Chapter 757
Episode 185: The Remaining Ones (7)
At present, there wasn’t a single faction keeping an eye on the Black Emperor’s Domain.
Since the contaminated zones left behind by Gliek hadn’t all been cleared yet, the most critical area—the Black Emperor’s Domain itself—was completely off the radar.
“If we use this place as a shipyard, no faction will dare interfere. On the surface, the area looks severely cursed, so there’s no reason for suspicion. And even if someone did get suspicious, touching the Black Emperor’s Domain would be tantamount to declaring war on me.”
Dante’s words held weight. The symbolic significance of this land—“the ground where Ron fell”—was crucial.
No one would dare lay claim to the burial site of a hero who saved the world without just cause.
Dante filled Jin’s cup with wine, and they raised their glasses with smiles.
“The foundation work for the shipyard will be done quickly once our knights, engineers, the Black King’s Order, and the Ghost Corps are involved. Our researchers were amazed when they saw Dr. Quaul’s blueprints and prototypes.”
“He was truly a genius.”
What the Empire’s researchers examined wasn’t the Golden Fleet’s schematics, but the designs for the newly developed underground shipyard and the specialized advanced equipment for shipbuilding.
Even on their own, these blueprints left the Empire’s researchers in awe, convinced that the Balmur Alliance had concealed technology centuries ahead of theirs.
When you combined Valeria’s and Quaul’s talents, it was no exaggeration.
“Still, I have some concerns.”
“Is it because, like the Ominous God, Quaul carries Kanesto’s bloodline?”
“Yes. If Sir Fadler’s last words were true, Dr. Quaul might one day become Kanesto’s puppet. And perhaps…”
Jin paused, swallowing a sigh.
“This could apply to us riders as well, since we share Kanesto’s blood to some extent.”
Of course, this was the worst-case scenario.
So far, aside from Joshua, no one had shown any signs of this. But it was undeniable that the remaining riders were born aboard Rosa’s ship.
“A grim thought. But somehow, I don’t think it applies to you and the other riders. If Loki Kanesto had been able to influence your inner selves, the Ominous God War wouldn’t have ended the way it did.”
“That’s true. Still, I’ll keep checking on myself, the riders, and Dr. Quaul through Valeria.”
So far, no records had linked them to Kanesto.
If, after Valeria locates the heritage site and maximizes the power of the record magic, nothing surfaces, they could finally breathe easy.
“Don’t worry too much. For now, the priority is building the shipyard and securing the magic power, materials, and manpower needed for mass-producing ships.”
“I have a plan for the magic power.”
“What is it?”
“The Mirror.”
“The sacred relic of Colon?”
[Yes. This seal blocks the source of infinite magic itself—me. And the endlessly expanding magic could erase this entire world at any moment…]
These were the words of Klam, the god of magic, during the massacre of Colon’s natives.
Since then, Jin had heeded Klam’s warning and restrained from using the Mirror as much as possible.
Only in truly desperate moments—when saving comrades or people—had he used it.
“That’s a dangerous artifact, isn’t it?”
“Exactly. But I’m not planning to use it recklessly just because we’re in a hurry. I’ve secured a way to use it safely.”
More accurately, he had confirmed it.
Since beginning his secluded training in Laprarosa, Jin had made explosive progress—in aura, magic, and spiritual energy.
As a result, he had reached a level where he could control and absorb the solderet seal that blocks the Mirror’s magic.
Moreover, the safety measures were twofold. Even if something went wrong while Jin controlled the seal, they could check the Mirror’s status through record magic.
When Jin explained this, Dante nodded.
“If you say so, then it should be safe to use. So all that remains is to secure manpower and resources?”
“Mages from various regions will come once they confirm Valeria’s presence. But that alone won’t cover all the manpower—we’ll still need to recruit people directly.”
“I’ll look into it promptly. As for resources, aside from steel, the Empire should be able to supply enough of everything else, even if it’s a stretch.”
The most critical material was steel.
They needed large quantities of high-purity steel that wouldn’t degrade even when infused with massive amounts of magic for shipbuilding.
They had already checked, and even combining the supplies of Runcandel and the entire Balmur Alliance, the steel was woefully insufficient.
Since rebuilding the damaged areas and supplying weapons already consumed much of it, they had no choice but to trade with outside factions to obtain more steel.
“I plan to meet with Kinzello soon to negotiate.”
“If you handle the negotiations, it’ll probably be another unfair deal.”
“Well, this time we don’t have many cards to play. If they’re uncooperative, we’ll have to take a humble stance. Asking for that much steel is basically announcing the shipbuilding project, so just negotiating is already a burden.”
“Hmm.”
“I’m also going to meet with the Minche Blacksmiths’ Association. Hopefully, with Lord Picon’s name, we can secure some steel there…”
Just as Jin said this, Dante suddenly clapped his hands. Clap!
“Huh?”
“What’s wrong, Dante?”
“Now that you mention it, I remember hearing my grandfather say something like that when I was a child!”
—Ha! Is there really no way to persuade the Minche Blacksmiths’ Association? They get all our protection but still act so arrogant! If only we could get along with them, the Empire’s steel reserves would far surpass those of the two great houses.
—I heard they even rejected Sir Siron’s exclusive contract a few years ago, Master. Please don’t be too discouraged.
—Calmine, that’s no comfort. Siron was just rejected, but I was kicked out as soon as I mentioned an exclusive deal! Siron’s scary, but I’m not? Tch! Grandson, come here and sing me a song. I just can’t shake this mood.
—Yes, Grandfather! What song would you like me to sing?
—Your “Black Emperor’s March” would be perfect.
This had happened when Dante was six years old.
When he recounted the memory, Jin’s eyes sparkled.
“The Black Emperor’s March? You really composed that at six… No, that’s not the point. Your grandfather said the Empire’s steel reserves would surpass those of the two great houses?”
“That’s right.”
“Even if the entire Blacksmiths’ Island where they gather were made of steel, that wouldn’t add up. There must be something else.”
“My grandfather wouldn’t say something baseless, so it must be true!”
The fact that the Minche Blacksmiths’ Association held an enormous stockpile of steel was something Jin should have known already, from the secret Runcandel documents lost during the Ominous God War.
Though Jin was unaware of this, he felt a sudden breath of relief.
“I have a feeling this will go smoothly.”
“Oh?”
“We should head to Blacksmiths’ Island right away.”
“Now?”
“We haven’t finished the wine with Lord Ron yet. Let’s take our time—I have a lot to say to him.”
“You’ll probably be scolded for drinking here when time is tight.”
“Let them scold me. It’s just one bottle anyway.”
The two chuckled as they finished the remaining wine.
Blacksmiths’ Island.
Located in the northern maritime border of the Empire, in an unprotected zone, the island was roughly the size of a small city.
Because it was unprotected, the island had always been under the Empire’s protection. A considerable number of personnel and budget were dedicated to it, as the Empire needed to secure weapons from the association.
Not only the Empire, but Runcandel regularly sent knights to clear monsters near the island, and even Ziplo provided various assistance to the association.
Despite all this support, the Minche Blacksmiths’ Association had never once bowed their heads to anyone. They were arguably the most exclusive and prideful group in the world.
Jin, along with Siris and Vin Blanche, arrived near the island by riding a Mote.
From a distance, the island gave off a gloomy vibe, even in broad daylight.
“…Do you really think those infuriating bastards will bow just because of Lord Picon’s name?”
Siris spoke, recalling her own unpleasant experiences visiting the island with Thalalis.
“There’s about a 90% chance, Siris.”
“Not 100%, huh? I wonder if they’ll at least thank us for the Ominous God War. They’re shameless enough.”
“Don’t worry too much. Let’s just go.”
The official notice announcing Picon Minche’s visit had been sent in advance.
In nearly a thousand years since Picon’s death, the association had never received such a notice.
In truth, Jin felt a bit nervous upon arrival.
It was well known that the association was fanatically loyal to Picon, but as Siris said, it was uncertain whether they would ‘unconditionally’ accept an exclusive contract.
If they refused, Jin would be forced into a disadvantageous deal with Kinzello, which was a heavy burden.
As the Mote swam toward the harbor, association members waiting there glared at the group with hostile eyes.
Jin fixed his gaze on one of them.
The man bore a tattoo on his forehead shaped like an anvil.
‘So he’s the Anvil among Fire, Hammer, and Anvil.’
The Anvil gave off an impression of being utterly stubborn and impossible to reason with.
“Stop right there!”
“Are you truly the heir of Runcandel?”
“Yes.”
“Present proof of your identity!”
Despite the obvious sight of the black coat embroidered with ten black swords, the Anvil treated them with blatant disrespect.
“Everyone present, please state your identity.”
“I am Syris Endormada, the Minor Lord of the Secret Palace.”
“I… am Vin Blanche.”
“The Minor Lord of Runcandel and the Minor Lord of the Secret Palace may enter, but Vin Blanche is denied. Especially you, Minor Lord of Runcandel—you have much to explain today! We hear you’ve been lending out the weapons we provided without any consultation. And that absurd official letter…”
Jin gave Vin a sharp look, signaling that no further words were needed.
It was a command to manifest Pikone immediately.
Vin Blanche’s eyes rolled back as he entered his divine form, and Moru trembled all over watching Vin transform into Pikone’s likeness.
“Are you… really Pikone Minche himself?!”
[Yes! I am the legendary blacksmith, Pikone Minche! And currently, the god of blacksmiths.]
With a thud, Moru and the other guild members sank to their knees, blinking in disbelief.
Moru didn’t hesitate or question the manifested Pikone at all.
Quickly straightening his posture, Moru knelt deeply, and the others followed suit without hesitation.
Then Moru spoke, satisfying Jin completely.
“From this moment on, everything in our guild, down to every grain of sand on this island, belongs to Lord Pikone. We humbly ask for your forgiveness for our earlier disrespect in failing to recognize you from the start.”