"Karna's expression is bright."

"I really hope this will help him open up a little."

"It felt like he'd been holding something back for so long."

After safely leaving the palace, the three of them walked south towards the blacksmith.

After asking some residents along the way, they finally arrived at the blacksmith.

"Is this... the blacksmith?"

It was no wonder Belhard tilted his head. It looked like an ordinary private home, and it didn't look like they could even display weapons.

"Let's go in for now."

"We don't sharpen weapons here."

The shopkeeper, with his beautifully bald head and long beard, replied to Belhard's request without changing his expression.

"Since magic is the mainstay of this country, weapon polishing technology is not well developed. However, they can polish agricultural equipment."

"Is that the same for the other weapon shop?"

The shopkeeper nodded in response to Elliot's words.

"That's a problem. I guess I'll have to get it sharpened at the next El Santo."

The shopkeeper opened his eyes slightly at his words.

"El Santo... monsters are rampant there right now, so it would be better for you to sharpen it while you're in Brannor."

"What?! Is that what's happening?"

"If you want your weapon sharpened that badly, I'll sharpen it for you if you can get me a whetstone in Keld Forest. The whetstones here are rough and not suitable for sharpening weapons."

"Okay, I'll go and get it. Where is Keld Forest?"

"It's half a day's drive southeast from Brannor. With your youth, you should be able to get there in half that time."

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"Okay, I'll go and get the whetstone, so please come then."

The shopkeeper gave a thumbs up.

The three of them reached the depths of Keld Forest, defeating the weak monsters sent by Trasteria. There were traces of whetstones clearly mined on the rocks. "We've come all the way to the quarry, but you didn't ask what kind of stones we wanted."

"That's right... I'll just take whatever I can find."

In the end, they returned the way they came, carrying around twenty whetstones, and put them down, putting up the unnecessary trouble of fighting monsters.

"Two, eh?"

"Two?"

Of the twenty whetstones, only two were able to pass the test.

"I'm tired now. Let's have a drink."

While the three rested and Karna was training his magic, the sharpening of the weapons was finished.

Eight days after Karna began his training, the four of them gathered together. They were waiting for Clare in the great hall of the palace again.

"Training... was hell."

Karna, who had been immersed in training, could not hide his dejected expression.

Of course. He said it would take a month, but it only took a week.

Elliot sympathized with Karna, who looked a little haggard.

At that moment, the sound of shoes echoed from the podium. Clare appeared.

"Now, heroes, let's get to the point. Every night, a monster appears in the Barzana Cemetery to the west of here, causing fear among the local residents. The palace's magicians are short-handed. If you don't mind, would you be so kind as to exterminate it?"

"Yes, if the residents are in trouble."

Elliot knelt on one knee and placed one hand on his chest, pledging respectfully.

"The Barzana Cemetery is in my hometown, Kanatini. If you don't mind, why don't you meet my mother and spend the night there?"

Leaving the palace, Karna urged Belhard and the others.

"That's right, we won't have to pay for lodging, so let's go."

"Karna's mother is a magician too, isn't she? Doesn't she live in the palace?"

Elliot asked a reasonable question.

"There are several magicians who live away from the palace. My mother is one of them, and she was doing charity work in the village. However, one day she suddenly fell ill with an unknown illness. As my sister-in-law said, it seems that several magicians are currently treating her."

"I see... Let's head there for now. I'm sure you want your mother to have something sweet to eat."

"Yes, I hope she's safe."

Elliot pulled out his knight sword and looked at the well-sharpened blade.

"Right, let's go!"