Chapter 757: Those Who Remain (7)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 757: Those Who Remain (7)
At present, not a single power was keeping an eye on the Land of the Sword Emperor.
The contaminated zones left behind by Gliek had yet to be fully cleansed, so the Land of the Sword Emperor—the most severely affected area—was completely ignored.
“Using this place as a shipyard means we won’t face interference from any faction,” Dante said. “On the surface, the chaotic energy is so thick that no one will have a reason to be suspicious. And even if they are, touching the Land of the Sword Emperor… would inevitably mean making an enemy of me.”
As Dante pointed out, the symbolism of it being ‘the land where Ron fell’ played a crucial role. No one would dare disturb the final resting place of a world-saving hero without a truly righteous cause.
Dante poured a drink into Jin’s glass and offered a toast. The two shared a smile as they raised their glasses.
“The foundational construction of the shipyard will be finished quickly once our knights, engineers, the Black King Corps, and the Ghost Captain’s unit are deployed. Our researchers were quite shocked when they saw Dr. Quaul’s blueprints and his work.”
“He is a man of extraordinary genius.”
What the Imperial researchers had examined were not the blueprints for the Golden Fleet. They were the designs for the new underground shipyard and the advanced equipment dedicated to its construction.
Even with just those, the Imperial researchers couldn't hide their admiration, claiming that the Barmul Alliance had been hiding technology centuries ahead of its time. With the combined talents of Valeria and Quaul, that statement was no exaggeration.
“I am a little worried, though,” Dante said.
“Is it because he shares the Ganesto bloodline, just like the Evil God?”
“Yes. If Sir Padler’s final words are true, Dr. Quaul might also become a puppet of the Ganestos one day. And perhaps…”
Jin paused for a moment, swallowing a sigh.
“That might apply to us flagbearers as well—the children of the Evil God. We must have inherited at least a little Ganesto blood.”
Of course, that was the worst-case scenario. So far, no one except Joshua had shown any such signs, but it was an undeniable fact that the remaining flagbearers were born from Rosa’s womb.
“That is a chilling thought,” Dante replied. “However, I feel that you and the other flagbearers will be fine. If a person named Lokia Ganesto could truly interfere with your inner selves, the War of the Evil God wouldn't have ended the way it did.”
“That’s true. Still, I’ll have Valeria keep a constant check on myself, the other flagbearers, and Dr. Quaul.”
So far, no records had shown any connection to the Ganestos. Once Valeria found the heritage site and raised her record magic to its peak, he could finally set his mind at ease if nothing appeared even then.
“Do not worry too much. In any case, the important things now are the construction of the shipyard and securing the mana, materials, and manpower for the mass production of ships.”
“I have something in mind for the mana.”
“What is it?”
“The Mirror.”
“The sacred object of Colon?”
—[That is right. What this seal holds back is the source of infinite mana—me. And this endlessly expanding mana could erase this entire world at any moment…]
Those were the words spoken by Klam, the God of Magic, during the massacre of the Colon natives. Since then, Jin had heeded Klam’s warning and refrained from using the Mirror as much as possible. He had only used it in moments of absolute desperation, when he had to save his comrades and his people.
“Didn’t you say that was a dangerous object?” Dante asked.
“I did. I’m not planning to risk using it just because we’re in a hurry. I’ve secured a way to use it safely.”
To be precise, it was more of a confirmation than a securing. Since leaving for his closed-door training in Laprarosa, Jin had achieved explosive growth in every field—Aura, Mana, and Spirit Energy.
As a result, Jin had reached a level where he could control and absorb Solderet’s seal, which was currently suppressing the Mirror’s mana. Furthermore, there was a double safety measure: even if something went wrong while Jin was controlling the seal, Valeria could monitor the Mirror’s status through record magic.
When Jin explained this, Dante nodded. “If you say so, then it should be fine to use. Does that leave only manpower and resources?”
“Mages from all over will flock to Valeria once her existence is confirmed. Of course, that won’t solve all our manpower needs, so we’ll have to actively recruit people ourselves.”
“I shall look into it immediately. As for resources, excluding steel, we should be able to procure enough of everything else within the Empire, even if it’s a bit of a stretch.”
The most critical material was steel. High-purity steel that wouldn't degrade even when infused with massive amounts of mana was the most needed resource for shipbuilding.
Jin had already looked into it, but even combining the resources of Runcandel and the entire Barmul Alliance, they were woefully short of the required amount. In fact, they barely had enough for reconstruction and weapon supplies, so they had no choice but to trade with external powers to obtain more.
“I’m planning to meet with Kinzelo soon to negotiate that part.”
“If you’re the one negotiating, it’ll likely be another highly unfair trade for them.”
“I don’t know. We don’t have many cards to play this time, so if they’re uncooperative, I might have to take a humble approach. Requesting that much steel is essentially announcing that we’re building ships, so even the act of negotiating is a burden.”
“Hmm.”
“I’m going to meet the Minche Blacksmith Association soon. I can only hope to obtain some through the weight of Lord Picon’s name…”
Just as Jin said that, Dante suddenly clapped his hands as if he had remembered something. Clap!
“Oh?”
“What is it, Dante?”
“Now that I think about it, I remember my grandfather saying something like that when I was a child!”
— Ha! Is there really no way to win over the Minche Blacksmith Association? They receive all our protection, yet their pride is sky-high! If only we could reach an agreement with them, the Empire’s steel reserves would far surpass those of the two Great Families.
— I heard they even rejected Sir Cyron’s exclusive contract a few years ago, My Lord. Please do not be too disheartened.
— Kalmain, you call that a consolation? Cyron was merely rejected, but I was kicked out the moment I mentioned an exclusive deal! It means they find Cyron scary and me not scary at all. Tsk! Grandson, come here and sing me a song. I’m in a foul mood.
— Yes, Grandfather! Which song should I sing for you?
— The Sword Emperor March you wrote would be good.
This had happened when Dante was six years old. As he recounted the memory, Jin’s eyes sparkled.
“The Sword Emperor March? You really wrote a song like that at six… No, that’s not what’s important. The Empire’s steel reserves surpassing the two Great Families? Did Lord Ron really say that?”
“He did.”
“Even if we assumed the entire Island of Blacksmiths where they gather was made of steel, that statement wouldn't make sense. There must be something more to it.”
“My grandfather was not one to make things up, so it must be true!”
The fact that the Minche Blacksmith Association possessed a massive amount of steel was something Jin should have known, had he been able to read Runcandel’s top-secret documents that were lost during the War of the Evil God.
Jin didn't know that, but regardless, he felt a sudden sense of relief.
“I have a gut feeling. This might be easier than expected.”
“Ooh.”
“I should head to the Island of Blacksmiths immediately.”
“Are you going now?”
“I have to finish the drink I was sharing with Lord Ron first. Let’s drink slowly; I have much I want to say to him as well.”
“He would probably scold us, asking why we’re sitting here drinking when time is of the essence.”
“I don’t mind a little scolding. It’s only one bottle, anyway.”
The two chuckled and finished the remaining alcohol.
*
The Island of Blacksmiths.
Located in the unprotected zone near the northern maritime border of the Empire, the island was not very large, roughly the size of a small city.
As it was in an unprotected zone, the Island of Blacksmiths had always received protection from the Empire. Although it required a significant amount of manpower and budget, the Empire had to procure weapons from the Association, even at such a cost.
Not only the Empire, but Runcandel also periodically sent knights to clear out monsters near the island, and even Zipple had provided various forms of assistance to the Association.
Despite receiving all that, they had never once bowed their heads to anyone. It was no exaggeration to say that the Minche Blacksmith Association was the most exclusive and prideful group in the world.
Jin arrived in the waters near the island riding Mort, accompanied by Siris and Vinn Branche.
Even though it was broad daylight, the island seen from afar gave off a dark, gloomy vibe.
“…Will those annoying people really bow their heads just because of Lord Picon?” Siris asked. She also remembered visiting this place a few times with Talaris and having unpleasant encounters.
“The probability is about ninety percent, Lady Siris.”
“So it’s not a hundred percent. I wonder if they’ll even thank us for the War of the Evil God. They’re such a shameless bunch.”
“Don’t worry too much. Let’s go.”
An official notice stating that ‘Picon Minche’ was coming had been sent in advance. It was likely a notice they hadn't received once in the nearly thousand years since Picon’s death.
In truth, now that he had arrived, even Jin felt a bit nervous. It was well known that the Association consisted of fanatical followers of Picon Minche, but as Siris said, it was uncertain if they could secure an exclusive contract. The pressure of having to make a losing deal with Kinzelo if the Association refused also weighed on him.
As Mort swam toward the harbor, the Association members waiting there glared at the group with sharp, hostile eyes. Jin fixed his gaze on one of them: a man with an anvil tattooed on his forehead.
Is that Moru, one of Bul, Hammer, and Moru?
Moru looked like a stubborn man who would be impossible to reason with.
“Halt!” one of them shouted.
“Are you the 12th Flagbearer of Runcandel?” Moru demanded.
“I am.”
“Present proof to verify your identity!”
Despite clearly seeing the black coat embroidered with ten black swords, Moru maintained an insolent attitude.
“The others with you must also identify themselves.”
“I am Siris Endorma, the Little Palace Master of the Secret Palace.”
“I’m… Vinn Branche.”
“The 12th Flagbearer and the Little Palace Master are permitted entry, but Vinn Branche is not. And you, 12th Flagbearer, you have much to explain to us today! We heard you’ve been lending out the weapons we provided to Runcandel without any consultation. And that ridiculous notice…”
Jin signaled Vinn with his eyes, as if to say there was nothing more to discuss. It was a command to manifest Picon immediately.
Vinn Branche’s eyes rolled back as the avatar state began. Moru’s entire body began to tremble as he watched Vinn’s appearance transform into that of Picon.
“Are… Are you truly Lord Picon Minche…!”
[That’s right! I am the legendary blacksmith, Picon Minche! And now, I am also the God of Blacksmiths.]
Thud!
Moru and the other Association members collapsed to their knees, blinking in shock. Moru didn't have a single doubt about the manifested form of Picon.
He hurriedly adjusted his posture and prostrated himself, and the other members quickly followed suit. Soon, Moru spoke, his words bringing a deep sense of satisfaction to Jin.
“From this moment on, everything belonging to our Association—down to every single grain of sand on this island—belongs to Lord Picon. Please forgive us for our impious behavior and for failing to recognize you from the start.”