Weapons such as Swords, daggers, greatswords, spears, and axes were scattered all over the place. In addition to weapons, there was also a rich variety of armor—shields, breastplates, greaves, and gauntlets.

And the Katana we were looking for was...

“There it is!”

Rio, who found one right away, picked up a Katana that was stuck in a jar in the corner of the room.

“Ahaha, Katanas really do catch the eye, don’t they?”

The girl who introduced herself as Paula, an apprentice of the master, muttered while also picking up a Katana herself. I also turned my gaze toward the jar. Most of the blades were unsheathed and fully exposed.

I casually picked up one of the unsheathed Katanas and observed it carefully. It had a curve to it, and at a glance, it looked like a Japanese Katana. Not that I know exactly what a Japanese Katana is supposed to look like—just a vague impression.

It looked like it could cut well, but was this really a failed piece? Maybe it breaks easily or something? I couldn’t tell just by looking at it…

＝＝＝＝＝
Type   : Weapon (Katana)
Name   : None
Description: A Katana forged from tamahagane steel.
             Its sharpness is unrivaled by other weapons,
             ranking among the top of bladed weapons.
Quality: C
Enchantment: None
Maker  : Ruigenz
＝＝＝＝＝

...What is this?

This thing is clearly usable. And it’s rated C quality... I don’t know the full ranking system, but isn’t that decent? Also, I didn’t know appraisal could show quality like this. I’ve been using the same gear for so long I haven’t appraised anything in ages. Now it even shows enchantments. Come to think of it, some of my appraisal skills did level up.

Even assuming it's ranked like an adventurer, a C rating doesn’t seem bad. Which means Ruigenz must be insanely skilled for this to be called a failure.

＝＝＝＝＝
Type   : Weapon (Katana)
Name   : None
Description: A Katana forged from tamahagane steel.
             Its sharpness is unrivaled by other weapons,
             ranking among the top of bladed weapons.
             However, due to poor quality, it cannot even cut paper.
Quality: F
Enchantment: None
Maker  : Paula
＝＝＝＝＝

“Oh...”

Ah, so this one’s Paula’s failed work. It's rated F—might even break easily. I guess appraisal doesn’t show that much detail. You're expected to judge based on the quality rating.

“Ahaha… You found it, huh. It’s not just the master’s failures—mine are mixed in too.”

Apparently, Paula realized I was disappointed when I picked up the second one and admitted it with a wry smile.

“I see. But that in itself might still be helpful.”

“……You think so?”

Paula looked very conflicted at Rio’s comment. I guess she doesn’t want her failures used as references. But understanding what makes something a failure is important. After all, the way we craft weapons is a bit unique.

After quickly appraising the Katanas lying around, it seemed their quality ranged from F to C. Assuming the top tier is at least A, I still think C is pretty good. Then again, there was only one C in the pile—it really is a collection of failed works.

“This one and that one... They seem to be made of Taule steel alloy and mithril alloy.”

“Y-You can tell!?”

“This one contains mithril too.”

Rio was gripping a Katana tightly. She had infused magic into the blade tip, apparently using earth-element magic to examine the metal. When infusing extracted metal with magic to shape it, earth-element magic makes it easier to handle.

“E-Eh!?”

I also tried channeling magic into a Katana the same way. The sensation was similar to when we extracted mithril in the mine. There definitely seemed to be mithril in it.

There didn’t seem to be any weapons in the failed batch that contained adamantite, though.

“Hmm... I don’t get it at all.”

“Mmmmmmgh.”

Ivan was comparing Katanas, and Phonia was holding a dagger while groaning the same way.

“R-Right...? I can’t tell either...”

Paula looked crestfallen. Well, I can’t tell from appearance alone either, so I can’t blame her too much. One way or another, though, Rio and I can tell.

Still, appraisal... I wonder how our own weapons show up if we appraise them.

Out of curiosity, I took out the weapons Rio and I had made using earth magic and appraised them.

＝＝＝＝＝
Type   : Weapon (Dagger)
Name   : None
Description: A dagger forged from iron.
             Specializes in sharpness.
Quality: D
Enchantment: None
Maker  : Mizumoto Shu
＝＝＝＝＝

Hmm. This one made from the iron ore we mined is rated D.

＝＝＝＝＝
Type   : Weapon (Dagger)
Name   : None
Description: A dagger made by compressing and hardening soil.
             Specializes in sharpness.
Quality: E
Enchantment: None
Maker  : Mizumoto Shu
＝＝＝＝＝

This one I made while living in the demon forest with my master. It’s rated E. It didn’t feel bad to use, so I guess that’s considered average.

＝＝＝＝＝
Type   : Weapon (Dagger)
Name   : None
Description: A dagger made by compressing and hardening soil.
             Specializes in sharpness and durability.
Quality: B
Enchantment: Hardening, Enhancement
Maker  : Walter
＝＝＝＝＝

Whoa, as expected of Master. And with both Hardening and Enhancement enchantments? That’s amazing.

“Eh... That dagger, don’t tell me...”

While I was appraising my daggers, a surprised voice came from the side. It was definitely Paula’s voice, but what was up with the dagger?

“...Could that possibly be a piece made by the famed craftsman Luciel!?”

“………………Huh?”