Leo Longblade.
Such was the name that resonated with the utmost talent and prowess in the current generation of array masters. Throughout the arduous test, Leo had showcased his exceptional abilities, nearly achieving perfect scores across all segments.
His remarkable adaptability in handling various elemental runes was evident, while his accommodating Individuality granted him unparalleled finesse in refining weapons within his arrays, regardless of their type or elemental affinities.
Thus, when Leo was proclaimed as Grandmaster Baelin's chosen apprentice, the crowd received the news with little surprise. Even the most envious contestants, though casting him intense gazes, refrained from voicing any objections. It had become clear to almost all that Leo Longblade was a deserving victor.
Leo's mana signatures and appearance did not exude any overt uniqueness. He appeared as a young man in his mid-20s, his jaw-length black hair gracefully cascading down his face, lending him a youthful allure. His black eyes and sharp features bestowed upon him a commendable handsomeness, albeit without excessive flamboyance.
Standing at a height of 5.10 feet, he possessed a stature neither too short nor too tall. Despite his dedication to the art of weaponsmithing, his medium build did not grant him an imposing presence.
Clad in an orange tunic beneath a knee-length black long coat with an orange outline, Leo exhibited a harmonious color scheme. His attire was complemented by dark brown pants fashioned from rugged cloth, while his wrists were adorned with black arm bracers crafted from the hide of a formidable C-Ranked mana beast.
In essence, Leo Longblade did not overtly stand out in a crowd. However, should one choose to direct their attention towards him, they would discover his subtle charms.
"It certainly is sweltering out here, isn't it?" Ravid remarked rhetorically to Leo, guiding him deeper into the recesses of Baelin's smithy. A chuckle escaped Ravid as he observed the young man's perspiration and occasional gulps, indicative of his growing thirst within the scorching confines of the smithy.
Observing Leo's gentle nod, Ravid sighed before offering reassurance, "Fear not, my young friend. In due time, you will adjust to it." Leo pursed his lips, acknowledging Ravid's words with another affirmative nod.
Ravid found himself immediately drawn to this young Expert Ranker, who exhibited curiosity in his surroundings. He sensed an undeniable fire within Leo, a burning desire to seize every opportunity the city of Lancelot had to offer.
The atmosphere within Grandmaster Baelin's smithy crackled with heat and intensity, stretching endlessly in every direction. Groups of dedicated Rankers were diligently engrossed in their respective projects, utilizing the smithy's comprehensive facilities to craft an array of weapons, from mass-produced armaments to exquisite artifacts.
Within this expansive realm of toil and perseverance, where blood and sweat mingled, there was a constant need for artisans of unparalleled skill, individuals who held an intimate grasp of their craft.
The resounding echoes of hammers striking metal and the occasional bursts of small explosions filled the air. Sporadically, a radiant glow would emanate from one corner before swiftly dissipating.
A concentrated veil of mana would materialize within a confined space, pulsating with a vibrant energy that extended in all directions. To the uninitiated Ranker, this scene might appear as if a volatile mana bomb were on the brink of detonation.
Unquestionably, the security protocols exhibited numerous breaches. Yet, amidst the apparent chaos, an unspoken harmony prevailed. Every individual granted access to Grandmaster Baelin's smithy seemed to possess an innate understanding of their role.
It was the very reason such rigorous tests were conducted periodically—to ensure that the kingdom of Edinburgh presented Grandmaster Baelin with the epitome of talent it had to offer in each generation.
Guided by Ravid, Leo stepped into the inner sanctum of the smithy, a restricted zone shielded by a formidable and unwavering mana barrier. As the barrier hummed with latent power, it created a clear demarcation between this sacred space and the bustling workshop outside. Stepping across the threshold, Leo found himself transported to a realm that exuded an air of focused serenity.
This restricted space hummed with an air of exclusivity. This sacred chamber, accessible only to a select few, was dedicated to the meticulous crafting of specialized artifacts that adorned the esteemed Rankers of Edinburgh.
Inside this secluded enclave, the symphony of sounds persisted, with the reverberations of hammer blows and the rhythmic clang of metal meeting metal resonating through the air. However, unlike the frenetic energy that pulsed through the rest of the smithy, there was a distinct sense of order and purpose within these walls.
Here, master artisans plied their trade with unwavering focus and precision, their hands guided by an innate understanding of the intricate interplay between mana and metal. The symphony of sounds echoed through the chamber—resolute hammer strikes, the sizzle of molten metals meeting their destined molds, and the delicate chimes of chisels etching ancient runes onto blades of unparalleled craftsmanship.
The walls of this sacred space bore witness to a tapestry of past accomplishments adorned with intricate diagrams and sketches of renowned artifacts that had once graced the hands of legendary Rankers. Shelves lined with meticulously arranged vials, each containing a rare and precious essence, stood as a testament to the relentless pursuit of perfection.
Amidst the controlled chaos, a sense of purpose and dedication permeated the air as artisans worked tirelessly to breathe life into inanimate materials. Their every movement, a testament to their unwavering commitment to their craft, revealed the artistry and expertise that had earned them a place within this revered sanctuary.
Within this isolated sanctuary, the secrets of artifact creation intertwined with the dreams and aspirations of those who would wield them. Here, the legacy of Grandmaster Baelin's smithy thrived, and the finest artifacts, forged with unparalleled skill, awaited their destined owners, poised to etch their names in the annals of Edinburgh's storied history.
Ravid observed Leo's expressions with an amused glint in his eyes as the young apprentice's initial curiosity transformed into sheer wonderment upon entering the restricted space. A playful chuckle escaped Ravid's lips as he couldn't help but revel in Leo's reaction. With an excited tone, he addressed his junior, eager to share the knowledge and significance of this unique space.
"Well, well, Leo. Surprised, aren't you? This, my friend, is one of the many perks of working under the esteemed Grandmaster Baelin," Ravid exclaimed, his voice tinged with excitement.
"You see, this particular section of the smithy is dedicated to the creation of spirit force-based artifacts, also known as spiritual artifacts. It's a rare privilege to witness such craftsmanship, as there are only a handful of places in the entire land of Anfang where the production of these extraordinary artifacts is permitted."
Ravid's pride swelled as he emphasized the exclusivity of their surroundings. The restricted space emanated an aura of significance and reverence, filled with secrets waiting to be unveiled. Continuing their journey, Ravid led Leo towards a raised platform where Grandmaster Baelin himself was engrossed in his work.
As they traversed the bustling enclave, Leo's keen gaze scanned the intricacies of the environment, absorbing every detail with a discerning eye. His attention was captivated by a particular artifact prominently displayed within the facility.
It was a modest-sized mirror, firmly held by an imposing mechanical humanoid construct. Unbeknownst to Ravid, a glimmer of greed flickered in Leo's eyes as he fixated on the highly secured artifact. His irises, originally black, seemed to momentarily shift, threatening to reveal shades of green and blue.
Softly under his breath, Leo uttered the name of the soul-based artifact, 'Shallot's Mirror. Finally, I've found you.'
AN: Shallot's Mirror was first mentioned in chapter 492.
