After closing the deal, Ian wasted no time.
Does the Zhao family have a refining furnace? he asked.
Zhao Qiang nodded immediately.
Yes. Follow me.
He led him to an inner area of the residence, where several blacksmiths worked under open roofs, with lit furnaces and anvils worn down by years of use. The smell of hot metal filled the air.
I will work alone Ian said calmly. I need complete privacy. No one is to enter or observe.
Zhao Qiang studied him for a moment and then nodded.
Granted. No one will disturb you.
They assigned him an entire forge just for himself. Once inside, the doors closed, and silence reigned.
Ian exhaled slowly.
Aisha he whispered. Guide me step by step. Make it look like I'm working normally.
Understood she replied.
Ian lit the furnace following the basic instructions that Aisha dictated to him, making noise, moving tools, and throwing in coal, so that anyone listening from outside would think the process was completely traditional.
When everything was ready, the black cube emerged from his body, materializing in the air in front of him. Ian dropped the rare materials onto the table… and the level 3 demonic core of the Armored Rhinoceros.
Proceeding with absorption Aisha announced.
The core was devoured by the cube.
Energy level updated she continued. Remaining energy: 5%.
Ian opened his eyes in surprise.
From 2% to 5%… with just one core?
Confirmed. Demonic beast cores are an efficient source.
Ian clenched his fist.
Then, Aisha absorbed the rest of the remaining materials: metals, stones, fragments of horns, and bones that were in the forge.
I will use a minimal portion of the absorbed energy for the forging Aisha said. The rest will be conserved.
Ian took advantage of that moment to clearly explain what he wanted.
The material is dense he said. You can create a wide, heavy sword.
Make it long, with a shape similar to a crescent moon.
Aisha did not respond.
The sword began to emerge directly from her. First the blade appeared. Then the hilt followed, until the weapon was completely out.
Ian took it with both hands.
He examined it carefully, checking the width of the blade, the weight, and the balance. The curvature was clear, resembling a crescent moon, and the weapon made good use of the material's durability.
Satisfied, he did nothing more.
He remained inside the forge for the rest of the day, letting time pass. Leaving too early would only raise suspicion.
When dawn finally arrived, exhaustion was already evident on his face and in his body. Then he opened the door of the forge and stepped outside.
He's out! exclaimed Zhao Lian, running to inform his father.
Shortly after, Zhao Qiang arrived at the main courtyard accompanied by several important members of the family.
Ian returned to the interior of the forge and came back carrying the sword.
He placed it in front of the head of the Zhao family.
It's finished.
Zhao Qiang took the weapon.
The weight was perfect. The edge emitted an invisible pressure. The blade had a dark, deep sheen, as if it concealed a dormant power.
The head of the family slowly raised the sword… and smiled.
He held it firmly and swung it through the air a couple of times. The weight responded perfectly, neither excessive nor light. Every movement felt natural and solid. His expression gradually changed, revealing clear amazement.
It's an extraordinary weapon… he murmured.
Then he turned toward Ian.
Tell me he asked, does it have a name?
Ian remained silent for a moment. He observed the curved blade, the dark tone of the metal, and the heavy presence it conveyed. After thinking for a few seconds, he replied:
Dark Moon.
The head of the Zhao family repeated the name softly.
Dark Moon… he nodded with satisfaction—. It suits it perfectly.
Visibly pleased, he gestured with his hand.
Come. Let's go to the training field.
The group moved to a wide open area, where several training dummies and different practice weapons were located. Without wasting time, the head of the Zhao family positioned himself in front of one of the dummies and swung the sword.
The cut was clean.
The dummy split apart without resistance, as if it were made of butter.
There was a brief silence, followed by murmurs of astonishment.
The head did not stop there. He tested the sword against other targets, then pitted it against ordinary swords. In every clash, the result was the same: the opposing weapons yielded, unable to withstand the edge of Dark Moon.
Excitement grew among those present.
Incredible!
This edge…!
I've never seen anything like this!
The head of the Zhao family let out a laugh, clearly satisfied.
Grandmaster blacksmith! he exclaimed, looking at Ian. This sword is worthy of a first-rate family!
Ian shook his head.
I am no grandmaster he replied calmly. I'm just a small blacksmith. It's nothing so important.
That response surprised several people, but it further increased the good impression they had of him.
After putting the sword away, the head of the Zhao family made a gesture to leave.
Let's go to the meeting hall he said. We still have matters to discuss.
Without adding anything else, the group left the training field and headed inside the Zhao family residence.
The group moved to a spacious inner hall. Little by little, several important members of the Zhao family entered, while some servants appeared silently, placing wine and various dishes on the table.
Ian took advantage of the moment to eat something and drink a bit of wine. The fatigue from the previous day was still noticeable in his body, but he said nothing.
Zhao Qiang, head of the family, kept watching him with satisfaction.
A sword like that is not seen every day he said. Your skill far exceeds what I expected.
Ian listened in silence, without reacting much, as the praise continued.
It was then that Zhao Qiang brought up the matter of payment.
Initially he continued, we had agreed on fifty silver coins.
Ian nodded, as a reminder of the original deal.
Zhao Qiang shook his head and smiled.
That is far too cheap for a sword like Dark Moon. He took out a coin and placed it on the table. I will pay you one gold coin.
Several members of the family showed surprise, but no one objected.
Then the head of the Zhao family stared directly at Ian.
Tell me he asked, would you be willing to continue forging weapons for the Zhao family?
Ian set his wine cup aside before responding.
I plan to stay in the city for a while he said. My intention is to buy a shop near the market and establish myself as a blacksmith. I wanted to know if the Zhao family could help me with that matter.
Zhao Qiang exchanged glances with some of those present and then nodded.
We have a shop near the market he replied. If you agree to continue doing blacksmithing work for our family, we would be willing to give it to you.
Ian thought about it briefly.
All right he finally said. I accept.
Zhao Qiang smiled, clearly satisfied.