Chapter 75: Forging

Facing Men Luo's astonishment, Robin was at a loss for words; these were all the deadly results of the empiricism of his past life.

Robin helplessly spread his hands: "Really, I didn't. I just impulsively rented this place, and now I'm worrying about how to pay next month's rent. Men Luo, you've been at Tutan Gate for so long; do you have any good recommendations? Like a side job or something."

Men Luo stroked his chin, thought, then his eyes lit up: "You better not say otherwise, there actually is a decent job. The Iron Hammer and Flame Forge in East City is currently recruiting apprentices; I've heard the pay is good, and you can learn a lot of Blacksmithing Technique. Don't you know a bit of blacksmithing? Give it a try."

Robin's eyes lit up; a job at the forge could not only earn money but also improve his blacksmithing skills—a win‑win. He quickly asked: "Really? Is that place reliable?"

Men Luo patted his chest: "Don't worry, I know the owner of that forge; he's a solid person. But you need to be mentally prepared—the work at the forge isn't easy, especially for apprentices, who have to start with the most basic Hammering."

Robin nodded, his tone carrying a hint of determination: "It's fine, as long as I can earn money, I'm willing to do any hard work."

Men Luo smiled, patted Robin's shoulder: "Alright, I'll take you there tomorrow. But tonight you have to buy me a drink; consider it an introduction fee!"

Robin smiled and nodded: "No problem, the drinks tonight are on me!"

The two exchanged smiles, then Men Luo waved his hand and turned to walk toward the outskirts of the city.

The next morning, Men Luo massaged his temples, looking still hungover, and led Robin to the Iron Hammer and Flame Forge Blacksmith Shop.

As soon as they entered, they heard the "ding‑ding‑dang‑dang" of Hammering, and the air was filled with the scent of charcoal fire and metal.

Lao Ba De Er was standing at the forge table, swinging his hammer, sweat streaming down his forehead onto the glowing iron block, producing a "sizzle" sound.

"Yo, aren't these Robin and Men Luo?" Lao Ba De Er looked up, greeting them warmly, "What, you have free time today to drop by my place?"

Men Luo smiled and waved his hand: "Lao Ba De Er, Robin wants a side job, so I brought him here. Didn't you always say you're short of hands?"

Lao Ba De Er's eyes lit up, he set down his hammer and wiped his hands: "Alright! Robin, you're a Knight, your strength must be considerable; how about trying Hammering?"

Robin nodded, his gaze sweeping over the various tools and materials inside the Blacksmith Shop, his heart filled with interest: "No problem, I've been wanting to learn some Blacksmithing Technique."

Men Luo patted Robin's shoulder, smiling: "This is a subsidiary of the Iron Stone Guild; many Knights come here to learn blacksmithing. However, the only one who can become a Blacksmith is Lao Ba De Er himself. I came here back then, but unfortunately I lacked the talent and had to give up."

Robin couldn't help but tease: "Men Luo, have you ever learned Hammering?"

Men Luo shrugged, saying helplessly: "Can't I? But a Knight learning blacksmithing is indeed a good choice. Our physical qualities are far stronger than ordinary people, especially in strength. Look at Lao Ba De Er; even though he's old, his strength is no less than a young man's."

Lao Ba De Er laughed heartily, patting his sturdy arm: "That's obvious! A Knight's physical quality is no joke. In this world, many outstanding Blacksmiths are Knights, and there are even Legendary Knight Level Blacksmiths. Conversely, for ordinary people, achieving success in blacksmithing is exceedingly difficult."

At that moment, the Blacksmith Shop's owner Damus Ironhammer walked over.

He was a dwarf under one and a half meters tall, yet his whole body was muscular and unusually strong.

It is said he has dwarf blood from the ancient era, and his blacksmithing skill is unparalleled.

"Men Luo, you plan to learn blacksmithing again? Don't study for two days and then leave," Damus said boisterously, his tone tinged with teasing.

Men Luo said irritably, waving his hand: "No, I really can't; I'm just introducing a friend to learn blacksmithing."

Damus curiously sized up Robin, nodded: "You can learn blacksmithing, but there's a condition—once you become a Blacksmith, you must serve the Blacksmith Shop for three years. Of course, those three years are paid, and after that you regain your freedom."

Robin pointed at Lao Ba De Er and asked: "What if there are missions? Like tasks from the guild?"

Damus smiled: "Service doesn't mean you have to stay here all the time; there's a fixed quota of work each month, just complete it when you have time."

Robin nodded, then asked: "What if I don't do it well?"

Damus shrugged: "Deduct your pay! If there's nothing left to deduct, I'll go to the guild."

Robin was enlightened, gaining a clearer understanding of the job.

Damus's demands weren't unreasonable; after all, the Blacksmith Shop provides learning and work opportunities, and paying a price is justified.

"Do you have blacksmithing experience?" Damus asked.

Robin nodded: "I have some, but I'm not proficient."

Damus patted Robin's shoulder: "Come, I want to see where your level is before assigning you."

Robin followed Damus to the forge table, picked up the hammer, and began demonstrating his blacksmithing skill.

His movements were skilled, the process familiar, clearly showing abundant blacksmithing experience.

His exceptional strength and physique, unlike most novice Knights, quickly earned Damus's approval.

"Not bad, the foundation is decent," Damus said, nodding satisfactorily. "From today onward, you'll study under Lao Ba De Er. Once you master the basic techniques, I'll assign you specific tasks."

Robin felt a surge of joy, quickly nodding: "Thank you, boss, I will definitely work hard to learn."

Men Luo stood nearby, smiling: "Robin, when you become a Blacksmith, don't forget to forge a fine Sword for me!"

Robin replied with a smile: "Don't worry, once I get the hang of it, I'll personally forge a Sword and give it to you."

Inside the Blacksmith Shop, the charcoal flames roared, and the hammering rang continuously.

In the days that followed, Robin's life became unusually fulfilling.

During the day, he swung his hammer in the Blacksmith Shop, forging various small components;

At night, he immersed himself in cultivation, continuously enhancing his strength.

Two months passed in the blink of an eye, and Robin's blacksmithing skill surged forward unnoticed.

Robin discovered that, although they were just small components like Sword Hilt Guards, each one granted him some experience points.

Compared to forging a complete Sword, these small parts were faster to make and accumulated experience more efficiently. Thus, he eagerly took all the Sword Hilt Guard orders in the Blacksmith Shop, earning hundreds of experience points each day.

(End of Chapter)