Illusion Sword Master

＜Tools Don’t Blame the Craftsman (1)﹥

My daily life at the War Academy had resumed.

Another huge change occurred in my tumultuous life.

Now, I’m a rising star, favored by both the First and Third Princes, and established in the political circle.

I’m a genius who created an independent magical combat system, earning the nickname “Magic Department’s Ace” and “Four Heavenly Kings” – embarrassingly, my peers actually use these nicknames.

As a war hero, I led a unit of one hundred men and three mages, slaughtering ten thousand orcs and beheading the Orc King, Grola.

From being a low-ranking soldier on the battlefield to receiving the 4th Class Military Merit Medal and the title of Viscount, I’m the protagonist of a success myth.

Dozens of letters arrived at my dorm room in the War Academy every day.

“Come to our banquet and shine.”

“Meet our daughter from our noble family.”

“Can you have a duel with me, Sir Knight?”…

I received countless requests, but I politely declined all of them, citing my injuries from the Western Front as an excuse.

“For now, let’s just focus on recovery.”

The fame and reputation I have now aren’t what I desired. I want to live a quiet, peaceful life, unknown to the world.

A lone rock gets worn down by the river.

I quietly hid within the War Academy.

Originally, the practical training in the 6th Army Corps would have taken several months, but after it ended in disaster, the magic department students were undergoing intense training within the academy.

The members of the 427th Magic Research Association participated in research activities instead of attending classes, just like last year.

Thanks to our achievements on the Western Front, we four were granted a special privilege, where our grades would be fixed at the highest point even if we didn’t participate in the education process.

Geniuses, indeed.

Each of us had realized something in that battle, and our abilities were rapidly increasing.

I was no exception.

“What should I do if I encounter another Grola-like monster?”

The Orc King, Grola, with the devil’s power.

I couldn’t even catch my breath after our battle began.

The best way to deal with monsters is to avoid them. However, unfortunately, my future was drifting further away from peace.

[Hahahahahaha. I’ve been waiting for your graduation. Now, let’s go to the most horrific battlefield and die for the Empire!]

[Hehehehe. Finally, I can be with you. Did you eat lunch well? You’ll probably have dinner in hell.]

On one side, the Third Prince and Lord Roland, driven by justice and conviction, were waiting to use me.

[Rrrraaah! Come to me after raising your price! I’ll give you a title and a medal! You wouldn’t think of betraying the prince, would you?]

[Kukukukuku. To become a son-in-law worthy of my daughter, you need to win a few wars!]

On the other side, the First Prince and Duke Zefer, consumed by power, were trying to manipulate me.

“There’s no answer even if I think about it now.”

To shake off my anxiety, I focused even more on my training.

Due to my long-standing habit, I had to hold a sword to escape anxiety and focus on the present.

I closed my eyes and projected the image of Grolar in front of me. I simulated an attack on him with the Aegis Black Thunder, vividly recalling his figure.

However, compressing the sword’s energy and striking him had little effect. Despite using all my strength, I couldn’t pierce his sturdy body.

“I need to operate my mana with a determination to die; otherwise, the sword won’t even scratch him.”

Thinking about the upcoming battle, I realized I had to unleash a force capable of crushing Grolar’s body without straining myself.

“If it were the Knight’s Ore Blade, I could’ve easily slashed him.”

I suddenly recalled Roland, specifically when he fought against the dark wizard, Mercel Bach. In that brief moment, his sword had shone with an Ore Blade.

The principle of Wave Destruction, which amplifies destructive power by compressing energy, also came to mind.

“Maybe I should ask Roland for guidance.”

By now, Roland must have become even stronger. He would surely share his insights with me without hesitation.

“Ah, should I really go find him?”

Until now, I had deliberately avoided seeking him out. As one of the Three Emperors’ closest aides, he was always involved in dangerous missions, uncovering the Empire’s darkness.

I was worried that if I got involved with him, I would get entangled in another perilous situation like before.

“Let’s try a bit more.”

I focused my mana on the Black Thunder once more.

A strange, ominous sound echoed. I saw that the Black Thunder’s blade had developed a long, thin crack.

“What’s going on?”

I had been using it roughly, especially during battles against Grolar. It seemed that its durability had finally reached its limit.

I hastily withdrew my mana from the sword, but it was too late.

The Black Thunder’s black blade, unable to withstand the compressed mana, shattered into multiple pieces like a bomb. Fragments with remaining mana scattered in all directions.

“Edan!”

If Roem, who was nearby, hadn’t cast a defensive barrier, things would have taken a turn for the worse.

“Edan, are you okay?” Roem asked.

I was far from okay.

“No, it’s not okay.”

I frantically searched the floor and recovered the eight fragments of the Black Thunder.

Memories of my time with the sword flashed before my eyes like a dream.

When the Three Emperors first gave it to me, we were still awkward. I had never handled such a fine sword before.

As I grew accustomed to its black blade, I finally opened up my heart. Ah, this sword is indeed a good one, I thought.

Whenever I called out the Black Thunder’s name, it would respond by emitting a clear, crisp sword hum.

The Black Thunder was a comforting friend that gave me stability whenever I felt anxious and a trusted ally that fought alongside me against enemies.

Even when other swords became unusable during battles against Grolar, the Black Thunder remained by my side.

But now, it had suddenly left me.

The demise of my beloved sword, which I cherished more than anyone, brought me an unbearable sense of despair.

“Black—Thunder!”

My cry echoed, and Mencas and Serado, who were focused on their training, approached me.

“What’s going on?”

“The sword I treasured broke, what a pitiful sight.”

“It’s just a broken sword, isn’t it? Hmm… Honestly, it’s a bit disgusting.”

The real magicians who didn’t know the value of a great sword were making ridiculous remarks like psychopaths.

When I glared at them, Roem awkwardly replied,

“Uh… Etan? There’s a dwarven blacksmith working in the capital, so why don’t we go there?”

“That’s right. That’s a good method.”

I immediately retrieved Black Thunder’s corpse and rushed to the training room.

#

“Sword! Any sword! Hurry!”

The first thing I did after escaping from the War University was to buy a sword at the nearest blacksmith.

“Whew. Now I can live.”

As I wore the new sword at my waist, the intense emotions that had been stirred up somewhat subsided.

It seemed that I had a habit of living with a sword in my hand, and without one, my mental state would become unstable.

After regaining my composure, I headed to the blacksmith where the dwarven blacksmith was said to be.

Dwarves were born with the talent of blacksmithing. If a craftsman in the capital was renowned, they would definitely be able to fix Black Thunder.

As I walked through the central streets of the capital, a bizarre scene unfolded before my eyes.

A group of young men were walking around, all wearing matching shoes, praising each other’s fashion sense.

“Hey? You’re also wearing Carlène-style shoes.”

“Heh heh. Of course. We can’t fall behind the trends.”

“It seems like you’re also similar to Roem Carlène, seeing you wear those shoes.”

“Really? Haha. I’m thrilled. I’ll treat you to drinks tonight.”

It seemed that our flower boy Roem had worn matching shoes during the opening ceremony, and these people were following the trend.

[As long as you’re handsome, even if you do something stupid, people will applaud.]

The scene suddenly reminded me of a proverb from my hometown on Earth.

The blacksmith I arrived at was enormous, befitting a place where a dwarven blacksmith worked.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Hwaa!

“Can’t you even do that simple task? Are you going to throw away these expensive scraps?”

Among the fierce hammering sounds and the smell of hot metal, one person stood out.

“You big guys can’t even imitate what kids do? Humans are really… “

An old man with a sturdy build and a long, braided beard, who looked like he was around the height of a child. He was the rumored dwarven blacksmith.

I approached him, munching on a large snack.

“Are you the owner?”

“Huh? What’s the matter?”

The dwarf let out a rich, throaty laugh. I puffed out my chest.

“I’ve come to fix my sword.”

I unwrapped the cloth and showed him Black Thunder’s remains.

“What a mess. This is a black iron sword, isn’t it? How did you manage to get it into this state?”

“That’s… There were circumstances. Anyway, can you fix it?”

“Well, you’ve found the right place. Black iron is our tribe’s specialty. We can melt it down and remake it.”

I was taken aback by his words. However, I had to feel disappointed again with what he said next.

“Leave it with me and come back in half a year.”

“Can’t it be faster?”

“Tsk. I need to personally work on the black iron for at least a week. This is already me being generous, considering I’m rushing the schedule. My schedule is already packed for the year.”

I felt anxious. It’s been a while since I’ve handled Black Thunder, and I haven’t gotten my hands on any other black equipment.

The level of my equipment directly affects my chances of survival.

“Half a year is too long, though…”

“If you’re going to be stubborn, then leave quickly. Don’t bother busy people.”

What was I supposed to do?

As I was thinking of ways to persuade the old man to shorten the deadline, someone called out my name.

“Edan! Long time no see!”

It was someone I knew.

“Lord Rolland? What brings you here?”

“What would a knight be doing at a blacksmith’s? I came to pick up the sword I left with you.”

Lord Rolland, who appeared at an opportune timing, looked the same as I remembered, but with more scars all over his face.

“You must have had a tough time.”

“There’s no need to say that. As a knight, I did it with a willing heart for the sake of the empire’s peace. You’re the one who’s accomplished great deeds. You’ve grown so much already, I’m looking forward to working with you.”

“Ah… yeah.”

His genuine smile was unsettling.

This justice-filled knight would definitely try to kill me with the same smile if given the chance.

Lord Rolland also spoke to the dwarf old man.

“Master, is my sword ready?”

“Yes, it’s done. Take it. Take good care of your sword. Tsk tsk. Humans tend to misuse swords.”

From their conversation, it seemed like they were old acquaintances. Lord Rolland must be a regular here.

The dwarf old man, who was chatting with Lord Rolland, continued.

“By the way, Edan? The one who killed the orc chief?”

“Yes, that’s me.”

I put on a serious face and answered the old man’s question. I expected him to fix Black Thunder quickly, considering my reputation.

“Hmm… yeah. Since Lord Rolland is here too, I have a favor to ask of you two…”

The dwarf old man spoke in a more cautious tone than before.

“Please go ahead, Master. If it’s your request, I’ll do my best to help. Edan here won’t ignore someone else’s troubles either.”

Although it was annoying to be drawn into this, I didn’t flat-out refuse.

It wouldn’t hurt to build a connection with the dwarf.

The old man nodded, seeming to have made up his mind.

“My granddaughter was supposed to come here two days ago, but she still hasn’t shown up. Can you two take a look for me?”

“Of course.”

I nodded too. What’s the big deal about finding someone?

Besides, I had a golden lion-patterned Imperial Inspector standing next to me.

“Then, just wait a moment. I’ll bring out the sword you left with me first.”

The dwarf old man went into the blacksmith’s workshop.

During that time, Roland spoke to me with a gloomier face than before.

“This is a big deal. The timing is bad.”

“What do you mean?”

“There’s information that organized crime is rampant, targeting the other races. Maybe even the young lady of the lord’s family is involved. We came to the capital to tackle this, but it seems we’re too late.”

Organized crime targeting the other races…

I’ve heard similar stories before.

The elves, who are all kind-hearted and noble, and the dwarves, who are all skilled craftsmen, are valuable commodities to the buyers. That’s why many elves and dwarves who try to flee to the capital get caught up in these crimes.

In an empire where slavery is banned, the prevalence of human trafficking means corruption among the powerful and a loss of control by the central government. It’s only natural that Roland would take action to resolve this.

“Uh… So, does that mean our mission is to take down the criminal organization? It’s not just a simple task of escorting a lost girl, is it?”

Roland chuckled.

“That’s right. Ethan, it seems like fate is leading you to these kinds of situations. You always appear where help is needed, just like the hero of a legend.”

“No, Roland. This is just bad luck.”

“Haha, you’re always so humble.”

Ugh.

I added Roland’s name to my mental blacklist again.

Whenever I get involved with this guy, things always turn out like this.

＜ The Tool Does Not Blame the Craftsman (1) ﹥ End