Elf Tensei Kara no Cheat Kenkoku-ki

Vol 05 Epilogue-1: From Elf Reincarnation to Cheat Kingdom Founding Chronicle

Several months had passed since the war with the Empire ended.

「Yukino, increase the firepower a bit more.」

「Like this, Cyril-niisama?」

「Stronger!」

「Understood, Yukino will do her best!」

I was swinging the hammer in the newly established forge. I was forging a sword. Each time I brought the hammer down, sparks flew.

With each swing, I imbued magic into the blade. This was a magic technique modeled after the unique magic used by the dwarf Kuiro. While I couldn't do it as skillfully as Kuiro, the swords I crafted were more than ordinary; they were becoming true magic swords.

◇

「How is it, Cyril-niisama?」

「It's still not quite there.」

I gazed at the twelve magic swords leaning against the wall, murmuring to myself. All these magic swords, resting against the wall, were summoned by Kuiro during the last 【Samsara Recursion】.

Normally, the material summoned through 【Samsara Recursion】 would vanish after canceling the magic, but for some reason, these remained. It might have been due to the abnormal amount of magical power coursing through my body at that time, thanks to the power of the vampire Gramdeal.

But I believe that these swords remained here because Kuiro wanted to entrust them to me. He said something in his final moments.

「Can a youngster like you create a sword of this caliber?」

Surely, Kuiro left these as examples for me.

「Even though Cyril-niisama's sword is so amazing…」

Yukino said, tilting her head while holding one of my forged magic swords. The magic sword gleamed dully. It was a sword imbued with an enchantment to strengthen slashing attacks. Indeed, it was a fine sword.

「I think it's a good sword. But I have to catch up with the maker of these. That's why I’m not happy with my skills yet.」

I picked up one of the swords Kuiro had left behind. In the presence of this sword, mine seemed insignificant. That's exactly why it was worth striving for.

「Yukino will work hard too!」

「Yes, I'm counting on you.」

I smiled at Yukino and stroked her head. Indeed, Kuiro's existence had vanished, but his knowledge and techniques remained in my mind. Moreover, having experienced being Kuiro, my body distinctly remembered his movements.

With the help of Yukino's power over fire, I was slowly able to mimic Kuiro’s abilities to some extent. But it was still far off. Eventually, I will surpass Kuiro. Not just Kuiro, but Gramdeal, Deet, and Suzina as well – I can't let the proof of their existence disappear.

「Cyril-niisama, now that the sword is finished, teach Yukino blacksmithing!」

「Ah, sure. I made a lot of progress thanks to you, after all.」

Yukino's eyes sparkled as she urged me on. I couldn't produce the flames needed to forge a magic sword on my own, so I had been relying on Yukino's power. In exchange, I promised to teach her my techniques. Yukino was talented; one day, she would surely become a fine blacksmith on her own.

「But before that… I have something I need to tell you. Thank you for using the pendant properly.」

「Yukino promised Cyril-niisama that she would use it when it was really necessary.」

Yukino touched the necklace, a hint of sadness in her expression. The place where a gem had been was now empty. The gem in that necklace was a one-time use magical medium for communication,  and it broke upon use. Yukino had sacrificed this treasured necklace for the sake of everyone in Erucy.

「To reward such a noble Yukino, I want to give you a new present. What would you like?」

「Yukino wants Cyril-niisama bab-… no, Yukino wants a ring. One that won't ever break this time.」

Yukino said this with a smile, a tinge of sadness mixed in.

「Alright. I'll make one and give it to you soon.」

「Yukino will treasure it forever, Cyril-niisama.」

Yukino jumped into my arms and hugged me.

「Then, shall we start the blacksmithing lesson?」

「Yes!」

I was glad to see Yukino so happy.

I have to create a wonderful ring. I began preparing to teach Yukino blacksmithing, but then I heard a knock at the door.

「Cyril-niisama, Kuu-neesama and Lucy-sama are calling for you!」

「It's already time for your appointment. Please hurry.」

Opening the door, I found the yellow fire fox Kemin and the black fire fox Kurone. They had come to fetch me.

「Ah, that's right, it was today. Yukino, I'll teach you blacksmithing another time.」

I murmured while stroking Yukino's head.

「Understood. Cyril-niisama, you promised. You must teach Yukino when you return.」

「Yes, I promise.」

Leaving those words behind, I left the forge. Looking back, I saw Yukino waving at me enthusiastically.

◇

「Good day, Cyril-sama.」

「Have you gotten used to life here?」

「Yes, Erucy is very comfortable to live in.」

On my way to the gate leading to Erin, I was greeted by a man carrying a hoe. It was Johann, the chief of the Kobold tribe. He and several others had moved to Erucy from Bell Erucy. For now, they were just a few, but gradually, Erucy was starting to welcome not only elves and fire foxes but other races as well. It was the first step for Erucy to become a nation where various races could coexist without discrimination.

「That's good to hear. Keep up the good work.」

「Yes! You kindly invited us here. I will strive to meet your expectations!」

Johann, chief of the Kobold tribe, cheerfully replied and, shouldering his hoe, ran off towards the fields, blending in with the Elves. Erucy would soon welcome an increase in population becoming more vibrant in the days to come.