blacksmith of a Thousand tales

Chapter 59: Forging the Path Forward

The academy's classroom buzzed with activity as the teacher, Professor Eldrin, wrapped up his lesson on advanced magical theory. Reyn, as usual, finished his notes without breaking a sweat. Around him, however, his classmates whispered frantically and exchanged confused glances.

"Alright, class dismissed," Professor Eldrin said, sighing as he observed the students' bewildered expressions.

After the lesson, Reyn stayed back, approaching the teacher's desk with a determined look.

"Professor, I've been thinking," Reyn began. "I'd like to request permission to take the advanced test next year."

Eldrin raised an eyebrow, surprised. "The advanced test? That's not something students often consider lightly. It's designed to be grueling—few have ever passed."

"I understand," Reyn replied. "I'm confident I can prepare for it, and I believe it's the next step I need to take."

Eldrin studied Reyn for a moment before nodding. "If you're serious, I'll approve the request. But know this: you'll need to demonstrate both exceptional knowledge and practical skill to succeed. It's a path that will demand a lot of you."

"That's exactly why I want to take it," Reyn said, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Eldrin returned the smile. "Very well. You have a year to prepare. Make the most of it."

Later that afternoon, Reyn met up with Alistor in the academy's courtyard. Alistor was resting under a tree, reviewing notes for an upcoming exam, when Reyn approached with a thick book in hand.

"Alistor," Reyn called, handing him the book.

"What's this?" Alistor asked, looking at the worn leather cover.

"A collection of designs I've been working on," Reyn explained. "They're enchanted tools—things like heaters, shovels, and sprinklers. They're meant to help with farming and other daily tasks. Simple concepts, but they could make life a lot easier for people."

Alistor opened the book, his eyes lighting up as he skimmed the diagrams.

"This one," Reyn pointed to a page, "is an enchanted water purifier. It uses runes to cleanse impurities and can be adjusted for different levels of filtration. Great for villages without clean water sources."

"Here's a tool that combines a rake and a tiller," Reyn continued, flipping to another page. "It has an enchantment to loosen soil effortlessly, saving time and energy for farmers."

Alistor's eyes widened as he turned another page. "A lantern with a perpetual light spell that adjusts brightness based on ambient light? This would be amazing for miners and travelers!"

"And here," Reyn added, tapping a diagram, "is a multi-use stove. It's enchanted to control temperature precisely, making cooking more efficient. I also included a small version for travelers."

Alistor grinned as he spotted another design. "An enchanted plow that moves on its own? Reyn, this is brilliant!"

Reyn smiled. "There's also a magical storage box that reduces weight and organizes items automatically, a seed planter with a growth acceleration enchantment, and a weather-resistant tent with temperature control. I wanted to cover a wide range of needs."

Alistor looked up, a mix of gratitude and concern on his face. "Why are you giving me these now? Are you planning something?"

Reyn sighed. "I'll be busy over the next year, preparing for the advanced test and forging some projects I've been putting off. After that…" He hesitated before continuing, "I'm planning to leave Greyhold and explore the world."

Alistor was silent for a moment before he smiled, though his eyes betrayed a hint of sadness. "You've always been ambitious, Reyn. I'll miss you, but I get it. Just promise me you'll write and visit whenever you can."

"I will," Reyn assured him. "And thank you, Alistor, for being such a great friend. I couldn't have gotten this far without you."

That evening, Reyn was at his secret forging base, the rhythmic clang of hammer on metal echoing in the warm glow of the forge. He was in the middle of shaping a new blade when a loud thud interrupted his work.

Startled, Reyn turned to see Kael dragging the massive corpse of a beast into the room. His clothes were torn, and his right arm hung limply at his side, clearly broken.

"Kael!" Reyn exclaimed, rushing over. "What happened?"

Kael grinned despite his injuries, panting from the effort. "What does it look like? I bagged something special for you."

Reyn's eyes widened as he recognized the creature—a Shadow Fang Alpha. It was known for its nearly impenetrable hide and natural camouflage, one of the most challenging beasts to hunt from the list Kael had shared weeks ago.

"You fought this thing?" Reyn asked, astonished.

"Yeah," Kael replied, grimacing. "And let me tell you, it was no walk in the park. Its camouflage made it a nightmare to track, and its defenses were a pain to break through. The only way I could beat it was by using the Grand Fist's Second Form that didnt break the shell but sent a huge shockwave through its body destoyin the inside organs."

Reyn blinked. "The Second Form? Isn't that the one that gives you extra power and flight but also strains your body?"

"Exactly," Kael said with a pained laugh. "It gave me the strength and mobility I needed to break through its hide, but the weight of the technique put too much strain on my arm. It broke mid-fight."

"You're insane," Reyn muttered, though his voice held a note of admiration. "But this… this beast is incredible. Its hide alone could make some of the best armor I've ever crafted."

Kael smirked, settling into a chair as Reyn fetched supplies to treat his injuries. "I knew you'd say that. Figured it'd be worth the trouble if it meant you could make something amazing."

Reyn shook his head, half exasperated, half grateful. "You're lucky you didn't get yourself killed, Kael. But… thank you. I'll make sure this doesn't go to waste."

As Reyn tended to Kael's wounds, he couldn't help but marvel at the creature's potential. The Shadow Fang Alpha's materials would yield extraordinary weapons and armor, and he was already envisioning the possibilities.