Chapter 6: Finally, Weapons!

The next morning, the training ground echoed with the familiar clash of wooden swords. The five gathered as usual, sweat dripping as they repeated drills under Gerald’s watchful eye.

Kian gritted his teeth, channeling his fire into the blade.

Crack.

The wooden sword burned away in his hands, reduced to ash.

He sighed in frustration.

“Again…”

From behind, a calm voice cut through the air.

“Kid, knowing how to restrain your power is also a skill. If you don’t learn it, you’ll end up hurting the ones you care for.”

Kian froze. The words struck deep. He turned.

It was Franco.

Kian clenched the ruined hilt, then tried again — channeling carefully, forcing himself to control the output.

The sword still burned to ashes.

He sulked, muttering in his mind.

I can’t do it…

Franco stepped closer, his tone light but sharp.

“Well, kid… do you know that fire burns wood?”

Kian snapped back, annoyed.

“Yes, obviously!!”

Franco smirked.

“Then why are you burning it?”

Kian blinked, realization dawning. His face twisted in embarrassment.

Damn… all this time I was just burning my sword. What was I even thinking?!

Franco burst out laughing.

“Gerald! Being a flame user yourself, why didn’t you tell him sooner?”

Gerald chuckled, arms crossed.

“I was waiting for him to realize it on his own.”

Kian’s cheeks burned hotter than his flames. The lesson was simple, but it lit a mark in him — control wasn’t about suppressing fire, but about understanding it.

Ren tilted his head, curiosity sparking.

“Mr. Legendary Blacksmith… why are you here?”

Franco froze, his brow twitching.

“…What did you just call me?” He turned sharply, glaring at Ren.

“HEY, kid! I’m not Mr. Legendary Blacksmith! I’m FRANCO!”

Ren scratched his head sheepishly.

“Oh, thanks for reminding me… I forgot your name.”

Franco clicked his tongue.

“Tchhh…” He dragged forward the massive sack he had brought, setting it down with a heavy thud.

“I’m here because I finished making all of your weapons. Took me four whole days.” He glanced at Gerald, his tone sharp.

“I hope you remember about the payment, Captain.”

Gerald smirked faintly but said nothing.

Franco reached into the sack and pulled out a metallic bow, gleaming under the sunlight.

“Here. Take this, Silent Kid.”

Haruto accepted it silently, murmured a soft “thank you,” and stepped back.

Franco then began handing out the weapons one by one:

- Ren — A massive War Hammer, its cuboid head etched with mystic crack patterns, the long handle built for crushing force.

- Daichi — Dual broadswords, heavy yet balanced, their edges gleaming.

- Aisha — A Naginata, a long polearm with a single‑edged blade, elegant yet deadly.

- Kian — A Katana, slightly curved, single‑edged, its craftsmanship flawless.

Kian’s eyes widened. Wow… finally, my weapon is a weapon. His confidence surged as he gripped the katana.

Franco smirked.

“There’s one more thing for you, kid. But I haven’t made it yet — I’m short on resources. I’ll give it once I’m done.”

He turned to Gerald, his tone sharp.

“And Captain… don’t forget the payment.”

Gerald chuckled, shaking his head as Franco’s words echoed across the training ground.

The kids couldn’t resist trying out their new weapons.

Daichi lifted both broadswords, his arms trembling under their weight.

“Ughhh… they’re heavy…” he whined, struggling to keep balance.

Ren swung his massive war hammer with a grin, the ground shaking as it slammed down. He nodded firmly.

“It’s perfect.”

Haruto adjusted to the metallic bow instantly, his movements calm and precise. He tested the string, pulling it back smoothly. The bow bent with flawless tension, as if it had always belonged to him.

Aisha twirled her naginata gracefully, the blade slicing the air with elegance. The others stared, surprised at her natural control.

It feels so light… yet powerful, Aisha thought, her heart racing. I’ve never held something that feels like it belongs to me. Maybe… maybe this is where I shine.

Her lips curled into a small smile as she steadied her stance, pride flickering in her eyes.

Kian gripped his katana, slashing once. A faint flicker of flame danced along the blade, shimmering before fading. His eyes widened, heart racing.

Finally… a weapon worthy of me. His chest swelled with confidence. This isn’t like those wooden swords that burned away. This… this feels alive. My flame belongs here.

He tightened his grip, determination burning inside him. I’ll master this. I have to.

Franco crossed his arms, watching them with a satisfied smirk.

“They’ve been made to be perfect for you. Their weight, their size — all of it was crafted with the fact that you’re still kids in mind. But remember…” His tone grew serious.

“…you’ll need new ones once you grow bigger. Otherwise, these won’t be as effective later.”

The kids exchanged glances, their excitement tempered by the reminder. Still, their hands tightened around their weapons, pride glowing in their eyes. For the first time, they felt like true warriors in training.