Evan D. Sherden, Apart from Legend (6)

.Artifact?

Yes, Lord Leo.

Leo, oblivious to what Evan planned for him, forgot what he was going to tell Evan and responded back to Horta instead. Horta held out the curled sword in the cloth toward Leo.

Its yours.

Oh, mine?

Its a gift, Grandpa.

Evan had already returned to his usual condition. Just in time, Belois, who came up from behind, wiped his hair with a handkerchief and neatened his look overall.

Evan himself tidied his clothes, coughed, and turned towards Leo once more.

Of course, you probably own a lot of weapons, but its not bad to have extra ones. I broke one when we were fighting yesterday.

Its a great sword

Yes, its made of a material called EB metal, a mana alloy developed by Grandpa Bernard and me.

Ah, alright

Leo took the sword, appraised it for a long time, and then pulled out the cloth to see the shape of the black and purple great sword. It wasnt something he shouldve done at the party; drawing out the artifact-sword attracted unwanted attention towards them.

However, Leo didnt care about peoples attention. He swept the sword and examined it carefully, judging the artifacts performance.

Its heavy, but its not dull. Delicate, but not complicated. Its perfect for me.

Youre surprisingly self-assessing, arent you?

What does that mean? Huh?

Evan ignored Leos words. Horta, however, kept his head clenched as if Leo was right.

When I saw you both battle, I understood well what qualities you both might need in your personal weapons. Of course, Im wasnt sure if Id be able to put it all in this sword At least, it will serve you better than ready-made weapons.

Well.

Leo looked very satisfied. A silent acknowledgement passed between Horta and Leo, to which Evan was oblivious.

You have a knack for it. Its been a long time since I saw such a remarkable craft. I hope you will continue to do your best.

Its my honor.

Leo, who praised Horta, carried the great sword on his back. Then he gently closed his eyes and looked back at Evan as if he were cleaning up his feelings.

Thanks for the gift. Ill cherish it.

No, just use it well. And if it breaks, visit me, please. Ill make another one.

I wont break this, so dont worry. However, do you have anything for Aria?

Evan glanced back at Horta. Horta nodded in silence. Then he drew another iron rod wrapped in a cloth on his back, but it didnt contain the same presence as that of the great sword.

I completed this first. I dont really understand the structure of divine power well, so I failed to create an artifact. But with how much the mana metal was refined, it will help those who deal with mana.

Thats sufficient. It might become an artifact if Aria uses it.

That might do the trick, Grandpa.

Id be most pleased if it does, Master.

Leo got the iron rod without any hesitation. Hortas expression, which had been clouded, brightened up again by his positive response.

Indeed, Leo was a hero. Evan realized this then.

Then Master, I must say goodbye.

Thank you, Horta.

It was an honor for me. I will never forget the blessed opportunities of crafting you brought to me.

Thank you, but you will make a lot of them in the future, so lets get used to it.

Of course. Then

Horta, who had appeared out of nowhere with artifacts, attracted many people in the hall. But it was not a big sensation because some knew he was Evans exclusive blacksmith.

Recently in Sherden, there had been an unspoken rule that no matter what happened to Evans relations, associates or objects, they silently observed and did not intervene unless Evan himself allowed it!

Oh, youre giving this to me? Its Evans birthday. I didnt give him anything, but I got a present in return.

And when Aria saw the commotion that Evan and Leo had caused, she quickly came to them. Leo handed the stuff over to her as if he had been waiting for her. Aria was very surprised at being handed the invaluable gifts.

Its a separate gift. Youve both been a big help to the Dungeon Knights, and its too sad to say goodbye like this.

Oh my God.

Evans reply made Aria speechless.

She assumed Evan had realized their will through yesterdays duel, but she didnt expect Evan had known it before.

How can a child like this exist?

I just heard it from Bernard.

So youve been preparing to give these to us since then.

But that was also possible thanks to Hortas help.

Haha. Evan, come here.

!?

Aria, who was close, pulled Evan and held him in her arms.

Embraced by the heros disciple, Evan gave an embarrassed, agonizing scream that went unheard because of the warm bosom that held him, but she still did not let him go.

Thank you, Evan. Both of us will never forget your generous heart. Im so proud of you We wish we had a child like you. Oh, Evan, do you want to be our son? Well travel together. How about that?

Oh, no!

I see. Thats a shame.

Evan thought even though Aria knew the answer, it might not be right to ask and make fun of him.

Aria stroked Evans head with a very pleased look on her face, even though she had just gotten rejected.

This city has showered us with so much. Im really sad to leave this place.

We will return later.

Leo, who was pleased to see her that way, said briefly.

Thats why Im leaving.

Yes, youre right.

She laughed at Leos words and finally freed Evan. Evan, whose face was as red as a tomato, was hurriedly secured by Belois, glaring at Aria with an envious look.

Youre not good at making contact with women. Even if its just Aria

Are you jealous of a seventy-year-old woman? Oh, my lord. But relax, Evan is like our son.

At Arias words, Belois closed her mouth, her anger evident. She seemed to understand Arias words, but couldnt accept them.

Aria burst into laughter once more on seeing Belois. She was fond of Belois, too.

Truly, all of you are such cute kids.

Im sure there will be more lingering feelings. Aria, lets get ready to leave.

Yes, we should. Ive already packed my stuff, so lets get out of here.

AhBefore that, I need to go to the training camp for a while.

Hmm?

At Arias perplexed expression, Leo pointed to one place with his finger. Aria nodded when she found Shine, a boy standing there quietly and staring at them.

Goodbye. You had something to give Shine, right?

Right. Then, Evan, Im going first. Take good care of Lin and Lan.

Grandpa

Evan came to his senses. Perhaps Leo intended to get out of the city as soon as he finished his sparring with Shine.

Evan was a little jealous that he had lost his last time with Leo to Shine, but it would be greedy to hope for more than that.

Well Grandfather.

Huh?

Evan already got a lot from Leo and had given a lot in return. It might be enough now.

There was only one thing left. It was the promise of reunion.

Take care.

After all, Evans last greeting was a light hug. Leo softened a little with Evans embrace, but soon he stroked Evans head roughly and grinned.

Okay, Ill be right back.

* * *

A few more hours later, the party ended.

The performance of the Lute Girls had livened everyone up.

Call us again. Let us know, and well perform anywhere you like!

I want to go into the Dungeon with Master Evan! Would you like to get my buff? Serenade only for Master Evan

After the party, the Lute Girls, who remained there and had a passionate approach toward Evan, were eventually dragged away by Maybells hands.

Evan, who saw them off with a bitter smile, turned around. There was Shine with a calm look on his face. However, there were scratches here and there, and his clothes were all messed up.

Evan then asked briefly.

Did you win?

Im not like you, Master. How can I win against that monster? But I succeeded in giving him a blow.

Thats amazing.

Though Evans compliment was sincere, Shine harbored a bitter smile.

He had seen through every part of the fight. He almost pushed me to my limits. If the fight had lasted longer, I might have awakened monstrous strength thanks to him. I am amazed at how he can force people to break through their shells and go beyond their limits.

Its because hes a hero.

Evan smiled and replied to Shine, who was trembling. Listening to what he said, Shine also seemed to have gained something equivalent to his unique skills.

Leo had managed to teach them both great lessons.

So, what skill did you get?

Thats a secret. Once we get back to HQ, well fight, and Ill give you a glimpse of it.

Oh, youre very cocky. Im the one who beat that monster who you could barely scratch.

Ive been observing you for years now, and when youre this proud, it means you feel flustered in reality. I think that, if I dig through that gap, I could win against you.

Shine, Leo must have destroyed your common sense alongside that weak body of yours. Ill make up for your lack of ability.

Whoa, the more you talk now, the more embarrassed you will be later.

Evan and Shine walked out of the garden with jokes, as usual. Belois, Raihan, Serena, and Arisha, who were nearby, also followed.

Evan, are we going home now? Im coming with you!

Evan, you still have tear marks on your face. Have you gone soft?

Oh, no.

I should have learned martial arts as well. I feel very isolated today.

When you get back, youll have to wash your hair again, Master.

Members of the Dungeon Knights were naturally gathering and chatting.

Dont devalue yourself, Evan. Its rude to others who acknowledge and look up to you.

Evan recalled Leos words again in the warm air. His stern yet caring words seemed to release Evans twisted ego a little.

Master?

No, its nothing.

Evan pretended to act okay to Belois, who looked back at him as he had stopped walking.

Then, he took a brave step toward the headquarters of the Knights, setting all his thoughts aside.

It had been a spring day when Evan D. Sherden turned 14.