Chapter 15 - Mikari.

I received a review that stuck in my head.

From now on, the chapters (from chapter 25 onwards, which is on patr eon) will have 1.5k - 2k words. I also intend to focus a little on action and more on blacksmithing processes.

####

"It's nothing. Eryk, this is Mikari. She's a level three blacksmith, and she'll be training you from today onward," Hephaestus said, smiling nervously. Mikari, still confused, approached us both.

"You're impressive," Mikari started to touch my arms. "Your arms are strong and large. Besides that, you have spectacular muscles. I've never seen such a perfect body before."

"Ahem… Ahem…" Looking impatient, Hephaestus cleared her throat and moved closer to Mikari, pulling her away from me. "There's no need to keep touching him."

"I was just examining his body. Since I'll be training him from now on, I need to know his limits," Mikari replied, smiling innocently.

"Eryk, you said earlier that you didn't need anyone to train you, but I think it's best to accept Mikari as your instructor."

"What? He doesn't want anyone to train him? Then why am I here!?"

"He told me it wasn't necessary to find someone to train him minutes ago... but I had already called you for the job."

"Well, I still don't think it's necessary."

"Why? Do you think you already know everything?" Mikari asked. "Do you know how to make your sword as durable as possible? Do you know how to craft a magical sword? I can teach you all that."

"Yes, I do," I replied.

"Liar! Weren't you terrible at forging swords? I remember someone mentioning that."

"Mikari, I told you before, didn't I? He's improved a lot in the past few days. So much that even I was shocked. He can train on his own, but I thought having someone experienced like you to guide him could help him improve even faster."

"What do you think of that?" Mikari placed a hand on my shoulder. "I'll watch you for a few days. If I think you don't need help, I'll leave. But if I see you need it, I'll stay and train you."

"That sounds like a good idea," Hephaestus agreed with Mikari. I looked between the two of them and let out a long sigh.

"Fine, but don't get in my way."

"The way you say that, you sound so experienced and professional. Don't forget I'm still your superior. Just because you've improved a little doesn't mean you're on the same level as me."

"Mikari," Hephaestus said, staring at her sternly.

"But it's true. Besides, he should be careful with what he says. There are a lot of high ego people in the Familia."

"Well, that's true. Eryk, you'd better not speak like that to just anyone, okay? Mikari is very kind, so treat her well."

"All right. Maybe I was a bit harsh. I just don't like being interrupted when I'm working. If she only wants to observe, that's fine."

"Great! Then you agree with my suggestion. We can start today! I want to see you forge a sword. I'll check it to see your level."

"Now that everything's settled, I'll leave. Mikari, be careful with what you do."

"What do you mean by that?" Mikari tilted her head in confusion.

"I called you to train him, but that doesn't mean you can do whatever you want with him."

"Don't worry about that. He's not my type," Mikari said with a laugh. Hephaestus stared at her for a few seconds before leaving the training room.

Is Mikari the type to throw herself at men or something?

If that's the case, it makes sense why Hephaestus is worried.

But it's okay. While Mikari is beautiful, Hephaestus is far more stunning.

####

"Now, show me how you do it," Mikari said as she watched me. I grabbed the material and began heating it. Once it was hot and malleable, I started hammering.

Clank!

Clank!

Clank!

The hammer striking the metal produced a loud sound.

"You're doing well, but you could go faster if you adjusted your posture. You have a great physique, but your posture is holding you back. Here, let me help." Mikari moved behind me and adjusted my posture.

Previously, I hammered like hitting a nail, not caring about my posture. But after Mikari's adjustments, I began hammering more efficiently.

I managed to increase both the speed and force of my strikes.

"That's better," Mikari said, crossing her arms and watching me with a smile.

As I folded the metal and continued hammering, Mikari nodded, looking satisfied.

'I'm gaining points faster now.'

I finished shaping the sword's blade in less than half an hour.

Next, I began the heat treatment using water, but Mikari stopped me immediately.

"Hey, are you crazy? Using water can damage the metal. Of course, it depends on the metal you're using, but oil is usually better. Also, you can use that." Mikari pointed to a corner of the room.

"That's clay. Try using it."

"I've been doing it with water since the beginning. I'm not changing my method."

"You're so stubborn, aren't you? Fine, do whatever you want."

I ignored what Mikari was saying and did the same things I did the day before yesterday and yesterday. Then, I finished the first sword of the day.

After polishing and sharpening it further, it was done.

[ You have forged a Level 1 Refined Sword ]

"Oh?"

"What's that? It changed?" Mikari's eyes widened. "This sword wasn't like this before. What did you do?"

[ The skill "Quick Slash LV1" has been added to the sword ]

'That seems like an interesting ability.'

"Hey, don't just stand up and go test it. Let me take a look first!"

"Just watch."

"What?"

I walked over to the test dummy and prepared to strike.

"Your stance is terrible," Mikari said, laughing.

"Quick Slash," I said, activating the sword's skill.

"What the hell was that?" Mikari couldn't keep up with my attack.

####

Read more chapters on my patr eon: patr eon.com/parodygirl

Next chapters: Chapter 14 - Kind Maid. / Chapter 15 - Mikari. / Chapter 16 - Was Hephaestus hiding your talent? / Chapter 17 - I'll explain everything later. / Chapter 18 - Capacity to evolve infinitely. / Chapter 19 - Rare Rank Sword. / Chapter 20 - It consumes a lot of magic. / Chapter 21 - Babel. / Chapter 22 - Adaptation. / Chapter 23 - It's frustrating. / Chapter 24 - Rank G. New probabilities. / Chapter 25 - Excited to explore the dungeon.