Forging (2)

Now that I could sense my mana, I can start trying to manipulate it. My experience with manipulating bones came in handy this time, as it's pretty much the same process.

I've already experienced manipulating it, but it was more like releasing it and allowing it to be absorbed by my Mithril Longsword. However, that probably also helped.

[Mana Manipulation LV1 learnt.]

[Mana Manipulation LV2 learnt.]

[Mana Manipulation…]

…

[Mana Manipulation LV9 learnt.]

The skill kept on levelling up until level 9. I could feel an affinity with my own mana, as if it was simply an extension of my actual body.

I could also tell that my other magics such as Bone Control and Necromancy had become a lot more efficient and mana-saving.

With this, I can easily shape the Noxia into anything I want.

Once again sending my mana out, this time I inject it into the metal as well as coating it.

From the inside, I started clearing out impurities and making it more malleable. From the outside, I pressed the metal down to make it denser.

Every time my hammer smashed onto the Noxia, I could feel my mana inside the metal get squeezed out and reabsorbed by my body.

To my utmost surprise, the mana that came from the metal was much higher in density and quality compared to my normal mana.

I'll need to do more testing on this concept. Or I could just ask Ed. Yeah, let's do that.

'Ed, was my mana also refined when I started shaping the metal?' (Daniel)

'Indeed. The mana partially fused with the metal, so when you make the metal purer and denser, the mana receives the same treatment. However, since your mana is a foreign object, your hammer strikes will expel it from the metal. Otherwise, the forger's mana would permanently be in the metal.

That's why Magic Blacksmiths are rare and revered. Simply by forging, they can achieve mana density and purity that rivals even the best of mages. Unfortunately, most people have to dedicate their life to this, so they can't learn any actual combat techniques.' (Ed)

So since I've already achieved this state, I can simply repeat this to temper my mana? That sounds so cool!

Oops, the forging is almost over. After I've completed this ingot, I'm supposed to shape it into a sword.

While I was stuck in my trance and questioning Ed, he had also notified me that my Blacksmithing skill had levelled up to LV6.

With that, I can already visualize the weapon I'm going to make.

Continuously banging the metal, a blade slowly started to take shape. After making the blade, I have to proceed to make the hilt and the cross-guard. I already have an idea for the two.

The hilt will be shaped as a short Eastern dragon, with its mouth open at the end.

The cross-guard will be the wings of a Western dragon.

A couple minutes later, the blade was produced. After quenching it with water, I started working on the other parts of the sword.

After completing all the parts, the sword needed to be welded together. With normal blacksmithing, everything would be made at the same time, or the blade would be 'glued' into the hilt.

However, with Magic Blacksmithing, there's no such need. Simply by injecting mana into both parts, the metal will use your mana as a medium to merge. After that, it will seem like it started off as one piece.

As I finished the sword, I turned around to see Gorund standing still, with his eyes rolled up.

Did he die while standing up?

"Helloooo! Gorund?! HEELLLLOOOO!" (Daniel)

"Uwah! What happened?" (Gorund)

"I finished the sword." (Daniel)

"Ahem. Ah, yes, yes, the sword. T-This is… did you make this just now?" (Gorund)

"Yeah, took about 3 hours." (Daniel)

"By the Goddess! Three hours for this sword?!" (Gorund)

"What, did I take too long?" (Daniel)

"No! Heaven's, no! You took too little time! Do you even know how well made this sword is?" (Gorund)

"Uh… I guess?" (Daniel)

'Ed, quick! Appraise it!' (Daniel)

'Should've done it earlier…' (Ed)

[Noxia Sword (Legendary): A sword forged with a clear picture of its end result. The forger's will and mana have tempered the blade to do their bidding.

(Sealed): its true power can only be unlocked by the forger.]

Holy smokes! This is just with Noxia! What if I worked with Orichalcum? Or my bones? Will it reach God rarity?

'Don't be stupid! God rarity is known as God rarity for a reason. Unless you have divinity and infuse it when making the item, there's no way a mortal can create a God item.' (Ed)

'And how do you know that? As far as I'm aware you should have no knowledge about gods in this realm.' (Daniel)

'It came from the main system.' (Ed)

That sounds like it's a convenient excuse.

Why did you do this, or why did you do that? Because the main system told me to.

If only I had a main system or something.

Anyway, back to my current predicament. Gorund is still looking at me in awe, and slightly sparkly eyes. Urgh! Get away from me, please!

"D-Daniel, h-how about I take you as my apprentice?" (Gorund)

"If I can make a sword like that, then why would I be your apprentice?" (Daniel)

"U-Uh… Uh… I have connections!" (Gorund)

"You've been kicked out of every circle in the entire town. What connections do you have other than with the dungeon guard?" (Daniel)

Oops, I may have gone too far. What I just did could be considered rubbing salt in his wounds, or kicking him while he's down.

It wasn't my intention, but I definitely do not want to be his apprentice. I've decided that the first time I become a student in this world, it's going to be under a beautiful lady!

I doubt any ladies would do blacksmithing, so most likely I'll be an alchemy student.

"Don't worry! I'll win that competition for you! Just… please don't involve me in another dwarven wrestling match! Oh, and also, don't expect me to do anything about Sivod. I've got enough problems on my plate as it is. Also, please give me back my sword." (Daniel)

"Alright, I got it! Thank you so much, Daniel!" (Gorund)

"No problem. Can you please let me go now?" (Daniel)

I really don't want dwarves with prickly beards hugging my lower body. Feels creepy. As if numerous bugs were digging their way into my skin before crawling all over my body.

Oh wait, maybe some of those bugs are real. Urgh! That's even worse. I'll have to cast a Clean and Duster now.

Thankfully, all the bugs were gone by the time I got back to the inn. Before I left though, Gorund told me that he'll contact me after he's set up the competition. I just hope I'll have some time to spend with my girls before that day.