Chapter 89
HEL SCANS
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Hollow eyes relentlessly chased the children without a moment’s rest.
There was no intention to waste his time, just because of the leader’s request.
If the skill level was below par, he would have refused the production.
However, the disciples of the Hero he personally faced completely satisfied his high standards, making worries seem unnecessary.
‘Is this the second golden generation….’
Of course, Noubelmag was not a martial artist.
But he had a vision developed over the years, dealing with top-tier monsters and marching with the continent’s elites.
Even before joining the Dawn Knights, he had created countless legends for numerous heroes.
In his eyes, too, the children were exceptionally outstanding for their age.
‘It’s not just about having skills.’
Usually, reaching such a level at that age would pierce the sky with arrogance.
However, such a sight was almost nonexistent.
They were cautious and careful like those who had experienced real battles.
Probably thanks to the leader’s concentrated coaching for the past few months.
Especially, some of them had skills that could create an illusion of seeing the past of current members of the Dawn Knights.
Square after square—
Noubelmag pulled out a blank notebook, seemingly out of nowhere.
His rough hands moved swiftly on the paper.
It seemed like tearing and crumpling, but incredibly detailed notes and sketches appeared at an extraordinary speed.
‘…Now, I want to see some flaws.’
It had been about four hours since the test began, so it was the right time.
Noubelmag signaled to the Hero who happened to be nearby.
A subtle movement of the head up and down.
Tang—
At the same time, light returned to the previously dark indoor training ground.
Even though the brilliance made the children grimace, they did not relax their guard.
It was an excellent posture.
“I have something to announce, so I temporarily suspended the test. Take a moment to catch your breath.”
As the words ended, the kids sat down on the floor, exhausted.
Even their underclothes were soaked in sweat.
In reality, most of them hadn’t moved their bodies vigorously.
But being trapped in the darkness, awaiting a formidable opponent with exceptional skills, uncertain about when they might attack, created tremendous pressure.
The Hero who had waited for the kids to catch their breath spoke.
“I announced there was a blacksmith meeting, and suddenly conducting such practical training would have surprised you all.”
Vigorously nodding heads.
The Hero pointed at Noubelmag.
“Today’s lesson was a request from the artisan who will take care of your ‘auxiliary weapons.'”
Auxiliary weapons.
Commonly known as secondary weapons.
Literally, weapons carried around as supplementary tools.
Some preferred the same type as their primary weapon, like Longsword – Longsword, while others chose to compensate for the weaknesses of their main weapon, like Bow – Short Sword.
‘Arranging auxiliary weapons is also an important process.’
No matter how exceptional Noubelmag was as a craftsman, there was no need to immediately replace the weapons familiar to the kids.
‘Rather, it could have a negative impact on combat… and considering the recent battle, Noubelmag’s physical condition and materials at hand both are insufficient to show his actual abilities.’
So, he requested the creation of auxiliary weapons.
As mentioned before, in the Great Demon War, there was an abundance of weapons.
Cutting through the tough and resilient bodies of monsters all day long often resulted in teeth falling out or breaking, even for the most robust blades.
In the heat of battle with no time to maintain the weapons, if the main weapon malfunctioned, relying on the auxiliary weapon was logical.
…However, despite the Hero’s explanation, the kids’ reactions were somewhat uncertain.
“He’s making auxiliary weapons for us?”
“Indeed, that person is the blacksmith.”
“So who is he? We know most of the artisans in the vicinity, but we don’t know who he is.”
“Which workshop did he come from? Is it the academy’s workshop?”
“Well, the auxiliary weapons we currently have are still usable, but…”
In the first place, they did not understand that the purpose of this difficult and life-threatening training was ‘making weapons.’
Typically, when you handed over the task of weapon creation, the blacksmith, would take care of everything once you chose your body measurements, preferred design, and materials.
Perhaps sensing this atmosphere, the Hero calmly spoke.
“Now, let me introduce Noubelmag.”
The kids clapped their hands formally.
“Wow.”
“Please make them well.”
A brief moment of silence followed.
“…Noubelmag?”
“But what kind of name is that?”
“Cuculli, that’s not something you should say, is it…?”
“It sounds like a dwarven name, doesn’t it?”
“Huh?”
“Uh-huh?”
…Three years.
It’s not a short period.
But it was far from enough time for the legendary blacksmith to be forgotten.
His name was recorded in history alongside the great Dawn Knights.
Even now, the weapons, or rather, the works of art he created, were contributing to great achievements on the front lines with their respective owners.
Perhaps his name wouldn’t be forgotten even after 30 years, or even three centuries.
“….”
A deathly silence settled.
When people are extremely surprised, they often can’t make a sound.
Hiccup—
Someone’s gasp was the detonator.
“Wowwwww!”
“Uh, didn’t he retire?”
“Auxiliary weapons! Auxiliary weapons! Auxiliary weapons!”
“Uwaaaa, Noubelmag’s signature weapon in my hands!”
“Mom, it looks like there’ll be some changes in our family’s inventory.”
The Hero added, “Noubelmag will have some requests from now on, so respond diligently.”
“Yes!”
A thunderous response as if the ceiling was about to lift.
Tang—
As soon as the echo faded, the training ground plunged into darkness again.
However, the gaze of the children was noticeably different from just a moment ago.
“Bring it on.”
“If possible, with Professor Kasim.”
“I’ll cut your throat.”
[PR/N: Uh, if u do that who will make ur weapons bruh, who will teach u ??]
The desire of martial artists for excellent weapons had been an obsessive rule for ages.
* * *
Thus, in the latter part of the ‘Exhibition Day,’ Noubelmag took the stage.
The basic framework remained the same.
Kasim and the Hero seized opportunities to attack, and the kids defended against them.
However, Noubelmag added some peculiar handicaps to the mix.
For instance…
“Everyone, lift your left foot off the ground from now on.”
“Yes, what?”
It was a demand to assess the children’s sense of balance.
‘No, how are we supposed to withstand the attacks in such an unstable position!’
Normally, it might have been okay, but in their current tired state, just supporting the heavy swords and the gear with one foot was challenging.
However, no one uttered a word of complaint.
Even Lucas, usually busy criticizing from behind, kept his mouth shut and focused on the practice.
Clang!
Clang!
The sounds of metal dominated the air.
Fortunately, the Hero and Kasim had adjusted the difficulty appropriately, so they could endure it to some extent.
About 30 minutes later.
That was until the command was given to lift the opposite foot.
“Uwaaaa!”
The children screamed as they struggled to replace the familiar footwork that had become second nature.
With their sense of balance in disarray, their limbs moved independently.
In the midst of this chaos, they had to be prepared for attacks, it felt like death.
But this was just the beginning.
About 10 hours passed.
“From now on, everyone puts down their weapons and grabs the iron bars coming down from the ceiling.”
Woooooong-!
With a roar, the iron bars descended from the ceiling at regular intervals and came to a stop.
Hanging from them would mean their feet wouldn’t touch the ground.
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‘Is he trying to make us do chin-ups?’
As the children looked at the iron bars, they realized how unusually thick they were.
It seemed like they could barely hang on by pinching them with their fingers, let alone gripping them.
It was a device designed to push their strength to the limit.
The Hero encouraged the kids (or maybe not).
“Using mana is prohibited. Points will be awarded based on the time you endure, so do your best.”
“Uwaaaa!”
“Help, save me!”
“You fell, Gerald. Falling doesn’t mean it’s over. Go back up in 10 seconds.”
Cuculli was given a specially large iron ball attached to her ankle.
…After about ten minutes, there was no one who could properly hang on.
“Kwah!”
Falling from the iron bar, Evergreen, with a snotty nose and tears streaming down her face, clenched her reddened nose.
But as the eldest daughter, who had to gain a foothold, could not give up.
She stood up again and hung on to the iron bar.
…Repeatedly.
Zzzing-
The iron bars ascended to the ceiling again.
“Now, prepare for another attack.”
“Huuu….”
One of the muscles that tired the quickest when wielding martial arts was the forearm muscles responsible for grip strength.
When the grip strength was exhausted, observing habits that come out during fatigue was also good.
This unusually thick iron bar was a device specially requested by Noubelmag.
…16 hours passed.
“From now on, everyone holds their weapons with the opposite hand.”
“…What!?”
…20 hours passed.
“Everyone drinks the mana-nullifying potion Pia brought. You’ve probably tried it before.”
“Gwaaaack!”
“Everyone! You have to swallow it all at once! All at once! What if you spill it like that? Come on, take this fresh one.”
…24 hours passed.
In addition to various bizarre trials, the children, tormented by exhaustion, all collapsed on the floor as the class came to an end.
Tang-!
The lights returned to the indoor training ground at that moment.
Even in the midst of near-exhaustion, the children reflexively looked up to check on the professors.
Having endured surprises for 24 hours, not knowing their positions made them feel uneasy to the point of fearing death.
Fortunately, the professors stood upright.
Only then did the children relax and release the tension from their bodies.
‘…Ugh, it’s finally over.’
Kasim also displayed signs of exhaustion.
Sweat droplets slid down through the tightly bound hair at the back of his head.
Only the Hero stood there as if nothing had happened, looking no different from 24 hours ago.
‘Is he even human?’
As everyone stared at him like he was a monster, he smiled contentedly.
‘You’ve all grown a lot.’
Anyone can showcase good skills in optimal conditions.
What matters is how well you can move when both your body and mind reach their limits.
A cornerstone for surviving in the endless and unpredictable battlefield.
Even aside from martial arts, experiences like these were crucial to further strengthen the children’s mental resilience.
“…Good job. You can all disband now.”
The children staggered out of the training ground.
They looked tired, but their faces were bright with anticipation.
Kasim also nodded in acknowledgment and left.
Now, only Noubelmag remained by his side, immersed in the process of creation while scribbling notes.
The Hero’s gaze, which had been scanning through them one by one, stopped in mid-air.
‘Rosalyn’s predictions were correct.’
The mission related to Noubelmag had been completed.
▼
Kindling Firewood branches were polished.
Recorded Artifact: The unique ability ‘Domain’ of ‘Black Hope’ has been partially unlocked.
▲
A thrilling sense of accomplishment brushed past his lower back.
The liberation of the unique ability, ‘Domain.’
Though only partial, it brought him closer to the Original.
‘…!’
The Hero’s eyes, which had been reading the comments satisfactorily, wavered.
It was due to unexpected content appearing.
…Noubelmag was still by his side.
He tried not to show surprise, continuing to read the comments.
‘…I forgot.’
Progress increased, offers both ‘reward’ and ‘milestone.’
Focusing solely on the reward, he momentarily forgot about the milestone.
▼
Access permissions for the indicated location have been updated.
▲
Since the previous explanation meeting.
The Iris of Laplace guided him into a hidden cave.
It was just like before.
The Hero gazed at the sudden beam of bright light in front of him.
Its end was within reach in no time, a distance he could easily cover before tonight’s schedule.
“Is there something good happening?”
The question from the side prompted the Hero to respond lightly.
“A long-standing problem has been solved.”
“That’s also a reason to celebrate.”
“…Also?”
The wrinkled corner of Noubelmag’s mouth curled up slightly.
“Well, there is such a thing.”
.
.
.
The Hero also left the training ground.
Noubelmag stayed behind, reminiscing about old memories.
The Hero who ruthlessly confronted the hopeful warriors wanting to join Dawn Knights.
Having lost his comrades in the recent battle, he behaved like a yaksha, mercilessly knocking down the candidates.
It was as if telling them not to join the Order of Knights.
The Hero from that time, unable to control his boiling anger.
And now, the current Hero, exchanging smiles with the children as if boasting about their growth.
“A reason to celebrate indeed.”
Noubelmag chuckled and raised his pen again.
His beloved disciples, the ones the leader cherishes.
They were talented enough for him to wield a hammer without hesitation.
It was an opportunity to showcase his skills after a long time.
If this effort could prevent one future loss.
So, if the tranquility that the Hero had finally regained is not disturbed…
It seemed like the reward of being able to hold a hammer once again, was satisfying enough…..
HEL SCANS
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