[Japan, District: Kyoto - Kurogama des]


    The Kurogama des storefront shimmered, its sleek metal front indicating at the advanced tech within.


    The overall structure was surprisingly familiar – rough-hewn stone, a broad peaked roof – mirroring the ssic cksmith''s shops of fantasy lore.


    It was aparison as deliberate as anything I''d ever written for the lore of this world.


    Entering inside, it was less about charm, and more about efficient disy.


    ss cases shone, spotlighting the wares.


    There were so many weapons to choose from:


    A curved longsword, its de shimmering with an almost liquid darkness.


    The name for the sword was called: Void Cutter.


    Beside it, a nged mace bristled with spikes, named Bone Pulverizer.


    Every weapon was a familiar variant, designed to exploit the system''s weaknesses, to turn monster drops into profit.


    Looking at the shop''s back door it opened into a work area.


    With a sign saying no customers beyond this point.


    As I peered through I could see the forge, its heart a ze of mana-infused me.


    In the back, workers were using different technologies to create their desired weapons.


    Some others used the traditional way with the hammer on an anvil, a familiar look of creation.


    MVLeMpYr-official-text


    Though I designed this world, the visceral process still held an undeniable appeal.


    My visit to Kurogama des wasn''t just about the shop itself.


    There was someone here, someone close to the legendary Masamune himself.


    Someone vital... a character who should exist if the A.T. didn''t tamper with this character.


    "Hello there! Not many youngsterse around."


    A voice broke through my thoughts.


    An old man, white-haired, in a ck apron over a long shirt.


    He emanated an aura unlike any other, a stark contrast to his ordinary appearance.


    FWANG!


    [Special Passive: Perceptive Mind [Grade 3] Has Been Activated!]


    [Status Window Of Jin Nobuyoshi]


    [Age: 81]


    [>Strength: ???, >Durability: 75, >Speed: ???, >Mana: ??, >Elemental Attribute: Steel, Fire, Lava,]


    [Current Thoughts: "A new customer?"]


    There was no mistaking it because this man is also the legendary craftsman of the modern era.


    His name is Jin Nobuyoshi The Grandfather Steel.


    The reason he was called this was because of his exceptional craftsmanship.


    His exceptional craftsmanship elevated him above any smith of his era.


    They also called him the ''Iron Sage'', a nod to the enduring quality of his work.


    He was also a part of Garrick''s old group and the creator of ''Jia'', Emperor''s Edge.


    The legendary de wielded by Garrick was named before his daughter Jianna.


    When I wrote about this sword, It should''ve looked extremely ordinary, the steel on the other hand was imbued with Garrick''s unique aura.


    An aura twice as powerful as Gerrard''s.


    Garrick, born with no elemental attribute, had honed his aura through sheer force of will.


    His aura was so strong that people without aura could see the colour of his de.


    Though it made me wonder if his sword still existed...uncertain.


    Garrick didn''t perish with it ording to the novel.


    But would it be here, overlooked? Or could someone have it in this world?


    I shook my head, clearing the information overload. "Ah, yes... you''re Mr. Nobuyoshi, correct?"Jin''s eyes widened in surprise. "That''s right!" He beamed. "So, what can I do for you, young man?"Asking about Garrick''s sword was too aggressive, I needed to look like I wanted something else."Well...I''m looking for a new sword, travelled quite a way to see your craftsmanship firsthand."


    "Really? Well, you won''t be disappointed!"


    He pped his hands.


    "Do you have a budget in mind? Any weapon preferences?"


    Well for the budget, I wouldn''t have to worry as much.


    Since I''m already rich from the D-League tournament money wasn''t a problem.


    And for weapons, I can just appraise each one with my ability: perceptive mind.


    But getting advice from him wouldn''t be bad either.


    I wanted to get on his good side for the future and maybe he could make me a few weapons of my desire.


    "Hmm...don''t worry about my budget," I told him.


    "Just show me the best swords you have."


    Jin grinned. "Give me a minute! I''ll fetch my finest works."


    He dashed off heading through the backroom of the building.


    For an old man, he moved with surprising vigour. Those broad shoulders, the way he carried himself...he wasn''t as frail as his age suggested.


    But I wouldn''t have expected any less, than a man who was a part of Garrick''s group.


    ...


    ...


    ...


    As a few minutes passed Jin returned, arms loaded with shining des.


    Heid them out on the counter – a ymore with a wickedly curved edge he called ''Thundercleaver'',


    Then he pointed out towards another de, a bnced longsword he named ''Windsplitter'',


    Another sword he showed was a brutal broadsword titled ''Skullcrusher'', and finally an elegant rapier dubbed ''Vipertooth''.


    Each name carried a hint of power, but nothing fantastical – grounded, like the weapons themselves.


    "These are my finest!" Jin smiled with pride in his voice.


    "Each name holds meaning, a piece of the weapon''s spirit. I believe every de forged has a soul."


    "I believe that too," I said, a small smile ying across my lips.


    "Weapons aren''t just tools to be broken and reced... they too live a part of a person''s being."


    "...!"


    PFFFT! HAHAHAH!


    Jin stared surprise giving way to a burst ofughter.


    "You''re an interesting boy! Who knew there were still people like you in this world? Reminds me of an old friend…"


    His voice trailed off, a touch of nostalgia recing the amusement.


    He studied me for a moment, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow.


    "I''m not sure swords like these suit someone your type. Honestly, I was nning to steer you towards something standardized. But now…"


    He eyed me with rekindled interest.


    "Give me a moment. I think I know what you might be looking for."


    With that, he turned and disappeared into the back of the shop.


    I didn''t expect him to change his mind on these swords... and honestly, I''m all in for what he has because...


    FWANG!


    [Special Passive: Perceptive Mind [Grade 3] Has Been Activated!]


    [Weapon: Thundercleaver [Grade 5]- Condition: Perfect - Enchantments: None - Special Effects: mming the weapon into the ground hurdles lightning towards a target.]


    [Weapon: Windsplitter [Grade 4]- Condition: Perfect - Enchantments: None - Special Effects: Generates a sharp gust of wind with each swing, capable of knocking lighter foes off bnce.]


    [Weapon: Skullcrusher [Grade 3]- Condition: Perfect - Enchantments: None - Special Effects: Once bonded with the user, the weapon Increases in weight and each swing creates a massive force upon impact, making it more effective against armoured foes.]


    [Weapon: Vipertooth [Grade 5]- Condition: Perfect - Enchantments: None - Special Effects: Inflicts a venomous wound that causes additional damage over time.]


    These weapons were probably better for someone else other than me.


    ____________


    Authors Notes:


    - Jin can use all advanced forms of aura.