< Chapter 96 - Masterpiece #2 >
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Cassius Dalton.
He is a craftsman you can meet in the latter half of Hero Chronicles 2. If we are only talking about weapon crafting skills, he is the best man in Pleiades, the setting of Hero Chronicles 2.
Not much was known about him.
The fact that he was male, most likely an elf, and that he was obsessed with creating the most powerful sword, much like the ancient dwarves of the Sword Seekers.
“That’s a little bit wrong, Cassius isn’t necessarily obsessed with swords. He wants to create the strongest weapon. In fact, even that seems to have a different meaning.”
“I don’t understand what you’re talking about. Why are you beating around the bush?”
“So… based on the conversation with Cassius, it’s true that he pursues powerful weapons, but it’s not because he really wants to become the ultimate or strongest… it’s because of that kind of structuralist attitude.”
The Sword Seeker dwarves were craftsmen who pursued the ultimate – an ideal that could never be achieved, but that was why they wanted to reach it.
But Cassius was different.
What he wanted was not something ultimate or the strongest, but a weapon with a certain level of power.
“It’s just that the standards for that level are too high.”
“Oh, I think I know. I’ve seen that kind of comic book. It’s about how you just have to be stronger than your father, but since your father is the strongest in the world, you have to become the strongest in the world.”
“Is there a cartoon like that?”
“Oh, there is. There’s even a caveman who can defeat a dinosaur with his bare fists, and he even uses necromancy and clones to resurrect Miyamoto Musashi and stuff.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
It was impossible to guess what kind of cartoon it was just by hearing it.
“Anyway, what’s important is that Cassius is that kind of person.”
A person who pursues reality rather than ideals.
But when Yuder saw him, he was a tired man.
A character who has already experienced frustration more than once and is exhausted, but still continues to move towards his goal.
It is not revealed in the original work why he wants such a powerful weapon or what he intends to do with it.
It is only playable between Heroes Chronicle 2 and multiplayer – it only appears up to the so-called 2.5 and does not appear in 3.
‘It seems that he is dead or has gone into hiding somewhere deeper.’
His workshop, which was filled with countless weapons up until Part 2.5, was empty in Part 3.
“In the original, if you went to catch Malekith, he would help you out, right?”
“That’s right. Because he showed interest in making weapons using ancient dragons as materials.”
In fact, there already existed a weapon made from the ancient dragon.
Dragonslayer Sword Ascalon.
A dragon that hates dragons – and that black thread made from the soul and flesh of an ancient dragon held a terrifying power.
“But Ascalon can’t have that power unless you’re a dragon.”
“That’s why Cassius came forward.”
Because I wanted a weapon that wasn’t just powerful against dragons like Ascalon, but could also be extremely powerful against other opponents.
‘First of all, it doesn’t seem like the one Cassius is trying to defeat with his weapon is a dragon.’
After thinking about it for a moment, Yuder quickly gave up on the idea.
Because it was a story that had no answer no matter how much I thought about it.
“Anyway, since there is a much larger quantity than the original, Cassius’s reaction will be different.”
“Yeah, yeah, I’m really nervous about that too.”
Cordelia laughed and hugged Uther’s firm waist a little tighter. It was a signal to increase the speed a little more.
But unfortunately, Jude and Cordelia couldn’t increase their speed or go to meet Cassius in one go.
Just as they were about to leave Argonne Harbor, they received a call from two counts, Count Chase to be exact.
“Where are you going with such an uncomfortable body?”
Luxury accommodation.
Sitting across the table from their father, Uther and Cordelia glanced at each other.
‘Yuder, Yuuder. This looks like an artifact with communication and tracking magic, doesn’t it?’
‘Maybe? And you know that the wizard is you, not me?’
‘Mr. Woo, is that important now?’
Cordelia pouted slightly and fiddled with the thin bracelet on her wrist.
A few days ago, when I first saw him, he filled me in saying that it was good for my health, but it seems like his real purpose was to put me on an electronic ankle bracelet.
‘I hate you, father. How could you do this to your daughter?’
‘But… I guess there’s nothing I can do since he has a criminal record?’
previous conviction.
After all, Cordelia had already run away from home several times.
‘Hey, half of them. No, almost all of them are because of you?’
‘That’s why I’m driving too.’
Cordelia pouted again as Uther raised his other hand slightly.
“Cordelia, is there something that bothers you?”
“Huh? Oh, no. I’m not complaining, Father.”
As Cordelia answered in a slightly creepy voice, Count Chase maintained a stern and solemn posture, while Count Bayer, who was beside him, spoke in a soft voice.
“There’s no reason to run away again after coming all this way. You’ve already run away. Isn’t that right, Yuder?”
“That… yes, father.”
It was a soft word, but it had some serious meaning inside.
When Yuder lowered his head as if he was ashamed and answered, Count Bayer smiled again and continued speaking.
“Anyway, Yuder, where were you going?”
“I was just thinking about going for a run around Cordelia and the surrounding area.”
You could call it a night drive.
‘Yuder, Yuuder. Do you really not have to lie about this?’
‘Come to think of it, that’s true.’
I hid it without realizing it, but thinking about it, it wasn’t really a story that needed to be hidden.
If Scarlett or Kaisa were here, they would probably accuse me of being a fraud.
“I see. Anyway, Uther and Cordelia. The reason we called you here is because of the rumors going around the harbor.”
“Rumors…?”
“Yes, you are planning a mass migration of dwarven artisans?”
Count Bayer’s eyes were gentle, while Count Chase’s eyes were as burdensome as ever.
But since he had already thought about it, Uder answered without hesitation.
“Yes, during this trip, I stopped by Cordelia and I briefly at your estate, where we discovered the ruins of an ancient dwarven city.”
“What? City ruins? Ancient dwarven?”
As expected from a wizard, Count Chase’s reaction was great.
Uder continued speaking with a smile.
“Yes, to be exact, it is the city of the Black Horn Guild, one of the seven guilds of the Sword Seekers. We plan to revive the functions of the ancient city by moving dwarves there.”
The facilities of the ancient dwarves and the craftsmanship of the contemporary dwarves.
And in addition, various rare materials extracted from Ancient Dragons and Adult Dragons are added.
“It looks like the business that will become the foundation of the territory has been created in no time.”
Juder nodded at Count Bayer’s words.
Of course, the possibility of it being created as quickly as said was low.
In reality, as always, there are all sorts of petty problems that come up.
“It’s not easy to bring in a large number of new immigrants to the territory. It’s not something that can be done simply by releasing people. Furthermore, you must keep in mind that you haven’t even properly inspected the territory yet. The actual situation of the territory may be different from what you see… I don’t need to tell you that, do you?”
“Yes, Father. I will keep that in mind.”
When Yuder answered politely, Count Bayer smiled and turned to Count Chase.
“If you have anything to say, say it now.”
“Ahem, I have a lot to say.”
Clearing his throat with a cough, Count Chase asked bluntly.
“What exactly do you plan on doing with the corpses of the Ancient Dragon and the Adult Dragon? It’s not a situation where you can be happy just because you’ve got some great loot. It’s something so great that even royalty would covet it.”
Count Chase was also right.
And that’s why Yuder had already finished worrying about it.
“I plan to rely on the Holy Cross Guardians for the transportation itself. Rather than selling the materials themselves, I plan to process them in the territory through dwarven craftsmen.”
“There must be a lot of pressure to sell to them?”
“It may be a bit presumptuous, but… this is the kind of power we have for times like these. I plan on sending various things to the royal family so that they won’t be disappointed.”
Currently, Uder’s position is by no means low.
He was a count who had lands, and his paternal and in-law families were by no means small in influence.
Uder himself will soon ascend to the position of Ten Swordsman.
So, as long as we could establish a relationship with the royal family, there wouldn’t be any major problems.
Even if he were a Duke, he wouldn’t be able to easily pressure Yuder.
“Yeah, you have a plan as always.”
“Because that’s how my father was always like that.”
“Heh heh.”
As Count Bayer and Uder exchanged warm words, Count Chase spoke again.
“So, are you leaving again within the next few days?”
“Yes, I intend to do so. Master, Kamael, and Lena will also be going to our territory together.”
“The Heroes of Paragon?”
Actually, I could understand Landius and Lena.
The two of them were wandering wild men.
However, it was quite unexpected that the leader of the Holy Cross Guardians, the Sword Demon Kamael, also joined.
“That is… I decided to learn a little from Kamael.”
In order to use the union of yin and yang more properly, it was necessary to cultivate extreme energy, and what was needed for that was Kamael’s martial arts.
The Snow Flower Twelve Swords, which are in contrast to the Ultimate Sun God Sword.
If everything went as planned, after returning to the territory, he would devote himself to recuperation and training for at least three months.
“Haha, are you the heroes of Paragon?”
Iron Man Landius and Sword Demon Kamael.
They do not belong to the Ten Swordsmen, but that is because they are beings outside the framework of the Kingdom of Seilun.
The strongest human being and a being of equal status.
Sword monsters that are unparalleled except for the swordsman of that empire.
‘Good, it’s good, but it’s good.’
Count Bayer smiled bitterly.
Although I was glad that Uder was being trained directly by the heroes of Paragon, I felt regretful as a fellow inspector.
The Sword of Wind, a swordsmanship of the Count Bayer family.
It’s already too late for Yuder.
Because Yuder had already grown his own wings and was flying.
‘It’s a shame. But I guess it can’t be helped.’
Moreover, if it was the Sword of the Wind, Gale had already inherited it.
It was impossible to blame the heavens, since he had the Ten Swordsman, known as the Whirlwind Sword, as his successor.
“Okay, so let’s summarize. We will return to the territory within a few days and train with the Paragon heroes. In addition, the dwarves will be relocated to the ancient city, and the Ancient Dragon’s corpse will be transported through the Holy Cross Guardians. A certain amount will also be presented to the royal family.”
“It is as you said.”
When Uther smiled brightly, Count Chase chuckled and continued speaking.
“Then since we’ve already come forward, let’s help Count Bayer and I. Even though you’re skilled in this kind of work, you must not forget that you still lack experience.”
In other words, the two counts were saying they would help with managing the estate.
“I will keep that in mind, Father.”
“okay.”
Because from Yuder’s perspective, it was a very good story.
“Anyway… This time, I have a story to tell.”
At Count Chase’s words, Cordelia blinked and raised her head.
We’re the ones who’ve been thinking hard and running around, so what on earth do the fathers have to say?
“Adelia and Gail have decided to get married. It was something that was planned from the beginning, but now it’s finally time to get married.”
“Wow, really? When is it?”
Count Chase answered Cordelia’s question with a grin.
“Four months later.”
“Wait a minute… Wow, this is a perfect spring day?”
“That’s what it is.”
Adelia, the bride of spring.
After imagining it for a moment, Uther and Cordelia smiled without saying a word.
“And then it’s you.”
“Yes, we… Yes?”
“You two will soon be eighteen years old. Moreover, you are both nobles with the title of count.”
Cordelia blinked with a blank expression at Count Chase’s words.
So, if it’s as my father said······.
“Of course not right away. After Adelia and Gail get married… it’ll take a few months after that. But it’s not that far in the future.”
At most, it will be about a year from now.
A sudden, yet very natural story.
Cordelia blinked several times again.
I took a slow, deep breath, and habitually reached out and gently grabbed the end of Yuder’s sleeve.
And at that sight, Count Bayer smiled happily, and Count Chase snorted with excitement.
“Anyway, let’s stop talking here and start heading back.”
“Huh? Already?”
“What are you going to do by sitting here any longer?”
Count Bayer raised Count Chase to his feet and nodded to him.
While maintaining her composure as much as possible – but somehow, Uther was frozen stiffly, and Cordelia was blushing while holding on to Uther’s sleeve.
“Let’s go.”
“hmm.”
Count Chase looked as if he had something more to say, but Count Bayer was stubborn.
After greeting Uther and Cordelia, I hurried out of the room.
And one minute.
Another 2 minutes.
“Hey, Yuder.”
“Oh, Cordelia.”
Cordelia looked back at Uther, and Uther looked back at her.
That face I see every day.
But now it was a little different. Without saying a word, we both turned our heads.
“Ahem.”
“Hmm.”
Both sides cleared their throats, but there was still something that remained unchanged.
Like Cordelia’s hand holding tightly to Uther’s sleeve.
“Hey, Yuder.”
“Oh, Cordelia.”
“We are. Later… we are, uh, getting married… right?”
Cordelia looked at Uther again, and Uther did the same.
marriage.
What comes after the engagement?
The procedure was set from the beginning.
But when I said it out loud, it felt different.
When the two counts appear like that, the meaning comes across differently.
Cordelia’s heart pounded.
The same was true of Yuder’s chest.
The gazes they looked at each other began to become moist with many meanings.
And then another few seconds.
The moment when their lips meet each other so naturally.
“Sorry, why is my timing always like this? It’s like someone planned it.”
At the familiar voice, Uther and Cordelia quickly turned to look at the window – Uther narrowed his eyes, and Cordelia turned to look at the window in surprise.
“Scarlett!”
“Oh, it’s me. Pink Bomb.”
When Scarlett smiled and greeted her, Cordelia quickly got up from her seat and approached her.
“what’s the matter?”
“To say goodbye.”
“uh?”
farewell?
Cordelia, startled, instinctively grabbed Scarlett’s hand, as if she didn’t want to part ways.
“Calm down, Pink Bomb. It’s not like we’re saying goodbye forever.”
“Then? Wait a minute?”
“Oh, not really for a short while. About… a few months?”
When Scarlett giggled, Uther spoke in a calm tone, as if he had expected it to happen.
“You want to go back to the empire?”
“Oh, I think so. I guess I’ll stay here since I have nothing else to do right now.”
As Scarlett shrugged, Cordelia quickly grabbed her hand and pulled it away.
“Want to compete with me? You said you’d compete with me.”
A match in the name of Log Master.
But Scarlett shook her head again.
“Not now.”
“now?”
“Well, it’s obvious I’ll lose even if I try?”
He had already known from the time he stayed in the royal capital that he was inferior in terms of sheer force.
But this time, after fighting Malekith, I realized it so painfully.
‘The world we live in is completely different.’
As things were now, it was difficult to even stand shoulder to shoulder.
‘So, you have to become strong.’
I need to become stronger enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with you.
Scarlett could have been frustrated and broken by the huge gap, but she didn’t.
He continued speaking, pulling Cordelia’s cheek as she looked at him hesitantly.
“I’m going to the Empire to collect the remaining secrets of the Log Masters. I’m also going to improve my skills. So… next time we meet, we’ll have a real showdown. Got it?”
“Yeah, okay. I’m looking forward to it.”
“Okay, I’m going to surprise you, so prepare yourself.”
Scarlett, who finally chuckled again, grabbed Cordelia’s other cheek and pulled it forward, then placed her lips on her forehead.
“See you next time, Pink Bomb.”
“Yes, Sister Scarlett.”
“You only call me sister in times like this.”
Scarlett giggled and hugged Cordelia tightly.
And as he looked at that sight, Yuder unconsciously erased the numbers he had been counting from his mind.
“I really have to go now. See you later.”
“Okay, sis. See you next time. Definitely.”
“okay.”
Scarlett pressed her lips to Cordelia’s forehead again, and then pinched Cordelia’s cheek as if she still had feelings for her before looking back at Uther.
“You too, Black Cloak.”
“Yeah, you too, Scarlett.”
The greeting with Yuder was brief and brief.
Scarlett patted Cordelia’s cheek, who was still fidgeting with her fingers, wanting to hold onto her sleeve, and then threw herself out the window again.
“He’s gone.”
“He’s gone.”
Cordelia was obviously gloomy, as if she had grown attached to him.
So, Uther got up from his seat and approached Cordelia.
“Don’t be too discouraged, because we’ll see you again in the Empire. And isn’t that a good thing? We’ll have to go to the Empire in a few months.”
“Yeah, that’s right. We’re going to the Empire too.”
We’ll see Scarlett again in a few months.
As Cordelia smiled brightly, even if it was on purpose, Uther pinched her cheek.
It was so cute that I couldn’t help but reach for it.
‘And these days, they don’t even rebel.’
Has it become common for him to pinch the cheeks of everyone he meets, starting with Yuder?
Or is it because the one who is being pinched is Yuder himself?
Uther didn’t think too deeply. He moved the hand that had been pinching Cordelia’s cheek to gently caress her, and naturally lowered his head.
“Cordelia.”
Cordelia didn’t respond to the small call. She simply stretched out her arms, hugged Uther’s neck, and stood on tiptoe.
&
Early the next morning.
Uther, carrying Cordelia tightly on his back, kicked off the ground.
Due to my schedule, I absolutely had to meet Cassius today.
“Dawn··· Combination··· Juderia······.”
Cordelia, still half asleep, mumbled in a half-asleep state, and Uther picked her up again.
Swallowing the cold dawn air, he flew like a gale towards the northwest – the direction of the hideout of the great artisan Cassius.
&
< Chapter 96 - Masterpiece #2 > End
