Chapter 110
Chapter 110
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 110
Chapter Title: Blood Soaks the Sand (1)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The inspection was thorough. It took a long while before Doron returned to his spot. In his hand was a fragment from the corner of Bajura.
"Where the hell did you even get something like this?"
"That's a secret. So, is it usable?"
"Usable... The mana it contains is certainly potent. I won't deny its endless potential as a material."
Doron roughly stroked his beard. Without taking his eyes off the fragment, he continued.
"But it's sinister. I've never felt such a ferocious aura before. It's like you plucked a leaf from a tree growing in hell."
"Nice metaphor."
"In conclusion, it can be used to forge a weapon. But it's dangerous. Unless you're planning to make a demonic sword, I'd advise against it."
"What? So you're saying no?"
"......Yeah."
Doron nodded heavily. It was a far cry from his reaction when Ronan had brought the egg shell of Sita. His voice carried a worry that felt almost melancholic.
He's worried about me. Can't blame him.
Ronan slowly rubbed his chin. He could understand Doron. The danger of Bajura was on another level compared to the egg shell. Even if its ego was gone, that fact remained unchanged.
Shimmering mana was still creeping up from the black scrap of paper. If it were just for quiet study like Asel, it might be fine, but using it to tear flesh and stain with blood—who knew what could happen.
But Ronan had no intention of giving up. As he pondered how to persuade the old man, a low groan escaped Doron's lips.
"Khruum..."
At that moment, Ronan saw through it—Doron was hiding his emotions. Behind those worried eyes burned an irrepressible artisan's desire and curiosity.
Old timer. Not being honest.
No need to coax him after all. Suddenly, Ronan snatched the paper scrap from his hand. Thwack! Doron's eyes widened at the abrupt theft.
"Alright, Doron. Let's drop it."
"Wh-what the hell are you doing all of a sudden?"
"I'll just make something without it. I don't want to grab a sword wrong once and end up crippled either."
"E-even so, you can't just snatch it like that! Give it here. It's too dangerous for you to handle."
"Ha... Doron. How about we be honest for a sec?"
Ronan glanced down at Doron. His gaze was still fixed on Bajura. Squatting, Ronan grinned.
"You want to try it, don't you?"
Doron's face crumpled. After hesitating, he snatched the paper back.
"Argh, fine, you brat. Happy now that you've bested an old man?"
Ronan chuckled and stood up.
"That's it, Doron. A blacksmith doesn't worry about the wielder's fate."
"You talk big. So, what weapon do you want from this monstrosity? Sword? Spear?"
"The type's up to you entirely. You know way more than me. But check this out first."
"Hm?"
Shing! Suddenly, Ronan drew the sword hilt. At the same time, he switched the mana power source. As his heart pulsed to a different beat, a white glow raced up the blade.
"This is...!"
"Annoyingly bright, right? Anything that'll handle this power well."
"Impossible. It's completely different from your existing mana. I noticed the aura subtly changing earlier—this is why."
Doron examined the mana Ronan had manifested, eyes sparkling. Frowning at an instinctive sense of familiarity,
"Hm... It feels similar to that paper scrap from before. Or is this old man's intuition off?"
"Sharp eyes, worthy of a master smith."
"What the... No, never mind. First, show me what you can do with this power. Didikan!"
"Yeah. You mean the shield?"
Doron nodded. Didikan suddenly emerged from the forge corner, holding a shield. Ronan tilted his head.
"What's that?"
"Test shield."
It was a massive round shield big enough to cover the upper body. Its mirror-like surface bore not a single scratch. Facing Ronan, Didikan raised it and said,
"Good. Now hit it once."
"For real?"
"Yeah. Just wanna see the power. It looks plain, but the old man's put real work into it, so don't worry."
Clang! Clang! Didikan confidently tapped the shield and grinned. Even knowing Ronan's skill, his confidence suggested it was well-made. Nodding, Ronan gripped the hilt.
Might as well show it properly. Hope it works.
Second attempt. Ronan closed his eyes and focused. Whoosh... The air around him vibrated faintly as he felt the core alter the mana's nature. The white-glowing mana began shifting to gold.
"Ooh, that's neat."
Didikan whistled. The golden afterimage trailing from Ronan's shoulder wrapped his right arm, taking a ferocious form like a lion's forepaw.
Success.
It had been a while since his last success. Immense power welled up from deep in his muscles, as if ready to rip through his skin—the same sensation as when he'd split Arondale into Aron and Dale. Ronan asked in a worried tone,
"How about stopping now? I can just hit the floor to show the power."
"I'm too dumb to get it without feeling it. And to make a good weapon, you can't hold back."
"Cool."
Ronan chuckled. Thud! Suddenly, his left foot stomped the ground. A sudden glowing root shot up, wrapping Didikan's legs.
"Huh? What's this now?"
"I'll help a bit. Hold it steady."
"Damn it, can't move my legs. What the hell?"
Didikan struggled in panic, but the root held firm. It anchored his lower body, solidifying his defensive stance. Giving up, he raised the shield again.
"Hey, whatever trick this is, hurry up..."
Before he finished, Ramancha vanished from view. Ronan's arm traced a golden arc through the air. The moment the blade touched the shield—Boom! Didikan's body flew back, slamming into the forge wall.
"Gah!!"
"Heavens, Didikan!"
"Eek!"
Doron and Adeshan screamed. The over-2-meter werewolf flew like a skipping stone. Thud! Stuck in the wall briefly, Didikan knelt and collapsed.
"Guh... Heh heh, this is insane...!"
Didikan looked up, chuckling. The root connected to the floor had torn away cleanly. The once flawless shield now bore a single thin, deep line. Ronan approached and offered a hand.
"You okay?"
"Damn right I am."
The aura around Ronan's arm had already faded. Didikan grabbed his hand and stood. Ting. Then, the lower part below the line on the shield fell to the floor.
"My god."
The cleanly bisected lower shield resembled a crescent moon afloat in the sky. Didikan let out a hollow laugh at the unprecedented sight.
"Pfft, no idea what to make now. Old man's got his work cut out."
"Hoo... Damn. Mana drain's too much."
Ronan took a deep breath and switched power sources again. Fatigue surged from the depleted second core.
He could barely maintain it for one swing. Looking at the stunned Doron, he said,
"Phew, so? What do you think?"
"...Did you use magic? Not just distinguishing mana, but wielding two different powers."
"Yeah. Anyway, I might gain more abilities, but for now, just these two. Make something suitable. Grancia's paying anyway."
With that, Ronan pulled out a metal card. It was the promissory note from Schlieffen's father as thanks for saving Gran Kapadokia. Jerking his chin at the still-shocked Adeshan, he added,
"Don't forget to make one for my senior too."
"Right... Yeah. Come here a sec, girl."
"Ah, yes!"
Adeshan snapped out of it and rushed to Doron. After scrutinizing her, he frowned.
"You feel off too. Just to check—do you handle shadow mana?"
"H-how did you...!"
"Seen it a few times. Last was about 120 years ago... Rare talent you've got."
Doron nodded intrigued. For a 300-year-old to say so, it must be truly rare. His expression grew serious as he continued,
"Then you must wield extraordinary power. So, what is it?"
"M-mine... isn't combat-oriented."
Adeshan glanced around. Her eyes landed on the bats hanging from the forge ceiling. A low whisper slipped from her parted lips.
"Come here."
"Scree!"
The upside-down bats flapped down. They circled in formation before lining up between Doron and Adeshan. She hesitated,
"...I can control creatures. Depending on the case."
"Heavens. Can it work on people too?"
"Probably..."
"That's a dangerous power. Good thing you seem kind-hearted."
Doron sighed briefly. Rubbing his arms as if to shake off chills, he spoke.
"Alright. Got a clear idea for your weapon. If you can control enemy movements, it'll be that one."
"Done?"
"Yeah. Leave the rest to me—go on home. Should be ready in a fortnight."
"Thanks, old timer. Looking forward to it."
"I'm the one excited. Wonder what monster we'll get this time..."
Doron shuddered. His round eyes gleamed through curly hair. Suddenly grabbing a hammer, he turned to Didikan and shouted,
"Can't wait. Starting now. Didikan, assist!"
"Damn, impatient as ever. I'll see you to the elevator."
"See ya, Doron."
Ronan waved. Adeshan bowed politely. Despite Didikan urging the deaf old man, Doron didn't respond.
Instead, the clang of hammers served as his farewell. Clang! Clang! The two followed Didikan back to the elevator. As they were about to board, he stopped them.
"Oh, stand side by side for a sec."
"Huh?"
"Got a new invention. Not out on the market yet, but wanna show you."
Only then did Ronan notice the odd box in Didikan's left hand. A short cylinder protruded from the center, its round end sealed with transparent crystal. Various attachments cluttered it, defying guesswork.
"Here, look. Gonna snap it?"
"Snap what?"
Flash! The box emitted a blinding light, illuminating everything. They squinted. The light faded soon. Ronan irritably asked,
"Damn, what was that?"
"Wait. Gonna show you something great."
Didikan laughed heartily. Whirr...! The box vibrated, ejecting a palm-sized paper from a bottom slot.
"This is...?"
"I-it's us, right?"
Adeshan's eyes widened. The paper held a black-and-white image of them—Ronan's baffled expression and Adeshan's, so lifelike it barely seemed a drawing. Trembling, she said,
"D-do I really look that ugly?"
"You don't. What weird thing did you make now?"
"A machine to capture moments forever. No name yet, but cool, huh?"
"Not bad."
Ronan laughed in disbelief. He carefully folded the exquisite image without creasing it and pocketed it. They boarded the elevator and ascended to the surface.
"It's night already."
"Yeah... Lost track of time underground. Wonder what weapon he'll make."
"Same. Curious."
Moonlight poured down as they exited the shop. Amid the city's nocturnal bustle, signs of life echoed everywhere.
Ronan and Adeshan returned to Phileon, viewing Didikan's gift. Adeshan whined about looking bad, but Ronan refused to give it up.
Time flew. Vacation ceremony arrived in a flash. Barely ten days had passed without major incidents.
"I hope you all have a meaningful break. Even away from the academy, don't forget your pride as Phileon students..."
Krava Kratir's rote speech marked summer break's start. For 9 weeks, students could rest at home or spend freely without classes.
Phileon's quiet grounds swarmed with departing students. One in the carriage line spotted Ronan cutting ahead and yelled,
"N-no cutting!"
"I'm pissed enough without you making it worse. Not going home, punk."
"Wh-what?"
"Maybe punching him works. Damn."
Ronan crossed the line to the club building. Creeak— Familiar faces greeted him inside: Asel, Marya, Braum, Ophelia, even Schlieffen. The five members chatted in their spots.
"Good. All here."
Ronan smiled satisfied, surveying them. Thud! He slammed the door for attention.
"Attention."
"Ah, you're here."
The members turned. Marya, meeting his eyes, asked eagerly,
"What's up? Calling us all like this."
"Nothing big. Just picking one for a month-long trip with me over break. Exactly one."
"Tr-trip? A month?"
"Yeah. A long... fun trip."
Their eyes widened. Ronan smirked wickedly, his grin faintly sinister. Asel paled at the deja vu.
"Eek...!"
"Wh-what kind of trip?"
"Haha! Didn't I say I had to visit home for break? Got six lovely siblings!"
The others shrank back too. Ignoring them, Ronan considered his schedule and pointed at one.
"Yeah, you'll do."