Chapter 46 - Encounter - VI

Chapter 46 - 46 - Encounter - VI'I think the old Glenn is rolling in his grave,' I thought. All the memories I have of this body involved wielding traditional swords. Not too long, not too heavy. Perfectly balanced. But from now on, I would probably start training with more specialized weapons, tailored to my physique and abilities. 'I always had the impression that I performed better in combat with large weapons,' I carefully analyzed. 'Maybe it's a reflection of the mana and prana flowing through my veins. Lesley also warned me that I was much stronger than other awakened at the same level.' Ideas began forming in my mind as Selene poured out details about the construction of the weapons. I noticed something: she was extremely perfectionistic. From the material of the weapon guards to the metals used for forging the alloy, down to the types of runes. So much information that I didn't understand, to the point of feeling frustrated. A new conviction arose within me: I needed to visit the library. "Understood," Isaac confirmed. "It'll be ready in seven days!" "And the Nexus?" Selene cut in, not giving him time to breathe. Isaac's eyes widened. "A Nexus? For him?" "Yes," she replied curtly. He looked at me, skeptical. "A Warlord? Seriously?" I nodded, confirming. "This time you've surprised me, my queen," Isaac said, still processing. "A Warlord with an aptitude for large weapons... That's rare." "Rare? I don't even know anyone in Atlas with that build. Maybe those two little monsters from the Orcs," he murmured, more to himself. Selene pulled a small pouch from her pocket and tossed it to Isaac. He caught it mid-air and opened it, examining the contents. "Electricity... interesting." "And gravity," she added. "Now it makes sense why Elian is in the capital. It's been a while since I've seen such a good combination." Isaac nearly dropped the pouch when a third jewel rolled onto the table. "Holy hell! You're kidding, right?" he exclaimed, looking at me as if I were a ghost. "Three affinities?" he asked, his voice slightly trembling. "Is that even possible?" "The living proof is right in front of you," I could even detect a hint of pride in her tone. Isaac was momentarily stunned. "What's wrong?" I asked, noticing his concerned expression. "Is it not possible to make a Nexus with three affinity jewels?" I inquired. "Can't you use one of those special alloys forged with dwarven mithril?" Selene questioned. Isaac fell silent for a moment, deep in thought. "Hard to say. Even mithril, which is a fantastic energy conductor, would be overloaded with three jewels," he explained, sharing his opinion. "This won't be an ordinary Nexus, that's for sure. No staffs or wands. Those structures wouldn't withstand three jewels and would break." "So, what do you suggest?" I asked, joining the conversation. "I don't know!" he admitted, furrowing his brow. "But the affinities have good compatibility. Electricity and gravity, 50%. Electricity and space, 50%. Space and gravity, 75%. At least the tuning won't be an issue." 'What? What is this guy talking about?' I wondered internally. I didn't understand half of what he said, but I mentally noted to ask Master Elian about it later. "We need a flexible Nexus that conducts electricity well," Isaac continued, more to himself than to us. "Long bracelets?" Selene suggested. "No. The stones would be too exposed. Anyone with a trained eye would notice the third one." "Gloves, then?" I ventured. "Gloves?" he repeated, considering. "Maybe... If we make them longer, extending up to the forearm. We could hide the third stone. But honestly, they'd look aesthetically strange." "But what about the material?" Selene asked, ignoring the appearance aspect. "Branches from the elven tree?" she suggested. "Not flexible enough," he dismissed. Silence settled for a few minutes until Isaac finally spoke. "Meteorite core alloy. It has spatial affinity. We combine it with arcane metal. It's not the noblest, but it conducts multiple energies simultaneously." "And the jewels?" I asked. "Three on each glove. We coat them with phoenix lightning feathers for the finish." Selene crossed her arms. "That's going to cost a fortune." "I said I needed the best," Isaac replied without hesitation. "So be it!" Selene confirmed the order. "Understood. Seven days for all three items. But bring the critical materials as soon as possible," the blacksmith instructed, sketching a small outline of the three orders on a yellowed piece of paper. We stayed a while longer in the room as Selene and Isaac discussed imperial matters: increased orders for armor, trade with other nations... Things I was completely ignorant about, at least for now. When the meeting ended, Selene and I left the forge. As soon as we stepped outside, her arms wrapped around me, and we took off. Half the day had passed, and we still hadn't eaten anything. Selene flew slowly, quite different from the speed at which we had left the castle. "So now, my queen? Any more nobles in need of a lesson?" I joked, observing the city below. "Perhaps," she replied with an ironic smile. "Hahahaha..." I laughed genuinely. "I didn't imagine my first duel would end like that," I commented, probing her reaction. "It makes sense." "It makes sense?" I repeated, confused. "Yes. You're ignorant about the level of an average awakened. And you have teachers most people only dream of having." "I already understand that Master Elian is exceptional, but does that justify me defeating someone who's been training in magic for three days?" "Of course not. Thadeus was arrogant. Underestimating you was a mistake he won't repeat." "Repeat? So you're going to keep dragging me into fights with nobles?" "If necessary! Visiting influential families is inevitable." "Phew... How much do I need to improve?" "A lot. Most of the geniuses in the capital are at the end of the champion rank. You've barely awakened." "And the fact that I'm a Warlord?" "Keep that a secret. Unless your life depends on it, no hand-to-hand combat in public." "Why hide my combat talents and not my talents as a mage?" I asked sincerely. After all, I was a mage with three affinities. In my mind, it didn't make sense to hide that I was a warrior, and it made much more sense to hide that I was a mage. "Advantage in the early levels. Up to the master rank, warriors always have an advantage in combat against mages." I tried to analyze the points of that statement. At the awakened rank, all I needed to do was accelerate my energy and move like a lunatic wielding a weapon. At the same level, mages had to visualize their energy being transformed into magic, control the flow of internal energy leaking outward, move, and still have a way to defend themselves—all at the same time. "Up to the master rank?" I asked again, curious. "That's where most of the mages' weaknesses are overcome by their destructive power." Sёarch* The novёlF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I see!" Something similar to when it doesn't matter if a warrior can cut you in half with a single strike if you're far away, blowing up everything and everyone. "Back to the topic of future fights. Will I keep training only with Master Elian?" I asked. "Dungeons." "Dungeons? So I'll need a team." "Don't worry. Rose is taking care of that." "The head maid I've never seen?" "Exactly. Your focus now is to reach full awakened rank." "Alright, one thing at a time." "But... Where are we going now?" She hesitated for a moment before answering. "It's been a while since I visited my father's grave." I swallowed hard. The tone of her voice carried a sadness that seemed to infect the air around me. It was as if her emotions were blending with mine. We flew back to the castle, but instead of entering, we followed a path along the edge of the garden, leading to a gorge with well-maintained stairs. Selene landed, setting me down, and we walked in silence to the depths of the valley. Down there, a large structure rose: the image of a Demon King holding a sword with both hands. It was carved from black jade, which absorbed the sunlight, creating a dark aura around it. Selene approached the tomb, while I stayed behind, respecting her space. "Hi, Dad. It's been a while since I last visited you."