C757
There wasn't a single force currently observing the Sword Emperor's Territory.
As the contamination zones left by Glyek had not yet been fully cleared, the most severe areas of the Sword Emperor's Territory were completely off-limits.
"If we use this place as a shipyard, we won't face any restrictions from any force. The visible chaos makes it difficult for anyone to suspect, and even if they do, intruding into the Sword Emperor's Territory... would only mean they are challenging me, willing to face the consequences."
Dante's words held the symbolic weight of the "Land where Ron fell."
No one dared to touch the resting place of the hero who saved the world without justification.
Dante and Jin raised their glasses, smiling.
"The basic construction of the shipyard will be completed quickly once our knights, technicians, and the Black King and Phantom mercenaries are deployed. Our researchers were quite astonished when they saw the plans and creations of Dr. Qwaul."
"He certainly possesses exceptional genius."
The designs the Imperial researchers examined were not the plans for the Golden Fleet.They were the plans for the underground shipyards and the cutting-edge equipment of the battleships he had recently implemented.
Just for that, the Imperial researchers couldn't hide their admiration for the technology of the Vamel alliance, which had surpassed them by centuries.
If they combined the skills of Valeria and Qwaul, it wouldn't be an incorrect statement.
"But I have some concerns."
"Is it about the suspicions regarding Ganesto's lineage, like the evil god?"
"Yes. If Sir Padler's last words were true, Dr. Qwaul might also become one of Ganesto's puppets. And perhaps..."
Jin paused for a moment, swallowing a sigh.
"It could also apply to us, the Flagbearers, the children of the evil god. We have also received a part of Ganesto's blood."
Of course, that was the worst-case scenario.
So far, apart from Joshua, no one showed signs of such nature, but it was well known that the rest of the Flagbearers were born from Rosa.
"It is indeed a terrible story. However, it seems that you and the other Flagbearers won't be affected. If Lokia Ganesto could have intervened in your inner world battle, the evil god wouldn't have ended so easily."
"That's true. Still, I will continue to confirm myself, the Flagbearers, and Dr. Qwaul through Valeria."
So far, there hasn't been any apparent connection with Ganesto in the records.
If Valeria couldn't find any evidence even after discovering the succession temples and elevating the level of record magic to the maximum, then they could be completely reassured.
"Don't worry too much. For now, the important thing is the construction of the shipyard, the mass production of battleships, and replenishing the mana supplies, materials, and workforce."
"I've been thinking about the mana."
"What is it?"
"The mirror."
"The Colon artifact?"
-[Yes. What this seal contains is the very source of infinite mana. And the expanding mana can erase this entire world at any moment...]
Kullam, the god of mana, said this during the massacre of the native inhabitants of Colon.
Jin had been restricting the use of the mirror as much as possible, heeding Kullam's warning.
He only used it in truly urgent moments when he needed to save his comrades and his people.
"Didn't you say it was a dangerous object?"
"Yes, I didn't intend to use it recklessly just because it's urgent. I found a way to use it safely."
To be precise, it wasn't securing it but rather confirming it.
Since he went to train behind closed doors in Lafrarosa, Jin had achieved explosive growth.
In aura, mana, and Shadow Energy, in all areas.
As a result, Jin had reached a state where he could control the seal of Solderet, which blocked the mana of the mirror, and absorb its power.
Additionally, there were two security measures.
If Jin lost control of the seal and an accident occurred, he could check the mirror's status through record magic.
When Jin explained this, Dante nodded.
"If you say so, then you should be able to use it without any issues. So, the only thing we need to solve is the manpower and resource problems?"
"Magicians from various regions who have confirmed Valeria's existence will come. Of course, that alone won't solve the manpower issue, so we'll have to find people ourselves."
"I'll take care of that quickly. As for the resources, except for steel, we can obtain enough supplies within the Empire. Although it might be a bit challenging."
The most important material was steel.
Even with a large infusion of mana, what was most needed for the construction of battleships was high-purity steel that wouldn't deteriorate.
Even considering the entire Runcandel and Vamel Alliance, there was still a severe shortage of steel.
Just the task of rebuilding the damages and supplying weapons was enough to test the available resources. If they wanted to acquire steel, they had no choice but to trade with external forces.
"I'm planning to meet with Kinzelo soon and negotiate that matter."
"If you're handling the negotiations, it will undoubtedly turn out to be an unfair deal."
"Well, this time, we don't have much support, so if they are uncooperative, we'll have to take a submissive stance. Demanding that amount of steel is already announcing battleship construction, so the negotiation itself is a burden in this situation."
"Hmm."
"Soon, I'll meet with the leaders of the Minche Blacksmith Association, so maybe we can acquire something through them, thanks to Lord Picon's reputation..."
When Jin mentioned that, Dante suddenly clapped his hands.
Bang!
"Huh?"
"What's wrong, Dante?"
"Now that I think about it, I remember hearing something like this from my grandfather when I was a child!"
-Ha! Is there really no way to manipulate the Minche Blacksmith Association? They enjoy all the protection, but their arrogance knows no bounds. Ah, if only we could have a good conversation with them, the Empire's steel reserves could easily surpass the combined amounts of the major clans.
-I've heard they even rejected Cyron's exclusivity contract a few years ago. Don't be too discouraged.
-Calm down, don't try to console me with that. Cyron just got rejected, but as soon as I mentioned an exclusive contract, they kicked me out! Cyron is scary, but I'm not. Tsk! Grandson, come here and sing me a song. It seems I can't shake off this bad mood.
-Yes, grandfather! What song would you like me to sing?
-I think your "Sword Emperor March," composed and written by yourself, would be fine.
It happened when Dante was six years old.
As Dante explained the memory, Jin's pupils sparkled.
"Sword Emperor March? Did you really compose that song when you were six years old...? No, that's not important. The fact that the Empire's steel reserves could surpass those of the major clans... Did Sir Ron really say that?"
"That's right."
"He's talking as if the entire island of the Minche Blacksmith Association is made of steel, but that doesn't make sense."
"Well, I don't think grandfather would say something untrue, so there's probably something to it."
The fact that the "Minche Blacksmith Association" had a massive amount of steel was something Jin should have known, regardless of this conversation. It was recorded in Runcandel's highly confidential documents that were lost during the War of the Evil God.
Jin didn't know this, but, nonetheless, he felt as if a breath of fresh air had reached him.
"I have a feeling things will go smoothly. I should head to the blacksmith's island right now."
"Right now?"
"We should first finish the drinks we had with Sir Ron. Let's drink slowly. I have a lot to say to Sir Ron as well."
"I thought someone as busy as you would scold me for drinking alcohol here."
"Oh, come on, it's just one bottle."
The two laughed and finished their drinks.
--------------------
The blacksmith's island.
Located in the unprotected area of the northern imperial waters, the island wasn't particularly large, about the size of a small city.
Being in the unprotected area, the blacksmith's island always received protection from the Empire.
Although a considerable amount of personnel and budget was allocated to it, the Empire had to provide them to receive the supplies from the Association.
Not just the Empire, but Runcandel also periodically sent knights to eliminate the monsters near the island, and even Zipple offered various aids to the Association.
Despite receiving all that, the members of the Minche Blacksmith Association never bowed their heads to anyone, making them one of the most exclusive and proud groups in the world.
Jin, along with Syris and Vin Branche, arrived near Mort Island.
From a distance, the island looked dark and gloomy even in broad daylight.
"...Do you think those troublesome people will bow their heads just because Picon-nim is here?" Syris said.
She had visited this place a few times with Talaris and had unpleasant experiences.
"There's a 90% chance, Lady Syris."
"So it's not a sure thing. I wonder if they'll even say a word of thanks for the help in the War of the Evil God. They're such shameless people."
"Don't worry too much, and let's go."
The announcement of "Picon Minche's" arrival had been sent in advance.
It was a message they hadn't received from Picon in almost a thousand years.
In fact, now that they had arrived, Jin felt a bit nervous.
Although it was well known that the Association was composed of fanatical followers of Picon, it was still uncertain if they could obtain the exclusivity contract "unconditionally."
The idea of having to reach an agreement with Kinzelo if the Association refused was also disheartening.
As Mort swam towards the port, the members of the Association, who had come out in advance, looked at the group with suspicious eyes.
Jin fixed his gaze on one of them.
The person had a "Anvil" tattoo on their forehead.
Is that person Anvil?
At first glance, Anvil gave the impression that communication would be difficult.
"Stop right there!"
"Are you the young patriarch of Runcandel?"
"Yes."
"Present proof of your status!"
Despite clearly seeing the black coat adorned with ten black swords, Anvil displayed a rude attitude.
"I am Syris Endorma, the acting master of the Hidden Palace."
"I... am Vin Branche."
"The young patriarch of Runcandel and the acting master of the Hidden Palace may enter, but Vin Branche is not authorized. Especially the young patriarch of Runcandel will have a lot to explain to us today! He has been renting the weapons we provided to Runcandel without any consultation... And that ridiculous message..."
Jin gestured to Vin, indicating there was no need to say more.
He was referring to immediately summoning Picon.
As Vin Branche's appearance began to transform into manifestation mode, the person with an anvil tattoo trembled upon seeing Vin's appearance change like Picon's.
"You... Is it really... Picon Minche...?"
[That's right! I am the legendary blacksmith Picon Minche. Currently, I am also a god of blacksmiths.]
Thud!
The man and the members of the Association sat down, blinking in disbelief.
Anvil didn't even doubt the appearance of the manifesting Picon.
Anvil quickly corrected his posture, and the members of the Association followed suit.
Soon, Anvil spoke, satisfying Jin.
"From now on, everything in our Association, down to every grain of sand on this island, belongs to Picon-nim. Please forgive us for not recognizing you from the beginning and disrespecting you."
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