Finally, the last sword—Zhih Shian's sword.
Last touch with some accessories.
Green-schemed hilt, with some jade and red knots..
What should I call it?
"Is this one for me?"
"Ahhhh!"
He comes out of nowhere.
"Don't scare me like that. And yes, your sword is done."
"What is it called?"
"I was planning on calling it Whu Yhu (Speechless)… but that would've been unfair. This is your sword. It's not about me."
I look at him, thinking about my memories of him.
He was always there. He talked a lot, but he was the only one who could make me feel safe here.
He helps me clear my mind.
Maybe.
"Ching Yhu (Clear Words)," I say.
"I love it."
I hand over the sword.
"Feel it."
He swings swiftly and sharply.
"This feels so different. I never feel so connected to a sword."
"I tried to remember the pulse in your energy flow, so when I forged it, I could try to mimic your pulse. This sword should match your habit as closely as possible. I hope so."
"This is the best sword I've ever had."
"Well, you said you couldn't afford my family's sword. I'm not surprised." I chuckle.
"Stop bragging about your wealth." He throws a side eye with a grin.
"Trust me. It's not worth being a woman in that family."
He pauses.
Wait. Did I just admit I am a woman publicly?
I glance around. No one is looking.
My chest loosens. I sigh in relief.
"Rhi," he says quietly. "Thank you. You're the best."
I smile at him. "Anything for my best buddy."
Then—shouts.
"The scout team is back!"
Soldiers gather fast. Five scouts are all severely hurt.
All the blades I forged for them… are gone.
What happened?
Captain pushes through, "What happened?"
"Dragons… demons…" one mutters before collapsing.
"Take them to the medic!"
He turns sharply. "Everyone to the briefing yard. Prepared to deploy."
Then to me—
"Rhi, stock backup weapons and check all the in-stock quality."
"Yes, Captain."
I rush to my warehouse tent, checking them carefully. This one needs to be sharpened. This one needs to change the hilt. This one is rusted.
These backups are so outdated and low quality.
Do I have time to fix them? Forging new ones will take too much time.
I carry the swords and spears out as the others do the briefing.
I'm a special unit. They probably don't need me in the field. I hope Zhih Shian doesn't get hurt.
Let's fix them.
These are standard swords, but I might be able to enhance them. I heat them up and then adjust the shapes.
Mhen Shin, do your work.
Hit. Sand. Heat. Shape.
Some are easy to fix. Some are harder. But nothing I can't handle. I'm from Lhiu Shih Zhuh Zhaoh.
After the briefing is over, Zhih Shian comes to me. "The test has been postponed. We'll have to fight demons. Maybe dragons."
"Be safe out there."
"Don't worry. I have your sword." He grins.
I want to believe that, but I've never seen a demon myself before. I don't know what we are dealing with.
This feels uncertain.
All the swords are gone, but the people are alive.
"If it comes between you and the sword, protect yourself. I can always make you a new one."
"Yes," he whispers. "M'lady."
He is too casual about this.
I purse my lips.
Now, I want to take back the name Ching Yhu.
"I promised you. I will protect myself and the team. We'll do better than they did."
"Just take it seriously."
"Anything for my best buddy." He leaves while strapping Ching Yhu to his waist.
The new team of forty rides off with the captain.
I watch until the last glint of armor disappears into the trees. Then I turn back to my weapons—dead steel waiting to be alive again.
They are doing their jobs. He is doing his. I should be doing mine. Time to work.
"Pretty boy. How does it feel like your man is going into war? Do you feel like a woman now?"
Not you brutes again.
"What do you want?"
"You and Suh disgust me. Two men flirting with each other."
"I think your group has pretty much the same dynamic."
"What did you say?"
"Don't waste my time. Now leave. That's an order."
Just go. Five of them. I don't think I can handle them. Not even one.
"You think I will listen to that order when the Captain is not here. You need to have some respect for your elders. Young boy."
"Fine, Old men. You can go now."
He holds my collar up. "You brat!"
Then something catches his attention. "Why are you wearing so many layers now? Winter is still a few months away."
"I'm weak. So I'm sensitive to coldness."
Please don't touch the layer. My body stiffens. I cannot react.
His hand is getting closer to my second layer.
Please stop. My eyes are swollen.
I close my eyes. Pitch black.
Someone help.
Zhih Shian is not here. No one can help me.
What should I do?
Right, Shin.
Shin is me. Feel it.
Come on.
I can feel him touching the second layer.
Give me strength.
Then—
A light. I can see the energy. His energy.
Just let the energy flow.
Come to me, Shin.
I push away his hand.
Whatever is in the middle. Take this.
I slap hard into his head with Shin.
Knock out.
He collapses on the floor, letting go of my collar.
I finally open my eyes. It works.
"He never won before. How?" One of the brutes asks.
"I'll give you all one last chance. Return to your post!"
"Yes, sir."
They pull their gang leader away. I tidy my clothes.
I breathe. I'm still here, intact.
I just won a fight against a man. I never won a combat.
I can finally hit with strength.
But I cannot hide my excitement.
"Yes. Yes, Yes." I hop again and again.
I am no longer the useless Rhi.
Fear me. Brutes.
I can't wait to tell Zhih Shian about this.
Let's finish the work.