Child of Destiny

…

As Grandcraftsman Berlin continued to strike the metal in front of him, it continued to become purified while also being molded into the shape of a blade.

It also started to harmonize all the energies from the materials that he had poured into it earlier. The broken [Yamato] started to fuse with the fragments of the [Dusk and Dawn Blades] as he repeatedly refined the metal.

When the solidified metal started to lose its heat, Berlin placed the hammer that he was holding from his left hand before picking up an iron tong on the table beside him. When he held the metal with it, he started absorbing the heat coming from the surroundings while infusing it toward the metal to keep it in a state where it could be molded.

The burning red and bright yellow color that it had was maintained as he continued to strike the metal with his hammer.

Not long after, Shin could finally see the shape of a blade from that metal. The black and white light that it was emitting was also releasing a mixture of extreme heat and absolute coldness. They were similar to the heat of a fire and the coldness of ice yet also different at the same time.

He could feel the comfortable warmth coming from the brilliant light, which also somehow contained a dangerous destructiveness. It was gentle yet also violent at the same time. It felt comforting yet also full of rage.

It was complicated to explain.

The black light, on the other hand, was also somewhat strange. It possessed a chilling coldness yet also had a cozy vibe. It seemed to be filled with a freezing chill that could seep down to the bones yet also contained a pleasant breeze of the cold winter.

Shin felt somewhat strange as he looked at it.

The mixture of these two were also creating a strange sight. When the chillness of the black light met the heat of the white brilliance, they were creating black smoke and miasma. But when it was the other way around, they were creating a white stream and fog.

What intrigued Shin about this was he could feel a somewhat strange closeness with them as he watched from the side.

Clang!

When the final strike fell and its sound resonated in the entire cave, Shin quickly felt the completeness of the sword.

Then he saw Berlin too a deep breath before blowing a hot yet also cold stream onto the blade, calming the heat that remained on it.

Shin wanted to walk over and hold the blade, but he quickly realized that he was unable to move. He then discovered that the gravitational field that Berlin had set up earlier now extends toward his direction.

When he was confused, the old dwarf quickly explained. “Even though this blade is complete, it is still an incomplete product overall. It still lacks some polishing and finishing touches. I also have to properly sharpen its edge, so be patient until then.”

He then pointed at Shin before continuing. “On the other hand, you have to continue polishing the thing that you just learned.”

“Even though it is completely different from our race’s breathing technique, it still possesses some of its essence. It is not bad overall and perfectly complements your style.”

“You better head at the edge of the magma river and properly consolidate it. It will be very helpful to the path that you are taking. Once you are done, come back here and I will show you the real appearance of this sword.”

He paused for a moment before adding with a chuckle. “I may even tell you where you can find something that can help you perfect that style.”

Shin was confused at first but still complied. After all, he could also feel that he needed to finish what he had started. He felt that this would be one of the keys to how he would proceed on perfecting his style and achieving his Natural State within the game.

While he was lost in his thoughts, Berlin’s words sounded once again. “I still have some unused materials lying around. I guess I can use them to make you a better scabbard than the one you currently have.”

“It will be better than having those materials collect more dust. Moreover, this sword needs a better and more durable sheath that can house it. Don’t blame me if it turned out a little flashy as I am in a good mood.”

“Give me that useless thing and I will make it even better,” he said with a demanding tone while pointing at the sheath hanging on Shin’s waist.

Shin subconsciously nodded his head and threw the sheath to the old dwarf. Then the latter made a simple gesture with his other hand after catching the scabbard with his left hand.

The poor young man did not even know what happened when he found himself flying toward the exit of the workshop. He was literally thrown out of it as he rolled on the ground after being kicked out.

He even stopped exactly right at the edge of the bank of the flowing magma river.

He gulped nervously as he stared at the boiling molten rock right in front of his eyes sweat dropped down from his forehead toward his chin before finally dropping down at the flowing river of fire.

He knew that the old dwarf had done this on purpose, it was very calculated after all. But he could not help but curse under his breath as a little push was more than enough for him to fall into this magma river and get roasted or even boiled to dust.

Hu~!

After he regained his composure, he quickly adjusted his position at the bank of the magma river and sat cross-legged. Assuming a lotus position, he closed his eyes before entering a meditative state.

His mind then went back to what happened previously when the three breathing techniques merged with one another before finally regaining the new breathing technique fitted for the Celestial Vermillion Bird Method.

At this point, Shin finally understood that this strange Jade Kirin Scripture was somewhat like a bridge. Something that could let him connect different techniques or disciplines with one another and even lead him toward the true nature that they had.

Shin did not get any notification since he was doing everything during the Reality Manifestation. This could only mean that this was something that he could bring out of the game and use in the real world.

This was a breathing technique that increased his fire affinity and even granted him better control over his fire innate attribute.

While he was studying this, he also felt that the mana coming from Solus seemed to have resonated with his own mana. It felt that they were becoming one and entering a state of absolute unity.

It was at this moment that he finally understood what Professor Henry had told him during their previous session. He finally realized the true significance of his Elemental Spirits and their powers.

“Since Solus is closely related to Sun and her powers are mostly coming from it, let me call this breathing technique ‘Solar Breathing’. The breath coming from the sun,” he muttered as he continued to circulate his energy while following this new breathing technique.

He had to familiarize himself with it so that he could use it whenever he wanted. He must master this breathing technique and make it a second nature to him.

…

A day’s worth of time had passed within the game when Shin felt satisfied with his progress. The time he needed to go back to school was also right around the corner once again, so he had to finish this up.

He was sure that he had already given the old dwarf enough time to finish his sword as well as its scabbard, so it must be the right time to go back.

When he arrived at the workshop once again, he immediately spotted Berlin, who was currently in the middle of his relaxation. It was clear that this old was quite exhausted after his continued work.

Seemingly sensing Shin’s arrival, Berlin waved his hand. “I knew that you would be done around this time. You really pick up something just by watching me, huh? You are indeed different like what King Orn said.”

He then pointed at the forging table in the distance. “Your sword and its scabbard are already there. You can take it and leave. No need to thank me since it is my promise.”

“Just bring me some very high quality and extremely rare materials if you ever come across one. A Dragon Heart is not bad. I will also accept a Hydra Heart. Either one of them is really good,” he added in a joking manner.

He paused for a brief moment as if he remembered something before continuing. “Ah! Before I forget. Since you created that interesting breathing technique of yours, then you should visit the temple under the forgotten sea.”

“I am sure that you will like the thing that you will find in there. Just promise me to bring a good material from there when you come back.”

After saying those words, the old dwarf could no longer hold it and collapsed on his seat. He was fast asleep and even started snoring loudly.

Shin shook his head as watched Berlin sleep comfortably under such an environment. He was not sure if this old dwarf would survive if the volcano suddenly threw a tantrum and erupted for real.

“He did not even give me the chance to reply, much less thank him,” he chuckled while wearing a bitter smile.

After that, he walked toward the forging table, which now had nothing on it but his newly crafted sword and its scabbard.

Seeing those two properly laid on top of the forging table without anything other than them there, Shin knew that Grandcraftsman Berlin was telling him to treat these two properly.

He smiled and shook his head before observing the newly forged katana. Its blade was slightly shorter than what it used to be, extending a little shorter than the length of a meter and a half.

Based on Shin’s body structure, particularly his arms, he could say that this might be the best length for him when using his quick draw style.

Shin could feel the mixture of scorching heat and chilling cold just by looking at the blade of the katana, which was completely black and seemed to be able to absorb the light of the surroundings.

On the contrary, he could feel an extreme sharpness that could cut anything by looking at the shining edge of the sword, where its sharp edge was. The smoothness of the surface of the blade made the silver-white edge shine even brighter under just the light coming from the furnace.

The guard right between the blade and the hilt had a regular rectangular design. But despite its regular shape, Shin could see complex engravings drawn on its surface and edges to make up for it.

The hilt itself was also the same as the blade. It had a mixture of pitch-black and snow-white colors, which gave off a strange vibe of extreme balance and absolute tranquility.

Then right at the bottom of the hilt was a tassel with the same black and white color to complement the overall design. ．

Shin extended his hand and grabbed the hilt before properly feeling his grip. And after a few moments, he nodded his head before raising the katana and turning it left and right to check the properly polished blade.

The light coming from the furnace was being reflected by the shining black blade while a dangerous glint was being emitted by the sharp edge.

After that, he looked at the scabbard lying in front of him before shaking his head. “He really makes it quite flashy.”

This comment was justified as the scabbard was designed rather complexly than the simple katana.

It still had the overall black color, but its surface was full of luxurious design and a rather exquisite engraving. There were even some small patches everywhere that looked like an ember of white flame or flakes of falling snow.

He was afraid that other players would now be able to recognize him in an instant just by seeing this fancy scabbard.

It looked like this was going to be one of his signatures aside from his unique mask.

Taking the scabbard from the forging table, Shin immediately felt its sturdiness. He was sure that it was very tough. He guessed that even his new katana would not be able to cut it down despite him swinging it with all his might.

The weight was also perfect.

Shin could not help but become amazed at the ability of the old dwarf. He indeed created a piece of art with those so-called useless materials lying around his storage.

After that, he sheathed the katana and took a stance. He then ignored the series of notifications from the system, informing him about the completion of his quest, and started doing some sword-drawing attacks to test his newly forged weapon.

This sword would be his new partner from now on.

When he was doing this, he could not express how satisfied he was with this final product. He then turned to the sleeping dwarf before giving the latter a respectful bow. “I will never forget this favor.”

After that, he looked around before muttering. “I guess it’s finally time to leave.”

He would like to check the stats of the sword, but he would rather look at it later when he was back online. He was afraid that he would want to test its new abilities out when he took a look at them, so he had to suppress it for now.

It was time to log out of the game and he did not want to be late for the training session with Benedict.

“Later, I promise that I will test you out later,” he muttered before taking out a return scroll from his inventory.

He needed to go back to the city and find an inn before logging out. He just felt that he would need it, or rather the bonus stats that it provided, when he went back online later.

He gave Grandcraftsman Berlin another respectful bow before crushing the return scroll. Then he transformed into particles of light that dissipated in the air after a few seconds.

When he finally left, Berlin suddenly stopped snoring and muttered. “Create a new legend with this sword and shake the heaven with its name.”

He then went back to sleep and started snoring once again.

……