Before me lay a brand-new straight sword. Its black blade was thick and long, radiating extraordinary power. Vermilion patterns covered its surface, their style strikingly similar to magical circuits. In place of a traditional guard was a strange mechanism reminiscent of a firearm, with a trigger mounted on the long hilt. Overall, it looked like an evolved version of my old Charging Blade.
"Well, young lady? Satisfied?" Si Nan Artisan asked smugly.
I channeled spiritual power into it, and the heavy blade immediately became nimble. I tried swinging it a few times. The feel and weight were both perfect—no wonder it had been custom-made for me.
"I'm extremely satisfied. Thank you so much!" I bowed deeply, nearly ninety degrees. "But what grade would you say this sword is?"
"As for its grade... it should be at the peak of high-grade Spirit Artifacts. This old man could only manage this much in such a short time. Making a Treasure Artifact would take much longer, and you'd need more time to get used to it. You wouldn't make it in time for the clan competition."
"I see. But I really do have to compete in the clan competition, don't I..."
"What, not happy? It's all right. Let this old man comfort you properly~~~"
"I'll have to pass!"
That same day, in a separate large room beside the training grounds—
"Then, over the two weeks between now and the clan competition, we'll train you as hard as we can. Are you prepared?" Si Nan Yuan stood with her hands on her hips, looking every inch the devilish drill instructor.
"...Can I say I'm not?"
"No!"
"Fine, I'm prepared. So what do I do?"
"Today, we'll start with a comprehensive assessment of your overall abilities: stamina, endurance, reaction speed, mental fortitude, combat skills, weapon