After officially obtaining the moose as my contracted pet, I decided the name Zeus fit well. I began pouring the water, from the small pond in the room, onto the moose. I thought about also pouring it on the Cerberus, as I had chosen to name it, but ultimately decided against it after asking Jericho if it increased the value at all.
While divinity could improve the strength of an animal, it wasn't until its later years that these efforts would reap benefits. So rather than helping others pets for free, improving their strength, I decided to keep these benefits for myself.
Now that this was taken care of and Zeus was sleeping, I brought Cerberus out of the room placing it on display at the front of the store. Finally, I was ready to try out the blacksmith.
I walked in and picked up the book titled Introduction to Blacksmithing, and a system notification popped up.
{In order to directly transfer information into your brain, 50 energy will be deducted from your balance. From now on when you pick up a book, you can directly learn the information from the book}
"I don't get a choice?!"
{Host is encouraged to do the best he can to operate the store and all of its facilities. If Host Alaric was allocated the time to comprehend the book, not only would a lot of time be wasted, but you would produce poor products, not capable of being sold in the store}
"Whatever," I figured it would come in handy in the future. Rather than spending so much time trying to figure out the meaning of a book, I could directly download it.
I "downloaded" the book into my brain as I felt the knowledge flood my brain.
I picked up a hammer and using some ores hidden in the corner, I began melting it down and removing the impurities. I began practicing the knowledge I had just been given.
While this was my first time ever experiencing blacksmithing, if an actual blacksmith found out, they might spurt blood in anger. Its not that I was gifted, more I completely understood what needed to be done. If the fire was to hot, I could lower the temperature through the use of mana manipulation. I simply pulled mana away from the flame, lowering the heat.
A misunderstanding I had previously had about blacksmithing, was you had to heat the metal until it melted. When in fact you heated it a bit lower that its melting point avoiding cracks through the color of the steel, while carefully adjusting your temperature as to form the metal into the shape of your choice.
I was sweating all over and after finishing a couple different tools, I began feeling comfortable in the basics.
Now when I say basics, most blacksmiths on earth would consider this advanced at least. But, towards the all mighty system, this was basic. I couldn't imagine learning the advanced level of blacksmithing, in the systems metaphorical eyes.
Realizing that I was now covered in sweat I thought about taking a shower, then lying down to rest. "Jericho, is there a way to change the store to add things of my choice? Such as a bed and shower, maybe even a kitchen?"
{Host is welcome to improve the store, to your liking. At the cost of 50 energy, a home's natural commodities will be added into the store}
"More money, I didn't realize how greedy you were," I said sarcastically, "Do it," I couldn't deny sleeping on the floor sucked, if it wasn't necessary.
After all, sleeping in an alleyway for so long, I had grown to miss my bed from home. If you can call a place that despises you, for your lack of abilities, a home.
Following this command a knock sounded.
"Damn it," I forgot about the systems need for time to make improvements.
I opened the door to see the expected workers back to work on the shop.
"Wait? Does this mean the store won't be usable for 24 hours again?!"
{No, given this improvement doesn't affect the store itself, store facilities are still operable}
"Thats a relief"
I decided since it wouldn't be ready for a bit, I'd check on Zeus.
After arriving at the incubation room where Zeus had previously been resting, I was surprised to find an empty room. "Where did he go?!"
I ran frantically around the store looking for him, but it seemed no matter how much I looked he wasn't there. I finally checked the different plots, where I found Phoebe snuggling with a seemingly uncomfortable moose. "Zeus!" I was so relieved to have found him.
"So this is your new pet? He's so cute! I'm jealous, no offense Bagheera and Iglif," Iglif was still in its bunny form trying to nuzzle into phoebes leg. While Bagheera just nodded lazily from the side while laying down.
"So how did your practice go?" I was wondering if Phoebe really had some new insights. I was especially curious, as if she had, I could ask her to help train the young Zeus. While Zeus should hypothetically be naturally gifted at controlling the weather and nature, a baby still needed some training after all.
"Check for yourself," She said this as she lifted her arms forming many vines from the ground which surrounded me as flowers bloomed. "I told you it was the prettiest magic," she cockily looked at me struggling to get out.
As the moose had finally noticed me, it escaped Phoebes "loving" hold and ran to my side as the vines directly parted for it.
'Maybe he doesn't need Phoebe to train him' I thought as I noticed Phoebes flabbergasted appearance.