The Strongest Sage with the Weakest Crest (失格紋の最強賢者)

It's no use.

My magical crest has no room left to grow.

The first mark, my crest, focuses on creation,

while the second specializes in raw power.

The third enhances rapid fire ability.

But if I truly want to become stronger,

I must acquire the fourth crest,

the one best suited to combat.

One's crest appears at birth and cannot be changed,

which means

The capital is only a short way down the road now.

Man, gotta say I'm impressed

a 12-year-old kid is leaving home to take the exams.

I'm hoping my time at the Academy will make me stronger.

Well, don't push yourself too hard.

Maybe the people back home thought you were a big deal,

but that crest of yours

There's a monster nearby.

-It's headed our way. -Eh?

This monster appears to be massive,

many times larger than your wagon.

You say the strangest things, kid.

A beast like you described

would be a calamity-grade monster.

- -Huh?

- -

-Monster dispatched. -Huh?

I was able to handle it easily

with a simple combination

of Enhance Physique and Sunder Steel.

So this is the capital.

It's nothing like my homeland.

Excuse me, my friend's sword broke!

Do you think you could make me one just like it?

You don't have to shout,

I hear you just fine!

Oh, I'm sorry.

It's just that my friend broke her magic sword

while protecting me from a monster.

A magic sword?

And you expect me to just remake it?

You can't possibly be serious.

But there has to be something you can do!

I'm afraid you're out of luck.

These weapons are well-made,

though the enchantments aren't applied very well.

Are there any other swords?

The long and short of it is, it can't be done.

I'm begging you, mister!

The entrance exams are tomorrow.

If I don't get her a sword, she'll-

If you need it that fast,

you might have better luck looking elsewhere.

You see, the thing is,

I can't make a sword magical by myself.

But we've already tried everywhere else!

Would one of our ready-made swords work?

Hmm.

It needs to be roughly this long,

but also light enough for a girl

to swing around one-handed, like this!

The type of sword you're describing

would most definitely be enchanted,

there's no doubt about it.

And it's far from easy to make.

I can handle the enchantment.

-Huh? -You really think so?

Yeah, sure, kid.

I can understand wanting to show off,

but what she's asking can't be done,

and she needs to accept that.

My fourth crest is far from the most suitable choice

for bestowing enchantments.

That said, it's just a basic magic sword.

Give it up, you've got the Crest of Failure.

The process went from tricky to impossible.

Please, sir.

-Make me a sword. -Huh?

And make sure it has a setting for a magistone.

-Wait, you don't mean- -

I'm going to put my faith in him to get it done.

Are you sure about this?

If he fails, the sword will be all right,

but you're out a magistone.

It's a gamble, but I'll bet on him!

I've got good instincts about these things.

All right, kid.

Give it a shot.

Oh, I just realized I forgot to introduce myself.

The name's Alma. Alma Lepucius.

I didn't want my parents marrying me off to some weirdo,

so I chose to set out on my own!

And I'm Matthias.

That's Matthias Hildesheimer.

You can call me Matty, though.

-All right, Matty. -

Oh, yeah! This new sword?

It's for a good friend of mine.

We left home together to forge our futures!

-Alma? -Hey!

Speak of the devil. Lurie!

Alma, have you had any luck at this shop?

She's gorgeous!

All of the merchants I spoke with turned me away.

I might not be able to find a magic sword by tom-

Oh, let me introduce Matty!

He was generous enough to offer his enchantment services

in the making of your new sword.

It's a pleasure to meet you!

My name is Matthias Hildesheimer.

You got real formal out of nowhere.

Could my introduction have been too off-putting?

This is what I get for never having made any friends!

What's wrong, Lurie?

Salutations, my name is Lurie Abendroth!

And I don't have a boyfriend!

If you'd like, I'd be all right with you just calling me Lurie.

So no boyfriend?

Oh! In case you were curious.

I had no idea it was customary here

to reveal your relationship status when meeting someone.

My work is done!

Right, I'll start the enchantment.

-Hand me the magistone. -

You can do it here?

Sure. It won't take that long.

-Here goes. -Um, okay.

Enhance Fortitude and Sunder Steel are the only way

to make something this long and light

sturdy enough for live combat.

- -

That should do it.

-Go on, give it a try. -Wait, you're done?

Is it really enchanted?

There's no way he could've done it

in a matter of seconds.

Yeah, isn't the enchantment process

supposed to take way longer?

And he didn't recite any incantations!

The only way to be certain is to try it out.

It should be easy enough to tell

if an enchantment actually stuck-

- -

Okay, I'd say it worked.

That thing's crazy sharp!

And it only took him a moment.

What manner of trickery is this?

It's merely a standard enchantment.

What you did is anything but standard.

Where did you learn how to do that, huh, Matty?

It shouldn't be possible to enchant a sword that quickly.

But I'd say it's pretty damn clear

the sword has been enchanted,

and without an incantation.

As the one who forged that sword,

I'd know whether you swapped it out with sleight of hand.

That means the only possible conclusion is

-Gulp! -Is what, sir?

Say, lad, want to become an enchanter?

No, thank you.

The practical skills exam will now begin,

with a focus on swordsmanship and casting.

Yes, sir!

-Hi, Matty! -Huh?

I didn't know you were here

to take the entrance exams as well.

Oh, yeah.

Why'd they have to make the tactics portion

of the test so hard?

And after doing so well in all the other subjects.

Don't lose hope. Come on.

Let's all work together to pass this test!

-Sure. -'Kay.

- -

-You're wide open! -

I have to admit, I'm impressed.

You're skilled with a blade.

But can you dodge this?

Hey, wait, where's my sword?

I yield! Where did you get that sword?

I passed my test, Matty!

Congratulations, Lurie.

I couldn't have done it without that sword you made me.

Hey, don't mention it.

Next: Matthias Hildesheimer!

Looks like it's my turn.

Give it your best. Good luck!

Thanks.

Hold on, where's the examiner?

Matthias Hildesheimer.

There's a rumor going around that you're the one

who enchanted Lurie Abendroth's sword.

That's right. Who are you?

Then you'll need more than an examiner,

which is why I'll conduct your test.

I'd like to see for myself

what your father Castor taught you about the blade.

-Wait, you know my father? -Yes.

Handle yourself well enough against me,

and I'll vouch for you to pass