Weiss realized that continuing their search like this was pointless. With only six people trying to find someone on an island as large as a county, it was no different from searching for a needle in a haystack.
Unlike other islands that typically had a single town, this island was divided into three separate regions by magma flows—each with its own town.
Weiss arrived in front of a merchants' guild building. It was a two-story structure, a place where visitors to Forge Star Island could receive assignments.
Many newcomers, unaware of the local nuances, were often tricked into buying defective goods disguised as high-quality items. Eventually, some more sensible islanders realized this tarnished the island's reputation, so they established this guild. Locals were strictly forbidden from acting as intermediaries.
The guild's purpose was to handle all pre- and post-sale matters for outsiders. It also posted special requests made by visitors.
Large orders that a single workshop couldn't handle—such as the production of standard-issue Navy weaponry—were coordinated here, with multiple forging shops on the island collaborating.
This guild was also the central hub for almost all information on the island.
---
Each of the three towns had a branch of this merchant guild.
That was why Weiss had left the shop so abruptly earlier, after overhearing someone's conversation—this place was clearly more reliable.
Upon entering the guild, Weiss was greeted by an enormous hall with over a hundred counters, each attended by visitors asking questions. Since guests were considered honored, it was unthinkable to leave them waiting outside.
The moment Weiss stepped through the doors, a floor manager froze upon seeing him. His eyes widened in disbelief. After checking a photo pinned under the front counter, he urgently whispered something to another staff member, then hurried straight toward Weiss.
"Lord Sword Demon! What wind brings you here?" The floor manager approached with a polite smile.
Weiss blinked in surprise, but quickly remembered how these influential groups operated. He let it slide.
"I'm looking for someone. I hope you can assist me. Money is not an issue," Weiss said grandly.
With one billion Berries from the underworld and loot from robbing pirates, Weiss had no shortage of funds.
"Of course, Lord Sword Demon! Please, this way. The chairman will receive you personally upstairs," the manager said respectfully, leading Weiss and Joanne toward the second floor.
Joanne followed without hesitation. If they stayed any longer, she might've plucked the flowers from the potted plants at the entrance just to see what they tasted like.
---
Upstairs, the guild chairman had already received the news and was just about to go down to welcome them, when he saw Weiss already ascending. He rushed forward to greet him.
"What an honor to have Lord Sword Demon visit us! I'm Spike, the chairman of this guild. Please, right this way." Clearly aware the hallway wasn't suited for serious discussion, he quickly ushered Weiss into his office.
The office was modest—just a desk, a tea table, and a sofa.
"My apologies for the plain office. I hope it doesn't offend you, Lord Sword Demon," Spike said humbly. From the outside, the guild looked far more impressive.
"No worries. A simple guild like this must be one that truly serves the people," Weiss replied, unconcerned with the décor. He wasn't planning to stay long anyway.
Spike seemed efficient and to-the-point. As soon as an assistant served tea, he skipped the small talk and got straight to business.
"What can we do for you today?"
"I'm looking for someone," Weiss said plainly. "A friend recommended him. His name is Fedray. Have you heard of him?"
Spike didn't respond immediately. His eyes flickered and his brows furrowed in thought.
Seeing the hesitation, Weiss continued, "According to my friend, Fedray should be on Forge Star Island. He's a master blacksmith with exceptional skill. But I've asked around all morning and found no trace of him."
"What does Lord Sword Demon want with this man?" Spike finally asked after a moment of silence.
Given Weiss's fearsome reputation—even among the emperors of the sea—Spike didn't dare take this lightly. But some questions had to be asked.
Weiss didn't waste time. He unsheathed the sword at his side in one swift motion. The flash of steel nearly sent Spike diving under his desk—he thought Weiss had come to kill him!
Wait—wasn't Sword Demon rumored to be the "Island-Slaying Maniac" in private? If they failed to meet his demands, would Forge Star Island be destroyed?
Though panicking inside, Spike managed to keep his composure.
The gleaming sword reflected the room clearly, but along its blade were several visible cracks. If Weiss hadn't reinforced it with Armament Haki, it would have snapped long ago.
Spike couldn't believe it. The legendary Sword Demon of the Grand Line was using such a damaged blade?
As a blacksmith himself, he could instantly tell—it was junk!
But the fact that this broken sword could still fight on par with emperors only made Weiss's strength even more terrifying.
"I understand now. You're looking for this person to forge you a sword," Spike said. "But I have one more question, if I may."
"What is it?"
"Who told you this person was on this island?"
"Koushirou of the East Blue."
Spike's eyes lit up in realization. Everything now made sense. Sword Demon was also from the East Blue. He should've guessed.
"That man is indeed on Forge Star Island," Spike confirmed. "And I believe he is capable of forging a weapon worthy of you. However—"
"However what?"
Why did everyone stop halfway through their sentences? It was like being interrupted right before the climax. Frustrating as hell!
"Well… Master Fedray has retired. He no longer forges weapons."
Spike continued, "But—his disciple has already surpassed him."
At that, Spike straightened his back proudly, as if it was a personal honor.
Weiss suddenly wanted to hit everyone who left their words hanging mid-sentence. Didn't they realize how maddening that was?
It's like saying, "I know your secret… never mind!"
"Wait, are you saying you're his disciple?" Weiss asked, a bit unsure. If Spike really was the one, should he entrust his sword to him?
Well… even if it wasn't a self-cultivated Seven Star Sword, it might still work. He'd just need to take a long detour.
As for curses? Please…
"No," Spike said firmly.
"Then what are you so smug about?! If it's not you, what do you have to be proud of?!"
For the first time since setting sail, Weiss truly lost his temper.
"It's my junior. And, as it happens, your paths have already crossed in the past," Spike said, now looking at Weiss with deep gratitude in his eyes.
Not romantic gratitude!
"…Wait. Don't tell me your junior is—"
---
Read 120 chapters ahead on P@treon and Ko-Fi:
patreon.com/Sami_27
https:// ko-fi.com/sami27
COMPLETED story available on Patreon and Ko-Fi.