บท 11: A Genius Blacksmith

A short, fat man in a small store on a commercial street in Ornare City could be seen dripping buckets of sweat.

'It's him. It's definitely him.'

The owner of an up-and-coming store had heard nonstop descriptions of the local hero, Regulus Cosmos, from tens of people.

No matter how the owner tried to spin it the man he had put in debt the other day was a perfect fit.

'If the locals discover what I did to their new hero my reputation will never recover. I'll be thrown out of town.'

Just as the boar-like man was panicking, a peculiar-looking man dressed in hospital robes was approaching his store.

Regulus recalled his last visit to the little storefront and wondered if the owner would make it difficult for him again.

'I might as well pay off my debt with him.'

Just ten minutes later, Regulus found himself being chased out of the store with a confused look on his face and dressed in clothing that enhanced his grace to its max.

'That was the weirdest experience from both of my lives.'

Despite going into the store to pay off his debt and purchase some new clothing, Regulus met an ecstatic store owner who forced clothing upon him.

Not having to pay despite all his urging and getting tired of hearing the response; 'this is to get rid of the bad blood between us.' Regulus reluctantly accepted after clarifying he wouldn't owe any favours.

Now, left in the middle of the street with a platinum coin remaining Regulus began thinking of what he would need in the near future.

'From everything I've heard about the academy's last test, unlike the others, it features combat heavily.'

'Although I'm capable with my bare fists the full potential of the Leo martial art can only be bought out with a sword in hand.'

Approaching the blacksmith district of Ornare City, the distinctive smell of metal and the constant sound of steel being worked reached Regulus.

Approaching the buildings that radiated heat and spawned weapons wielded by legends, he saw a group of street urchins crouching from his side.

"Oy who's the best smithy in these parts?"

Knowing from his past life the power of rumours and the beggars who often dealt in such information, Regulus couldn't think of a reason why it would be any different here.

And just as he thought one of the older boys wore a knowing smile. Dressed in cheap clothes with messy brown hair and dull eyes, the average-looking boy responded.

"Depends if the person asking can persuade me to answer."

Knowing this was part of the routine. Regulus reached into his pocket and brought out a pre-prepared wad of paper.

"I'll give you this martial art in exchange for the information and guidance. Final offer no negotiation."

Knowing the rarity of a good martial art for someone of his background, and trusting that the nobleman in front of him wouldn't scam him, the urchin rushed to accept.

"Although that's not how you're supposed to haggle l'll take you up on your offer."

Reaching out his hand which Regulus took, ignoring the jealous looks of his friends the urchin led Regulus deeper into the blacksmith district.

"I'm Marty by the way nice to meet ya."

Although he didn't ask, Regulus filed it at the back of his mind and also spoke his name.

"Regulus. The information I asked for?"

Realising his blunder Marty composed himself and began detailing the current situation within the district.

"Although it's common knowledge that if you want the best of the best in Ornare, old man Rufus is your go-to."

"He's the only grandmaster blacksmith in the country with the recorded feat of producing a 'King' ranked weapon. The blade currently held by the King of Jack Kingdom is that masterpiece."

Like most things in Immisso, the weapons followed a card-based system based on the quality and ability to channel card energy.

These standards corresponded to the cultivation ranks of 'Ace', 'Jack', 'Prince', 'Queen', 'King' and 'Emperor.' A master blacksmith was able to forge a 'Queen' ranked weapon and the elusive Grandmaster blacksmiths were able to craft 'King' ranked weapons.

"The only problem is getting a weapon on such short notice is practically impossible, especially for someone of your rank."

Marty added with a cheeky tone and a small smile on his face.

"And I imagine someone like you who is applying to the academy can't wait such a long time."

Regulus chuckled knowing that the boy had seen through him.

'I'm afraid the streets won't be able to trap such an intelligent kid for very long.'

Feeling proud he had got his guess right based on Regulus's reaction, Marty carried on with his explanation.

"Now here is my advice for someone in your situation: the genius blacksmith David Smith lives in this region of town."

"In fact, I think the word Genius is an understatement. Despite being just 18 it's rumoured he's already crafted a prince rank weapon."

This caused Regulus to raise an eyebrow; despite not knowing much about blacksmithing, he felt calling this impressive was an understatement.

"Although It's never been seen in the public eye, if It's true, he could possibly be the first Saint-ranked blacksmith from the Jack Kingdom."

Thinking of the pros and cons of each option, Regulus felt it was worth gaining a connection to a potential saint-ranked blacksmith.

No matter whether the boys information was accurate or not, Regulus knew he would be able to judge the quality of a sword when he saw it.

"Take me to this genius blacksmith."

(As of typing I owe you guys 25 bonus chapters, which I need to pay off. Thank you all very much this support is crazy, from this point on the requirement is raised to 4 stones combined between all of you. This is to allow you guys to motivate me for free without dying :) Once again thx.)