Chapter 118 – Enchanting Magic Swords

"Did we really need to rush this much? The expedition is still half a month away, isn't it?" Aston said while forging the magic sword, turning his head to address Riveria, who was sitting not far from him.

That's right, the Loki Familia had decided to commission Aston to make enchanted magic swords, not just three but five, using up almost all of their treasury except for what was reserved for Tiona. And Riveria was entrusted with handling this task, mainly because the creation of these magic swords required her magic. 

Each sword cost 250 million valis, making the total for five swords 1.25 billion. After deducting the cost of materials, Aston would earn about 800 million, a highly profitable venture. This is why non-adventuring Familias like his, once established, can accumulate wealth far surpassing those focused on adventuring due to the high profits involved, provided the craftsmanship is up to par.

"I don't have much going on recently, so I came over," Riveria explained with a smile. "It's better to start early since forging first-level weapons like these takes quite some time."

"Is that so?" Aston nodded, then curiously asked, "Wouldn't it be better to turn all the first-level adventurers' weapons in your Familia into magic swords? Wouldn't such swords be more powerful in the hands of your first-level adventurers?"

"Adventurers need battles to increase their status," Riveria explained. "For those of us who are always at the forefront, magic swords are undoubtedly advantageous, but they can hinder the growth of our abilities. Plus, these swords are intended as strategic weapons for the Familia."

Aston understood Riveria's point. Her reasoning made sense. Adventurers with ambition and a desire to progress typically don't like relying on magic swords against enemies, as it limits their opportunity for personal growth and development. Just like himself, Aston could increase his abilities through leveling up, but he also preferred not to rely too heavily on his Excalibur to defeat monsters.

"Using a magic sword to fight monsters for an extended period will definitely lead to a decline in physical skills. I only consider using my magic sword against big bosses, like when I fought Goliath and Balor alone," Aston said, acknowledging the limitations of relying too heavily on powerful weapons.

Riveria was right; forging first-level weapons, even for advanced adventurers in Orario, is a complex and demanding task. For instance, Tiona's Urga was crafted by the majority of the Goibniu Familia's senior blacksmiths over nearly a month.

For Aston, however, crafting first-level techniques doesn't require as much time. While he can't produce them as rapidly as the second-level weapons he previously made, where he could forge more than ten a day, he can still manage two per day. Judging by Riveria's response, Aston anticipates he'll be spending the next three days forging these weapons.

Soon, after half a day, a brand-new first-level knight sword was forged by Aston's hands.

"Now it's time to enchant this knight sword. What do I need to do?" Riveria asked, observing the gleaming sword in Aston's hands.

Aston didn't respond immediately but walked out of the forge to an open area in front. It's worth mentioning that Aston's forge is in a secluded area with a vast open space.

Riveria, curious, followed him out.

"Give me your hand," Aston requested, extending his hand towards Riveria.

After some hesitation, Riveria placed her hand in Aston's palm. Aston then grasped her hand, causing Riveria to stiffen, her body trembling slightly.

Riveria had noticed that Aston's aura had become increasingly attractive over time. The urge to pull Aston close and feel his presence overwhelmed her whenever she was near him. Though she had managed to suppress these impulses with her strong willpower, being held by Aston was making it difficult for her to maintain control.

"What's the next step?" Riveria asked, doing her best to keep her voice steady despite the turmoil within.

"Chant the magic you want to enchant, and release the magic. I will absorb your magic into my body and then enchant this weapon with it, making it a magic sword," Aston explained.

Riveria, upon hearing this, took a deep breath and began to chant, raising her great elf wand. Trusting Aston wouldn't joke about such matters, she chose one of the three great offensive spells, 'Wynn Fimbulvetr', a top-tier ice magic spell that manifests three powerful blizzards to freeze everything around. Usually, when she chanted, an icy phenomenon would surround her, but this time, the magic essences gathered around her flowed continuously into Aston's palm, and the knight sword in his other hand gradually transformed, its silver metallic color turning into that of snow and ice.

Amazed by this transformation, Riveria thought, "Is this enchantment?" Once her magic was fully chanted, the knight sword in Aston's hand successfully turned into a magic sword, now an ice sword emitting cold air.

"Success. Want to give it a try?" Aston offered the ice sword to Riveria with a smile.

Without hesitation, Riveria took the sword and immediately activated it with her psychic power. A fierce blizzard burst from the sword, spreading rapidly around. In an instant, their surroundings turned into a world of snow and ice, everything frozen.

"The power is comparable to the magic I just released, unbelievable!" Riveria marveled at the sight before her.

"Since it's Fimbulvetr, let's name this magic sword 'Fimbul'," Aston suggested, very satisfied with the first Lv.6 magic sword he had enchanted.

***

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