The Transmigrated Author - C.135: Kurogama Blades (3)

{Rel's POV}

[Japan, District: Kyoto - Kurogama Blades]

[Thursday, 12:24 PM]

The drain slowed, then stopped.

The sword dimmed, the thrumming energy of moments ago now gone.

My arm ached, a familiar sting like the after-effects of using the ability mitigation too far. This thing... would it be a tool or a liability?

A question with no immediate answer.

clap... clap... clap...

Jin clapped, breaking my train of thought.

"Congrats, boy. You tamed your first sword."

"Thanks."

I bowed. Gratitude wasn't the right word. Apprehension, maybe.

"Impressive," Jin continued. "A sword like this, accepting you on the first try…"

Right. Why me?

What was this thing's angle?

It was powerful, that much was clear. But the price...that was still unknown.

One thing was certain – it was a gamble I had to take, a unique piece I couldn't afford to lose.

"How much for the sword?" I checked my watch, ready to handle the transaction.

"No payment needed." Jin's reply was blunt. "But there's a condition. If the sword acts strange, you bring it back here."

Why? A Grade 1 sword, is the best in the standard grading system...what else could it need apart from being repaired?

"Sure, but...why?" I kept my voice neutral.

Jin stowed the wooden box under the counter.

"You know the standard weapon grades, right?"

"Of course. There are six gradings. One's being the best and Six is... the average grading for a blade."

"And you think nothing exists beyond grade one?"

A flicker of a smile played across Jin's face.

My frown deepened. This wasn't another thing that changed in my story right?

I think it's better to have only 6 grades for a weapon because of its convenience.But I can't ever be too hopeful with this.

Was it another thing the A.T. had messed with?

FWANG!

[Notice: The following modifications of sword gradings have been changed prior to the existence of A.T.]

[The categories for a weapon grade have 3 extra tiers above grade 1]

Another change. My novel...the world I built was twisting in ways I never intended.

This would complicate things, especially weapons that the main cast will receive later on in the story.

If a weapon is too strong to handle.

The life force of the user could potentially be stolen if not handled properly.

[These are the following grades above Grade 1:]

[3. Legendary Grade: - These are exceptional weapons with a well-deserved reputation for power and effectiveness. They are crafted by the skilled smiths of the olden era. It is possible for weapons to achieve this grading through aura, intense battles, and the chance a blacksmith's intervention to refine the structure to unlock the potential of a weapon.]

[2. Mythical Grade: - These are incredibly powerful and rare weapons often associated with legends and history. They possess exceptional craftsmanship and might have unique abilities, but their power falls short of the world-altering potential of Special Supreme Grade weapons. These weapons exist in the highest grades of dungeons]

[1. Special Supreme Grade: - These are the absolute pinnacle of weaponry in the world. They possess unique abilities that transcend the limitations of normal weapons, potentially world-altering attacks or possessing immense destructive power. They might be tied to gods, ancient civilizations, or world-changing events. ]

So, swords don't just spawn with these grades?

Made sense, balance-wise.

But how was I supposed to push my own sword grade that high?

" System, can weapons upgrade?" It was a long shot, but I had to check.

FWANG!

[They can! ???? ˉ???ˉ?? )?]

[How can a weapon go up a grade?:]

[Weapons don't upgrade automatically. It takes a combination of factors to unlock their potential:]

[These are the following principals that follow for all weapon grades.]

[Constant Use and Aura Imbuement: Weapons absorb aura from their wielders through consistent battles and use. This process becomes more difficult for higher-grade blades.]

[Intense Battles: Life-or-death struggles and victories over powerful enemies act as catalysts, pushing the blade towards a transformation.]

[The Blade's Potential: Not all blades can reach higher grades. Only exceptional weapons crafted with the potential for growth can progress.]

[These principals apply to the Top 3 Gradings...]

Interesting. So, aura, battles... the difficulty scales up for rarer grades, makes sense.

But which weapons had the potential...? Another thing to look into later.

"The three grades above exceptional, right?" I glanced back at Jin.

He nodded. "Correct. And if your e back. If it takes you 5 or even 10 years, I'll still be here waiting for you."

"Okay. I will." An evasive answer – since plans could shift, after all.

I collected the sword's sheath and placed my weapon back in, slinging it over my back.

I was already prepared to leave with a weapon anyway.

"Before you go..." Jin hesitated. "Your name?"

I turned around once more."Rel... Rel Laurence." I smiled back at him "And thanks once again, Mr. Nobuyoshi."

"No problem, Rel! Take care, kid." Jin's smile was genuine. "I'll be waiting."

I waved goodbye as I left, a screen popping up in my vision as I stepped out into the street.

[You've been acknowledged by a Legend! 2500 PPP has been added.]

"I guess going here wasn't bad after all."

***

[South Korea, Seoul - ???]

The air inside the converted warehouse was thick, a mix of stale sweat and chemical fumes.

It was a far cry from the polished boardrooms where the real deals were made.

A lackey, all nervous energy and ill-fitting suit, shuffled to the front of the massive desk.

"Boss, the Paris shipment's cleared. And...someone from the Dark World wants a sit-down."

The lackey's voice cracked on the last part.

"On a drug deal, they said."

"They wouldn't bother if I wasn't a player. Who?"

[Lampard Harper - Drug Lord in the dark world.]

Lampard stared up at the stacks of cash on his desk.

check-out-NovelFire

The lackey fumbled a letter out of his pocket.

"Code name's DCL-Bane, Boss."

Lampard finally smiled.

One of the big leagues, sniffing around his operation.

"Tell them I'm in. Send a nice formal response, I'll sign it myself later."

__________

Authors Notes:

1. Standard Grades (4 - 6): These are the most common blades, used by everyday adventurers and heroes.

2. Good and Great Grades (2 - 3): These blades are refined and well-made by skilled smiths but usually have no distinctive presence of aura.

2. Exceptional Grade (1): This represents masterfully crafted weapons wielded by skilled individuals.