157th Chapter
“Are you picking a fight with me?”
“I’m just joking.”
Ray said this while still openly showing his disappointment.
Zephrin grabbed the back of his neck, but even Ray felt regretful about the situation.
The weapons stored in A-Space were almost impossible to detect, providing a clear tactical advantage.
If Ray were to acquire another A-Space sword besides Moros, he could draw two swords at any time, even when unarmed.
Still, one can’t ask for what doesn’t exist, so Ray took a step back.
“I don’t necessarily need an Artefact; I’d like to see a sword that fulfills its function well.”
“Specifications?”
“About this Longsword will do.”
Ray pulled out the iron sword from his waist and handed it to Zephrin.
It was an average-sized, ordinary-looking longsword.
Since this size is favored by many knights, Zephrin’s workshop also had many similar specifications.
As Zephrin pondered which sword to show, Ernst spoke up.
“Zephrin.”
“Yes, sir?”
“Is the Omega Series well preserved?”
“…”
Furrowing his brow slightly, Zephrin turned around.
“Follow me.”
Zephrin led the group to the warehouse located deepest in the basement of the workshop.
The Omega Series referred to an exclusive list of only a few high-end masterpieces among the numerous fine works created by Zephrin and his colleagues.
To begin with, there weren’t many items belonging to the Omega Series, but the particular one Ernst was referring to was singular.
Clang!
When Zephrin reached the end of the corridor and activated the magic circle, the smooth steel wall split into four pieces, sliding away in different directions.
Inside the pristine white room revealed stood only one sword in the center.
At first glance, it looked like an ordinary sword.
Its matte silver blade harmonized with the black hilt, devoid of any additional ornamentation.
After taking some time to deactivate the alarm magic, Zephrin drew the sword and handed it to Ray.
Ray accepted it and lightly swung it around.
Swoosh!
It was heavier than it looked.
The balance was perfect, and every swing produced a sound as if wind was being drawn into the sword.
A natural smile formed on Ray’s lips.
Zephrin was pleased with Ray’s reaction.
Unlike most nobles who came here obsessed with appearances and prestige, Ray accurately saw through the intrinsic value of a sword as a weapon.
After briefly smiling along with Ray, Zephrin soon stiffened his expression.
“This isn’t just a sword—it’s an Artefact. It’s something I dislike.”
“What abilities does it have?”
“It can enter A-Space.”
“…”
Ray looked at Zephrin knowingly, as if he had expected this.
Artisans historically had the habit of creating one or two things and testing them out cautiously.
Understanding the emotions behind Ray’s gaze, Zephrin frowned.
“Listen carefully. I said it can enter A-Space, not store things in it.”
“Uh… What’s the difference?”
At first listen, it sounded like wordplay.
Taking the sword back from Ray, Zephrin began his explanation.
“The ability to enter A-Space applies only to the blade of this sword. The blade is made of Harcon alloy, but even this alloy cannot fully withstand the dimensional repulsion that occurs during entry into A-Space.”
“…?”
“Don’t furrow your brows and listen until the end. When you add magical inscriptions to Harcon alloy, the energy generated from internal damage caused by dimensional repulsion can be converted into thrust. Do you understand?”
“If it breaks, it generates stronger energy and thrust—I get that.”
“Yes. Now… when you send this Harcon alloy blade into A-Space and immediately withdraw it, the dimensional repulsion applied during the process will severely damage the interior of the sword…”
Zephrin slowly swung the sword in a half-circle and then swung it forcefully.
Whoosh!
“As the internal structure of the Harcon alloy collapses, it momentarily generates an immense amount of thrust, accelerating the sword. When swung, the blade partially enters A-Space, making it possible to bypass most armor’s protective capabilities.”
“No way…”
Realizing the explanation, Ray wore a grim expression.
“So, you’re saying that after swinging it once, the sword will break, right?”
“With good luck, it might last two or three uses. However, the power is undeniable. Even a decent graduate or Mage would struggle to counter it. If we must name this technique… let’s call it ‘A-Space Draw Technique.'”
“…Isn’t the naming a bit off?”
“Hey, if you’re criticizing, do you have any better ideas?”
“How about ‘Dimension Acceleration’?”
“Your naming sense isn’t much better either.”
After bickering with Ray for a moment, Zephrin sighed, feeling his blood pressure rise.
“Even a Lord-level person who doesn’t know about this technique would be startled. This weapon was developed under Ernst’s investment, and its very existence is confidential. Personally, I’m not fond of it, but it’s a really good sword. Unfortunately, the embedded technology will destroy it after a few uses.”
How long could the name of a sword survive if it broke before it could be swung decisively in crucial moments?
Zephrin handed the sword back to Ray with a warning.
“Since you’re going to break it anyway, try to cut down something great. Even if the physical form disappears and only records remain, the sword’s name should be remembered for a long time.”
“…I’ll keep that in mind.”
“I’ll find you a suitable scabbard on the way out.”
“Thank you.”
Ray quietly stared at the sword.
This was no mere weapon that could be priced.
If properly adorned and put up for auction, it would easily surpass tens of millions of gold coins, and it was something its owner wouldn’t part with easily.
This was a favor, a warning, a shackle, and a debt from Ernst to Ray.
Swallowing his complicated feelings, Ray followed Zephrin again.
Zephrin was about to ask Ray what kind of armor functions he needed but shook his head.
“You just take what I give you.”
“Huh?”
“Just take off your clothes. Completely undress your upper body.”
Ray complied as instructed.
Once he completely undressed his upper body, scars from burns covering about half of his torso were revealed.
Looking at Ray’s pressed skin, Zephrin chuckled softly.
“You’ve lived quite a rough life.”
“I hope for peace ahead.”
“That’s a disappointing thing to say.”
Ray smiled along with Zephrin. Without Zephrin needing to urge him, Ray knew his future path wasn’t likely to be smooth.
After measuring Ray’s physique, Zephrin brought out a suit where the top and bottom were integrated.
“It’s a new product intended for the Royal Guard. It serves as inner armor to complement the gaps in the outer armor.”
“…”
Ray shook the suit in his hand. Despite its flimsy appearance, it looked more like fabric than metal.
Still, Ray silently put it on without complaint.
The suit fit snugly against his body, offering a very comfortable wearing experience, though it seemed unlikely to provide much protection.
At that moment, Zephrin poked Ray’s chest hard with the pointed end of a staff.
Clang!!
“…”
“As you can see, upon receiving strong external impacts, the suit partially hardens. It offers especially strong protection against piercing and sharp projectiles, and its heat resistance and anti-magic properties are also quite robust. The item you’re wearing now is the culmination of the Empire’s metal refining technology and Magus engineering. If you lose it, there’ll be chaos, so take good care of it.”
“Umm… Is it alright to give this to me?”
“You’ll be responsible for it. Lastly…”
The wall split open, revealing yet another room.
Inside the room hung a single black cloak.
Ray asked,
“Is it an Artefact?”
“Would I store an ordinary leather cloak like this? Yes, it’s an Artefact, and the main material is Dragon leather.”
Seeing Ray’s astonished face, Zephrin chuckled.
“The Empire has a decent stockpile of Dragon leather. Anyway, this piece excels in heat resistance, cold resistance, and anti-magic properties. It can undergo slight shape changes and limited self-mobility, making it easy to defend against external attacks while allowing freedom of movement during intense actions.”
After activating the cloak’s function by infusing mana, Zephrin hesitated for a moment before adding,
“Flying… might be too strong a term, but accelerated gliding and stable hovering in the air are possible. Test it yourself later.”
“…This feels burdensome and makes my stomach hurt.”
“Stop saying things that don’t suit you and try it on.”
As Zephrin walked down the corridor, he picked up a sheath and threw it, speaking.
Ray tried on all the equipment he received one by one.
Over the inner armor, he wore the uniform provided by the Alstein family, draped the cloak over it, and tied the elegantly decorated sheath at his waist.
He looked far more dignified than when he roamed around in the remote countryside.
Johanna opened her mouth wide as she scanned Ray and belatedly regained her composure with a dry cough.
Zephrin nodded inwardly, satisfied, and handed Ray another piece of paper with inscriptions.
“That cloak doesn’t have a permanent power source but automatically recharges by drawing in ambient mana. If you need a quick recharge, ask a Mage. And… I’ll contact you again once the young lady’s sword is completed. Give it about a month.”
Ray alternately glanced at Ernst and Zephrin and bowed deeply.
“I won’t forget the grace you’ve bestowed.”
*
Johanna returned to the Alstein family mansion, unable to hide her excitement.
Surrounded by other children, Alesya also quietly came out to inspect Johanna’s newly tailored equipment.
The shoulder plates and knee guards morphed and moved on their own to protect Johanna, truly an amazing sight.
Everyone burst out in admiration filled with envy.
Ray handed the paper he received from Zephrin to Luna.
“Johanna’s equipment is a rechargeable Artefact. It needs help from a Mage to charge. Can you assist, Luna?”
“…Yes, understood.”
Luna nodded naturally.
Ray smiled at Luna and then threw the sword at his waist.
Caught off guard by the sudden throw, Delun hastily caught the sword while gawking at Johanna’s Artefact.
Bang!
“Uh, Brother?”
“It’s yours.”
The sword Ray had just thrown was an extra he requested from Zephrin just before leaving the workshop.
Though Ray pushed Zephrin’s patience to the limit, he did manage to secure another sword.
It was of a grade just below the X series, but it was still a fine sword worthy of most knights.
“Delun, try putting in a little more effort.”
Among the rare orphans, Delun showed the most talent and dedication in swordsmanship.
Judging by his development speed, he might barely reach Expert level before adulthood, which was enough to earn him the title of “pretty talented.”
“Thank you, Brother!”
Delun was deeply moved, while the other children wore slightly envious expressions.
It was nothing new since Ray always differentiated rewards based on achievements and efforts.
Exhaling heavily, Ray beckoned Karen to come closer.
Seeing how exhausted Ray looked, Karen approached him with a mix of worry and anticipation.
“What’s wrong, Ray?”
Ray pulled Karen into a tight embrace.
Before Karen could stammer out a word, Ray buried his face in her neck.
Feeling utterly drained today, Ray closed his eyes and inhaled Karen’s scent.
Karen had been with Ray for a long time, nearly as long as Bella.
As a child, Karen used to strive to follow closely by Ray’s side, and even as she grew older, she often visited Ray’s home under various pretexts, lending a helping hand.
Thus, Ray found comfort, nostalgia, and a hint of excitement in Karen’s familiar scent.
While Ray calmed himself, Karen froze solid at the sensation of Ray’s breath on her neck, and the other children watched in silence, exchanging glances.
It was the first time the children had seen Ray make such an overt display of affection.
Regardless of whether the children were confused or not, Ray finally took a deep breath, stepped back from Karen, and said,
“I’m going inside to rest.”
As Ray closed the mansion door and disappeared, Karen remained frozen in place, while the other children furtively glanced at Alesya and Johanna, especially Johanna.
Despite receiving an unimaginable Artefact as a gift, Johanna felt a gnawing irritation in her chest and absently punched herself in the sternum.
“Irritating.”
She couldn’t pinpoint whether this frustration was directed at Ray, Karen, or herself.
For all her gifted talents, Johanna was still an inexperienced and unpolished 18-year-old girl.
*
“The Emperor has accepted the request for a private audience.”
“…”
Ernst, who had returned to the family estate, sighed deeply upon receiving Adoya’s report.
“It was a long wait.”
Yes, it had been a long time.
Although it was slightly delayed, now was the time for the Emperor and Ernst to make decisions and act.
After confirming the schedule for the private meeting, Ernst leaned back in his chair.
