EP13. Epilogue – Association’s Reward
Sean took a closer look at what Mirajane had put out before opening his mouth.
“…Is this an anvil?”
It was a small and delicate sculpture in the shape of an anvil. What was unusual was that the material of the sculpture was not a simple stone or iron, but an unknown metal.
There was not one anvil, but three. It seems that they prepared according to their number, but the problem was that even if they looked around, they did not know where they were being used.
I’m sure he didn’t just give you a handicraft for ornamental purposes. So, is this actually a relic that costs a lot of money? Even after conceiving many speculations, it didn’t feel like it was this good.
In the end, Sean stopped guessing the answer alone and asked Miraein.
“Please explain. Surely it’s not just for appreciation, is it?”
“Of course not. This could be called a pass, so to speak.”
A pass? After hearing the explanation, if you look again, the shape of the anvil still welcomes you. Then there was only one place that naturally came to mind.
“So you’re saying it’s a blacksmith pass?”
“Similar.”
Sean pondered for a moment. It was because he didn’t quite know how to accept this.
Of course, it could be said that it was an appropriate gift at the time when the sword had to be replaced, but if you look at it differently, there was a sense of futility as if you were making such a fuss just for the free ticket to the smithy.
No matter how much I thought about it, I couldn’t get rid of the feeling that it was a somewhat exhausting reward for being so boastful.
“I don’t know anything else, but I don’t think you really need it, Levy.”
If you had to pick one customer who didn’t suit the blacksmith the most, wouldn’t it be the wizard? She had to change her sword, and although Elsa, who mainly used a shield, did not know about her, the association’s compensation was of no help to Levi.
“Don’t be disappointed. This is not an ordinary blacksmith’s pass.”
“…Isn’t this an ordinary blacksmith’s shop?”
Thought Sean, frowning at her and muttering along to her words. He wondered how special he would be if the smithy were special. Then Sean’s expression, which had been cold, gradually changed, and later his eyes widened like a lantern.
“Wait, then I can’t believe it…”
“I guess you guessed it. This is the pass to the Starry Sky Forge.”
From noble mtl dot com.
Starry Sky Forge.
As the words flowed out of Mirajane’s mouth, even Levy and Elsa, who were quietly listening, couldn’t hide their surprise.
The Forge of Starry Sky, located on the top of Mount Calderon in the northernmost part of the kingdom, was so famous that it even appeared in a legend told by her grandmother.
The place where Taeho, the legendary blacksmith who made weapons for countless heroes, stays.
“…Are you kidding?”
“Every branch of the Adventurers Association gets three passes to the Starry Sky Forge. Entering the VIP room here means the same as giving them access.”
“Oh my God…”
You can really go to the Starry Sky Forge? Shawn couldn’t tell if it was a dream or real life. Then he felt a warm touch in his hand. He looked to the side, where Levy whispered as he looked at him.
“Thank God. hehehe.”
“……That’s right.”
It was obvious why Levy said that. She must have had a lot of heartache inside her this morning when she saw herself. Yes, she said that because she had a really bright smile.
“Originally, it was prepared for adventurers who want to upgrade from Henerd to Geumgang. You can’t just leave it alone for that reason. In the first place, there were no adventurers worthy of promotion other than Elsa here.”
In other words, it means that Elsa was the reward she would receive when she was promoted over time. She, who always showed only a relaxed look, was showing her excitement like a child who received a surprise gift in front of her name, Starry Sky Forge.
“And as of yesterday Sean and Levy were promoted to Platinum Adventurers. Now you have come to the level called the highest level adventurer.”
Considering that platinum or higher is a grade that can never be reached through hard work alone, it is safe to say that Sean and Levy have already reached the highest level as adventurers.
“Then, is it okay if I go to the Starry Sky Forge right now?”
“Of course. As long as she doesn’t lose that anvil, she can go anytime.”
Then, of course, the next destination was Mount Calderon. For a moment, I thought about how Levy would react, but instead she urged Sean to ask questions.
“Shaun! When shall we depart?”
“Okay. Maybe the sooner we start the better.”
If an opportunity like this comes to them, most will be soaked in anticipation of how great the new weapon will be. But Sean was a little different.
Isn’t a blacksmith so famous that he can perfectly fix even his own broken sword?
Sean remembered Luke’s sword that he had left at the dorm. He wanted to see the end of his adventure with that sword, no matter what others said.
You don’t have to be extraordinarily good. He just wants to be with him until the end with one sword.
“But there is a caveat.”
“Attention?”
“As I said earlier, this is the blacksmith’s pass. It’s similar to a voucher, but definitely different.”
Passes and tickets are different. A pass literally means something that allows you to go in and out of a certain place.
“There are many branches of the Association. So, there are many adventurers who went to the smithy after receiving the pass. Remember, though, that not all of them used the forge.”
“…What qualifications or conditions do you have?”
“I can’t tell you that. Because we don’t know either. Only the blacksmith, Taeho, would know that.”
Sean calmed his excitement and nodded heavily. He vowed that he would definitely like Tae-ho and bring Luke’s sword back to life.
Mirazane gave Shawn and Levy something else one last time.
It was an adventurer’s badge made of platinum.
“Thank you again. Because of you, Henerd was able to stay safe.”
She bowed her head one last time. Shawn no longer felt any ill feelings toward the Society. He felt good enough that he was rather grateful. The three of them left the association, receiving the utmost hospitality.
***
The three chatted while having lunch with Elsa.
“Ah, that’s why the receptionist was so low-key.”
Levi, who hadn’t been told what the association had done wrong by sleeping on Sean’s back yesterday, finally understood today’s situation completely.
After explaining to Levy, Sean asked Elsa.
“Then, what will Elsa do next?”
“Of course we should head to Calderon. The opportunity to visit the Starry Sky Forge is an opportunity that is difficult to obtain even in a lifetime.”
As expected, it seemed that she was also planning to head for the Starry Sky Forge. Then, while she was eating, she asked Elsa.
“Is it okay if I leave Henerd?”
“In the first place, I didn’t even continue to be active here. Although I stayed for quite a while and became attached to it because I was participating in the recent subjugation, I was originally the type to wander around here and there.”
“Aha. You also took part in the subjugation.”
Honestly, with Elsa’s skills, she would be able to fulfill her role well enough in any subjugation. In particular, it is an essential role that is felt to be lacking no matter how many cases such as a vanguard holding a shield and blocking the front.
“Then why don’t we go together? Because we also plan to go to Calderon right away.”
“Hmm. Are you okay? I’m worried that you’re just interfering between the two of us.”
“It’s okay! Originally, an adventure is more fun the more companions there are!”
Levy said that and smiled brightly. She felt like it had been quite a while since she had had another colleague between them, if you think about it.
It can be said that at least Cren and Sepia went together, but even that was only a short moment, only a few days in terms of duration.
Of course, going on an adventure with just the two of us is definitely fun and there are certainly better aspects, but it’s not that there isn’t much time left in the first place, and there are plenty of opportunities to be alone together in the future.
“Thank you for saying that. I get it. It’s been a while since we’ve been on an adventure together like this. I was sad because everyone seemed to be avoiding me for some reason.”
“・・・・Do you really not know why?”
Levy scanned her Elsa’s attire with a puzzled look. Anyone wearing such an embarrassing outfit would want to avoid it. Of course, there will be times when sly men cling to her, but there’s no way Elsa, who has excellent skills, can’t chase such an unscrupulous person away.
“When is the best time to leave?”
“I don’t mind right now. As long as you pack your things, you can leave right away.”
“Um… Then, get a good rest before leaving today and start tomorrow morning.”
“Yes. That’s not bad either.”
Sean and Levy parted ways after arranging to meet Elsa at the association in the morning. Left alone, Levy asked Sean.
“Why did you put it off until tomorrow? Don’t you want to fix the sword as soon as possible?”
“Of course it is, but… We still have work to do here.”
“What to do? ····Ah.”
Levy belatedly realized what Sean was talking about. She let out a small sigh and then murmured.
“That’s right…. You have to meet him.”
If there is anything left to do at Henerd, it must be to find Wendy.
“····Levi. I think she doesn’t necessarily have to go see her. If you don’t mind, one way is not to go.”
Of course, it’s a bit uncomfortable, but meeting Wendy was never more important than Levy.
But Levi immediately shook her head.
“No. Let’s go meet It’s better to finish cleanly and leave.”
“Yes.”
Sean and Levy head to the association to meet Wendy.