Chapter 45 - The Rumbler

Everyone woke up a while after mid day and seemed to have a good night sleep. Except for Eric of course. He managed to sleep but the continuous nightmares kept waking him up, making it impossible for him to even take his given time to sleep to his advantage.

As mid day struck, Eric barely slept four hours while the rest slept nearly eight hours each.

Perhaps the thought of failure is keeping Eric either sleepless or slashed with a wave of nightmares. His shoulders are already carrying enough burden. Such behaviour wasn't unexpected. Especially from Eric.

A week ago he was nothing more but a poor defenseless farmer. Now he is ruling over a ancient thought to be extinct civilization and on top of that, he has to provide food for seven hundred of them as soon as possible not to mention conquering Gaster Kingdom and everything else this quest of theirs Ignis could throw towards them. It is much to burden oneself a lot indeed.

Providing food for the town of Lan Zhe was a task that Woldemir took over his shoulders to begin with but he is needed much more here now.

His superior sword skills shall not be put to waste and they can't wait around, Xakro's army could be knocking on the other side of the volcanic rock anyday.

Even Army Generals, people above guards and guard commanders, could not match Woldemir's level of mastery so he is the best to train.

Most Guards don't live long enough to become Grand Masters and those who do are usually not skilled enough or don't put enough effort to mastering the way of the sword.

Woldemir is a rare gem and he shall be put to good use here.

As Eric climbed off of his bed, he made his way up to the mine and saw his father testing out the new Sword that the Blacksmith made for him.

The iron sword's size from the left side to right  was as thin as one hair and the size of it from the top area to the bottom area was about half a foot. The sword was shining in an elegant manner. The iron on it was so pure and spotless that one's reflection could be seen with ease. Which would probably give more points of view in battle. Views of which a Grand Master could take advantages from no doubt to avoid shots and swings from blind spots.

The only thing adding additional weight to the sword was the handle. A handle thick enough for Woldemir to perfectly Grip.

The odd thing about the handle was that it is unusually long. The handle was half a meter long while the thinn iron over it was one and a half meter long. Perhaps an appropriate combination for a sword a bit longer than Woldemir himself but the fact that the handle was made from Volcanic rock gave the vibe that there is more to this handle.

"It's a bit hard to maneuver but i can use it to my advantage."

Said Woldemir with confidence and added

"A sword as unique as this would cost five hundred gold pieces. The way this iron is formed would take months to shape with no guaranteed success. But this man did it in less than a day. Amazing. A true artist with the iron."

Commander Alia who was standing on the side, watching him use his new sword said

"I did say that this Blacksmith is over qualified. He is indeed one of a kind."

"With a sword like this i can face ten ill.u.s.tratios at once without risking a scratch.

Even Guards armed with Crossbows do not stand even the slightest chance of shooting me down."

Said Mogranius while swinging his swords for test outs.

"Perhaps you want to prove your words against five of my men and women in the training area."

Said Commander Alia with a possible mock on her tone.

"For sure but i do have two questions about the handle. Why is it so long and why is it formed from obvious Volcanic rock?"

Asked Woldemir in curiosity.

"The Volcanic rock is heavily magically enchanted. Meaning the Sword is enchanted.

Although the sword looks sharp, elegant and exquisite. It offers a much more reckless and unstable power.

See the Blacksmith planned to make the sword entirely out of iron to symbolize the outside world. Accurately the Ignites. But i told him to add Volcanic rock as a Symbol of our acceptance towards you."

Explained Commander Alia while causing possible goosebumps.

"That's heartwarming and i am honoured. But i am curious, what power does the sword possess?"

"The Volcanic rock is longer for a reason. For you to hit the ground with it easier without risking to cut yourself.

When the ground is to be hit with the handle, it causes a violent earthquake. Able to knock most opponents off of their feet but it won't affect you.

Every Guard here has that enchantment but underground it can cause havoc."

Explained Alia with a deep serious tone while explaining its importance.

"It's power will never be wielded for Evil i assure you. But i will wield it until i face death. Be it by age or be it from an enemy.

That's an oath.

Said Woldemir and continued

"And i've decided to name this marvelous sword, "Rumbler"."

"Perfect now let's make our way to the training room right below the farm. Let's see if a Grand Master lives up to his title."

Said Commander Alia.

"Eric my son, i didn't notice that you were here. Ready to see your old man in action?"

Said Woldemir as he saw Eric on the mine entrance.

"I suppose. But do not shake the cave down. We need that area the most for the troops."

"I will try my best son."

Said Woldemir is slight c.o.c.kyness.