I arrived at the Dungeon's third level, a place that still felt unfamiliar no matter how many times I visited.
"For now... let's try this."
One of the effects of the magic [Sword Emperor of Nothingness], which I had acquired from the grimoire, was the ability to project swords contained within me.
I didn't exactly understand what it meant to "contain" a sword, or how the projection process worked, but...
"..."
For some reason, my body instinctively knew how to use it.
The moment I willed the magic to activate, I felt a searing heat seeping into my palm.
"This is..."
As I recalled the mass-produced magic sword I had crafted a few days ago, I felt a sudden, scorching sensation along my spine, accompanied by a wave of lethargy as if something were being drained from my core. Simultaneously, a familiar, heavy weight materialized in my hand.
I swung the weapon around, inspecting it carefully. The projected sword was an exact replica of the one I had made days prior.
"Hmm..."
It was perfect—down to the tip that had bent from too much pressure, and the small nick in the middle of the blade caused by a stray fly that had thrown off my strike.
The only difference was that its overall performance was slightly inferior; otherwise, it was an identical copy.
"..."
"Kiii..."
I casually hurled the projected magic sword at a goblin that was creeping toward me.
The blade streaked through the air and sank deep into the goblin's chest.
"Kieeek!?"
Upon impact, the magic sword shattered, unleashing a violent burst of scorching flames that incinerated the goblin instantly.
"So that's how it works..."
I had a rough grasp of the mechanics, but to make the process more seamless, I figured I should establish some self-suggestion or a simple chant.
"Maybe... 'Trace on'?"
I could probably tweak my Enhancement magic to use a similar trigger, perhaps something like 'Trace on' for synchronization.
"Good. Now all that's left is..."
The final piece was the primary function of [Sword Emperor of Nothingness], which required a full chant to forge a single, ultimate blade, but...
"I'm not really feeling it."
Even without trying it, I had a gut feeling.
This wasn't something I could afford to use right now.
If I attempted it, I'd likely collapse on the spot.
"I'll save that for when my magic capacity increases."
It was a shame, but for now, it was time to head back.
"...I feel like she's been coming by a lot lately."
"..."
When I returned to the Familia, I found Aiz waiting for me in front of my workshop.
"What brings you here?"
"My sword broke."
Aiz held up a sword with a shattered blade.
"...You've been treating this thing pretty roughly."
The weapon was covered in deep scratches, and upon closer inspection, the blade was visibly warped.
"Just scrap it. It'll be cheaper to buy a new one than to try and fix this."
"...Okay."
"Or, I could just make you a new one."
"...You can?"
"As long as you pay me in valis, there's nothing I can't do."
"Please make me one."
"Fine. But... why me?"
There were plenty of blacksmiths in Orario far more renowned than I was.
She could have consulted a Guild official or her own comrades in the Loki Familia instead of coming all the way here.
"...It's comfortable being with Bellf."
"Is that so."
If she simply found my company relaxing, I couldn't exactly complain.
"Come back tomorrow."
"...Okay."
"And don't forget the valis."
"I will."