Episode 108.
A single sword resting neatly on a table.
It looked like an ordinary sword.
There was no special decoration.
Because of that, it was a sword that felt shabby.
Siwoo stared quietly at the sword that was placed there.
The notification from GodTube didn’t come up.
Hephaestus’s evaluation was unknown.
It was natural.
After all, this was Seo Pal-gwang’s work.
Everything from one to ten was created by Seopalgwang.
There was no way a notification window related to God’s Metallurgy (SS) would pop up.
Siwoo held the sword stealthily.
Okay, the grip feels so good… .
“Is it art?”
It was truly a work of art.
It fit Siwoo’s hand size exactly.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that it was a sword for Siwoo.
But of course, it wasn’t the sword made for Siwoo.
“I made a handle out of my doppelganger’s facial muscles.”
A doppelganger is a monster that can transform into the appearance of a designated target.
It didn’t matter what the target was.
A doppelganger could transform into anything.
However, only the appearance changed.
The target’s abilities could not be obtained.
In some ways, you could say it was a deteriorated version of Loki.
Loki, a god of Norse mythology and master of shape-shifting.
Because Loki was able to transform completely, even his genes.
So in mythology, didn’t the horse and the goblin give birth to Sleipnir?
anyway.
A sword handle made by melting the abilities of such a doppelganger.
Thanks to this, anyone who uses it can feel the artistic grip.
The shape of the sword handle changes depending on the user.
Naturally, it was not an easy skill.
It was a really difficult technique to preserve the doppelganger’s abilities and infuse them into equipment.
To put it bluntly, it could be said that it was a technology that humans could not do.
but.
“I really learned a lot from you.”
Seo Pal-gwang expressed his deep gratitude to Si-woo.
Siwoo scratched his head, feeling awkward for no reason.
“My uncle made it all. What did I do?”
“You told me everything, one by one. This week’s experience is worth more than the past twenty years of my life.”
Seo Pal-gwang seemed to truly think so.
Well, it was somewhat true.
Training for the past week.
Seopalgwang has really grown tremendously.
But Siwoo’s thoughts were a little different.
Of course, in terms of growth, Seo Pal-gwang’s words could be right.
A week with Siu could have been worth more than the last 20 years.
But that was only the story when looking at the results.
The exact reason why I was able to grow this much in just one week.
That was possible because of the past 20 years.
The divine metallurgy (SS) that Siwoo taught is a technique that humans cannot learn.
Can’t you tell just by looking at Han Chae-rin?
Powers and skills not permitted to humans.
But Seo Pal-gwang eventually acquired it.
He made the divine technology his own.
Even though it’s not perfect.
Can we really say that it was all thanks to Siwoo?
well.
As expected, Siwoo couldn’t agree with that.
One day, Confucius said,
[It takes five years for a bamboo tree to reach full growth.]
[However, the bamboo does not emerge from the ground until five years have passed.]
[The moment when sprouts finally sprout after five years.]
[Bamboo grows to the point of piercing the sky in just five weeks.]
[So, did the bamboo grow in 5 weeks?]
[Or has it grown over the past five years?]
[Of course, it’s been five years.]
[The growth of a gentleman is also like bamboo.]
[Even if you don’t see the results right away.]
[Even if it looks insignificant to some.]
[Be sincere in what you do.]
[In the changing times, it will become a true asset.]
Plum, orchid, chrysanthemum, and bamboo.
The four plants that symbolize gentlemen, the Four Gentlemen.
Among these four noble plants, Confucius considered bamboo to be the best.
So, the 20 years that Seo Pal-gwang endured.
A week has passed since I learned from Siwoo.
Persistence and effort hidden behind the results.
“What else did I do besides telling you what to do? It’s all the result of your hard work.”
Seopalgwang’s 20 years were by no means in vain.
“……”
Seo Pal-gwang didn’t say anything.
He just looked at Siwoo with a slightly upset expression.
Is that why?
“Thank you so much….”
Seo Pal-gwang’s voice was a little sad.
Siwoo smiled slightly.
“I think this will be enough.”
I thought this would be a good piece to submit to the seminar.
There wasn’t even time to make more.
It couldn’t have been better.
This is truly the realm of God’s Metallurgy (SS).
So, everything a person can do has been done.
Now is the time to wait for heaven’s will.
Oh.
Previously.
“Huh…? Huh?”
It seemed like I needed to fix Soeun, who had been broken for a week.
* * *
Paris, France.
The capital and largest city of France, it is a hub for economy, culture, politics, and diplomacy.
A city with global influence in various fields.
Paris was soon to become France and was the city that was called the history of the French people.
As befitting a city like that, Paris has many buildings that represent France.
If I had to pick the most representative one among them, it would definitely be this place.
Palais Garnier.
It was a place known as the opera house.
The lobby inside was decorated in Baroque and Rococo styles, and I was overwhelmed by its splendor.
The exterior of the building borrows from the famous Beaux-Arts style, giving it a sense of breathtaking grandeur.
Hence the name, Palais Garnier.
It was a building whose name meant Garnier’s Palace.
In the past, it was widely used as an opera theater.
Many world-class opera performances have taken place here.
But not now.
In the past, Palais Garnier was completely destroyed during the Demon World invasion.
After the 13 heroes decapitated the Demon King, they began rebuilding and restoring.
In the process, the building’s purpose completely changed.
So now.
“Huh? Aren’t you the Crémant craftsman?”
“Artisan Yug…? Are you here too?”
Under a chandelier that sparkles like the sun.
There were a lot of people gathered there, like gentlemen.
“Haha, as a blacksmith, how could I miss this precious event?”
Blacksmith Seminar, Forgeron Forum.
An academic forum where blacksmiths from around the world gather to exchange and discuss their skills.
But blacksmiths spoke with their hammers, not with their tongues.
Is that why?
“The level of works submitted to this year’s Pojeon Forum is truly outstanding, isn’t it?”
“Don’t they say that the history of mankind is a history of development? As the days go by, blacksmithing techniques also develop. Haha.”
It has now transformed into a competition venue where blacksmiths from all over the world submit their works and show off their skills.
-Now, we will begin the main event of the Battle Forum.”
“Oh, I guess it’s starting now.”
The noisy atmosphere became quiet as the host made his announcement.
And then people each found their seats and sat down.
A place that was literally packed with thousands of seats.
All of them were at least considered the best blacksmiths in their respective regions.
Soon, the host walked up to the stage.
A gentleman in a suit.
He tapped the microphone on the stage and opened his mouth.
“Today marks the 51st anniversary of the Battle Forum….”
And then he started giving a long speech.
Well, that was such an obvious statement.
Thank you so much for coming. Thank you again.
It’s an honor to be able to see famous craftsmen in one place.
Thank you for brightening up the occasion despite your busy schedule.
It was a speech that was filled with such content and a lot of dignity.
How long did the speech continue like that?
“Okay, let’s cut this short and get started with the main event!”
The atmosphere became focused as soon as the host spoke.
Even those who were nodding off rubbed their eyes and focused.
“The first piece we will present is a sword made by master Antonio!”
There was a slight commotion as the host spoke.
“If it’s Artisan Antonio….”
“Isn’t he the best craftsman in Italy?”
Italy, which led the Renaissance revival in the past.
Although many years have passed, it is still famous as a country of craftsmen.
The blacksmith who is considered the best in the country of craftsmen is Antonio.
“The name of the work is ‘Respiro Del Drago (Breath of the Dragon)’!”
A sword was revealed along with the host’s introduction.
And indeed.
“Ugh…!”
“indeed!”
A huge gasp of relief erupted.
Everyone looked at the artwork on the stage with astonishment.
The dragon, known as the absolute ruler of all things.
The crimson sword expressed the ferocity of such a dragon very well.
Additionally, the dragon carved on the handle was gaping open, its mouth wide open, facing the sword’s blade.
It looked like a dragon breathing out its breath.
A famous sword that looks like a dragon coming to life.
“As expected, Master Antonio. He never disappoints.”
“This, this, it looks like we already have a winning piece.”
Everyone couldn’t help but be amazed.
Some were so surprised that they even stood up and applauded.
No one doubted that it was a famous sword.
Right then.
“trash.”
I heard that voice.
It was a muttering that was hard to hear unless you concentrated.
But it cut through the noise and was clear to everyone’s ears.
The commotion suddenly stopped.
Like cooling red-hot metal in cold water.
The atmosphere suddenly cooled down.
“trash…?”
“Who dares say such a thing!”
The cooled atmosphere was reheated in a furnace.
The word is none other than trash.
Because that was an insult to the work.
To a blacksmith, his work was like himself.
To insult such a work was like insulting a blacksmith.
That was something that a fellow craftsman should not do.
So the comment that he is trash is an insult to Antonio at the same time.
It was no different from belittling the eyes of the blacksmiths gathered here.
Everyone’s gaze was simultaneously directed to one place.
Everyone turned their attention towards where the sound of trash was heard.
and.
“……’
“……”
“……”
I had no choice but to keep my mouth shut.
That’s understandable, since he’s the one who said that.
A wrinkled look.
Gray hair that has turned grey.
A very picky look.
He was an old man who looked frail at first glance.
But muscles that cannot be hidden even by outer clothing.
He was an old man who never seemed to be old.
“Is this what you call a work of art?”
Pierre Debus Aurelian.
One who has reached the pinnacle of blacksmithing.
The world’s greatest blacksmith.
Hence the name.
Metallurgy Master.
Aurelian was looking at the artwork on the stage with eyes that looked like they were looking at trash.
Is it because of its unique, meticulous atmosphere?
It even seemed like contempt.
Right then.
“No matter what, it’s trash. Isn’t that too much?”
Someone rebelled against Aurelian.
“Even if you are Master Aurelian, it is against the artisan’s work to insult─.”
“To express the red color, red pigment was dissolved into the surface of the sword.”
Aurelian didn’t even look at the rebel.
I just opened my mouth and looked at the artwork on the stage.
“Because if you paint it, it peels off easily. But.”
Aurelian continued, glancing over the sword.
A sword called the Dragon’s Breath.
It looked like an excellent sword, but Aurelian just shook his head.
“Because of that, it suffered serious damage to its brittleness. It seems that its ductility has provided some defense… but at this rate, it will break in no time after a few swings.”
Aurelian clicked her tongue with a displeased expression.
“If you wanted to express a red color, it would have been better to use the bones of a red wyvern or a red bone dragon.”
They are A+ and S-rank monsters respectively.
It is a material that is difficult to obtain.
However, it is not the case that the material was difficult to obtain.
And yet, that wasn’t done.
“I guess I didn’t have the skills to refine that material.”
Aurelian snorted as she continued.
“Also, what’s with that useless dragon figure on the sword hilt? Does the sword hilt actually function? Was it made to be used or to be looked at?”
A sword must always function as a sword.
Additionally, it must be convenient for the user.
Even if it is the world’s most famous sword, if the person using it feels uncomfortable, then it is not a famous sword.
Tools exist only to assist people.
Luxury does not make the man.
People create luxury goods.
But, I don’t know if that sword is the dragon’s breath or fart.
They weren’t even following such basic rules.
What if you have great looks?
In reality, the practicality is close to zero.
That was just something I made up to think I was cool.
It was just something I made to show off.
“This is a piece of garbage that is completely useless in real life. If it’s just for display, then this is a work of art.”
Aurelian retorted with a look that seemed to say, “Look at me like I’m looking at trash.”
and.
“……”
The one who rebelled said nothing.
To be exact, I had nothing to say in rebuttal.
And of course.
“……”
“……”
Others also had nothing to say.
An atmosphere that descended into silence.
In a cold, chill atmosphere.
The submitted works continued to appear.
and.
“trash.”
A sharp Aurelian assessment was made.
Craftsmen usually have their own stubbornness.
That stubbornness was often felt as a stubborn personality.
Maybe that’s why.
“Food waste.”
Aurelian was unstoppable.
“Waste that can’t be recycled.”
The eccentricity of harshly criticizing other people’s work.
“Hmm… this is somewhat worth seeing.”
That one got the best reviews.
It’s at least worth watching.
“I guess it’s okay for disposable items.”
Even that did not satisfy Aurelian.
Works made by the best blacksmiths in each country.
But to Aurelian, they were all just trash.
“Okay, next is….”
At this point, the host wondered if it was right to introduce the next work.
But that doesn’t mean we can’t do it.
“This is a work of art exhibited by a craftsman named Seo Pal-gwang.”
The host introduced the next entry.
Soon, something wrapped in a bundle came up onto the stage.
“name is….”
The host looked at the cue card in his hand.
But what the heck.
There was no name.
It just said who made it.
Artisans are usually attached to their work.
That’s why he always names his work.
But this craftsman named Seo Pal-gwang, I wonder if he lacks craftsman spirit or something.
But what.
What good would it do to have a name?
Anyway, Aurelian is going to criticize me harshly.
“It is an anonymous device with no name.”
The host took away the bundle.
Then a sword was revealed.
It was an ordinary sword.
It was simple, beyond ordinary.
A sword commonly sold on the street.
Of course, it would be impossible to sell a sword on the street, but it was equally as unique.
It looked very shabby without any special decoration.
This was the part where I could understand why there was no name.
“ah….”
“This is a bit… .”
Small elastic sounds leaked out.
People also shook their heads at the unsightly exterior.
So it was expected what Aurelian’s evaluation would be.
Is it possible for something as incompetent as this to be turned into a work of art?
He would probably get so angry that he’d storm out.
People looked at Aurelian with interest.
however.
Why on earth is that?
“……!!!”
Aurelian’s eyes were wide open in astonishment.
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fantasy,
