The Epic Story of the Heroic Spirit of Emiya Giant Warrior

“No need to rush.” Shirou flipped through the magic wand compendium: “Lefiya hasn’t set a time limit, and it’s not like she absolutely has to have a magic wand.”

It's just that Miss Lefiya will most likely be his first customer, so Shirou wanted to learn some information about magic wands in advance.

However, from Shirou's personal point of view, he still hoped to forge a "weapon", preferably a "sword."

“Why not just make a close combat weapon for her?” Tsubaki suggested: “Just forge a sword that Shirou is best at.”

“Riveria of the Loki Familia is skilled in staff strikes and grappling, and Heding of the Freya Familia is even more of a master swordsman. Even if they don’t use magic, they can still crush warriors below Level 1 adventurers with their physical skills.”

Shirou nodded, realizing: “I see.”

Moreover, in order to cope with situations where it is not suitable to use magic, mages will deliberately hone their close combat abilities to at least be able to protect themselves.

The reason why Lefiya is at a loss when a monster rushes in front of her is mainly because she is too young.

“It’s basically done, I have a hunch that this time I will get unprecedented results, thanks to your help, Shirou-kun.” The corners of Tsubaki's mouth and eyebrows clearly showed a happy arc: “To be able to come up with such a structure, it’s really amazing.”

I didn't pay attention when I was studying the weapon blueprints with Captain Tsubaki, but I didn't expect that the magic sword would be designed like that without realizing it—

Legend has it that this sword was forged by the elves of the land of the gods, and it is imbued with the powerful power of the thunder of the heavens.

Heroic Spirit Emiya once projected [Spiral Sword] and modified it for use as an arrow, so he deeply analyzed its structure.

The magic sword blueprint that he and Tsubaki finally finalized was based on the spiral sword that Heroic Spirit Emiya (Archer) modified for use as an arrow, and then transformed into a magic sword.

“By the way, the forging of the magic sword has reached the final step, and I hope Shirou can also participate.” Tsubaki put her hands on Shirou's shoulders and said seriously.

“Shirou’s participation can bring the quality of this magic sword to a higher level. This is my hunch as a blacksmith.” Tsubaki said firmly: “It is also the prophecy of the Goddess.”

Tsubaki and Hephaestus both believe that this child who has an indissoluble bond with [Sword] will surely create a miracle again.

Chapter 21 Tsubaki's Breakthrough

Tsubaki raised her right hand and cheered. A uniquely shaped long sword was held in her hand, reflecting a cold light against the still burning furnace.

Although he has tried forging swords several times, so far, what he has forged is at most mass production of a practice nature, and he has not tried to create a famous sword directly engraved with his own brand.

Even if it is a replica of a replica, as long as it can reproduce even a fraction of the power of the Noble Phantasm as the original, the meaning behind it is epoch-making.

What's more, there is no reason why a replica must be inferior to the original!

“Without a doubt, this is a magic sword that surpasses all magic swords of the past.” Tsubaki asserted: “More importantly, this is a great achievement purely forged by our human hands without relying on the bloodline and power of the fairies, so celebrate!”

And Shirou, who participated in the final forging, even if he only swung a hammer, at this moment also has a mysterious feeling, he seems to have a deeper understanding of the Noble Phantasm [Spiral Sword].

The original Noble Phantasm [Caladbolg], in the hands of the great hero Fergus mac Róich, can burst out with enough power to penetrate mountains and tear the earth apart.

Tsubaki's forged [Magic Sword · Spiral Sword], or [Pseudo · Pseudo · Spiral Sword (Caladbolg Ⅲ)], what extent can it achieve?

The moment he heard this sentence, the originally enthusiastic atmosphere instantly calmed down. In the hot forging workshop, people felt a chill of winter.

Everyone panicked and stopped Tsubaki, who was eager to try.

No, the fact that everyone subconsciously thinks you're not joking, you should reflect on it yourself!

“Moreover, I’m still counting on this magic sword to give me a big boost. Although it’s a pity that I can’t test it myself, let’s save the precious number of uses as much as possible.” Tsubaki’s expression was tangled. It looked like she really wanted to activate the magic sword and fire it.

In order to forge this magic sword, Tsubaki not only spent all her savings, but also advanced a little money from the Familia. Of course, the bulk of the consumption was in the various experiments done during the forging process, which is also the so-called research and development expenses. The cost of the main body is not cheap, but not so exaggerated.

“Shirou, thanks to your help, I was able to complete this magic sword!” Tsubaki came to Shirou's side and hugged the boy in her arms. Her well-trained full body was so powerful that it was beyond imagination, making it impossible to resist.

“Oh, Shirou, you’re here.” Hephaestus held her left index finger in her mouth, her elastic lips were delicate and charming.

Tsubaki is a veteran Level 1 adventurer. Her breakthrough to Lv.5 can be traced back to the dark period several years ago. After the breakthrough, relying on her strong talent and love for forging, her ability values also increased rapidly, especially the dexterity attribute, which is the most important for forging.

After completing the forging of [Magic Sword · Spiral Sword], after the update by the Goddess Hephaestus, it was confirmed that Tsubaki's dexterity ability value finally increased again, reaching S900.

Shirou also heard Tsubaki mention that unlike many lower-level adventurers who only upgrade with D-level basic ability values, most adventurers at the Lv.5 level have long reached the bottleneck of basic ability values, and even the most outstanding abilities have reached the S-level, but they are stuck to death by the great achievement.

The ability value that was thought to have reached the limit increased again. This is an opportunity and a beginning. Destiny is changing imperceptibly.

“Sure enough, it hasn’t been long since the last ability value update, so the increase in strength and agility is quite limited.” After the ability value update was completed, Hephaestus looked at the straw paper recording the boy’s God’s Grace and analyzed.

Magic power increased by 30 points, reaching F311, and dexterity increased by 80 points at once, reaching E447.

How come endurance also increased by dozens of points at once, did you face the magic of a high-level adventurer head-on?

“So Shirou-kun, what are your plans next?” Hephaestus asked: “Is it to continue practicing in the workshop with the goal of obtaining the development ability of [Forging]? Or is it to prioritize adventuring in the dungeon?”

Level ascension not only means a comprehensive improvement in ability, but also represents the opportunity to obtain development abilities and even new magic and skills. More importantly, level ascension is essentially an improvement in the adventurer's "capacity" and "life level."

Countless facts show that the suppression of high levels on low levels is almost absolute, and only a few geniuses can barely cross the gap of level difference. Moreover, the higher the level, the greater the difficulty of surpassing levels. Because most of the strong at high levels were originally geniuses of the same level.

Moreover, his goal is not up to Lv.2, he wants to become a strong person like Ryu, Anya, and even Tsubaki and Aiz.

“Even if Miss Ryu is very strong, she will still be seriously injured in battles with enemies; Anya is always optimistic and cheerful, but everyone can see that she has an unknown heavy past; Sister Tsubaki has long been the only high-level adventurer, shouldering the important task of supporting the Familia...

“Very good, Shirou-kun, that’s what I admire most about you.” Hephaestus walked up to Shirou and put her hand on his shoulder, lightly pinching the boy’s firm muscles.

By steadily forging in the workshop, spending several years or even decades to increase the ability values of dexterity and strength to D level and C level, and then participating in the middle-level expeditions of other Familias to get the great achievement that can be upgraded, and ascend to Lv.2 to obtain the development ability [Forging].

Only Tsubaki is an exception, because she is keen on personally going to the dungeon to experiment with the weapons she makes, and also because she has the obsession of "forging equipment that surpasses the divine realm", so she will yearn for higher ability values and levels.

Tsubaki's works are only first-class weapons, and the quality is a little better than others, but so what?

“It’s not that I think their idea of being content with the status quo is bad. Everyone has their own ambitions. I will also be gratified to see those children gain stable happiness. And seriously speaking, upgrading to Lv.2 is actually very amazing.” Hephaestus looked into Shirou’s eyes.

The so-called adventurers are precisely those who must take risks, overcome hardships, and do the impossible in order to achieve the great achievements that even the gods will admire.

“However, I still have to remind you that although Shirou should want to upgrade as soon as possible, I still hope that even if you meet the conditions for upgrading, you should try your best to train your basic ability values to the limit before undergoing level ascension.” Hephaestus: “At least, the highest one must reach A level, and the others must reach C level.”

Hephaestus tilted her head slightly, thought for a moment, and then she opened her mouth and said calmly: “No need for supporters.”

“Just don’t need any of them. For the monsters in the lower levels, whether it’s magic stones or drops, don’t bother picking them up. We don’t lack that little bit of money.”

“By the way, Shirou, do you know how much money Tsubaki just made from the magic sword, and how much can you get?” Hephaestus held out two fingers.

Wei Gong's initial plan was to wait until he reached Lv.2 and acquired the Development Ability [Blacksmithing] before officially accepting equipment crafting orders. At his current Lv.1, his forged creations weren't qualified to bear the Hephaestus Familia's symbol.

“Once my level and forging skills are a bit higher, crafting ‘gauntlets’ or ‘combat boots’ for her wouldn't be out of the question.” He thought to himself.

Shiro asked, puzzled, “But Lefiya is a mage, isn't she?”

“That child is Lv.2, isn't she? After level ascension, even mages will have strength surpassing ordinary Lv.1 adventurers.” Tsubaki explained, “Besides, high-level mages all possess some close-combat ability. That's common knowledge, you know.”

The improvement that level ascension brings to adventurers is comprehensive. Even someone like Riveria, whose Strength stat only accumulates G (200-299) with each level up, becomes quite terrifying with the boost from a high level.

“I understand. If that's the case, I know what to do.” Shiro settled on a plan in his mind. “Speaking of which, how's the progress on Tsubaki-san's magic sword?”

“Ah, well…” Shiro scratched his head.

The truth was, he was copying a weapon he had seen before, but he couldn't exactly say that directly.

[Spiral Sword (Caladbolg)], also known as the Rainbow Sword, is a magic sword wielded by the Irish hero Fergus Mac Roich from Celtic mythology.

As an anti-army Noble Phantasm renowned for its high power and wide range capable of destroying even the terrain, myth says that its sword light displayed the terrifying power to 'shave off three hills'.

If Wei Gong's projected creation was called [Fake Spiral Sword], then the magic sword Tsubaki was forging should be… [Fake Fake Spiral Sword]?

“Why? I don't have the Development Ability [Blacksmithing].” Shiro asked.

Magic swords can only be created by those with the Development Ability [Blacksmithing]. Tsubaki, as the highest-level blacksmith in the entire city, is one of the few magic sword forgers. Naturally, Wei Gong Shiro, who is only Lv.1, couldn't possibly possess [Blacksmithing].

“In that case, Tsubaki-san, I'll do my best to help you.” Shiro replied.

“Shiro, you're the best!” Tsubaki hugged Shiro and cheered happily.

“It's finished!”

“Oh!!!!!!” The surrounding blacksmiths cheered in unison, the deafening shouts seeming to lift the entire workshop.

Shiro was also infected by the enthusiastic atmosphere. The scorching workshop was filled with everyone's passion, the air seeming to ignite, and the young man's heart couldn't help but feel a surge of heat.

Wei Gong Shiro's driving force for becoming an adventurer was the desire to no longer experience the helplessness of being unable to do anything when losing loved ones, so he hoped to gain the power to protect those around him. Seeing Tsubaki truly complete the forging of the [Magic Sword - Spiral Sword], he felt genuinely excited for her.

“Oh!!!!!!” The artisans cheered enthusiastically again.

The creation of the [Magic Sword - Spiral Sword] was aided by the special magic of Wei Gong's [Unlimited Blade Works]. Of course, Tsubaki was the one who truly completed the forging, and this magic sword was engraved with her hard work and lifelong experience.

At the same time, gazing at the magic sword in Tsubaki's hand, which contained terrifying power, Shiro couldn't help but feel curious: “What's the extent of this magic sword's power?”

The [Fake Spiral Sword (Caladbolg II)] created by the Heroic Spirit Emiya also possessed the power to pierce space and destroy buildings.

However, Wei Gong was merely curious, while Tsubaki's statement made people break out in a cold sweat.

“I really want to test the power of this magic sword.”

“Calm down! Calm down, Captain!”

“That's not an ordinary magic sword! At least, at least let us run fifty meters first…”

“I'm just kidding.” Tsubaki laughed, “Although I'd love to see its power, how could I possibly use a magic sword in the workshop? You guys have no sense of humor.”

However, magic swords generally only have a single-digit number of uses, and this [Magic Sword - Spiral Sword], although large, was estimated by Tsubaki to have a maximum of only two uses. If fully activated, it might even be ruined after a single use.

However, Tsubaki, as the city's top-tier blacksmith, often found herself penniless. It could only be said that she owed it to her expensive hobbies—collecting various rare equipment and materials, and designing and researching new equipment.

As everyone knows, scientific research is the most expensive thing.

But what goes quickly, comes even faster. With this [Magic Sword - Spiral Sword], Tsubaki could ruthlessly fleece the idiots of other familias.

“Tsubaki-san, I can't breathe…”

·

“Goddess Hephaestus, I've come to update my ability values.”

“Perfect timing. Tsubaki just finished updating hers.” The goddess said, “It wasn't easy. That child's ability values have finally broken through!”

It's just that effort and passion may not necessarily provide the power to break through bottlenecks. Tsubaki's highest Dexterity stat had been stuck at the A899 node for a long time.

She had even begun to think that A899 Dexterity was her limit, and she was somewhat discouraged.

This meant that Tsubaki had broken through her own limits, and also reflected the quality and power contained within the [Magic Sword].

“It's a pity that Tsubaki's [Great Feat] accumulation is still far from enough. Otherwise, our familia would have a Lv.6 adventurer as well.”

“However, since ability values can break through bottlenecks, Great Feats will eventually be obtained.” Goddess Hephaestus had great confidence in Tsubaki.

“Tsubaki demands a lot of herself. Besides Dexterity, her Strength and Endurance are also some distance from A-rank… but I believe it won't be long.” The goddess said.

Chapter 22: The Magic Sword Worth Over a Hundred Million Valis

“However, both Dexterity and Magic Power have improved significantly. It seems that participating in the magic sword's creation has earned you a lot of high-quality experience points.”

The successful creation of the [Magic Sword - Spiral Sword] allowed Tsubaki, a Lv.5 adventurer, to break through the bottleneck in her Dexterity ability value. Even though Wei Gong only briefly participated and received a small portion of the experience points, the quality of the experience points was so high that it directly boosted his ability values significantly.

As she spoke, Hephaestus handed the other party the parchment recording the young man's ability values.

Shiro thought for a moment: “I'll prioritize dungeon adventures for now. If possible, I want to level up as soon as possible.”

As he gradually got used to this world, Shiro's understanding of the “Divine Blessing” system deepened. He now realized how significant “level” was to adventurers.

The Guild's classification standards for adventurers are: Lv.1 is a lower-level adventurer, Lv.2 and above are collectively referred to as upper-level adventurers, of which Lv.2 is also called a third-class adventurer, Lv.3 and Lv.4 are second-class adventurers, and Lv.5 and above are first-class adventurers.

Shiro had already thought it through clearly: “Whether it's for developing the Ability [Blacksmithing], or for obtaining the power I desire to protect those around me, level ascension is the top priority.”

Shiro wouldn't be arrogant enough to think that he could protect or save them. On the contrary, they had always been supporting and helping him. From the very beginning, he was only able to survive because he was saved by Ryu.

He only hoped that one day, when Ryu and the others needed it, he would at least have the qualifications to stand up and help them.

“I really like the look in your eyes, Shiro. I can see the flames of ‘ambition’ in your eyes.” Hephaestus said, “My children are good in every way, but they lack a bit of ‘ambition’. Except for Tsubaki, the other children are too easily satisfied with the status quo.”

For the vast majority of the Hephaestus Familia's members, this was their lifelong wish. Many blacksmiths in the Familia reached Lv.2 at a young age, and then never achieved level ascension for the rest of their lives. And often, these people's forging skills also permanently stopped at the moment they achieved satisfaction.

But for other blacksmiths, “surpassing the Divine Realm” was nothing more than an unrealistic delusion. Since reaching Lv.2 and obtaining the Development Ability [Blacksmithing] was already enough to forge first-class armaments, why bother taking risks and tormenting themselves?

“But we gods, as expected, still look forward to ‘heroes’ more.” The god's voice was long and ethereal, and she said:

“So Shiro, go on an adventure. This time, there will be no high-level adventurers assisting and protecting you. Use your own strength to conquer the dungeon!”

Wei Gong Shiro replied seriously: “I understand, Goddess Hephaestus.”

Shiro nodded: “Yes, that's what I intend to do.”

“Mm, it's good that you have a plan.” Hephaestus smiled, very satisfied with the young man's awareness.

“By the way, Goddess, I wanted to ask, do we have any companions in our Familia who can act as supporters? Or is it better to hire one from the Guild?” Shiro asked.

Wei Gong Shiro was somewhat confused: “What?”

“The supporter's main role is to pick up the monsters' magic stones and dropped items.” Hephaestus calmly and powerfully spoke words that shocked the young man's heart:

Looking at the young man's cute expression, shocked and at a loss, Hephaestus couldn't help but laugh.