Chapter 91.4 - he Second Year at the Academy - Remedial Assignment (4)
"Is she a senior?"
When invited to the workshop, I get treated to tea and snacks.
During the conversation, I learned various things.
First of all, this repair work was entirely Helena's private matter.
She would casually drop by to request Katie to procure scrolls, magic stones, and books.
Over time, those debts had turned into wall repairs.
Furthermore, she was also a graduate of Cartilard.
Her classmate Helena remained as an assistant, but Katie, known for her skill, initially worked for a major workshop before becoming independent.
"We're not a general store, you know?"
Katie said, looking displeased, but she had a hint of amusement in her expression.
They had been friends for over ten years.
Despite the banter, they seemed to get along well.
Still, not a general store, huh?
As I surveyed the cramped workshop, I noticed various items were haphazardly placed like in the store.
Diverse tools hung from the walls.
"It seems like a specialty decoration store."
"Well, sort of. We do everything except blacksmithing."
"May I take a look around a bit?"
"Sure."
With Katie's permission, I was allowed to tour the workshop.
There were rings and brooches in the process of being made, along with damaged furniture and battered leather armor.
It couldn't compare to Ragnidig, but their craftsmanship seemed quite decent.
"Is there something you like? I make the rings myself. I'll give you one you like."
"No, I can't accept a reward. This is a favor for Helena-sensei."
"It's not your concern. You helped with the exterior fence, and I can't be satisfied without thanking you."
I still declined, but Katie was insistent.
Accessories could be used as materials for magic tools, which was appreciated, but I had already received [Earth Wall] as a reward from Helena. I didn't want to double-dip.
In a state of helplessness, I looked around the workshop.
As I examined the various tools, I had a sudden idea.
"In that case… could you teach me the basics of decorative dismantling?"
"Huh?"
"It doesn't have to be anything advanced. Just teach me how to use the tools and some basic tips."
Was it an unexpected request? Katie looked dumbfounded.
"Well… are you aiming to become a craftsman?"
"No, it's for [Magic Tool Creation]. I have a feeling that making my accessories will be more successful than buying cheap ones."
Katie tilted her head in thought before nodding.
"I'm not an expert, but I've heard of it. The quality of the material affects it. If you make it yourself, it might be better. But even if you practice a little, you won't be able to make anything significant."
"I understand. I don't underestimate craftsmen. Even if the quality is poor, I think there's meaning in making it myself."
With her arms crossed, Katie seemed lost in thought.
She was young, and her workshop was small.
She mostly took on cheap jobs. Yet, she had the pride of a craftsman.
She couldn't easily teach her skills to someone who wasn't her apprentice.
But…
"Alright. I'm a bit busy right now, so how about next week? I'll teach you the basics."
Katie accepted. I stood up and bowed.
"Thank you very much. And please, take care of me, Katie-sensei."
"Stop calling me sensei."
Blushing, Katie patted my shoulder. It hurt. She was indeed a craftsman.
She saw me off at the entrance.
When she disappeared from view, I stopped in my tracks.
This might be a clever idea. I had been thinking about how to learn skills from craftsmen for a long time.
[Magic Tool Creation] wasn't something you could master once and be done with it.
Until your rank increased, there would always be a risk of failure.
Buying materials to stabilize it wasn't cost-effective, even for cheap items.
Even if self-made items didn't affect the success rate, making materials would minimize losses.
I recalled the young craftsman.
Despite her small workshop, she was a craftsman.
But she had accepted because she was probably a former academy student.
At 5, I learned magic from Vergil, and now I'm acquiring various knowledge at the academy.
Both were transactions involving money.
Katie, a former academy student, had once rejected it.
Understanding that, she accepted it.
She had walked the same path.
A craftsman who could understand that, and teach basic skills, might be able to establish a similar transaction.
I nodded to myself.
I might as well give it a shot.
Status at the Start of the Second Year
Comparison with the End of the Unseen Mansion
Name: Alter Les Reedwald
Race: Human
Level: 24 (+1)
HP: 114/114 (+5)
MP: 301/301 (+14)
Str: 13
Int: 17
Dex: 17
End: 13+2
Agi: 18+2 (x2 at 40)
Charm: 16
[Skills]
Power Strike (new), Double Strike (new)
Increased Growth Potential, Increased Growth Value Strengthening, Status Disguise, Language Proficiency, High-speed Movement, Multiple Chanting, Mental Resistance 5, Ice Resistance 2, Appraisal 5, Mixing 7, Tracking 4, Stealth 4, Presence Detection 5, One-handed Sword 7, Two-handed Sword 1 (new), Curved Sword 1 (new), Martial Arts 7, Short Sword 5, Archery 4 (1 up), Fire Magic 6 (1 up), Water Magic 5, Wind Magic 6, Earth Magic 6, Non-Attribute Magic 4, Ice Magic 2, Thunder Magic 2, Alteration Magic 5
[Magic]
-Beginner-
Fire Bolt, Water Bolt, Wind Bolt, Earth Bolt, Magic Bolt, Ice Bolt, Shock Bolt, Flame Blow, Water Blow, Stone Blow, Water Shield, Wind Shield, Magic Shield, Earth Shield, Operate Water, Operate Soil (new), Operate Energy (new), Physical Up, Moving Up, Create Solution
-Intermediate-
Fireball, Penetrate Gale, Earth Wall (new)
[Titles]
Reincarnator, Ace of the Homecoming Club (Endurance +2, Agility +2), Second Son of the Baron Reedwald
R𝑒ad latest chapt𝒆rs at freew𝒆(b)novel.c(o)m Only