The Carpenter's Pride and the Blacksmith's Fire
The narrow dirt street of Sunrise Village bustled with life—merchants shouting, children running, the smell of baked bread mixing with the tang of iron.
Through the crowd, Celestia Ruth walked gracefully, her long hair catching the sunlight. Beside her, Anos carried a cloth bundle in his arms, smiling with quiet satisfaction.
"You seem unusually happy today," Celestia said, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied her son's grin. "Is there something special about those things you're holding?"
Anos gave a confident nod. "Hehe… This rock is cold iron ore, and these books are sword arts."
Celestia's steps slowed, her eyes widening.
'Cold iron ore? Sword arts?! He bought that junk from a merchant's stall… could it really be true?'
"Are you sure that rock is cold iron ore?" she asked, tone calm but firm.
"Yes." Anos' answer came sharp, certain. "I know its texture and weight. I read about it in one of the books in your room."
Celestia arched a brow, surprised but quietly pleased.
'So he's been studying my collection that deeply? For someone so young… he really is remarkable.'
Meanwhile, Anos laughed inwardly.
'Well, truth is, Zara confirmed it for me. But I can't exactly say, Mother, my No.777 system told me, can I? That stays my secret.'
"As for the sword arts," he added smoothly, "I'll show you once we're home." His gaze shifted ahead. "But first, let's visit the carpenter and the blacksmith."
Celestia gave a small smile and nodded. "We still have time before lunch. Let's go."
The Carpenter's Shop
The bell above the door jingled as they entered. A tall, slender man with a friendly face stepped out from behind the counter.
"Welcome. Can I help you?" His eyes flicked from Anos to Celestia —and then froze.
His pupils widened. 'That face… that aura… that's her! The Ice Lady!'
For four years, Celestia's reputation had spread through Sunrise Village like wildfire. Many men had tried to pursue her, dazzled by her beauty and grace, but each attempt had ended in humiliation. The fools who pressed too far ended up shivering unconscious on the ground, frost lingering on their skin. That was how the village had given her the title—Ice Lady.
Unfazed by the carpenter's stares, Anos stepped forward. "I want to order a one-edged wooden sword. It should be light and durable."
The carpenter blinked, pulled out of his daze. "Ah—yes, of course. Do you want me to make it now?"
"If you can make it fast."
The carpenter's brow twitched. Was this little boy challenging him? His pride as a craftsman sparked. He straightened, grinning. "Heh… fast, you say? Then watch closely. I'll show you my ability—"
But when he turned, Anos was already at the door.
"Okay, I'll wait at the blacksmith."
The carpenter's mouth opened, closed, then twitched violently. "…This brat."
With a sigh, he pulled a block of glossy black wood from the corner. A sculptor's knife shimmered into his hand—his martial spirit. Soul bands, one white and two yellow, floated behind him.
"Alright, boy… let's see how you like this." His grin sharpened as he set to work.
The Blacksmith's Forge
Heat washed over them as Anos and Celestia entered. Sparks flew from the back, where a burly man hammered against glowing metal.
Clank! Clank!
"Excuse me!" Anos raised his voice. "I want to place an order!"
The man didn't look up until he felt Celestia's presence sweep into the room, cool and composed. Then he paused, finally glancing at Anos.
"Hm? What do you need, kid?"
'So loud in here I had to shout,' Anos muttered inwardly before placing the rock onto the counter.
"This."
The blacksmith squinted at it, unimpressed. "A rock?"
"Not a rock," Anos said flatly. "Cold iron ore."
The man barked a laugh, shaking his head—until Anos hefted a hammer from the rack and brought it down.
Bam! Crack!
The ore split, revealing the glossy black metal beneath.
The blacksmith's eyes widened. He rushed forward, clutching the piece with trembling hands. "This is—! It really is cold iron ore!"
Anos crossed his arms. "So, can you take my order now?"
The blacksmith nodded dumbly. "What do you want?"
"A sword. A katana, with a blade as sharp as possible."
The man rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "With ore like this… that can be done. But there'll be some left over after forging just one blade. Do you want me to use it for something else?"
"A dagger," Anos replied instantly. "A proper sidearm."
The blacksmith's respect for the boy deepened. Not many children thought with a warrior's practicality.
"Alright! Give me a few days." He lifted his head to smile—only to freeze as his gaze landed on Celestia . His heart nearly stopped. "I-Ice Lady!"
Caught staring, he quickly coughed into his fist. "Ahem. I'll personally deliver the weapons to your house once they're ready."
Anos tilted his head, suspicious. "What about the price?"
The blacksmith waved a hand. "Free of charge."
Anos muttered under his breath. "Weird…"
The Carpenter's Return
As they stepped outside, a familiar figure approached. The carpenter carried a sword wrapped in white cloth.
"Here is your order." His tone was calm, his eyes gleaming with pride.
Anos accepted it and unwrapped the cloth, revealing a sleek black wooden sword lined with faint red streaks along the edge.
[Name: None]
[Type: Weapon / Wooden Sword]
[Grade: Mid-Uncommon]
[Description: A wooden sword made by an expert carpenter. Light and durable, crafted with skill and care.]
Anos' eyes lit up. "To think you finished this in only minutes…" He gripped the hilt, swung it in the air.
Swoosh! The blade cut through the wind with a low hum.
"Nice." His lips curled into a rare smile.
"How?" Anos asked, turning to the carpenter. "How did you make it so fast, and with this quality?"
The man smirked, puffing his chest. "I told you, I'm an expert. And when someone challenges me, I work even faster."
Anos chuckled. "I see… How much should I pay?"
The carpenter waved his hand dismissively. "No need. Consider it a gift."
Anos raised a brow but didn't argue.
"However," the carpenter added with a grin, "why don't you give it a name for me?"
Anos lowered his gaze to the blade, the black surface catching the sunlight. His eyes sharpened as he whispered:
"Fleeting Shadow."
The carpenter repeated the name under his breath, nodding in satisfaction. "A good name."
Celestia stood beside them, watching her son's composed figure. A quiet smile touched her lips, pride warming her heart.