Chapter 14
Chapter 14
The Blacksmith Village, Lukbranton
Clang! Clang!
After many twists and turns, we finally arrived at Lukbranton.
Even though it was already evening, the village was still filled with the deafening sound of hammering iron.
Every strike echoed through my head like a ringing bell.
It wasn’t exactly comfortable—but it truly felt like we had arrived in a blacksmith village.
“The heat here is incredible.”
“Yeah… I didn’t expect it to be this intense.”
Despite being located north of Front, where cold winds from snowy mountains should reach, Lukbranton was even hotter.
But it made sense.
Waterwheels constantly turning, blazing furnaces, sparks flying between hammer and anvil—
And above all, the passion of the blacksmiths.
All of it combined into this overwhelming heat.
“They’re all completely focused on their work.”
“To a swordsman, a sword is like a limb. To a blacksmith, it’s like a child. Parents don’t neglect their children.”
“That’s true.”
“Still… this is something else.”
Watching them hammer away in perfect concentration, I felt myself getting pulled in.
Even my hands started itching.
Like I wanted to create something too.
“Hohoho! Young traveler, is this your first time here?”
A hearty laugh came from behind.
Turning around, I saw an old man with a long white beard.
His presence alone carried dignity.
“Y-yes!”
“No need to be so formal. This village values freedom.”
“Is that so?”
“Of course! In fact, we like having outsiders watch us.”
He pointed toward a forge.
“Now look at the one next to it.”
“…Ah!”
The hammering grew louder.
More intense.
“They’re competing.”
“Exactly. Greedy lot. They want attention.”
“But shouldn’t they focus on their work?”
“They are. This is instinct.”
“…That’s impressive.”
To react unconsciously while fully focused—
That level of immersion was terrifying.
If they wielded swords instead of hammers—
They might reach the realm of sword intent.
“By the way, who are you?”
“I am Brand Bilgreen. Retired blacksmith and lord of this village.”
“I’m Bern Kulam. Honored to meet you.”
“I-I’m Rene—”
I glared at her.
She corrected herself quickly.
“Rene greets the lord of Lukbranton.”
“Hahaha! No need for that formality!”
Just then—
“Hey old man! I’m taking more ore from your storage!”
“Go ahead, brat!”
“….”
The lord—
Was being called “old man.”
Casually.
“See?”
“…Fine. Old man.”
“Hahaha! Now I like you even more!”
Strange place.
But not bad.
“Ask me anytime if you need help.”
“Then… can you recommend an inn?”
“I can’t favor one—but the closest is ‘Blazing Rabbit Inn.’”
“Thank you.”
After he left—
We both burst out laughing.
Different from Front—
But just as lively.
At night—
The hammering stopped.
And the inns—
Became loud.
Blacksmiths filled them.
Drinking.
Laughing.
“Nothing beats alcohol after work!”
“Agreed!”
“Pour me more!”
Even without dwarves—
They drank like them.
Watching them—
I suddenly remembered fried chicken and beer.
The crisp texture.
The juicy meat.
The cold fizz—
“…I miss it.”
“Bern?”
“Hm?”
“You’re drooling.”
“…Oops.”
I wiped my mouth.
This world had no fried chicken.
A tragedy.
So I focused on the food here instead.
Then—
At the next table—
I heard something important.
“A cursed sword was found, right?”
“Yeah. But no matter how much we hammer it—it restores itself.”
“…A demonic sword.”
I froze.
Demonic swords—
Cursed weapons.
Bern used one in the original story.
And that led to his downfall.
‘…I have to destroy it.’
Before it finds me.
“Excuse me, can I join you?”
“Hm? Who are you?”
“A traveler. I’m interested in that sword.”
“Buying drinks?”
“Of course.”
“Then sit!”
They poured alcohol immediately.
Too much.
“…You want me drunk.”
“Let’s see if you can keep up!”
Fine.
I’ve trained for this.
Against professors.
For two years.
“I won’t lose.”
“Ugh…!”
Three hours later—
Victory.
Barely.
Without detox magic—
I’d be dead.
“So… the sword?”
“At the forge. Take the key.”
“…Thanks.”
I staggered outside.
Cold air hit me.
I steadied myself.
‘Find it. Destroy it.’
Inside the forge—
Dark.
Smell of iron and sweat.
I searched.
Nothing.
“…Did I get fooled?”
Then—
A voice.
Inside my head.
“Do you desire power?”
“…No.”
“Lies. Humans always seek power.”
“I don’t.”
“Why refuse?”
“Because power comes with responsibility.”
I drew my sword.
“Like you.”
So I’ll destroy you.
“W-wait!”
“….”
“Listen first!”
…Fine.
One chance.
Then—
It said:
“Unlimited sword energy! Infinite mana! Necromancy! Ultimate black magic! Sign now!!!”
“….”
“You’re a scam sword, aren’t you?”