Adventures beyond the void

Chapter 39: Wooden Swords and Paid Assassins

3RD POV

Two days had passed since their visit to Sekuro's smithy, and the sun was beginning to sink behind the stone walls of the capital, casting long shadows over the fields outside. The sky burned orange and crimson, the cool air carrying the faint scent of smoke from chimneys and the ringing of distant bells. It was truly a spectacular scene, one of many that Nicholas wouldn't forget. After they left the Moth estate, he and Selin rode on her staff to reach the capital. After they landed, Nicholas followed Selin along the dirt path, his steps slow, his hands fidgeting at his sides. He'd barely been able to focus the past two days, every time he thought about what was waiting for him, excitement tangled with dread in his chest. The black-haired woman walked ahead, her pace steady and her posture confident. She glanced back once, noticing the way Nicholas's shoulders tensed.

     Selin: - Nervous?

     Nicholas: - ...Yeah.

Selin's expression remained neutral.

     Selin: - Don't be. Sekuro is a pretty patient man. Even though we disagree in our approach in training, he'll teach you well.

They reached the smithy just as its warm glow came into view, lantern light spilling from the windows and dancing in the twilight. The rhythmic clang of hammer against metal echoed through the air, steady and powerful, like a heartbeat. Nicholas stopped at the door, staring at the faint sparks flashing through the window. Selin placed a hand on his shoulder, firm yet reassuring.

     Selin: - Come on.

With that, she pushed the door open, revealing the interior: the roaring forge, the walls lined with gleaming weapons, and Sekuro at the center, his hammer rising and falling like a conductor guiding an orchestra of fire and steel. The smith glanced up, sweat glistening on his brow, and a wide grin stretched across his face.

     Sekuro: - Ah, there you are. Right on time.

He said, wiping his hands on a towel.

     Selin: - Always.

She nodded and then gestured at Nicholas to step forward.

     Selin: - I'm entrusting him to you, Sekuro. Don't you dare go soft on this little troublemaker.

Nicholas shivered. Sekuro gave a small laugh, then his eyes trailed downward, to where the small Tree-trooper was wrapped around the boy's waist. The manaless mage still hadn't gotten over the shock of seeing the creature around the boy for the first time, two days prior.

FLASHBACK

After Amyas stormed out of the room, Kenju had immediately thrown himself on the newly forged axes, his eyes practically glowing with delight. One by one, he took them in his hands, inspecting and weighing them, nodding in approval every time, before moving on to the next. Sekuro had already began sharpening the blade underneath Selin's staff, which was ready in no time. Hunter finally stood up, head still spinning from the double impacts but determination shining in his eyes.

     Hunter: - I WANT A WEAPON THAT CAN SHOOT OUT LIGHTNING!!

Zana facepalmed and Selin sighed. Sekuro placed a hand on his chin in thought.

     Sekuro: - Certainly. What type of weapon? If not ordinary, then do you want conductive or infused?

Hunter was momentarily stunned, but quickly regained his composure. He hadn't thought of the type of weapon he wanted to wield, only that it had to be compatible with his magic. But he had no idea what Sekuro was referring to.