Volume 1 Chapter 87 The Eternal Sword
We took a big detour from the crime scene. Once we reached the main street, we entered the same side street as before. After walking for a while, we heard a loud clanging sound, like metal hitting metal. It was the familiar sound of blacksmithing that I often hear in town.
Edward stopped in front of a small, old building where the sound was coming from.
Next to the building, there was a place with just a roof, and it had all the tools needed for forging, like a furnace and an anvil. In the center of it all, there was an old man hammering hot, red metal with a hammer. He had silver short hair, a beard that covered his mouth completely, and wolf-like ears on top of his head. He was a man from the Werewolf Tribe.
"Hey, long time no see, Old Man Dario."
"...Edward, huh? What brings you here? The next delivery shouldn't be for a while."
The old man called Dario replied without even looking at us. His appearance really reminded me of a stubborn old craftsman.
"Today, I didn't come here for the merchant guild's work. I was thinking of buying weapons from you that are worth these guys."
When Edward replied, Dario finally stopped his hands. Then, he stood up from his chair and stared at us.
"Hello! Nice to meet you!"
Fatina greeted first, and Dario took off his leather gloves.
"Are you from the same tribe? You seem quite young."
"I'm Fatina! I used to live near Voltana."
"Voltana, huh? That's quite a distance to come from."
Dario replied. He seemed quiet and stubborn at first, but it turns out he wasn't really like that. Maybe it's because they're both from the Werewolf Tribe, so it's easy for them to get along.
"So, what do you need?"
"These guys are adventurers, they just want swords that are good enough to fight in the dungeon in the mountains. And also, do you have any tools for entering the dungeon?"
"If you're looking for swords, we have a few in stock. But the one this girl has on her waist seems like a really special one. Are you looking for something even better?"
"No, it's this guy who needs a sword."
Edward said, pointing at me.
"I'm Ark. Nice to meet you."
I greeted him, but Dario didn't even look at me. He kept facing Edward.
"He lost his sword when he fought a monster the other day. This guy is crucial to the party, so I want him to have the best weapon."
"It's impressive that someone who uses a beast girl as a shield while hunting monsters is considered crucial to the party. Go somewhere else. We don't have anything to sell."
Dario put on his gloves again and went towards the furnace.
It's true, from Dario's perspective, me and Mel were lightly equipped, while only Fatina wore armor. He must have imagined us fighting with magic from the safety of the rear while she single-handedly took on the attacks of the monsters.
"Well, well, don't say that. Let me explain──"
"Ark-sama would never do such a thing!"
Suddenly, Fatina shouted.
"Ark-sama always willingly faces monsters and saved my life. He is not the person you think he is!"
"...You're still young, so you don't understand the world well. Humans always look down on beastmen in their hearts. Those in weaker positions can easily be discarded by the stronger ones. When someone must be sacrificed, you will be the first to be chosen. If you don't want to be hurt anymore, stop holding onto foolish fantasies and quit being an adventurer right now."
"Stop! If you say anything more──!"
Fatina put her hand on her sword. The two people watching beside her were surprised. Mel quickly put her hand on top, pressing down to prevent the sword from being drawn from its sheath.
"Fatina-san! I understand how you feel, but please calm down!"
"Hey, hey... don't get so worked up. And old man, you're going too far with your words."
Edward tries to calm down Fatina, who is visibly angry and on the verge of attacking. Fatina continues to glare at Dario. She is much more agitated than usual.
However, why did Dario say something like that? Is he saying that he had a similar experience before...?
"It seems like there is a big misunderstanding. Ark is the strongest in this party. He is even stronger than an S-Rank adventurer. His main profession is a magician, but he can also fight in close combat. That's why he said he needs a sword."
"...Hmph."
When Edward explains, Dario snorts.
"You're really exaggerating, Edward, with this talk about an S-Rank adventurer. I didn't think you were the kind of guy who would make jokes like that."
"It's not a joke, it's a fact, you know. It's neither more nor less than that."
"Well then, let me test if those words are true. Come."
Dario opened the door of the store and went inside. We followed him afterward.
Inside the store, various weapons were placed haphazardly. It seemed like he didn't care about showing them to customers, it was more like a warehouse. The items gave off a rough and sturdy impression. Maybe he valued practicality more than decoration.
Dario walked over to a table against the wall and pulled away the white cloth that was laid on top. From under the cloth appeared a sword with a clear and shining pure white blade.
The length of the blade was not quite a long sword, but more than a short sword. This length of sword is not commonly sold in ordinary shops. But for someone like me who doesn't possess the skills of a swordsman, it seemed manageable.
"This sword was crafted over many years by cutting a special stone called Ragius ore, which has been mined deep in the Mt. Zepart. It has a higher density than any material currently used in weapons, and it doesn't rust or decay no matter how much time passes. Instead, it carries an immense weight, even at this size."
Dario turned around and faced me.
"If you are able to wield this sword, then I believe the story she told. If you use it, there is no need for payment. I will give it to you."
Encouraged by Dario, I stepped towards the sword.
Upon closer inspection, it seemed like the sword itself emitted a faint light, perhaps just a trick of the eye.
I grabbed the handle with my right hand and slowly lifted it. I felt a slight weight in my arm.
"Oh... oh...!"
When it reached the highest point, I swung it with all my strength. The wind stirred, and the weapons around me trembled and collided, creating a strange sound.
"What is this... what on earth..."
Dario, witnessing this scene, had his eyes wide open in astonishment.
This white sword did feel somewhat heavy, but not to the point where I couldn't swing it. It must be because my abilities have increased. Rather, this amount of weight feels just right for me to put power into it. The balance of the center of gravity is good, and it fits comfortably. It's as if my hand is stuck to the sword, fitting perfectly. Among all the swords I've used so far, this was undoubtedly the finest one.
"I can't believe I've encountered someone who can wield this sword while I'm still alive..."
"Old man, that's too exaggerated."
"Even an A-Rank adventurer could barely lift this sword with all their might. To think that it can be swung so easily..."
"I apologize for being moved, but as promised, this belongs to Ark. It's too late to ask for it back now."
Edward smirked and said, and Dario came right in front of me.
"I speak without falsehood. But more importantly, did you say Ark? To think you have such power. I apologize for doubting you. I won't ask for forgiveness, but please allow me to apologize."
"You don't have to worry about me. If you want an apology for what we discussed earlier, please direct it to Fatina."
"...I see. Fatina, I apologize for earlier. It seems you were right. It was my fault. Just as you said."
"..."
As Dario bowed his head, Fatina kept staring at him with her mouth closed. Her face seemed to still be bothered by what had happened earlier.
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