The Genius Blacksmith's Game
Ballon d'Or. (3)
Dwarves often engage in duels in their own unique way.
The dueling style of the dwarves, who are specialized in making rather than fighting, involves making weapons at two forges built in a massive coliseum and competing to see who can make the better weapon.
This duel, known as the Dwarf Duel, was effectively halted the moment the Land of Iron lost 50 named dwarves.
The Colosseum where such dwarf duels took place.
The Colosseum was opened for the first time in over 50 years.
“I can’t miss the crafting ceremony for Prince Baragon’s transcendent weapon.”
“Haha, let’s hurry. How long has it been since the Colosseum opened!”
The dwarves were visibly excited. Tens of thousands of dwarves were already seated in the circular stands.
Considering that the population of the Iron Kingdom is currently only in the tens of thousands, it was safe to say that most of the dwarves had come.
It couldn't be helped.
The dwarves who had left 50 years ago had returned, and once again, King Baragon held in his hands the material he had so desperately wanted, the 'Heart of the Black Tortoise'.
The shouts of the dwarves echoed through the Land of Iron for the first time in a while.
The only human with long limbs appeared in the passageway.
It is Hyunsu.
“Is it the author? The one called the Hegemon?”
“Oh, your limbs are so long! Cool!”
His face is a bit weird, but he's still cool!!
As expected, one must succeed.
When Hyunsu first entered the Land of Iron, the dwarves told him that he looked strange.
Actually, even from Hyunsu's perspective, dwarves with short limbs looked rather peculiar.
But now the reaction has changed.
Due to the effect of the title 'Friend of the Dwarves' and the reputation built up here, many dwarves were showing favor to Hyunsu.
“Look here, you’re really cool. Overlord!”
I'm a blacksmith.
“Haha, this fellow is quite the joker! If you are the Overlord, then I am the Tyrant!!”
“…….”
Hyunsu ended up giving up on speaking.
“They say that when you go to a country, you follow its customs! Is that why they call you a blacksmith? There is no need for that!”
Hyunsu passed by a dwarf who was already heavily drunk after downing dark beer.
Where should I sit?
Just as I was making a puzzled expression, a welcome dwarf came running over on his short legs.
It was Neeson.
Oh, Neeson.
“I was planning to express my gratitude, and it just so happens that we ran into each other. Elder Penny told me to escort Hyun-soo to his seat if I saw him; she said it is the VIP seat with the best view.”
Hyun-su walked, following Neeson's guidance.
It was a seat at the very front of the stands, so close to the blacksmith's shop that it was only 7 meters away.
I felt a sense of consideration, placing me in a position completely opposite to that of the other promoted dwars, allowing me to feel at ease.
As Hyun-su sat down, Neeson bowed his head politely.
It’s all thanks to you, Hyun-soo. Thanks to you, I passed the exam safely, though of course, that doesn’t matter anymore.
"What do you mean the superior is gone?"
With the return of over 50 dwarves, His Highness Baragon abolished the relevant test. Now that the dwarves have reached adulthood, they are free to walk the path they desire. All of this must be thanks to you, Hyunsu.
The winds of change were blowing in the land of iron.
Neeson is also surprised that this is due to a single human being who suddenly appeared.
Make sure you become a great blacksmith. You are fully qualified to do so.
It was no exaggeration.
The Neeson that Hyun-su saw had sufficient talent, regardless of the fact that he was a dwarf.
“Yes, since it is what Blacksmith Hyun-su said, I will make sure it happens that way.”
“Huh? I’m the Overlord?”
“……You’re a blacksmith, aren’t you? I know everything.”
“Haha. So you are the only dwarf who knows my true identity.”
Neeson didn't seem to go out of his way to tell everyone about it.
“Who is the messenger Baragon?”
“His Highness Baragon is regarded as the most outstanding dwarf of the race. He has crafted over 60 types of countless transcendent artifacts.”
“Over 60 species…? That’s surprising.”
“Yes, in fact, he is someone who has surpassed the fact that even the most exceptional dwarves are unable to craft most artifacts of transcendence. It must be an immense honor just to wear the ring he bestowed upon you.”
Neeson noticed Baragon's ring on Hyunsu's finger and said
“But considering there are over 60 types of artifacts, nothing is known about them. Besides, I haven’t really seen any of those artifacts in the Land of Iron.”
It is because it was taken by the dragons.
“…I’m a little sorry. For saying that.”
“No. The dragons have long managed the Land of Iron. It was under the pretext of protection, but in reality, it was to continuously receive a supply of artifacts from the dwarves. If they failed to supply artifacts of the required standard, they would kill the dwarves. In effect, a single transcendent artifact has sustained the lives of us dwarves by ten years.”
They are truly unfortunate races. Both the elves and the dwarves.
'I don't know what a race called a dragon is…'
Of course, Hyunsu had also met Dragon Varga, and managed to escape by landing several attacks on him.
I wonder what it would be like now?
Hyunsu doesn't know either.
"Actually, I didn't offer everything to the dragons. I secretly pocketed some of it behind the scenes."
"okay?"
“Yes, do you know the sword called Black Sunset?”
“Black sunset…? Wait, you said black sunset!?”
Hyun-su recalled a past conversation with Kavel.
Kavel suddenly approached and showed me a parchment containing information he had obtained.
(Black sunset.)
Rank: Transcendent.
Durability: Infinite.
Attack Power: 1,231.
Restriction: Level 500 or higher verification.
Special Ability:
· Cutting power increased by 320%.
· Critical hit chance increased by 180%.
· Attack speed increased by 60%.
· Movement speed increased by 20%.
· Active Skill: Black Sunset
· Active Skill: Dance of the Sunset
· Passive Skill: Crimson Soul Fury.
Description: It is a sword reminiscent of a black rising sunset.
"Black Sunset… …? Gasp… … It’s incredible, and the craftsmanship is high. It looks like it was crafted, not a drop item. This is the first time I’ve seen something this outstandingly made in Ares."
So that's how it was? Thanks for confirming. Well then.
'… … You didn't bring this just to check if I dropped it or crafted it, did you?'
Otherwise, what use would I have for you? Don't you use me every day too?
"… … You’re right, so I have nothing to say. Anyway, what on earth is this?"
"I don't know either. I obtained some information, and the artifact's effect is superior to that of a Transcendence grade. I wondered if you might have made it, but it doesn't seem to be the case… … With this, it seems certain that there is another master craftsman in Ares besides you. Obtaining that information alone should be enough."
Thanks, Cavel. You mean I should be wary because there is definitely a creator on my level, even if you are a user, an NPC, or from another race, right?
But…?
'… … ???'
At the time, I realized that Cavell had asked because he was genuinely curious.
In any case, Black Sunset is an exceptional sword that still leaves a lasting impression on Hyun-su.
It was to the point where it was considered superior even to the Twin Dragon Sword, the representative transcendent sword forged by Hyun-soo.
However, the Black Sunset that Hyunsu checked at the time clearly did not have the creator clearly written down.
“You seem to be aware. His Highness Baragon crafted the Black Sunset and sold it to humans for a high price. However, he did not inscribe his own name on the artifact, fearing that the Dragons might discover the truth. There are also the Greatbow of Frost and the Golem’s Shield.”
The rest are also artifacts that Hyunsu knows about.
To think that artifact originated from Baragon?
Did you perhaps produce a myth as well?
Mythical artifacts are the exclusive property of the gods. They are not easy for dwarves.
“……I guess that’s how it is.”
That doesn't mean Hyun-su looks down on Baragon.
For one, Hyunsu cannot create over 60 Transcendence Artifacts. It is an achievement that requires a lot of time to be accomplished.
Also, Baragon might not have had that opportunity.
Me seeing the creation process of such an amazing dwarf?
It feels sweeter to Hyunsu than any reward.
timely.
“Waaaaaaah!”
“Your Highness Baragon!”
“Your Majesty, please protect us from the dragons by completing the transcendent weapon!”
Baragon was entering.
As he entered, a huge cheer erupted.
The fervor is akin to eyeing a continental war.
Baragon is a fairly old dwarf with a white beard.
The sharp eyes, like those of a brave tiger, were incredibly intense.
"We had no choice but to downgrade the existing Ballon to make it a Legend because it lacked the main ingredient, the Heart of the Black Tortoise. However, now that we have the real ingredient, we plan to recreate the Ballon anew."
“If I put the heart of Hyunmu into the recreated Ballon, will it work?”
“……Originally, that was the plan from the beginning, but I hear there have been recent changes to the design.”
“Blueprint change??”
“Yes, it appears His Highness Baragon determined that since Ballong’s body was originally of the Transcendental grade, it would be impossible to operate it by transplanting the mythical Black Tortoise’s heart. Therefore, it is said that he will use the ‘Black Tortoise’s heart’ to craft a suit of armor and dress it in Ballong, who has been reforged into a Transcendental body.”
“……Armor for a weapon? That’s a blacksmith’s idea.”
Hyunsu, with his arms crossed, looked at Baragon with an intrigued expression.
Baragon, with a reverent expression, gave a small bow toward the audience.
It was a dwarf crafting ritual.
Soon, the legendary weapon Ballong walked onto the platform on its own.
“Are you happy about wearing new clothes too?”
Baragon smiled faintly.
Ballon, who kneels before you and shows respect, will become even more outstanding and protect the Iron Kingdom.
Soon, the operation of the Ballon was halted, and Baragon began to move.
"Wait and see. I will turn you over the failure of your success into a guardian to protect the Land of Iron."
Every time Baragon moved his hand, the ballons were dismantled one by one.
"wow……."
Hyun-su marveled as he watched the movement. There was not a single moment of hesitation in his actions, just as if he were looking at his own father.
It dismantles piece by piece with precision and precision, as if it had been made hundreds of times.
Baragon also lit a fire in the furnace to melt the lined-up basalt.
Rumble-
[It is the most perfect temperature.]
“……!”
Hyun-su trembled.
It is because it is the first time he has seen someone other than himself handle the furnace so excellently.
Also, Baragon, who puts the Hyunmu stone inside, melts him down into molten iron and refines him.
So that's how it's done?
We do not miss a single moment of the basalt smelting and refining methods.
Also, reusable materials among the main components of the ballon go into the furnace.
Just like handcrafting a car.
The process of meticulously crafting each and every part and sheet metal brings Hyunsu joy.
Things deconstructed by Ballon's hands are recreated anew, one by one.
It was a task that took well over a full day, but Hyunsu watched intently.
[You have seen disassembly, dismantling, and reassembly, the core of weapon manufacturing.]
[You gain a new lesson.]
Hyun-su grew just by watching. He came to understand how to make weapons.
Based on that, he also understands, at least in part, how he comes to make weapons.
Time passed again, and just as Hyunsu had guessed that dwarves have exceptional stamina and strength and never get tired, Baragon was indeed not tired at all.
'This is the greatest power the dwarves possess… … .'
Not getting tired while producing.
It is a task that would cause a human to collapse in just two days.
Based on Neeson's story, it is said that dwarves can easily last five days.
And Baragon went on to complete everything anew.
[Ballon's arm.]
[Ballon's head.]
[The Heart of the Ballon d'Or.]
[Ballon's Legs.]
[Ballon's body.]
They completed those hundreds of parts and quickly assembled them to create a new weapon.
“Wowww!”
“Waaaaaaah…….”
The dwarves marveled at how much more impressive it looked than before.
And Baragon finally began to make armor using the heart of the Black Tortoise.
Everyone paid attention, and Baragon also put his heart and soul into it.
As he was working on it, Baragon's face contorted. Cold sweat began to run down his back.
'It's a failure… The Black Tortoise's heart was not a material I could dare handle on my own.'
Baragon's face was stained with despair.
