Then it's decided. Tomorrow I'll go to a blacksmith shop to look for work.
With that firm thought, Ian reviewed all his plans one last time in his mind. After briefly discussing them with Aisha, he decided that resting would be best. He needed a clear mind for the next day.
He headed to one of the nearby inns. The place was moderately full; several travelers were chatting in low voices while others were already retiring to their rooms. Behind the counter, a relaxed-looking receptionist explained the different prices available.
Ian chose the simplest option.
A regular room he said.
Five copper coins per night the receptionist replied.
Ian paid without hesitation. Five copper coins for one night. He was given a wooden key and guided to a small but decent room. There was only a bed, a simple table, and a small but functional bathroom.
Although he was tired, he decided to take a quick bath. The water was cold, but it helped clear his mind. Shortly afterward, he lay down and fell asleep almost immediately.
At dawn, just as the first rays of sunlight began to slip through the window, Aisha woke him.
Time to get up, Ian. Optimal activity detected in the blacksmith district.
Ian slowly sat up and exhaled.
He knew he had a serious problem: he didn't know blacksmithing. The entire real process would depend on Aisha. She could analyze, optimize, and create, but that wasn't something he could openly show. He couldn't allow others to see how it truly worked.
Even so, he decided to observe first.
He walked through several blacksmith shops in the city. He silently observed how the local artisans worked. Everything was rustic, heavy, and manual. They used iron and beast materials: hardened hides, bones, tusks, and especially the horns of horned wolves to make swords, spears, and blades.
The process was slow and unrefined compared to what Aisha could do, but it worked.
Then he saw something that surprised him.
In a larger smithy, an experienced blacksmith took a special object: a demonic core. With careful movements, he integrated it directly into the body of a sword during the forging process.
When he finished, the weapon had changed completely. The blade had a faint glow, its edge seemed more defined, and it emanated a strange sensation.
Aisha, analyze that Ian whispered.
Analysis complete she replied. The weapon's efficiency has increased by more than 50% thanks to the integration of the core.
Ian narrowed his eyes.
So that's how they do it…
After visiting several smithies and observing enough, he tried to ask for work. However, in all of them he received the same response.
Show what you can do.
And that was the problem.
Ian couldn't demonstrate it directly. He couldn't allow anyone to see Aisha working. Without a safe way to show his skill, he didn't get a job at any blacksmith shop.
With no other option, he headed to the market.
There, he rented a small space and put up a simple sign:
"Specialized Blacksmith"
As proof, he placed on the table the sword Aisha had previously improved. His sword.
The blade's glow and its superior appearance stood out even among the weapons in the market.
Ian stood beside his small stall, watching people pass by, waiting.
For almost an hour, several people approached, drawn by the displayed sword. Their gazes lingered on the shine of the edge, the elegant shape, and the strange sensation the weapon emanated. However, they all asked the same question.
Are you selling it?
Ian always gave the same answer.
No.
Some frowned, others left disappointed, and a few lingered to look at the sign before leaving.
Some time passed until finally two young people approached, a man and a woman, clearly siblings. Their bearing and clothing were better than average, indicating they were not ordinary people.
May we take a look at it? one of them asked, pointing at the sword.
Ian nodded.
Both siblings took turns holding the weapon. They balanced it, felt the weight, tried a few basic movements… and their eyes widened.
This… the sister murmured. This isn't a normal sword.
Are you selling it? the brother asked, clearly interested.
Ian shook his head and pointed at the sign.
I'm a specialized blacksmith.
The siblings looked at each other. After a brief silence, the brother spoke again.
My name is Zhao Ming, and she is my sister, Zhao Lian. We are part of the Zhao family. If you're not selling the sword… would you be willing to come with us?
Ian raised an eyebrow.
Where to?
To our residence. Our father is the head of the family. We believe this…
he looked at the sword should be shown to him.
Ian hesitated for only an instant. Aisha spoke in his mind.
Moderate risk probability. High potential benefit.
Ian nodded.
Alright.
The Zhao family residence wasn't a palace, but it was a small mansion spacious and well maintained where several family branches lived together around internal courtyards, in the style of ancient eastern families.
They led him to the main courtyard, where the head of the family was waiting: Zhao Qiang, a middle-aged man with a sharp gaze and an imposing presence.
Father Zhao Ming said. This is the blacksmith we found at the market.
Zhao Qiang calmly looked Ian up and down.
They say you're an exceptional blacksmith he said. In this city, many claim to be.
Ian didn't respond.
Show him the sword Ian said.
Zhao Ming handed it over. The head of the family held it, slightly frowned, and walked toward the training courtyard. There were several wooden training dummies there.
With a single movement, Zhao Qiang delivered a slash.
Swish.
The dummy was cleanly cut, as if it offered no resistance at all.
Zhao Qiang's eyes widened slightly.
Then he made a gesture. A guard stepped forward with a common sword. Zhao Qiang crossed both weapons… and with a single strike, the guard's sword split in two, as if it were butter.
Absolute silence.
Zhao Qiang looked at the sword in his hand with a completely different expression.
Impressive.
He turned toward Ian.
I want to invite you to become a guest elder of our Zhao family.
Ian thought about it for a second, then shook his head.
I only accept jobs.
For a moment, Zhao Qiang was surprised. Then, instead of getting angry, he smiled faintly.
Interesting.
He made a gesture, and a servant brought a box.
Our family possesses a treasure he continued. Two rare materials… and a level 3 demonic core.
He opened the box. Inside was a dark, heavy core that emanated an intense energy.
It comes from a demonic beast: an Armored Rhinoceros he explained. We want you to forge a sword like the one you brought… or better.
Ian looked at the core. Aisha spoke immediately.
High-quality material. Excellent compatibility.
Ian raised his gaze.
I accept he said. But we need to agree on the price.
Zhao Qiang let out a brief laugh.
Don't worry about the money. If the sword meets our expectations… I'll give you fifty silver coins.
Ian nodded without hesitation.
Deal.