He didn't even have a compass now, he was completely relying on this group to lead the way.
What's more, saving a life is better than building a seven-story pagoda, right~
"Wuu… finally, finally we can go home…"
"I thought I was really going to die for nothing…"
"Swordsman-sama! He's the one who defeated the Dragon King and saved us!"
"The hero who drove back the dragon!"
"Banzai!"
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[CG recorded]
[Dragon-Slaying Sword Hero]
[Category: Art Style]
[Level: —]
[Quality: —]
———
[Reward List]
[Art Style Value +3]
[Calculating…]
[Current Spiritual Pressure Cap: 520!]
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Along the way, Iori repelled quite a few dangerous species. At last, guided by the survivors, he landed and arrived at the island nation he had been longing for.
Before he could even properly experience the local customs and culture, he began receiving warmly worded invitations one after another. Some even came personally from samurai generals and feudal lords, all wanting to "make friends" with Iori.
It turned out that the group of sailors he had saved had spread word of his feat of slashing the dragon's eye.
Many of them held high positions in nearby city-states, which let those in power learn of Iori's strength, and naturally they were eager to extend olive branches.
After all, the island nation was currently in a "Warring States Era." Dozens or even hundreds of countries, large and small, were constantly fighting each other.
Alliances and betrayals went hand in hand, deceit was everywhere, and people's hearts had grown cold. Only overwhelming force was truly trustworthy.
And a powerful swordsman capable of standing up to the ocean's overlord, the Dragon King (what they called that giant dragon), was absolutely worth any price to recruit.
Iori had no intention of becoming an official here. He first returned to the Soul Society to properly adjust his condition.
After coming back, he kept a low profile, gathering information about things like "Imperial Arms" and "Orichalcum," and then accidentally learned that this island nation possessed a method for crafting a special kind of weapon called "Nether Treasures."
Additionally, the broken blade "Kousetsu" in his possession, judging by the mark on its guard, was a creation of the renowned sword-forging family "Ise Kuwana." It was also a Nether Treasure, and its quality was considered above average.
Disguising himself as a wandering swordsman undergoing martial training, he crossed the territories of six countries and eventually arrived in Ise Province, successfully finding the locally prestigious Kuwana family.
The visit process had a few twists and turns, but overall it went smoothly. When Iori took out "Kousetsu," a servant of the Kuwana family recognized the origin of the broken blade at once, hurriedly ushered Iori inside, and went to notify someone who could make the decision.
"Sorry to have kept you waiting, Mr. Aizen."
After Iori had stayed in the tea room for about a quarter of an hour, a burly old man walked in. He was tall, with rough hands and feet, yet dressed neatly in a haori and kimono.
His pure white topknot and beard showed that he was no longer young, yet his physique was enough to make many young men feel ashamed. This was probably what people meant by a fierce general who only grew stronger with age.
However, he was not a professional warrior. Although listed among the martial noble families, his roots were that of a craftsman.
It was only through generations of accumulated contributions and reputation that he could serve as the lord of a city in this martial land of Ise.
Kuwana Nobuyasu, the current head of the Kuwana family, sat down opposite Iori. After exchanging names and a brief greeting, Nobuyasu asked to take a look at "Kousetsu."
Kuwana Nobuyasu.
Naturally, Iori complied and took out the broken blade. The master swordsmith only needed one glance to confirm that it was his family's work, and then he let out a heavy sigh.
"So it really is 'Kousetsu'… This was my younger brother's creation. He always wanted to forge the strongest 'Nether Treasure,' but his talent fell short and he was too impatient."
"Slowly, he strayed onto the wrong path and even tried to make up for the blade's shortcomings through heretical methods, which led to this Kousetsu that requires a 'blood sacrifice.'"
"But who could have thought that the first person used for that blood sacrifice would be himself… sigh…"
By the way, it was later proven that the blood sacrifice method was completely useless, which was also the most awkward point for the Kuwana family.
"Then the user of this blade, that person, Izo…"
"I already killed him," Iori said calmly.
"Good!"
Nobuyasu took a deep breath, braced his hands on the floor, moved backward slightly, and then bowed deeply to Iori.
"Although my younger brother fell into demonic ways, he was still my blood relative. For you to avenge him, no matter what, I, Kuwana Nobuyasu, must repay this kindness. In the future, if you..."
"No need for the future. Let's do it now."
"Hm?"
Nobuyasu raised his head in surprise, but quickly understood. "Very well. Since you are a swordsman, you must need a divine weapon, a Nether Treasure, right? Leave that to me!"
"Do you have any special requirements? Do you prefer sharpness, toughness, or perhaps special effects?"
"Hm… do you know about the 'Dragon King'?"
"The Dragon King… do you mean the dragon god worshiped and feared by the Seven Coastal Nations, the 'Izumo Azure Dragon'?"
"Your naming is a bit different, but yes, that's the one."
Iori nodded and said seriously, "My requirement isn't high. Just forge a weapon that can slay a dragon."
Nobuyasu: "...Huh, a dragon-slaying blade… me?"
The Izumo Azure Dragon, also known as the Dragon King, the Azure Dragon, or the Ibuki Heavenly Serpent God, because of the island nation's long-standing chaotic situation, different regions called it by different names.
Some countries regarded it as a guardian deity, while others depicted it as a demon king that brought natural disasters. But among the many legends and records, there was one thing that could be confirmed.
This majestic and powerful giant dragon had existed and ruled these seas since the Warring States era, even before the very concept of "nation" appeared on the islands.
It could be said to be a transcendent being with a history equal to that of "Far Eastern civilization," a witness to the reproduction and rise of this island nation's civilization. In that case, it wasn't strange that some countries worshiped it as a god.
However, the Izumo Azure Dragon itself had no particular feelings toward the island nation. It merely regarded it as its own territory and did not allow other super dangerous species to encroach upon it. Humanity's one-sided offerings never established any close bond.
About a thousand years ago, a time so distant it seemed like myth to the many small nations on the islands, a massive army crossed the sea to subjugate the Izumo Azure Dragon. The island nation's rulers at the time regarded this foreign army as invaders.
As a result, the court's forces were completely annihilated in the battle between the foreign army and the Izumo Azure Dragon.
The rulers lost their authority from then on, and the land entered a chaotic era of division. Over the thousand years since, there were brief periods of stability, but none lasted long, leading to the endless wars of today.
The battle between the foreign army and the Azure Dragon ended with the total destruction of the fleet, and the overlords of sea and sky once again established their supreme position.
However, the foreign army was not completely wiped out. A small number of elites managed to return, and the Azure Dragon itself also suffered the most severe injuries of its life.
According to ancient records from that time, those foreigners used many mysterious and powerful weapons in the battle, and numerous inhumanly strong individuals appeared as well. This was the main reason the Azure Dragon was wounded.
The islanders gathered some of the surviving foreigners and learned from them that those were special weapons called "Imperial Arms." Only warriors capable of fighting a thousand on the battlefield were qualified to be granted one by their emperor.
Afterward, some islanders risked their lives crossing the sea to the mainland to learn how to make such weapons. Although the vast majority never returned, some eventually succeeded.
They combined what they learned with the island nation's local forging techniques, improving them generation after generation. This became the lineage of today's "Nether Treasures."
Compared to "Imperial Arms," Nether Treasures were much weaker. The main reason was that no one in the island nation could hunt monsters at the level of super dangerous species. They could only use high-level dangerous species or ordinary dangerous species as materials.
As a result, most Nether Treasures weren't even as good as "Vassal Arms." The famous blade Kousetsu was already considered a high-quality example… though even so, it still far surpassed ordinary weapons and remained highly sought after on the islands.
The Kuwana family was the most renowned among Nether Treasure forgers, and among the many forms, blades and swords were their specialty.
As the family head, Kuwana Nobuyasu might not be the strongest forger on the islands, but he was certainly within the top three. He himself had always been confident in this and had never doubted his skill... until today.
When Iori said he wanted a "dragon-slaying blade," Nobuyasu thought he had misheard. After confirming it repeatedly, he couldn't help but fall into silence.
His first reaction was "absolutely impossible," because such a level of Nether Treasure had never appeared in history.
But then he couldn't help thinking that he had long since fully mastered and innovated upon his family's techniques.
He believed he was no inferior to the craftsmen of a thousand years ago. If not for the many limitations, he was sure he could achieve an unprecedented accomplishment.
"This request… please forgive me, but I cannot agree to it," Nobuyasu said apologetically. "I'm afraid no one in the entire Far East could accomplish this."
"Why?" Iori asked seriously.
"Because of the materials!"
Nobuyasu said sternly, "Whether in Ise or other countries, the highest-grade aberrant (dangerous species) materials found in treasuries are at most second-tier."
"First-tier ones… perhaps there are some, but a first-tier aberrant can already destroy an entire fortress. Only the most elite armies and generals can drive them away or subjugate them."
"But materials from first- or second-tier aberrants are completely insufficient to be compared with the Izumo Azure Dragon. Even if special alloys are added, the strength would still be lacking, so…"
"So it's just a materials problem?" Iori asked.
"Not only that. We also lack experience forging such a weapon… but overall, everything else can be overcome. Only the materials are impossible!"
"What about using this, then?"
Iori brought over the pack he carried with him, took out the box inside, opened it, and pushed it in front of Nobuyasu.
"This is…"
The old swordsmith leaned forward to look inside. A refreshing aura washed over him, making his eyes widen in shock. Inside was the blue gem Iori had obtained after the previous battle.
The crystal-clear gem was wreathed in hazy mist, emitting a mysterious and beautiful faint glow. Vaguely, it seemed like dragon- or serpent-like currents of energy were coiling around it.
Even an illiterate beggar could tell it was a peerless treasure, let alone an experienced craftsman like Nobuyasu.
"This is a 'Dragon Pearl'! Only drake-like creatures, giant serpents, or shellfish-type aberrants have an extremely small chance of producing a Dragon Pearl!"
"This size isn't particularly astonishing, but this clarity, and this strange feeling, what exactly is it…?"
Nobuyasu had seen more than one Dragon Pearl before, including clam pearls as large as a human head.
Yet instinctively, he felt that compared to the one before him, all of those were worthless junk. Unable to contain his curiosity, he looked at Iori.
"May I ask, what kind of aberrant did this pearl come from?"
"You already said it, didn't you? A Dragon Pearl."
"I know it's a Dragon Pearl. I'm asking what kind of aberrant, hiss!"
It was as if a bolt of lightning struck Nobuyasu's mind. Countless thoughts rushed in at once. Seeing Iori's calm expression, the most unbelievable possibility surfaced.
"Could it be that this came from that dragon god's… ah, you are… the rumors from a few days ago, about a great swordmaster who rode lightning and slew a dragon in the coastal nations, was that really not an exaggeration?!"
Riding lightning to slay a dragon? Well… that wasn't exactly wrong. It sounded a bit chuunibyou, though.
"I don't know how this pearl was formed, but it really is something the Izumo Azure Dragon left behind, or rather, gave to me."
Iori said seriously, "If I hand it to you, can you forge a dragon-slaying blade for me?"
"The Dragon's Jewel…"
The words escaped like a groan. Nobuyasu felt all his strength drain away, feeling happier than he had ever been in his life.
But he quickly pulled himself together, unwilling to lose composure in front of Iori and miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
"If that's truly the case, then I'm willing to use everything I have as a guarantee. Even if it costs me my life, I will draw out the full potential of this jewel!"
"Good!"
Iori then added, "But I have one more request."
"Please say it," Nobuyasu replied indifferently. At this moment, even if Iori asked him to follow the example of ancient masters and die with the sword as a swordsmith, he would probably agree.
"I will fully assist you in forging this blade. I'll gather all the auxiliary materials myself. You only need to think about how to push it to the absolute limit."
"And besides that, I will also take part in the forging process, shaping it with my own hands!"
———
From the moment Iori handed the "Dragon Pearl" to Kuwana Nobuyasu, twenty days passed in the blink of an eye. While learning forging techniques from him, Iori went around hunting dangerous species to serve as consumable materials.
Kuwana Nobuyasu was far from idle as well. Though confident in his skills, no one on the islands had ever handled such high-level materials.
To increase their chances, he sent invitations to nine master forgers he was on good terms with, gathering them all in Ise Province.
To any swordsmith, the Dragon's Jewel was priceless. And to use it to forge a dragon-slaying blade… the sense of achievement was beyond words.
Nobuyasu used the jewel as bait to invite them to participate in the forging. They naturally agreed at once, dismissed their attendants, and stayed alone at the Kuwana estate to seal off information and avoid unnecessary trouble.
With Nobuyasu as the lead and the nine masters assisting, before dealing with the jewel itself, they used precious, inferior "Dragon Pearls" for experiments.
They repeatedly verified shortcomings in the techniques of their predecessors and improved them with their own wisdom.
Almost all the materials Iori collected were thrown into this bottomless pit…
After repeated simulations and deductions, they determined the specific forging process and base materials:
The Dragon's Jewel as the core, special alloys as the framework, and auxiliary materials of a "Diamond Man's Heart," "Tender Branch of the Tree Spirit," "Fur of the Flameheart Mouse," and "Eggshell of the Bloodwing Swallow".
All of these were second-tier or even first-tier dangerous species unique to the islands. Gathering them was extremely difficult, but fortunately, these craftsmen were highly respected.
Using the excuse of forging Nether Treasures to present to the daimyō, they collected some from the treasuries of powerful clans across the land.
Only the "Diamond Man" and the "Tree Spirit," however, were powerful dangerous species between first and second tier, with no stockpiles anywhere. In the end, Iori personally made the trip.
———
On this day, the city's residents noticed that large amounts of dark clouds had unknowingly gathered in the once-clear sky. The air grew increasingly humid, and people hurried home to wait for the coming downpour.
But strangely, the wind and rain that should have arrived suddenly never came. Instead, the clouds continued to thicken, hanging so low it seemed they might press down upon the ground.
A heavy, oppressive atmosphere enveloped the entire city, plunging all residents into unease.
Clang!
Clang!