Krige was the president of the "Best Weapons Shop" association. Unlike other associations that hired someone to be the Receptionist, he served as the Receptionist himself.
As for why this was the case, it was because his association was purely a name; in reality, it operated as an agency.
His association members were all Weapon Artisans who had passed special tests, possessing skilled techniques and the ability to craft products based on customer descriptions.
Thanks to his meticulous management, the entire association became the largest Weapon Artisan association in Apprentice City three years ago, and it also sold the most high-quality weapons.
When Furan looked around outside and then walked in, Krige spoke as if reciting a template:
"Hello, you can take a look at the weapons on the wall. If you want to try one, let me know and I'll take it down... If you want a custom-made weapon, come to me to register."
Although he had hung many signs in the shop saying these things, not all customers read the notices, so he had to remind every customer who entered.
"I'm not here to buy anything; I'm here to join the association and take on work."
"You?"
Krige was a bit surprised. It wasn't that women hadn't joined the association for commissions before, but they almost all looked like men—broad-shouldered and thick-waisted. But Furan... He looked at Furan's thin body, those fair and slender arms, and the robe that looked incredibly oversized on her. She looked like a sixteen-year-old girl; no matter how he looked at her, she didn't seem like a Weapon Artisan... "With your build, how could you possibly forge weapons?! Fine, do you have a recommendation letter?"
Unlike Hall, who had taken money before, he was blunt and spoke his mind directly.
Although he didn't quite believe Furan was a Weapon Artisan, he still asked if she had a recommendation letter.
He had made up his mind: if she didn't have a recommendation letter, he would kick her out immediately. He ran a weapons shop to make money, not to entertain little girls.
"I do. This is a recommendation letter from Hall, the president of 'Second Weaponsmith,' telling me to come here for commissions."
"Oh, it's that Hall who specializes in enchanting! No wonder you're so thin and weak..."
He glanced at Furan again and cut himself off. No wonder my foot!
No matter how thin, one should at least be a bit sturdier than a normal person. Looking like this, it was hard not to doubt her skill level.
However, since she had a recommendation letter, he naturally had to follow the procedure. He shouted:
"Bauer, come down for a moment. Someone needs an Assessment."
Just as he finished speaking, a voice came back.
"Coming."
After receiving the reply, he closed the door and said:
"Since you have a recommendation letter, you should know that the Assessment here is very strict. If you don't pass, I can't let you take on commissions here."
"I know."
Seeing Furan's confident look, Krige didn't say anything more and led her to a room in the back.
Bauer was already waiting inside. He tidied up the tools on the table and turned around to speak:
"Very well, what do you want to be assessed for... Where is the person?"
Bauer turned his head but didn't see anyone, so he spoke up in confusion.
"I'm here."
Furan stepped out from behind Krige, met by Bauer's stunned expression. He scratched his head.
"You..."
Krige leaned close to Bauer and said:
"It seems she's here for enchanting commissions. She's a bit thin, but she has a recommendation letter from the Enchanter association."
Bauer had the same doubt Krige had earlier: could someone so small really forge weapons?
But Krige's words were reasonable. Since she had a recommendation letter, they had to test her.
If her skill level was poor, they would reject her, which would also be justified. Otherwise, she might go out and spread rumors that they kicked people out without even an Assessment, implying that taking commissions was based on nepotism.
Reputation is very important for business, so Bauer decided to test her first.
He asked:
"What kind of commissions do you plan to take? We only test for the specific type of commission you want to accept."
This was to save time. After all, everyone's time was precious; the time spent testing those Artisans could be enough for them to finish a job.
So they only tested the content of the commission. If you wanted to take other commissions later, you could just come back and test again.
"magic ring."
This was the commission Furan wanted to take. Helping others enchant swords wasn't as good as completing her potion orders. The price of potions was really high now; she could make money just by making a few. Why do the thankless work of enchanting?
And her reason for wanting to do this was naturally to steal others' Spells. While helping others, it would be normal to accidentally break a couple as "wastage," wouldn't it?
Then she could use the wasted magic rings to practice the Spells. Once they appeared on her panel, she would know those Spells.
Bauer's expression changed. He pondered for a while before saying:
"This... it's very difficult for us to take such orders, and it's also hard to verify your craft..."
magic rings could be said to be the most high-end items among all equipment. When you wear a magic ring, you can immediately release another Spell after casting one yourself.
Furthermore, you could wear ten on your hands, acting as an equipped warrior.
If it weren't for the fact that even releasing a Spell from a ring requires consuming a portion of Spiritual Power, everyone on the continent would probably have five or six rings, and they'd blast a Spell at each other as soon as they met.
This kind of business was still a bit "too high-end" for their association, which was known for selling high-end equipment. They hadn't done such business yet.
A common magic ring, without special attributes like instant-casting or synergistic casting enhancement, could easily sell for ten gold coins.
The most expensive weapon they had ever sold was a longsword made from the bone of a drake, and it only sold for nineteen gold coins.
Orders that could sell for ten gold coins were few and far between here. This kind of business was just too high-end.
Generally, only famous masters and their apprentices would publicly accept orders for magic rings. A small association like theirs couldn't even get involved.
"I can pay for all the materials for the test. Can you let me try?"
Furan also knew that the material cost for making a magic ring just once would probably be one gold coin. If she didn't bear the cost of the materials, the other party would definitely not let her try.
Krige leaned close to Bauer and whispered a few words in his ear. Bauer's expression changed.
"We can let you try, but let's be clear: we have never operated this magic ring business. We reserve the right to notify you three days in advance to stop the commissions."
"Fine."
Furan accepted indifferently. To her, helping others make magic rings wasn't important; what mattered was freeloading their Spells. Even if she really took commissions, she would lower the price to a point where she barely broke even.
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