Translator: CinderTL
Roland produced the ring he had obtained from the Bear Goblin, which was inscribed with the first-circle spell Shield.
When he first acquired the ring, he had intended to ask Bronson to study it, hoping to find a way to replenish the Magic Element that had been completely depleted, restoring its functionality.
However, before he could even make the request, Bronson surprised him with an unexpected discovery.
"This is..."
Bronson took the ring and examined it closely.
His recent research on magical artifacts had given him considerable experience. After only a moment of careful inspection, he reached a conclusion.
"Another magical artifact?"
Seeing Roland nod in confirmation, Bronson's expression became subtly complex.
He had long heard of Roland's exceptional talent in combat.
During their temporary stay at the noble estate in Blackwater Territory, even though Bronson rarely left his quarters, he had overheard guards discussing the astonishing speed at which the young man's strength was growing.
Yet even so, Bronson was only mildly surprised.
After all, during his years of academic research in the capital of the Golden Valley Kingdom, he had worked for a powerful noble and encountered countless geniuses.
Therefore, while Roland's growth rate far exceeded that of ordinary people, Bronson considered it merely remarkable, not truly awe-inspiring.
However...
As Bronson rubbed the ring in his hand, his expression gradually grew complex.
The world was never short of geniuses; what it lacked were geniuses who could seize opportunities on their path to greatness.
How many brilliant minds, lacking only a sliver of luck, had ultimately faded into obscurity?
Yet this young man before him seemed to consistently receive fate's favor at critical moments.
Before the Final Epoch, these magical artifacts—even the pendant inscribed with Death Immunity—would have been considered mere trinkets.
After all, such artifacts were merely playthings crafted by mages in their leisure time, rarely used in actual combat. Otherwise, they wouldn't have possessed the fatal flaw of becoming useless once their magic was depleted.
But what era was this now?
Centuries had passed since the Final Epoch.
In this age of dwindling magic, any functioning magical artifact was a strategic-level resource capable of shifting the tide of battle.
Yet under the relentless erosion of time, countless glorious legacies had been severed, let alone these inherently fragile artifacts.
Yet Roland had not only obtained magical artifacts, but two at once.
Even more remarkably, despite their crude materials, both artifacts retained the potential for reactivation.
This stroke of luck left even the seasoned Bronson inwardly marveling.
And beyond this...
Bronson's gaze drifted involuntarily to the pale skeletal remains on Roland's left wrist.
Roland had been completely transparent about his ordeal in Mist Creek Town, so Bronson knew perfectly well that these remains belonged to a true giant dragon.
A giant dragon!
Even having only read about them in ancient texts, the mere recollection of those descriptions sent shivers down Bronson's spine.
Yet Roland had not only survived an encounter with a giant dragon but had also managed to secure this invaluable trophy.
As his thoughts settled, Bronson's expression grew increasingly complex.
If he hadn't personally witnessed this young man's meteoric rise from obscurity, he would have suspected that Roland had been blessed by some deity.
"Mr. Bronson?"
Roland frowned slightly and waved a hand gently in front of the scholar's dazed face.
Only then did Bronson snap out of his reverie, as if awakening from a dream.
"Ah, my apologies, Roland. I was lost in thought."
He chuckled awkwardly before adopting a serious tone.
"The spell runes inscribed on this ring are..."
"The first-circle spell, Shield Spell," Roland interjected.
"Shield Spell?"
Bronson's eyes lit up immediately.
"That's an exceptionally practical defensive spell!"
The scholar quickly suppressed his wandering thoughts, instantly entering the focused state characteristic of a researcher.
He squinted, his calloused fingertips meticulously tracing every groove on the ring's surface.
He occasionally held the ring up to the candlelight to examine it, and at other times, he lightly scraped its edges with his pocketknife to test the material.
Suddenly, his fingers paused. He pressed repeatedly on a particular indentation, a thoughtful smile creeping across his lips.
"Though the ring's material is of poor quality, but..."
Bronson placed the ring on the table and gently tapped the slightly cloudy crystal embedded in it.
"Because the inscribed spell runes are only for a first-circle spell, once its restorative properties are restored, it should remain intact as long as it's not used too frequently."
A spark of excitement flashed in Roland's eyes at this news.
If Bronson's assessment was accurate, it meant he would soon possess the first-circle spell Shield.
For someone currently limited to a few simple tricks, this was undoubtedly a momentous development.
"In that case," Roland said, gently pushing the ring back toward Bronson, "I'd be grateful if you could restore its functionality."
"Consider it done!" Bronson replied heartily.
After a few more minutes of casual conversation, Roland turned and left Bronson's cottage, heading straight for the kitchen.
As dusk settled, he had prepared a lavish dinner.
Avril arrived at the dining table with perfect timing, not a second early or late.
The once-empty courtyard was soon filled with laughter and lively conversation.
After dinner, Roland saw Avril and Hoby off before returning to his room. He lay down on the soft bed and drifted into sleep.
The next morning, he woke up on time, quickly washed up, and set off for the Blacksmith's Guild.
In the days that followed, Roland's life settled into a familiar routine.
He spent his mornings at the Blacksmith's Guild, honing his Basic Forging Technique. In the evenings, he focused on practicing his breathing technique. At night, he activated his Focus trait and immersed himself in studying Basic Magic Theory.
The others continued their lives as usual.
Bronson remained absorbed in his research, while the halfling Hoby still visited occasionally to seek guidance on combat techniques.
As for Galvis, he continued to frequent taverns and noble estates, singing loudly about his adventures. Thanks to him, the name "Roland" had gained some recognition in the capitals of the River Domain Nations.
Even Colin, the merchant far away in Far Ocean Port, had somehow heard the news. He sent a letter expressing his greetings and concern, along with a brand-new card.
The amount of money Roland had received was more than enough to sustain him comfortably for quite some time, given his current spending habits.
Theresa, seemingly realizing her own shortcomings after the fierce battle with the Bear Goblin, began diligently training her combat skills at the training grounds every day. She also occasionally took on commissions from the Adventurer's Guild to hone her abilities in real combat scenarios.
Among the group, Avril had undergone the most significant transformation.
With the merchant factions of the River Domain Nations planning a large-scale operation to eliminate the Wolf King entrenched in the Mistland, the elf girl, a prospective member of the Shadow Veil Organization, found herself far less idle than before. The dwindling frequency of her visits for meals alone served as clear evidence of her recent busyness.
Time flowed quietly by amidst this routine.
Before they knew it, half a month had passed.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The rhythmic hammering of metal echoed through the workshop of the Blacksmith's Guild.
Roland set down his hammer, used tongs to grip the red-hot rough-forged piece, and plunged it into the cooling water trough beside him.
Hiss!
A sharp hissing sound accompanied the sudden burst of dense white steam.
Amidst the swirling mist, a line of simple golden text materialized before Roland's eyes:
[Basic Forging Technique has reached maximum level.]
(End of the Chapter)
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