kscans

Chapter 240 - Destruction of the Cursed Blade

Hayato considered the words of the female samurai before him, Simon.

Swords like the ones Ivan and Lunaria carried, Excalibur and Arondight, were called holy swords and demonic swords. The katana versions of these were known as famous blades or Cursed Blades.

While there were inherent differences between Western swords and katanas, the main distinction was that holy and demonic swords were said to be crafted by gods and demons, whereas famous and Cursed Blades were made by human hands.

Simon's request was to destroy one of these Cursed Blades, but Hayato had a small question.

Every piece of equipment had a durability value. When it hit zero, it would break. Special weapons like Arondight might become an item called a "Broken Arondight" that could be repaired, but normally, they would be destroyed for good.

"If destruction is the only goal, wouldn't it be enough to just use it normally until its durability runs out?"

"First, there is no need for such polite language. We are not so different in age, and I am the one making the request. Speaking to me like that makes my back itch."

"Um, okay, then. Couldn’t you just fight with the Cursed Blade to wear down its durability?"

"Yes, that is better. It is a reasonable point. However, that Cursed Blade possesses a self-repair ability, and with its Blood Weapon effect, it even restores its durability when it deals damage. It might be possible to destroy it by clashing for about three days and three nights, but no one is willing to try."

"That sounds like a troublesome set of abilities."

Blood Weapon was an effect that restored HP upon dealing damage, but it also had the ability to restore durability. It was said that weapons with this ability could not be crafted and were exclusive to special pieces of equipment.

Ash's greatsword, Dragon Eater, was one such weapon, but it was a rare ability, with only a few other examples in existence.

"For that reason, I wish to ask a skilled blacksmith who can destroy the Cursed Blade. There are many skilled blacksmiths, but after various considerations, the choice fell upon you, Hayato."

"May I ask why?"

"What are you saying, having placed within the top five in the Clan Wars? I have also heard that you even repaired the Demon Lord’s sword, Arondight. Furthermore, they say that sword was used to break the Hero’s Excalibur. You are without a doubt a skilled blacksmith."

I didn’t really have much to do with any of that, though.

The repair of Arondight had simply required the right materials and a Blacksmithing Skill of 100. And the reason Excalibur broke was because Ash had damaged it here on the third floor several days prior.

In other words, anyone with a Blacksmithing Skill of 100 could have done it, not just Hayato. It wasn’t wrong to say he played a role in the Clan War, but Hayato himself had not fought.

"It was just a coincidence. It wasn't something I accomplished with my own blacksmithing skill. During the Clan War, the members all had their own equipment. I wouldn’t say I’m a skilled blacksmith."

"Whether you are being modest or self-deprecating, I do not know, but that is of no consequence. I want to ask you to destroy the Cursed Blade. The question is whether you will accept."

Simon stated that this was not about how Hayato felt about himself, but about whether he would accept the request or not. She was right. Hayato’s self-assessment was irrelevant.

For Hayato, it was an interesting proposal, but he was swamped with other things at the moment. Accepting this would probably mean traveling all the way to the Eastern Country.

The teleportation device in the Royal Capital did not go to the Eastern Country. The only way was to cross the sea by ship. There was a regular ferry service, so he wouldn’t need his own vessel, but it would certainly take time.

If he could instantly travel between his base and the Eastern Country, there would be no problem, but the Ring of Teleportation could only be used to return to his base. Getting to the Eastern Country would take time, and destroying the Cursed Blade could also take a long time, so he couldn't accept right now.

Still, it felt like a waste to not stick his nose into something so interesting.

With that in mind, Hayato decided to ask for more details.

"Could you tell me a little more? The truth is, I’m in the middle of an important matter right now, so I can’t leave my base. But I am interested."

"That is reasonable. Very well, there are some things I cannot say, but I will tell you what I can. May I have another cup of tea?"

Hayato prepared more tea and some pickled plums.

Simon happily ate a plum and then drank her tea. After a breath, she looked at Hayato.

"As I said before, the request is to destroy a Cursed Blade. Its name is ‘Hariotsubame.’ It is customary to name famous and Cursed Blades after birds, which is why it has such a name."

"I see. By the way, could you tell me why you want to destroy it?"

"Because it is a Cursed Blade. It causes trouble on its own. It controls its wielder, forcing them to slash at anyone and everyone. It was decided that it must be destroyed to prevent any more trouble."

Cursed Blades are set up as cursed equipment, so I guess that means it inflicts that kind of bad status…

"As you can imagine from that, I cannot bring it here. Even if it is not equipped and just stored in an item bag, I cannot deny the possibility that it will cause trouble. It would be a disaster if such a problem occurred in another country."

"But if that’s the case, isn’t it dangerous for me too? If I’m going to destroy it with my Blacksmithing Skill, I’d have to put it in my item bag, right?"

"There is one more reason I chose you."

"Another reason? What are you talking about?"

"That you can be easily subdued even if you go on a rampage. There are many who have the Blacksmithing Skill, but most are combat classes. The damage would be too great if one of them were to be controlled."

So she means I’m weak. She’s right, but it’s a little sad. Just a little while ago she said she wouldn’t attack me because I looked weak. Maybe I should ask Gil-san for an efficient way to build muscle…

Pure production players like Hayato were rare in this game. The mainstream approach was to have a combat-ready build and add one production skill. In a game with no second characters or alternate accounts, doing otherwise would extremely limit one's range of play.

That aside, if there was a possibility of being controlled by the Cursed Blade, choosing Hayato, who had no combat power, was not a wrong decision.

I have a lot I’d like to say, but I guess she’s thought it through and wants to ask me. But if I do it, I have to go to the Eastern Country. And if it's just about destruction, it should be simple, but it is a Cursed Blade. It seems like it would be impossible without some serious preparation. It will probably take a lot of time… which means I can’t accept the request.

He was interested in the content, but for now, conquering the Necropolis was the priority. And he was also worried about the trouble that had befallen Mist.

"Simon, I’m sorry, but I can’t accept that request after all. I can’t go to the Eastern Country right now."

"Then let me ask, is it merely for now, and it will become possible with the passage of time?"

"Well, yes. But I don’t know when that will be."

"I have a question for you. May I ask what you are doing?"

"Well, it’s not something I need to hide, so I’ll tell you. Right now, we’re clearing a dungeon called the Necropolis. I’m not going directly myself, but I have members who I’ve asked to do it. You could say I’m supporting everyone."

There was much to do, from cooking and making medicines to maintaining weapons and armor. Moreover, all of that cost money, so he also needed to make products to sell in his shop to earn that money.

He was supposed to receive a success fee from Damian, but he didn’t have it yet. To send Ivan and the others to the Necropolis every day, he had to earn money while making various preparations.

And he also needed to think about how to defeat the demon said to be on the lowest floor. He had no time to go to the Eastern Country.

"Hmm. In that case, if I were to help with that conquest, would the day Hayato destroys the Cursed Blade come sooner?"

"Huh?"

"Once the conquest of this Necropolis is finished, you will be able to leave the base, correct? Then all I need to do is help with that conquest."

"Is that… how it works?"

It was unclear if he could go to the Eastern Country immediately after finishing the Necropolis, but at least Mist would awaken. His worries would continue, but he would have a little more breathing room.

"Hayato-sama, would that not be dangerous?"

Rose, who had been silent until now, spoke up.

"She has kept her promise to only talk, but there is no guarantee she will continue to do so. And if something were to happen to Ivan-sama and the others in the party…"

"Ivan! Ho! So the Hero is the one conquering it! That makes me want to join all the more!"

"Sounds noisy. Did someone call me? Oh, Hayato, make me a hamburger steak for breakfast today. With a fried egg on top. Sunny-side up."

Ivan came down the stairs.

The situation was becoming chaotic, but Hayato was thinking about Simon.

I’ve heard that samurai fight by sacrificing defense for specialized attack and evasion. Katanas themselves are weapons with high attack power but low durability. In terms of raising firepower, as Esha mentioned, she might be the perfect addition.

Ivan, Rose, and Simon seemed to be having some sort of conversation, but Hayato ignored it and spoke up.

"Ivan, would it be okay if Simon joined the party?"

"This samurai girl? I don’t mind. Our current party doesn’t have much coordination anyway. Maybe just Damian and Ruth?"

"I see. Then, Simon, is that okay with you? If you help us, I’ll at least try to destroy the Cursed Blade, whether I can do it or not."

"That is fine with me. Is our contract then established?"

"Just a moment. Rose-san."

"Eh, ah, yes, what is it?"

"I’m sure you have your reservations, but would it be all right to let Simon join the Necropolis party?"

"...If Ivan-sama has no objections, then I believe it is fine. Personally, I am worried, but in terms of combat strength alone, I believe she is quite formidable."

"Got it. Then, Simon, I’ll have you help us out. But if you cause any trouble, the contract is void. You’ll go back to the Eastern Country alone."

"Very well. However, I would like to have a mock battle if I may have permission."

"Negotiate that with them individually. Well then, I’ll be counting on you."

And so, Simon joined the Necropolis conquest party.