kscans

Chapter 18 - The Second Child

"Don’t cause trouble for Dareth-dono. It’s not every day you get to be taught by such a wonderful blacksmith."

"I told you, I am taking it seriously. Gwaaah."

After that, my days consisted of repairing and manufacturing weapons for the soldiers, and watching over Shion’s training. Perhaps thanks to my diligent teaching, Shion had somehow managed to learn how to swing a hammer without injuring himself.

"It’s all thanks to you, Dareth-dono, that this piece of shit is starting to resemble a human again."

"Ah, no, I think Shion is trying his best, too…"

Senji-san said with a smile. If anything, this guy was just too strict. In fact, he had asked me to teach him my wonderful techniques as well, so I had been teaching Senji-san blacksmithing. He had a real knack for it. He even instructed Shion in my place at times.

"You are too kind, Dareth-dono."

"No, that’s really not true."

"Is Dareth-sama here."

As I was talking with Senji-san, a crisp, firm voice came from the entrance of the barracks. Someone was standing there, but they were backlit and I couldn't see them clearly. The silhouette looked like a woman.

"Ah, yeah, I’m Dareth."

"Thank goodness… I am relieved to have finally met you."

The woman entered the barracks. She had long, elegant black hair and eyes as black as calm obsidian. She held a long staff in her right hand and was dressed like a high-ranking mage. She was an incredible beauty, the very picture of grace. Maybe she was a mage. Just as I thought that, Militar emerged from behind her.

"Dareth-dono. This is Iz-dono, the Chief Instructor of the Magic Department at Grossa Magic Academy in Jikka City."

"So you’re a teacher at the Magic Academy. And a Chief Instructor, at that."

"Yes. Thanks to you, I was able to become someone who guides others in the magical arts."

The black-haired woman approached with quiet steps. She was so demure it made me nervous. And wait, was I acquainted with someone this important. I had no memory of it at all. Feeling nervous for a different reason, I looked at the woman’s face and a flood of past memories came rushing back.

"Could you be… that Iz. The one I used to play with…"

"You remember me. Yes, I am the Iz who was in your care."

"So it was you. You’ve become so distinguished…"

Iz. She was one of the neighborhood children I used to make toys for fifteen years ago. If I remembered correctly, I made a staff for this girl.

"It was because of the staff you made for me, Dareth-sama, that I was able to become the Chief Instructor."

"The staff I made…?"

At my words, Iz showed me the staff she was holding.

Archmage's Staff: Daiwand. Rank S. Attribute, Holy. Ability, By spending a long time with its owner, it amplifies their magic many times over. All spells cast by the wielder are imbued with the holy attribute, and it enables incantation-less magic.

What was this. The main part of the staff was a branch from Yggdrasil. The entire thing was entwined with intricate decorations, like something you'd see in a church. At the tip of the staff was a whitish gemstone. Iz said I made it, but I had never seen a staff like this before.

"Just being an acquaintance of the Magic Academy's Chief Instructor is amazing. And you even made her staff. Dareth-san, you truly are an incredible blacksmith."

"Starting with swords and armor, and now even staves. Your flawless skill is wonderful."

"A world of difference from some outhouse guy."

Leaving me behind, unable to process it all, the barracks erupted with exclamations of "Ooooh." Surprisingly, it wasn't that rare for a blacksmith to make a mage's staff. The quality of magic could be altered not only by high-quality wood, but also by metal ornamentation. As I stared in disbelief, Iz spoke with a bashful look.

"The staff you gave me long ago evolved. I have kept it with me always, treasuring it."

"I see…?"

Seriously. Evolved again. Was this the same as what happened with Militar. Why did the toys I made evolve.

"Why…"

As we were all talking happily, Shion suddenly muttered.

"Hm. What is it, Shion."

"Why… Why do all the beautiful women flock to you."

"H, huh."

Just like before, he suddenly lost his temper. Everyone was taken aback. W, what on earth was with this guy.

"Be quiet. My apologies, Dareth-dono. I’ll silence him immediately. Hey, get over here."

"Why don’t I ever get to meet any girls."

"Because you’re the outhouse guy."

Wailing and crying, Shion was dragged away somewhere by Senji-san. Watching the scene unfold, Iz at my side was dumbfounded. It seemed the spectacle was a bit too much for her ladylike sensibilities.

"S, sorry for the commotion."

"N, no, I was just surprised… Oh, that’s right. I came here today to ask for your advice, Dareth-sama."

"Advice. Then, shall we find somewhere else to talk."

And so, Iz, Militar, and I moved to a conference room in the barracks. As the door closed with a click, Iz immediately began to speak.

"You are admired by so many people, Dareth-sama. I am relieved to see you haven't changed since long ago."

"No, it’s just that the people around me are kind. I only became an exclusive blacksmith thanks to Militar."

"Your humility is another thing that hasn’t changed, Sensei."

Talking with Militar and Iz really brought back memories. Even though fifteen years had passed since we last saw each other, they were talking with me again. I was truly blessed with good people in my life. If there was anything I could do for them, I would gladly lend my strength.

"So, Iz. What did you want to discuss."

"Yes…"

At my words, Iz straightened her posture. Her demure atmosphere vanished, replaced by the appearance of a calm and collected mage.

"You are the only one I can ask this of, Dareth-sama. I need you to save the Magic Academy from a creeping crisis."

Iz said this with an utterly serious expression.