Chapter 0: Prologue

I’ve had an artisan’s spirit for a long time.

I liked making and assembling things, and I was often told I had skillful hands since I was young.

But I didn’t know this would continue even after I was reincarnated.

No, maybe it’s more accurate to say it was upgraded.

Reincarnated as the genius blacksmith of the Heavenly Demon Cult, I crafted countless famous swords.

However, I grew tired of simple, famous swords and decided to create what’s commonly called an ‘Ego Weapon,’ a weapon with its own self.

While I was able to create the weapon, the vessel to hold the ego, I agonized over what kind of self and soul to imbue it with, and in the end, I decided to imbue it with ‘my own will.’

Because there was a game I had always wanted to play.

Through the ‘Demon Swords’ I created, I whispered to the warriors who wielded them.

“One day, I will surely take over your body.

So do not let your guard down.

Kukuk.”

“Kikik, so you’re running away?

Just like before?

Fine.

Go ahead.

You’ll be chased by fear for the rest of your life.”

“You are alone.

You always have been, and you always will be.

So abandon all hope.”

“Foolish one.

This world, where the law of the jungle is truth, will show you no mercy just because you are young.”

It was about intentionally grating on their nerves and then decorating the finale to help the warrior grow.

A story where the warrior, who first bickers with the sword, finally achieves inner growth and overcomes the sword’s evil will.

How charming is that?

So, at the most exquisite timing, I allowed the Demon Sword’s will to be defeated.

“Yes.

This is how my master should be.

From now on, find a proper weapon.

Not a defective product like me.”

“You didn’t run away this time.

You’ve grown quite a bit.

Enough to wield other swords besides me now.”

“This is farewell.

It was a short time, but it was quite enjoyable.”

“You rascal, you’ve become an adult before I knew it.

Enough to stand on your own.

At this rate, you won’t need my nagging anymore.”

The essence of a weapon is to help a warrior, so I satisfied my main job as a blacksmith while also getting some additional fun, killing two birds with one stone.

No, since the warriors who received my help also grew significantly, you could say it was three birds with one stone.

However… the reactions of the warriors who completed their growth are a little strange.

“Blacksmith!

Revive this sword at once!

That’s an order!

Hurry…!”

“We did it!

We did it!

Finally, we… Sir Demon Sword?”

“You damn bastard….

How could you just leave after saying that.

Now I’m left all alone again….”

“What are you talking about.

An adult?

No!

If you’re gone, what on earth am I supposed to live for?!

It means nothing if I’m not with you…!”

I went through all the trouble of making them grow, and now they’re just talking to themselves at a lump of iron with a disappeared will.

I can’t understand why they would get so emotionally invested in a mere Demon Sword, which is nothing more than a simple tool.

“No, I don’t get it.

The Demon Sword’s will is gone?

Then you can just use it.

Isn’t it nice and quiet?”