Episode 124

I had, of course, never fought a monster of that rank, so I couldn’t even imagine what kind of abilities it might have.

The soldier flipped the paper he held and continued speaking.

“As for effects on the surrounding area, we’ve confirmed several instances of monsters evolving or mutating. So far there doesn’t seem to be any effect on the soil, but judging from similar situations in the past, it’s presumed that an impact will eventually appear.”

Even evolution and mutation of monsters alone often cause considerable problems, but the land itself can be affected too.

If the soil changes and the effects spread toward the town, crops that have been grown there might no longer take root, and in the worst case people might not be able to live there at all.

From the lord’s perspective, this dungeon is probably a dud.

I felt it would be best to clear the dungeon as soon as possible.

“I see. Understood. So you’d like weapons of at least Birea Magic Ore, if possible?”

“Yes. None of the blacksmiths in this town have handled processing of Birea Magic Ore or higher, so they requested that you bring someone who can do it…”

The soldier looked at me as if to ask.

…Maybe they knew a little about me as well.

Perhaps sensing the intent in the soldier’s gaze, Sir Rigard spoke up.

“That’s where Faik comes in. Faik is said to be a rather excellent blacksmith. Do you remember the Horned Dragon incident?”

Ah, they’d mentioned that too.

In that case, they’ll understand quickly.

“Yes… the Horned Dragon that had been threatening the town of Barnast was slain by an S-rank adventurer. I heard that at that time a sword made of Esrea was also crafted…”

“Right. It was Faik who worked the Esrea Magic Ore at that time.”

“…I-I’ve heard the stories, but… Lord Faik, I’m terribly sorry for such a rude question, but… w-were you really able to work it?”

The soldier asked in astonishment.

It didn’t sound like mockery—just surprise at encountering something unknown.

…I’d heard that there are few people who can work Esrea Magic Ore, and I myself felt respect and astonishment toward anyone who could.

Have I come to occupy that position now?

Even if so, I don’t intend to get cocky.

…Rather, I’m more filled with fear, wondering whether I truly deserve that position.

“Well, sort of. I’ve only worked it once so I can’t exactly boast, but ah—I’ve worked Eirea Magic Ore often enough, so I think I can handle this job without issue.”

I told them the truth about my ability so they wouldn’t have excessive expectations.

“I-I see…! I’m sorry for asking such an impolite question!”

“No, it’s fine.”

The moment I answered, the soldier’s eyes lit up.

From then on, his look of respect only intensified.

…In the end, am I gathering excessive admiration?

As I thought that, Sir Rigard spoke again.

“So, how many weapons will be needed?”

The soldier answered Sir Rigard’s question in a flustered manner.

“Y-yes! About ten people are scheduled to take part in the dungeon raid, so we’d like weapons prepared for those ten.”

“I see. Faik—I’ve already had all the materials transported to a blacksmith’s shop we have ties with. I’d like you to do the forging there, but how long would it take to make ten swords of Birea Magic Ore?”

Ten swords, huh.

Given my past experience, I could probably make about five a day.

Two days would likely be fine, but these are important swords for the dungeon raid.

Maybe I should be a bit more cautious.

“I think I can have them ready in about three days.”

“Th-three days?”

Hearing my answer, Sir Rigard visibly flinched.

Huh? Could that be too long?

As I wondered that, a thump came from the soldier.

“Y-you can finish them in three days!?”

“Y-yeah… I think that’s doable, but would you like me to hurry?”

“N-no! I thought it might take about a week… I’ve heard that Birea Magic Ore requires a significant amount of mana to work…”

Now that he mentioned it, that’s true.

Obviously, forging requires mana.

I didn’t think I had an unusually large supply of mana, but perhaps thanks to my time at the court, I never ran out of mana while forging or performing Enchantment.

It’s natural that my total mana increased, but I also developed techniques to convert mana more efficiently… otherwise the work wouldn’t have been finished.

Maybe being at the court actually helped my smithing skills grow.

Perhaps that brutal, over-the-top training actually had some meaning.

Hm, I don’t feel particularly grateful in a straightforward way.

But well, since it ended up improving me, I suppose I should be thankful. Sort of.

“I’ll be fine. I happen to have a fairly large amount of mana.”

Saying that would make it easier for the soldiers to be convinced.