Clang Clang (1)
The news that I'd made a fortune off stocks spread like wildfire. Just investing in Tatar—whose stability everyone questioned—was enough to draw eyes, but the insane surge in value sealed it. If this were Earth, Kara and I might've ended up under investigation by the financial regulators. As Tatar's princess, she'd have drawn even more suspicion.
"I only found out from the papers. Investigation? Please. If I'd known ahead of time, I'd have gone back home."
Of course, Tatar itself had been caught off guard, so the suspicions cleared up fast. Kara had even planned to return home until she got word from Hector, deciding instead to stay at the academy. It wasn't just any news—a massive magic stone mine had been discovered, with reserves to match. Stepping away now could mean being gone for ages.
"So, how's it feel to be rolling in dough?"
The stock frenzy had caused a stir, but time marched on. Over the weekend, Kara met me alone and posed the question. As always, she lounged in a comfy sleeveless top. I pondered while savoring the ice cream she'd bought me.
Yeah, I'd made bank, but it felt... meh.
"I'm rich."
That was my straightforward answer. Nothing else fit.
Kara smirked at that. Of course, her face said.
"Yeah, yeah. More money's always better, right? Still, aren't you bummed? It's still climbing a bit."
As her words hinted, I'd already sold. Tatar stocks were still rising steadily, but I'd cashed out. I needed liquid cash now. Besides, it'd peak soon and start dipping. Tatar was a young nation, inflated by hype.
"Not bummed. Got plenty."
"Hmm... fair. Ten million silver isn't pocket change for any mutt."
The haul came to about ten million silver—ten billion won in Earth terms. A regular person could've lived off it forever, kicking back. But I had plans to invest elsewhere, stocks included. With the demon's magic circle in play, I'd be hitting the exchange often anyway. Steady plays could earn me VIP perks. That was the goal.
Sure, weird rumors would fly again, but who cared? As long as followers didn't lose out copying me.
Time to toss a million silver each to Ellie and Jane.
Ellie already had full professor backing, and Jane could turn trash to gold. With serious capital, they'd skyrocket. Ellie could snag pricey herbs without blinking, and Jane could work in top workshops.
"Wonder how weapons from Usk blade tusks'll turn out. Plenty of broken bits, even."
"Good ones."
Anyway, today's meetup with Kara was simple: our Usk blade tusk weapons were done.
Raw, they'd shredded my skin. Forged? They'd be killer. Rare stuff, sure, but academy smiths were elite. Talented folks flocked here from everywhere.
Engraving'll be tricky, though.
Like with Ragnarok, engraving needed magic stone dust—and a master artisan to inscribe the name for it to work. Academy smiths lacked that skill. I'd need someone else.
Take it slow. No rush.
With Ragnarok around, no need to greed. Plus, a new weapon meant brainstorming fresh styles. Training with Lize today? Perfect for a spar.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Soon, we reached the forge where we'd commissioned the work. Tucked away for the noise, but I knew the spot—Jane's workshop was nearby. Think industrial zone.
"Hm? Oh! Students. Here for your weapons?"
The smith hammering away spotted Kara and called out. His burly arms were impressive, but the seasoned face stole the show—snow-white hair screaming expertise. The kind of vet who looked 30 years deep in the craft.
"Yes. Said they'd be ready today."
"Hold on. Hey! Bring the Usk blade tusk pieces!"
"Yes, sir!"
His bellow got eager replies from inside. Apprentices, probably—students, technically. Blacksmithing rivaled herbalism as academy's top fields. Jane majored in mechanics but doubled as a smith, likely pounding out mechanical arms on anvil and hammer right now, just like this guy.
"This the rumored wild man? Eyes like fresh blood—yep, that's him."
While the apprentice fetched, the smith eyed me.
My rep had long spread academy-wide. Duels, incidents—it'd gone further than expected. No surprise he knew me.
"Yeah, he took down the Usk. Sivar?"
"Hello. Sivar."
We'd cross paths often for repairs, so I bowed politely.
The smith chuckled heartily at my bow, face lighting up. He liked it.
"Not bad with words for a wilder. Name's U Pong. Just your average smith."
Average, my ass. Academy smiths dealt with clueless newbies and picky nobles. Piss one off, and whoops, hand slipped!—your gear's toast. Sounded familiar.
Academy backs him, too.
Building rapport with U Pong? Smart. Saved repair fees, boosted Jane's growth. And money couldn't buy it—ten million silver might not sway him.
"Heard the tales. Killed a Usk barehanded, snapped its blade tusks? Didn't buy it at first."
"Must be tough stuff," Kara said.
"Tough? Untamable. Grinding stone dulls on it. Real pain."
Heat-weak like iron, at least—easy to shape, arm aches from disuse, blah blah. He chatted while hammering like it was warmup.
"U Pong, sir! Here!"
"Good. Set 'em down careful."
"Yes, sir!"
Apprentice arrived with cloth-wrapped bundles—handle with care. U Pong set hammer aside, unveiled them.
First, Kara's scimitar. Her style—curved blade.
"Your order. Sharp as hell—watch it."
"Whoa..."
Looked like any steel sword. Bumpy sections screamed tusk origin. Sandy brown hilt matched Usk hide.
"Axe next... for you, right?"
"Yes."
"Here."
He handed mine. Size like Ragnarok, but opposite vibe—bright tones vs. dark. Blade looked lethal, like Kara's. Heaviest difference. Handle? Usk hide.
"Axes need durability over edge. Mixed steel for toughness. Heavy, but you smashed a Usk—fine."
"How's it?"
I inspected. Looks, utility—top-tier. Engrave it? Perfect. One worry, though.
Can it handle my mana?
Ragnarok thrived on faith. This? Not. Even 'indestructible' tusks shattered under me. Axe wouldn't differ.
Test the edge first.
I pressed blade to palm. Raw tusks cut me; forged should excel.
"W-wait! Even air'll split—"
Too late. Blade sank deep—like sword through paper wad. Nearly hit bone. Tough skin and muscle, but not quite.
"Sharp."
"Damn right! Not a toy!"
"It's fine. Just testing for him. Show your palm now, right?"
Kara, veteran of my antics, nailed it. I nodded, flashed U Pong my palm.
Clean. No blood, no trace.
"Wha—? I saw it cut..."
"Cut me. Regrew."
"Cut and regrew? Monster?"
To outsiders, yeah—blood-red eyes like berserk beast. But human. Lize regenerated too—no monster.
"Not monster. Human."
"Heh... world's full of freaks. Treat it special. Edge is no joke."
"Got it."
"Anyway, weapons done. Payment? Tusks'd cover it."
As if. Tusks fetched over three million silver alone. Tough forge, big costs—I'd prepped.
U Pong took payment with regret. Tusks tempted more than coin.
"How much left?"
"Enough for one more double-edge."
"Make it."
For Luna. Guilt demanded it.
U Pong double-checked, drew contract, set deadline: one week. I'd bring Luna then.
"Good deal. See you in a week."
"Yes."
"Thanks."
Bowed out. Forge heat had me sweating beads. Wiping off, Kara piped up, puzzled.
"Sivar. Double-edge for Luna?"
"Yeah."
Sharp as ever. I'd planned for when she matched Kara's skill, but busted secret? Had to.
Investing in Ellie meant protagonist too—keep her from sulking.
"Oh, Kara."
"Hm?"
"Can this do Ragnarok thing?"
She tilted head at my vague ask, then got it.
"Lightning infusion?"
"Yeah."
"Possible. Not as efficient. Can't max output like Ragnarok."
Works, but wasteful. Ragnarok's endgame for faith builds. Lightning? Stick to it.
"How'll you use 'em? Both?"
"Yeah. One per hand."
"Not even barbarians dual-wield. Suits you weirdly."
"Wild warrior."
"Pfft!"
My correction burst her laughter. Wiping tears, she gasped.
"Hilarious. Wild warrior? Where'd that come from?"
"My head."
"Brain really turns when it wants. Midterms, stocks..."
Not dumb—just selective. Midterms proved it.
We bantered to my dorm. Business done—time to split.
"Plans? Saint training?"
"Uh..."
Was the plan. New axe changed it. Sharp enough for my palm—maybe Lize? Style tweak too. Spar sounded good.
"Spar."
"Spar? With who?"
"Yeah. Got this."
I hefted axe. Kara's face twisted oddly. Muttered soft:
"...Smart head, slow learner?"
I hear you, jerk.
Sorry.