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Ch 10 - Forging Companions of War I

Ch 10 - Forging Companions of War I

I closed the door of my workshop and stood upright at my workbench instead of taking a seat. Slowly, I placed my hands on the table and took a deep breath. It was starting now. The first and most crucial step: the Luminous Blade. If I failed to craft this blade properly, stepping into the tower would be equivalent to signing my death warrant.

The materials were laid out before me. A piece of Gloresium, with its light-emitting surface, shimmered on the workbench. That soft blue glow always captivated me, but I was also acutely aware of its fragility. Beside it lay Glintsteel, dark and stoic, as though harboring a silent strength within. Combining these two opposing materials was a task that, if not handled precisely, could lead to disaster.

The first step was clear: shaping the materials.

Gloresium was renowned for both its beauty and its delicate nature. A single mistake, and all I’d have left would be a pile of dust. I carefully grasped the piece with my left hand, while my right hand picked up a fine-working tool. One of the enchanted instruments on my bench, a magical rasp that used heat and vibrations to shape materials, would allow me to work with precision. As I worked with the rasp, the material’s radiant glow filled the workshop with a soft blue aura.

“Slow... slow…” I murmured to myself. This kind of work demanded patience. As I shaped the Gloresium into something resembling a blade, I paid close attention to every movement, trying to feel the vibrations of the material. After some time, it began to take the desired form. But my task was far from over.

After shaping, the surface needed to be both smooth and durable. This was where my special polishing fluid came into play. I applied the fluid to the blade’s surface and polished it gently with my handcrafted soft cloth. With every motion, the Gloresium’s glow intensified, almost as if it were alive.

Next came Glintsteel—less fragile than Gloresium, but just as challenging to work with. This metal would provide the flexibility and durability the blade required. Failure here could mean the blade snapping on the first strike or bending into uselessness.

I placed the Glintsteel in the forge and lit the fire. Bright orange flames gradually changed the metal’s dark hue into a glowing red. As I waited for it to reach the right temperature, I grabbed my hammer with my other hand. This process demanded swift and decisive movements.

“Now!” I said, pulling the metal from the forge. I placed it on the workbench and began hammering it into shape. Sparks flew with each strike, dancing alongside the Gloresium’s glow. The rhythm of my hammer was critical; hitting too hard could fracture the metal, while too light a strike wouldn’t shape it effectively.

The next step was the most critical of all: merging the Gloresium and Glintsteel. The essence of the blade lay in this union. First, I carefully encased the Gloresium blade in a fine frame of Glintsteel. This would not only enhance the blade’s durability but also protect the Gloresium without obscuring its natural light.

To solidify the fusion, I used a special magic seal. I retrieved this small artifact from a lower drawer in my workbench. Its purpose was to harmonize the energies between the two materials. Placing my hands on either side of the blade, I began reciting the incantation. The glow of the Gloresium intensified, while the Glintsteel seemed to radiate a faint brilliance of its own.

he sword had taken shape, but it was still an unfinished masterpiece. I needed to sharpen its edges, create the hilt, and adjust its weight balance. I moved to the sharpening stone and began to work slowly. With each motion, the blade’s edge became sharper. I could hear my own breath; there were no other sounds in the workshop.

The final step was to add the hilt. I shaped a piece of Glintsteel into a smooth curve and wrapped it in leather. This would provide a comfortable grip and prevent slippage during sweaty conditions.

The Luminous Blade stood before me. In the dim light of the workshop, the sword glowed, exactly as I had imagined. Light, durable, and deadly... I grasped the hilt and swung it slowly. A sharp, swift wind followed... This sword would be my closest companion in the tower.

[Luminous Blade obtained.] [Luminous Blade] [The Luminous Blade has a special structure that emits light in the dark and is incredibly durable.]

As I placed the sword back on the workbench, I thought to myself, "One is done, now for the others." My heart was filled with both pride and a sense of unease about the challenges I would face in the tower. But there was no turning back now.

A light breeze stirred in the workshop, and the air drifting through the window moved between the materials on my bench, creating a soft, silent melody. I carefully placed the Luminous Blade into its special sheath. Now, it was time for the Stealth Arrows and Bow. I needed to strike the perfect balance between silence and lethality. This weapon would allow me to hunt my enemies from a distance, unnoticed.

On the workbench, I spread out the materials that represented the spirit of a hunter: Blackcharash, dark and sturdy, was a faithful protector. Beside it lay Silentvine, almost intangible with its delicate fibers, yet strong. Together, they promised a flawless union of silence and lethality.

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I started with the arrows. This was a delicate craftsmanship that required precision, as the tips had to be both aerodynamic and capable of silently piercing the target.

Blackcharash Shaft

I carefully selected pieces of Blackcharash. A piece too thick would increase the arrow’s weight and reduce its speed, while one that was too thin would be fragile. After finding the right piece, I used my special knives to cut it into a straight, balanced shape. The sparks flying during the cutting process were like tiny fireflies dancing in the workshop.

Once the shaft was ready, I used a special blend I had prepared to polish the arrows. This mixture not only reduced the arrows' friction but also completely eliminated the noise during flight.

Arrowheads

To create the arrowheads, I used Blackcharash once again. This metal not only ensured the tips were hard and durable, but it also had a unique property that allowed it to shatter upon impact, dealing additional damage to the enemy. As I shaped the arrowheads on a small anvil, the metallic sound of each strike filled the workshop.

Silentvine Fletchings

Next, I worked on the fletchings to ensure the arrows flew straight. I carefully cut Silentvine fibers into thin, symmetrical pieces. This material was so light and smooth it nearly eliminated wind resistance. I attached the fibers to the rear of the arrows and secured them with a special adhesive mixture. This mixture fused the fibers to the shafts, making them impossible to detach.

The arrows were ready. Now, I needed to work on the bow that would launch them. The bow would be one of the most critical tools in the tower. It needed to be light, strong, and precise.

Blackcharash Bow Body

For the bow’s main body, I chose a long piece of Blackcharash. I gently heated it, shaping it into a strong yet flexible form. The hardness of Blackcharash would make the bow resistant to breaking. The key during shaping was to find the right balance between flexibility and rigidity.

Silentvine Bowstring

For the bowstring, I used Silentvine fibers. These fibers were almost invisible in their thinness, yet incredibly durable. I braided the fibers into a bowstring and attached it to the bow’s ends using a special tying technique. These knots were so secure that they wouldn’t come undone under high tension.

With the arrows and bow ready, I knew the work wasn’t complete. A weapon must always be tested before it is truly finished. I prepared the small range at the back of my workshop. Setting up a target board, I placed the first arrow onto the bow.

As I drew the bowstring, I heard a faint, melody-like sound as the Silentvine string stretched. When I released the arrow, there was a sharp but silent “thwip” as it pierced the target. I walked over to inspect the arrow’s penetration: the depth was perfect, and the arrow was almost invisible in the target.

[Stealth Arrows and Bow]

[Silent and effective for long-range strikes. Enhanced lethality with Blackash arrows and a lightweight, swift bow made of Whisperwood.

The Stealth Arrows and Bow were now complete. As I walked back from the range with the bow and arrows in hand, I felt both a sense of relief and tension. This weapon would be my best companion for silent hunting in the tower. Like a shadow bringing death in silence, I would take down my prey with this bow. But first, I had to finish my other weapons. I turned and looked back at the workbench. There was still much to be done.

The silence in my workshop heightened the intensity of my thoughts. I looked at the materials on the table—Venomtail, Blackcharash, and Silentvine. These three materials were coming together for a single purpose: to create a silent but deadly weapon. The Poisoned Dagger would be a small, but lethal tool, disabling my enemies at unexpected moments.

Blackcharash Shaping

To create the blade’s body, I took a piece of Blackcharash metal. This material, with its solid structure, would ensure the blade's longevity. I heated the piece on the anvil and, with each hammer strike, shaped the metal into a fine and elegant blade form.

To create a thin and sharp point, I used a special file. The surface of the blade was made matte, reflecting no light. This feature would give me an advantage in situations requiring stealth.

The Venom's Bed

In the center of the blade, I carved a small channel to hold the Venomtail poison. This channel was designed to release the poison directly upon impact with the target. While carving the channel, I had to be cautious of Blackcharash's durability. If I wasn’t careful, the metal could crack.

Silentvine Wrapping

For the handle, I focused on comfort and balance. I carefully braided Silentvine fibers and wrapped them around the blade’s handle. This would prevent slipping during use and ensure the handle was light yet durable.

The Poisoned Touch

At the end of the handle, I designed a small cap. This cap concealed a Venomtail liquid reservoir that could be carried alongside the blade. If the poison ran out during battle, the reservoir would allow the blade to be replenished.

Poison Preparation

Before using the Venomtail poison, I had to stabilize it. If applied directly, it could pose a danger to the blade and might diminish the poison's effectiveness. In a small glass container, I thinned the Venomtail liquid with a special mixture to stabilize it and give it a more reliable form.

Application to the Blade

Using a brush, I carefully applied the prepared poison to the surface of the blade. Any lapse in concentration during this process could be deadly. Each drop of poison spread evenly across the blade’s channel and edges. Once the poison fully soaked in, it created an almost invisible layer on the surface.

I took the blade in my hand and checked its balance. The handle and tip needed to be in perfect harmony. I silently approached the target board. When I swung the blade with a light motion, it pierced the target with almost no sound. Upon inspecting the target, I noticed the Venomtail poison began to take effect almost instantly.

[Poisoned Dagger]

[Deadly and silent in close combat. Infused with Tailvenom for a paralyzing effect, and enhanced with Whisperwood for swift handling.]

The Poisoned Dagger was now ready. This small but deadly weapon would allow me to incapacitate my enemies silently and quickly. I placed it into its sheath and strapped it to my belt. I briefly touched the Silentvine wrapping on the handle. I knew this weapon would remain loyal to me, like a trusted companion.

Turning back to my workbench, I began gathering the materials for my next weapon...