Chapter 75

Heating the mithril and hammering it to stretch it out. It seems to take two to three times longer to stretch it to the same length as regular steel. However, what I think is truly remarkable about mithril is that it doesn't have the inconsistencies in structure that always occur with steel. It's a relief to be able to focus on stretching it.

Additionally, its unusual lightness makes the stretching process easier. If it needs to be repeatedly heated, being light is definitely an advantage. However, if you hit the wrong spot, it could easily be ruined. When stretching it, the edges must thin out to form a diamond cross-section, so you have to fully utilize your cheats when hammering. This requires a considerable amount of concentration.

Given this, there's no choice but to take time with the work, but the sound of the hammering is very clear, making it quite enjoyable. The three others also seem to like this sound.

"Such a beautiful sound, isn't it?"

"It's like an instrument."

"Sermia and Rike also like it. I do too."

They all praise the sound, and the speed of the hammering increases. As a result, the stretching speed also increases slightly.

Even with a lunch break in between, the stretching work is still not finished. He continues to hammer and stretch it.

"Are you not getting bored?"

Since the work has been ongoing for a long time, I asked the three of them.

"No, it's actually quite fun to watch."

"For me, this is also a form of study... Besides, I've never seen mithril forging at home."

"Exactly. The sound is beautiful, and watching it stretch little by little is not boring at all."

They all respond with different reasons for not being bored.

"Got it. That's good to hear."

I lower the hammer onto the mithril again. Eventually, a mithril rod with a grip attached is formed, with a blade part that is 2.5 cm wide at its thickest point and about 1 meter long, with a diamond cross-section that tapers slightly at the tip. The tip of the blade part will become the sword's edge, so I hammer it a bit more to make it sharper. This completes the basic shape.

From there, I immediately start sharpening it. If it were steel, quenching and tempering would be necessary, but mithril doesn't require this. With sufficient equipment and skill, it could be mass-produced. However, in this world, the supply of raw materials is insufficient, and the heating process is very precise. Even if computer control were possible as in the previous world, the civilization here hasn't advanced to that point, so mass production isn't feasible.

I was initially unsure if I could sharpen it with a regular whetstone, but by fully utilizing my cheats, I manage to do it. The slightest deviation in angle could ruin the edge, and I can feel this through my fingertips. I sharpen the blade slowly and steadily, adding the edge to the sword. Each time the blade moves on the whetstone, a cool, ringing sound flows, delighting the onlookers. Moving the blade slowly and carefully, I finally manage to add the edge.

"Alright, the blade is done."

"Can you swing it already?"

Diana asks, her cheeks flushed.

"It doesn't have a leather grip or a guard, but you can swing it."

"Can I try it out?"

"It might slip out, so let's go outside."

"Okay, I understand."

I hand the mithril rapier to Diana.

"Wow, it's so light."

"It's said to be 'as light as a feather,' but even if it's not that light, compared to steel, it feels like a mere stick."

"Yes, with this lightness, I can thrust quickly."

"Exactly. Let's go outside."

We all head outside, and everyone's eyes are shining. Naturally, I'm also seeing mithril for the first time, and I can't contain my excitement.

First, Diana swings the rapier without any target. She moves around, thrusting in all directions. Because it's light, she thrusts quite sharply, but it doesn't slip out. The speed of her thrusts is noticeably faster, even considering the difference between a short sword and a rapier. It's almost like she's performing a dance, and Sermia and Rike are captivated by her movements.

The rapier can also be used to slash, but Diana doesn't move it as widely as a slashing motion. She combines thrusting and slashing movements, and these movements seem much faster than during her usual practice.

"The weapon is light, so your movements are much faster."

"Exactly. I feel lighter overall, and the rapier being light means less stamina is used."

"I see."

A lighter weapon is always better. While the weight of a hammer is part of its effectiveness, a weapon for thrusting or slashing doesn't need to be that heavy.

"Next, let's try it with a target."

I set up a target made of wood.

"Should I thrust this?"

"Yes, be careful, it might fall."

"Got it."

Diana holds the rapier in a thrusting position, takes a deep breath, and exhales slowly. The only sound is the wind. After what feels like several minutes, she exclaims,

"Ha!"

With a burst of energy, Diana thrusts the rapier with all her might.

The rapier's tip embeds itself in the wooden target without a sound. From the outside, it looks like the wood has swallowed the rapier. Diana pulls it out at the same speed she thrust it. A hole in the shape of the rapier's tip is left, clearly showing that it wasn't just an illusion.

"This is... incredible... I barely felt any resistance."

"Does it feel the same as when you were thrusting without a target?"

"Yes, almost the same."

"Then it's working well. Let me see it."

I take the rapier from Diana and inspect the tip, but there is no warping or chipping. The blade is complete.

However, I have one more idea. I return the rapier to Diana and bring a rope and a piece of metal from the workshop. I tie the metal to the wooden target.

"Alright, try thrusting this."

"Okay, I understand."

Diana nods and takes a stance, thrusting the rapier more casually this time. A light, ringing sound echoes, and a hole in the shape of the rapier's tip appears in the metal. I inspect the rapier again, but there is no warping, chipping, or even a scratch.

"This might be something extraordinary."

When I say this, the three onlookers nod solemnly.