Nigel continued, his voice deep and steady. "Thousand Refinent is also known as half-step Spirit Refinent. At this level, a blacksmith can already breathe life and intent into tal. Second-grade Blue Coppertite increases a battle armor component's amplification to about 110 percent. First grade raises it to 112 percent. Spirit Refined Blue Coppertite reaches 115 percent."
He fixed Ray with a sharp gaze. "That's why anyone capable of producing first-grade tal is considered only one step away from becoming a Spirit Blacksmith."
Kaelan nodded. "We examined the tals you submitted for your recent tasks. Most were second-grade. That ans you've already t the real standard of a fourth-rank blacksmith."
Fourth rank.
Those two words finally sank in.
According to the Blacksmith Association, one had to Thousand Refine and shape two tals consecutively to reach the fourth rank. Yet Nigel was saying Ray had already reached it purely through quality.
"Is this different from the official regulations?" Ray asked carefully.
Nigel sighed. "Those rules are written for the majority. Very few people can consistently produce second-grade tal before reaching fourth rank. Even fewer can maintain a success rate above fifty percent like you. According to the unwritten standards of our world, a blacksmith with just a twenty percent success rate at second grade already qualifies."
He paused, then allowed a faint smile. "So… congratulations."
Ray's eyes lit up.
Fourth rank ant harder commissions. Harder commissions ant much more money.
And Spirit Refinent…
That was a whole different level.
"I knew it," a soft, teasing voice chid in. "This little money-grubber is already calculating his future profits."
"Mn," Ray answered instinctively.
Then froze.
Rachel was standing right beside him, smiling in a way that made his scalp tingle.
Rachel snorted. "Dad, look at him. No dreams, no ideals. Just money."
"Enough," Nigel said coldly. "You've never had to worry about survival. He has. If he didn't need money, do you think he'd be thinking about it at this age?"
He turned to Ray. "There's nothing wrong with wanting money. We're blacksmiths. This is a business. Saving now will only help you later—especially when you start Spirit Refinent."
Ray stiffened. "Wait… Spirit Refinent costs money?"
Nigel looked at him steadily.
"Of course it does."
Nigel nodded slowly. "The rarer a tal is, the easier it becos to Spirit Refine. But when that ti cos, you'll need to purchase the tal yourself. If Spirit Refinent fails, the tal becos worthless. It can't even be handed in as a task because its value plumts. The association will provide you with so materials out of consideration for your talent, but most of the burden will still fall on you. Every blacksmith suffers when they reach this stage."
Kaelan chuckled darkly. "Not just suffers. It took five full years to pay off my debt. Gilbert still hasn't finished paying his. Why do you think he takes on so many commissions?"
Ray swallowed hard.
Master Gilbert… still in debt?
Just how terrifying was Spirit Refinent?
Nigel waved a hand. "Enough about that. We'll cross that bridge when we reach it. I called you here today for two reasons. First, to confirm your fourth-rank blacksmith status. You need to Thousand Refine two tals consecutively and submit them. If even one of them reaches second grade, we'll end the test imdiately and certify you."
"Yes! Thank you, Sir." Ray's eyes lit up.
At the end of the day, he was still just a child. The distant fear of Spirit Refinent costs faded quickly in the face of a concrete achievent right in front of him.
Besides, Spirit Refinent required at least three soul rings. By the ti he reached that stage, he'd surely have a solution.
Nigel continued, "Second, since your growth has exceeded my expectations, it's ti to broaden your horizons. In the near future, the five great eastern coastal cities will host the Skysea Alliance Tournant, a grand event held once every three years."
Ray straightened unconsciously.
"There are competitions for everything," Nigel said. "Soul Masters, cha Masters, Battle Armor Masters, blacksmiths, cha designers, chanics. All professions. Each event is divided by age. Fifteen and under. Fifteen to twenty. Twenty to thirty. Anyone older is excluded."
He looked Ray straight in the eyes. "I intend for you and Rachel to represent the West Ocean Blacksmith's Association in the blacksmith competition for those fifteen and under."
Ray's heart thumped hard. "Sir… does that an I'll be competing against blacksmiths from other cities?"
Nigel nodded. "Exactly. And you'll only have one objective."
He paused deliberately.
"Win."
Kaelan smiled. "He's right. I don't believe there's anyone in that age group more outstanding than you."
Nigel added calmly, "Didn't you say you wanted to earn money? This is the best opportunity. The champion's prize is three million federal coins. On top of that, the association will reward ten chunks of rare tals."
Ray's breath caught.
Ten chunks.
Each chunk was roughly a third of a ter per side.
That alone would save him an enormous amount of money when the ti ca to attempt Spirit Refinent.
"I'll do it," Ray said without hesitation. "I'll listen to you."
Nigel nodded in satisfaction. "The Skysea Alliance Tournant is jointly hosted by the five coastal cities, which is why it's also known as the Grand Banquet of the Sea and Sky. I believe you'll shine there and bring honor to West Ocean City."
"Yes, Teacher."
Rachel puffed out her cheeks. "Dad, I could win even without him."
Nigel shot her a sideways glance. "You think so? Every competitor there will be a genius. With Ray participating, victory is nearly guaranteed. Your job is to work hard and prepare for Thousand Refinent. The minimum requirent this year is mid-grade Hundred Refined tal. Only after that will they assess you further."
The Grand Banquet of the Sea and Sky.
Ray etched the na deep into his heart.
"Alright," Nigel said. "Let's conduct your test now. Rachel, you stay and observe. Learn carefully."
"Mn." For once, Rachel didn't protest. She nodded obediently.
*
Only four people were present in the forging room.
Ray.
Nigel.
Kaelan.
Rachel.
Nigel personally selected two tals for Ray. One of them was unmistakably Blue Coppertite.
Nigel's amazent stemd from two factors.
First, the sheer difficulty of Thousand Refining Blue Coppertite to second grade. Achieving that was harder than forging first-grade products from ordinary tals.
Second, Ray's terrifying growth speed.
The only thing restraining him was soul power.
With just one soul ring, Ray was already at this level. Nigel was confident that if Ray possessed three rings, he would reach Spirit Refinent within three years.
But soul power couldn't be rushed.
The more Ray's talent revealed itself, the more cautious Nigel beca. He refused to feed him heavenly treasures to accelerate cultivation. An unstable foundation would destroy the future of a true genius.
What is considered true strength?
What Ray displayed now was considered real strength.
His forging talent was sothing that even Nigel, a first-rate genius himself, could only admire from afar.
The forging began.
Clang.
Clang.
Clang.
Three crisp sounds rang out as Ray lightly tapped the Blue Coppertite. The Stacked Hamrs effect imdiately activated.
His ear twitched slightly. A violet sheen flickered across his eyes.
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