This cycle lasted for at least 3 hours, according to the program timer. After 5 minutes, the program sped up the video several times, as it would be extremely annoying to see the girl repeating the same thing for so long.
Each cycle made it clearer what the girl was trying to do. Little by little, a giant sword took shape, even its sharp part was made of hammers, strange as it was. When the sword was molded into a good shape, the girl left it to cool in the cooling barrels.
The girl took a knife out of her pocket and began to carve into the wood she had selected. Like the metal alloy, the weapon's handle slowly began to take shape. Little by little, the image of a Chinese dragon coiled around the cable was seen.
Viewers did not know about Honoka's blacksmithing skills, but undoubtedly her artistic gift was present. The dragon was beautifully sculpted, from its eyes to its scales, a museum-worthy work of art.
After a few minutes, the girl fitted the two parts together and, when everyone thought she was going to finish her test, people saw her taking a brush and several bottles of paint from her pocket. It was a lot to have in a pants pocket, but that was okay. The girl had already done so many strange things that it didn't even surprise anyone anymore.
She started by applying red paint to the blade, it was dark red. He spent his brushstrokes as if it were a hobby. As soon as he finished the blade, he started painting the handle black. The contrast left the weapon looking beautifully crafted.
"I finished my work", the girl placed the completed sword on the table and announced nothing. The judge's voice materialized like magic: "One of our elders will check your work, your identity will remain hidden." Once the voice ended, a male figure was seen climbing onto the dais. I couldn't identify any of its features.
The figure slowly walked towards the forging space. It had neither a fast nor a slow step, and it quickly arrived in front of the sword. Taking it in his hands, the old man asked: "Have you given it a name yet...?" The figure stopped his sentence in mid-sentence. "That... Mage rank, impressive." As soon as that sentence came out of the figure's mouth, the audience split in two. Those who knew about forging were speechless and those who didn't continued as if it was nothing. The screen froze and Draven appeared: "Those who understand what's going on here, please explain to the ignorant how awesome this was." The man had a smile as if he knew what was going to happen in a few seconds.
At the orphanage, no one understood about forging. It was a profession rarely chosen by children, as it required a lot of patience and willpower to make even the simplest of weapons. Seeing the children's silence, Han said: "Normally, blacksmiths can only make weapons one level below their rank. That is, a level 9 blacksmith will only be able to make level 8 weapons. It is difficult to get something at his level and practically impossible to make something above. And I have never seen a blacksmith capable of overcoming the difference in realms." Everyone was paying attention to the man's words, his voice imposed a tone of silence on the little ones.
Draven appeared on the screen as soon as the man finished speaking.
"Looks like you guys have already seen how impressive this was, let's continue with the video." The image returned to the old man observing the weapon. The girl didn't seem to be paying much attention and continued reading her book in a carefree manner.
"My verdict is that the candidate is approved." With that sentence, the recording ended.
At the orphanage, the children began to spread out and go do other things. Kayden was no different. The boy went to train in the clearing with Heimer. The day was without sun and with cold winds, an uninviting climate for training.
"Heimer, have you ever fought in school championships?" Kayden asked something that had been on his mind lately. Heimer was taken aback by this question and, after thinking for a few seconds, replied:
"Yes, I entered the 5th year and won the state championship consecutively for the last 3 years, only now in the ninth year that I lost." Heimer still seemed not to have accepted defeat.
"What rank are you, Heimer?" The last time they discussed their ranks, Heimer was ranked 8th, but that was a long time ago. Without a doubt, the boy must have progressed.
"I already told you that this kind of question is rude, Kayden", the boy tried to lecture Kayden, the same way he did every time he was asked the same question. "But I am ranked ninth," Heimer said with a twinge of pride.
Kayden was shocked for a few seconds. Heimer was only 12 years old and already ranked ninth. This once again demonstrated the difference innate talent can make to cultivation speed.
"And how do you fight, Heimer? You once told me you use matrices, but I have no idea how that works." In all of the boy's friendly battles, he never saw anyone using arrays like his friend.
"It's very simple. You draw a picture in your mind and place mana at different points with different strengths. Depending on what you did, something happens." Heimer explained it simply, his tone made it seem like it was child's play.
"I see…" Kayden started practicing his sword movements and Heimer took out a book to read.
1st day of 5th grade class
Kayden woke up early and went about his routine as usual. He took the train and headed to school. He wouldn't pay much attention in class, the boy only went because he was forced by the old man. As soon as he arrived, he headed to his usual place.
Over time, more students arrived. Kayden was cultivating while the teacher didn't arrive, this prevented him from hearing the small murmurs that started around him.
"Is he ranked 4th?"
"How is this possible?"
"Wasn't he useless?"
Things like this started to spread like wildfire among the kids. One of them, who was in rank 3 and was considered the strongest in the room, couldn't take it and went arrogantly to Kayden's table.
With a loud slap on the table, he got Kayden's attention. The boy didn't understand what the other wanted and asked:
"Some problem?" Kayden never really had contact with anyone in his class and didn't know how he could have offended the child in front of him.
"I order you to tell me what you used to reach 4th rank." The boy felt entitled to demand things from others just because he was considered the strongest in the room. Kayden realized that the boy in front of him was nothing more than a spoiled brat.
"Get out, I don't have time to waste on you." Kayden returned to cultivating and ignored the boy's existence. This infuriated the child even more. He reached up and slapped Kayden across the face.
AN: I'm traveling and won't release chapters tomorrow, sorry /: