The new semester passed by even faster. Kent spent his days immersed in rigorous training, almost losing track of time.
The experiences he gained during the winter break had been so rewarding that he didn't feel the need to go on another adventure anytime soon. Instead, he chose to focus and continue his cultivation.
His Dragon Breath Blade technique had reached a minor level of mastery, and the Flying Sword Meditation technique had reached the second layer. Bajie's level had also increased significantly.
Looking at Bajie now, its attributes were incredibly impressive.
"Beast Name: Light-Devouring Shadow Beast
Beast Tier: Celestial Tier Upper Grade
Beast Level: 37
...
Abilities:
Light Devouring: Absorbs light around it, becoming invisible.Shadow Theft: Steals the shadow of objects.Piercing: Transforms into a shadow, capable of penetrating physical objects."
To verify the abilities of the Light-Devouring Shadow Beast, Kent conducted various tests.
For instance, when a powerful spotlight was shone on Bajie, it still vanished without a trace, as if nothing was there.
Kent also made Bajie follow a classmate's shadow for a week, and the classmate didn't notice anything unusual.
As for the Piercing ability, it was remarkable. When Bajie put in its full effort, it could pierce a thick steel plate with a tiny hole, smaller than a pinprick, making it capable of killing silently.
"Mr. Kent, your Dragon Scale Inner Armor has been completed. A total of five sets are ready. Would you like me to deliver them?"
Kent was having lunch with Zhao Mengxi when the call came in.
"Yes, deliver them," Kent replied, giving the address before hanging up.
He had used a portion of the fire dragon scales he acquired to have a set of inner armor crafted. The cost was 200,000 credits.
Twenty minutes later, an elderly man arrived with two bodyguards, bringing the armor. Kent paid the balance right away.
"Mengxi, pick a set."
Zhao Mengxi was aware of the armor and had heard about its incredible toughness, nearly equivalent to an S-grade battle armor. Each set was worth at least one million credits.
She chose one, and Kent stored the rest.
A month later, another call came in.
"Mr. Kent, your weapons have been crafted. Do you need them delivered personally?"
Kent's face lit up with excitement. "No need. I'll come pick them up myself."
He had been waiting for these weapons for a long time.
Hanging up, Kent hopped on his motorcycle and sped toward the Wan Jin Weapon Forge in District S.
Ever since he obtained the Black Demon Iron, Kent had been contemplating how to use it. The block of iron was half a person tall and weighed tens of thousands of pounds, enough to forge several weapons.
Today, the weapons were finally ready, and Kent felt an immense sense of anticipation.
Almost an hour later, Kent arrived at the Wan Jin Weapon Forge and went to meet an S-tier craftsman.
The craftsman, named Bai Changcang, had been a mercenary in his early years. After consuming a rare fruit, he gained the ability to control fire. Coupled with some shared abilities from his Beastmaster, he became an exceptional weapon smith.
"Master Bai, I'm Kent, here to pick up my weapons," Kent said cheerfully.
Bai Changcang responded with an easy smile, knowing that only quality materials could forge top-tier weapons. Every time he crafted a great weapon, he felt a deep sense of accomplishment.
Kent had brought in the Black Demon Iron, which thrilled Bai Changcang. Such a material was rare and not every S-tier craftsman would get the chance to work with it.
It was a challenge, and if successful, it would bring Bai Changcang even greater prestige in his craft.
"Ha-ha, don't worry. It'll definitely meet your expectations. I'll get them for you right away." Bai Changcang took out the weapons Kent had requested.
The first was a four-foot-long sword, its blade razor-sharp, the thin sword body gleaming with cold, icy light—an extraordinary sword.
The second was a similarly long and sharp longsword, designed for Kent to practice his Dragon Breath Blade technique.
Additionally, there were six daggers, a small round shield, and a long staff.
The round shield was small, only about the size of a basin, but it was incredibly thin. Given the Black Demon Iron's nearly indestructible and heavy properties, it was the perfect material.
The six daggers were also extraordinary due to their materials. Kent decided to give one to Zhao Mengxi, one to Fan Qingmei, and keep the rest for himself.
As for the long staff, it was made using eighty percent of the Black Demon Iron, making it an astounding 8,000 pounds in weight.
Kent could never wield such a heavy weapon, so it was for Wukong. Kent believed that Wukong would love it.
"Master Bai's craftsmanship is truly exquisite. These weapons are beautiful and sharp. They're definitely not ordinary. Thank you for your effort," Kent praised.
Bai Changcang nodded, seeming to accept the compliment as a statement of fact.
"Feel free to bring me more good materials in the future for forging," Bai Changcang said with a hearty laugh.
In return, Kent paid 1 million credits and left some leftover material for Bai Changcang to craft a small knife.
The small knife wasn't meant for use, only for display. As a craftsman, Bai Changcang would photograph and cherish his favorite creations, leaving a permanent mark of achievement on his life. He would also forge a small knife from leftover materials for future reference, as the sharpness of knives made from different materials varied.
Kent was led to Bai Changcang's workshop, where the walls were adorned with over a hundred small knives—his proud creations.
The small knife made from Black Demon Iron was placed in the most prominent position, shining with cold light.
After leaving the Wan Jin Weapon Forge, Kent began preparing for his next step. He was planning to start an internship, aiming to become a Provisional Inspector by the end of this semester.
At the Inspection Academy, many fourth-year students weren't even provisional inspectors. Only those with exceptional performance had a chance to pass the provisional inspection exams. Becoming a provisional inspector granted some privileges, including commanding mercenary groups, naming discovered secret realms, and even claiming secret realms as private property.
Kent dreamed of becoming a One-Star Inspector, which would bring immense prestige and numerous benefits.
These thoughts made his blood boil with excitement, but Kent understood that such a goal couldn't be rushed. It required meticulous preparation and the fulfillment of certain strength requirements.
"In just ten days, I'll be ready for my second outdoor expedition," Kent said as he began making preparations for the journey.