“Sit still, Thomas,” Jack said, putting his hand on his friend’s shoulder.
A wave of thread-like mana weaved into Thomas’s body. The knowledge of Maester had enabled Jack to examine what had happened during the ceremony. However, after a few minutes, Jack still couldn’t come to a definitive conclusion. The flow of energy in Thomas’ veins was indeed obstructed, though, technically speaking, everybody, awakened or not, could have the same issue. That raised a question: had Thomas actually partaken in the awakening ceremony yet?
“Thomas,” Jack said solemnly, “do you trust me?”
The Hovarth boy stared at Jack, bewildered. Ever since he had learned about how much of a fraud the ceremony was, a fact that none dared raise their voice against, Thomas had been questioning everything around him. More so now, face-to-face with his ever mysterious and bizarre friend.
Jack sighed, seeing the hesitation in his buddy’s eyes, something that hadn’t been there three months ago. Back then, his words were unquestionably approved by the two.
“Alright,” Jack said, “I can help you with this. There may still be a chance for you to get back in the race with Agos, Patrick, or Pascal. But, can I trust you not to tell anyone about this?”
Unlike before, Thomas nodded his head instantly this time. The desire to grow and to assert oneself was always there to be exploited, especially for young kids. Even more so for Thomas, who had bared the disappointed gaze of his father for the whole long month.
“Find me, and I will push your training up a notch. I want to show you a few more tricks, but don’t neglect Juan’s class for them. Sounds good?”
“Okay, boss,” Thomas answered with a smile.
“Okay, I’m going home now,” Jack waved his hand, leaving.
Thomas bit his lips, wanting to say something else, but decided against it. He wondered if the mood would have been better for both if he had said “yes” without hesitation.
Jack didn’t pay it too much attention. Thomas still had a long way to grow, and doubting the world was also a part of that.
Now, it’s time for Jack to plan his other projects. The next commodity he was aiming for was Washing Water, an item that would cleanse the body from the most infuriating of dirtiness, be it blood or mud. Such a thing must have been a female adventurer’s essential. Still, assumption, they only were, and Jack would have to test the market to certify his theory.
Thinking while walking, Jack made his way to the forge per Bastian’s request.
“Dumbass Jack,” Bastian angrily walked out of the smithing room, “have your nut head completely forgotten about the sword stuff?”
Jack scratched his head, smiling. Spending his time on the automation system, he had indeed failed to remember his deal with Bastian.
“No, I didn’t. I was just waiting for the right time.”
“What’s there for ya to wait for?”
“You of course? Uhh, have you readied everything?”
“Are you messing with me? Ready? Ready to shove your head into the oven?”
The smith breathed heavily, grumbling with anger. Jack didn’t want to test the old man’s willingness to do what he had just said.”
“Now, now,” Jack put up his head, trying to calm Bastian down, “what do you need me to do?”
Bastian pushed the pile of beer cups, sword cover, and metal scraps off the table, then took out from his pocket a large piece of paper, spreading it on the now empty surface. The thing was filled with notes and crammed drawings depicting the Black Lightning Blade.
“I need to ask a few questions.” Bastian fondled the tip of his hair. “Most important of them is about material replacement.”
“Why? What’s wrong?” Jack asked.
Stolen novel; please report.
“The problem is those damn monsters,” the old smith snorted. “Recently, monster cleaning contracts have been flooding the guild, growing the demand for Artificer items. You know, stuff like those Crusader stun grenades.”
Jack lowered his eyebrows. The main ingredients of those items were the Lightning Monster Core. Its price must have been going wild at all ranks. No wonder Bastian was in such a terrible mood today.
“Not only in Oxdale,” Bastian continued, his voice growing sour, “Most major towns and cities are running short on supply. Archon Lightning Monster Core can be used to craft a large batch of grenades without sacrificing their quality. So, I worked my ass off and was only able to afford one.”
“Hmmm, you intend to cut down the quality of the sword’s ingredients?”
“Yes, and since you little brat is somehow knowledgable enough in the art of making it, I need to discuss with you the feasibilities of adjustments.”
Jack nodded and selected Black Lightning Blade in the System’s crafting list.
Bastian wanted to replace two Crusader Monster Cores in place of their Archon counterparts. In addition to the direct stats nerf due to the use of inferior material, there was also the problem of balancing. The original recipe was already complicated and advanced enough. Therefore, by changing one of the core ingredients, they risked ruining the delicate equilibrium of the item, further lowering its quality. Thunderlinen, for example, a rare fabric material often used in high-end crafting, worked much better when used with Archon Monster Core. This in turn downgraded a supposedly Mythical weapon into a Rare one, as its stats and effects were cut down, and the signature ability Lightning Jump might not even be there.
Challenging as it might seem, Bastian was still able to theoretically prove the feasibility of his changes as he proposed many solutions regarding the primary problem and its related concern. Jack, in turn, gave his opinions, utilizing the System’s knowledge to validate solutions and suggest improvements.
It wasn’t until the evening that the two managed to agree on how to deal with the material problem. Bastian, much like Jack, decided to save the other topics, such as processing time, temperature, and mana requirements, for another day.
When he finally got home, exhaustingly so, Jack made quick work of the daily hearty dinner and threw himself on his bed shortly after. Sophie quietly watched and took care of him, knowing he had done enough for today.
For the next couple of days, Jack busied himself between his own production and the forge. He doubled his usual production by simultaneously handcrafting and machine crafting Lesser Mana Potions. Due to the increasing demand, there wasn’t too much trouble finding output. Still, the item itself was a regulated product by the Maester council, which meant he couldn’t pump them out to the market too much. For that reason, Jack had to accelerate his other projects.
Thomas, seeing how Jack occupied himself, decided to put his disappointment to the side and grind. He attended Juan’s lesson in the morning and practiced Xerath’s method in the afternoon. The practice field full of stakes was not yet touched by the bank, so the two just snuck there and did their things.
“How will it be during the forging process to rank up?” Jack asked Bastian as they were enjoying themself with some beer at the forge.
The calculation had been completed after two weeks of working. Currently, the smith was in a surprisingly good mood. With his previous experience of making the fake Stormbreaker, Bastian had high hope for this one, thanks to Jack’s detailed instructions and tips. Too detailed sometimes, he thought, so much so that an Archon Artificer could hardly match Jack’s level of understanding and experience. Whatever it was, Bastian didn’t let it bother him at all, for everyone had their own little secrets. He didn’t give a damn about how, as long as he ranked up this time,
“The forging process will be transmitted live,” Bastian answered after chucking down his cup.
The smith poured himself another, signaling Jack if he also wanted some more. Jack refused. Even though he did want to, and his Herald body was quite resistant to alcohol, the smell of beer could anger his mother.
“On that day,” Bastian continued, “I will install some eyes connected to the Artificer’s Agency of Classification and Examination at the capital, as well as other consultants and advisors from other major cities of Omnivell.”
“Wow, that’s tough.”
“Expensive too,” the smith shook his body. “To discourage the amateurs from trying foolishly, the agency put a heavy tag on events like this.”
“Then, how many times have you taken it?”
“Watch ya mouth, brat,” Bastian scolded, though he couldn’t hide a sense of achievement. “This will be the fifth. Ha, they must be sick of seeing my examination request. I’ll show who’s sick of who this time!”
“How can I help on that day?”
Bastian raised his eyebrows, thinking. This might not be as simple as Jack had originally thought.
“A smith can use their assistants during the process,” the old man said. “But, I will need more help from you than those half-ass apprentices. The problem is, you can’t be seen standing next to me for too long unless you are giving me materials and tools or something.”
If so, Jack wouldn’t be able to closely examine even the temperature, let alone other variables. He himself might want the Black Lightning Blade finished even more than Bastian, for it could be lent to Meinhard, who, in turn, would add another extra layer of defense to the Harper.
“Let’s see,” Jack said contemplatingly, “there may be ways to bypass this. Maybe I can watch from afar, then snuck up a small note or two while handling stuff to remind you of the process variables.”
“Beats me,” Bastian rebuked. “Even I, standing right next to the forge, sometimes couldn’t tell if I’m getting it right or wrong, then how the hell can you?”
Jack shrugged, then chucked down his cup.
Yes, it would be possible if he could make his deal with Dan Herring.