Douglas did not use magic to sharpen the axe blade in an instant. Instead, like an old-fashioned blacksmith, he honed it little by little, using the most primitive method.
His movements were focused and steady, as though he were not preparing for battle but completing a work of art.
When the blade once again gleamed with a cold, chilling light, he took out a stone mortar and pestle like those used to grind spices.
"Every substance has its own properties and flavor. Silver is cold in nature and can restrain the frenzy of wolf nature. But pure silver is too harsh and makes the edge prone to chipping-saltiness without depth."
As he spoke, he poured a small pinch of silver powder into the mortar, then added a few drops of thick dragon blood.
"Dragon blood, meanwhile, is fierce in nature, the ultimate yang-the finest binder and flavor enhancer. But the main ingredient and supporting ingredient alone aren't enough." He added some black powder.
"These are the ashes of burned tranquility vine. Their purpose is to slow things down, letting the flavor of this dish linger on the enemy a little longer."
With the stone pestle, he slowly ground the three ingredients into a thick silver paste. A peculiar, pungent scent mingled with the smell of plant ash spread through the air.
"Now, we begin seasoning the weapon."
He dipped the end of a feather into the thick silver liquid and began drawing tiny, intricate runes on the axe head.
"And this Slowing Rune I'm inscribing will slow the enemy's movements, even if only by a tenth of a second."
His voice sounded as though he were talking to himself, yet also explaining things to a student.
"In a real fight to the death, a tenth of a second is the