The Transmigrated Author

Chapter 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?

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

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.