Chapter 33

"Sure, sure, I'm opening it now."

I call out to the door. The knocking stops. I sigh deeply and unlock the door. Sermia, standing behind me, grips the short sword she made yesterday, remaining on guard.

I slowly open the door to find a woman dressed for travel standing there. Her short red hair frames a face with a scar, and her body is covered in a leather armor reinforced with metal (probably steel) at key points, bearing numerous scars. She has two short swords and a tool bag at her waist, and a backpack filled with various tools on her back. She is quite tall, perhaps around 180 cm. Her eyes are wide and sharp, and there is a sword scar on her face.

"Welcome."

I call out to her, a bit taken aback. The woman smiles and introduces herself.

"Are you the blacksmith who makes weapons for Kamiro? I'm Helen."

"That's right. I'm Eisou, the blacksmith here. Please come in."

"Sure. Thank you."

I guide her to a space in the workshop and we sit down at a table facing each other. Sermia remains on guard behind me. I think she'll be fine, so I leave her be.

"Did you come here alone?"

"Yeah."

Helen nods. I glance at Sermia, who also nods. I don't sense anyone else around.

"Did you encounter any wolves or anything on the way?"

"No? I saw some rabbits. They were cute."

Indeed, they are cute, but we ate one yesterday. The wolves probably judged Helen to be too strong. Helen continues.

"It was tough to find this place, but I saw the smoke and followed it here."

Ah, she followed the smoke from the forge. Still, it's no small feat to get here, so she must have kept her promise.

"Alright, I'll forge the sword as promised. What kind of sword do you want?"

I ask, and Helen removes both swords from her waist, placing them on the table.

"I'm a mercenary now. I use these swords, but I want something more durable. In battle, it's often hard to maintain them, and whether they work properly in that state can mean the difference between life and death."

"I see."

A woman mercenary. She must have had a tough time. The scar on her face is the most noticeable, but there are various scars all over her body.

"Can I take a look at these swords?"

"Sure, go ahead."

I draw both swords from their sheaths. They are still in good condition and well-made. However, one of them seems to be slightly more worn.

"Good swords. The smith who made them is skilled. Do you want to show them to your apprentice?"

"Sure, no problem."

I look at Rike. Rike approaches and examines one of the swords.

"Indeed, they are well-made. If you want something better, you might have to ask the master. At least, I can't think of anyone else."

"Being praised by a dwarf means you really are as skilled as I thought!"

Rike's comment prompts Helen to say. Her voice is loud. It doesn't matter here since there's no one around, but it's so loud it makes my ears ring. In battle, a voice that doesn't carry can be fatal, but I wish she would tone it down a bit.

"So, how do you use them?"

"How do I use them?"

"No, I want to know how you use them in combat. It will help me when I forge the sword."

"Hmm... It's hard to explain with words. Can I show you?"

"Sure."

Helen steps outside first, followed by me, Sermia, and Rike. The area outside the workshop is relatively open, with little undergrowth, so it's suitable for demonstrating sword techniques.

Helen wields two swords. She doesn't use them equally but rather uses one to feint and the other to strike. Her movements are incredibly fast. The one she uses for feinting will likely wear out faster. The similar wear on both suggests she rotates them.

"Hmm..."

Helen stops her fast sword movements.

"What's wrong?"

"It's hard without an opponent... Hey, can you be my opponent?"

"Me?"

"Yes."

"Sermia... Can't the young beast girl do it?"

"You seem stronger."

"Hmm..."

What should I do? With my cheat, I think I can handle it to some extent... But, it's fine. I just need to observe, and she won't attack seriously. Plus, I might see more if I engage directly.

"Alright, I'll do it. Sermia, lend me your sword."

"But..."

"It's okay."

Sermia reluctantly hands me the short sword.

"Alright, let's start. Go easy on me."

I say, raising the short sword.

"Go easy... You must be joking..."

However, Helen attacks with incredible speed.

"Whoa!?"

I block the attack. It's the feint. The other sword comes at me with the same speed. I parry it by turning my wrist and counterattack with a quick wrist movement.

"Whoa!"

Helen blocks it with the feinting sword and aims for my open side with the other, but I step back before her sword reaches me.

"You're good."

"No, no, please stop..."

Helen grins and attacks even faster. I deflect her attacks.

We continue this for about 15 minutes.

"Wow, you're strong!"

Helen stops, speaking loudly.

"I just wanted to observe your movements, but you attacked seriously..."

"I was planning to stop after the first two or three strikes, but not many can handle 'Thunder Sword.' I got a bit carried away! Sorry!"

I wish people with a combat mindset would be more considerate.

"Still, I got a good look. I think I can finish it in two days, so come back in three days."

"Hmm, do I have to leave today?"

"What would you do if you stayed?"

"Take a break and spar again."

"Then I won't be able to forge the sword! Go on, go home!"

"Wait! Can I at least have some water...?"

After getting some water, Helen leaves for the town.

Now, I need to forge a custom sword for her...