Chapter 29: The Birth of the Kage Clan & A New Era Begins (Updated)

I gather all the crystals and drop items from the fallen monsters—far more than I anticipated.

This haul alone could net me billions, but the problem isn't just making money.

It's how to reveal it to the world.

Because no one has ever reached this level before, these items hold immense value, making their sale even more lucrative.

But heading to the Guild?

That's not the right move.

Doing business is smarter.

Every item in my possession is related to armor and weapon crafting.

I have two main options:

Buy a Blacksmith skill and craft them myself.

Buy a Shadow Blacksmith to forge them for me, then sell the finished products to adventurers.

But there are two major complications:

🔹 Hestia's Familia doesn't have a license for blacksmithing. 🔹 Competing with Hephaestus' Familia could damage our relationship.

And I like Hephaestus—she protected Hestia when she first descended, giving her a place to stay when no one else would.

I owe her respect.

So instead of challenging her, I have two new options:

🔸 Make the weapons and armor, then sell them through her Familia. 🔸 Sell her the raw materials, securing a lasting partnership.

After weighing my choices, I decide on the first option.

I won't make Hestia's Familia a blacksmithing powerhouse, but instead, become a master blacksmith myself—selling my creations through Hephaestus' network.

This way, both sides profit.

The earnings won't be instant, but in the long run, it'll pay far more than just selling raw materials.

Now, comes the next decision.

Should I craft everything myself—or recruit a Shadow Blacksmith?

After considering the pros and cons, I choose both.

Having the ability to craft weapons personally is something I value, but I don't want to spend all day in a forge—so a Shadow Blacksmith is necessary.

For myself, I have a specific goal:

Turn Unlimited Blade Works into reality.

What held Shirou's ability back was his lack of magical power and elemental efficiency.

But with Origin energy, I can create sacred weapons instantly.

The advantage of Unlimited Blade Works is the speed of creation and the pocket dimension that stores them.

Of course, I could buy Gate of Babylon, but—

"Why take what others have when I can create my own?"

Unlike Gilgamesh, I want to master my weapons—not just use them as flying projectiles.

Especially EA—I'd rather unlock my own divine weapons than rely on borrowed relics.

Now, onto the Blacksmith choice.

Should I buy a legendary blacksmith, or create an original?

After a moment of thought—

"An original one it is."

"Jarvis, create a Shadow Blacksmith with the best forging skills for both armor and weapons."

"Also, grant him knowledge of game armor and weapon sets—I want him to be able to craft those later."

"Right away, sir. 10 seconds and it will be done."

As I wait, I watch my shadows silently clearing monsters, ensuring I have time to think.

Truly—Shadow Emperor is the best power I've ever acquired.

"Jarvis, do you have a solution to make my shadows look more alive?"

"I want them to be able to walk in the streets, meet people, and fight openly—without being mistaken for a necromancer."

"I have two solutions, sir."

🔹 Shadow Form Customization: Their current black-and-blue design comes from Solo Leveling and can be altered freely.

🔹 Living Body Vessels: Buying a body vessel allows shadows to enter physical forms, keeping their abilities intact.

However—

Unlike shadow bodies, vessels can be destroyed.

If a vessel is destroyed, the shadow enters a 24-hour cooldown instead of instant respawn.

Shadows will feel pain in living forms.

"Jarvis, I am really happy I asked Father for you when I made my wishes."

"For their shadow form, change their appearance to gold and white instead."

"This connects them to holy elements, making their presence safer."

"Even if I resurrect warriors, I can claim it's a divine magic—giving fallen warriors a chance to fight for a time before returning to the afterlife."

"For vessels—buy three bodies identical to Hanzo, Subzero, and Kenshi's originals."

"For Igris, Gara, and Merlin—give Igris a vessel matching Uther from Warcraft, Gara a Galahad-like form, and Merlin a Fate-series inspired vessel."

"For the Blacksmith—give him Shirou's Archer form."

"And don't forget clothes for all of them."

Seconds later, empty vessels appear, hovering with magic.

I turn to my shadows, assigning their new bodies.

Once everyone enters their vessels, I name my Blacksmith:

"Your name shall be Shirou."

I take a deep breath.

Now—it's time to establish something new.

"From this day forward, you are my people. My blade. My shield."

"I trust you with my life—and the future missions I will entrust to you."

"From this day forward, you are no longer just shadows."

"You are a clan—the Kage Clan."

"Merlin shall be your clan head, for now."

Merlin bows deeply.

"It is the greatest honor to serve and be trusted by you, my lord."

All of them lower their heads.

"We hear and obey, His Majesty."

I raise an eyebrow.

"No. In front of others—you cannot call me Majesty."

"Call me by my name."

"It is our honor to be granted this privilege. We shall live up to it."

"Alright. We're leaving."

I prepare the teleportation spell, ready to return home.

"Back to Hestia."