Under Aize's control, the Black Furnace Demon Sword reverted to its core form, deactivating the entire blade.
Feeling the sword's weakened state, Aize couldn't help but speak.
"You were too reckless, Black Furnace."
He hadn't expected that just a single complaint about the lack of star power would push the sword to sacrifice its own strength to help him.
This was truly… too reckless.
Even though a personalized weapon bound through authority recognition could merge with its wielder's body and even recover from damage, the extent of damage still affected how long it took to recover.
In situations like this, where the Black Furnace Demon Sword had depleted its power—not just a normal expenditure, but nearly exhausted—its recovery would be a real hassle.
Especially since the recovery speed of a personalized weapon also depended on the strength of its user. The more powerful Aize became, the faster his internal power could nourish the weapon, and vice versa.
Given Aize's current strength, if the sword was severely depleted, it was uncertain how long it would take to recover.
Clang...
Under Aize's reprimand, the red universal crystal on the sword's core flashed faintly.
Aize immediately sensed the sword's intent.
"She"... perhaps that's more accurate than "it"?
She was clearly displeased with Aize's scolding!
"You…"
Aize was at a loss for words.
Pure Starbrilliant-type weapons possessed their own independent will.
And with will came personality.
Some had good personalities, while others could be downright nasty—almost like another form of life.
Black Furnace's personality, luckily, was on the better end.
She could be unpredictable and a bit moody, but she didn't meddle with humans too much. As long as one didn't truly offend her, she usually turned a blind eye.
Like in the underground lab earlier—she clearly saw how weak Aize was, and their compatibility didn't even reach 10%, yet she still let him hold her without resistance.
Only when disrespected or forced with a strong hand would she react harshly. Otherwise, she usually ignored others.
Compared to some vile-tempered weapons, she was already one of the nicer ones.
Still, her temperament was… complicated.
She didn't seek reverence or trust from her wielder. What she wanted was to be seen purely as a sword.
To her, she was a tool. A sword existed to fight. A tool existed to help its master.
Because of this mindset, once she sensed Aize's desire, she didn't hesitate to burn her own power to help him.
With any other wielder, she wouldn't go this far. They were all just passing phases in her existence. Unless under special circumstances, she wouldn't make such sacrifices.
But Aize was different.
She knew they were now one and the same.
She belonged to Aize, and only Aize.
If he died, so would she—along with all of his personal weapons.
They would grow together, fight together, and eventually, die together.
So if sacrifice was needed to be useful… she wouldn't hesitate.
Aize felt all of this from her will.
But still…
"If I want to grow stronger, I can train. I can find other ways. It doesn't need to come at someone's sacrifice."
He had his own principles.
"You're my first personal weapon. We're going to fight together from now on—how can you drop out just for something this small?"
The Black Furnace was powerful and useful. Losing her just for a temporary boost wasn't worth it.
"From now on, don't ever do this again without my permission. Got it?"
He didn't want to rely on forced control. He wanted to fight side-by-side with her.
So he said this seriously.
——
The red glow of the universal crystal dimmed completely.
She was sulking.
Aize chuckled.
But he knew she understood—she wouldn't repeat it.
Putting the core of the sword away, Aize fell into thought.
"If I can't absorb Black Furnace's power… what about others?"
That's right.
Though he wouldn't drain the Demon Sword, what about other sources?
"If Black Furnace can release universal particles to influence my Starvein powers, can't other crystals do the same?"
"Even if I don't have other Starbrilliant-type weapons or crystals… aren't there regular weapons and minerals?"
"Those might work too, right?"
With his perfect control over all weapons, he could likely release the particles from even basic weapons or ore.
And with Black Furnace's help, maybe those particles could be used to enhance his strength too.
"Let's try it."
He grabbed a basic weapon he'd used earlier.
"Black Furnace, help me out."
With one hand on the basic weapon's core and one on the Demon Sword, he focused his will into the former's universal ore, drawing out its energy.
Clang!
Despite sulking, the Demon Sword responded, releasing red light to help guide the energy into Aize's body.
Soon, the ore shattered.
Aize grinned.
His body and star power had grown again.
Not by much—but it was just a basic mineral.
Universal crystals were rare, yes. But ore? There was a ton of that. Even the academy let students take it freely.
"I need to get my hands on a large supply of this stuff."
But how?
Getting a few was easy. Getting a lot… the academy would ask questions.
And Aize didn't want to reveal his secret.
No good plan came to mind.
"No choice…"
He'd have to ask for help
––
Top floor of the High Division school building, Student Council Office
"You need a large amount of universal ore?"
Claudia looked surprised.
"Yes," Aize replied seriously.
She was, of course, curious.
...
(End of chapter)
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