Chapter 102.2 - The Second Year at the Academy - The Place Called Home (2)
Before the mid-term exams, a study session was held at my house as usual. At that time, I had asked Elphimia to introduce the recently completed blacksmithy and, by the way, to show me the magic metal. Given the amount of magic tools she had, I thought she must have at least one.
While explaining the construction reasons while examining the Wand of Conjuring, Elphimia shook her head in disbelief.
“Do it without certainty? You sure are daring.”
“I have my reasons.”
The verification of my own creation is yet to come, but there should be an impact. The birth of the Azure Series is not only due to first-class craftsmanship but also my own rug-making.
“Still, gathering magic stones seems more efficient. Crafting your own takes time, doesn’t it?”
“It does take time. However, I am also a swordsman. I want to be able to maintain weapons. When I first came to Selen, it was hard to find a blacksmith who could maintain my tortoise shell sword. Anyway, can I borrow the wand a bit more?”
“I’ll settle for a cup of tea.”
The negotiation was successful, and I invited Elphimia to the living room with the Wand of Conjuring in hand. I worked up a sweat with Operate Water, brewed tea, and offered dried fruits.
With a cup of general’s tea in hand, I looked again at the Taber ore. Magical metals, represented by Mithril and Orichalcum, surprisingly had many types. Ratar Kikouya, used in Klaus’s celestial sword, Onklam Black Ore, Rastus Ore, Gills Ore, and many more undiscovered ones are said to exist.
They are called magical metals because the probability of turning into magical tools just by shaping them is high, and they far surpass ordinary metals in compatibility with magic tool creation and permanence. However, it is said to require a considerable level of [Smithing] skill to handle them, and without the corresponding catalyst, they can’t even be heated. Humans can only process Mithril and Taber ore, and the processing technology of more powerful magical metals is passed down as a secret among only a few dwarves.
Additionally, there is a harmful magical metal called Zoptom, so it’s not universally convenient. However, any substance should eventually melt.
It’s not uncommon for a magical sword to break with a fire dragon’s breath. Perhaps the catalyst has the effect of lowering the melting point. In other words, if the furnace can be heated to a high temperature, any magical metal should be processable.
Even with the current furnace, it seems that it can reach temperatures high enough to melt iron.
Narubano explained the reason for not melting it, “Because it’s too fragile as a weapon.” I don’t really understand the principle. Anyway, it’s worth a try. Even if magical metals become somewhat fragile, they are still powerful, and the impact is minimal for accessories.
While looking at the Wand of Conjuring, I proposed to Elphimia.
“Can I shave off a bit?”
“Are you stupid?”
I asked casually, but it was easily rejected.
What a guy with no sense of humor.
Well, just because iron melts doesn’t mean magical metals can be melted. It’s probably better to increase the firepower first.
“Does the [Ice Frost] from earlier have a fire attribute?”
“No. At least it hasn’t been developed.”
Elphimia shook her head while holding the cup.
“That’s a shame. If it were undiscovered, could you learn it by chance?”
“I wonder. Magical development is still ongoing, but simple ones are exhausted. [Ice Frost] was born over a hundred years ago.”
If there were a fire attribute version, it would be easy to increase the furnace’s firepower.
No, would pouring in oxygen increase the flame more? Instead of raising the temperature, control the wind. Maybe I should learn the Operate series.
I gathered my thoughts and asked if she could teach me [Ice Frost] just in case. With that magic, the workshop would be usable as soon as the work was finished.
“You’ve been saying nothing but nonsense.”
Elphimia replied with an exasperated tone but didn’t immediately refuse, instead being lost in thought.
The joke about the Taber ore was just a joke, but this time I was a bit serious.
So, it might have been rude.
“That was a reckless remark. If you’re troubled about the borrowing matter, forget about it.”
“It’s not that… If there are exchange conditions, I might consider it.”
There was a hint of meaning in her words. Based on the flow of the conversation so far—right, it’s a shame, but it can’t be helped.
“Understood. If you like it, it’s yours. I’ll give you my self-made dagger.”
“I don’t need it.”
An immediate response. Even though I put effort into making it. Well, the warped part is charming.
“Rather than that, could you teach me that?”
While looking up at me with upturned eyes, Elphimia made a suggestive remark.
It’s something a magician of her caliber would desire—right?
Moreover, there’s only one thing.
“Sure.”
Easily consenting, Elphimia was surprised.
“Really? That thing?”
“Multiple Chants. Since no one is around, it’s okay not to hide. Do you remember Daniel’s ‘Axe of Exorcism’? I taught him too. However, I think learning it is difficult. I conveyed what I did, but I couldn’t learn it.”
“It’s such a high-level skill, it’s naturally difficult. I’m not giving you a magic book either.”
“That’s true.”
Once again, the negotiation was successful, and Elphimia and I shook hands across the table.
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