He skillfully lit the forge, rhythmically pumping the bellows. Then, carefully heating the sword blade in the flames, he struck several points with his beloved hammer as if imbuing it with his soul. Finally, he polished it prayerfully and meticulously with a cloth soaked in oil infused with magic.

Aria is also helping out nimbly, adjusting the heat and passing tools next to Darius with practiced hands.

The teamwork evoked a sense of the bond between parent and child, forged over many years.

Finally, he ran the blade over a special whetstone a few times.

In the meantime, it was only a few minutes.

However, the work was so intense that it was almost like a sacred ritual. Baldus watched the entire process with bated breath. Darius's skill was so brilliant, so efficient.

It was as if he were trying to draw out the full power hidden within the sword.

"...Yes, it's done."

Darius wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand, then, with a gentle smile, presented the completed sword to Baldus. Aria also squinted at the sword's brilliance.

Baldus received the sword with trembling hands.

At that moment―.

An overwhelming power pierced through Baldus's entire body. It was far more violent than what he had felt underground earlier.

Baldus was so overwhelmed by the sheer force of it that he gasped for breath, feeling a pressure so intense it was difficult to even stand. Hah, hah, and rough breaths escaped his mouth.

(Th-this much power... this sword...! So, the meaning of Darius-dono's words, 'Please don't lose to this child,' was... this...! If I'm not careful, the user themselves could be consumed by this sword…!)

Baldus no longer had words. He could only tremble, staring alternately at the reborn sword and Darius's face, who had accomplished this with such ease.

"...Baldus-san, are you alright?"

"D-don't worry, Aria-dono."

Baldus was noticed by Aria as he immediately nodded in response. He hadn't expected to be able to swing his sword right now, but he had no choice but to answer that way.

Putting his sword back in its sheath, Baldus let out a small breath.

"I cannot express my gratitude in words for this kindness, Darius-dono... I am grateful… And here, as a reward, are the gold coins I brought with me―"

After saying this, he took out a heavy bag of gold coins from his pocket and offered it to Darius. Inside was an amount that an ordinary magical blacksmith couldn't earn in a lifetime. Baldus had bet almost everything on this battle. The gold coins here were exactly that.

"No, no, it's not that grand. Actually, it's more like you took in a lost pet for me. Besides, I don't really have any use for the money anyway."

"B-but... then what should I prepare―"

Darius laughed heartily and said it without hesitation. Then, as if he had just remembered, he asked.

"I would love to hear the epic tale of when Baldus-san cleared your regrets. Right, Aria?"

"Yeah, that's right."

At those words, Baldus felt a new fire ignite in his heart. He slowly turned his gaze towards Darius, and he quietly declared with firm resolve.

"...Darius-dono... I understand. I will definitely achieve it... and return."

(...And now I have another reason to live. Why is it that... the people around me won't leave me alone...?)

"Yes, I'm looking forward to it. And also, please take care of Aria, Baldus-san. She can be a bit reckless sometimes, so please support her when she's in trouble."

"Oh, I'm not going to do anything reckless."

"That kind of thing happens, you know."

"...Ugh."

Darius patted Aria's head as if exasperated.

Touched by Darius's kindness as a parent, Baldus smiled and said,

"Of course."

He nodded firmly in response.

Chapter 18