7-Episode 7: Dwarves and Namakura Swords

Brother!　You need to mend your weapons!

It began with a single, abrupt word from Gyro-kun.

'Weapons?'

"So weapons.

Why me?

My brother killed Evilboa in one shot. Isn't that sword good too?

And Jairo-kun pointed to the broadsword mounted on his waist.

''This is an ordinary broadsword.

Of course, I did use magic to increase the sharpness of the sword.

But it's just an enhanced version of an ordinary sword, so it's unwieldy against an enemy that's beyond the line of fire.

And it's the lightning magic that stopped Evilboa.

''You've mentioned a quick high-level magic. Lightning magic is pretty hard to do.

Mina interrupted the conversation with a sullen look.

'That's not true. It's not hard magic once you understand the theory.

Well that's what all geniuses say, isn't it?

Huh?　For some reason, Mina was depressed.

It's not that I'm a genius, but I've only continued to research and develop it.

I'll teach you about lightning magic next time you're in town.

Really?

Whoa, what a bite.

I wanted to learn lightning magic so badly.

Sure, if I can teach you.

Yay!　Lightning magic!

No, so it's not a very difficult magic if you understand the logic.

''Great, you can teach me the sword too, bro!

Wow, don't hold on to me. There are plenty of people out there who are better than me.

No, that's not true. For the most part, sticking a sword randomly into Evilboa's forehead, that's not normal at that point.

I don't think so.

There are a lot of great people out there.

Aren't you quitting being a human being already?　There are surprisingly many people who are at the level of "I don't know what I'm talking about" if you look for them.

Compared to them, I and Evilboa are just like ordinary people.

Nah, tell me about it.

Okay, okay, I'll tell you. Just step away.

Yes!　My brother is going to train me!　Hee Haw!

Hmmm, I'm not in the business of teaching people things.

'So you don't want me to go look at your weapons?'

""Oh."

Megri's words reminded us of our original purpose.

No, no, I had forgotten all about it.

◆

Brother, this is the best armorer in town.

Wow, you have a lot of weapons.

I was inwardly excited about my first weapon shop after Jairo-kun brought me there.

The blacksmith shop in the village wasn't a shop, it was more like a repair shop for refinishing weapons and farming tools and the like.

The customers around me were happily pulling their swords out of their sheaths and assessing the swords.

Oh, that sword, the decoration is amazing, but.....

Hmm, since it's a shop, is that kind of thing a selling point?

Okay, this is the one.

I'm doing this.

And the adventurers from the earlier customers go to the shopkeeper with their respective weapons of choice in hand.

''Give me this.''

The owner was a dwarf with a small body and a long beard.

Speaking of dwarves, it's no wonder that they are a race of people who don't have an eye for iron, and the owner of a weapon shop.

I can't help but think of the face of a scary person when I think of dwarves.

But a dwarf with that weapon........

...ahem, ten gold pieces.

''Too high!''

I couldn't help but yell out because the price the shopkeeper offered was so high.

Naturally, everyone's eyes are drawn to me.

Haha, was it a little too stimulating for the little guy?　But Master Goldov's weapons are rather cheap.

Oh, good, he's not angry.

And Master Goldoff?

Oh, really?

'Wow!　I've never seen anyone buy a Gordoff sword before!

Jairo, you're very excited to know someone named Goldoff.

Is he some kind of great guy?

Hmmm, but.........

As we were puzzled by this, the adventurers bought their weapons and left the store.

The only people left are us and the owner.

''Great, I want to buy those awesome weapons too!

'Hey Jairo-kun, is that sword... or rather, Mr. Gordoff, an amazing person?

"What?　What? You don't know Master Goldov?

No, I'm from the country, so I don't know anything about the city.

Well, I didn't know much about the floating world in my previous life and the previous life.

''Master Master Goldov, he's one of the most skilled blacksmiths, not only in this Tion nation, but also in the surrounding nations!

Wow, he's such a great guy.

''But it wasn't much of a weapon for that, was it? Could it have been a fake?

What?　Wait, brother...

That's when Gyro-kun was about to say something.

''Huh?''

The store is suddenly enveloped in a cold air.

This isn't a cold air, it's more of a conceptual chill ... yes, a killing air.

The source of that killing air is.....

"Hey, Boz.

The master of the killing spirit, the dwarven shopkeeper, calls out to me.

''You have a problem with that sword?''

Oh, shit, he's mad at me for disgracing the store's product?

No, I mean, for a guy who claims to have a great sword, I just felt like it wasn't made properly.

How sweet is it?

Oh, brother...

Jairo-kun is unusually awash in agitation.

If I don't control the situation somehow, Jairo-kun and the others will be in trouble as well.

"Let's see, first of all, that sword, the decoration was gorgeous, but the important part of the sword was not at all thoughtful. It's not a mass-produced casting, and since the craftsmen forged it by themselves, the firing is not appropriate and the number of times they hammered the blade is low, so the sharpness is not so good. But the grip area was well made and strangely, it didn't look like it would break easily. It looks like a sword, but it's more like a sword-shaped piece of iron, a wooden sword or a club.

I tell the shopkeeper what I felt when I saw that sword.

''Owwww........''

For some reason, Jairo-kun's face is pale and trembling.

Don't worry, I'll take full responsibility if something goes wrong.

If I'm banned from the store, I'll bow to you so that you can do it on my own.

I see. So that's a piece of iron?

The shopkeeper stroked his own beard with a hand on his chin, still full of killing intent.

'This me, the sword Goldov forged looked like a namakra?

"Yeah?　You're Goldov?

You mean to tell me that this is the man you guys admired, Mr. Golduff?

But it didn't look like a sword made by a master swordsmith.

I see, that's why Gyro looked so pale.

Because I disgraced the weapon in front of him.

...............No!　You have every right to be angry about that!

"My weapon looks like a catfish...

Oh, shit, super shit.

"That's a pretty good-looking boy!　Gahahahahaha!

''What!?''

I thought that Mr. Goldoff was going to be angry, but then the murderous spirit fizzled out and he started laughing happily.

''Uh........''

'I was sick of people today who don't even know what things are worth coming to me asking for weapons in my name only!

Oh, will you use that weapon?

Hey!　It's just a sturdy sword with a bunch of trinkets on it!　You spotted it well!

Wow, what a terrible thing to do.

If you do that, won't those people who just came in get seriously injured?

It seems that they thought the same thing as I did, and Norbu accuses Mr. Golduff of being a bit of a jerk.

I don't need to worry about it," he said, "but there's no need for my weapons if that's the extent of the work those people are asking for. It's just that they're very sturdy, and they don't break easily. When they're really good enough, they'll naturally come back to the shop.

Wow, great confidence.

'But all they have in this store is that namakra you mentioned earlier, right?

Do you think so?

As he said this, Mr. Golduff pointed to the store.

'There's a weapon in there that I've seriously forged. If you find one, I'll give it to you for free.

You're kidding me?　Let's find out, bro!

Jairo-kun immediately charged into the sword pile.

''I'll go check it out too.''

Even Megri, who has been quiet until now, joins in the search for weapons.

"I'll pass. And wizards don't use heavy weapons.

I have a mace that was given to me by the church.

So Mina and the others will pass.

Bowles, you should look for them too.

Me too?

You saw that sword as a catfish, you can see the bite, right?

Mmm, is this a provocation?

Well, when you're all done choosing.

You're not going to be able to do that.

Okay, there's the guy!

I'm doing this.

Jairo and Meguri-san finished choosing their weapons and brought them to me.

Jairo-kun brought a sword that looked very strong, and Megri-san brought a dagger that didn't look flashy, but was carefully made.

''You're both hazards.

But I'm easily disqualified.

"Don't let looks deceive you, you little brats.

Tough.

"Brother!　You'll find me, brother!

Avenge me!

After failing to appraise the weapon, the two of them oozed frustration and asked me to take revenge.

"Well........

I take a quick look around the store.

As I walk through the weapons from one end to the other, my eyes are drawn to a single sword that is haphazardly placed on the floor.

It has no special make up, and its scabbard and the sword's peak are also dirty.

At first glance, it appears to be a used sword.

I took the sword in my hand, pulled it from its scabbard and looked at the blade.

I'm sure you'll be able to find the right one.

"I think it's this one.

"What?　That!

Gyro-kun and the others come looking at me with a look of deep disappointment.

No, you guys said you'd be in charge.

Why did you choose that?

On the contrary, Gordov-san asks me with a grin.

'This sword looks plain and dirty, but this dirt is a dummy. It's intentionally stained. Likewise, the blade has a disguise in it, but it's carefully forged compared to the sword I saw earlier.

Yes, only this sword was made to be blatantly inconspicuous, and yet the center of gravity felt right when you held it up.

You're right. That's the weapon of choice.

Really?

It doesn't look like much.

The two of them stare at the sword in their hands in disbelief.

'Yeah, it looks like a worn-out sword.

'You guys are too deceived by looks. The swordsman's monk is out of the question, but the bandit's daughter is also too trusting of the disguise you've set up in the details.''

"Humiliation.

Mr. Meghri bends his lips into a crooked shape in frustration.

He seems surprisingly competitive.

'I promise, I'll give it to you.

Are you sure you want to do this?

Then Mr. Golduff smiles happily with a smirk.

'They really don't know the value of things these days. It feels great that you found that sword!　That's why the sword is yours. That's why it's yours. I'll make sure it's well made, too!

'Whoa!　That's awesome, bro!

Suddenly Jairo-kun started shouting, startling me.

'Not only are you strong and awesome, but you're also too awesome to have an eye for weapons, bro!

No, I'm not that impressed.

And this sword.........

Yeah, that's right.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

''Um, if you'll allow me, I'd like to give this sword to Jairo-kun.

Yes, this sword is better held by Gyro-kun.

"...Heh?

Gyro-kun and the others' eyes widen in surprise at my refusal.

''Wait, hey bro!　What are you talking about?

'Yes!　What a waste!　I don't see the point of giving it to Gyro or anything!

What do you mean by that?

It means what it means!　Of course the amazing Lex-san will definitely be able to use it better than the inexperienced Anta has it!

Uh, no, well, you're certainly better than me, but...

Jairo had objected to Mina's statement, but he was easily dismissed.

I don't agree with it either.

And Mr. Gordoff comes staring at me with a sullen look on his face.

'You must have a good reason for thrusting back the weapon the dwarf said he would use, don't you, Bowles?

Alas, it would be impolite for a dwarf to turn in his offered weapon!

With one exception.

'Wow, look, brother, Mr. Goldoff is so mad at you!　Let's just take it in stride here!

'It is wise. It's a virtue to accept gifts with open arms.

The two of them say, "I'm sorry," but we're not going to get anywhere until we have a good explanation.

At any rate, the other party is a stubborn dwarf.

If you are not convinced, blood will be pouring down on you.

"No, I'm sorry, but we don't want to accept a weapon we won't use.

"Ho!

""Hi!"

Once again, the store is filled with a deadly atmosphere and Gyro-kun and the others scream.

'Explain it to me, Boz.'

In the air of a moment's silence, I said the words.

'The reason I can't accept it is because I have this sword.

With that, I tap the sword at my waist.

''This sword can still be used in service. So it would be too bad to throw it away just because you got a new weapon, right?

When I tell him that, Goldov's air eases slightly.

It's a good thing that you value your weapon. It's a good thing to take care of your weapons, compared to those who switch to new ones before they get used to them.

Good. They'll understand.

But if you insist, you're gonna have to show me what you've got.

Huh?　It's starting to get a bit weird.

"You're going to turn down my weapon, what's to stop me from getting it right?

So there's that.

So how about this?　If it's a convincing weapon, I'll give the sword to your boy. But if I don't like it, you use my weapon. And you can give your weapon to the boy. Then you won't be neglecting your weapon.

What a super theory.

"Oh!　You want me to use my brother's weapon?

Wait, why do you look so happy to see me, gyro?

"All right, I'll take it, brother!　Even if by chance I fail to convince Master Goldoff, I'll take over my brother's sword!

You don't want something that Mr. Goldoff doesn't agree with, do you?

Now, let's get on with it and see what you've got.

Mr. Golduff beckons me to join him.

Huh, it can't be helped. Let's just show it to him honestly here.

I meekly unhook the sword from my waist and present it to Mr. Golduff.

''Hmph.''

Mr. Gordoff grimly, but with a bit of interest, took the sword, drew it from its scabbard, and....

''Huh?!''

He looked astonished.

''What, huh?　Nah, nah!?

Gordov-san can only utter a 'na' like a broken magic item.

'Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah...'

Gordov-san's body wannabe trembles.

''What is this?!''

He shouted so loudly that the whole town could have heard it.

"What's this?　I've never seen a process like this before!　Is it iron?　Is it iron?　I've never felt anything like this!　It's so smooth and slippery to the touch!　This is, this is, this is!

Mr. Golduff holds his sword to the heavens and exclaims, "I've never felt anything like this!

Well, it's kneaded with a little demonic material.

''It's a work of art in the form of a sword!''

Suddenly, Mr. Gordov's face becomes ecstatic and he starts rubbing his cheek on the sword while exhaling heavily.

Yeah scary.

And then Mr. Goldov turns to me with bloodshot eyes.

''This, who the hell struck this sword?

You're getting a little too excited.

"Well, it was me.

'What the hell?

Yeah, the blacksmiths back home didn't have any weapons that looked like weapons.

There were weapons for self-defense, but they were all poorly made spears with poor basics, and there were no proper weapons.

So I made it myself.

I was allowed to use the workshop under the guise of blacksmithing training by providing the materials for the demons to the blacksmith's father.

In reality, I had practiced blacksmithing skills in my previous life.

'Oh, you made it...?

'Yes.'

Oh, oh, oh...

Mr. Gordoff sheathed my sword with a pull and shake, and then placed it on the table and then........

''Please take me as your apprentice, Master Oooh!

For some reason, he got down on his knees and demanded to be my apprentice.

"Wait, what's that all of a sudden?

As you would expect from an older man who suddenly got down on his knees, we are also confused.

I'm begging you!　Please!　Please teach me how to make this sword!

No, this is an ordinary technique I was forced to learn from a dwarf I know who told me that if you're a warrior, you should be able to make a sword by yourself, even when you can't rely on a blacksmith to do it for you.

This is not a common technique!　I'll believe it when they say it was forged by the Dwarf King!

'The Dwarf King, that doesn't mean that you are the king of the dwarves, it's a title given to the dwarves with the highest blacksmithing skills.

''With such a skilled user, it's not surprising that people say there's no need for my sword!　The sword is for the boy!　Therefore, please teach me your skills, Master Oooh!

This is troubling.

Jairo you guys broke my heart, but teaching people things isn't a racket by nature.

But.....

After seeing your skills, I can't even call myself a blacksmith!

If I don't teach you this, I'll never stop getting down on my knees, even in Teko.

''All right, I'll show you how to make this sword. Just as long as you don't teach me any more.

''Thank you, Master Oooh!''

Goldov-san starts to express his joy by starting a small leap.

A dwarf who rejoices while skipping........

"That's my brother!　I didn't expect to take that master, Gordov, as my apprentice!

Jairo, you are so innocent.

"And you get Goldov's sword for free!　Hee Haw!

Okay, we'll make your training rigorous.