The night had settled over the Serenwyn, casting a soft glow from the lanterns that lined the streets. The lively buzz of students and merchants outside the academy added to the usual evening atmosphere. Ronan glanced at the two teachers beside him and then turned to Mr. Gideon with a polite but eager tone.
"Sir, would you like to come with me to the Iron Ember Forge? I have some business there."
Before Mr. Gideon could respond, a playful voice cut in.
"Hey! Brat!" Mr. Alden exclaimed with a mock scowl, crossing his arms. "So you meet the old teacher and forget about your current teacher, huh? Is that how it is?"
Ronan chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his head. "Of course not, sir! Then... why don't we all go? I also heard a new meat dish was added to the menu at the Ember Hearth Inn. We can have dinner there afterwards."
Mr. Alden, Mr. Gideon, and Mr. Alaric exchanged amused glances before nodding. "Alright, let's go," they agreed in unison.
Despite Ronan's usual bright demeanour, a part of him still lingered on the distant cries and shouting he had heard earlier. The unease sat at the back of his mind like an itch he couldn't quite scratch. However, he pushed the thoughts aside as they made their way toward the marketplace outside the academy.
The warm glow of the forge's fire greeted them as they stepped into the Iron Ember Forge. The rhythmic clanging of metal echoed through the air, accompanied by the scent of burning coal and molten steel.
Ronan strode forward with familiarity, approaching a receptionist he knew well. "Hey there," he greeted with a friendly nod.
The receptionist returned his greeting with a smile, already expecting his visit. Meanwhile, another employee approached Mr. Alden, Mr. Gideon, and Mr. Alaric. With a respectful bow, the receptionist acknowledged their presence before excusing himself to inform the chief craftsman about their arrival.
A few moments later, an elderly man with a well-groomed moustache and a strong, sturdy build descended the staircase. His presence commanded respect, yet his warm smile softened his rugged appearance. He was Master Ferrod, the chief craftsman of Iron Ember Forge.
His sharp eyes quickly took in the room, noting how Ronan was busy speaking with the receptionist while the three distinguished men stood a little distance away. Ferrod strode up to them with familiarity.
"Ah, Mr. Alden, Mr. Gideon, Mr. Alaric! It's been some time. How have you all been?" he greeted with a firm handshake.
Mr. Alden grinned. "We've been fine, old man. What about you?"
"Still hammering away at metal and breaking my back over impossible requests," Ferrod chuckled. "But I enjoy the challenge."
Mr. Gideon smirked. "You wouldn't be you if you didn't."
"True enough." Ferrod turned to Ronan with a knowing look. "Speaking of challenges, you'll be surprised to see what this brat ordered. Come with me."
Mr. Alden, Mr. Gideon, and Mr. Alaric exchanged curious glances but followed without question.
Ferrod led them into the testing grounds at the back of the forge. It was a spacious, open area designed for customers to test weapons and armour. An employee soon arrived, carrying a gleaming high shield, its polished surface reflecting the ambient glow of the forge.
The moment Ronan laid eyes on the shield, his expression lit up with excitement. His eyes sparkled as he took a step forward, his fingers itching to hold it.
"How about a test?" Ferrod suggested, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Try attacking it with your full physical strength and a magical attack. If it holds, the shield passes."
Ronan's grin widened. "Sounds good to me."
Mr. Alaric hesitated. "Ronan is still injured. Shouldn't you stop him?" he asked, glancing at Mr. Alden and Mr. Gideon.
Both teachers merely folded their arms and watched silently. "Just wait," Mr. Alden said with a knowing look.
Ferrod took up the shield and positioned himself. "Come at me when you're ready."
Ronan exhaled sharply, focusing. "Brace yourself."
In an instant, he activated Shadow Step, his figure vanishing from sight. Before anyone could blink, he reappeared before Ferrod, his left fist cloaked in mana skin. With a forceful punch, he struck the shield head-on. A sharp metallic clang rang through the air, the impact sending a minor shockwave through the ground.
Ferrod's eyes widened slightly. "Not bad..." he muttered, steadying his stance.
Ronan stepped back, shaking off the slight numbness in his hand. "Alright, let's try magic."
Lifting his left hand, he pointed a finger at the shield. Five small fireballs ignited and began circling his palm before merging into a single, condensed sphere of heat. The air around it shimmered from the intensity.
"Bang," Ronan murmured, releasing the spell.
The fireball shot forward at blinding speed. Upon impact, a powerful explosion erupted, sending a gust of wind through the testing grounds. Ferrod slid back slightly, the force rattling the very floor beneath them.
As the dust settled, all eyes fell on the shield—untouched, without even a scratch.
Ronan, oblivious to the sheer force of his own magic, grinned. "That was fun. Thanks for the test!"
Ferrod flexed his hand, which was still trembling from the shockwave, and let out a deep chuckle. "You're a monster in the making, kid."
Ronan beamed at the praise before pulling out something from his storage ring. Several high-level Tide Serpent scales and the bodies of two Luminis Drakes appeared before them. "I have another request."
Ferrod's eyes gleamed with interest. "Oh? What is it this time?"
"I want armour—like that inner armour you showed me before, something I can wear under my clothes. But," Ronan paused, "I need it to have resistance against corruption and soul attacks."
Ferrod stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Corruption resistance? That's doable. But for soul attack resistance, I'd need materials from creatures that either attack the soul or have resistance to it. The easiest to obtain would be from a Soul Siphon Deer, but we're out of stock. You'd have to wait—"
"No need," Ronan interrupted, pulling out two Soul Siphon Deer bodies. "Will these be enough?"
Ferrod's eyebrows shot up before he let out a deep laugh. "More than enough. You really come prepared, don't you?"
Ronan grinned. "Then let's talk about the cost."
Ferrod waved a hand. "Same as before—we'll take the extra materials to cover the cost. If there's anything left over, we'll buy it from you and pay the difference. Also, here's the money from your last materials sale."
Ronan took the pouch of coins and the shield with a satisfied nod. "Perfect. Thanks, Master Ferrod."
As he turned to leave, an employee leaned toward Ferrod. "Why do you treat that kid so politely?"
Ferrod chuckled, eyes filled with amusement. "Because every time he makes a request, even I have to experiment before I can complete it. What can I say? I enjoy a good challenge."
The employee watched as Ferrod laughed heartily, shaking his head in disbelief. Mr. Alden, Mr. Gideon, and Mr. Alaric approached Ferrod. Ferrod, still laughing, said, "What did I tell you? Isn't he an intriguing character?" They smirk at each other. Mr. Alden said, "He learns swordsmanship under me and Gideon."
Ferrod looked at them in wide eyes, "Now this explains where his wisdom is coming from. He has some great teachers." They laugh before leaving the Iron Ember Forge.