Kays Translations

Chapter 159

“Hurry, hurry! It’s already started!”

“It’s fine, it’s fine, they’re just doing the opening greetings right now.”

Finally, the main forging tournament.

The number of visitors in town had already swelled to the level of the New Year’s Lindblum Festival, and the city’s excitement had reached its peak.

I secured the two daggers firmly inside their case and headed for the venue together with Melt.
There was no one left who would try to interfere with me now.
Everyone already knew what happened to those who attempted to obstruct me.

Leaving the workshop district, the special venue came into view.

A huge stage, countless audience seats—
And a newly built exhibition hall where the weapons and armor would be displayed for the visitors to see.

『Now, let me explain the rules! First, the works of each participant will be examined by the judges! After all entries are evaluated, the items will be put on display, and the audience will also get to see them firsthand and cast a single vote for the one they favor! Along with the judges’ evaluation scores, these votes will add bonus points to the work!』

The greetings had already ended, and the rules were now being explained.
I see. Simple and easy-to-understand rules.

『Furthermore, only the creator of the work that loses in terms of final score will be given one last chance! That is… the right to challenge the champion’s piece with their own! In the case of swords, for example, I will strike each sword once against the other. If either blade clearly loses its function as a sword, then the contest is decided!』

Wha—?! What kind of rule is that…! That overwhelmingly favors the one who goes first, doesn’t it?

Most likely, the challenger’s weapon would be placed down and the champion’s would strike it. Depending on the weapon type, it could chip or even break in just one blow.

『And if it’s armor against weapons, then the contest will be whether the armor can endure the strike. If it’s armor versus armor, then the question is how much identical force each can withstand. This is the “underdog’s rule”—naturally, the challenger who goes second will be at a disadvantage.』

I see… well, in this world weapons and armor are literally lifelines. They wouldn’t let a half-baked item take the crown of the contest.
Besides, unless you had absolute confidence, you wouldn’t dare to use that “revival chance” system.

『Now then, let us begin judging the first entry――』

And so, the evaluations began――

“Wow… as expected, everyone’s making swords, huh?”

“Yeah. Since the contest period is only one month, if you want to make something from scratch it ends up being a weapon. Armor requires fitting to specific users and delicate adjustments. Unless you already have a set client, most won’t make armor. Shields and gauntlets are easier to adjust, so I’ve seen some people make those.”

Just as Melt said, the majority of participants had made swords.

Among them, of course, the center piece was the longsword. Gleaming with ornate decorations, dazzling polished blades, some glowing blue in a way that couldn’t be explained by mere reflection of the sky—one gorgeous piece after another was being judged.

…But through my eyes as Shijima the craftsman, I could clearly see the truth.

“Most of these aren’t masterpieces. They’re mediocre at best.”

Even if they dazzled with beauty, only a handful could actually be called true swords of renown.

“…Well, I get it. Since audience votes matter too, appearance is important.”

At that moment, one man appeared on stage, and murmurs spread among the other craftsmen.

Listening closely, I caught whispers: “That’s the master of Golhar…!” “I heard he moved his workshop to Lindblum.” “That traitor who abandoned this town…”

“I see. So that’s the man from the famous Golhar workshop.”

As expected of the top contender, even the host’s introduction carried extra enthusiasm.

『Last year’s champion! Presenting the work from the Golhar Workshop! This time it seems you’ve made a greatsword. Could you tell us about its key points or unique features?』

To that question, the man introduced as the master of Golhar spoke in a heavy, intimidating voice.

“If I had to point out a feature even amateurs could understand—it’s a magic sword. It burns whoever it cuts. Right now, it may look like nothing more than a rusty, dull blade… but in the right hands, it becomes this.”

Effortlessly, the intimidating master lifted a greatsword as tall as himself with one hand.

In that instant, the rust-colored blade shone as though red-hot, radiating heat so intense the air itself seemed to warp. It didn’t spit flames, but the sheer heat was unmistakable.

“…Hmph. That’s its feature. Be very careful when judging it.”

He laid the sword on the judges’ table with a weary expression. Immediately, the smell of scorched wood filled the air.

“Wow… what an incredible sword! With that, most monsters would go down in one hit!”

“…Yeah. As a weapon, it’s first-rate. That much I’ll admit.”

It was flashy, large, destructive—something that instantly seized the hearts of the audience.

But… to me, it didn’t look like a magic sword.
It looked like a cursed sword.

Afterward, other works continued to be presented, but compared to the impact of Golhar’s greatsword, all else seemed dull. Even the audience’s reactions were muted.

And then… my turn finally came.

『Now, our final participant—recently a hot topic, the wandering craftsman Shijima! His entry: a pair of daggers! Please tell us about them.』

I opened the wooden case and drew out the two daggers, still in their sheaths.

“These are magic swords. But not the ‘fake magic swords’ you often see. They only activate with the wielder’s will. In other words, they also serve as catalysts for magic. Their blade structure and treatment are my own design. I ask you to judge whether they’re worthy in the eyes of the craftsmen of this city.”

The two sheathed daggers were placed before the judges.

The blades had not yet been shown to the audience, but since they would be displayed afterward, that was no problem.

“Oh… even the scabbards are works of art.”
“Look at this leather engraving… even the reinforcement fittings are decorated with fine metalwork. It matches beautifully with the white leather. But still…”
“Yeah, this isn’t an art exhibition. Show us the blade. Let’s see this ‘true magic sword’ you claim.”

The three judges unsheathed my work.

And in that instant—a black, glossy blade appeared, overwhelming all who looked upon it.

From the pure white sheath, it emerged like darkness tearing through light. I could hear the three judges gasp in awe.

“Wh-what is this blade…?! I’ve never seen such wave patterns before…!”

“Even the swords of the distant west don’t show ripples layered this intricately. But more than that—it’s here…”

“…This isn’t dyeing, you’ve woven in materials of different colors. And I can tell it’s not just for decoration either… And despite being polished so beautifully with blackening treatment, neither the hamon nor the gold has dulled at all.”

“…Rather than size, it’s the overall weight of the weapon that stands out. Yet when you grip it firmly, you hardly feel the heaviness… The balance was designed with the wielder in mind.”

“…I can’t tear my eyes away from the ripples on this blade. It’s like a sky with layered thin clouds, with streaks of gold running through it like falling stars… If this really is a magic sword, and if it truly functions as a weapon, then there’s no need to continue judging. The decision is already made.”

They were utterly captivated. Precisely because they understood the differences between weapons, the meticulous work, the craftsmanship—they recognized that my daggers were on a completely different level from those weapons that merely drained their wielder’s magic to heat up into crude killing tools.

Yes, Golhar’s sword… that was nothing but a weapon. A weapon for killing. There may be people who value such rugged brutality, and as a sword it certainly had its minimum required performance. Its lethal power would certainly appeal to some. But as a completed sword, its level could not compare to my work. I could state that with confidence.

Thus the judges’ evaluation ended, and all the works were displayed in the exhibition hall, where the general audience’s judging began.

At my booth, a pedestal was set up, and I displayed both daggers unsheathed.
Beside them, I also showcased the ornate scabbards, decorated with designs that would suit Melt.
For non-combat situations, they were meant to complement her appearance. For combat, their contrasting colors embodied her opposite.
A set crafted solely with Melt in mind was laid bare before the crowd, drawing sighs of admiration one after another.

“Whoa… incredible… how can something be this beautiful… and it’s a magic sword too…?”

“You can tell just by looking. This is a first-class blade… How in the world was this even made?”

Adventurers from outside the city muttered in awe, unable to look away.

“Wow… wow… it’s so beautiful… I’ve never seen a sword this amazing in any shop before.”

“Indeed. You’re Shijima, right? An extraordinary piece of work. I’m impressed. Because of my family background, I’ve seen famous swords, magic swords, and holy blades from all over the world. Compared to them, yours doesn’t fall short at all… No, it may even surpass them.”

With the arrival of Melt and Lady Shuris, the surrounding crowd buzzed even louder.

“I see. At the very least, it has passed the eyes of one of the Thirteen Knights.”

“Mm, without a doubt. This is… as good as decided.”

I thought the same.

Most of the general audience, too, were focused either on my booth or Golhar’s booth—but the flow of people was leaning my way.

“Unbelievable, Shijima! You might really take the championship with this!”

“Heh, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t aiming for it from the start. But… right now, I’d gladly admit defeat. After seeing something this incredible, as a fellow blacksmith I can only bow my head.”

“I see. Well… there are still some who aren’t convinced. But I think we’ll be able to show them something even more interesting soon enough.”

Looking around, I saw that at Golhar’s booth, not only the master but also many of his craftsmen had gathered, glaring at me with obvious resentment.

No doubt they would invoke their right to “revival.”

That would mean, by the rules, my work would go first—striking against that greatsword.

…Though, I had no intention of letting it play out that way.

After a while, the time came for the audience vote.

As a contestant, I waited with the other craftsmen, watching the process.

『Please take one of these slips and approach the ballot box. You’ll find orbs inscribed with each contestant’s name. Hold your slip over the one you’ve chosen, then place it into the box.』

It seemed to be a magic system that removed the need for tallying or counting afterward.

It was almost like something with microchips embedded in it—strangely modern. Though in truth, far more convenient than modern technology.

“…Already acting like you’ve won, are you, Shijima?”

“Hm? Ah, the Golhar workshop, huh. You did good work. Would’ve been valuable in wartime.”

“Hmph, that’s right.”

“Of course, you’d also need to be ready to throw away soldiers using it. I doubt any first-rate adventurer would choose it. Maybe as a secondary weapon—but it’s far too big.”

Since they’d spoken to me, I replied in kind.

After all, they might have been the ones behind the interference earlier. I had no intention of being friendly.

And that flaming greatsword of theirs… its blade just happened to be the exact size to fit the bath that had been stolen from my workshop.

Well, without proof, I wouldn’t say it out loud.

“…Tch, you hit a sore spot.”

“But it’s not bad. As an anti-large-monster weapon, it could be deployed for use by knight orders or subjugation squads.”

“…That’s true.”

This man too was without a doubt a first-rate craftsman. He must have quickly realized the weaknesses and proper usage of his own creation.

Eventually, all the votes were cast, and the announcer stepped onto the stage.

“The tally is complete! …However, since the votes were heavily lopsided this time, we will only announce the name of the winner!”

…So that’s how it is.

“The winner is… the work of the wandering blacksmith, Shijima!”

It must have been obvious to anyone watching.

The crowd was excited, yes, but their expressions clearly showed a kind of, “Well, of course.”

But—yeah, he would use his rights.

“I invoke the right of a loser’s comeback!!!!”

With that declaration from the Golhar Workshop, the venue once again came alive.

If my dagger failed to damage the flaming greatsword, and the flaming greatsword in turn cut through my dagger, the results of the tournament would be overturned.

Fine by me. Then I’ll add my own condition on top of that.

“MC! I’ve got a proposal too!! I’ll give Golhar Workshop the first move! Try cutting my magic sword with your magic sword! If you can chip even a single nick into my blade, I’ll concede the victory to you!”

I shouted loudly enough for the entire audience to hear.

…Yes, this was a show of arrogance. In truth, I didn’t think the workshop master himself was such a bad man.

Most likely, he hadn’t been able to go against the wishes of his patron noble, and had been forced into producing a half-defective weapon like this.

Same with the sabotage attempt. I just couldn’t see him as someone so cruel.

So, I’ll give him a reason. I’ll crush him so completely that he has an excuse to accept it.

That was the point of my proposal.

“Are you sure!? The weight difference is quite extreme…”

“Doesn’t matter, do it. …That sword chooses its wielder anyway. Then why not let a true master handle it?”

As I said that, I turned to address someone in the audience.

“Sir Knight of Thirteen! I’m asking you! That’s no sword a novice can wield. And the master of Golhar already burned out his mana in the demonstration earlier!”

“…You noticed, huh.”

“Yeah.”

At my call, the crowd quickly parted to either side, and Shuris stepped forward.

“Well now… I’m not exactly specialized in greatswords, you know?”

“You can’t do it? I know it’s a tall order… but I’ve heard you’re used to people asking the impossible of our former vice-captain. Think of this as part of the price.”

“Haha, can’t argue with that. Fine then, I’ll take the role of test cutter.”

Perhaps no one had expected one of the kingdom’s strongest to lend a hand, because the crowd’s excitement reached its peak.

On the steadily prepared stage, my two daggers were displayed unsheathed upon the pedestal.

And then Golhar’s flaming greatsword was carried over and handed to Shuris, who stood before the daggers.

“Urgh… it really does drain a good bit of mana. And it’s fairly heavy too.”

She was on the slender side, and I thought a greatsword might be too heavy for her.

But to my surprise, she smoothly shifted into an overhead stance with both hands, almost effortlessly.

…If she swung down with that momentum, it would absolutely crash directly into my daggers.

The blades had been set so they would strike each other directly. One side or the other must chip.

As she took her stance, the crowd’s cheers fell silent, as if water had been poured over the noise.

The blazing greatsword—wielded by one of the Thirteen Knights, a true master swordswoman—came swinging down.

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