Chapter 5 - Rhythm Forging

Iron Sword (blade)

An incomplete sword made from quality materials.

5-10 damage

Common

I pushed the sword to the side and glanced at the blacksmith. I could see a mocking smile on his face. His middle finger tapping against his thumb.

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes and began to ponder. How would I be able to create a rare sword? My gut told me that there was something wrong. How can I keep up my momentum while hammering? It felt like the extra force that I had dissipated after a few strikes. Wait...

My eyes glanced at the old man. His tapping. Rhythm. I closed my eyes and copied him. Tappin my middle finger against my thumb, trying to find the rhythm that felt good for me. Then something clicked.

I began to hammer again. Bam. Bam. Bam. A refreshing feeling bubbled up inside of me. Every swing made sparks flash. Seconds turned into minutes. Minutes turned into hours.

What woke me up from the blissful trance was a blue notification.

Iron Sword (Blade)

An incomplete sword made of quality materials. Blood and sweat have been sacrificed in order to create this sword piece.

15-25

Special effect: Evolution, Sharpness I

Rare

Rythm Forging

Every good blacksmith forges in his own way. In his own tempo. His own rhythm.

Effects: Enables optimal forging for oneself

A sword blade laid before. It was straight and sharp. I lifted it up in the air, and I could see my reflection look back at me from the shiny surface of the sword.

"Now, let me see that sword blade," The blacksmith said while thinking, "It's probably only a rare with increased damage."

I passed the sword to the blacksmith. He examined the sword. He frowned. His frown turned to amazement. He gave me back the sword and said, "That's...a good sword blade ..."

The blacksmith stood before me wide-eyed. The shock was seen in his eyes. The mocking smile had long disappeared.

"Did I pass?" I said sounding a bit cocky.

"Hmpf" The old man snorted, " I applaud you finding the trick to forging."

I felt like being a bit cocky since he mocked me before and said, "You should have given me a tougher task aye?"

The blacksmith laughed and said," Cocky brat, I could have made 10 of those weapons in my sleep. You were an amateur, that is what surprised me, and that evolution effect is rather rare.."

Good. Good. Good.." He mumbled before saying, "I shall teach you the way of forging young man." He extended his hand and asked me what my name was.

His hand was burly. I could feel strength far higher than anything I had encountered before in my entire life, "John. John Crow.

He smiled and replied, "Armon Drah"...

So, your class is named The Crafter?" Armon asked me before taking a sip of his tea. We sat in his garden. The grass was overgrown, and there was a tree looming over us, casting a shadow that blocked the sunshine. Just at the right side of where we sat, there was a pond. Golden fishes swam in the clear water.

"Yeah, it says that I can learn all craftings skills" I replied, taking a sip of tea as well. I almost choked on it, "How can tea be so freaking bitter?" I examined the tea, and a status popped up

Bitter Tea

Made from exotic silver tea-leaves and 100-year-old ginseng. This tea similar to elixirs improves physical condition and sharpens the mind.

"That's some sick tea," I thought and took on more sip.

"Enjoying the tea?" Armor said with a confident smile, "It's a secondary hobby of mine." By the way John, how much do you know about forging?"

I shrugged, "Not a lot, just came to the capital from a faraway place and hadn't touched a hammer nor seen a forge before."

"Alright.." Armon replied, "The technique you just learned is something all proper blacksmiths use. I believe you found your rhythm by a fluke, correct?"

"Yeah, I felt like something was missing, after a few swings my force dissipated, then I glanced at you and saw your tapping with your middle finger..." I answered.

The old man took one more sip from his cup as a summer breeze passed by, rustling the leaves of the willow tree, "Apprentices often have to meditate for months to match their heartbeat and apply it to their forging...I believe you have a talent" Or its that class.

Armon continued and said, "I shall teach you the way of blacksmithing, and I'll recommend you to some of my old friends in the crafting circle, but I there's a catch.."

He glanced at me and smirked, "You're gonna have to do all the chores around here, "Cut the grass, feed the fishes, purchase all the materials for me and so on.."

I thought about it and said, "Deal..."

Armon rose from his char and thought, "That's a meager price, most would kill for a chance to be my disciple."

"When will I start?" I asked him as I downed the last bit of tea and likewise got up from the chair.

"Tomorrow. Seven a clock. Don't be late. The first we'll do is completing that sword of yours" He said, "You can find your way out by yourself by the way."

I exited the forge and made my way back to the Inn.

"Hey, Jen" I greeted the Innkeeper as I entered the building.

"Hey, John!" She smiled and asked curiously, "Did you sign up as an adventure?"

"No, I became an apprentice blacksmith," I replied.

"Blacksmith?" She cutely tilted her head, "To who?"

"A blacksmith named Armon Drah," I said and laughed, " And his pretty weird to be honest, but he's nice."

"What?" Jen exclaimed surprised, "Armon Drah!?"

"Yeah" I scratched my head, "Is he famous or something?"

"Well duh, he's a legend in here in the capital," Jen revealed, "By the way, do want some dinner? I'm free now so I can tell you some rumors about him."

Before I was able to reply myself, my stomach rumbled.

"I'll get you some right away" Jen laughed as she went into the kitchen. She came back with some pork and potatoes. We chatted for a bit. She told med that Armon was a blacksmith for the king. He was a Master in his profession, well known in the whole kingdom. The blacksmith had a dispute with the king some years ago - something we have in common I guess. He then opened his own forge, living in solitude.

After the dinner, I thanked Jen and went up to my room. "Wonder what awaits me tomorrow," I thought. I was happy. My first reaction about being summoned here was anger, but now I had a different opinion. This world was a new chance for me. A new life...