Chapter 9: The Creation of Weapons
The atmosphere in the workshop was thick with anticipation. The forge was surrounded by tools, enchantment runes, and materials that hummed with latent magical energy. The team of artisans and enchanters, each specialists in their craft, were gathered around the central table. Yusha and Jisoo stood beside Uncle Baek Dohyun, ready to discuss the weapons that would define their combat styles.
Uncle Baek gave a short nod to start. "Alright, we'll begin with weapons. Jisoo, you're up first."
Jisoo, always the composed one, gave a small smile and immediately began, "I'm used to a rapier. I find it suits my style—fast, precise, and easy to handle."
Yusha nodded, his own thoughts already spinning. Jisoo's preference for light, swift weapons was something Yusha understood well.
Uncle Baek stroked his chin, thinking for a moment. "A rapier, yes. It fits your attributes of speed and precision. But," he hesitated, glancing over at the weapon racks, "a rapier alone might limit you. It's great for thrusting and quick strikes, but it's not versatile enough for slashing or large-area attacks. I'd recommend something more adaptable."
Jisoo's brow furrowed slightly, but he didn't interrupt.
"I'm thinking something like a twin-sword setup. A short, rapid strike weapon that complements your speed. A rapier could be your main weapon, but a secondary one should allow for different angles and attacks, making your movements more unpredictable."
Jisoo's eyes lit up with interest. "Twin swords, huh? I like the sound of that."
Uncle Baek smiled and nodded. "Alright, we'll make sure to forge a weapon combination that's both light and versatile. You'll have the precision of the rapier and the unpredictability of the twin swords."
The conversation shifted to Yusha, who had been listening intently. His turn was up.
"Yusha," Uncle Baek called, "What weapon are you thinking of?"
Yusha hesitated, a rare moment of uncertainty for him. He wasn't sure which weapon would be the best fit. Normally, he had an instinctive grasp of what would suit him. But today, something felt different.
Yusha finally spoke, breaking the silence. "I'm not sure what I want... I'm used to fighting with katanas, but I don't know if that's the best choice here."
Uncle Baek raised an eyebrow, surprised. Yusha was always decisive when it came to his weapons. "You've always used katanas, and you're skilled with them. Why the hesitation?"
Yusha thought for a moment, his mind working. "I have skills that go beyond swordplay. I've adapted to many different styles, and while the katana feels natural, I want something that pushes me further."
Jisoo, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. "You're not just thinking of the katana, are you? You've got something else in mind."
Yusha met his eyes. "I've been thinking about my abilities... The way I can manipulate things in battle. I need something more... versatile. A weapon that can adapt to different situations. Maybe something that works in synergy with my other skills."
Uncle Baek nodded, as if he understood the deeper reasoning behind Yusha's words. "Alright, then. Let's test out a few ideas."
With a wave of his hand, Uncle Baek signaled to the group of craftsmen. "Set up the test ground. I want to see how Yusha moves with these weapons."
As the group moved to prepare the space, Yusha spoke again. "I'm also thinking of something else... something I can use with my threads, I am skilled with assassination type techniques, and I want to use those skills again, but with something different. I need a weapon that can control magic threads—something that I can adjust in length, strength, and sharpness depending on how much mana I infuse into it."
Fang-Le, the enchantment expert, looked up with a raised eyebrow. "You want magical threads? Threads that can be as strong and as sharp as you need them to be?"
Yusha nodded, his expression serious. "Exactly. It's something I've been able to do with my mana, but I want a weapon that lets me manipulate it more easily—something that's specialized for that purpose."
Uncle Baek, his eyes gleaming with interest, gestured to the nearby blacksmiths. "We can work with that. Magic threads—something that reacts to your mana. It's a unique request, but we've dealt with stranger things."
Yusha nodded again, before adding something else. "I also want two guns—something that looks like Ibony and Evory but cooler just like in Angel cannot scream. A pair of pistols, but with longer barrels and more powerful mana-infused bullets. I can make the bullets myself using my mana."
There was a brief silence as the team processed the idea. Guns weren't common in the magical world, but the request made sense in its own way. The ability to fire off magical projectiles was a powerful asset, one that could complement his combat style.
"You want two guns?" Jisoo asked, incredulous. "Why?"
Yusha gave him a deadpan look. "Because I can. And it'll be fun."
Uncle Baek chuckled. "Alright, we'll forge the guns. But I'll warn you—these will drain your mana if you use them too much. It'll take a toll."
Yusha shrugged. "I'll manage."
Once the weapons were decided upon, Uncle Baek's colleagues began the process of gathering the materials. But Uncle Baek wasn't finished. "Yusha, Jisoo... you both have to give some of your attribute-filled mana to Minji. She's the one who will separate and combine the mana needed to form the weapons. That's how we'll make sure your weapons are the best fit for your abilities."
Jisoo and Yusha looked at each other before stepping forward. They placed their hands on Minji, transferring their mana. She absorbed it with ease, and her eyes glowed faintly with power.
With that, they were ready. Uncle Baek led them all down into the heart of the volcano, the place where the forge was located.
As they descended, the temperature increased. The walls of the volcano were filled with a pulsating magical energy. It was hot—400°C at the heart of the forge—but the team didn't seem to mind. The air itself crackled with magic as they approached the central mana furnace.
Uncle Baek reached into his sleeve and pulled out a hammer—the legendary artifact Mjolnir, an SS-rank weapon capable of focusing and channeling immense amounts of mana. He lifted it with ease, his eyes glinting with purpose. "Watch closely," he said, his voice calm.
With a single, powerful swing, Uncle Baek struck the mana furnace. The impact sent shockwaves through the entire volcano, and a massive pulse of energy radiated outwards. The sound of the strike echoed for miles.
Jisoo, still slightly stunned by the display, turned to Minji. "Uncle Baek has always been so powerful, but... what's his attribute?"
Minji looked back at him, a smirk crossing her face. "Earth Creation. It's a normal attribute, but he's trained it so intensely that it's awakened into a unique one. He can control and shape the very earth itself. It's not something most people are born with."
Jisoo's eyes widened. "I had no idea..."
"Keep up, Jisoo. I'm just getting started," Minji teased, before turning to the forge.
"I'm going to the top of the furnace now," Minji said, as she started to ascend. "I need to give the weapons their final mana boost. Stay here while I finish."
Jisoo and Yusha nodded, watching her leave.
The process was long—two full days of work—but finally, the weapons were ready.
Uncle Baek called them over to the testing grounds. "It's time to see what you're made of," he said, a satisfied grin on his face.
Jisoo and Yusha were both eager to see their new weapons in action. They had no idea just how much their new gear would change the way they fought.
As they made their way to the training ground, Yusha grinned. "Let's see if these gears live up to the hype."