Now that Valerius had broken through to the Mana Embryo stage of the Mana Core realm, he knew it was time to acquire a weapon suited to him before the academy began tomorrow. He wanted a katana, the kind he had wielded in his previous life, something unseen in this world. It was more than a weapon; it was an extension of his will, crafted for the techniques he had mastered: Verdant Slash, Munitit Facet Strike, and Asymmetrical Slash.
He closed his eyes, picturing the blade—sleek, curved, balanced to perfection. A weapon built for precision, each movement was a careful display of control and strength. A katana was not just a sword; it was a blade that always cut sharp and responded perfectly to the wielder's intentions.
"Seraphina," he called, his voice steady.
Moments later, the door opened, and Seraphina stepped inside. Her presence was composed, yet a flicker of curiosity was seen in her sharp eyes.
"Young Master?"
"The academy begins tomorrow, and I need a weapon forged today. I must find a blacksmith. Could you help me find one?"
Seraphina pondered. "Is something wrong with the weapon I brought you?? The sword I brought was crafted by one of the best blacksmiths in the city."
"That sword doesn't suit my preferences, I need something else," Valerius said with certainty.
She nodded and smiled. "As you wish, Young Master."
---
The city was bustling with activity. A steady flow of life moved through its streets. Merchants called out their wares, the scent of roasted meats and fresh bread filled the air, and the distant clang of hammers on metal rang through the alleys. Valerius walked carefully, looking attentively around the city.
Seraphina led him through the winding streets to a blacksmith's forge, Velvet Ember Forge. The moment they stepped inside, the heat of the forge pressed against them, thick with the scent of burning coal and heated metal. Sparks flew as the hammer struck the hot steel, ringing out again and again.
A burly man with muscular arms stopped his work and looked at the newcomers. "What do you need?" he asked in a loud, steady voice that cut through the noise of the forge.
Valerius stepped forward. "I need a weapon forged, if possible, today."
The blacksmith raised a brow. "Today? Impossible. Too many orders, not enough hands."
Valerius then took a deep breath and met his gaze without flinching. "What if I told you this is a weapon you have never seen before?"
The man looked suspiciously snorted and said, "I've worked as a blacksmith for thirty years. There's no weapon I haven't seen."
"It's called a katana." Valerius stated.
The blacksmith's brows knitted. "A katana?"
"Yes, a katana is a curved, single-edged blade, built for swift, precise strikes. Its sharp edge cuts with ease, while its flexible core absorbs impact. Strong enough to withstand countless clashes, yet light enough to move like an extension of the wielder's arm."
The blacksmith stroked his beard, eyes gleaming with interest, clearly looking intrigued about this katana. "A curved blade... That sounds special never heard of this katana before." A slow smirk spread across his face. "Fine. I like challenges. The best I can do in that time is an Arcane Relic Grade weapon."
"That's more than enough."
"Good. Three hours. Come back then."
Valerius gave a small nod. "And the price?"
A deep chuckle rumbled from the blacksmith. "Consider it free. You've got me curious about this 'katana.' I want to see if it's as special as you claim."
"I'll stay and watch," Valerius said simply. "Seraphina, return home. I will manage my way back."
Seraphina hesitated for only a moment before bowing. "Understood, Young Master."
The blacksmith introduced himself as Julianar Dorentis, a Low Enchanted Rank Blacksmith. Despite his initial skepticism, Valerius could see the shift in his demeanor—the way his hands itched to begin, the gleam in his eye as he inspected the raw material.
Selecting a bar of Low Arcane Grade Metal—Sangheirite Metal—Julianar held it up under the forge's glow. "This will channel mana more efficiently than ordinary steel. You want precision and speed? The blade must be folded multiple times to strengthen it while keeping it light."
Valerius inclined his head. "That is exactly what I need. A sword that moves as an extension of my own body."
Julianar smirked. "Then watch closely. You might learn something."
The forge roared as the metal was thrust into the flames. Blue fire licked at its edges, mana surging through the heart of the forge. Moments later, Julianar pulled it out, hammering the glowing steel with measured, powerful strikes. Sparks flew, lighting up the dim workshop.
Valerius watched, his past-life memories surfacing. The method—he recognized it. The repeated folding, the way the impurities were worked out of the metal—it was like the traditional katana forging he had once known.
"I need to refine the curvature," Julianar muttered, shaping the metal. "You said this weapon focuses on speed and precision. A straight blade would make it too heavy. A slight curve... Yes, this will do."
Hours passed as the katana took shape. Assistants brought cooling oils and enchantment materials, reinforcing the blade's structure. Finally, the quenching process began. Julianar turned to Valerius, eyes gleaming.
"This is your katana," he said. "You should be the one to channel your mana into it as it cools."
Valerius stepped forward, placing his hands over the blade. Closing his eyes, he focused his mana, weaving it into the metal. A faint glow pulsed through the steel, absorbing his energy.
Julianar exhaled in amusement. "Hah… You weren't just boasting earlier."
The final moments passed, and at last, the katana lay before them, sleek and deadly. Julianar lifted it, inspecting his work with a satisfied nod before handing it to Valerius.
"It's done." He smirked, running a hand over the weapon. "There's more to it, of course, it is an Arcane-grade weapon. You'll figure it out soon enough."
He glanced at Valerius, then added, "But first, why don't you give it a name?" His tone turned slightly teasing. "And let's see if you can use it as well as you say."
Valerius took the katana, testing its weight. It felt right, natural, as though it had always belonged in his grip. Stepping back, he inhaled slowly, then, with a single fluid motion, performed Verdant Slash.
The air trembled. A steel training post in the corner of the forge split cleanly in half, the cut so precise that the pieces remained still for a breath before toppling to the floor.
Valerius ran his fingers along the weapon's hilt, feeling its weight, its presence. A small smile tugged at his lips as he murmured, "I'll call it… Cinderbane Katana."
Silence. Then, a low whistle from Julianar.
"Well, that sounds like a good name." the blacksmith mused, crossing his arms. "And that's a damn fine sword, and your technique is… smooth." His gaze lingered on Valerius, thoughtful. Then, a slow smirk. "Are you the useless Fifth Prince?"
Valerius raised an eyebrow, the flicker of surprise buried beneath his composed demeanor. "You know who I am?"