章節 600: CHAPTER 757

[T.L: punisher87]

[My ko-fi link:- https://ko-fi.com/punisher87 ]

There was not a single force currently observing the territory of the Sword Emperor.

As the contamination zones left by Glyek were not yet completely cleared, the most severe Territory of the Sword Emperor was completely off the table.

"If we use this place as a shipyard, we won't face any constraints from any force. The visible chaos makes it difficult to suspect, and even if they do suspect, meddling with the Territory of the Sword Emperor... would only mean that they are challenging me, ready to face the consequences."

Dante's words carried the symbolic weight of the "Land where Ron fell."

No one dared to touch the resting place of the hero who saved the world without any justification.

Dante and Jin raised their glasses, smiling.

"The basic construction of the shipyard will be quickly completed once our knights, technicians, and the Black King and Ghost mercenaries are deployed. Our researchers were quite amazed when they saw Dr. Qwaul's blueprints and creations."

"He indeed possesses exceptional genius."

The designs the Imperial researchers examined were not the blueprint of the Golden Fleet.

They were the blueprints for the underground shipyard and state-of-the-art battleship equipment that he had newly implemented.

Just that alone made the Imperial researchers unable to hide their admiration for the Vamel alliance's technology, which had surpassed them by centuries.

If they combined Valeria's and Qwaul's abilities, it wouldn't be an incorrect statement.

"But I have some concerns."

"Is it because of the suspicions regarding Ganesto's bloodline, like the evil god?"

"Yes. If Sir Padler's last words were true, Dr. Qwaul could also eventually become one of Ganesto's puppets. And perhaps..."

Jin paused for a moment, swallowing a sigh.

"It could also apply to us flagbearers, the children of the evil god. We too have received a portion of Ganesto's blood."

Of course, that was the worst-case scenario.

Until now, apart from Joshua, no one showed any signs of such a nature, but it was a well-known fact that the remaining flagbearers were born from Rosa.

"It's a terrible story indeed. However, it seems that you and the remaining flagbearers won't be affected. If Lokia Ganesto could have intervened in your inner realm battle, the evil god wouldn't have ended that easily."

"That's true. Still, I will continue to confirm me, flagbearers, and Dr. Qwaul through Valeria."

So far, there has been no apparent connection to Ganesto in the records.

If Valeria couldn't find any evidence even after finding the succession temples and raising the level of record magic to the maximum, then he could completely set his minds at ease.

"Don't worry too much. For now, what's important is the construction of the shipyard, the mass production of battleships, and replenishing mana supplies, materials, and manpower."

"I have thought about the mana."

"What is it?"

"The mirror."

"Colon's artifact?"

-[Yes. What this seal is containing is the very source of infinite mana. And the expanding mana can erase this entire world at any time...]

Kullam, the god of mana, said this during the massacre of the native colon inhabitants.

Jin had been restraining the use of the mirror as much as possible, abiding by Kullam's warning.

He only used it in truly urgent moments, when he needed to save his comrades and people.

"Didn't you call it a dangerous object?"

"Yeah, I didn't mean to use it recklessly just because it's urgent. I secured a means to use it safely."

To be precise, it wasn't securing, but rather confirming.

Since leaving for closed door training in Laprarosa, Jin had achieved explosive growth.

In aura, mana, and shadow force, in all areas.

As a result, Jin had reached a state where he could control the seal of Solderet, which blocked the mirror's mana, and absorb its power.

Moreover, there were dual safety measures. If Jin were to lose control of the seal and an accident were to occur, he could check the state of the mirror through record magic.

When Jin explained this, Dante nodded.

"If you say so, then you should be able to use it without any problems. So, all we need to do is solve the manpower and resources issues?"

"Mages from various regions who have confirmed the existence of Valeria will come. Of course, that alone won't solve the manpower issue, so we'll have to find people ourselves."

"I'll quickly look into it. As for resources, except for steel, we can secure enough supplies within the Empire. It might be a bit difficult, though."

The most important material was steel.

Even with a large infusion of mana, highly pure steel that wouldn't deteriorate was needed the most for battleship construction.

Even after considering the entire Runcandel and Vamel Alliance, there was still a severe shortage of steel.

Just the task of rebuilding the damage and supplying weapons was enough to strain the available resources. If they wanted to acquire steel, they had no choice but to trade with external forces.

"I plan to meet with Kinzelo soon and negotiate on that matter."

"If you're in charge of negotiations, it will undoubtedly be an unfair deal again."

"Well, this time we don't have as much backing, so if they come out uncooperative, we'll have to adopt a submissive stance. Demanding that much steel itself is an announcement of battleship construction, so the negotiation alone is a burden in this situation."

"Hmm."

"I'm going to meet with the leaders of the Minche Blacksmith Association soon, so we might be able to acquire some through them, thanks to lord Picon's reputation..."

As Jin mentioned that, Dante suddenly clapped his hands. Smack!

"Uh?"

"What's the matter Dante?"

"Come to think of it, I remember hearing something like that from Grandfather when I was young!"

-Ha! Is there really no way to manipulate the Minche Blacksmith Association? They enjoy all the protection, yet their arrogance knows no bounds. Ah, if only we could have a good conversation with them, the Empire's steel reserves could easily surpass the combined amounts of the major clans.

-I've heard that they even rejected Chiron's exclusive contract a few years ago, Lord patriarch. Don't be too disheartened.

-Calmine, don't try to comfort me with that. Chiron just got rejected, but as soon as I mentioned an exclusive contract, I was kicked out! Chiron is scary, but I'm not. Tsk! Grandson, come here and sing a song for me. I can't seem to shake off this bad mood.

-Yes, Grandfather! What song would you like me to sing?

-I think your self-composed and self-written "March of the Sword Emperor" would be good.

It happened when Dante was six years old.

As Dante explained the memory, Jin's pupils twinkled.

"March of the Sword Emperor? Did you really compose that song when you were six... No, that's not important. The fact that the Empire's steel reserves could surpass those of the major clans... Did Sir Ron really say that?"

"That's right."

"He is talking as if the entire island of the Minche Blacksmith Association is made of steel, but it doesn't make sense."

"Well, I don't think Grandfather would say something that isn't true, so there's probably something."

The fact that the "Minche Blacksmith Association" had a tremendous amount of steel was something Jin should have known, regardless of this conversation. It was recorded in the highly confidential documents of Runcandel that were lost during the Evil God War.

Jin didn't know that, but anyway, he felt like a breath of fresh air had come through.

"I have a feeling things will go smoothly. I should go to the island of blacksmiths right away."

"Right now?"

"We should finish the drinks we had with Sir Ron first. Let's drink slowly. I have a lot to say to Sir Ron too."

"I thought someone busy like you would scold me for drinking alcohol here."

"Oh, come on, it's just one bottle."

The two laughed and finished their drinks.

***

The Island of the blacksmiths.

Located in the unprotected zone of the northern imperial waters, the island was not particularly large, about the size of a small city.

Being in the unprotected zone, the Island of the blacksmiths always received the protection of the Empire. Although a considerable number of personnel and budget were allocated, the Empire had to provide them to receive supplies from the Association.

Not only the Empire, but Runcandel also periodically sent knights to eliminate the monsters near the island, and even Zipfel offered various assistance to the Association.

Despite receiving all of that, the members of the Minche Blacksmith Association never bowed their heads to anyone, making them one of the most exclusive and proud groups in the world.

Jin, along with Syris and Vin Branche, arrived near the island on Mort.

From a distance, the island seemed dark and gloomy even in broad daylight.

"...Do you think those annoying people will bow their heads just because lord Picon is here?"

Syris said. She had visited this place a few times with Talaris and had unpleasant experiences.

"It's about a 90% possibility, Lady Syris."

"So it's not a sure thing. I wonder if they'll even give a word of thanks for the assistance in the Evil God War. They are such shameless people."

"Don't worry too much and let's go."

The announcement of the arrival of the "Picon Minche" had been sent in advance.

It was a message that they had never received from the Picon even once in nearly a thousand years.

In fact, now that they had arrived, Jin felt a little nervous.

Although it was widely known that the Association was composed of fanatical followers of Picon, it was still uncertain whether they could obtain the exclusive contract "unconditionally."

The thought of having to make a deal with Kinzelo if the Association refused was also daunting.

As Mort swam towards the harbor, the members of the Association, who had come out in advance, glared at the group with suspicious eyes.

Jin fixed his gaze on one of them.

The person had a tattoo of "Anvil" on his forehead.

'Is that person Anvil?'

At first glance, Anvil gave the impression that communication would be difficult.

"Stop right there!"

"Are you the young patriarch of Runcandel?"

"Yes."

"Present evidence to confirm your status!"

Despite clearly seeing the black coat adorned with ten black swords, Anvil displayed a rude attitude.

"I am Syris Endorma, the acting master of the Hidden Palace."

"I... I'm Vin Branche."

"The young patriarch Runcandel and the acting master of the Hidden Palace may enter, but Vin Branche is not allowed. Especially the young patriarch Runcandel will have a lot to explain to us today! You have been renting the weapons we provided to Runcandel without any consultation... And that ridiculous message..."

Jin gestured to Vin, indicating that there was no need to say more.

It meant to immediately summon Picon.

As soon as Vin Branche's appearance began to transform into the manifestation state, the person with an anvil tattoo trembled all over when he saw Vin's appearance change like Picon.

"You... Is it really... Picon Minche...?"

[That's right! I am the legendary blacksmith, Picon Minche! Currently, I am also a god of the blacksmiths.]

Thud!

The man and the members of the Association sat down, blinking in disbelief.

Anvil didn't even doubt the appearance of the manifesting Picon.

Anvil quickly corrected his posture and the members of the Association followed suit.

Soon, Anvil spoke, satisfying Jin.

"From now on, everything in our Association, down to every grain of sand on this island, belongs to Lord Picon. Please forgive us for not recognizing you from the beginning and showing disrespect."

[T/L: You can read more chapters and support me here: https://ko-fi.com/punisher87 & https://bmc.link/punisher87 ]

[T/L: Join $29 membership on my "buymeacoffee" page and read 55 chapters ahead and daily 1 new chapter update. I have introduced new memberships, and you can read upto 75 or 85 chapters ahead.]

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章節 601: CHAPTER 758

[T.L: punisher87]

[My ko-fi link:- https://ko-fi.com/punisher87 ]

The sudden extreme low behavior of Anvil left the group momentarily dumbfounded. Not only did Anvil kneel down, but he even prostrated himself and began to bow.

As they looked closely, tears were dripping onto the floor.

Anvil, at least, maintained some dignity as the leader and felt deeply moved by the situation.

The members beside him burst into tears.

'Are they insane...? Crying just because they heard the name 'Picon Minche'? Unbelievable.'

Jin pondered over those words, suppressing his astonishment.

If there really was more steel on this island than the combined stock of the Vamel alliance, then there would be no need for regret in Kinzelo.

[Will you give it all?]

"Of course!"

[Are you really okay with that?]

"Lord Picon, our Minche Association is composed solely of those who sincerely follow your will. Your words from a thousand years ago are still burning in our hearts."

What did I say?

Picon actually wanted to ask that but cleared his throat and waited for Anvil's next words.

"Do not leave the blacksmith's forge. Dedicate yourself only to forging weapons. Until the master appears."

Those were the words Picon often said to his disciples in the past.

Of course, the "master" he mentioned did not refer to himself.

At that time, Picon watched as his less talented disciples became disheartened. In the spirit of encouraging them not to give up but to devote themselves wholeheartedly, he spoke those words. As a result, many of them ended up creating masterpieces.

After Picon's death, that intention was faithfully passed down to future generations for about fifty years.

However, as time passed, the initial meaning of Picon's words gradually distorted. Not understanding the true intent, Anvil interpreted them this way.

"Our association has been eagerly awaiting the appearance of a true master, someone who can elevate the blacksmiths of this world and thus be truly worthy of being called Picon's reincarnation. That's why the association has maintained a three-member governing system for the past thousand years without appointing a Iron King."

What is an Iron King...?

Picon suppressed the urge to ask that question and smiled as naturally as possible. Yes, you have all faithfully followed my will, so he put on that expression.

When Picon was alive, there was no position called the Iron King.

The legendary blacksmith symbolized Picon.

Anyway, according to Anvil's words, the temporary leaders known as Fire, Anvil, and Hammer were not true successors. They had been keeping the position of the real leader, the Iron King, vacant all along, waiting for a blacksmith worthy of being recognized as Picon's successor.

And now, unexpectedly, not even Picon's successor, but Picon Minche himself, the god of blacksmiths, came to the association. It was only natural for them to react so strongly.

From the association's perspective, the long-awaited Iron King had finally been reborn.

[Hmm... Excellent.]

As soon as Picon spoke in a solemn voice, Anvil and the association members lifted their heads.

Their wet eyes shimmered as if they were people who had received salvation.

Then, suddenly, Anvil startled and lowered his head.

"Oh! Oops... I hope I didn't go off topic in my excitement. If you find it burdensome to accept the assets of our blacksmiths, then..."

Jin quickly jabbed Picon's side.

[That's not the case. From today onwards, I will guide you again.]

Although it was a casual remark, it had a tremendous effect.

"It's the greatest honor to be born! Please come inside!"

Before moving, the members of the association took out small trumpets from their pockets. It was a trumpet that signaled the truth of the letter from the Vamel alliance.

As soon as the trumpet sounded, the previously darkened island suddenly brightened.

Flames sprouted throughout the large area of the island, which accounted for 80% of its total area.

The members of the association who had been waiting in the blacksmith's shop hurriedly moved their feet, preparing to greet Picon.

At the same time, Anvil's attitude towards Jin changed.

"Please forgive my rudeness earlier. Now that Lord Picon has graced us with his presence, from now on, the young patriarch shall be regarded as our benefactor."

"Thank you for saying that."

And me? Syris wanted to argue, but she suppressed her temper. It was mind-boggling, to the point where words failed to come out.

At the entrance of the blacksmith's shops, all the blacksmiths of the association were lying down in a row.

'There are truly fanatics among them.'

Although there was a bit of exaggeration, Jin felt relieved to have gained reliable allies and smiled.

Just like with Anvil, a sea of tears opened up for a while, and Picon encouraged each person as they were introduced by the officials.

No one doubted Picon.

Not only because his appearance perfectly matched, but also because Picon instantly recognized the purpose and completion of the equipment and weapons in the blacksmith's shop.

With just a few words of conversation during the process, the blacksmiths acknowledged Picon's skill and were grateful.

[Fire, why did you choose this island as the holy land for the blacksmiths? It's not even my hometown.]

Once the formalities and greetings were over, Picon directed serious questions on behalf of Jin.

"Is it alright for me to answer without the presence of the acting master of Hidden Palace?"

"I will personally vouch for the acting master of Hidden Palace. And from now on, I hope you also show respect to the acting master. She is my guest."

"I will do so."

If Chiron, Talaris, or Ron had personally witnessed this scene, they would have been astonished and rendered speechless.

Syris sighed inwardly, lowering her head.

"The reason we established our headquarters here is because of Marine Steel."

"Marine Steel?"

"It means 'steel from the sea.' The headquarters of the association has been on this island for about three hundred years. We chose it as the headquarters because there is no other region with as much Marine Steel as here."

[I know about Marine Steel's existence, but it must be extremely difficult to extract. I've heard that the association currently possesses more steel than the Empire or any other major power.]

"Half of that statement is true, and half is false."

[Explain.]

Even at this moment when the association's biggest secret needed to be revealed, including the Fire, the high-ranking officials showed no hesitation.

"First of all, we extract Marine Steel through the inner core monster, who is the ruler of the sea. His name is Vailam, and he is a friend that the past officials embraced. Although he is a monster, he doesn't have a clear consciousness like them and doesn't have any intentions or reasons to harm humans."

"Are you saying that such a monster exists?"

In response to Jin's question, the officials nodded their heads.

"Yes, young patriarch. His food source consists of marine organisms and seaweed. Since he mostly resides in the deep sea, he rarely catches people's attention."

So, he was a benevolent being more akin to a spiritual beast than a monster.

"Long ago, Vailam made a deal with us. Since Vailam needs to sharpen his teeth periodically, he had reached his limit in grinding them on unprocessed Marine Steel from the seabed."

"So, if he brings Marine Steel, you mean that you process a part of it to create steel chunks for Vailam's tooth sharpening?"

"That is correct."

The Marine Steel buried in the waters near the blacksmith's island was almost infinite.

Normally, the cost of mining and processing Marine Steel far outweighed its value, so no one bothered to dig for it. However, the association had obtained Marine Steel practically for free through Vailam for hundreds of years.

The association was also the only group capable of rapidly processing such large quantities of Marine Steel.

The idea that monsters and humans could coexist in this manner was an unexplored concept.

"It's an amazing story. You have kept this fact hidden for so long."

The officials guided the group to the underground of the blacksmith's workshop.

In the center, there was a massive opening mechanism, and as the officials pulled a lever, the floor split open, revealing the sea. It was a space large enough for several merchant ships to enter and still have room to spare.

With such a space, the sight of Vailam supplying steel to the association would never be revealed to the outside world.

"Thanks to this background and the mindset passed down by Lord Picon, our association has never had any reason to feel inadequate anywhere. Until recently, it would have been true to say that the association possessed the most steel in the world."

The group exclaimed in awe while gazing at the surging sea.

Jin was impressed, but he also sensed a powerful aura emanating from the sea.

"It seems Vailam has been tainted by chaos."

At that remark, the officials grimaced, their brows furrowing as if in pain.

"...That's correct. The relationship between Vailam and the association is not merely a simple symbiotic one. Now, we are practically friends. The chaos spreading throughout the world, from the Battle of the Sword Emperor Castle to the Evil god, has afflicted Vailam, making him sick."

As Fire blew several trumpets towards the sea, the water's surface surged and foamed.

After a while, the wounded Vailam appeared, resembling a colossal whale.

[Phiiii…]

His cry sounded similar to that of a whale, and overall, his round and gentle appearance didn't seem threatening, just as the officials had described.

However, black spots of chaos were visible all over his body.

Vailam continued to cry out in agony without respite.

"If Vailam doesn't recover, it will not only hinder the extraction of Marine Steel but also plunge the entire association into the sorrow of losing a friend."

There was joy in Picon's arrival, but there was also the sadness of having to bid farewell to a friend.

Picon carefully chose his words, and Syris couldn't hide her pained expression at Vailam's cute yet suffering appearance.

Then Jin, staring intently at Vailam, spoke.

"Fire, has there been any physical transformation in Vailam?"

"What do you mean?"

"Excluding the black spots, is Vailam's appearance exactly the same as before he was tainted by chaos?"

"Well, yes."

Jin smiled slyly.

"It seems I might be able to heal that friend of yours."

[T/L: You can read more chapters and support me here: https://ko-fi.com/punisher87 & https://bmc.link/punisher87 ]

[T/L: Join $29 membership on my "buymeacoffee" page and read 55 chapters ahead and daily 1 new chapter update. I have introduced new memberships, and you can read upto 75 or 85 chapters ahead.]

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