It was about time I took the crafting aspect of my [Material Forge] more seriously. The potential items I could make was always there, but I had been slacking on it in favor of a more versatile fighting style.

  I pulled out my [Silver-Tipped Copper Falchion Sword] and admired it a bit as I thought back on the blacksmith back in Greyston. It might be a good idea to check up on him and see if I could learn some tips on smithing that I could utilize with my skill.

  With that in mind I got into my adventurer outfit while I saw everyone off into their preparations. Zeph is out there with the three stooges to gather information of the neighboring kingdoms; Damian is getting some last-minute training session and even Mordred is helping with some gathering of materials with V’s help in searching the area for what we would need. That just left Paimoth.

  Since we never got to finishing with him integrating into his butler role, he insisted in joining me in my adventurer runs. I didn’t think it would be a good idea, with it being a bit suspicious to have the only Daemon registered in Greyston not long after introducing my new butler to everyone and nearly getting everyone panicked.

  “You do not have to worry about that Master Vladimir” The Shadow Moth insisted.

  Paimoth stepped back as he extended his moth wings wide before having it wrapped around his misty body and head which surprisingly gave off the appearance of enveloping cloak and the dark smoke of his body would give the impression of his face being obscured underneath. I only now realized that the back of his wings had a beautiful pattern to it that was practically mesmerizing.

  Hmm can’t say it beats my disguise, but it should get the job done, plus it does look cool too! And I can’t deny how awesome of a pairing we would make to the guild! ~

  I made up my mind as I practically dragged Paimoth by the arm to the Adventurer’s guild and get him registered. I was glad that the process was a lot easier than when I did it, no one batted an eye to him which meant that his disguise was a success! Though as he was getting the paperwork done, I only then realized that we’ve forgotten to think of a name for him to go by as an adventurer.

  Upon my worry Paimoth simply chuckled as he already wrote something down. I took a glance to see that he decided to go by Zig, an interesting choice. I would have loved to ask him where he thought of such a name but for some reason felt like he was a bit uncomfortable with bringing it up.

  “Since we are in disguise, I guess I would have to refer you as Sir Dimir then?” he asked as we left the guild building.

  I nodded, always liking any form of respect even if I am in disguise.

  Once we had everything set up, we finally went to the blacksmith shop. The place seemed a bit busier than last time I visited. Though I see that the blacksmith was still hard at work in forging a new weapon. I decided we waited until he was done, understanding how important it is not to interrupt the process.

  Luckily it didn’t take too long before he stopped and noticed us.

  “Ah, I see you’re back kid. And with a new friend too.” He put his tools down as he came to the front desk. “So, came here for a new sword kid? Or do you want me to inspect on the one I made for you?”

  “Actually, I thought I’d come here to ask you something.”

  I went straight on telling him about wanting to learn a bit of smithing to see if there were any tricks I could incorporate into [Material Forge]. He listened intently to my suggestion while making sure not to show any noticeable expression. And all the while Paimoth, I mean Zig, was standing nearby waiting patiently.

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  When I finished my explanation, the blacksmith stood back a moment. Rubbing his chin as he contemplated on my proposal.

  “.... That’s going to be a no.” He flatly said.

  “Wait...what?” That was not what I expected to happen.

  Paimoth, who waited quietly on the side started to walk up. The shadowy mist was starting to sneak out. I raised a hand to stop him in place before he started to cause a ruckus.

  “... Exactly why can’t you teach me?” I asked, curious on the short but muscled man’s reasoning.

  He looked at me, eyeing me up as if to assess me before sitting back down to continue on his next work. “Quite simply, you don’t seem like you are committed to learning. At least not on the level that would be required to properly learn the trade.”

  I tried to counter him. “Bu-”

  But he interrupted me. “I’ve seen your work. All that you have accomplished. But you’ve spread yourself too thin. I can’t in good conscious teach someone with too much on their plate.”

  I was ready to say something else but stopped myself. I couldn’t actually deny his claims after all. Between managing both Greyston and Mivtic, keeping my followers in line, my sword training, and my adventuring work I had to look at it more realistically. I barely have the time to add more into my schedule. Damn...

  Once the conversation had come to its conclusion, the blacksmith went back to work. I was ready for us to leave the shop until he said something aloud.

  “Course, I won’t stop anyone who wants to watch while I work.”

  Was he trying to imply something? With the way he said it, maybe I could learn what I need to if I just observe his work. Considering I had some free time now I figured why not and decided to stay for now to see how the man’s process as I took a chair and observed.

  My shadow butler in the meantime stayed on the sidelines in case I needed him for anything.

  Time went by as I continued to observe the blacksmith’s work as he acted like I wasn’t there. He only stopped after several customers came by to make their purchases. I was even surprised that at one point one of my fellow kobolds came by and helped out the man. He was surprised to see me at the corner, but I waved him off. He seemed to understand as he did his own training. Unlike me he was more committed to learning the craft in all its detail and was hard at work in crafting his own weapon.

  Glad to see my minions were learning to branch out to other skills. After all, the more diverse my followers are, the more tools I have at my disposal. ~

  Deciding that just simply observing wasn’t enough for me, I took out some [Iron] out of my [Dimensional Box] in my hands and reforge it into an [Iron Bar]. I noticed that the blacksmith had started on [Iron] himself as he had the handle ready to the side as three individual parts of the hilt, pommel, and guard. I tried to imitate the same by using some [Wood] I had brought with me and some more [Iron].

  Next came the blade. As I watched him pound away at the metal, I noticed that he had bended the [Iron] while it was still scorching before pounding on it again. I wondered why he would need to do such a thing before I remembered reading on such a process.

  Right, it was a folding technique that was explained in one document I read as a way to make certain swords sharper. I believe it did this by removing more of the impurities in the metal. Maybe I could do the same with [Material Forge]. I took the bar in my hand and concentrated, already feeling my Mana draining fast with the complicated work. I still managed to remove some of what I can assume as the impurities though I wasn’t quite sure.

  As he started to shape the blade, I saw that he had the end part stick out some metal as well having a funnel going through the middle of the blade. The hollow out section must help with reducing the weight of the blade and the end part must be where the handle would wrap around. Normally with my skill it was a simple matter of fusing the materials together but maybe there’s something to such a process.

  Using what I learned I began to forge an [Iron Dagger] using the materials I had on hand. I took a moment to swing and grip the dagger in my claw and I quickly could tell a difference. It felt easier to swing around and I tested the sharpness one a spare [Wood] and found it cut a lot smoother too.

  With this revelation I got up and called out Paimoth, or Zig as he’s calling himself. “Let’s go Zig, I learned what I needed here.”

  The cloaked Daemon bowed as I said bye to the blacksmith who paid me no mind. With this new information, I was practically giddy with all the experimentations I would be doing with [Material Forge]. Soon enough, I’ll be fitting my soldiers with stronger gear. ~

  “Alright next up, food supplies. ~”

  It was time I paid a visit to the Gnolls and see how their new farming careers are doing. ~