Volume 3 Chapter 17 A Work Of The Soul
"...It's beautiful."
Those who saw Brue's sword all let out that same first exclamation.
The long sword displayed on the stage, along with its sheath, was illuminated, making the blade shine a deep blue.
The blade, with its captivating deep navy color, was forged by a top-tier Blacksmith and looked sharper than any weapon displayed on that stage.
Standing on the platform with that long sword, Brue basked in the audience's gaze, wearing a smile.
This was the unique happiness that only a top-tier Blacksmith was allowed to experience.
The fact that his skills were recognized resonated in his heart, and Brue trembled with joy.
"Once again, it's a wonderful piece! This sword is named 'Sapphire Longsword,' but is there a reason for that?"
A petite woman, acting as the host, raised her voice and asked Brue.
He then took a step forward, gathering even more attention from the audience as he answered the host's question.
"It's not just because it has a jewel-like beauty; the name of this sword also comes from the materials used."
"...What do you mean by that?"
"A beautiful lake that shines blue depending on the light... 'Sapphire Ocean.' The rare material that sleeps at the bottom... 'Aquaite' (Blue Water Stone). It is widely known that while it reflects a stunning deep navy when processed, the forging process is incredibly difficult. This time, I used that stone to create a blade that is sharp yet durable and elegant."
In stark contrast to his usual demeanor, Brue spoke in a polite tone while promoting his sword.
Items listed at the auction are typically introduced by the host reading a description or using a puppet for demonstration.
However, sometimes the craftsman themselves stands on stage to promote their work.
Brue understood his brand as a Blacksmith and always promoted his weapons with his own words in such settings.
His well-defined features and overflowing charisma were highly regarded, and there were quite a few enthusiasts (fans) in the community who admired him passionately.
Cheers erupted here and there, further boosting Brue's morale.
"Well then, I would like to take the liberty of demonstrating a weapon myself as a Blacksmith. I have no knowledge of sword techniques, so I might show you something unsightly, but I ask for your understanding."
At that signal, the staff brought out a wooden dummy from the side of the stage.
It was a wooden figure about the size of an adult man.
It had been used heavily in the weapon demonstrations today, and there were scratches all over it.
Since it was made from a sacred tree imbued with divine power, it was much sturdier than a regular training dummy.
Whether or not it could be damaged was considered a benchmark for quality.
Brue stood in front of the dummy, holding the azure long sword he had crafted.
"Haah!"
A sharp strike hit the demonstration dummy.
Although he claimed to have no sword skills, that one slash looked quite impressive as it cleanly severed the dummy's head.
The moment the head fell with a thud onto the brick stage, cheers erupted from the audience.
"To think it could sever a head with a single strike when there are weapons that can't even leave a scratch!"
"It's not just about looks; the quality as a sword is incredible too!"
"Just being a creation of Brue Anvil gives it substantial value! This auction is going to be wild!"
Not only was Brue's brand as a Blacksmith outstanding, but the performance and design were also exceptional.
There was no way it wouldn't fetch a high price.
"Now, starting with Brue Anvil's azure long sword! Just like the other items, we will start the bidding at 100,000 Flora!"
As the female host said this, the guests began to raise their hands one after another.
Normally, the auction would see prices rise gradually, but since this was a soul creation of Brue Anvil, it quickly surpassed the highest price of the day from the very beginning.
For reference, the average bidding price in this auction was 300,000 Flora.
"1,000,000!"
"1,200,000!"
"2,000,000!"
"3,500,000!"
"And now, not only has it surpassed the highest price of the day, but it has also easily exceeded the past record of 3,000,000 Flora in this auction! Is there anyone else?"
When the female host asked the audience, everyone seemed a bit confused and looked around.
But just one person, a well-known wealthy old man, raised his voice, taking advantage of the moment of hesitation.
"5.5 million Flora!"
At that declaration, the venue fell silent in shock.
To express everyone's thoughts, the host's voice trembled.
"I-I can't believe it...! Just surpassing 3 million was surprising enough, but now we've stepped into the unknown territory of over 5 million...! This is higher than the curse-breaking fee of Curse-breaker Lotus, which is known for its outrageous request fees."
The curse-breaking fee of Curse-breaker Lotus is famously exorbitant.
The amount totals 5 million Flora.
It's such a ridiculous sum that an average citizen couldn't pay it all at once.
The fact that this amount, enough to build a mansion in the countryside, is attached to Brue's sapphire longsword means that the audience recognizes its immense value.
(...Of course. There's no way something I put my heart into would stop at around 300.)
Brue smirked inwardly, once again realizing his worth as a Blacksmith.
Meanwhile, the host scanned the audience for a final confirmation.
"Well then, is that alright?"
Noticing the lack of response, the woman raised her voice.
"Then, with that, the sapphire long sword crafted by Mr. Brue Anvil is sold for 5.5 million Flora! Congratulations!"
The venue shook with loud applause, and in the center, Brue raised his fist, further encouraging the audience.
He then glanced towards the waiting room.
(Did you see that, Fran? This is the true talent of a Blacksmith. Can you even come up with this kind of money?)
The skill and creativity that captivates the audience.
Brue even utilizes his own personality as a brand.
Fran, the whiny Blacksmith who can only forge shabby, useless items, has no talent to receive the same cheers on this stage.
He would prove that here once again.
There's no way he could forge a Legendary Sword.
The fact that his mother Kikina is wrong.
(At most, she should just feel embarrassed and disappear from this world.)
As Brue was about to step down from the stage and head towards the seats for participants, the next item was brought in, almost as if to replace him.
"Now, before the excitement in the venue cools down, I'd like to move on to the next item. It seems this is the first time participating, a piece crafted by Mr. Flax Ran."
At that voice, Brue's feet naturally came to a stop.
When he turned around, a display stand had been brought to the center of the stage, covered with a cloth.
From all around the venue, sighs mixed with whispers could be heard.
"Next is a piece from an unknown Blacksmith."
"How unfortunate to follow Mr. Brue's sword."
"There's no way they won't compare them."
Amidst the mocking voices, Fran, the person in question, timidly emerged from the waiting room.
His pitiful appearance only made the laughter in the venue grow louder.
As Brue wore a smile as well, the host raised her voice to drown out the laughter.
"Now, now, since this is Mr. Fran's first time participating in the auction, I ask everyone to be gentle! Let's take a look right away!"
The female host said this and walked over to the display stand on the stage.
A large cloth was draped over it, and she reached out to touch it.
"Just show us something decent!"
"Don't cool down the excitement of the venue!"
"Everyone, please be quiet! I ask you to be quiet──!"
At that moment... the woman's hand accidentally touched the cloth, and without warning, it was revealed to the audience.
In an instant──.
"..."
The noise of the venue, the mocking laughter of the audience, all seemed to stop as if time had frozen... completely vanished.
At the same time, Brue's confident smile faded as if it were a lie.
What appeared in the center of the stage was, rivaling Brue's azure long sword...
A beautiful, crimson straight sword.
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