As we continue our training, we move closer to one city by one city for recruitment.
Something weird happened—the recruitment boomed.
And for one weird reason, swordsmen joined because they heard an exceptional craftsman could forge them a new sword.
I didn't know how to react when I heard that from Suh Jhie. Apparently, the captain used me as a commercial.
"Come see a handsome blacksmith with extraordinary skills."
I believe that's what I heard.
My business is therefore booming. New recruits joined to have their own custom-designed swords.
We soon reached the goal of a hundred in a peaceful time in one month.
The higher-ranked soldiers were sent back to their original positions. Only the recruits are left.
Besides the basic training, I've been taking requests. The captain allowed them to choose their own weapons as long as they were under the uniforms.
I cannot catch up with the orders. The thing that scares me the most is that we are closer to the last contact location of the expedition every day.
We're moving into Ching Lhong Mountain.
"Rhi, how are the weapons so far?"
"One hundred designed swords are not an easy task… but I think I can make it."
"Good, let me know if you need anything."
Captain says that while playing with Bhing Shuang, the Frozen. The cold color captures the light really well.
"Rhi, any rude recruits?"
There were a few that were quite annoying.
"No, Captain."
"If that does happen, let them know you outrank them."
I nod.
"Yes, Captain."
"You're dismissed."
I bow and leave. By this point, my bow has become normal to me.
"Rhi, how is my sword doing?" Zhih Shian intercepts me.
"Your request is complicated. I'm moving it to the last one."
He frowns like a dog that lost its treat.
"Well, then, take your time. Nobody here can afford a blade with this quality. It's worth the wait."
I laugh. Wait until you see my brother's work.
"Zhih Shian, I saw you reading last time during the break. What was that?"
"I didn't know you were interested in reading."
"I make more sense than you. You were a wandering swordsman."
"Fair. Fair. I was reading some political literature."
"What for?"
"For the academy, of course."
He leans closer, checking if someone else is listening. "Tell you a secret, as soon as we finish the mission"
He pauses.
"I'm going to desert and follow the scholars. I want the Elemental Master's approval for the Academy."
"You can do that?"
"That's how you get into the Academy without any test."
This sounds enticing. Is this a chance for me to go to the Sehn Taih Academy? But what if the master finds out I'm a woman?
"Can I read that when you're finished?"
"I can give it to you already. I'm just reviewing. Just give me the best sword."
"Deal. Also, take me with you during your desertion." I grin.
I don't know if I'm joking or I'm for real.
"That's our secret."
"Guys, look! Zhih Shian is flirting with our pretty boy blacksmith again."
I recognized that voice. He is a recruit from the capital. I guess my marriage hasn't reached there. He doesn't seem to know me. Or he is just too obtuse.
Zhih Shian smiles.
"Do you need me to remind you, here I'm a senior?"
The man gets angry. He pulls out the sword I forged for him—Lhie Yhain the Flame. "Maybe we should really know who outranks whom. This is a rescue mission. Skills are louder than mouths."
"Enough, I order you to dispel," I say.
"He is fighting for his boyfriend."
"Are you guys drunk?"
They laugh. I'm glad I didn't spend too much effort on their swords. Still pretty decent weapons, though. I have a reputation to keep.
Zhih Shian is still smiling. "This is still a military camp. You brute."
"How dare you call me a brute?"
Zhih Shian is one step ahead, a quick arm move. He disarmed the man.
Flame flies over and stabs into the ground.
"Any question, junior?"
"Enough!" Captain comes out of his tent.
"You want to know the difference. We will have a test before the final ranking. Don't fight in my camp again, or I'll show no more mercy. Martial law."
They all bow to the captain and leave.
Captain knows most of the recruits are not inexperienced fighters, so he doesn't press on.
"Impressive work. Suh Jhie."
Zhih Shian bows. "You honored me."
"Now, take good care of our dear blacksmith. Our mission has become something more challenging than I thought. It's better to keep our weapons sharp."
I need to ask this. What is the final test?
"Do I get reranked after the test?" I ask.
"Everyone, including you. Make sure you try your best on the combat test, Rhi."
Indeed, I've passed every endurance and knowledge practice, but combat?
I hesitate. I hold back. I cannot make up my mind about hitting people. And that weakens my Shin concentration—everyone thinks I'm a weakling.
I don't like fighting unless I have to. But this time… I have to.
Shin demands clarity—one mind, one goal. But if my goal isn't hurting people, how can I win a fight? Can I even save Shin Song with this mindset?
I go back to the forge to finish my orders, also to clear my mind. Twenty left. All good people's swords.
Later that night, I'm meditating on the floor.
Zhih Shian comes with the book.
"Rhi, I brought you the book."
I nod but don't reply. I'm focusing.
He starts pacing around.
"Your yun is really good. How does that never show in your practice?"
Just go away. I'm focusing.
"They are stable. How many years have you been training?"
Annoying.
"With this level, you should be able to take down most of the recruits."
Ahh!
"Will you please be quiet?"
"I'm helping you figure out why."
"I didn't ask you for that," I yell, but too high-pitched.
He is stunned. Not sure is for my yelling or my pitch.
Silence takes over the tent.
"I'm sorry. I just want to help," he mutters.
"I know why. I just hate fighting."
He nods. "I'm sorry… I'll stop bothering you."
He sets the book gently on the shelf.
A pause.
He glances back once, eyes cold but sad—then leaves the tent.
I know that expression. It's the way a man looks at a woman.
I sit still, the silence loud around me,
Should I have apologized?
Did he know now?