Chapter 9: Life’s Brutal (2)
When Blake achieved the perfect crescent curve, Vargar examined the blade's spine and edge, checking that hammer marks were smoothed out, the surface was consistent, and the edge was sharp and even.
There were a few minor imperfections that could be fixed through polishing, which wasn't a problem.
"Yeah, it's good work for a first-timer," Vargar said. "This blade is eager to slice through enemies and, to me, feels like a beast restrained by chains."
"Does it?" Blake asked, narrowing his eyes as he tried to sense the blade's spirit, which somehow eluded him despite his strong connection to it. Of course, it wasn't a true katana yet; the blade still needed to be fitted with a handle—a tsuka.
Vargar didn't have much expertise with handles.
He often outsourced this work to artisans in neighboring cities. Depending on a handle's quality, he'd either leave it as is or make additional carvings to perfect his creation.
As a traveling blacksmith, he needed at least some experience in this area.
Now that he had shared some of his knowledge with Blake, the two crafted a simple handle for Blake's first katana.
Once assembled, the weapon was complete.
<+25 STR, +40 DEX>
DING!
<+10% AS>
Blake hadn't noticed a single message from his game system.
Instead, he gazed at his katana, captivated by it.
Now he could see what Vargar had sensed within the blade—the restrained beast.
It was as if he had infused a part of his own fierce spirit into the katana, giving life to an entity that craved blood in his stead.
It was like controlling his own impatience.
All he needed was to craft a sheath for it and slide the katana into place. Beyond that, the katana felt so precious to Blake that he wanted to give it what it deserved—blood and proper care.
He also felt inspired to forge more items and leave a piece of himself in them.
At that very moment, a spark of creative inspiration ignited within him!
"I want so much more of this," Blake whispered, admiring his blade, which gleamed with a fresh and hungry sheen.
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The beast had been tamed.
-
Reading the title's description, Blake learned that he was recognized as part of The Lost Kingdom. This title essentially granted him access to other zones related to The Lost Kingdom without any prerequisites.
Perhaps it would upgrade over time to provide the exact locations of other zones.
Knowing his katana's measurements intimately, Blake carved a wooden sheath for it.
Vargar also had black paint to give the sheath a better appearance.
Of course, he didn't go easy on Blake, offering stern guidance.
"You're not painting just a part but the entire sheath! Use broad strokes!"
"Okay, I get it! I'm only familiar with digital coloring, you know?"
"I don't know what that means!"
Since they felt that a restrained beast resided within Blake's katana, they decided to add stylish chains to its plain handle—features that wouldn't hinder the weapon's use.
After that, the katana project was truly complete.
It rested at Blake's hip like an extension of himself and complemented his appearance.
Though he was from the western part of the world, people always joked that he was the reincarnation of a Japanese man because of his talent with katanas and his artistic skills.
"I'll get a blueprint for my mask... I mean, helmet," Blake said.
"You don't want to forge armor first? Your priorities and preferences are peculiar," Vargar said, stroking his beard.
Later that day, Blake lamented the lack of digital conveniences, much to Vargar's confusion.
-
Meanwhile, Joel had defeated a mini-boss in the abandoned village and picked up one of the loot items reserved for him.
His heart leaped as he gripped the spear's shaft. The weapon had a sleek silver design and emitted a cold, menacing aura; it was chilly to the touch.
He couldn't check its stats just yet.
He needed to prepare himself mentally for the moment.
Closing his eyes, he tilted his head back and took a deep breath.
Finally, Joel examined the name and description.
<+15 STR, +17 DEX>
<1 Skill—Thrust (Common): Thrust your weapon to deal 100% of your spear's damage>
A glistening tear formed at the corner of Joel's eye.
He wiped it away and exhaled.
"Not yet," Joel whispered. "...My destined legendary weapon isn't here yet."
Joel stood in silent contemplation for a minute.