Adventures Beyond The Void (Season 1)

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. Once they landed, Nicholas followed her 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.

     Selin: - Nervous?

     Nicholas: - ...Yeah.

     Selin: - Don't be. Sekuro's a pretty patient man. He'll teach you well.

The rhythmic clang of hammer against metal echoed through the air. Nicholas stopped at the door, staring at the faint sparks flashing through the window.

     Selin: - Come on.

With that, she pushed the door open. 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.

Sekuro gave a small laugh, then his eyes trailed downward, to the Tree-trooper around Nicholas's waist.

FLASHBACK

After Amyas stormed out, 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, inspected 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. 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. He hadn't thought that, and had no idea what Sekuro was referring to.

     Hunter: - The fuck you mean?

The brown-haired male tilted his head in disbelief.

     Sekuro: - You don't know what the magic-weapon types are?

     Hunter: - Look, big guy, I was born in a backwater village, so no, I didn't have the luxury to learn about these things.

Selin gave Hunter a barely noticeable nod. Sekuro stared at the blond, but then let out a reassuring smile.

     Sekuro: - Alright, let me break it down. Ordinary weapons are crafted from simple yet durable materials. They're easy to make, easy to find, and easy to buy, but they can be destroyed without much effort. Conductive weapons, on the other hand, are forged from stronger materials and are specially designed to channel the wielder's magic, making each strike far more deadly and precise. Infused weapons.... now, that's a whole different story. These are forged from the strongest of metals and are combined with the blood of their destined wielder. Not only can the wielder channel their magic, but can also activate spells through the weapon. Plus, the metal can absorb mana from the environment around it, meaning the weapon can have magical attacks, even without its wielder's input.