For Caelan, the matter was simple. As long as he didn’t have to spend his own money, everything else was trivial.
As for getting the Ironclad Legion to increase Shirley’s salary... well, it wasn’t his money, so why not give her a raise? That was a win-win.
"All right, the rest I’ll handle myself. You can go back for now!"
Caelan said this to Shirley before stepping into the training room.
He couldn’t help but admire his surrogate father. Truly, the man had been incredible—and extravagantly over-the-top!
Even a casual glance at the floor tiles of this training room revealed a remarkable detail: each tile was inscribed with miniature protective magic circles.
What did this an?
It ant that this training room was imbued with an extraordinary level of magical protection—power beyond ordinary comprehension.
Clearly, the location he had chosen for today’s endeavor was perfectly suitable.
Standing in the center of the room, Caelan retrieved the [Dwarven Blacksmith’s Token (legendary-grade)] from his storage space.
The [Umbra Club Invitation] would have to wait; it could only be used after he reached a five-star level.
He focused his attention entirely on the token in his hands.
Everything was ready. The summoning could begin.
Caelan had been anticipating this forging for a long ti.
The primary goal was to make his longsword stronger, far stronger than it had been.
But exactly how to enhance it... he didn’t yet have a precise idea.
Forget that—let’s summon the dwarven blacksmith first. I’ll get his advice directly.
With that decision made, Caelan tore open the summoning token.
Imdiately, before his eyes, a highly intricate summoning circle appeared.
The circle was frad by the most common configuration—a six-pointed star. Surrounding it, countless tiny, intricate runes swirled in a pattern so dense that they almost seed like a living script.
Of the runes, Caelan could proudly admit: he did not recognize a single one.
A few breaths passed, and the circle began to radiate a strong, golden glow.
Each pulse of light gradually coalesced into a tangible form. After seven or eight pulses, the outline of a figure beca clear—a dwarf.
Monts later, the light faded, revealing a small but robust figure standing before him.
[Na: Ironhand]
[Level: 899]
[Race: Dwarf]
[Class: Legendary-Grade Master Blacksmith]
[Attributes: ...]
[Skill: Master Smithing]
[Description: Ironhand is one of the most powerful blacksmiths in all dwarven history, possessing unprecedented talent.]
Ironhand’s introduction was deceptively simple.
Yet Caelan could read between the lines: this was a master of extraordinary skill, a dwarf capable of crafting weapons beyond imagination.
The dwarves were naturally skilled smiths, but Ironhand was exceptional—he had ascended above all others. His talent alone spoke volus about his strength and capability.
At that mont, Caelan realized the value of the [Dwarven Blacksmith’s Token (legendary-grade)]. It far surpassed even the [Umbra Club Invitation] in terms of potential.
Then, the bearded Ironhand looked directly at Caelan and spoke with a commanding voice:
"Human, speak your request. What kind of equipnt do you wish to forge? Provide with the proper materials, and I shall fulfill any of your demands—reasonable or not!"
Caelan was montarily stunned.
He had not expected such boldness from a dwarf blacksmith of legendary renown.
But perhaps this was the nature of those with imnse power: confidence bordering on arrogance.
Shrugging off Ironhand’s attitude, Caelan addressed the task directly:
"Master Ironhand, I need you to craft this longsword. Do you have any suggestions to improve it?"
With that, he placed his longsword in front of the dwarf.
Ironhand blinked, slightly surprised, but imdiately picked up the sword and began examining it carefully.
Caelan’s decision to actively seek Ironhand’s advice was deliberate. This dwarf master had likely worked on countless powerful weapons; his insight would be invaluable.
Even if Caelan didn’t adopt Ironhand’s suggestions fully, the ideas themselves could inspire new improvents.
However, Caelan did not anticipate what ca next. After studying the sword, Ironhand set it aside.
"I am sorry," he said simply. "I am but a blacksmith. I forge the equipnt you request, but I do not design it. Therefore, I have no opinions."
His stance was unequivocal.
Caelan frowned, contemplating for a brief mont. He then retrieved a piece of Mana Ore from his storage space.
The mont it appeared, he noticed Ironhand’s gaze involuntarily fixating on the glowing stone.
A small smile ford in Caelan’s mind. As described in the old texts, dwarves had an irresistible greed for Mana Ore. If that held true, his plan would be straightforward.
"Master Ironhand," Caelan said, "if your design satisfies , this piece of Mana Ore is yours."
Ironhand blinked, then regained his composure and diverted his gaze.
Though dwarves coveted Mana Ore, the market price had stabilized over the years. He could desire the stone, but he would not compromise his principles as a master blacksmith.
"No need. I have my own principles," Ironhand said firmly.
Wait—this master blacksmith can resist the temptation of Mana Ore?
A strange expression crossed Caelan’s face.
Quickly, he flipped the Mana Ore stone in his hand, letting it glimr before Ironhand.
"Master Ironhand, behold. This is not an ordinary Mana Ore stone. This is a core of Mana Ore. Its value need hardly be explained, I’m sure."
Ironhand’s eyes widened slightly, and a flash of greed appeared despite his efforts to maintain composure.
A Mana Ore core... in the hands of a human!
Damn... his carefully crafted rules—would they be broken once again? He felt a deep reluctance, a fierce unwillingness to bend.
Seeing Ironhand waver slightly, Caelan concealed the Mana Ore core.
"It seems Master Ironhand truly adheres to his principles," he muttered to himself.
"Very well, then this Mana Ore core..."
Just then, Ironhand stepped forward and grabbed Caelan’s wrist.
"Wait. I have a modification plan. Would you like to hear it?"
Caelan’s face displayed a look of surprise.
Wait... Master Ironhand, hadn’t you said just a mont ago that you had principles you would never compromise?
And yet, a single Mana Ore core was enough to shake you?
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