During Argent's research into metallurgy, he came across a slight problem. While he had ten ingots of refined iron; Argent wanted his end product to be steel. He possessed something similar to the intermediate product used in the process of steel production, pig iron.
To continue the process with the workshops he had on hand, Argent would need to use a bit of alchemy. This was a new and fantastical process for Argent to learn, thus it had caught his attention. Alchemy, with its roots in equivalent exchange, is comparable to material science. Although its focus is on the use of alchemical arrays.
Argent's beginner alchemy lab only had a basic array for combining and separating elements. As luck would have it, this was what he needed to produce steel. The most basic type of steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, known as carbon steel. This steel comprises less than one percent carbon, while the rest is iron.
'Should be about ready…' Argent thought as he looked into his forge. Within he saw a red hot container full of molten iron. Coal fueled the forge, although it took a significant amount of time to reach a high enough temperature to melt the iron.
Without coal Argent would have needed to leave his sub-space to the world Relnia to find some, as it was coal that he would refine to gain raw carbon and be used to fuel his forge. After a brief discussion, the system had provided a starting supply for him to use.
Argent retrieved the container of molten iron with a pair of tongs and poured it into the center of his alchemical array. Afterwards he set the transfer container a safe distance away near the forge. Now all that remained was to add a set amount of refined carbon and activate the array. He had practiced on some of his coal supply earlier to get some hands on experience with the alchemical array, thus he had a better understanding of how the process worked and some pre-made refined carbon ready.
Moving about with a purpose, Argent added the required portion of refined carbon to another slot in the array. Setting a hand onto a trigger rune which would activate the alchemical combination process, he put a slight amount of pressure onto the rune to trigger it.
The array lit up with a brilliant white light as it activated. The refined carbon broke down and rushed into the center where the primary material, molten iron, rested. As the materials merged, Argent watched over several indicator runes. They provided reports on the material within the array.
Once the rune which he set to illuminate upon the carbon percentage reaching an optimal range activated, Argent pressed on a trigger rune and watched as the finished product, molten steel, flowed from the center-point of the array into several molds.
'It reminds me of programming…' Argent thought as sighed in relief, the process had worked as he wanted. Possessing some experience in programming helped him understand how to program the array. He was unsure if he could have accomplished so much so fast without some prior knowledge.
Argent took the semi-hot steel from their molds with his tongs and moved it into his forge, heating it up into a working temperature. Grasping a hammer, Argent worked the steel into form. During the process he would put the steel back into his forge whenever it cooled down too much and heat it to working temperatures before continuing.
His goal was both a utility tool and a weapon. Taking some inspiration from fantasy games and table top, Argent had found designs within the database for a warp-pick. Part war-hammer, part pick, the tool would be his primary weapon and mining tool for now.
Time passed as Argent worked, he did not grow tired or hungry from the physical exertion, regardless, with his work soon to finish he didn't care for pondering these thoughts.
Taking a section of yew wood from his supply, provided by the system. Argent carved a handle and affixed the war-pick head onto it.
It wasn't fancy, nor was it beautiful, but something about it brought immense satisfaction to Argent.
After some minor adjustments, the tool was complete.
[Congratulations on your first finished product!] [War-Pick]
[You earned 10 points for crafting a finished product of grade: Average]
[You earned 100 points for your first successful finished product!]
[As the host has crafted an item of at least average grade, the grace period will now end, your body will now require food and rest. The free materials provided by the system will no longer be available.]