Chapter 14: The journey

For the next five days, Surk had forged weapons from stilettos to damascuses, and sabers to broadswords. Caim inspected them and had Surk recarve some of the runes on them. Surk made lesser mistakes with the more weapons he forged. Caim was happy that his apprentice was such a hard worker.

On the morning on the sixth day, Surk was about to continue more forging weapons when his master stopped him.

"Surk, I think we have made enough weapons so you can just rest today since we will be leaving tomorrow.” Caim said as he noticed Surk was already heating the furnace.

"Okay. Umm...can I forge a couple more swords? Someone wanted me to forge a sword for them. I also want to try using the runes on the book that you gave me." Caim was surprised to hear this.

"Oh! Someone asked you to forge a sword for them? Well, I guess it's fine since you did help me out. Just don't use up all our supplies and don't take too much time. We have to pack up and head out early tomorrow."

Surk thanked Caim and began forging a broadsword for Gray. He then carved the fire enchantment rune on it. After he made a handle for it, he grabbed the broadsword and it was gradually enveloped with crimson flame but was a lot weaker as compared to what Caim had shown.

"I guess it's done. Now to forge another sword.", Surk picked up the book and opened it to show the first rune on it. As he observed the rune, he noticed that the rune was even more complicated than the runes Caim had taught him.

'This will take me a while...' Surk thought as he began forging a saber. It was already late in the afternoon when he had finally completed carving the rune on it. As Surk looked outside, he noticed that the sun was already starting to set.

"Ah, it's already this late. I don't have enough time to forge another sword. Wait, I don't have to!", Surk took out his old long sword and placed it in the furnace.

Surk flipped the pages on the book and found the next rune it. He saw that the rune was just as complicated as the previous one.

'Uuuu...these runes are so complicated. I was hoping the other runes would be a lot simpler' Surk thought as he began carving the rune on the blade. It was already dark by the time he had finished. As they ate, Caim asked if he had finished making his swords.

"Yes, I made a broadsword with the fire enchantment rune it, and a saber with one of the runes on the book on it. I didn't have enough time to make another weapon so I just carved one of the runes on the book on my old long sword."

"I see. So have you tested them yet?"

"The broadsword turned out well. But for the saber and my long sword,...nothing happened when I held them." Surk thought back as he had held the swords in the dark forgery.

"Hmm...that's strange. Maybe the runes have other special conditions for activating them. Don't worry, you'll have plenty of time to find it out on our trip to Galeon. Worst case scenario, you could just use them as ordinary swords. Hahaha"

"..."

"I was just kidding! Don't look at me like that! If the runes really don't work, then you can reforge the sword and use another rune on it just like what I did when I was still training as a blacksmith. It happened to me plenty of times in the past ."

"Thank you... Those words mean a lot coming from you, master."

"You're quite lucky, you know. You're the first apprentice whom I've taught about runes to. I've only taught the basic forging process to the other few apprentices I've had. So be sure to repay me back when you do become a master blacksmith. Hahaha"

"Of course, I'd gladly do it!"

"That's the spirit!" Caim grinned as he heard Surk say this. After they ate, Surk began to pack his stuff and slept on his bed.

At the crack of dawn, Caim and Surk woke up early, and headed to town. After arriving at the southern entrance of the town, Surk asked Caim if they will be selling the weapons to Miu.

"No, today we'll be selling these weapons to the army. I'll earn a lot more money if we sell it to them directly." Caim smiled as he said this.

As they arrived at the northern town exit, Surk saw that it was like all the people in the town. Except the people gathered there were knights, warriors, archers, magicians, priests, assassins, rogues, monks, and mercenaries.

"Hey Surk! Don't just stand there, over here!", Surk heard Caim call to him. After Surk apologized for spacing out, they laid out the weapons on the ground and began selling to them.

"Fire enchanted weapons and armors for sale here. Supply is limited so hurry!" Caim shouted as a crowd surrounded them.

"How much is this broadsword?", one of the knights gathered there asked Surk, who he wanted to talk to thinking Surk was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen.

"Umm, it's 8 gold sir."

"Isn't it a little too expensive!"

"You won't buy it?...", After seeing Surk's depressed face, the knight immediately felt guilty as the other people around glared at the knight.

"Yes! I'll buy it. What I meant to say was that it should be more expensive. Here, I'll pay 9 gold for it!"

"Really? Thank you so much.", Surk smiled as he gave the broadsword to the knight, who blushed after seeing Surk smile.

'Yay! One of the weapons that I forged was sold. Although I feel happy that it was sold, I also feel bad for selling it at such an expensive price but master did say to sell them at that price. I guess it's fine if they're okay with it.' Surk continued to sell more of the weapons he forged and felt happy as more of them were bought.

Caim who also saw what happened grinned. 'Good job, Surk. Sell them at a higher price and help me make a lot more money!'

After an hour later, they had sold all the weapons and Surk was relieved that the load he was carrying became a lot lighter.

"Surk, wait here a bit. I'll look for Cruz." As Surk was about to say that he would wait for him, he found that Caim had already gone.

"Oh, I just remembered. Wheaah!" Someone suddenly grabbed Surk's right shoulder.

"Hey Surk, don't scream. It's just me.", Surk turned around to see that it was just Gray.

"Stop surprising me like that! Gray. That's the second time you've sneaked up on me.", Surk slightly blushed after he had screamed.

But before Gray could speak, a damascus slid dangerously close to his neck.

"Who are you and what did you do to Surk?", the the blade of the damascus touched Gray's neck.

"Fay, Stop! He didn't do anything, he just wants to get the sword I made for him."

"Is that so?", Fay released Gray and went to Surk's side. She then hugged Surk's left hand against her chest as she got closer to him.

"F-Fay, what are you doing here? And could you please let me go.", Surk blushed as he felt the softness of her body.

"I'm here to join the army just like you along with the others. And it's okay isn't it? It's been a while since I last saw you."

"No, it isn't!"

"Why? Is it...because you hate me?", Fay bowed her head as she looked away from Surk. It was the first time Surk had seen Fay like this. Although she always teased him, she was always cheerful. Surk felt a bit guilty about this.

"No, of course I don't hate you."

"Then I guess it's okay. Hehe", Fay grinned as she faced Surk.

"I wish Ryne was here..."

"Surk, about the sword. Do you have it?", Gray who had been watching them, finally asked Surk since he had been waiting a long time for it.

"Oh! Yes, sorry Gray. Here it is.", Surk handed the sword as Fay finally let go of his hands.

As Surk handed the sword to Gray, Caim came back with Cruz and a dark brown haired boy, who was wearing brown long pants and a chainmail under a green tunic.

"Hi Surk. Oh! Who are your friends!", Cruz greeted Surk, and noticed Gray as well as Fay.

"This is Cruz. He's a general and a friend of my master. This is my master, Caim. The girl on my right is Fay, a rogue. The other guy beside me is Gray, a warrior. We met in the competition."

"I see. No wonder they looked familiar. Anyway, I'd like you to meet Kel." Cruz introduced the boy beside him.

'Kel...Kel...The name sounds familiar. Ah! Could it be that he's the prince?' Surk thought as Cruz introduced Kel.

"So Kel, please stay with them while I go and lead the knights." Kel was about to protest when he was interrupted.

"Don't worry, we'll stay with him." Caim assured Cruz that they would accompany him.

Kel grumbled as Cruz left. He had hoped that he could stay on the frontline like the generals but they ignored his commands and told him that it was better for him to stay with the warriors at the rear.

"Hey Kel, since you're also here with us, let's get along well. By the way, what do you do?"

Kel looked at the warrior, Gray. Aside from Caim who was introduced to him earlier by Cruz, he observed that Gray seemed to be the strongest in the group.

"I'm a swordsman."

"Oh, so you're also a swordsman. Surk here is also a swordsman and won the competition that was recently held, right?" Fay said as she heard that Kel was also a swordsman.

"Yeah, the battle was awesome. Surk battled against a warrior, a mercenary, and a magician. Even under that situation, Surk was still able to win." Gray said as he recalled his memories.

At that time, Kel was not able to participate in the competition since he had been prohibited. Frustrated that he could not join, he practiced his swordsmanship and didn't watch the competition. But he could not believe that Surk was the champion.

'So...beautiful...' Kel had noticed that Surk was beautiful when he saw them while they were approaching. But from this close, Kel could clearly see that Surk became more beautiful as he continued to watch. From the dark, black hair that reached the legs, the fair skin on her hands, the slim body emphasized by the narrow waist, to the elegant standing posture and charming, pretty face, everything seemed perfect.

'Such beauty really does exist...' Kel noticed that his mouth was hanging open a bit so he closed it immediately so that they wouldn't notice. Then he noticed that Surk came near him as Gray continued to talk about the competition.

"Hi Kel. I also hope that we'll get along well~" Surk extended his right hand. Kel also did the same as they shook hands.

'Oh, what a clear high voice...'

"O-of course!" Kel who was slightly disappointed earlier felt that it wasn't bad if he stayed with them.

"Hey! Kel, Surk, we are heading out now." Caim called them as the knights of the kingdom had already marched outside the city.

Note: That's the end of the volume. Thank you for all who have kept track of the story.

Chapter 13: The book

Surk continued walking to the inn he was staying at. After arriving at the inn and entering his room, Surk began searching for his old clothes.

"Ah, found them. That's strange, they weren't here earlier when I searched for them.", Surk had found his clothes in a drawer.

Surk took the clothes out of his drawer and placed them on his bed. After taking a bath, he changed back into his old clothes. He wore his white short over a dark blue vest, and his black thin, light pants. As he looked at his bed again, he saw the present that his master had given him earlier.

"It must have been with my clothes. No wonder they felt a bit heavy. I wonder what it is...", Surk took the present and began unwrapping it.

"A book?...", Surk took the old book and flipped through its pages. He saw that the pages were very old and most of the handwriting were unreadable. The writings seemed to be that of another language. There were also strange symbols that were shown on every other few pages.

"Err..." As Surk continued to look at the symbols on the pages, he heard someone enter the room.

"So do you like it?", Surk turned around and saw his master enter the room.

"Yes, but...I can't read it. What are these symbols?", Surk asked as he showed one of the pages in the book to Caim.

"It's a rune. They are ancient symbols that blacksmiths carve on weapons, armors, and shields to give them certain magical properties. Some wizards also use them. They enchant spell runes on scrolls to allow them to cast high level spells instantly without any mana. When we get back, I'll be teaching you how to carve runes on your weapons." Caim said proudly.

"Then, what do these runes do?", Surk asked as he showed Caim the book again.

"That is...a secret! So you'll have to find out for yourself. Hahaha!", but the truth was that Caim didn't also know.

"okay...", Surk looked at the symbols on the book again.

"Anyway, let's go to sleep. We'll be leaving early in the morning tomorrow."

Early on the next day, Caim and Surk woke up and left the inn. They walked back home and arrived after more than an hour. They unpacked their belongings and Surk began cleaning the house. Surk sneezed as he swept the floor. There was so much dust that Surk sneezed again.

While Surk cleaned the house, Caim went to a nearby small river in the forest to fish. After they had lunch with the fishes that Caim had caught, they went to the forgery beside his house. Surk brought the iron ores that he had bought in town and placed them near the furnace.

"Now that you are a blacksmith, I'll be teaching you how to carve runes on the blades. The important thing is that you correctly carve the design of the rune on the blade while avoiding breaking the blade. It may sound simple but the effect of the rune greatly depends on how well you carve it. Furthermore, some runes are special in that they require a certain condition in order for it to display its potential. I'll be making a flame sword so observe how I make it carefully."

Surk watched as his master forged a claymore. After the blade was completed, Caim took a small mithril chisel and a hammer. Then he began carving a symbol on the blade while it was still glowing red with heat. After Caim finished carving and placed the claymore on an anvil, he made a wooden handle and inserted the blade in it. Caim then grabbed the sword and the runes on the blade began to glow with a crimson color. Suddenly, red blazing flame enveloped the blade as Caim held it.

"Hmm...the quality is okay. So Surk, this is a flame sword. The rune that I carved on its blade is called 'fire enchantment' rune. As you can see, the power of the rune envelops the blade with flames. Even though its damage is great, most people rarely use a flame sword because only a few exist and it requires a condition for it to activate. The person using the sword must have enormous strength since the size and strength of the flame greatly depends on its wielder's strength. Also, in order to sustain the flame, the rune will slowly absorb the user's energy so it is advisable to quickly finish a battle when using it. Here take this.", Caim handed a large piece of paper with three drawings of runes on it to Surk.

"On the left is the fire enchantment rune. The one in the middle is the fire resistance rune. This rune absorbs flame attacks and spells. It is mostly used on armors and shields. The rune activates automatically and receives its power from the flame attack. However, the rune gradually fades and loses its effect as it absorbs more damage.

The one on the right is the flame spell rune. By using this rune, you endow another weapon with fire properties for a short period of time. It cannot be used on itself. At most for five minutes, the weapon will have the same power as that provided by the fire enchantment rune. To use the flame spell rune, a large amount of mana is needed just like that of a high level spell. That is why this rune is mostly used on a staff.

So for the next following days, I want you to create weapons and armors using these runes. Give me the ones that you have finished later and I'll check them.", Caim said as he placed the claymore on a weapon stand.

"Yes, master", Surk studied the symbols and began to prepare in forging a sword.

Note: Next chapter will be posted next week. It will probably be the last chapter for the volume.

Chapter 12: The swordsman

After they found Caim just outside the exit and Cruz handed the sack to him, Caim smiled brightly. From there, they went to a nearby pub where they chatted and drank.

"Haa~...Today is a great day! Congrats Surk on becoming a blacksmith. Plus I got something great today!", Caim said after finishing his glass of beer.

"Also, the king made a request to Surk today. He wants Surk to join the army and protect the prince.", Cruz also finished his glass of beer while glancing at Surk who was slowly gulping down his drink as his face turned slightly red.

"Is that so Surk? Well, I guess you have proven to me that you are strong enough to protect yourself.", Caim asked Surk who nodded.

"Well, I better get going and meet with the other generals. See you at the northern town exit several days from now.", With that, Cruz stood up and left the pub.

"Master, is it really okay for me to join? I've never seen demons or orcs before.", Surk asked Caim as he was worried.

"Yes, just make sure that you stick with me and don't wander alone by yourself. We'll be going back home tomorrow. I'll be teaching you something new since you're now a blacksmith. When we get to Galeon, take the master blacksmith selection test there. So go to the inn first and take a rest.", Caim said as he ordered another drink.

"Then, I'll be going first. Take care master.", Surk went out of the pub and headed to the inn they were staying at.

At the corner, the shadow of a man crept out.

"There he is. I've been looking for him.", a man followed Surk as he continued to walk.

'Ugh, I want to head back to the inn fast, find my clothes, and change out of this!', Surk noticed that the people around him were looking at him as he passed by.

As Surk continued to walk, he felt that something was strange. He felt a chill creep down his spine.

'It's just the people staring at you, Surk. There's nothing to wor-', a hand suddenly grabbed him on the shoulders.

"Wha-What?!", Surk turned around to see who it was that suddenly grabbed him. But he lost his footing and was about to fall on his back when someone caught him on the waist.

"Surk, you okay? Sorry about surprising you like that.", the man said as he held Surk.

"Who? Ah, it's you! Err...Gray?", Surk remembered that the man was the warrior he had fought earlier in the competition.

"Yeah, thanks for remembering...You really have a very slim waist like a girl just like I thought."

"Wha-What?! Let go of me already!", Surk struggled as he tried to get free.

"W-wait! If I let go of you now, you'll fall!", Gray helped Surk stand properly as he let go.

"Hmmph..., so what do you want?!", Surk said glaring at Gray.

"Aw, don't be so angry. You know, you look more like a girl when you pout like that. Ah!", Surk had turned arround and had started walking away.

"Why don't you just die, you idiot!", Surk ignored Gray as he walked away. Gray ran up to Surk and stood in front of him.

"Wait, I didn't mean it! What I meant was that you were so manly that I got jealous and said those things!"

'What the hell am I saying! It's over! Surk wouldn't believe that crap! Even I can't believe that!', Gray thought as he said those words.

Surk stopped walking and faced Gray. There was a moment of silence before Surk spoke again.

"Well...What do you want?", Surk said a bit more calmly.

'It worked?! I can't believe it!!', Gray thought as he heard what Surk said.

"It's about what we talked about after our battle. Please forge me a new sword! I'll pay 10 gold for it.", Gray handed Surk a small bag full of gold coins.

'Hmm...a good sword mostly costed around three gold. Even the swords forged by his master were bought for at most eight gold. He must be desperate to pay this much...'

"Fine, I'll do it. But you'll have to wait seven days before you get it. I'll give it to you then at the northern town exit.", Surk was a bit happy that he was getting paid 10 gold for forging a sword.

"Could it be that...you're also joining the army headed to Galeon.", Gray asked when he heard Surk that they would meet at the northern town exit.

"Umm...yeah...", Surk had a bad feeling about it.

"That's great! I'm also joining the army. So let's group together!"

"Err...but"

"Well then, see you Surk!", Gray ran as he waved goodbye.

"Ah, wait!!", It was too late. Gray had already left and had disappeared among the people.

'Gah! I already have problems with the king's request. Now I also have to deal with Gray. It wouldn't be a problem if he didn't make me feel so upset and tired every time we meet. Oh, just forget it.'

Note: Only a few more pages until the end of the volume. Next chapter will be posted next week.

Chapter 11: The request

"As you all know, our kingdom, which is located on the southern part of the continent, is far from the northern demonic kingdom and the western orcish tribes.

However recently, our neighboring kingdom Galeon, has been under siege by both the demons from the north and the orcs from the west.

If they succeed in laying the kingdom Galeon to waste, it would only be a matter of time when they will do the same to us. Although it is still not clear on what their aim is, and on whether the demons and the orcs have forged an alliance, we can't allow them to do whatever as they please.

King Fray of Galeon has requested an alliance and is requesting out help. Seven days from now, our generals along with most of our soldiers will be heading to Galeon. With the size of our army, I fear it will be insufficient. Therefore to all brave warriors who have gathered here, our kingdom requires your assistance in purging the threat that looms before us. Anyone who joins our army will be rewarded!"

"Of course we will join!!"

"Yeah, those dumb orcs don't stand a chance!!", the crowd cheered as the king finished his announcement.

King Oraen turned around and breathed a sigh of relief as he heard the crowd's cheers. But not all of the crowd were enthusiastic about it. They knew how strong orcs and demons were. If it were only the orcs they were fighting, then they stood a good chance. But with the demons, their chances of survival was pretty slim. Lower class demons had incomparable strength and brought great fear just by their appearance alone. Although relatively few, there were also the high class demons who were seldomly seen. Most of the people who had the misfortune of meeting one never made it back. But the few who did survive told tales of how his companions were easily slaughtered by dark magic. The crowd continued to cheer while some chatted with the others.

"Enlistment for the army will start tomorrow here at the stadium. So be sure to come back tomorrow if you are joining!", the announcer said as some of the people started leaving the stadium.

As Oraen was about to leave with the generals and head back to the castle, he saw Cruz and Surk talking.

'Hmm...General Cruz is acquainted with her. Then, I guess it would be okay if I ask her.', Oraen thought as he approached the two.

"General Cruz, it seems that you two know each other?", Oraen asked as he faced Cruz.

"Yes your majesty. Surk is actually the apprentice of an old friend of mine. We met recently before the competition. I suggested to my friend to let Surk enter the competition."

"I see. Surk, I would like to ask a personal favor from you.", Oraen asked as he faced Surk.

Surk was surprised at this sudden request. Moreover, it was a request from the king himself. Surk was speechless until Cruz nudged him from the back.

"O-of course your majesty!", Surk replied immediately without thinking.

"You see, with our army aiding the kingdom Galeon, a representative of our kingdom would be necessary. I had wished to go myself but alas I cannot. However my son, Prince Keldar, will be going in my place. He has strong swordsmanship and I know he can protect himself. But as his father, I can only worry for his safety. So I would like to ask you if you can join the army under General Cruz and help him protect my son?"

"I would like to your majesty, but...I have to ask my master first if he will allow me.", Surk replied slowly bowing his head.

"Surk, it's okay. I've already told your master about it. He said he's going to accompany me and allow you to join him if you wanted.", Cruz patted Surk on the back.

"Then, I'll do my best your majesty.", Surk bowed to Oraen.

"Thank you Surk. I wouldn't have asked you of this favor if my son wasn't so stubborn on allowing some of my knights or generals to bodyguard him. But with you hanging out with him as a swordsman, I'm sure he won't mind with you being a strong and beautiful girl.", Surk immediately replied to what he said.

"But your majesty, I'm a mmphmmph...", Cruz had covered Surk's mouth before he could say anything further.

"What is it Surk?", Oraen was curious on what Surk wanted to say.

"It's nothing your majesty. Surk just wanted to say that 'I am a blacksmith'", Cruz replied quickly.

"Ah! I see. I forgot. Haha. Anyway, I'll be depending on you Surk. Take care.", Oraen bid farewell as he left with the other generals.

After the king had left, Cruz finally released his hand over Surk's mouth.

"Ghah...W-why did you stop me? The king thought I was a girl!", Surk said as he struggled to regain his breath.

"It's fine, don't worry about it. They won't find out. Plus even if you had told him, he would have thought that you were lying and that you really didn't want to help him.", Cruz said as he persuaded Surk to keep it a secret.

"That is...but..."

"You worry too much. Just let me handle it. Trust me. Anyway, we should start looking for your master, I'm sure he's eagerly waiting for this to get on his hands.", Cruz placed the chest in a sack and hoisted it over his back as he started walking headed to the stadium exit.

"...okay...", Surk said doubtfully as he followed Cruz.

Note: Next chapter will be posted next week.