Chapter 15: 14 The Stinking Novice
The old man had been quietly observing Simply during the entire smelting process. He was quite surprised that the youth had managed to refine iron ore which such a primitive method. This method of refining was both crude and energy-consuming. Records of this method could be found in old manuals within the Imperial Library.
Upon receiving it, the old blacksmith placed his hand over the metal. A complex magical array appeared, scanning the metallic sample. A few seconds later, a small holographic panel appeared before him, displaying information related to this lump of metal.
[Crude Iron (48%)]
Mass: 10kg
Grade: Crude
Impurities: High
Iron crudely refined by a primitive method. Very Brittle, but possess high strength, and does not contain any trace of magic.
"Not bad. For a first, that's it. What are you going to make with it?"
"I am lacking in the range department. So, I was planning on making a knife out of it."
"A throwing knife, huh...", he stood up and went up upstairs. A few minutes later, he returned and gave Simply three torn parchments. "This should help you get started. I included a basic metal refining technique, the material inspecting skill I used a moment ago, and a basic throwing knife design I created years ago. Here is the key to the workshop, you can use it. Only don't burn it down and this invitation is only for you. I hope I made myself clear."
"Yes, thank you, respected elder."
"Save it for those egoistical nobles."
The old man exited the workshop and headed to god knows where. Left to his own devices in this workshop, Simply promptly learned the newly acquired parchments.
[Burendo Refining Technique learned]
[Congratulation you unlocking the Mana Attribute]
[Blacksmith Eye learned]
[Crafting Design: Iron Dagger]
[Burendo Refining Technique] [Basic]
A metal refining technique devised by a legendary blacksmith. Improve refining by 5%.
[Blacksmith Eye] [Uncomon] (Novice I)
An altered inspect spell used to acquire further information about metals and ores.
[Crafting Design: Modified Iron Dagger] [White | Uncommon]
Requirement: Blacksmith
Component: Iron ingot x1; Leather strip x1.
Atk: ~4
Durability: ~12
Equipment Level: Level 0
Without wasting any more time, Simply got to work. He used the Burendo Refining Technique to get rid of the remaining impurities. This method required him to infuse a little mana into the crude iron ingot to push out the impurities and air gaps formed during the smelting process. The ingot became coated with impurities. Simply wipe the exposed charcoal, dirt and sand particles from the surface and repeat the process all over again. After three attempts, his mana was running low. The ingot, on the other hand, had undergone a massive change. Its polished appearance reflected the high noon sunrays.
[Refined Iron (60%)]
Mass: 10kg
Grade: Refined
Impurities: Medium
Iron refined multiple times using a basic refining method. Brittle, but possess a high impact strength.
Simply fed the forge more charcoal and pumped more air under the fire to increase the temperature. Once he was satisfied, he let go of the bellows. Using a pair of tongs he grabbed the refined Iron ingot, placed it on the awaiting anvil and began the arduous task of continuously striking the glowing red iron before returning it to the burning fire. He continued this until he was satisfied with the shape and consistency of the ingot.
Sweaty and exhausted, he activated the crafting design, letting the system guide his strikes. Half an hour later, drenched, he heard the sweet ding of a notification.
[Congratulation you have crafted a Modified Iron Dagger.]
[Modified Iron Dagger] (White | Uncommon, Dagger)
Equipment Level: Level 0
Attack Power +7
Durability 12
An iron dagger was modified to penetrate the enemy's defence. Can be used both in melee or as a throwable object.
Beaming with joy, Simply chuckled at his first successfully crafted item. He tucked it between his belt and his breeches. Looking at the time he realised that he had spent over four hours here. Out of his crafting trance, he finally realised that his tunic was drenched in his sweat and his body odour was... terrible is putting it kindly. Hurrying to the tavern, dodging the condescending looks of the settlers he made his way to a tub of cold water and washed himself of the stink.
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Level 21 (0%)
Name Simply Umbra
Class Imperial Knight
Race Human
Health 410
Mana 210
Stamina 431 (410) (+5%)
Intelligence 25
Wisdom 20
Dexterity 20
Agility 20
Vitality 20
Strength 30
Unassigned Stats 50
Perception 0
Magic Resist 0
Defence 0
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
SteamBun
SteamBun Hello, I'll try to release four chapters this weekend.
One Ingot is equivalent to a Kilogram of metal.
In other words: Simply has 10 ingots of refined iron ingots
Cheers.
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
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