After calming down, Maxine spent the next few days time with Emily and her family, but that didn't mean she was entirely idle. She sent one of her ravens to hide in the UN assembly area as well as a few of the more suspicious representatives to see if they would have a private meeting with an off worlder. Although, she doubted that they would do something so stupid as to meet up with their off world conspirator any time soon. Still, she figured it was a good idea to cover all of her bases.
After that, she only took a few hours of searching to find the living katana's father. The poor thing was never even bestowed a name and only her father could give her one.
Thankfully, Maxine found the swordsmith that forged the living katana. But he was in the hospital and looked ancient. She could only guess how he was able to forge a living katana at his advanced age, but right now, that didn't matter. She needed to get to him before he passed on. The living katana needed him to give her a name. And Maxine wanted him to know that he would be remembered for his accomplishment.
She asked Emily to come along to see if she could help him, but Maxine doubted Emily could do anything for him. The divine attribute could repair damaged flesh, but it couldn't reverse the flow of time.
[Thank you both for your kindness,] the living katana said gratefully.
"You're welcome," Emily replied with a smile, "And could you limit how much you talk. I'm still a little weirded out that you can actually speak."
[I've noticed that human's rarely take it well when I talk to them. The man that forced me to be his weapon threatened to destroy me if I didn't remain silent and the others that laid their hands upon me fled in terror as soon as I spoke to them,] the living katana answered, [Maxine is the only one that didn't seem to mind it at all.]
"I still can't believe that idiot didn't know how to properly treasure you," Maxine sand and noticed that they arrived at the old swordsmith's hospital room, "I believe this is your father's room."
Maxine walked inside and saw an old man hooked up to various machines. She didn't even need to use her spiritual sense to know that he wasn't going to live for much longer. However, she still had to try to help him if nothing more than to wake him long enough to give his 'daughter' a name. Now, I'm happy that I notified the dwarves about this katana's existence and a small delegation of them should arrive in a little while. Although, I'm a little surprised that it her father isn't the best living swordsmith, Yoshindo Yoshihara. This Saito Kimihara is completely unknown and lived in a rural village. I don't think he has any living family or relatives. Otherwise, they would've been here and it's too late for him to sire any children either. He only has this living katana as a daughter. I have no idea how he even forged her while in his current state.
She gently scanned him with her spiritual sense and sighed. He had, at most, a few days left to live and she was somewhat frustrated since there was literately nothing wrong with him other than old age. Even if she concocted a vitality boosting potion to help him, it would only extend his life by another six months. But why do I feel as if something is terribly wrong with him? On a hunch, she scanned his bones and discovered why he was able to forge a living katana as an ordinary person. However, she decided that it was best to keep that detail to herself for the time being.
"Emily, what do you think?" Maxine asked.
"I can ease his pain, but that's about it," Emily answered.
[Is there truly nothing that can be done?] the living katana asked desperately.
"I can extend his life by, maybe, six months," Maxine answered honestly, "As for saving him entirely, it's impossible for us. He's too old and I don't have access to the materials that can extend his life any more than that."
[I see. Please, do what you can,] the living katana asked, [And could you lay me down beside my father?]
"Of course," Maxine said as she gestured with her head for Emily to do what she could, "I'll start working on that potion."
Once Emily began applying her energies to the old man, Maxine went straight to making the potion. Although, it was actually an extremely watered down version of the vitality potion and was going to spread out the dosage over the course of a week. If she were to give him a full strength one, it would most likely kill him.
Thankfully, it only took her a handful of minutes due to the simplicity of the potion and she slowly fed it to him. Within moments, his cheeks regained color and his vital signs vastly improved. But even with that, he was still going to be bed bound for his remaining days.
After a few moments, Saito Kimihara slowly opened his eyes and spoke in japanese. Unfortunately, Maxine didn't understand a single word of it. The living katana translated for her, [Father just said 'I think you have the wrong man, miss angel.']
[I'm no angel, but I am here to help you,] Maxine told the old man while smiling via spiritual sense, [Your daughter desires a name that only you can bestow.]
[I don't have any children,] Saito Kimihara answered mentally.
[Ah, but that's where you are wrong,] Maxine replied as she gently pressed the hilt of the living katana against his skin, [Your daughter is a sword, a living sword.]
Saito Kimihara's eyes looked at the living katana with wide open eyes. Maxine had no doubt that she was talking to him, but even though she was touching the old man's mind, she was somehow excluded from their conversation. Eventually, she could hear his thoughts once more, [Asuna, that will be her name. I know it isn't a proper name for a sword, but I don't care. She is my daughter.]
Maxine showed a brilliant smile at hearing. [That is the exact same mentality that the dwarves have and they are coming here acknowledge your feat. Only ten human weapon smiths have ever forged a living weapon, yourself included, in the past million years. They honor each of the smiths before you with monuments depicting them performing their craft with their name engraved at it's base along with the name of the child that they forged. To them, there is no greater accomplishment for a blacksmith than to forge life.]
[I will be remembered?] Saito Kimihara thought to Maxine.
[For as long as the dwarven race persists, you will be remembered,] Maxine answered honestly. Saito Kimihara smiled as he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep. I was wondering when he would fall back to sleep. Vitality improving potions give their imbiber a short boost of stamina, along with a one-time small boost to their life span. That boost of stamina rarely lasts more than a minute or two. At least, even if he never wakes, he will know that his name shall be remembered.
[Thank you again,] Asuna, the living katana, said to Maxine, [Can I stay with him a little longer?]
[A little? Stay as long as you like,] Maxine replied, [I don't have anywhere I need to be for the time being, but I need to send Emily back home. She has other obligations to attend to.]
[You're very kind,] Asuna replied.
"I really should head back now," Emily said.
"I know," Maxine said with a gentle smile and created an arch that lead to just outside of the hospital Emily works at, "Take care and keep an eye out for any suspicious people."
"I will," Emily replied, "And try to avoid getting drugged again. I'm just glad that you were able to control yourself." So am I. If I had gone full hydra, no one would've made it out of there alive.
"You're not the only one," Maxine said, "Now get out of here before you're late to work. And thank you for coming to help."
"Don't mention it," Emily said as she was walking through the arch, "Just be sure to visit the clinic and give a helping hand later."
"I will," Maxine said to Emily's back before she disappeared completely through the arch.
Maxine found a seat to sit down in and pulled out a book. It wasn't long before a nurse showed up, but she left Maxine alone while tending to the old man. After nearly three hours and two alchemy books later, three of ravens tried to get her attention as two middle eastern and the chinese UN representatives began to move towards the same location after they received a phone call. Those old politicians can't possibly be this stupid. They know that I have some weird abilities and that I'm probably watching them. That means their off world conspirator is forcing the matter. If it was anyone else, this would've been a smart move since I couldn't possibly have formed my own intelligence network yet.
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Eventually, those three arrived at their location and Maxine saw who was responsible for smuggling in that beast incitement powder. She had no doubt that it was a member of the Alchemist Association just from the herbal smell emanating off of him. I had a feeling it was them, but I wasn't certain until just this moment. They're other people that can make it, but mostly it's just the Alchemist Association. I'm a little surprised they didn't send someone that wasn't a little stronger. This poor fool is barely a silver stage cultivator. It makes me wonder how good of a deal the Alchemist Association gave them. But that's a question I can present to those three idiots at a later time.
Maxine immediately pulled out a tamper-proof recording crystal and began recording everything. She had to provide proof if she was to have the Alliance's law on her side when she makes any accusations about the Alchemist Association.
"Do you have any idea how risky it is to meet you?" the chinese representative said in Alliance common, "If you hadn't threatened us, we would've never come here. And why wasn't that powder of yours more effective?"
"Like I told you before, the beast incitement powder would have a reduced efficacy on Ms. Levings due to her possessing only a beastly bloodline, but it still should've worked on her. She must possess an uncommonly strong will. Still, I believe this batch will be more than enough to overpower even her exceptional willpower," the hooded alchemist said as he set a single vial of white powder on the table. However, Maxine wasn't going to let him live after so blatantly admitting that he supplied them with the beast incitement powder. She didn't care if the Alchemist Association made a big fuss about it either. The laws of the Alliance were on her side.
Without giving them any warning, Maxine created spikes to burst out of the alchemist's shadow to pierce his forearms and shins and used them to lift him into the air. Surprisingly, he didn't cry out in pain, but looked resigned to his fate. [So, you're the one that orchestrated that mess and smuggled in a highly restricted substance to my world. By the laws of the Alliance, I'm well within my rights to kill every last single one of you fuckers,] Maxine said via spiritual sense to everyone in that room, [But I'm feeling generous so, I'm going to forgive the three fools that worked with you just this once. I still need them, for now. It's also clear as day that none of your bothered to read up on the laws of the Alliance. But make no mistake. If this happens again, your heads will fly.] To further make her point, she had a bladed tendril erupt out of the alchemist's shadow and beheaded him in one motion. The resulting blood spatter covered the faces of three representatives. God, I wish that hadn't been necessary, but if I don't make an example out of that prick, these guys would try something like this again. And why can't those assholes from the Alchemist Association just leave me alone? I already warned them what would happen if they didn't. Even if I complain, they will just deny that they did, so no point in even trying. But if I do nothing, it will encourage this behavior. I hate to act like a savage, but I'm going to send this fucker's head to them in a box as a warning. And it will be their last warning.
With a mental sigh, she watched as the alchemist's head bounced off of the ceiling and landed on the table directly in front of them. They were frozen in fear for a couple seconds before they scrambled for the door. While they weren't looking, Maxine retrieved his head and put it in her dimensional ring. She also snatched the beast incitement powder as well as the alchemist's dimensional pouch.
Maxine rolled her eyes and retracted her spiritual sense. There wasn't any point to watch them any further. They would either take heed to her warning or ignore it. But after seeing their reaction, she didn't think they would build up the courage to try anything as stupid as that again in the foreseeable future. Their replacements, though, might have other ideas. Hopefully, someone competent will show up by then to take over for me.
Maxine checked on Saito Kimihara, but he was still sleeping with Asuna, the living katana, at his side. It wasn't until another hour that a nurse noticed her and tried to remove her from her father's side. Oddly enough, the male nurse immediately released Asuna as soon as he touched her. Maxine didn't know what Asuna said to him, but the poor man made a point to avoid that side of the hospital bed whenever possible. Then again, maybe he's freaked out by a talking sword. Yeah, that's probably it.
A few minutes later, Maxine felt an unfamiliar spiritual sense scan the building and momentarily focus on Asuna. [Are ye the lass that protects his world?] a man with a deep voice asked to her via spiritual sense.
[Yes, I am. Are you the dwarven appraiser?] Maxine asked in return.
[Aye, that I am,] the dwarven appraiser answered, [I can see ye haven't mistreated this child. But I be curious. Why did ye lay her next to that old man?]
[That's her father by her own admission,] Maxine answered, [Although, I can understand your confusion since he's an ordinary man. But if you check his skeletal age, you will understand.]
[Oh?] the dwarven appraiser said with curiosity and immediately his tone turned to one of surprise and grief, [Such a loss! He sacrificed his remaining years to forge that young lass. Tis' such a shame. Regardless, how do ye want to handle this young one while we help her find her partner?] I wouldn't have realized how old he was either until my spiritual sense penetrated his bones. No one would think it, but this man is only 41 years old. Yet looks like he's well over 80.
[I would like a dwarven guardian to care for her after her father passes,] Maxine said honestly, [It's not because I don't want to do it myself. I simply do not have the time to help her find her partner.]
[I will see it done. How long does he have?] the dwarven appraiser asked.
[I'm not entirely sure, but if I had to guess, less than six months,] Maxine answered.
[Tis' a shame,] the dwarven appraiser said sadly, [Do ye have a picture of him performin' his craft?]
[I don't, but with a little searching, I think I can procure a picture of him before he forged Asuna,] Maxine answered.
[That be enough,] the dwarven appraiser said, [Ah, where are my manners! My name be Throm. I'll be keepin' an eye on the young lass while yer gone.]
[That's much appreciated,] Maxine replied, [I'll go find that picture after you arrive.]
[I'll be there in but a few moments, lass,] dwarven appraiser Throm replied.
Maxine began looking around for anything that might tell her where Saito Kimihara lived, but she couldn't read japanese. I guess I'll just have to look around for a bit. It shouldn't take me too long. Asuna gave me a mental image of his smithy and his home. At least, I know that it's in a rural area. That helps somewhat. I don't see anyone carting him off to some far away city to have him treated. So, his home must be somewhere nearby. As long as I don't get distracted, I should be able to find it soon enough. With a sigh, she spread out her spiritual sense in every direction and carefully searched for the smithy that Asuna was forged at while she waited for Throm to arrive.
While she waited, a sheet of paper appeared in her lap as she heard Turan say softly, "This is the missing page from that book I gave you. Read it quickly and destroy it. I don't know how long the others will be away." Maxine nodded her head to the air and quickly examined the sheet of paper.
On one side, there was a drawing of a woman that had almost the same face as Maxine, but there were some key differences. For one, this woman was clearly a shadow elf, but far more evolved. The next few differences was that she seemed to have galaxies within her eyes, had hair that started off white at the roots before fading to black at the ends near her waist, was considerably taller than Maxine, and had a literal black crown in the opaline gem on her forehead.
Maxine flipped the sheet of paper over and saw text written in elvish, but in a different dialect than the one she knew. So, it took a bit of effort to translate it all. It more or less confirmed a few things for Maxine about the appearance of what the Shadow Lords were looking for, but it also added on the fact that she would be a fused soul. How the hell would they even know that? It's almost like they had a prophet peer into the future, but I guess he or she saw only what they wanted to. I may not have a galaxy in each of my eyes, but I do have six golden specks in the shape of stars in each eye.
She read it over and glanced at the drawing one last time before incinerating it. At the same time, she located Saito Kimihara's smithy. It was nearly forty miles away. A bit far to go, but this hospital is the closest one to that smithy. So it makes sense for them to bring him here.
With a thought, she scanned his entire home for any pictures of him. She found several and they were taken from many different angles. Most of which were taken a few years ago during some kind of event. She created a series of portals as she gathered them up and managed to grab the last one just as Throm arrived.
He was four foot tall, had black hair and couldn't possibly be more muscular as far as Maxine was concerned. His beard was woven in several braids with rings and other adornments mixed in amongst the braids.
"Here," Maxine said as she handed the photos to Throm, "They are not holograms, but with this many, it shouldn't be hard for a dwarven craftsmen to accurately craft his monument." Throm gingerly collected them before putting them into a dimensional pouch.
"Thank ye, lass," Throm replied, "Now that I take a better look at ye, do ye happen to have elven blood in yer veins?"
"Shadow elf to be exact," Maxine replied honestly, "But I'm mostly human."
"I figured as much," Throm said, "Now, I got everything handled here. Now, off with ye and attend to whatever business ye have left today."
"I will and please, alert me if there is any change in his condition," Maxine said, "See you later." Throm simply nodded his head and took a seat.
Maxine looked at the room one more time and created an arch back home. As soon as she was through the arch, she was immediately ambushed by grandma Victoria.
"Maxine! Here, look at this," Grandma Victoria said excitedly as she shoved a knowledge crystal into Maxine's hands, "I can't believe that there is a living young man that fits your criteria and he's coming here!" Maxine gave grandma Victoria a weird look before she looked into the knowledge crystal and saw an image of man with only one arm and leg. His face was also destroyed. But he suffered those injuries defending a small city and she couldn't find anything or anyone that forced him to do it in the information provided by her grandmother. Holy shit! He's an honest to god, self-sacrificing hero. Wait, just because grandma couldn't find anything, doesn't mean that there wasn't some other reason for his actions. Still, to suffer those kind of injuries and continue fighting, he must either be the real deal or he was protecting someone very dear to him. Either way, I only gave those ridiculous requirements because I didn't think anyone would ever satisfy them. I couldn't just tell them that I have no interest in anyone other than Emily. Those fuckers wouldn't believe me. Regardless, now that someone actually meets those stupid requirements, I should at least give him a chance. Otherwise, I'll get harassed by even more young masters when they realize my requirements were bullshit.