Chapter 28

Chapter 28

Merchant (2)

#28

The Song of Iron forge was experiencing an unprecedented crisis.

“Huff··· huuuk···.”

Bilmoris caught his rough breath.

He was hiding his body in the warehouse while holding a broken sword.

Blood water that flowed from the wound on the shoulder blade was dripping on the floor.

“Fuck, what blacksmith fights that well? To take two.”

“Pointed-ear! Don’t pull tricks and crawl out!”

An irritated voice was heard from beyond the wall.

They were assailants who rushed in in the middle of the night.

They tried to kidnap Bilmoris without further ado, but the fairy who had eaten sword rice in the past did not take it easily.

“If I knew it would be like this··· huu, I should have left one eye···.”

Bilmoris made a bitter smile.

Time is just cruel. The time called the fang of Glenmoril seems like yesterday.

“This won’t do at all. Hey! Look for usable tools!”

“An old pointed-ear is tough too. How about this?”

“It looks suitable to use as a lever. Let’s try right away.”

The situation was not very positive.

The night is deep. People entering the interior of the crater are almost nonexistent.

Screams or voices asking for help are only emptily swallowed by the pulse of the Dragon Heart Furnace.

Although he sent one letter, the possibility of receiving it at this time was extremely slim.

‘It would have been good if I suffered this appearance knowing the reason at least.’

The assailants would eventually pull him out and take him away.

He might cut one limb or something as venting for the colleagues who were hit.

However, it was not that there was no method to avoid the crisis.

‘If I use that···.’

Bilmoris turned his head.

The weapon wrapped in waterproof cloth was placed on the workbench.

It was Bran’s weapon completed only a few hours ago.

The violent wavelength of Harmeno used as catalyst was being transmitted even here.

A masterpiece that ranks in the long blacksmith life.

If he used that, slaughtering all the lawless intruders in reverse was not a vain dream.

“No. That won’t do.”

But he could not do so.

The person who first soaks the weapon in blood must be the owner of that weapon.

The iron rule that he had never broken once while doing the blacksmith job.

Creak!

The sound of metal forcing into the door gap was heard.

“Done! Pull like this!”

“Kraaap!”

The hinges were screaming.

It seemed this was as far as it goes. It was only regrettable that he could not engrave his name on the steel of history.

Putting Bran’s weapon down in the corner, Bilmoris took off his top and covered it.

“Valkeros. In the end I did not reach you.”

Whoever enters first he was prepared to take as a companion.

Just as Bilmoris was preparing the final resistance while gripping the sword hilt.

Boooom-!!!

The sound of the door being torn off rang out from beyond the wall.

“Startled fuck. What is this again?!”

“Some guys··· what are they doing outside··· kyaaaak!”

The assailants’ conversation cut off.

The sound of flesh being cut and screams burst out at the same time.

The third person who intruded out of nowhere began to unilaterally massacre.

“M-monster···!”

“Everyone charge at the same time! Even so one person··· guk.”

“Huaaaak! My arm!”

Sounds implying death were being heard sporadically.

The sound of the belly splitting and organs pouring out.

The sound of the flown head hitting the ceiling.

The sound of trampling and smashing that head, splitting another skull.

A scene as cruel as hell was being vividly drawn in the darkness.

“······.”

Soon silence arrived.

Only the groans of those who barely preserved their lives were faintly heard.

“Huff··· huuuk···.”

Bilmoris was only catching his breath while frozen in place.

His feet would not leave.

The resolve a moment ago had long been pressed by the sense of intimidation given by the merciless slaughter.

The approaching footsteps stopped in front of the door of the refuge.

Bang!

At the same time as the iron door was torn off at once, the shadow of the slaughterer was cast over Bilmoris’s face.

“Ah, found it.”

He asked.

“Bilmoris. Are you okay?”

“······!”

A familiar voice. Very much so.

After being dumbfounded for a long time a smile rose at the corner of Bilmoris’s mouth.

“······Aha. I was waiting.”

****

When the battle ended a pleasant notification appeared before his eyes.

『You achieved victory fighting against numerous enemies. Weed’s Tenacity activates!』

『The growth speed of Agility increases slightly.』

“Agility good.”

Bran smiled.

As expected the growth speed rising is better than the stats directly rising.

Because the high point itself becomes higher.

Later there might come a day when Strength and Endurance rise just by eating and taking a walk.

Kale who was wrapping a bandage on Bilmoris’s wound nodded.

“Yes. It seems done now. Will you try moving once?”

“Ooh! It seems already all better. Almost expert-level skill!”

Bilmoris spun his arm round and round.

Definitely the wrapped appearance is firm.

To think the Kale guy had talent even in this kind of place.

Finishing the emergency measures Bilmoris sighed in relief.

“Huu! Thanks to you I lived. I almost died without even properly leaving a will.”

“Fortunately you’re safe. But why were you bare-chested?”

“It was a struggle to protect the two’s weapons from those lawless intruders. Iya, really amazing timing.”

Bilmoris smiled.

It was an optimism unbelievable for a person who almost got kidnapped a moment ago.

In the place his index finger pointed three men were kneeling while bound with chains.

“Wh-what are you going to do with us···.”

“Keuk, geueuuk.”

“M-my arm.”

Of course there was no intact person.

One was even with an arm cut.

Nevertheless the reason they were staying quiet was probably because their situation was better than the remaining colleagues who became corpses.

Bran said.

“Bilmoris. It’s a bit hard to say this right after suffering a harsh appearance, but can I receive the weapon first?”

“Aah, of course! I also forgot.”

Bilmoris placed the weapon wrapped in waterproof cloth on the workbench.

Quite big. A heavy metallic sound rang out while clinking.

“I was more afraid of this being taken than me dying. Please look quickly.”

“Ooh···.”

He was looking forward to it.

What is the pick of the best blacksmith in Valkeros after all.

Sword? Spear? Polearm? Axe? A staff that turns into a whip when a button is pressed?

The moment he untied the string binding the waterproof cloth, one long sword revealed itself.

“It’s a sword?”

“Precisely a longsword! In Lord Bran’s case I especially pondered a lot. Because the body balance is so good you seemed to handle anything well. Still judging from Lord Bran’s tendency to prefer guerrilla warfare, I judged that a sword would be better.”

“There is a reason classics are classics.”

Bran nodded.

An analysis that resonates. A spear is easier to handle than a sword but due to its length constraints arise in movement.

It was regrettable to give up the superiority from reach, but if considering versatility a sword suited him after all.

“Then without further ado I’ll inform the function unique to this sword. Will you try holding it once?”

“Like this··· what the fuck.”

Bran who received the longsword spat out a curse.

Too light.

Rather a millet stalk of the same size seemed heavier.

Hearing the surprised voice Bilmoris continued with a satisfied expression.

“Haha, how is it. Mass adjustment only possible for weapons made of Numerite.”

“Dumbfounding. Honestly I didn’t know it would be this much.”

Even knowing the effect of Numerite admiration came out.

The dimension of sensation is different from when using in the game.

There it was only expressed as attack speed increasing if made light, damage increasing if made heavy.

Spinning the sword round and round while placing it on his ring finger Bran let out a hollow laugh.

“This kills. How do I make it heavy?”

“Imagine the desired weight and infuse mana. However, be careful as the more weight is added the more mana is consumed.”

“As expected mana. Sorry but Bilmoris, will you adjust the weight appropriately for me?”

“Yes?”

“That, I still can’t handle mana.”

“······Yees?”

Bilmoris’s face hardened.

Not unreasonable. Yes.

“Wait a minute. Then you exerted that much monstrous strength without even mana? All this time?”

“Yes. It’s a special constitution.”

Although he occasionally used Power of the Giant Tree, that also only doubles the Strength value and is not a skill that eats mana.

Bilmoris shook his head.

“This is surprising. Really surprising. Do you have a giant among distant ancestors?”

“I don’t know that. If there is giant gene it would be good if it manifests later. If the height becomes about 3m unnecessary fights won’t be picked.”

“For now I’ll adjust the weight for you. My, a completely unexpected matter occurred.”

It could be said to be a side effect of raising the physical build too thoroughly.

Concentrating only on the growth of stats related to physical ability or Mental Power he completely forgot the existence of the resource called mana.

‘Mana··· is it gradually the time to learn Body Strengthening Art.’

In the world of Return Road it is not only mages who handle mana.

Most martial artist characters handle a mana operation method called Body Strengthening Art distinguished into 9 realms, and this also becomes an element that becomes important no less than pure stats later.

Bran judged his current level to be roughly 2-star.

‘It still seems early. Worrying.’

Still if possible he wanted to touch it after making the foundation construction more solid.

Once he starts learning mana and Body Strengthening Art it becomes hard to concentrate only on the growth of pure stats.

Thinking about it Smash doesn’t eat mana either.

Finishing the weight adjustment Bilmoris handed the longsword again.

“But it doesn’t matter. This guy is sufficiently a monster even without feeding mana.”

“It looks so.”

Bran agreed.

At a glance it was ordinary but absolutely not.

An extraordinary energy was pulsing over the pure white blade.

Sharp yet violent.

Whatever it is it seemed it would be cut if pressed against the blade and pushed.

If the weight adjustment is an effect originating from Numerite this must be Harmeno’s ability.

The grand vitality felt in the Bottom Farm was craving blood.

“I’ll really use it well. I’ll be able to use mana soon too so don’t worry too much.”

“Of course. I believe you’ll do anything well. Is the weight to your liking?”

“It feels like a part of my body.”

Bran swung the sword and drew an 8 in the air.

Smooth. Neither light nor heavy it sticks to the hand.

Smiling saying fortunately Bilmoris took out another weapon.

“Then I’ll also give Kale’s. Please receive it.”

“A staff···?”

Kale’s eyes opened round.

In Bilmoris’s hand a long staff was gripped.

The body extending straight without a single decoration was pure white as if carved from ivory.

“Yes. Although not my specialty I did my best. It will be helpful when handling Divine Power or using magic.”

“Th-thank you··· extremely light.”

“Huhu, Numerite went into this too. Although the content is not as high as Lord Bran’s sword.”

Bilmoris also informed Kale of miscellaneous precautions.

Things like the method of gathering Divine Power with the staff, or what was used as catalyst.

“By any chance what realm (Circle) has your Divine Power reached?”

“Aeu, that··· sorry but··· was there a specific realm in Divine Power...?”

“?”

The same situation as when he said he still can’t handle mana was repeating.

Looking carefully Kale also had reached the time to systematically learn Divine Power.

Still a bit too much. Did I not even inform that concept?

Bran asked.

“Ah, Bilmoris. The weapon I entrusted is not completed yet right?”

“Yes. Because it’s originally a large weapon. Since you said there is no weapon right away I only completed the two’s and contacted in advance.”

“Aha. It’s fine. Just make it properly.”

The third weapon separately requested seemed not yet.

Since the urgent fire was extinguished it didn’t particularly matter.

Bran approached the kidnappers.

“So. Who of White Silver Pine sent you?”

“···To notice even that is quite something.”

In fact that White Silver Pine is behind is something that can be known with a little thought.

The man who seemed the leader among the kidnappers clicked his tongue.

“I can’t say. Credit is our life. Kill quickly.”

“Shall I.”

“Wh-what are you doing?!”

Bran slung the three kidnappers at the same time.

Moving his steps with strides he put the three into the extinguished brazier.

Since it was originally a large brazier even putting three there was plenty of space left.

“You! To do this kind of thing···!”

“You said to kill. No need to separately clean the corpses so good.”

The brazier was directly connected to the Dragon Heart Furnace.

The faces of the three who saw the future turned pale.

It was the moment Bran gripped the lever that operates the brazier.

“Waaait!”

One man screamed.

Bran who was about to pull the lever raised an eyebrow.

“Uhum?”

“I, I’ll say! Is honor or money more important than life? Even posing has a limit fuck!”

“Th-this traitor bastard···!”

“Don’t pretend to be hypocritical! You guys also honestly don’t want to die! Even rolling in a horse shit field this world is better!”

The face of the man shouting like that was engulfed in extreme fear.

Not unreasonable. Because there is no one in this city who doesn’t know about the Dragon Heart Furnace.

In the fire that melts Numerite a human body or anything was no different from tissue soaked in oil.

In fact were everyone thinking the same?

The agitated leader lowered his head deeply.

“······Damn it.”

“Uheuk, please spare me!”

One even burst into tears.

Bran removed his hand from the lever.

The reason he left as many as three alive.

Because there might be a weak-hearted guy among them.

The completely resigned leader man began the confession.

“The one who hired us is Chloe Zibits the managing director of the White Silver Pine Merchant Group. We received instructions to kidnap the two of you and this blacksmith and extract information.”

“Information regarding the whereabouts of Numerite?”

“How do you···!”

“Obvious what. Uncle Leodorn seems already kidnapped.”

Bran sighed.

In the end the thing he had been doubting happened.

Kale’s eyes who had been anxiously wondering whether to pull the lever widened round.

“B-Bran what are you saying? Grandfather Leodorn was kidnapped?!”

“If not that the situation doesn’t make sense. The only reason to suddenly target us after not showing even a nose for the past fifteen days is that.”

Looking back now it seems the gatekeeper was a snitch.

Saying his daughter went to university thanks to the foundation Leodorn established, to repay the favor in this way.

Bran continued the explanation step by step.

“At first the opponent only targeted Uncle Leodorn. The only purpose was to remove the uncle before he attends the merchant group general meeting. Then in the middle they noticed that the uncle has Numerite.”

He doesn’t know how they noticed.

A spy discovered it, or wiretapped··· with the financial power of a White Silver Pine managing director they would have done something.

“Those guys eventually kidnapped the uncle. But the uncle must have already hidden the Numerite somewhere. No matter how much they squeezed he didn’t reveal the location so now they start rummaging the uncle’s surroundings. Exactly like us.”

Bran pointed at himself with his thumb.

Attacking Bilmoris must also have been because they obtained information somewhere that he and Kale headed to the Song of Iron forge.

“B-but how when Ilark is guarding?!”

“Would I know? But it wouldn’t be that they killed Ilark and kidnapped. They must have used some mean trick.”

The somewhat fortunate point is that the possibility Leodorn is still alive is high.

If they hurry rescue is absolutely not unreasonable.

Just as Bran was about to continue interrogating about his whereabouts.

Boooom-!!!

Suddenly the ceiling of the forge shattered and a large assailant landed.

Stone powder flew. Thickly risen dust wrapped the entire forge.

Sharp screams burst from the mouths of Kale and the three assailants.

“Hieeeeeeek!”

“Kyaaaaak!”

“Kyaaaak!”

An amazing large body. Even while lowering the upper body the position of the face is higher than Bran.

Only Bran who recognized the identity was maintaining composure.

A thunderous shout burst out.

“Leodorn! Are you here?!”

A voice that even wins the pulse of the Dragon Heart Furnace.

In the place the dust was pushed away a woman with red hair revealed herself.

A familiar face. The originally sharp eyes were contorted with anger.

It was to the point even breathing was hard due to the heat emitted from the entire body.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck! Those bastards···!”

The heavy tail was shaking in time with the rough breathing.

An atmosphere as if if not stopped right away she would smash everything visible.

Suddenly, the woman who met Bran’s eyes froze in place.

“You are···!”

“Calm down Ilark. We can still save him.”