### Chapter 80: Captain Gray
Pasifal immediately put on a sorrowful face, “Uncle Pagos, I really can’t lift it!”
“Then starting tomorrow, double your blacksmithing efforts until you can pick up two hundred pounds!”
With that, he shoved the soul-dejected Pasifal aside, then reached out with his right hand to grab the massive scythe’s handle. His bear-like arms bulged with muscle as he single-handedly yanked it free.
He looked as relaxed as a cat napping in the sun.
“Back up a bit, will you?”
Duke and I stepped back a few paces. We watched as Pagos held onto the end of the scythe’s handle; his arm muscles swelled again, and with a powerful flick, he flung the weapon forward.
*Crack!*
The scythe’s handle folded with the sound, and the blade that was previously tucked against the handle stood tall. In an instant, a two-meter long scythe took shape.
The entire scythe was pitch black, devoid of any fancy decorations or designs. The half-meter blade glimmered ominously in the firelight as Pagos positioned it, bending slightly at the handle’s end to rest it on the ground.
*Clang.*
A dull sound echoed.
“Pepé, give it a try.”
“Alright!”
I took a couple of steps forward, grabbing the scythe from Pagos’s hand. The moment he let go, I was taken aback by its weight and ducked instinctively.
Despite being mentally prepared, I still underestimated just how heavy it was for someone used to lighter weapons.
“Be careful.” The Duke couldn’t hold back his comment, “Can you manage it?”
I took a deep breath, released my left hand from the handle, and, with some real effort, hoisted it up.
“Oh my God!” Pasifal exclaimed, “When this thing came out, I honestly thought you guys were pulling my leg… Pepé, when did you become some kind of Hulk—”
I shot him a glare.
*Smack!*
Pasifal immediately slapped his own mouth.
“I didn’t say anything!”
…Now that’s more like it.
I positioned the scythe horizontally in my palm and weighed it. It felt pretty good, but I would definitely need some time to get used to the weight.
Next, I examined the scythe closely.
The pure black handle had countless tiny sunflower patterns quietly blooming all over it. The straight handle began to curve into a crescent shape twenty centimeters from the end, where there were two devices that resembled triggers.
“Why not try pulling one?” Pagos suggested from the side, “Just don’t point the blade at yourself.”
I nodded and extended my pinky to pull one of the triggers.
*Click, click, click—*
I heard a soft whirring as gears turned, and the scythe quivered slightly in my hands. In the next moment, the blade that was once at a ninety-degree angle *clang!* stood straight up and aligned with the handle, transforming the scythe into a spear.
“Whoa!”
I jumped back, gasping in surprise.
“If you pull that trigger again, it’ll revert back to a scythe,” Pagos explained.
So that’s how it works! I pulled the trigger again.
*Click, click, click—*
The blade rotated, the handle trembled, and sure enough, the weapon transformed back into its scythe shape.
“This weapon can switch between three forms based on the user’s needs. The scythe is one form, the spear is another, and… try pulling the other trigger.”
A third form? Time to see what that’s about!
*Click, click, click—*
In an instant, the handle split into countless finger-length segments, and a slender chain emerged from within. Then, with a loud *bang*, the blade clattered to the ground, and the weapon in my hands morphed into a chain scythe.
“When it’s in chain scythe form, the length including the chain can reach five meters. If it’s in spear form, the attack range extends another half-meter… How’s that? Does it meet your demands?”
I nodded vigorously, and then once more pulled the trigger.
The handle immediately began to retract, the chain and handle rubbing together with a pleasant *clink, clink*, until it all snapped back into the handle, restoring the scythe to its full size.
“Awesome! Really, so awesome.”
This was beyond a pleasant surprise.
Honestly, I just needed a good, sturdy scythe that wouldn’t break easily. But this one… Central Workshop’s craftsmanship is astonishing; such exquisite work is practically art! It’s a bit complicated, though; mastering it will definitely take some practice.
“Thank you!”
I excitedly clutched the weapon, reluctant to let it go. This was just too captivating.
“I’m glad you like it.” The Duke chuckled at my joyful expression, “Alright, the thirteenth moonblade from the Central Workshop is officially born, and according to tradition, it needs a name.”
…I have to name it?
Why didn’t anyone say this sooner?
If I’d known, I could have thought of a more badass name, something like ‘Carlos the Chopped’ or ‘Carlos the Hammered’…
“Can I name it later?”
“That works, but you’ll need to bring it back to me so I can engrave the name on the handle,” Pagos replied.
What a hassle; I’ll have to come back again… Who wants to come to a place like this more than once?
What should I name it?
I looked at the massive handle and, for some reason, the name of a certain shipless captain popped into my head.
“Captain Gray.”
That’ll do nicely.
Pasifal’s face darkened, “Pepé, are you sure you want to name it that? It’s such a magnificent weapon… though I suppose this is your style…”
I frowned.
“Just that.”
“Eh, how about reconsidering… You see, something like ‘Abyss Terminator’ or ‘bl**d-drinker’ is way cooler!”
“Hahaha—, as long as Pepé is happy, who asked you to chime in?” The Duke smacked his head gently, “Let her name it; I think ‘Captain Gray’ is just fine.”
Hearing that, I shot him a proud grin.
The Duke has good taste.
Engraving didn’t take long. Pagos took the scythe to the melting room, and before I knew it, he was back. I folded the weapon up and packed it into my leather case.
The left side of the case had an adjustable strap, and I slung it over my shoulder, noticing the length was just right. Although my petite frame was entirely concealed, my head and ankles peeked out.
After a few little hops to test the fit, I left the Central Workshop alongside the Duke.
…………
Life seemed to return to normal.
Every morning, I still had to spar with the Duke for a bit, mainly to practice with my new weapon. Mastering it wouldn’t be easy since I’d need to adeptly wield the scythe, spear, and chain scythe—three completely different weapons—and fluidly switch between them.
That was quite a challenge, but all I could do was give it my best.
Mrs. Duties had become manageable; she no longer forced me to keep studying formal etiquette. Instead, I’d begun learning how to make desserts with her because soon I’d be leaving, and once I was gone, it meant I wouldn’t get to enjoy Captain Gray anymore. So, before I left, I had to learn how to whip this up.
In my past life, I never had a clue how to cook… or rather, I never focused on it. I was too busy with work, barely finding time to enjoy life, and most of my meals were eaten out. Although I never skimped on food, it always lacked flavor.
At that time, I didn’t realize what was missing, but now, through Mrs. Duties, I experienced it firsthand.
What was missing was the warmth of humanity.
So here, I learned quickly, cooking brought me true joy from the bottom of my heart. Before long, I could whip up plenty of desserts without Mrs. Duties having to remind me.
