Beyond the pillar

Chapter 13 steel

I slept for 10 hours, and there are still 9 hours of darkness left. I read more from my books; they truly improve my materialization. I feel like it makes sense when I materialize; it's a strange feeling.

I want to leave and find Ophelia. I feel stuck, and everyone is doing so much for me. Can I train today?

—Ross, are you awake? —Galatea's voice came through the intercom.

—Yes, I’ll open the door now.

—Ha... it’s good you’re dressed. They told me about your training your are a perfect rank C; it’s a great progress considering you haven’t even been alive for a year. How was Zedania?

—It was horrible! Hug me! She cut me into pieces. —I closed my eyes and extended my arms, waiting for her to come closer.

I heard her footsteps approaching, then I felt her cold hands on my neck. She guided my head to her soft chest, and her arms wrapped around my body in a warm embrace. Her scent is so sweet; I felt sheltered and safe.

—They can be a bit sadistic, but they are very good people. I thought Liam would take care of you. —She stroked my hair with her hand; I could stay like this for hours.

—Were you able to find any affinity or combat style?

—I didn’t detect an affinity, but I felt more comfortable fighting up close than from a distance. I’m studying a way to propel myself for hand-to-hand combat, and I have an idea of what weapon I want to use, but I don’t think I can create it.

—I can take you to a well-known craftsman; he has a good affinity with steel and could make the weapon you have in mind.

I lifted my face to meet her eyes; her lashes were so long, and her gaze gave me a strange feeling.

—I don’t have a way to pay for such a service.

—I see you’ve read your books; good boy. I’ll find a way to make you pay. —She took my face with one hand and gently tapped my nose with one fo her fingers. —Shall we go see him?

—Sure, is it far?

—No, he’s close by. The craftsman is Melek; he’s very skilled with iron and steel. —She started walking happily, her arms behind her back, holding her hands.

—Okay, hey, are you going to invite me to eat too?

She turned to look at me and smiled.

We walked for about an hour until we reached a neighborhood in the middle of Lycoris, what I call the wooden part, the one in the middle where there’s a bit of everything—poor and wealthy people. In this neighborhood, there’s a lot of trade in crafts, weapons, armor, household items, and even prepared food. I didn’t expect to see it here; it’s supposed to be a luxury.

A door with beautiful designs of winged reptiles; Galatea opened it without hesitation. “Let’s go down; it’s this way.” Wooden steps creaked with each step, leading us to a huge underground room filled with weapons of different shapes and sizes, along with long, thin tables with iron tubes that seemed to lead outside.

—This sweet aroma can only belong to one person —said a medium-aged dark-skinned man with curly hair.

—Melek, how have you been? It’s been a while since I visited you. The last kitten chalices you made fit perfectly on the mantelpiece. —Galatea’s eyes sparkled as she explained.

—I’m glad you liked them. That’s why I’m a craftsman; I love it when people enjoy my creations.

—Ha... I’m sorry; this is Ross, my friend, and he needs your help to create a customized weapon. I know you can help him.