ayan to serve Garuna, and assist his arrogant brother in his absence. 

So I don't understand why you're acting as if I spoiled your grand plans. Let me remind you even if you leave. My life won't be easy here anymore. Because, thanks to you,  I have no reputation left to speak of. I doubt if any maharathi will trust me with his Diya Astra now. No to mention the blonde from Atlantia, will let this opportunity pass to shove me out of the forge if I won't lick his ass."

Viswa paused to take a breath and looked straight into Ishit's enlarged eyes,  "So tell me how I should feel now. " 

Ishit's mind was reeling with questions. Lord Ayan had asked Viswa to stay in Minaak. Then had he seen his death coming? 

If Viswa had no conflict with his father, why his lord father hate him so much?

Ishit couldn't make out the reason.

As for the answer to Viswa's question, he had none. Ishit was feeling remorseful. It was true Viswa had never offended him. 

"I'm sorry, Viswa. But If you hadn't canceled Nandani's order, I wouldn't have selected you, of all the smiths, for jalpa. " Ishit said. "So technically, it was your fault being so unreasonable. "

"What! I was being unreasonable! I never accepted her order. Divayni (receptionist) had noted it down in my list by mistake. " 

Ishit didn't know what to say now. Maybe it was a work of fate. 

"Ok! my wrong. I shouldn't have chosen you. But listen, I'm not doing well here either. You can see I'm in a deep mess. I have to compete for an academy. And If I get selected, I'll have to leave. But I doubt Lucas will let me go so easily, at least not before I find an assistant. So if you're willing, I can name you for the post. I'm sure that's why you wanted to be my apprentice. " Ishit said. 

"No! I don't need this fucking forge. "  Viswa cursed. 

Ishit was dumbfounded. Then who was crying just now?

" Then why did you pay a night visit to the Atlantian, prick? " 

"I didn't. He speaks white lies. It was he who came to my house. He wanted to know why I admitted defeat without giving a proper fight. " 

"Why did you accept defeat?" Ishit also wanted to know. If the old man hadn't given in so early, he might have not lost to him. After all, he was someone who had achieved the legendary state, being one with the forge. 

Viswa looked away. After some reflection, he said, 

"I had my reasons. As for what, you don't need to know unless you want to come with me on your promised journey. Which I doubt you will."

"Ok! You're right I can't go with you. But let's bury the hatchet. I think you're after my knowledge, am I right? " Ishit asked. If the man didn't need his forge, knowledge was the only thing that could tempt the master smith. 

"Yes, I want to learn more about your shape energy concept. And If you promise to teach me, I will finish all your orders and accept the assistant title." Viswa hurriedly added the last part. 

"You said that Lord Ayan had told you to stay here, and helped his brother. Do you think he knew he was going to die in the battle? " Ishit asked looking straight into the eyes of Viswa 

Viswa fell silent. 

"Yes, he knew it." the master smith said, taking a deep breath.

"Then, why.." 

"Don't ask me anything else." Viswa cut him off. "Tell me. Do accept my deal?"

"Yes. I do. But I can only instruct you in my free time. " Ishit didn't know why Viswa was unwilling to tell him anything else about Lord Ayan..  But one thing was sure he was not his enemy, as he had thought earlier.