A blacksmithing book? I haven't come across one of those in ages. This tome is a rare find, offering a much more convenient alternative to grinding through those challenging in-game quests provided by various master NPCs for an EX Job awakening. In fact, it's like a shortcut to success! What's even more surprising is that it's not a drop from some intimidating boss or monster; it was just sitting innocently on Almira's table.
However, I'm not the type to resort to thievery, even in a virtual world, and despite Almira being an NPC, taking the book without her permission is still considered stealing. I wouldn't want to sour our relationship by lowering her favorability.
Although this item may seem like a consumable, I'm not exactly ravenous to stuff it into my inventory. After all, being greedy seldom leads to any significant benefits.
I nonchalantly pushed the book aside, letting it rest on the table, uninterested in taking it. My eyes scanned the store in search of suitable equipment, but most items boasted price tags that put them beyond my budget, leading me to abandon any thoughts of a purchase.
Before long, the familiar figures of Lina and Almira reemerged from the dressing room. Lina had donned her upgraded Battle Maid Armor, which, although still the same model as before, seemed noticeably more substantial. The silver hue of her previous Battle Maid Armor had been replaced with a resplendent Gold Plate adorned with intricate crimson engravings along the sides. It was evident that Almira's craftsmanship excelled in both detail and quality, leaving me thoroughly content with the outcome.
Lina turned to me, her expression carrying a hint of shyness.
"Does it really suit me? I can't help but feel like this outfit isn't all that great," she sighed.
I shook my head, offering reassurance, "No, you're mistaken. It looks beautiful on you, and the added bulkiness gives you an aura of strength and danger. It suits you perfectly."
Lina's eyes sparkled with appreciation as she responded, "You're absolutely right, Master! With this new armor, I'll be better equipped to defend against monster attacks. I can withstand even more blows now!"
"I had initially wanted to provide her with a weapon, but it wasn't part of our agreement, so I decided to let it go. If you decide you'd like to equip her with a weapon, you can purchase one from me for 10,000 gold. I'll even offer you a slight discount, making it 9,999 gold. However, it seems that your budget doesn't quite stretch that far at the moment," Almira nonchalantly remarked.
My lips curled into a wry smile as I heard about the discount. A discount, huh? But just one gold? Even though you used to be my Master, trying to deceive us with such a meager 'discount' doesn't sit well with me.
I pondered for a moment. I suppose buying it outright for just a single gold more would be ideal, but the reality is harsh. Our budget is stretched thin, and even if I were to part with all my equipment except the trusty Versatile Weapon, it still wouldn't be enough to afford Almira's whip. It feels like a world away.
"I need some time to consider it," I replied, contemplating her offer for a moment. Lina's response was swift.
"Master!? Why did you make such a promise? It's not within our means, and the price is exorbitant! We could purchase a variety of provisions, clothing, and potions, as well as spare equipment. A new weapon is unnecessary," Lina protested.
"Why not? This monster-dropped weapon is of superior quality compared to what Almira currently crafts," I argued, likening it to Almira's work.
Lina attempted to counter my argument, but her words eluded her.
"Enough, you two. Cease your bickering. I must get to work now that I have the [Melting Coal] in my possession," Almira interjected, ushering us aside.
"Umm, may I ask you something?" I hesitantly inquired of Almira.
"Hmmm? Alright, make it quick if you want your armor to be ready on time," Almira regarded me with her characteristic seriousness.
I pointed towards the book about Blacksmithing on her table. "I noticed that book on Blacksmithing, and it piqued my interest. I'd really like to learn how to wield that forging hammer on the hot iron from the forge."
Almira's eyebrow arched inquisitively. "And your point is?"
With determination, I hurriedly voiced my request. "I'd like to become your apprentice."
Almira promptly dismissed my proposal. "I must refuse..."
Desperation in my voice, I implored, "But..."
"I'm swamped with work, and training an apprentice can be quite the hassle. But since fate brought you to my doorstep, you might as well take this book. I never really had a use for it anyway, and it's better in the hands of someone who truly desires it. If you're determined to become a blacksmith, go ahead and study from it; most of the secrets of my craft are already at my fingertips."
With a dismissive wave, Almira retreated into her bustling forging room, leaving me dumbfounded. Did Almira, the master blacksmith, just hand me the key to unlocking the elusive Blacksmith Ex Job?
Blacksmithing is one of the Extraordinary Jobs I unlocked in my previous timeline, and I've honed my skills in it. Now, as a versatile player, I'm certain that embracing the path of a blacksmith will prove invaluable in crafting the unique armor only accessible to Versatile players. With this in mind, declining the reward was out of the question. Since she had granted me permission to access the book, I had no reason to be ungracious and turn down her offer. Accepting the book, I eagerly flipped it open. Upon doing so, the foundational principles of the Blacksmithing Extraordinary Job rushed into my mind, a familiar process I welcomed without fear. Even though I knew what was to come, the thrill of mastering this Extraordinary Job still filled me with anticipation. Then, right on cue, the message I'd been waiting for appeared in my interface.
[Congratulations! Blacksmithing has been unlocked. You can now forge weapons limited only by your imagination and create basic equipment. Continue your journey of crafting and exploring to ascend to the pinnacle of this world.]
I stopped myself from celebrating. Sure enough, I have this in my grasp. Once I get everything back on track, I don't even need to buy equipment from any shop anymore and I can just provide one for myself as long as I have materials. Perhaps I can even sell some of them in the market myself and be famous because of it. I am confident in my craft after all. Haha! This totally rocks!