Leonhardt stood in front of Captain Muller, waiting for an answer. The old knight had laughed unexpectedly after hearing his request. For a moment, Leonhardt thought Muller had figured him out—realized that he wasn't the real Leonhardt, but someone from another world. But instead, Muller simply smirked and said,
"Do you even have money to get a sword made?"
Leonhardt blinked. Seriously?
Letting out a small sigh, he responded, "I can pay… little by little."
Muller chuckled again, shaking his head. "That's what I thought. In that case, you should go to Master Volker."
The name was unfamiliar to Leonhardt, but Muller explained further.
"Volker is one of the best blacksmiths in the kingdom, but he doesn't take requests from just anyone. If you can convince him, he might make your sword."
Leonhardt nodded. It seemed like the best option. Without wasting time, he prepared to leave for Volker's forge.
---
The Blacksmith's Domain
The forge was located at the edge of the capital, away from the busy streets. The building was old but sturdy, with a strong scent of molten metal in the air.
As Leonhardt stepped inside, he saw a muscular old man with a thick gray beard and piercing eyes working at the anvil. The blacksmith barely acknowledged his presence.
"State your business," Volker grunted.
Leonhardt stepped forward and placed the drawing of his katana on the table. Volker glanced at it, his brows furrowing slightly. He picked up the paper and examined the design carefully.
"This isn't a sword from this land," he muttered.
Leonhardt remained silent.
"Why do you want a weapon like this?" Volker asked, his voice sharp.
"It suits my way of fighting," Leonhardt replied simply.
Volker studied him for a long moment before a small, knowing smile appeared on his face.
"I see."
Then, Volker put the paper down and folded his arms.
"Alright. I'll make this sword for you—but only if you pass my test."
Leonhardt narrowed his eyes. "What kind of test?"
The blacksmith smirked. "You have to defeat my five best fighters. All at once."
Leonhardt's expression didn't change.
"If you win, I'll forge your sword for free."
"And if I lose?"
"Then you leave and never show your face here again."
For a brief moment, silence filled the forge. Then, Leonhardt took a deep breath and gave a small grin.
"I accept."
---
The Warriors of Steel
Volker turned toward the back door of the forge and called out, "Get in here."
The door creaked open, and five large, battle-hardened warriors stepped inside. Their eyes burned with experience, their presence heavy with strength.
Leonhardt could already tell—this was going to be his toughest challenge yet.
"Alright, kid," Volker said, leaning against his anvil. "Show me why you deserve a sword like that."
Leonhardt stepped into the center of the training area, his hands tightening into fists.
The trial was about to begin.
Chapter 6 – The Trial of Steel (Part 2)
Leonhardt took a deep breath, steadying himself as he faced the five warriors before him. Each of them was massive, their muscles hardened through years of battle and training. Their weapons gleamed under the forge's light, each one radiating deadly intent.
But Leonhardt had something else—speed.
The moment Volker gave the signal, the five warriors rushed at him. Leonhardt exploded forward, slipping through the first strike like a shadow. His footwork was precise, his movements fluid.
The first opponent swung a massive hammer at him, but Leonhardt ducked at the last second and delivered a brutal elbow strike to the ribs, sending the man staggering back. Without hesitation, he spun and kicked another warrior straight in the jaw, knocking him to the ground.
The other three came at him in unison. Leonhardt twisted his body, dodging a spear thrust and grabbing the attacker's wrist. Using the momentum, he yanked the man forward and drove his knee into his stomach, making him collapse in pain.
Another opponent, wielding a sword, slashed toward him. Leonhardt barely managed to evade, feeling the blade graze his sleeve. He countered immediately, grabbing the warrior's arm and flipping him over his shoulder with a well-executed throw.
Now, only one was left standing.
This last warrior, the strongest among them, charged straight at Leonhardt with full force. Instead of dodging, Leonhardt braced himself, drawing on the training he had received from Garrick and Reiner.
The warrior swung his axe down, but at the very last moment, Leonhardt sidestepped and slammed his fist into the man's throat, stopping him cold. The warrior dropped to his knees, gasping for air, before finally collapsing.
Silence filled the forge.
Leonhardt exhaled, shaking off the adrenaline. He had taken a few strong hits, but none were enough to slow him down. He had won.
---
A Blacksmith's Approval
Volker watched the fight with narrowed eyes, arms crossed. Finally, after a long pause, he let out a deep laugh.
"Kid, you're a monster."
Leonhardt wiped the sweat from his forehead, looking at the blacksmith with a smirk.
"So, does this mean you'll make my sword?"
Volker grinned. "Not only will I make your sword, but I'll give you a discount if you came back alive again."
Leonhardt's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, seriously?"
The blacksmith nodded. "I don't forge weapons for just anyone, but someone like you? You deserve it. Your sword will be ready in two weeks."
Leonhardt grinned, feeling a rush of excitement. But then Volker added something unexpected.
"And one more thing… I'm making you a full custom armor set too."
Leonhardt blinked. "What? But—"
"No arguments," Volker interrupted. "You'll need something to match that blade of yours. Consider it a reward for putting on a good show."
Leonhardt couldn't believe his luck. Not only was he getting his katana, but he was also receiving a full suit of armor for free.
A wide smile spread across his face.
"Thank you, Master Volker."
Volker waved him off. "Just don't die before I finish your gear."
Leonhardt chuckled before turning and walking out of the forge, feeling lighter than ever. His body ached from the battle, but his heart was filled with satisfaction.
With his weapon and armor on the way, he was now one step closer to becoming stronger than ever.
End of Chapter 6.