Abe the Wizard

Chapter 25 Master Blacksmith

Abel used several ordinary gemstones to redecorate the hilt guard of the greatsword, concealing the blue sapphire that provided magical power to the sword. After polishing the guard and adding curved decorative strips, he also replaced the scabbard with one encrusted with fine gemstones. This transformed the ordinary Hundredfold Greatsword into a deluxe version called the Frost Magic Hundredfold Greatsword.

The recent explosion had made Abel abandon his plan to craft the ancient oath of runic language, as his defensive capabilities were insufficient. He feared that an explosion during the crafting process would put him in a dangerous situation.

Time passed quickly, and three months had gone by. Abel's days were fulfilling, and he had already crafted twelve Hundredfold Greatswords. Among them were two deluxe Frost Magic Hundredfold Greatswords and one deluxe Fire Magic Hundredfold Greatsword. He had also produced five Hundredfold Shields using refined blanks, which were prepared in advance for crafting the ancient oath of runic language in the future.

As the weather warmed up, it was already April. The smithy workers in the morning had already begun their work in Harvest City.

"Abel, today you and I will go to the blacksmith guild in Harvest City." Master Bensham looked at Abel, who had just finished forging a refined blank, and said.

"Why do we need to go to the blacksmith guild in Harvest City?" Abel looked at Master Bensham with some curiosity.

Master Bensham replied excitedly, "After you created the magic greatsword, I applied for the master evaluation at the blacksmith guild. Yesterday, the guild informed me that the evaluation will take place today."

"Congratulations, Master!" Abel knew that although Master Bensham was called a master blacksmith, it was just a local title. Being able to craft refined blanks was only the basic requirement for a master. True recognition as a master blacksmith from the blacksmith guild required expertise in a specific skill. Thus, Master Bensham was only an aspiring master.

"Congratulations to me for what? I applied for you." Master Bensham patted Abel's head, showing a pleased expression on his face, and continued, "I have spent my whole life crafting magic weapons. Although I am unable to create magic weapons and cannot become a true master, you, who can create magic weapons, can already become a master blacksmith."

Abel was not particularly interested in becoming a master blacksmith, but he thought that having a master's status would provide more opportunities to access runes, especially given Master Bensham's strong recommendation. Therefore, he agreed, "I'll get ready and then we can set off."

Abel moved nine ordinary Hundredfold Greatswords and one deluxe Fire Magic Hundredfold Greatsword from his dedicated workshop to Master Bensham's carriage. He planned to store two of these swords in his family's Harry Weapon Shop, while he would send the remaining seven ordinary swords and the deluxe Fire Magic Hundredfold Greatsword to the Edmund Auction House. Selling all these swords at Harry Weapon Shop would impact the local price of Hundredfold weapons and raise suspicions from other weapon shops. This would be unfavorable for his newly acquired weapon shop in Harvest City from Lord Joel. On the other hand, the benefit of sending them to the Edmund Auction House lay in its widespread presence across the entire principality. The seven swords could easily be sold, and the deluxe Fire Magic Hundredfold Greatsword could be auctioned off to maximize profits.

Once again, they set off in the carriage for Harvest City. Abel had already made plans to get a carriage with shock absorption for the return journey. Around 10 in the morning, the carriage arrived at the Harvest City branch of the blacksmith guild, located in the central area of the city.

The blacksmith guild was a cross-race organization on the continent, established three thousand years ago by several grandmaster blacksmiths from the human and dwarven races. Over the subsequent years, even orcish blacksmiths had joined the organization, resulting in the current structure of the blacksmith guild. The guild's function was to conduct professional evaluations for blacksmiths, award corresponding professional level medals, and provide protection to blacksmiths across the continent who joined the guild.

Upon entering the guild hall, Master Bensham and Abel were welcomed by a bearded dwarf who approached them. It was Abel's first time seeing a dwarf, and he made an effort not to stare at the dwarf.

"Bensham, old friend, the guild notified me as soon as they received your application. I will be the one presiding over this evaluation." The dwarf opened his arms, and Master Bensham bowed and hugged the dwarf in return.

Releasing the dwarf, Master Bensham laughed heartily and said, "I didn't expect the guild to designate you to preside over the evaluation. I still remember the times when we studied together under Master Robin. So many years have passed, and you still look so young."

Abel was somewhat speechless as he watched the bearded dwarf. He couldn't see where the "youthful" appearance Master Bensham mentioned was coming from.

"This is my disciple, Abel Harry." Master Bensham pointed to Abel, who was standing nearby, and introduced him to the dwarf.

Turning to Abel, Master Bensham said, "This is Master Thorin Oakenshield, my junior brother."

Thorin Oakenshield jumped up and retorted loudly, "It's senior brother!"

"When we studied together, I was a young man, and you were just a child. Of course, I am your senior brother," Master Bensham raised his eyebrows and looked triumphantly at Master Thorin.

"Oh, so it's because I'm older than you, even though I was a child back then," Master Thorin exclaimed, waving his fist.

Abel finally understood the dispute between them. Dwarves have a long lifespan, typically reaching 500 years, whereas ordinary humans live only to around 100 years. Hence, such disputes were common.

As the argument seemed to have no resolution in sight, Master Thorin carefully scrutinized Abel and remarked, "This is the disciple you're applying for the master-level evaluation? He seems quite young. Are you giving him your only chance to apply for the master level?"

Several consecutive questions revealed Master Thorin's lack of trust due to Abel's youth. Mastery of any blacksmithing skill required time to develop.

"I'm almost 60 years old, and my strength has been draining from my body. I no longer have the ability to become a master in my lifetime. I thought I would never have the chance to use this one-time application qualification again, but..." Master Bensham proudly looked at Abel and continued, "Since Abel started learning from me, he has created miracles time after time and gained the ability of a master. That's why I'm here."

"Well, it's your decision. Let's begin then," Master Thorin said to Abel after being explained the evaluation process by Master Bensham.

Abel did not speak but bowed to Master Thorin before also bowing to the three masters in the mirror.

The materials on the operating table were of high quality. Abel threw a piece of refined iron into the furnace and, after a while, retrieved it to start forging. With skilled techniques and rapid speed, he achieved 80 levels in just over two hours, followed by forging from 80 to 100 levels.

With the use of spiritual power, the forging speed from 80 to 100 levels was even faster than before. Master Thorin's gaze had already changed, as the ability to forge from 80 to 100 levels using spiritual power was rare among these masters. Most masters relied on experience to forge at this level.

The completion of the 100 levels led to a brief rest before Abel began crafting his specialty, the greatsword. Time passed quickly, and the greatsword had taken shape, yet Abel did not stop there. He proceeded to create a groove on the guard using a chisel.

This action caught Master Thorin's attention, and he turned to Master Bensham with a questioning look, to which Master Bensham nodded, affirming his thoughts.

Master Thorin knew about the project that Master Bensham had been researching throughout his life. Although Master Bensham himself was incapable of creating it, it seemed that his disciple had fulfilled his wish.

As Abel took out the runic pen, Master Thorin had already confirmed his thoughts. A magical weapon, a high-end master-level weapon, was highly valuable among master-level weapons. Observing Abel wholly immersed in the process of drawing runes, the three masters in the mirror also realized what kind of weapon he was creating and paid closer attention.

The final embedding of the blue sapphire and the guiding of spiritual power went smoothly. A frost magic greatsword had been completed. Though this greatsword had not been adorned, it was already exceptionally excellent in the eyes of these masters, enough to pass the evaluation for master blacksmith.

Master Thorin turned to the three figures in the mirror. As each of the three masters nodded in approval, Master Thorin took out a medal from his pocket and solemnly addressed Abel, "Congratulations, Master Abel Harry, you have become the 36th master blacksmith of the Blacksmith Guild."

After saying this, Master Thorin placed the medal on Abel's chest and embraced him. Abel, following Master Bensham's example, bowed in response to Master Thorin's embrace, signifying that Master Thorin now considered him an equal. The three masters in the mirror also saluted Abel, and after his response, the figures in the mirror disappeared.