Ep.14 Phase 0

Azuki sat down promptly munching on a bowl of rice and cubed salmon. He was back within the public forge. Mr.Clod was disassembled before him. He had the materials he needed to make this happen. He grabbed a bottle of wine to wash down the rice bowl. The smooth chilled flavor washed everything down. If he was able to pull off this augmentation, it would lead to much more.

He wore loose-padded pants and a form-fitting long sleeve. He used his headband to hold his hair down. Simple safety measures when working the forge. He was never one to be irresponsible when doing work. He double checked the schematics along with all of his tools. Tongs, hammer, casting mold, and quenching oil. The billow and coal needed for the forge readily available. He pulled out the Tsuki headband and reaffirmed it to his forehead."Terra Borealis." He reverberated through the air. He called forth Akuma his crimson dark atman spirit. A menacing being who was seemingly made of flames. He extended his hand offering strength to Azuki. To all who could sense chakra a massive flair would lit up the downtown area.

His demonic like aura was more pure in nature. It was not wild and drunken lust for blood. This was something refined and sharp, iron against iron, steel sharpening steel.  A bright crimson aura that felt like being devoured by an apex hunter. Grabbing the smelting bucket he held Mr.Clod imagining a spirit being born. One who would bear the moniker Terra Borealis. "From depths unknown shatter all. Bear the wait of the world and strength of Gaia. What bears weight is under thou  hand. Be born into the flesh of the earth and become steel once more. Rise Spirit Atlas." Azuki flowed his chakra into the weapon parts as the forging process would now begin.

He used the bellow to blow air into the forge. The fluttered dance of a flickering flames. The sunset fusion of red,yellow,and orange in fever dream harmony. It was nothing short of beautiful as the heat raged. He placed the original shovel head into bucket using tongues to insert into the forge. He had given it enough air to prepare the Damascus steel. Placing it in a bucket of its own he added it next to the original steel. The slight time lag would allow them to fully smelt at similar times. This would be a careful process as this was his first enhancement. It was if yesterday he was working the forge one more time. But those days were riddled with entrapment and strife. Azuki would never forget the lessons of the past for as long as he lived.

He would occasionally pump the forge with more air. Never could the fire  nor become too inconsistent. Proper time under the same consistent heat always did wonders.To keep the wood strong he added a second lining of wood with a hollowed dowel. He applied a coat of waterproof sealant to prevent rotting. Slow and repeated coats to make sure total surface coverage. Once done he took special care in lubricating the weapon shaft. As well as making sure the handle mechanism and button worked. He paused to once again mend the forge.


He took the bandaging off of the handle.He used a mix of black and crimson binding for the straps. A loop to loop and roll and the handle was looking good. A firm tug and press down so the glue would full take hold. It was all returning to him as his dexterity seemed to have recovered. Overcoming his wounds emotional and fluid unlocked new levels of focus. He couldn't forget to maintain the fire noticing a sudden shift. The subtle natures of the fire spoke to him alerting him every single time. He was in his perfect flow where he didn't have to think. It was if he was on auto pilot and his body thought before he could.

Enough time had gone by for the flames to have done their work. He grabbed the long tongs and grabbed both bucks from the fire. Grabbing a third bucket he quickly poured in the two molten metals. The fusion of the Damascus with the regular steel made for a natural wavy metallic pattern. The colors of the forge blessing it with a vibrant view.

He made sure the mixture was properly mixed with all the tools available. He replaced the new mixture and threw it back in the oven. However the time to cast was now. Azuki paused to drink water and hydrate wiping sweat from his brow. Refueled and ever so invigorated it was time to finish this work. He grabbed the mold he had designed. The grueling process took two days of detailed sculpting. A few failures were only natural with such intricate work. Locking it in place he sighed taking a deep breath. With a single fluid heave he used his whole body. He kept his abs flexed and arms loose turning and pouring. Not  single drop was wasted or spilled as it flowed evenly. The cast was filled to the brim and his job was done for now. While it cooled down he made sure to check the oil bin for quenching. It would be enough thankfully.

Azuki continued to clean as he went, tidying up the area with ease. He took a seat as his work desk activating his reverse armory seals. He summoned a bottle of aieli and a fried coquette with cheese and meat. He didn't forget a mug with ice and a bottle of wine. He had come to enjoy wine more so than beer. It paired well with most foods , especially cheese to his surprise. He happily enjoyed on his after noon lunch. He reviewed the rest of the process in his head. He would need to attach the head and test the mechanism.

He continued eating his meal enjoying the diced steak. The sauce for the potato was a sweetened soy sauce with some extra heat. He adored cayenne and chili powder. His new dimensional seals made the best out of being homeless."I eventually need a new home." He mulled over before standing and stretching. The cast had finally cooled down as he carefully cracked it open. With his gloves he picked up the shovel head and was amazed. The beautiful design of the Damascus along with the tree root design at the nape and spine.

Azuki finished off the final steps of hardening, quenching, sharpening and polishing. He finally ended it by attaching the shovel head to the shaft.  With a quick press of the button mechanism the shovel extended to its full height. He had become successful as Akuma appeared before him. "Azuki you must now bond with the weapon. Give form and shape to the spirit with your chakra. Welcome Atlas into this world." Azuki responded by holding Mr.Clod in both his hands using chakra infusion with all of his might. He felt a unique connection to the weapon. He could sense the spirit reaching out and taking shape. A wave of  wind as the manifestation process began.A tall muscular figure formed however it was more of a outline than anything.

"You must but my new master. My name is..." The voice was strong and dependable. Azuki stared the spirit down with authority in his eyes. "I name you Atlas : Terra Borealis. This shovel is Mr.Clod the weapon you possess ." He stated as the spirit crossed it's arms. He wasn't strong enough to fully manifest him. However Atlas could sense the will of Azuki. Not to mention the Atman Spirit behind them. "Then you spirit will not intervene and if I challenge this boy." Azuki grinned as he sat in a meditative stance. "Listen hear you cocky bastard. You're only a few seconds old calling me a child." He closed his eyes and the outside world muted itself.

Darkness told hold as they appeared within his inner mind. Red grass and a red sky with an open expanse. Azuki and Atlas stared at one another with Atlas standing at 5m tall. Both were wielding Mr.Clod albeit he was his usual size. Azuki walked him down as Atlas did the same until the two were face to face. Azuki stared up at the giant who immediately raised his weapon overhead. Azuki did no move and stood valiantly. He waited until the last second the shovel slicing through an after image.

Azuki was already racing up Atlas' arms preparing to end this with a single blow. Atlas realized his size would be too slow. He cranked his head backwards to create a small gap of space.  A powerful headbutt which Azuki narrowly avoided with a powerful leaping jump. He exploded into the air activating his wind release to come crashing back down with the same momentum. "Dancing Dragon Elipse." He fell like a meteor landing a devastating axe kick to the back of Atlas' head. The loud gasp with a resounding thud as Azuki landed. Atlas did not falter and began a wide powerful swing. Azuki focused his might as he planted his back foot. Holding the shovel across his chest he waited until the last second to parry.

The sparks collided As Azuki was able to halt the momentum. Even manage to slightly push him back. Azuki was back again on the defensive Atlas released powerful winds knocking Azuki back into the air. He used the wind along with his lightness skill to dodge the wide aerial swings. His center of gravity and sensory  being the main direction of focus. Each might cleave missing him only by inches showcasing his adaptability. Raising it's arm Atlas called down multiple torrents of wind all aimed at Azuki.

Relying on his wind release Azuki bounded through the air dodging the wind columns with ease. His maneuverability knew no bounds."I'd expect no less of a Spirit made by me. But your power is of my creation!" Azuki belched as his arms became black in color. He relied on his Shimi Daikon becoming invigorated with chakra. While also gaining the benefits of strength and speed. "I alone have reached the Heavens. Ascending beyond the realm of mortals." Azuki had taken the offensive pushing Atlas through the dirt with sheer force and attack speed. "Not even Gods of Death could stop my reach. For in vain all will is led to ruin and strength alone is below me." Azuki flipped backwards pressing off the blunt side of Atlas' shovel. With seamless effort he cut through the winds and columns creating peace. The disturbance of wild winds snuffed like the ember of flames.He activated a few handseals to complete his final attack.

"Soaring Dragon Impulse." Azuki summoned 3 illusion designed clones. They all seemed to attack and converge at once like dancing phantoms.A single swing of his blade releasing a 20m sized purplish crescent of chakra. The attack sent Atlas flying through the dirt. He cleaved through finally defeating the weapon spirit. Azuki awoke from his inner world sweating bullets. "It seems you are more than a worthy master. "Atlas chuckled as Mr.Clod  hummed and calmed down. It had seemed he subjugated his first weapon spirit. This would be the first of many surely.

WC:1880

Claiming Discount 25%
Weapon Spirit Manifestation 1500WC
Hidden Arms  380/ 1000 WC

Augmenting  Mr.Clod : Terra Borealis to A rank with Mercury and Damascus Steel for 10,000k ryo      Total :23,500  = 33,500- 10,000

Azuki Shinoda wrote:

WC:1880

Claiming Discount 25%
Weapon Spirit Manifestation 1500WC
Hidden Arms  380/ 1000 WC

Augmenting  Mr.Clod : Terra Borealis to A rank with Mercury and Damascus Steel for 10,000k ryo      Total :23,500  = 33,500- 10,000

Approved!

Azuki cleaned himself up and fashioned a make shift bed within the forge drifting off to sleep.


[Exit]