I Refused To Be Reincarnated

In this case, the material's brittleness acted as a boon. With its weak integrity, it allowed for the mana to flow unimpeded. Better! Its high mana conductivity made it easier for Adam to control the enchantment engraving process.

As Durgrim's theories stated, there were no inferior materials, only unknown enchantment methods. Therefore, he developed his own by taking inspiration from his first creation: his puppet.

Gradually, the metal took shape and solidified. Each time its temperature dropped too low, he rushed to the furnace to heat it back before pounding it with love.

Sparks danced with each hammer strike as the metal thinned to take a gorgeous yet rough shape.

Lights and shadows melded on his face, and a grin stretched his lips. The metal became hard to work with. He could feel through his mana that one more strike would cause cracks to threaten its integrity. But his trusted friends from the dream place taught him how to fix the problem.

Without hesitation, he plunged the metal back into the furnace until it became orange. Then, he gathered ashes and buried the bright metal under to let it cool.

In the meantime, as the Astralim cooled, he focused on the Xylonius.

The wood's brittleness didn't matter in his project because he would use it to carve a pommel for the blade!

With practised mastery and eyes glinting in mischievous delight, the wind roared and swirled in a sphere above his palm.

Wood chips flew everywhere as sharp miniaturised blades carved the Xylonius into a rough pommel. Then, using mana like guiding pipes, he channelled purple lightning arcs on his finger. The smell of burnt wood wafted on the platform as he branded the engravings.

With a satisfied nod, he made the whirlwind spin faster. A sharp arrowhead glinting under the afternoon sun appeared, making contact with the rough surface.

Disturbing sounds reverberated for a moment, but no one paid them attention. Instead, they gazed, flabbergasted, as the pommel became smooth. Then, beautiful reliefs appeared, giving the beige wood grace and texture.

Despite the incredible visual and speed it took for Adam to craft it, they all frowned. In his quest for aesthetics, he carved over the engravings, making them disappear.

"Tsk. Amateur!"

"I thought he would pull it off for a moment."

On the other side of the platform, Moira shook her head in disappointment. Adam's creativity and speed weren't bad... for a novice. Yet, he ruined the wood already and hadn't started enchanting the blade.

"With his character, he'll do the same with the metal."

A deep sigh escaped her lips as she closed her eyes. Why would she bother to watch a failure's birth?

Meanwhile, Adam checked the cooled blade through the mana string inside before shaking his head. Although the metal got some rest, the stress it suffered from the hammering would still crack it if he continued. Therefore, he repeated the operation before walking to his workbench.

With a smirk, he grabbed an oil-filled pot and poured a small quantity into a piece of cloth. Using winds to make the pommel spin, he applied the oil in an even coat to protect the wood and give it a bright sheen.

"Perfect."

He whistled in satisfaction.

With the pommel done, he refocused on the metal. After resting twice, it was ready for the final shaping.

After heating it, his mana hammers roared to life once more, flattening the blade's edge and giving it a slight curve.

Once satisfied with the form, he plunged it into the furnace until it became bright red.

PSHHH

The next second, he plunged it into a tank of special oil, meticulously moving it around as white steam billowed.

Finally, he controlled the furnace temperature with his wind, making it much lower than a minute ago. With firm eyes, he plunged the blade inside one last time.

Carefully monitoring the hardened blade amidst the crackling fire, his instinct prickled his soul nineteen minutes later.

With a swift movement, he removed it and placed it inside a dome of wind to let it cool uniformly. At this moment, he let the mana strings inside dissipate as the blade took its ultimate form.

Of course, he still had one last thing to do before he could admire his first masterpiece with pride.

Sharp wind blades swirled on his palm as he placed it a few centimeters above the blade.

Rough metal and sparks flew while a buzzing sound filled his workbench. In a gradual effort, the rough metal began to shine and reflect his smiling face.

After polishing the blade, he increased the wind's intensity to sharpen the edges with the utmost control.

'It would be a shame to ship it now.'

Soon, a sharp double-edged sword mirrored the bright sky on its glinting frame.

"Now for the detail."

He grabbed the beautiful pommel and placed it above the tang before sliding it into the pre-made slot with a satisfying click. Using his mana hammer, he pounded a sturdy nail across the wood, permanently fixing the pommel in place.

He swung it a few times, assessing its balance before making a soft slash at the thick workbench.

SHATTER

The blade glinted to life. With a buzz, it lodged itself a few centimeters into the cracking wood.

With a nod of deep satisfaction and trembling fists, his voice echoed in the surroundings.

"I'm done. Come check this bad baby!"

The teachers frowned in response. The forging process seemed sound, even if they didn't understand every step. Yet, they hadn't seen him enchant the blade. Where were the engravings?

Before they could make sense of the situation, Moira's eyes cracked open, and her lips quivered.
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"Congratulations on your failure. You successfully wasted an hour and a half of our time."

Without bothering to check the blade, she rose from her seat, turned, and left one last remark before disappearing into a cocoon of flames.

"If not for your relationship with Shepard and my intervention, you would be rotting in prison after what you did at the Gate. Take my advice: learn your place in this world."