Chapter 7

The Reincarnated One Completes It - Chapter 7

"Come forward with the completed weapon."

At Kim In-cheol's call, two people approached the table where the judges were seated, carrying the completed weapons.

On the table were the items submitted for the previous test, and Lee Se-hoon looked at the item made by Hans.

'The previous one was a trident. And this one is a shield, I see.'

It was a small, round shield that could be worn with one hand, commonly known as a 'buckler,' and it wasn't bad.

'But...'

As Lee Se-hoon looked at Hans's shield with a displeased expression, Ryu Eun-ha spoke.

"Let's start with Hans's item."

The cross-shaped frame at the center of the shield and the surface with a gentle blue luster, engraved with wavy patterns symbolizing waves, were very sophisticated, regardless of its performance.

[WelleSchild]

[Grade: Advanced] [Quality: Superior]

A shield imbued with water attribute magic power.

It maximizes the power of the minerals used and amplifies water attribute magic power, allowing the conversion of pure magic power into water attribute magic power.

*Enhances the power of water attribute magic.

*Can convert magic power into water attribute magic.

"Magic amplification and attribute conversion. You've done a good job creating a difficult effect."

Hans's expression, which had been stiff, slightly relaxed at Ryu Eun-ha's praise, even though she maintained a blank face.

'Right. The main focus of this test is compatibility with the previous submission. There's still a chance in that aspect.'

While the item made this time might be superior when compared alone, the true value would only be known after a thorough comparison. Just as Hans was regaining his enthusiasm, Ryu Eun-ha continued.

"But."

Ryu Eun-ha, who had put down the WelleSchild, continued her evaluation with a blank face.

"The center of gravity of the shield is uneven, and the magic circuit is too exposed. It seems designed to easily release the converted magic power, but this will quickly reduce its efficiency after blocking a few attacks."

"..."

"Furthermore, upon examining the structure, it appears that the shield will be permanently damaged when using attribute conversion. Do you have any countermeasures for this?"

Ryu Eun-ha's relentless criticism left Hans pale and Michael's expression disheartened.

"Apparently not. In the future, it would be better to pay more attention to the usage and maintenance of the weapon."

"Yes... Yes..."

"And the compatibility with existing weapons was disappointing. It was a simple approach, just a sword and a shield. My evaluation ends here."

As Ryu Eun-ha's evaluation concluded, the attention naturally turned to Michael, who frowned and briefly responded.

"I will add to the department head's evaluation."

"Ah..."

Hans, who had not even received an evaluation, bowed his head deeply, and Michael's eyes grew even colder.

No matter how he looked at it, Hans would likely face a severe scolding when he returned home. Lee Se-hoon smirked at the scene.

'As always, the evaluation is accurate.'

Lee Se-hoon was satisfied with Ryu Eun-ha's gentle yet precise comments, which echoed his own thoughts. Just then, Kim In-cheol cleared his throat to regain control of the atmosphere.

"Next is Lee Se-hoon..."

"I'll go first."

Before Kim In-cheol could finish, Ryu Eun-ha stepped forward. Everyone was taken aback by her proactive attitude as she carefully examined the Hwajichyo.

The scabbard, which emitted a faint crimson glow, had triangular patterns engraved at regular intervals, resembling teeth. After examining the patterns, Ryu Eun-ha slowly raised her head.

"Lee Se-hoon."

"Yes."

"Would you sell this submission to me?"

The unexpected question froze the atmosphere, and Michael looked bewildered.

"Wait... Sell the submission? What are you suddenly talking about?"

For a judge to suddenly ask to buy a submission was confusing, but what worried Michael more was the difference in attitude.

'The person who only criticized Hans's submission harshly...'

While he knew it was well-made to some extent, he didn't expect it to be that good.

"I'm not asking you to hand it over immediately."

Ignoring Michael's question, Ryu Eun-ha continued her proposal, looking at Lee Se-hoon.

"After the selection of the top students and the opening ceremony, all submissions will be returned to the students. I mean to buy it then."

"..."

"Even though it's a low-quality rare item, I will pay you five times the market price if you sell it to me. What do you think?"

"R... Rare grade?"

Michael's face turned to shock at Ryu Eun-ha's offer.

He thought it would be a high-grade item at best, but a rare grade! As he was stunned by the result exceeding his expectations, Kim In-cheol, standing on the podium, spoke softly.

"The evaluation is still ongoing, so it would be best to refrain from private conversations."

"Understood. My apologies."

Ryu Eun-ha bowed and put down the Hwajichyo, then looked at Lee Se-hoon again.

"Have you ever made a rare-grade weapon before?"

"No, I haven't."

Including his previous life, he had made countless rare-grade weapons, but in this life, this was his first.

"Then this is your first time making a rare-grade weapon, yet you don't seem happy. I've heard that in the blacksmithing industry, it's a significant step to be recognized beyond being a beginner."

It's a stage where one not only enhances the characteristics of the materials but also refines new powers and skills.

A rare-grade item proves that one has started to lay the foundation as a blacksmith.

"Even without using high-grade materials... Is there something you don't like about it?"

Ryu Eun-ha continued to question Lee Se-hoon, who seemed puzzled by her reaction. Michael's eyes sparkled.

'Is the department head also suspicious?'

While it's not impossible for a student's skills to suddenly improve, Lee Se-hoon's change was too drastic.

Even if he had entered the Tower of Heroes and returned, it would be understandable, but as a new student, Lee Se-hoon couldn't have done that.

Thinking that he might have discovered something he hadn't, Michael clung to his last hope.

"I don't like it."

Lee Se-hoon answered with a blank face.

"Is it something to be happy about when the first rare-grade weapon I've ever made is only this good?"

While the effect of the Yenjaegeukin was good, there were many aspects of the item itself that he didn't like.

Moreover, it wasn't his first time making a rare-grade weapon, so how could he be happy?

"..."

"..."

Michael's face showed disbelief at Lee Se-hoon's response, and Hans looked at him with a dazed expression.

Kim In-cheol, who had been suppressing a smile, cleared his throat and responded.

"Lee Se-hoon, please speak more politely."

"I will take note."

"..."

Ryu Eun-ha, who had been quietly observing Lee Se-hoon, seemed to have finished her thoughts and spoke again.

"Re-evaluating the weapon, it is excellent. The center of gravity is well-balanced, and the shape is clean. It seems designed for combat while wearing it, correct?"

"Yes, that's right."

"Indeed. The effect of storing flames also seems to complement the Osaekhwa. And most importantly..."

Ryu Eun-ha held the Hwajichyo and infused it with magic power.

As the surrounding area became curious, the Hwajichyo began to glow red.

Whoosh!

Flames naturally enveloped the entire scabbard, moving as if flowing along the surface. Ryu Eun-ha brought her fingertips close to the flames.

Whoosh!

Despite only a slight touch, the flames instantly spread to her hand. Everyone was amazed by the incredible propagation, and Ryu Eun-ha nodded.

"By utilizing the difference in compression rates of the magic circuits to create a 'flow,' you've enhanced the propagation of the flames. This part is very... no, excellent."

Ryu Eun-ha put down the Hwajichyo and looked at Lee Se-hoon.

"However, the weapon skill 'Yahwa' seems to permanently reduce durability each time it is used, based on the structure. Do you have any countermeasures for this?"

The same issue that Hans had been criticized for.

This was a common drawback in weapons created through alchemical refinement, which Lee Se-hoon couldn't avoid.

"It can be repaired by soaking it in a mineral solution."

This basic drawback could be easily resolved by preserving the core of the mineral.

"Hmm..."

"..."

Michael sighed deeply at Lee Se-hoon's response, and Hans lowered his head again.

"Does the deputy department head have anything to add?"

"Nothing."

"Then the result seems clear."

Given the performance and safety of the weapon.

"The representative of the Metallurgy Department will be Lee Se-hoon."

The result was as clear as day.

* * *

After the additional test ended, Kim In-cheol, who had stayed in the testing area at Ryu Eun-ha's suggestion, looked at the red scabbard on the table with a curious expression.

Ryu Eun-ha, who had been continuously examining the Hwajichyo, had a reaction he had never seen before. Kim In-cheol cautiously asked.

"Are you considering making Lee Se-hoon the top student in the department?"

"Yes, that's likely."

"Really?"

Ryu Eun-ha's immediate answer made Kim In-cheol's eyes widen.

While a rare-grade weapon would certainly stand out among freshmen, he didn't think it was enough to definitively make him the top student.

"Is your opinion different, Professor Kim?"

"Of course, I think it's excellent, but I'm not sure if it's good enough to surpass the top students from other departments."

"You might think so at first glance. But the true value of this weapon lies in its weapon skill."

The weapon skill 'Yahwa' in the Hwajichyo.

Even with the same grade and quality, the value of a weapon can vary greatly depending on its weapon skill.

If Ryu Eun-ha had highly evaluated the weapon skill of the Hwajichyo, it wouldn't be surprising for her to give such a high rating.

'Is the weapon skill of Lee Se-hoon's item that good...?'

Creating a skill is not easy, but enhancing its efficiency and performance is a different level altogether.

Understanding the structure of the skill, the ability to tailor it to the weapon, and the skill to implement it.

Creating a rare-grade weapon is the starting point, but enhancing the completeness of the weapon skill is a few levels higher.

"Hmm. Since Professor Kim didn't examine it closely, it's understandable that you wouldn't know. I'm curious too, so let me take a quick look."

"Ah?"

Ryu Eun-ha, holding the Hwajichyo, stood up and infused it with her magic power while covering the scabbard's opening with her palm.

Hum-

The magic power accumulated inside instead of flowing out. The Hwajichyo's ability to accept her rather violent magic power without any issues made Ryu Eun-ha's expression change.

'Strange indeed.'

Although she had only just met the student, the weapon he made fit perfectly, as if she had commissioned it herself.

The familiarity she felt just by looking at it. This inexplicable level of completion was why Ryu Eun-ha had lost her composure and asked Lee Se-hoon to sell the weapon.

Grip.

'...Calm down.'

Suppressing the rising desire, Ryu Eun-ha extended her hand as if drawing a sword.

"Yahwa."

With the incantation, the condensed magic power shot forward.

Boom!

A massive flame enveloped the testing area's air.

Although the protective magic shield completely blocked it, Kim In-cheol's eyes widened at the enormous scale.

"What..."

A skill that compresses magic power internally and releases it all at once.

A complex structure involving the compression, adjustment, and release of magic power, where even a small mistake could damage the weapon. Lee Se