[Japan, District: Kyoto - Kurogama Blades]
The Kurogama Blades storefront shimred, its sleek tal front indicating at the advanced tech within.
The overall structure was surprisingly familiar – rough-hewn stone, a broad peaked roof – mirroring the classic blacksmith's shops of fantasy lore.
It was a comparison as deliberate as anything I'd ever written for the lore of this world.
Entering inside, it was less about charm, and more about efficient display.
Glass cases shone, spotlighting the wares.
There were so many weapons to choose from:
A curved longsword, its blade shimring with an almost liquid darkness.
The na for the sword was called: Void Cutter.
Beside it, a flanged mace bristled with spikes, nad Bone Pulverizer.
Every weapon was a familiar variant, designed to exploit the system's weaknesses, to turn monster drops into profit.
Looking at the shop's back door it opened into a work area.
With a sign saying no custors beyond this point.
As I peered through I could see the forge, its heart a blaze of mana-infused fla.
In the back, workers were using different technologies to create their desired weapons.
So others used the traditional way with the hamr on an anvil, a familiar look of creation.
MVLeMpYr-official-text
Though I designed this world, the visceral process still held an undeniable appeal.
My visit to Kurogama Blades wasn't just about the shop itself.
There was soone here, soone close to the legendary Masamune himself.
Soone vital... a character who should exist if the A.T. didn't tamper with this character.
"Hello there! Not many youngsters co around."
A voice broke through my thoughts.
An old man, white-haired, in a black apron over a long shirt.
He emanated an aura unlike any other, a stark contrast to his ordinary appearance.
FWANG!
[Special Passive: Perceptive Mind [Grade 3] Has Been Activated!]
[Status Window Of Jin Nobuyoshi]
[Age: 81]
[>Strength: ???, >Durability: 75, >Speed: ???, >Mana: ??, >Elental Attribute: Steel, Fire, Lava,]
[Current Thoughts: "A new custor?"]
There was no mistaking it because this man is also the legendary craftsman of the modern era.
His na is Jin Nobuyoshi The Grandfather Steel.
The reason he was called this was because of his exceptional craftsmanship.
His exceptional craftsmanship elevated him above any smith of his era.
They also called him the 'Iron Sage', a nod to the enduring quality of his work.
He was also a part of Garrick's old group and the creator of 'Jia', Emperor's Edge.
The legendary blade wielded by Garrick was nad before his daughter Jianna.
When I wrote about this sword, It should've looked extrely ordinary, the steel on the other hand was imbued with Garrick's unique aura.
An aura twice as powerful as Gerrard's.
Garrick, born with no elental attribute, had honed his aura through sheer force of will.
His aura was so strong that people without aura could see the colour of his blade.
Though it made wonder if his sword still existed...uncertain.
Garrick didn't perish with it according to the novel.
But would it be here, overlooked? Or could soone have it in this world?
I shook my head, clearing the information overload. "Ah, yes... you're Mr. Nobuyoshi, correct?"Jin's eyes widened in surprise. "That's right!" He bead. "So, what can I do for you, young man?"Asking about Garrick's sword was too aggressive, I needed to look like I wanted sothing else. "Well...I'm looking for a new sword, travelled quite a way to see your craftsmanship firsthand."
"Really? Well, you won't be disappointed!"
He clapped his hands.
"Do you have a budget in mind? Any weapon preferences?"
Well for the budget, I wouldn't have to worry as much.
Since I'm already rich from the D-League tournant money wasn't a problem.
And for weapons, I can just appraise each one with my ability: perceptive mind.
But getting advice from him wouldn't be bad either.
I wanted to get on his good side for the future and maybe he could make a few weapons of my desire.
"Hmm...don't worry about my budget," I told him.
"Just show the best swords you have."
Jin grinned. "Give a minute! I'll fetch my finest works."
He dashed off heading through the backroom of the building.
For an old man, he moved with surprising vigour. Those broad shoulders, the way he carried himself...he wasn't as frail as his age suggested.
But I wouldn't have expected any less, than a man who was a part of Garrick's group.
...
...
...
As a few minutes passed Jin returned, arms loaded with shining blades.
He laid them out on the counter – a claymore with a wickedly curved edge he called 'Thundercleaver',
Then he pointed out towards another blade, a balanced longsword he nad 'Windsplitter',
Another sword he showed was a brutal broadsword titled 'Skullcrusher', and finally an elegant rapier dubbed 'Vipertooth'.
Each na carried a hint of power, but nothing fantastical – grounded, like the weapons themselves.
"These are my finest!" Jin smiled with pride in his voice.
"Each na holds aning, a piece of the weapon's spirit. I believe every blade forged has a soul."
"I believe that too," I said, a small smile playing across my lips.
"Weapons aren't just tools to be broken and replaced... they too live a part of a person's being."
"...!"
PFFFT! HAHAHAH!
Jin stared surprise giving way to a burst of laughter.
"You're an interesting boy! Who knew there were still people like you in this world? Reminds of an old friend…"
His voice trailed off, a touch of nostalgia replacing the amusent.
He studied for a mont, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow.
"I'm not sure swords like these suit soone your type. Honestly, I was planning to steer you towards sothing standardized. But now…"
He eyed with rekindled interest.
"Give a mont. I think I know what you might be looking for."
With that, he turned and disappeared into the back of the shop.
I didn't expect him to change his mind on these swords... and honestly, I'm all in for what he has because...
FWANG!
[Special Passive: Perceptive Mind [Grade 3] Has Been Activated!]
[Weapon: Thundercleaver [Grade 5] - Condition: Perfect - Enchantnts: None - Special Effects: Slamming the weapon into the ground hurdles lightning towards a target.]
[Weapon: Windsplitter [Grade 4] - Condition: Perfect - Enchantnts: None - Special Effects: Generates a sharp gust of wind with each swing, capable of knocking lighter foes off balance.]
[Weapon: Skullcrusher [Grade 3] - Condition: Perfect - Enchantnts: None - Special Effects: Once bonded with the user, the weapon Increases in weight and each swing creates a massive force upon impact, making it more effective against armoured foes.]
[Weapon: Vipertooth [Grade 5] - Condition: Perfect - Enchantnts: None - Special Effects: Inflicts a venomous wound that causes additional damage over ti.]
These weapons were probably better for soone else other than .
____________
Authors Notes:
- Jin can use all advanced forms of aura.
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