The Way of the Blacksmith

After a few minutes, Kibi, having recovered from the side effects of the [Metal Sense] spell, listened attentively to Master Ferrax. "Now that you have felt the vibrations of the metal, we will begin with practical exercises to refine your sensitivity. You will learn to distinguish between different types of metals and understand their unique properties."

"The first thing you need to know is that you must limit the information you receive from your environment. The reason you started vomiting is that your brain was overloaded with information, most of it being unnecessary. If you don't learn to do this, the day you encounter a metal with a spirit, you will die on the spot."

Kibi nodded, realizing the importance of this step. He needed to learn to filter information and focus only on the relevant aspects of the metal. "How can I control the amount of information I receive? And what is a metal with a spirit?" he asked.

"To control the influx of information your brain receives, you need to work on two essential elements. The first is that the information you received did not only come from the metal in front of you. Without realizing it, you mischanneled your magical power and instead of having a strand of magical power connecting with the metal, you created a kind of dome that took a large part of the floor, ceiling, and surrounding walls. Fortunately, you are still just a rank 1 apprentice, otherwise, the dome would have been even larger and the pain stronger for you.

Secondly, when you connect with a metal, it transfers everything there is to know about it. This is useful when it comes to important elements like its structure or imperfections, but less so when it transfers its entire history from creation to now. To overcome this, the only thing you need to do is practice. There are no shortcuts at your level. Someone like me, for example, can transmit their thoughts to the metal and since it has no spirit of its own, it will only tell me what I want to know. But you are still far from that level, so we will train you using the classic method," explained Ferrax very seriously.

"As for your second question, a metal with a spirit is a metal that, under the baptism of the surrounding magical power, has developed a certain form of spirituality. This ranges from intelligence similar to that of a bacterium to the highest intelligence in the universe. Legend has it that when a metal fully achieves its spirituality, it can take form in the universe. The interest in this type of metal is that when you forge a weapon with a metal with a spirit, it conducts magical energy much better and can even amplify it," he said.

Kibi listened attentively to Master Ferrax's explanations. He realized the magnitude of the task ahead, but he was determined to overcome these challenges. "I understand, Master Ferrax. I will work hard to master these techniques."

"Very well," replied Ferrax. "We will begin with a simple exercise. Focus on this piece of iron and try to concentrate only on its structure. Treat all other information as useless. When you can do that properly, you can try to add other information like its properties."

Kibi took a deep breath and extended his hands towards the piece of iron again. This time, he focused on channeling his magical power, avoiding creating a dome that would encompass his entire environment. Nevertheless, at that moment he understood all the problems one encountered when one had poor control of one's spiritual energy. Indeed, despite his will not to create a dome, the only result he obtained was to create a dome slightly smaller than the first time. This at least had the merit of slightly limiting the amount of information he received.

"Keep going," encouraged Master Ferrax. "Now, try to focus only on the characteristics of the metal's structure. Mentally visualize what you are trying to understand and ignore the rest."

Kibi closed his eyes and concentrated with all his might. Little by little, he felt the vibrations of the metal in his mind as well as a wave of information arriving. He managed to focus on the internal structure, feeling the solidity, atomic bonds, and minor imperfections. The other information he received gradually became blurred and insignificant. Nevertheless, after only ten seconds, he staggered and vomited again. Even though it was obviously a failure, he had lasted almost ten times longer than the first time. In addition, unlike the first time, he still remembered some information about the metal in front of him.

After repeating this five times, he collapsed. His brain as well as his spiritual core had been pushed to the extreme. He couldn't even remember the last time he had been this tired. As he regained a little energy, he heard a mechanical voice in his head.

[New data learned...]

[Name: Dawn Iron]

[Rank: quasi-rank 1]

[Properties: ?]

[Rarity: common]

[Use with other minerals: ?]

[Current knowledge: 5%]

Kibi opened his eyes, astonished by the clarity of the new information resonating in his mind. He slowly got up, feeling slightly better after regaining some energy. He decided to question Master Ferrax about the information they had just seen. "Master, why do I have a summary table of this metal's statistics?"

"You are progressing well, Kibi," said Ferrax, visibly surprised that his student could already see this summary table. Despite having chosen Kibi reluctantly, he began to feel that this young man might have some talent in the art of forging. "This information is proof that you are on the right path. When a professional analyzes a material, they begin to gather certain information about it. These will later appear in a summary table to make them easier for us to read. This table updates itself, whether by analyzing the ore oneself or by learning information from external sources."

"However, if you decide to follow me on the path of a blacksmith, I will never allow you to learn from books. True knowledge is the one we create ourselves. Given the talent you have shown today, do you accept to become my disciple and learn the way of the forge with me?" asked Ferrax in a very serious tone that surprised Kibi. The kind teacher seemed to transform into a tyrant as soon as he suggested becoming his master.

"It seems that accepting a master is a very important thing in the world of mages, otherwise the professor would not have such a reaction," thought Kibi.

Although surprised by the change in Ferrax's tone, Kibi sensed the importance of the offer. He understood that becoming the disciple of a master blacksmith was a rare opportunity, especially with someone as respected as Master Ferrax. However, he could not accept the offer directly without knowing all the details. He decided to question Ferrax about this type of relationship between individuals.

Kibi took a deep breath, then asked, "Master Ferrax, I am honored by your offer, but before accepting, I would like to understand in more detail what it means to be your disciple. What will my duties and responsibilities be? And what kind of commitment does it involve on my part?"

Ferrax nodded, understanding Kibi's concerns. "That is a legitimate question, Kibi. As my disciple, you will commit to a rigorous and intensive training. This means you will have to dedicate a lot of time and effort to the forge and to learning about metals. I will impart my knowledge and techniques to you, but in return, I expect discipline, determination, and unwavering perseverance from you."

He continued, "Being a disciple also means respecting the tradition of the forge and honoring the legacy of the blacksmiths who came before you. You must show humility and be ready to learn from your mistakes. It is a difficult path, but the rewards are immense. You will develop rare and valuable skills, and you will become a master blacksmith capable of creating magical and powerful works of art. But most importantly, the most crucial element is that you must refuse to accept another teacher in the field of forging until I allow it. As for other elements like magic or another secondary profession, as long as it doesn't touch the forge, you can choose another master."

Kibi took a moment to process the information provided by Master Ferrax. He understood that the commitment required was heavy, but the potential rewards were considerable. The prospect of becoming a master blacksmith and creating magical and powerful works of art excited him.

Taking a deep breath, Kibi respectfully bowed before Ferrax. "Master Ferrax, I accept your offer and commit to following the path of the forge under your guidance. I am ready to work hard, to learn, and to respect the traditions of the forge. I also commit not to accept other teachers in this field as long as you do not allow it."

Ferrax smiled, visibly satisfied with Kibi's response. "Very well, Kibi. From now on, you are officially my disciple. You can call me Professor. Prepare for rigorous training, but know that I will be there to guide you every step of the way."