Demon Slayer: Great Swordmaster System From the Start, My Master is Tsugikuni

You, you, you, you!

Fingers trembling, Kogang pointed at the Scribe, his narrow eyes filled with disbelief.

Don't you feel the heat?!

It's fine, it feels just like a hot water bottle.

Casually replying, the Scribe asked Kogang again.

What quality of Crimson Iron Ore and Crimson Sulfur Stone can this Tamahagane be smelted into?

When it came to his area of expertise, Kogang's surprise vanished instantly, and his expression became extremely serious.

There are many factors that affect the quality of Crimson Iron Ore and Crimson Sulfur Stone, and the quality of Tamahagane is only one of them.

Tapping his chin, Kogang finally gave a fair assessment.

If ten is the highest score, this one can only reach a four.

Somewhat surprised by Kogang's judgment, the Scribe's brow furrowed.

Although this was the first piece of Tamahagane he had seen, Kogang's score of four far exceeded his expectations.

Just as the Scribe was pondering the reason, Mote and Inoue Mie walked over.

It seems he already knows the Scribe's identity.

I apologize for my previous distrust.

Mote tilted his thick neck, intending to apologize to the Scribe.

I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you with many things in the future, so please guide me.

Placing one hand on his abdomen, he stopped Mote from bowing.

Extending his right hand, the Scribe and Mote made eye contact.

From now on, I'll call you Uncle Mote, how about that?

Looking at the Scribe, who was only eight years old but possessed an inexplicable aura, Mote was slightly stunned.

Hahaha!

Mote laughed heartily, a hint of helplessness on his face.

Extending his thick right hand to shake the Scribe's, Mote's lips curled into a grin.

I like kids with your kind of personality, I'm definitely making friends with you.

Amidst the laughter, the distance between the Scribe and Mote vanished.

Uncle Mote, I want to learn how to appraise Tamahagane. Can you teach me?

To complete his mission, the Scribe intended to learn how to appraise Tamahagane from Mote.

Sure, it's not some secret technique anyway.

Mote readily agreed and patted Kogang's back forcefully.

However, as an old man, I might have a generation gap with you, so let Kogang teach you.

Completely disregarding his disciple, who was coughing loudly, Mote grinned broadly.

Don't underestimate him, he's learned everything there is to know.

In that case, I'll trouble you, Brother Kogang.

Turning to Kogang, the Scribe's expression was very sincere.

Brother Kogang?!

Hearing such a respectful address for the first time, Kogang felt a rush of heat in his head.

To have Inoue Mie by his side, and to have his own master apologize... and this Scribe called him Brother.

Thinking about this, Kogang wished he could become sworn brothers with the Scribe right then and there.

He exhaled a puff of hot air through his nostrils, like a bull full of vigor.

Patting his chest forcefully, Kogang appeared full of confidence.

With Kogang's help, the Scribe began his studies in Tamahagane appraisal.

Initially, Kogang thought that an eight-year-old child like the Scribe might have some weaknesses in comprehension.

He never imagined that the Scribe would be like an insatiable sponge, madly absorbing the knowledge being imparted.

In just half a month, the Scribe had learned all the knowledge from Kogang.

Keep in mind, this was the accumulated knowledge of Mote, a top master in the smelting town.

It was the very essence of the entire town.

He was a monstrous existence.

Seeing the Scribe off after his studies, this was the last thought of an exhausted Kogang before closing his eyes.

Meanwhile, the Scribe had already arrived at Mote's workshop.

Watching the Scribe find him again, Mote seemed a bit surprised.

He had never heard of anyone learning the skills from the first half of their life in just half a month.

Not quite believing it, Mote posed several questions for the Scribe to answer.

"In what location are ores more likely to yield high-quality Tamahagane?"

"Generally, the closer to the mountaintop, where the ore is exposed to sunlight for longer periods, the easier it is to refine high-quality Tamahagane."

"Correct."

Wiping away a bead of cold sweat, Mote threw out another question.

"After Tamahagane cools, how can it be refined into Scarlet Scarlet Sand Iron and Crimson Sulfur Stone?"

"First, it's..., then it's..."

"Correct again."

No matter what Mote asked, the Scribe could always answer within three seconds.

The answers were so precise that even Mote couldn't think of a more perfect response.

It seemed he had no choice but to accept it.

Waving his hand, Mote was completely convinced by the Scribe.

Not only was he as powerful as Inoue Mie had said, but he was also a monster when it came to learning and discovery.

Compared to the Scribe, Mote felt that his younger self, who was once called the Little Prince of Smelting, wasn't even a speck of dust.

Smiling faintly, the Scribe showed no signs of pride.

"You flatter me, Uncle Mote. I actually have another favor to ask of you."

"Go ahead."

Sitting up straight, Mote looked at the Scribe, crossing his arms.

"I learned from Kogang that your family's ore reserves are running low."

"I imagine you'll be heading up Sunlight Mountain in the next few days to mine new ore."

Nodding, Mote didn't deny it.

Mining and smelting were the daily lives of Mote's family, and indeed, the entire town.

If raw materials were insufficient, new ones naturally had to be acquired.

"In that case, could you possibly take me along?"

Interlocking his fingers, the Scribe revealed his true intention.

Chapter 18: Appraisal Skill, 100% Accuracy

"Take you up Sunlight Mountain?"

Frowning slightly, Mote seemed hesitant.

It wasn't due to any specific regulations, but rather Mote wanted to know the Scribe's purpose for climbing the mountain.

"I have a special ability that allows me to appraise the quality of Tamahagane just by looking through the ore's surface."

"Of the Tamahagane you mine, I'll only take three pieces; the rest are all yours."

Smiling faintly, the Scribe's smile held a deeply thoughtful meaning.

He didn't believe Mote would refuse him under these circumstances.

"Appraise the quality of Tamahagane through its surface?!"

His large, bell-like eyes widened, and Mote's face was filled with disbelief.

"Of course. If you don't believe me, we can try it out once we get up the mountain."

"In that case, we'll head to Sunlight Mountain in three days."

Without further questions, Mote agreed to the Scribe's request.

There was no point in doubting the Scribe here; the truth would be revealed once they reached Sunlight Mountain.

"Very well, I'll come find you again in three days, Uncle Mote."

Standing up, the Scribe left Mote's house.

Three days was neither too short nor too long; there was always time to accomplish things.

Kicking open the door to Kogang's room, the Scribe directly woke Kogang, who was still fast asleep.

"Brother Kogang, time to wake up and study!"

"Noooo!"

Amidst a cry of anguish, Kogang was pulled up by the Scribe.

Despite Kogang's desperate struggles, the Scribe dragged him into the study.

Another three days passed, and with Kogang's help, the Scribe managed to integrate all the knowledge.

If the Scribe had only memorized knowledge before, he had now become a true master.

There was no problem even if he were to handle ore smelting.

Of course, as a consequence, Kogang had collapsed from exhaustion in the study.

"Are you ready?"

After asking the Scribe, Mote threw one of the two large backpacks behind him to him.

"This trip up the mountain will likely last about a week. Inside are the daily necessities I prepared for you."

"Thank you, Uncle Mote."

Taking the backpack and slinging it over his shoulder, the Scribe asked again.

"By the way, do you have a Nichirin Blade here, Uncle?"

"No, that kind of thing is only produced in the Swordsmith Village. However, I do have one that's been sharpened."

Mote tossed the blade to the Scribe, looking a bit puzzled.

"What do you need a sword for? There are no demons on Sunlight Mountain."

The Scribe chuckled and didn't answer.

Mote scratched his head and didn't ask any further questions, leading the Scribe towards the nearby Sunlight Mountain.

Although it looked like the Swordsmith Village was at the foot of Sunlight Mountain, there was actually still half a day's journey.

The closer they got to Sunlight Mountain, the higher the air temperature became.

By the time the two reached the foot of the mountain, the Scribe could clearly feel that the temperature at the mountain's base was more than five degrees higher than in the Swordsmith Village.