Nigel continued, his voice deep and steady. "Thousand Refinement is also known as half-step Spirit Refinement. At this level, a blacksmith can already breathe life and intent into metal. 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 metal is considered only one step away from becoming a Spirit Blacksmith."

Kaelan nodded. "We examined the metals you submitted for your recent tasks. Most were second-grade. That means you've already met 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 metals 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 metal 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 meant harder commissions. Harder commissions meant much more money.

And Spirit Refinement…

That was a whole different level.

"I knew it," a soft, teasing voice chimed 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 Refinement."

Ray stiffened. "Wait… Spirit Refinement costs money?"

Nigel looked at him steadily.

"Of course it does."

Nigel nodded slowly. "The rarer a metal is, the easier it becomes to Spirit Refine. But when that time comes, you'll need to purchase the metal yourself. If Spirit Refinement fails, the metal becomes worthless. It can't even be handed in as a task because its value plummets. The association will provide you with some 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 me 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 Refinement?

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 metals consecutively and submit them. If even one of them reaches second grade, we'll end the test immediately 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 Refinement costs faded quickly in the face of a concrete achievement right in front of him.

Besides, Spirit Refinement required at least three soul rings. By the time he reached that stage, he'd surely have a solution.

Nigel continued, "Second, since your growth has exceeded my expectations, it's time to broaden your horizons. In the near future, the five great eastern coastal cities will host the Skysea Alliance Tournament, a grand event held once every three years."

Ray straightened unconsciously.

"There are competitions for everything," Nigel said. "Soul Masters, Mecha Masters, Battle Armor Masters, blacksmiths, mecha designers, mechanics. 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 mean 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 metals."

Ray's breath caught.

Ten chunks.

Each chunk was roughly a third of a meter per side.

That alone would save him an enormous amount of money when the time came to attempt Spirit Refinement.

"I'll do it," Ray said without hesitation. "I'll listen to you."

Nigel nodded in satisfaction. "The Skysea Alliance Tournament 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 Refinement. The minimum requirement this year is mid-grade Hundred Refined metal. Only after that will they assess you further."

The Grand Banquet of the Sea and Sky.

Ray etched the name 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 metals for Ray. One of them was unmistakably Blue Coppertite.

Nigel's amazement stemmed 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 metals.

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 Refinement within three years.

But soul power couldn't be rushed.

The more Ray's talent revealed itself, the more cautious Nigel became. 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 something 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 Hammers effect immediately activated.

His ear twitched slightly. A violet sheen flickered across his eyes.

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