"Then, you have to make a new set of luxurious robes for this beautiful silver-haired girl in your team. And finally, you have to make a lute for this dwarf girl!"

The content of this project was so outrageous that even Gutenberg himself was embarrassed to tell others about it.

First came blacksmiths, then weavers, and finally instrument makers.

To put it bluntly, even a true Gond citizen would break out in a sweat upon seeing these questions.

Even Gutenberg himself didn't know how to sew.

But in the end, he gritted his teeth and said, "...I'll give you two days! You can stay here for two days. If you don't deliver these things to me in two days, get out of the Gear Shop with your tail between your legs!"

Then, he strode out the door. "Papil! Papil! Go! Go to the Supreme Hall of Miracles and bring me a copy of the recent records of the Four-Man Council!"

At this moment, Emilia's voice came over: "Master Gutenberg, where are the raw materials? If you let me get them myself, I might as well just give up!"

"Old man, I still have some dignity! The ordinary steel, cloth, and wood in the warehouse, as long as you don't waste them, you can use them as you like these few days!"

Looking at the back of Master Gunde, Sig curled his lips and said, "At least we gained one more day?"

Aimia paused and said, "Maybe more than two days?"

"That's going to be difficult. It's already taken a lot of effort to get this old guy to give in even a little bit." Sig nodded. "After two days, it's really just luck. After all, this is my first time meeting him, and I don't know him at all."

Emiya stretched her right hand and said, "I don't intend to rely on luck."

"What else can we do?" Sig sighed. "Whether we can stay or not is not up to us. Are you really planning to..."

Mars raised his head slightly: "-Are you really going to take on this challenge that is obviously not intended to be completed?"

Emya replied, "Why not give it a try? If you want to get closer to the people of Gond, you must speak the language of the craftsmen."

Sixty-four Gatekeepers

When they followed the signs in the Gear Workshop and found the so-called warehouse, everyone present couldn't help but exclaim in amazement.

Emiya couldn't help but let out a low exclamation.

Rather than being a warehouse, this place looks more like a collection display room used by a collector.

Materials and supplies stretched to an endless distance, filling his vision. If that were all, it wouldn't be a big deal—in Faerun, steel and lumber weren't particularly expensive. Even if these materials were so plentiful they could fill warehouses spanning hundreds or even thousands of square meters, their combined value would still be commensurate with the Church of Gond's stature.

What really surprised him was the attitude of the Gund Church towards the materials.

Mars circled the warehouse's winding paths a few times before discovering a pile of iron ingots sealed in transparent containers. He quietly read the description: "Baldur's Gate Iron Mine Crisis Samples, entered into the warehouse in 1368 of the Valley Calendar, donated by Belgost's Thunderhammer Smithy and the adventurer Apodel's team."

"Its properties are similar to those of an iron ingot. Experience has revealed that a large amount of sulfur has been added through unknown means, causing this iron-sulfur alloy ingot to exhibit hot brittleness and a severe decrease in ductility and toughness. Evaluations indicate that even a brand-new sample, fresh from the furnace, will show signs of fracture after a mere five-meter free fall. Once put into use, noticeable fractures will appear within ten days."

“It is only recommended to be included as a research sample and is strongly not recommended for practical use in any direction.”

Iron ingots with similar detailed markings were everywhere. Ingots that weren't intended for collection or research, but were considered usable, were piled in every corner of the warehouse, even labeled with the material's properties and recommended uses.

Now, Emiya guessed that for the people of Gond, this Gear Workshop was probably much more lovable than the Temple of Supreme Miracles and the Hall of Miracles.

The Hall of Miracles displays the glorious past of our predecessors, while the Gear Workshop contains treasures that they may be able to use freely.

All the materials were within easy reach, and even Emilia herself had been given temporary access.

Naturally, Master Gutenberg still made a patch: the materials here could not be taken away directly by Emilia, he could only use them here.

But for Emilia, this was enough.

"……hiss……"

Emiya couldn't help but press her eyebrows.

Here, he could hardly suppress the urge to activate his structural senses.

It has a structural sense, but in fact, most of the time, it is used to analyze relatively macroscopic structures. If you want to say it, it is a more flexible optical microscope.

He is still far from being able to sharpen this sense to an exaggerated level.

Currently, he could probably barely analyze the performance levels of different alloys, and could combine his structural senses with his ingenious craftsmanship to attempt to create some. But to directly adjust the components of the original alloy to further enhance its performance was beyond his current capabilities.

He didn't even know how to train it further... It seemed there was no other way except to use it repeatedly. Or would it be a natural benefit as his mage power increased?

Or perhaps, practice psychic powers?

However, that is all for the future.

"First, the sword."

Among the three requirements, two of them actually did not pose any technical difficulty for him.

He was quite proficient with the sword, but not so good at sewing and weaving, but he was not completely helpless.

If he was afraid, he was probably more worried that Gutenberg would do something during the inspection... There was a lot of wiggle room on several of the requirements. He could only assume that it was just the old craftsman's personal habit, not a deliberate trap.

“Sword…sword…”

Emiya muttered about his first task as he found a piece of mild steel among the pile of metal.

High strength, medium to high hardness.

It is it.

Emiya snapped her fingers casually, and the steel ingot that was originally lying quietly on the pile of metal bounced up instantly, but the grease applied on the metal surface miraculously remained in place.

It was as if the steel ingot had just taken off a layer of clothes.

Originally used to prevent rust, it continuously spins and dances in the air.

The blade, hilt, and counterweight took shape in an instant.

"Snapped."

Emiya held the sword in her hand, tested the center of gravity, and nodded with satisfaction: "Okay, no problem."

The first test was completed in less than a minute.

Time remaining: 47 hours and 27 minutes.

"...You've already finished one." Sig's eyes flickered. "Even though I've seen this before, I still can't believe it... Sword-making, a job that others take for a living, is as easy as eating and drinking water for you. It's a little too bizarre."

"Don't try to play that trick on me," Emiya said angrily. "I won't believe your uncanny ability to imitate the sounds of others and even instruments with just your mouth until I see it with my own eyes."

His first meeting with Sigg was also legendary.

At this moment, Yin nodded repeatedly: "That's right, that's right. The spell of Uncanny Craftsmanship has a long history, but no one has ever successfully reached this level. Watching him use Uncanny Craftsmanship to create something is a real pleasure!"

Emilia was a little skeptical. If he gave up using his magic skills and turned to traditional tools, he would be looked down upon by Yin.

Everyone has their own secrets.

***************

The warehouse was divided into several enclosed areas, and the light from the eternal torches was blocked by impenetrable rocks.

The area they were in was used to store metal. The rich smell of grease rushed into the mouths and noses of everyone standing there, making them feel greasy.

Next door is where textiles and wood are stored.

Emiya glanced at the wood over there and shook her head. "I even wonder if it's necessary to make the most difficult instrument..."

He doubted that even without any instruments, Sig could sing a full band chorus with his own throat.

To a magical bard like her, do musical instruments really mean anything?

He knew absolutely nothing about musical instruments. The only thing he knew was that they produced sound through the vibration of air.

But Sig probably wouldn't agree, and the reason is...

“That’s not okay!!!!!”

As expected, he was only halfway through when Sig suddenly raised his voice, "That master craftsman, Gunde, is worth a fortune. How can you fool him? He promised to make an instrument for me, so he has to do it!"

As she spoke, Sig even rolled up her sleeves. She didn't know why she usually liked to wear extremely loose clothing, but after just a few rolls, her sleeves were already full of her forearms, unable to be pushed up any further.

She could only say bitterly, "Anyway... I have to do it. Don't worry, I won't make a fuss—"

"I don't understand your jargon!"

At this moment, another loud voice drowned out her voice: "Who is shouting in the warehouse!"

It was obvious that they were not the only ones in the warehouse.

Or to put it the other way around, in a place like this, it seems very logical that the warehouse has a gatekeeper, and the great architect Gutenberg would not easily allow a group of strangers to move around in the warehouse.

Not to mention, adventurers in Faerun are generally known for plucking feathers from passing geese, and they will even peel off the floor tiles piece by piece when leaving the ancient tomb.

This sudden roar had an effect far beyond Emiya's expectations. Sig, who always valued money over his own life, was so frightened by the roar that he almost jumped up and hid behind Emiya with lightning speed. Emiya could almost see a cat's tail standing on end from behind her.

"Sure enough, there is a gatekeeper..." Mars sighed in disappointment. "I was hoping that the Gond Church would continue the tradition of Candlekeep and generously share public resources with everyone in Candlekeep."

At this moment, the person who reprimanded Sig finally showed up.

He was a hunchbacked old man with white hair and beard.

The poorly groomed and untrimmed beard lay tangled on the old janitor's face, making it look as if the old man's face was buried in a pile of weeds, making it impossible to see his features. At the same time, he was not tall, and when he was hunched over, he was not much taller than Yin.

The church robe he was wearing had long since turned almost completely white from repeated washing, and a few patches could even be seen on it.

Gutenberg, also a member of the Gund Church, looked at least sixty years old, judging by his beard and hair, and his figure also hinted at his age, but he was still energetic and walked briskly. In comparison, the gatekeeper looked like he was already in a coffin.

Even if this world is a magical world, someone whose appearance has become so dilapidated probably has only one tenth of his strength left.

Emiya sighed and patted Sig's head.

She was still shaking.

It was really bizarre. He had never thought that Xige could be so scared.

Although the hunchbacked old man was severely hunched, he did not use any crutches and shouted at them, "Who are you? You don't look like a member of the Gond Church, nor do you look like a craftsman."

This time, Mars stepped forward and replied, "Then you'd better put on your reading glasses soon. This is Emilia of Lunya, the most outstanding craftsman I have ever seen in my life. Of course, I haven't seen Master Gutenberg work yet. I'm sure the master craftsman of the Gund Church must be outstanding."

"I was born in Candlekeep and have long yearned for the Hall of Wonders in Baldur's Gate. These two are Yin and Sig. Miss Sig is a bard who lives in the Temple of Myril in the Twin Songs. She is usually cared for by the Temple of Myril's Musicians."

“Is there an unusually large amount of explanation about my origin this time?” Emiya asked in her mind.

"Because our group actually has a subtle connection to the Church of Gond," Mars replied. "Candlekeep is the headquarters of the Church of Oghma, the God of Knowledge. And Oghma is the Supreme God of Gond. Míril, the Goddess of Poetry, serves Oghma alongside Gond. Of course, this doesn't mean there's a hierarchical relationship between the churches; in fact, it causes constant friction. But it's still very useful for building relationships."

And this is indeed the case.

"That's truly bizarre. Everyone in the Temple of Miracles knows that Gutenberg is the most conservative and cautious person in the entire church. How could he actually give you a break?"

Despite this, the old gatekeeper's attitude immediately softened. "A polite tin can, that's either a paladin or from Candlekeep. The bards cared for by the Temple of Mirriel... are even an extremely rare race."

Granted, gnome bards are uncommon—gnomes have an unusual aptitude for illusions, and often pursue arcane pursuits. A gnome who becomes a bard is truly rare.

Then, the old gatekeeper's eyes fell on the only person who had not been introduced by Mars: "Then this beautiful young lady who obviously has nothing to do with a craftsman... eh? Huh?"

As if witnessing something, the old gatekeeper couldn't help but exclaim in surprise. Emiya immediately asked, "Excuse me, old man, do you know this teammate of mine? She has lost her memory, and we've been searching for clues to her past."

“I don’t know, I ...!”

The old gatekeeper looked away as if he had been electrocuted. He stood there waving his hands, almost shaking them off. "I don't know. Don't come to the Gunde Church to ask about this. The Gunde Church doesn't want to, and shouldn't, get involved in this kind of thing."

I know, but I can't say it.

Emiya gritted her teeth and asked, "Can't you give me some hints?"

The old janitor hesitated for a moment, then frowned. "Don't you still have challenges to complete? And you, a kid, have no experience making musical instruments? Do you realize how daunting it is to expect to complete the task in two days? Two days, starting from scratch. Forget building an instrument, you haven't even begun learning to play it yet. And you still have the energy to worry about anything else?"

Emilia's pupils shrank slightly: "How did you know?"

"I want to ask this and that. But this is the Gear Workshop, not Candlekeep. So I won't answer any of them." The old man turned around angrily and said, "Come with me. I'll save you half-baked people some time looking for materials."

"Um, about Silver..."

"I don't know! Ask me again and I'll kick you out of the warehouse and tell you to go outside and dig up dirt and vines to make pianos and clothes!"

Sixty-five Miraculous Craftsmanship Evolution

"Although they are both warehouses and contain materials, their status in the Gond Church is different."

The gatekeeper, holding an unextinguishable torch, led the way, chattering away like any other old man: "In the past, the people of Gond loved carpentry—the materials were readily available and could withstand wear and tear. Even if they were less malleable, this was when their talent could be demonstrated."

"It's different now! More and more Gond priests are obsessed with the magnificent sight of red-hot molten iron billowing out of the furnace, claiming that carpenters and stonemasons can only change the weight of their own wallets and the decoration of other people's homes, and are of no benefit to the world... This is really outrageous!"

As Emiya watched the collection transform from metal ingots into pieces of wood, she couldn't help but ask, "Can we know about these things?"

"There's nothing to hide." The old man waved the torch. "There's no such thing as a monolithic church in Faerun. It's inevitable that their relatives may have people of different faiths, and they themselves may have friends of different faiths. During festivals, as much talk as they pour into their mouths is as likely to spill as wine.

"The good news is that the Gond Church is not afraid of leaks—the secrets of our church cannot be revealed by the ravings of a drunkard."

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like