Chapter 14: The Peculiar Forging

“Though it appeared cold and somber, I could still hear its cries.” Moore gazed at the blackened forge, where a thick layer of burnt ash had accumulated, a testament to the countless steel implements once forged and nurtured within its depths.

Yunajin clearly perceived the attachment in Moore’s eyes, as if the forge before her was not merely a tool for crafting, but a cherished friend, a reliable assistant.

She surmised why Meredith had recommended Moore to forge the “Demon Lord’s Armaments”; this young Daughter of Steelhoof possessed a fervent passion for smithing, unmatched by anyone.

Boom—

Perhaps having heard its master’s murmur, the long-dormant forge began to radiate warmth. Crimson flames gradually materialized before everyone’s eyes, much like a creature stretching lazily after waking. A burst of rising fire, accompanied by a wave of scorching wind, spread outwards.

“Is this magic? What formidable flames…”

Qiaolun had never before displayed his magical power in front of the Demon Lord; it was his ace in the hole. Although it was also a power of combustion, he doubted whether he could ignite this towering ten-meter-tall forge even with his full might, let alone make it burst with such brilliant light.

‘She is indeed the daughter of an Eight Demon General. Even as a demi-human, she should inherit some of her bloodline’s power. Yet, I heard no incantations from her. Humans capable of casting magic without incantations are exceedingly rare. Could it be that beastman named Crossell…’

Qiaolun sensed the crux of the matter; perhaps the enemy he had defeated was not as weak as he had thought. Was all of this the Demon Lord’s doing?

‘Just for…’

‘Scritch, scritch—’

Yunajin felt an itch on her head.

“Ah! What are you doing!”

“Moore Ironmountain, do you have a death wish! Stop at once!” The purple-haired succubus angrily prepared to step forward, incensed that this demi-human was laying hands on their revered Demon Lord.

‘My… my horn!’

Moore held a small, silvery-white saw, gripping the Demon Lord’s tiny black horn as the teeth scraped back and forth across it.

Meredith gently placed a hand on the purple-haired succubus’s shoulder, confidently gesturing to the approaching individual.

“My apologies, Demon Lord, but this is part of the process,” Moore said with a smile.

“Are you, are you going to saw them all off?”

Whether demonkind or succubus, they all bore characteristic horns upon their heads. Though varying in shape and size, each individual’s horns were unique, serving as a means of identification and a symbol of status.

“No, no, no, I wouldn’t dare. This is just for a small sample.”

Moore placed the scraped powder into a bottle, sighing in relief. “Phew, now all the materials are complete!”

“Oh, I see! This must be the condition for a weapon to recognize its master—taking something unique from the owner, like blood or hair, then forging a weapon usable only by that individual!”

Yunajin recalled a certain understanding from her previous world, though she couldn’t pinpoint where she’d acquired it, it certainly seemed to be the case.

“Huh?” Moore’s expression turned puzzled. “What do you mean ‘only the master can use’? I think such a feature would be rather superfluous for the Demon Lord.”

“With your unique essence, this weapon will better harmonize with the Demon Lord’s abilities, ensuring that even if your strength is suppressed by the ‘Demon Lord’s Armaments,’ you will remain invincible.”

‘Suppressing power? What does she mean by that? Aren’t weapons supposed to enhance strength?’

Qiaolun frowned, casting a glance at Yunajin, who seemed to grasp only bits and pieces, a tumult of emotions swirling within him.

‘The Demon Lord… what exactly is she? I still know nothing about her. Perhaps only through battle can I truly uncover more information about her.’

“Alright, alright, I forgive your impertinence. Now, let us witness this magnificent forging. You may begin.”

“Understood.” Moore tossed the bottle into the forge.

“Wait three hours. I’ll go rest first. Call me when the furnace dies down. Haaah—”

“Huh?” Moore yawned broadly right in front of the onlookers, who all wore expressions of utter bewilderment.

There was no skillful flame control, no furious hammering; the blacksmith was simply leaving the furnace unattended to sleep.

“Demon Lord, please don’t take offense. This is just my daughter’s style. Even I found it quite peculiar the first time,” Lord Crossell said with a helpless sigh.

The more crucial the step, the more nonchalant Moore appeared, often making Lord Crossell break out in a cold sweat on her behalf.

The onlookers silently watched Moore’s retreating figure. Fearing he might offend the visiting Demon Lord and her companions, Lord Crossell quickly interjected, “Perhaps we should wait a little longer. I’ve prepared some refreshments, so the Demon Lord can rest for a while.”

“Thank you, Lord Crossell.” Yunajin harbored no thoughts of blame; as the Demon Lord, she was typically easygoing. Even though Meredith had cautioned her to sometimes display the majesty and temperament of a ruler, she knew that was distinct from indulgence.

However, the other Eight Demon Generals—Andros Chimera, Almilina the Enraged, and Edesbond, the Blood-Soaked Monarch—would not see it the same way.

By virtue of their lineage and seniority, their status far surpassed that of the current Fifth Generation Demon Lord, Yunajin, and they placed a greater emphasis on tradition.

“Since the Demon Lord has no objection, we shall naturally say no more. Crossell, I trust your daughter’s work will not disappoint the Demon Lord.”

Edesbond, the King of Vampires, stated coldly.

“Meredith, would you like some of this?”

Yunajin, holding two roasted ears of corn and tucking sweet potatoes into her arms, spoke to Meredith, who stood by the furnace observing the other Minotaurs at work.

Minotaurs, who often immersed themselves in forging, were accustomed to consuming such convenient and energy-rich foods.

“No, thank you. High-ranking demons do not require sustenance, a fact the Demon Lord should be well aware of.”

“Therefore, you are a rather boring lot.”

Yunajin took a bite of corn, then approached Qiaolun, who was lost in thought.

“Lord Hero, are you hungry?”

“I don’t eat.”

*Rumble—*

Qiaolun refused verbally, but his stomach protested loudly. The enticing aroma of roasted sweet potatoes wafted into his nostrils, causing him to unconsciously swallow.

While these demons felt no hunger, it did not mean Qiaolun, a mere human, could go without food.

“Your body, however, is quite honest,” Yunajin quipped with a mischievous smile.

“Give me a sweet potato.”

“Here~”

Yunajin tossed out three or four sweet potatoes at once, steam swirling in the air. Qiaolun’s lips twitched.

‘Child’s play.’

With swift hands and sharp eyes, he snatched the flying sweet potatoes from the air. Yunajin clapped her hands in delight, cheering him on.

“Amazing, amazing!”

“Hmph, this is just… Aaaah!”

‘So hot!’

Qiaolun leaped up, burned by the scorching sweet potatoes. Being someone who valued food, he would rather endure a few burns than discard them, so he quickly used his clothes as a makeshift pad.

“Are you alright? I’m so sorry, I should have offered them to you one by one.” The Demon Lord’s body was resilient enough that this temperature barely registered to Yunajin; she merely felt a gentle warmth.

“Let me blow on them for you!”

Qiaolun stepped back, stating sternly, “This is sufficient.”

“Oh…” Yunajin did not press closer to him. He was like a wary young beast, whose trust could perhaps only be earned gradually with the passage of time.

Yunajin was in no hurry; she possessed great patience.

Qiaolun turned away, and once the sweet potatoes had cooled to a suitable temperature, he took a bite.

“Delicious… the cooking temperature was perfectly controlled.”

Truly befitting the dedicated Steelhoof Minotaurs, even their roasted food was prepared with meticulous care.

Qiaolun couldn’t help but devour a few more bites. He subtly turned, his peripheral vision catching Yunajin, who was also eating.

She sat upon a colossal anvil, her slender calves swinging freely. After finishing her corn, she casually tossed the cob into the roaring forge, her face radiant with a contented smile. It was evident she thoroughly enjoyed the food in her hands.

‘What? She’s satisfied with just a few ears of corn and sweet potatoes?’

‘Could a Demon Lord like this truly pose a threat to humanity and this land?’

Qiaolun stared blankly at the sweet potato in his hand, which still radiated residual warmth.

“Thank you…”

“Hmm?” Yunajin seemed to detect the gratitude mingled with the clamor of metal. She tilted her head, her pale red eyes sparkling with fiery glints.

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