Earth's Greatest Magus

Just like apothecary, one required the best material they could get their hands on if they wanted to create the best weapon. And of course, a great blacksmith technique that was used during the making of the weapon would dictate the final quality of the said weapon.

[Savage Sword]

[Long Sword - Tier 5]

[Masterpiece quality]

"The sword is already at the top of its quality, tempering is no longer possible," was the response the weapon expert gave to Klea when she asked for a way to improve Emery's sword further.

"What about enchantment?" she asked again, not giving up on the idea.

The expert calmly answered her inquiry with a business-like tone. "For a Tier 5 weapon like this, the only enchantment that can be applied is by Soul Binding. Are you interested in such a service?"

Emery had heard a little about the matter, that apparently binding a weapon with a powerful soul would be able to increase the quality or even give a special ability to the said weapon.

Come to think of it, the broadsword Zach possessed – The Executioner – had gone through the process and was bound with a Mythical beast Soul. This realization couldn't help but to make Emery believe that the reason for his defeat was due to the difference between the quality of their weapons – as his sword did not go through a Soul Binding.

Klea glanced at Emery, and seeing the look in his eyes, she knew what the latter wanted. Therefore, she asked the next important question. "Yes, we are interested. How much does it cost and how long will it take to complete?"

The expert didn't say anything. He just showed the list of services the workshop provided and pointed to the one they talked about.

[Tier 5 Soul Binding - 35,000]

"However, we only have standard souls available in the workshop."

While it might seem unimpressive, it was actually quite extraordinary for a blacksmith workshop to have beast souls available. Usually, the customer had to bring their own soul or that the soul had to be commissioned first, which extended the duration of the procedure.

Since he had never seen one, Emery was quite excited to check them out.

"Show us what's available."

"Certainly," replied the expert readily.

A list of beast souls were shown quickly, and Emery couldn't help but notice the only soul available to purchase was of beast type. As it turned out, for other souls like humans or elves, their souls were prohibited to be sold.

In order to be used as enchantment, the only soul strong enough was of Mythical level one.

Emery looked through the list with enthusiasm. Seeing the variety of souls that would give different types of effects when successfully enchanted into a weapon, he quickly fell into contemplation as he thought about what would be best for his weapon.

[Soul Beast 7521 - Increase Durability - 165,000 spirit stone]

[Soul Beast 5382 - Increase Sharpness - 148,000 spirit stone]

[Soul Beast 9237 - Fire Elemental effect - 192,000 spirit stone]

He was tempted by the [Increase sharpness] enchantment option, so his attacks with the sword would be more powerful. However, in the end, he placed the option at the very end of his list. Given the fact that his [Shadow Edge] tended to damage his sword, Emery thought that what he needed was a more durable weapon.

The prices presented in the list certainly brought a shock once again, but having a good weapon would make the difference between life and death, and his last fight with the Dragon protege proved the statement.

"I would like the soul to bind my weapon, I choose to increase its durability"

"Certainly"

The expert took the sword from Emery to finalize the order. However, a few seconds later, her expression changed as she said to the latter. "Unfortunately, we cannot do Soul Binding on this weapon."

"What?!" Emery was clearly confused. "Why so?"

"My apologies, I didn't inspect the weapon properly before. I can see that this is a pair-sword and this is only one of two swords. In order to perform the Soul Binding, we will need both weapons present."

Hearing such words from the expert, Klea was clearly surprised. She immediately turned towards Emery with a questioning look. "Pair sword?... Where did you get this weapon from?"

"...."

"Err... actually.."

Since he didn't want to hide anything from Klea, Emery proceeded to explain where he got it from, which naturally included the fact that the other pair of the sword [Gentle Sword] was currently kept with the half-blood girl, Silva Ouroboros.

After he finished his explanation, much to his surprise, Klea didn't seem angry; but that positive reaction sent goosebumps. Not knowing Emery's inner thoughts, the girl put on a smile.

"A pair swords, huh... A couple swords?" She said to particularly no one. "...How romantic."

After saying those words, she casually walked out of the workshop, leaving the dumbstruck Emery.

Knowing that there was nothing else that could be done to the sword, Emery swiftly paid the sword reparation fee and left the place to chase after the girl. However, when he came out of the workshop, the shadow of Klea was no more to be seen.

"Ku.. ku"

Twik swiftly pointed towards a certain direction, telling Emery where Klea had gone. With the valuable information from his buddy, Emery quickly darted in the said direction and chased after the evidently upset girl.

Moments later, he finally saw the familiar back. He brakes right in front of her and could see her face which clearly showed what she was currently feeling. Grabbing her arm, he pleaded.

"Klea.. please don't be mad..."

The Egyptian Queen took a deep breath before saying, "Tell me honestly. All this time you were fighting with that sword... training with me... Are you thinking about her?"

Emery was stunned by the unexpected question. He did think about Silva a few times, but he couldn't help it after all the sword was given by her. But not in the way she thought.

Seeing that he couldn't answer her question right away, the girl's expression became even more sour. Just as she was about to ignore Emery and walk away again, Klea was stopped by a pair of hands on her shoulders.

Looking straight into her eyes, he said, "Klea.. it's just a sword.. It means nothing."

Hearing such words, Klea took another deep breath before slowly saying, "I'm sorry, Emery. I know that I am being unreasonable right now but... I can't help it."

The girl swiftly put her arm around him and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek before saying, "I'm not fun to be around right now. Please let me go.. Just focus on your training for now. I'll see you again in ten days."

She then summoned her thunderbird before swiftly flew away, leaving Emery behind with Twik and the female magus who silently watched all this. In fact, Magus Shena had a smile on her face as she muttered to herself. "Ah, the wonder of youth..."

Emery ignored the magus' remark and quietly looked in the direction where Klea had flown. Since he knew that she would need some alone time without his presence, he just heaved a deep sigh of helplessness before turning around, heading for the portal that would bring him to the Magus Academy's Light Institute.

As soon as he arrived, Emery was surprised to see that Magus Urix was already waiting for him just like last time. The magus swiftly took him into the institute building to see Grand Magus Aurora.

Entering the majestic chamber once again, Emery was greeted by a pleasant voice.

"Welcome acolyte, I've been waiting for you. Are you ready for your training?

Emery stared at the beautiful grand magus and nodded his head saying, "Yes I am, Elder."