Chapter 440: Hammery, Hammery, Path to the Mastery.

Chapter 440: Hammery, Hammery, Path to the Mastery.

Bang, bang, bang

Aye, the sound of colliding metal. It was music to the ears of a blacksmith.

Master Grimnir!

I stopped my hammering and placed the orange glowing piece of metal back into the furnace, causing hair-frying air to blast at my sweat-drenched forehead. I turned around to that young mans voice, raising my head as I saw him running up to me.

The fingers are done. How far are you with the shoulder plate? this boy, Daichi, asked me.

As I inspected his craft, I noted how much smaller and fragile the metal fingers looked in contrast to my large, fat ones, a trait most taz dwarves shared. It was why we made terrible artisans for detail-focused crafts. If I were to use these metal fingers for a gauntlet, most beastmen women or some human men could probably wear it without an issue, but in my palm, I would crush them with my grip.

Still, even though it felt awkward for me to create them, I still treated them like the delicate creation that they were. Like a hawk, my eyes inspected every small crevice, looking for any malformation or bad heat treatment that could compromise the defensive stat of the end product. Even though I had rejected [Blacksmiths Eyes] from Bleidla, I had gotten too accustomed to working with naked sight that it felt more natural for me to inspect equipment this way..

Dont forget, if you're making a commission for a specific person, you need to ensure the armor isnt neither too large nor too tight. Armor that rattles around makes it uncomfortable to wear and risks loosening joints. Armor that is too tight to wear loses its effectiveness against blunt attacks. The shockwave will send damage to the chainmail underneath, I gave my criticism to my second apprentice. I know were working with somebody without an arm, but dont let bad habits grow!

Yes, Master! the young man replied, but the fire in his eyes suggested he was ready to defend his work. However, considering the situation, I expected larger fingers would be better for this use-case. It will look asymmetrical when worn, but the larger grip will help one wield physical weapons better. I accounted for that when I made them.

Good! I nodded, smiling at his answer. It wasnt the perfect answer, nor did I like him speaking up like this, but I was fond of him thinking like a journeyman instead of an apprentice. Sometimes the client is wrong, or your initial plans put you on the wrong path, but this is exactly what you have to do. Think outside the box! As blacksmiths, our duty is to create gear that assures they live! No shame is tougher than our efforts resulting in their death.

Yes, Master!

This snot-nosed brat had been nothing more than a rude rat when I first met him. His excessive ass-kissing, like I usually saw from those damn Bleidla fanatics always looking to find some excuse for their god, struck a nerve with me. I preferred blunt people, those who wore their emotions and thoughts on their sleeves. Makes them easier to drink with.

Still when I saw him beg me to become an apprentice, I couldnt help but accept him. I had told the boy I hadnt remembered him in an attempt to distance myself from him, but that look in his eyes still remained in my mind. A seeker who did not know what he was looking for. Somebody who required guidance before his flame died out.

My name is Daichi Mikami! I am a nobody who has lost his way! I am a worthless little pawn, unable to think by himself! But, looking at you right here, has awakened something in my heart! My desire to create! So, please, teach me! I will do anything to learn from you! Teach me how to love creating again!

What an idiot

However, listen to this. I pulled up my metal file and rubbed it against two fingers, letting the lad listen to the two different sounds. One sounded dullfullwhile the other felt slightly light, as if the file was folding against the metal. You hear that?

Daichis face paled, grimacing. I fucked up the heat treatment.

You damn did. I broke the light sounding finger in half using my hammer, revealing the metal inside before pointing at the discoloration of the metal. One was lighter than the other. You see this? Lad, when you infuse monster materials into metal, you gotta remember the material will raise the necessary temperature before a quench. You dont heat up a blade made with the lasss scale with your usual flames, you throw in some of her scale-dust and let it scorch your hair! Stop wasting the materials we painstakingly got from the Event! Reforge this one!

Yes, Master! I will do better!

Bladdarg! Turn the metal around! Dont let it sit all the time. You need to keep the heat even! Feel the fire, watch the color! I reiterated to this numbskull. Dont fuck up the second time!

Never!

He rushed away, back to his anvil while my mouth wrinkled into a smile.

Lad is growing

He found his passion. No longer trapped in the need to constantly prove himself, he could learn and do what he needed to. No distractions. Even if I was his master, I didnt think I was the only cause; I was not arrogant enough to think I could change others lives. Just like Broggi and I, you needed the will, ambition, and strength to work on your craft everyday without rest. That couldnt be given or learned, that could only be earned through effort.

I turned back to my own work, taking the heated metal out, but shook my head when I saw it wasnt even pink enough for me to consider hammering it. Using the leftover adamantoise shell for it made it so this metal required extreme heat to have it glow yellow. I needed more heat.

I took a deep breath before throwing some coal into the furnace. Using the air blower, I fed the fire air before unleashing a flame breath, growing the inferno until some of the flames touched my face. The sizzling of my sweat could be heard as I cleaned my face with a rag, before putting the piece of metal back into the fire.

I am Grimnir Luedbrumdar, the imperial blacksmith of the third dragon princess of Kargryx, Hestia Atsuko Kargryxmor. This is my passion. This is my life and duty. In honor of Goddess Chihiro, I am her [Grand Arcanatechnician], her Saint to teach the word of what the Goddess of Change, Ingenuity, and Ambition! To assure my party, Aurora, will survive anything, I dedicate every sweat and hammer swing to my craft!

Still

Watch me shine! My mistress, my princess, and my party leader reached out her arm into the air, before the music began once again along with the booming roars of the audience inside this giant dragon nestthe Obsidian Orchestra.

I was no longer swinging my hammer; instead, I and my two apprentices had laid down our tools to watch our dragon lass perform on stage.

To be frank, I wasnt particularly a big fan of her more cutesy songs, as they always felt lacking in substance. Those love songs she sometimes sang felt so shallow, like the ones the damn bards always played whenever they had nothing else to sing. That was my true feeling about them, but considering how much I know Hestia loved them, I couldnt say anything to her. I was her friend and this was just an issue with my music taste.

But that didnt mean I didnt enjoy her concerts.

If you asked me if I remembered that day

I would say, yes, for it was the day that we met

The hope and warmth that I felt, the memories that we made

So I smiled. Together.

With every day that passed, I just want to wonder

Will this all last

The peace we have is so fleeting

I worry about what could happen, I dont want all to be gone

But you smiled.

You say, Dont worry, so dont stop moving

Life is all about cherishing the present

So, I kept my head up, and moved forward

Even if you arent there

I cant stop now, stop now, I will grasp my chance

Leaving behind my sad self now

No way, no way, no way, I will not become that weak me again

Stand proud, stand proud, to live my life to the fullest

There is so much that Ive given up

No way, no way, no way, those memories give me strength

Guurrgk Argh, always my damn damp eyes. Bladdarg.

Some of them did open my heart up. The same could be said about the kids around me.

Youre doing amazingly, Hesti-chan! Kohaku shouted.

Woo! Kyouya cheered, releasing one of the light bulbs to celebrate the concert.

No matter if I was working or not, I would do my best to always attend the lasss performances, as I knew this was her love. How much she would gush about standing on the stage and living the life of an idol when I first joined the party surprised me at first, but I guess I got used to it. Listening to her was Far better than to just wallow in my sorrow and drink myself to forget about all the sins I committed in the past.

My cousins death had sent me into a spiral of depression, but when Hestia and Tasianna approached me on that day to create something for them, I couldnt help but feel motivated. It was such a small job, but I took the chance when the light shone in the darkness. I had us charge into a dungeon just to find that one ore I needed to forge my new hammer. To our surprise and chagrin, that whole accident with those cultists from the Church of Danterno happened.

But, I didnt care. My life was in the lasss hands now. I owed her for saving me and dragging me screaming out of my pit, and this is where everything led me to. I found the truth behind Broggis thoughts towards me, I found out about his fathers plots, and, somehow, I even redeemed myself after everything I did.

Ive gotten used to it already. Dont underestimate a Warbringer. She pulled out her rapier almost too fast for me to keep up, swing and thrust it before casting a lightning spell almost as fast. A show of power. Hestias long glaive? Ya saw me wield it with one arm without any issue. I have the strength and agility requirements for everything. I can even knock that crossbow with one arm.

You can, but there are faster methods, I responded, slightly insinuating my plans with the type of crossbow I was planning on making.

She wrinkled an eyebrow, but shrugged and sheathed her blade. Do what ya wish. I will be grateful either way, blacksmith. But, this? I aint needing it. I gave ya my commissions, no need for ex

Take it. I grabbed her arm, but the demonkin scoffed and overpowered me, releasing herself pretty easily. Curse my level!

Old man, I really am no fan of this crap. Keeping my chill cuz yer Hestias friend, but Im trying to live my life right now without causing any issues. For over two weeks now, nobody has complained. Whats your problem?

Its Grimnir! I shouted, having enough of her rarely calling others by their name, aside from Hestia and Fargryneill. And I know this fact enough. Ive seen you alone every single time. You bathe alone, you train alone or in the corner if others are around, and you never, ever join dinner at the same time as others. Either late or after everybodys finished! You are avoiding us.

And all of ya do not want me here, the same wit Mistress KleaHatma. Ya think Im daft?

And you think staying away helps!?

Her eyes widened in bafflement before she pushed me back, shoving one of my horns to the side in anger. This. Is. Actually. Braindead. Im at my limit, old man. I can feel [Anger] actually reaching 2%, right now. Yer done it. Im actually out of L.E.P. cuz of you!

L.E.P., also known as low energy potential. Her depression mode, in other words. The default state of a wrath demonkin made them sound and act as if they hadnt slept for days.

What is the point of yer prattling? Help? You, the otherworlders, and especially those dragon sisters, I We dont need to be close. In an army, one must not love and be friendly with one another, all that matters is that we not backstab each other! Ya hear? You think Im stupid? I have [Identify]. I can appraise yer arcane crystal in this thing; I know ya got something planned.

Switching the way you speak, huh? I noted. Usually informal when she was angered, but in that small moment she was formal, almost as if she was reading off a quote.

Then we understand each other better than I thought of ye, lass, I frowned. But, you can already guess that Im here to assure that my friends and family will live. I became a blacksmith because of my clan, but Ive come to understand what I need to do.

No longer for revenge. I would not raise my hammer to pay back Bleidla because of my false belief twisting my emotions into rage. I did not want to lie to myself again, to make up some excuse to work. When I heard Bleidla say I didnt hate him any longer, it only caused me to be angry at myself.

However, it was all right. I understood my feelings now. Even if a part of me wanted to get revenge on the Demon Prince of Greed for what he did to my cousin, it was all right. Similar to how Tasianna felt for a long time. I only needed to remember my duty and that every blade and armor will assure my familys smiles remain!

I need no praise, I need no recognition, I need not for the person accepting my gear to be friends with me. A blacksmiths duty was none of them.

This armguardthis prostheticsis powered up by a mana battery turned catalyst. In addition, I engraved runes on it. The only thing missing is an enchantment, but its current state still fulfills my blessings requirement to increase its stats and mana conductivity. Ive seen you and that other demonkin fight back in Estralia, so I know damn well how you fight. What you can do with your lightning. I grabbed her hand again and handed her the armor before stepping back. This is how you regain your lost power. A scar? That scar will remain until you can forgive yourself and accept Hestias offer to regrow it. But you are a soldier, and as a soldier, you must accept any help to achieve victory! Do I need to lecture you on this, Warbringer?

She went silent, only sighing.

Youre right, I had Tasianna rig the battery. This is my leash on you, I admitted. But this is how I help my party members. Reluctant or not, I will give you the help as long as you do not hurt the people I cherish. This armguard is the proof for that. Do you understand, Vifi?

She looked me straight in the eyes and then back to the prosthetics. As I noticed her eye the stump on her right shoulder, I took the armguard back and helped her place it on.

Everything is controlled by the mana wires inside. Ellaine made sure to put extra effort into it, as it will connect with your nerves and mana paths, so make sure you put it on properly. You see these fittings and the arrows? I pointed at two arrows inside of the armor, to which Vifi nodded. The red is up, the yellow is down. You put the red on your shoulder and the yellow on your armpits. You then release mana around your arm, which agitates the armguard. If you feel like your mana is flowing into it, thats when you tighten the strap. Your mana will then attach itself onto the prosthetics as if its an extension of your mana.

Like when you pour mana into a weapon.

I nodded.

I then told her as long as kept feeding the armguard mana, she could move it like her old arm. She could move a finger but she expressed how unnatural it felt. I told her she needed practice. How long had it been since she lost her left arm? The phantom pain needed time to disappear.

Still, when it came to using her red lightning, she was a natural. Letting the lightning course through the armguard, the blue crystal lit up purple, finally showing Tasiannas effort in turning it into a lightning elemental catalyst, perfect to reduce the mana cost of lightning spells and attacks.

As her lightning crackled around it, she tried turning it into a weapon but failed to do so. Still, using her left arm, she pushed her prosthetics up and aimed at a dummy inside the training room. Like a thunder, she shot out a bolt of voltaic electricity, destroying the head of a dummy before Gravy came waddling in to repair it with some rocks it had on hand.

Vifi did not say anything, but with how she stared at it, I couldnt help but smile. She liked it.

You a drinker? I asked.

Ya ever seen me drink?

The lasses tell me youre always in the corner of the bath. Thats why I knew you avoid people even in the hot spring! You think I peeked? So, just answer the question. You drink?

She shook her head. Soldiers dont drink on duty but, I liked the honey mead I found at an orphanage in Folschreck. The crap you drank back in BoleTaria is shit. Dont have proper bread, you cant get proper drinks thats what my former comrades used to tell me.

Then youre gonna join me, kid. Tasiannas been brewing some good stuff, and we need to drink them, eh? I smacked her back, smiling. And, then next time Hestia announces a concert, youre gonna join in, you hear?

What is ya problem?

Its what makes us a party, you idiot. Gotta support our biggest bread winner, no? Also, youre in the party of Aurenas first and only Idol blessed, so you gotta embrace the music, hahaha!

What a drag

Sometimes, you just needed somebody to bring you out of the pit you dug for yourself. Just like for me when Hestia asked me to help her or how Ellaine wanted to become my apprentice. I had to accept it if I wanted something to change. This made me accept Daichi, despite my grievances against him. This was why I decided to return to my home hold to repossess Broggis and my tools from our old workshops, meaning I had to face my past and sins.

Without that first step, nothing was possible.

So I pulled wrath lass into the dinner where I saw Saori, Yorshka, Farron, Shay, and Krim-Slak. They were laughing and cheering as Shay tried to drink some beer, only for him to gurgle in pain. Dragonkins just couldnt drink, huh?

Oh, oi, weve been waiting, Master Dwarf! Krim-Slak waved his arm at us. And, ah, that demonkin girl, right? If you want a drink too, get in here!

Yorshka chortled, Finally decided to break out of your damn shell, huh? Dont worry, I get it. Were all weird, so it must be hard. Nobody but Ellaine is in your age group, and those who are all came from Earth, so its a bit of a culture shock. Well, if you need some friends, get here and drink. You should be old enough!

Shay and Farron, on the other hand, were less friendly, eying Vifi suspiciously. Meanwhile, Saori was inspecting us, but in the end decided to nod. That lass knew what I was doing.

Wine, ale, or mead, Vifi? We got sake, too, if you want, she offered.

We walked closer. For the rowdy attitude she would assume on the battlefield, this girl was quite sheepish when we walked.

She had some honey mead in the past, and probably some crap you find at the bottom of the barrel back in her army days. Something easy for a beginner but with a ton of taste, I said, sitting down.

Fragassa ale, it is. Tasianna, for the love of all that is holy about alcohol, somehow managed to make that work! It is too sweet for me, though. Saori walked into the kitchen to fetch a casket. You are sixteen, right, Vifi?

Yes.

She poured the pale pink drink into a tankard and offered it to her. When is your birthday? Also, sit, please.

Vifi, though, frowned, looking about to run off. What is this crap. Birthday? Ya dont need to

Oh, shut it! Yorshka stood up and pushed Vifi down. As a level 137, she didnt have any issue overpowering Vifi while she was unconcentrated. We already have Asaka. We dont need another standoffish girl in puberty!

Oi, fuck you! Vifi screamed with a reddened face, all to the amusement of the two women and me.

Krim-Slak slapped the table, bursting out in laughter, making me think he was already tipsy. Well, whatever, who cares about her birthday! 16 is plenty old enough for kids to start tasting. Right, Farron? You gonna teach your daughter whats good when the time comes?

Farron murmured Sure, but Im not letting Priscilla try anything hard when she gets old enough.

Oh, I agree. Yorshka nodded, looking serious for a moment. None of the experimental stuff. She already hates apple cider, so lets hope this fraggasa ale will do the trick. Itll get her tipsy within a cup.

And that was when the conversation evolved. That small conversational point from the saurian enabled everything else to flow nicely. Seeing as the others werent paying attention to her, Vifi tried the drink, looking neither impressed or disappointed. I tried it myself, only to remind myself to tell Tasianna she needed to tweak the recipe a bit. It was good, as Saori said, but not good enough for my tongue.

Haa Vifi sighed after a while, but it didnt look like she wanted to leave. She was just watching as everything unfolded, and so did I.

I drank my ale, watching as Yorshka finally brought up the prosthetics. Hehe, the girl really couldnt handle the attention.

Demonkins are just people like the rest of us. Youre right, lass. Only means we need to get this faith war plan working even more.

However, for tonight, my path to mastering my craft would take a break as I drank myself to sleep.