Chapter 201: The Young Tall Furnace (1)
VMdEven in this moment when everything is collapsing, my heart kept beating.dloJG0D
GQoOThough I was born cold, it held the world’s most intense heat inside it.F5noM
PJDOWithin the heart, glowing a bright red, there seemed to be a massive dragon made of fire looking down at Kihano.452Jwd
B5577mG“…This is the great tall furnace.”EEVH
Mx0y6XThe eternal breath that resides within the great furnace.QOg
Gt7eoCRFacing the eyes of the purest and hottest spirit of any flame, Kihano removed the hood he was wearing.0NhM
6ju3The sound of the city collapsing was loud outside, but when I made eye contact with the old and gigantic being, it felt as if time had stopped.yoHQ6OM
vcPoQTuClang! Clang!QXkrjR
p6OWith each thunderous vibration that shook the ground, stone dust fell from the ceiling, and the hanging forge tools creaked dangerously.gUKfwMx
Tp6MtHowever, the old dwarf’s hand forging his last masterpiece remained steady and precise.GoZ
ADZJ6“…Almost finished.”6L6ymhD
3R4UnuWith gritted teeth, the old dwarf hammered the anvil.2Sc8res
bjUTFAt this moment, he was putting his whole body into hammering the red-hot metal, to the point that even his stance was faltering.gyE5A
X0hPVEach strike made his face appear to wither, which was not just an illusion.WG8c1i9
GXdPkDBGrrraaaar!6HvSd
NxSa“Master! There’s no time left!”f5W
rb9Amidst the constant sound of hammering, the dragon’s roar, now close, could be heard.t0pi0
MTa5nSensing the approaching threat, Kihano urgently called out to the old dwarf, but he just focused on giving the final blows.s77
MWvB5“So, this is your form.”v4vev9
bUAM2From a shapeless piece, it had now become a sword with a defined outline.mRabmO
29VFThe old dwarf smiled with satisfaction as he looked at the sword, which had been polished to a smooth appearance, as if it had wanted to be born in that shape.3n9T
uxFns“…It’s ready. Young swordsman.”EDg5sNg
rJirThe highest point of the forge, which only the finest masters can ascend.iGI
kHm0The old dwarf there placed a silver sword into the molten metal flowing along the pipe.yHAkre
KBcboHe was too far to hand it over personally, and his aged body no longer had any energy left.TZ5h
n045rvfThe slowly cooling molten metal began to carry the old dwarf’s last creation.NUbY4xh
qBTxP“This is the last work of this forge!”YpkVlo
BACThe forge was collapsing.y36
1xOThe stone dust, which fell occasionally, was now coming down in the form of debris.wNi
Tmy“Master! You have to get out quickly!”ekJj9qZ
k08EXXm“No!”0kwGif
HXSUIn response to Kihano’s cry, the old dwarf just shook his head.VFGYv
y3c3DThe spirit dragon inside the tall furnace approached the dwarf, as if thanking him for his last effort.IRi
NLZsw“If you don’t mind, give this name. Kihano Frausen!”EFWehj
1T2eUFollowing the metal veins from high to low.Vwn
PCndThe silver sword, forged by the old dwarf’s hands, stopped in front of Kihano along with the red-hot metal.Wht9M2
hgDVqo“The last creation of the tall furnace, ‘The Silver Knight.’”OQYj
AyWGMw“…Master smith!”2joPoO
ODZKwakagagagang-!eTkiO
aMCzJWith the old dwarf’s last words, the ceiling collapsed, and a huge shadow fell upon him.BDvhw
iKG33HHowever, the old dwarf only smiled as if he was satisfied until the last moment of his life.x25
9OM5“…It’s okay.”kRKs
pHbThrough the broken ceiling, cold blue eyes.Q7r7Jv
v4HKKihano looked up fiercely as he met the gaze of the most perfect dragon.F3e1BU
qpLu7“The Silver Knight you sent me. I have received it.”mPw
ZqdpFrom the collapsing tall furnace, the last breath of the spirit spread out.8ug
VMrbFeeling that breath scatter fleetingly, Kihano raised the Silver Knight.Z6xPqlF
satLcxThe cast iron that began in the tall furnace had cooled, but he felt as if he could still feel the bright red heartbeat of the silver knight he was holding.a96qo
zJQ***x37g
Q8uDzM“Hmm…”imO
NHsI5On the deck, where the sailors hurried back and forth, Vlad sat in a corner, inspecting his sword with a narrowed eye.hmhqF
WpOlNW“No matter how much I look at this thing, I can’t tell if it’s sharp or not.”6SDi
Nq6Though it was his precious sword, Vlad’s expression showed slight dissatisfaction.HuhaP4
7dYy7This was because he didn’t like the balance of the sword, which had become slightly distorted due to the battles so far.jbt9B
EEaA4[It’s inevitable. It’s not something that can be fixed with a simple sharpening stone.]xuOCv
3Wze“Still, it feels strangely smooth.”GTCpE0U
55irXqt[That’s also inevitable. It’s not finished.]oR63
HDRKVNHearing Kihano say that nothing could be done, Vlad let out a small sigh.CSmu
9F8dWMAs he said, Vlad’s current sword was an unfinished blade that had not yet reached completion.y7oC3Q
k6kFOya‘My grandfather said he had sharpened the blade, but hadn’t tempered it properly… I’m sorry.’x1O
R8AZVlad recalled the young priestess who had apologized with a remorseful expression while handing him the sword she had forged with so much effort.AgZGCd
TEO6XSsShe had said that her inexperience had caused the problem, but that was also inevitable.knwHa
NBSkJCs“Mist! The mist is coming!”9B6lou
QDg7d[It seems we’ve arrived.]eyE9
H262dHearing the lookout’s shout, Vlad stood up and could see the mist approaching from afar, just as the lookout had said.mPebe
Rqz8liHIndeed, as the lookout had mentioned, a misty fog was coming in from the distant sea.5DXKZx
l6Z“This mist is as white as if milk had been spilled.”nG7UZ
3vl2Observing the fog over the sea, Vlad sheathed his sword and quickly moved toward the railing.fokuE
ESQza2OThis was because Otar’s voice scolding the sailors on deck was unusual.90W4m2
W6m“Lower all the sails! We’re entering a reef zone!”SmE6eH9
T7GRw8K“Those without tasks, go to the railing and keep a lookout! If you see anything, shout immediately!”zSR
f9lThe waves were calm, but Otar’s voice from the center of the deck was as loud as thunder.jsAk
zDsauUEven Vlad was momentarily surprised that Otar, who was usually quiet, had such a powerful voice.m7SrZ
ftiC1UR“We’re entering! Everyone, to your positions!”YXz
tLbnWith the loud sound of Harven turning the helm, the Zemina was swallowed by the mist.3CNMJpu
dI6xThen what you see is a fog thicker than expected.Uh7KLy2
ctKhFeeling as if not only his vision but also the sounds he could hear were obscured, Vlad turned his head back and forth as if curious.z1Xul
5N244“Are you also keeping watch, Lord Joseph?”zLfBAW
5jq“No.”Ug1YtmK
Js1B6WlThe fog was so thick that it seemed as if Joseph had appeared out of nowhere.Hgoh8
SgCHe walked indifferently and now rested his arms on the railing, looking out at the sea where nothing could be seen.ybO
SmYa“You seem to be doing well lately. I’m glad.”56uoI
1dn“Really?”EhBVX
n608yjPerhaps it was because of the white mist, but Joseph’s usually dark shadowed eyes were not visible.lNSF
aL3dVlad was smiling at seeing Joseph, who had become much healthier these days, but frowned when he heard the sound that followed.O0tCO9N
ySt“Uueeegh-”DaOZ
2pRMVD“…Hmm.”0r7
zZuA very explicit sound came from Joseph, who had lowered his head.nyjnf
rvhcIn a vision that seemed familiar from somewhere before, Vlad simply kept his distance and rubbed Joseph’s back.rCGi1Zu
ZqW3‘It must be genetic to be susceptible to seasickness.’Xuf
pfQCVlad, scratching his head awkwardly, thought of the two brothers, who though different in appearance, shared this weakness.rF74
9K6He felt a bit uncomfortable thinking that perhaps he too could have something in common with these people.NNWUV
oyBOcb“Vlad. I think we’ve reached the point marked on the map.”pNwb
XWqxlH“Well done.”g1HDv3
km3LD4Vlad nodded as he looked at Harven coming down from the helm.55iBzB
5kxAlthough it was a difficult place that most captains would avoid, and even though it was his first time on this voyage, Harven finally managed to bring the group safely to their destination.zxP5
ngy68HW“And now what? Do we just blow this?”JTBxkk
XlXo“That’s what they say.”YS5Nz
uYt202“Then we should do it quickly. Even though we’ve anchored, the nearby reefs are a concern.”jlU
ytuVThe conch shell that would likely mark a highlight in the journey was ready. Although Joseph, as the leader of the group, should have blown it, he was still by the railing vomiting.qUS2Rfa
Jx8F718“…Do it yourself.”KHM
Cg1G“I guess I have to.”mxmCFB3
P09d6VWith the sound of vomiting still in the background, Harven quickly handed the conch shell to Vlad.jMIJ
lkBuvKHIt was impossible for a conch shell that seemed precious to emit a strange smell without reason.EOxbeF
6OqobgV“Hmm.”7ZKlE
FxbukGVlad accepted the conch shell from Harven with an awkward gesture.mrSf2SB
00Jpu6bThough it was just a signaling instrument, he had never held one before.wG6N
IuPB“Through this small hole…”XqFTn
1hwX1k“Yes, that’s right.”RLMe
wzgAl2Vlad brought the conch shell to his mouth, looking out at the unseen sea. The sailors, knowing they could only rely on the conch shell, watched his movements attentively.2qJ1
QRFVu“Piii-”XUkbZW
LsjuOxK“What are you doing now?”woeiL
86mxXjN“…Damn. I guess it’s because it’s my first time.”Wjen
87qSsThe sound of Joseph vomiting beside me.Uk1Lz
c9pRaIn front, the disappointed look of Harven.a4b1
2sSRcpFeeling embarrassed by the weak whistle he had produced, Vlad took a deep breath.mgL
AGP“Puuuuu-”UgdZ0LF
FYYqZ“You did it!”xSOGys
JymKtGu“Oh!”IdK6
1OpDA loud and clear sound echoed over the sea. It might have been his imagination, but Vlad felt that the sound of the conch shell reverberated through the fog.9wG
6oY4vre“I’ve blown the conch shell, but now what?”3eFCX
csj5Ti“…Good question.”VDG8z
p8HHowever, after blowing the horn, all that could be felt was the silence conveyed by the gentle waves.p3DKe08
8qHWTkJJoseph, who was wiping his mouth under the gaze of Harven and Vlad, simply shrugged.mqzTIF
ZR5Xb“We have to keep blowing until something happens.”AzV0DTl
BbLt“…”b2Uy7Qj
TTWckCvHow long does it mean to keep blowing?HXwkQB
p1XWswLooking at Joseph, who was leaning against the railing with a helpless expression on his face, Vlad brought the conch shell to his mouth once again.F9Hmase
Z5bAnQK“Huh?”pFipW
mR7However, just as he was about to blow the horn, Vlad could see a long stick floating in the sea.ZYSJhP
YJdViI don’t know why, but Vlad noticed a strange look and quickly grabbed Harven’s shoulder.Kjo
KuJ8q“Harven, what is that? Is it a sea creature?”SSy5
0ClT“Huh? Where?”dPQr
CtngHarven tilted his head, looking in the direction Vlad was pointing.xisa
CWGMHowever, where Harven looked, there was only a calm sea.oFGS
LfDMFqEThe long stick that Vlad had just seen wasn’t even visible.S4l
bCe“What are you talking about?”mdict
ipksuZ6“It just submerged.”ijyy
jTeM“What?”R87
annsZDB“…I’m telling you something submerged.”x0dhVpk
j0FKOVSeeing Vlad with a frozen expression on his face as if he had seen a ghost, Harven swallowed involuntarily.Valt
unYPKNUHe knew that Vlad didn’t exaggerate or joke about these things.qunHE4
gYXDxe2“There’s something there.”eiKl
qGfxXVlad, scanning the sea with narrowed eyes, saw bubbles rising from below.plz
ZqvfIt was a strange sign that didn’t match the previously calm sea.fHuL4
P4DK“…Nibelun, do you sense anything?”Ks8MP
GK8M“What do you mean?”8wdV8oj
dRZtv6“That mysterious thing you’re talking about. It’s something that’s hard to explain with words.”jXaXx
H4JlAt Vlad’s sudden question, Nibelun perked up his ears.FlT
9Vyz3ucA world of mystery pursued by the instinct of curiosity.2r8fl
waay3eAHowever, Nibelun couldn’t find any sign of it anywhere in the wide sea.weAkf7
2plZ“No, besides the fog, I don’t feel anything special.”liy8oXh
dyi“Really?”HQFnaEW
wXNSHAfter hearing Nibelun’s response, Vlad slowly drew his sword.8pc
eYbyThe group surrounding them began to panic seeing him move cautiously, fearing that someone might notice.pBqQa
9eYSxc0“…Then, I’ll handle this.”EjJQ
iG9lThe bubbles that had been rising on the calm water’s surface were now clearly visible.dYr
vA8HWuSo much so that even the sailors watching from the railing could recognize it.PlMz
FUg7aNoticing Vlad’s attention, Jager also caressed his patch while drawing his sword.emxxgw
x6l“Everyone to their positions…!”9JON4U9
Vkq7The Zemina swayed.q2GRxlE
SaqAs when you encounter a storm.rBR
xbMgIAs the sea surface became increasingly agitated, even the sailors had no choice but to realize that something was beneath the surface.W5TTvC7
3N6“Go to your respective positions!”MTPX6
GTGKaSplash!7tSd1
1iILtrWith Harven’s shout, the ship began to rock violently.7s9we
hYaxJj3It was due to the waves created by an unknown entity that had struck the ship.SzIAY
eWtU“Something’s out of the water!”PNyoE
wXxdvt“It’s a coffin from hell, coming to take us!”Sg2K
wzfPanic spread among the sailors, and some knelt on the deck, praying for their lives.unNW6H
N19“…What the hell is this?”ASfy1Pl
tw56Zd[This is the first time I’ve seen it too.]wMF8xbg
6oO8M0gThe sailors who had roamed the sea all their lives didn’t know, and even the mage who dealt with mysteries hadn’t noticed.BrxNS68
UfMSAnd as he looked at the strange creature whose identity even the experienced Kihano didn’t know, Vlad gripped his sword tightly.Oh6ILy
nsp2RHThe creature, now visible on the water’s surface, had a strange antenna on its head, similar to the stick Vlad had seen earlier.Cpf
Oq726***m0Yd
cMMtkhA“Little one, little one. Why are you so lively today?”pst5ZTN
M3GMQcA smile spread across the long eyebrows of the old dwarf.1Nlcp0
SN6SQThis was because the young lizard swimming over the red-hot molten iron was moving actively today.AejHG
E67EK“Why are you so happy? Could it be because the visitor you’ve been waiting for has arrived?”gC3H9
fAuThe dragon, swimming in the old blast furnace, seemed to understand the blacksmith’s words and nodded repeatedly.McxQss
t8mv1MRPuuu!dc5
Cypf1cThe young dragon spat out a small fountain of bright red molten metal, as if it were in a good mood.Qac
rs5rThe old dwarf, with his hunched back, straightened up after observing the young dragon’s antics.ND0FM
kf0He lifted his head and looked out into the distance through the window, toward the sea.VNbbJ
dk8“Anyway, do you think they’re doing a good job guiding the guests?”pBj
I7mThe old man, the only craftsman left in modern Nidavellir, frowned as he looked at the dense white fog surrounding the island.WJPiH
lTSENbtIt was a fog that no one could easily escape from without a guide.DtaINsf
What did you think of this chapter?
Report comment
Please select the reason for reporting this comment. False reports may result in account suspension.
0 Comments
There are no comments yet. Be the first!