Transaction

Unlike what he imagined, the Mithril Body Tempering Method didn't describe any methods for physical training.

Compared to the body forging techniques Roland had envisioned, it was more like a unique potion recipe.

Its usage involved grinding various ingredients into powder, mixing them evenly, and then applying the mixture all over the body.

"And then you also need to assist the cultivation with a breathing technique, otherwise the effect will be greatly reduced?"

Seeing the last sentence at the end of the parchment, Roland couldn't help but frown. After a moment, he sighed and comforted himself.

"It's okay if the effect is a bit less. It's better than nothing. How could someone of my current status possibly get access to something like a breathing technique?"

He muttered to himself as he carefully copied the medicinal ingredients required for the potion recipe one by one onto a piece of cloth.

"Silverleaf Grass, Nightshade Vine, and so on. What is this Silver Dust?"

He was familiar with the previous few ingredients.

When his original body's father was sick, he had run errands to buy these medicinal ingredients many times. Although they were not cheap, they were at least common.

But he had never heard of Silver Dust before.

What was more troublesome was that Silver Dust was used in a very large quantity in the recipe, almost as one of the main ingredients.

"Tsk."

Roland clicked his tongue lightly and shook his head helplessly.

He had been very excited when he first discovered this Mithril Body Tempering Method scroll.

According to the description on the parchment, after cultivating it, not only would his Strength significantly increase, but his body's resistance to damage would also be enhanced, which would perfectly compensate for his current shortcomings.

Moreover, he was still a little short on Strength attribute before he could transfer his job to Blacksmith.

"Forget it."

Seeing that the sky outside was getting dark, Roland rubbed his empty stomach.

"I should fill my stomach before studying the Body Tempering Method."

With that thought, Roland pushed open the door and walked towards the cafeteria.

Some time had passed since the dinner bell.

Therefore, when he arrived, the usually noisy cafeteria was deserted, almost empty. Only a solitary figure sat on a bench, mechanically chewing on cold, leftover food.

"Mister Bronson?"

Recognizing the person, a flicker of surprise flashed in Roland's eyes.

Although he had only known this reserved teacher for three days, Roland could tell from his demeanor and speech that he possessed vast Knowledge.

"Perhaps he will know what Silver Dust is."

With this hope, Roland scooped a portion of the scarce, cold rice and sat down beside Bronson.

"Mister Bronson, why are you dining so late today?"

"Hm?"

Bronson looked up when he heard the voice. Upon seeing that it was Roland, a tired smile barely appeared on his lips.

He slowly swallowed the food in his mouth and replied in a gentle but weary voice.

"You're late too. Were you focused on studying?"

Roland dipped the hard, dry black bread into the leftover meat soup from noon before answering.

"Yes, Mister Bronson. I spent the entire afternoon studying the novel you distributed."

"Is that so..."

Bronson looked at the eager young man before him, a trace of guilt flashing in his eyes.

"I apologize. I received a last-minute notice, so I wasn't able to prepare suitable teaching materials for you."

"It's alright, Mister Bronson."

Roland swallowed the food in his mouth and, after a moment of hesitation, asked.

"It's just... there was something mentioned in the novel that made me curious. It's called 'Silver Dust.' Do you know what that is?"

"Silver Dust?"

Hearing the word, Bronson's movements clearly paused.

He tilted his head slightly, his gaze becoming distant, as if lost in some faraway memory.

The dim light of the dining hall cast uneven shadows on his face.

After a moment, he slowly spoke.

"It's a common material in Alchemy, but..."

He turned his head, his eyebrows slightly raised, and gave a meaningful smile.

"But such specialized Knowledge involving Alchemical techniques shouldn't appear in a novel meant for casual reading, should it?"

"Uh, this..."

Faced with Bronson's eyes, which seemed to see through everything, Roland's hand, holding the wooden spoon, froze mid-air.

He suddenly realized that this teacher, usually gentle and reserved, wasn't as simple as he appeared on the surface.

After subconsciously scratching his head, Roland's Adam's apple involuntarily bobbed.

"No need to be nervous."

Bronson withdrew his sharp gaze and picked up the wooden spoon again.

"Everyone has their own secrets; I don't like prying."

He stirred the thick soup in the bowl slowly.

"So. You need Silver Dust?"

"Yes, yes."

Seeing that the other party had gotten straight to the point, Roland no longer hid anything and nodded solemnly.

At this, Bronson's lips curved slightly upwards.

"I do have some on hand, but..."

"What do you need me to do?"

Roland asked directly, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the edge of the rough wooden table.

"Heh heh."

Bronson chuckled, the fine lines around his eyes smoothing out.

"Mister Hawk was right; you are indeed very smart."

He put down his utensils and placed his hands clasped on the table.

"I need a custom dagger. I've heard your forging skills are quite outstanding."

"A dagger?"

Roland was slightly taken aback.

He had expected some harsh conditions, but he hadn't thought it would just be forging a dagger.

At his current level, this was practically a piece of cake.

But then a thought suddenly flashed through his mind.

Hawk's forging skills were clearly far superior to his own, and they seemed to know each other well. Why would Bronson go through this roundabout way?

As if seeing through Roland's doubts, a wry smile appeared on Bronson's lips.

"I really can't afford Hawk's wages..."

He explained softly, a hint of embarrassment in his voice.

Roland looked at Bronson's slightly lowered eyelids. Although he felt the reason was a bit far-fetched, he still slowly nodded.

"Forging is no problem, but Mister Hawk has stipulated that I cannot use any tools in the blacksmith shop until I pass the Knowledge Test."

"Then. Do you have confidence in passing the test?"

Although he didn't get an immediate response, when he noticed that Roland's eyes showed no sign of dejection, Bronson nodded meaningfully.

"Let's eat first. Come with me after you're done."

Seeing that Bronson said no more, Roland also fell silent, concentrating on finishing the remaining food on his plate.

The already empty dining hall felt even more desolate now, with only the occasional crisp clinking of cutlery echoing through the hall.

"Let's go."

A moment later, seeing Roland put down his utensils, Bronson calmly took out a silk handkerchief from his pocket, elegantly wiped the corners of his lips, and then took the lead in walking out.

Roland quickly followed suit.

The two passed through winding corridors and finally arrived at the farthest corner of the manor.

Under the moonlight, a dilapidated hut stood alone.

"Wait for me outside."

The moment Bronson pushed the door open, an indescribable smell wafted out.

Through the gap in the door, Roland caught a glimpse of the scene inside.

Books were scattered all over the floor, leaving almost no room to step, and on the mottled wooden table at the far end were displayed various strangely shaped instruments.

Just as Roland tried to see more details, the door was closed.

When Bronson reappeared, he held a cloth bag tied with a silver ribbon.

"Here is the Silver Dust you wanted. As for this..."

He took out a blueprint with heavily worn edges from his pocket.

"This is the design for the dagger. I hope to receive the finished product within three months."

A faint smile played on Bronson's lips.

"I'm sure you won't disappoint me, right?"

The moonlight cast a cold shadow on his face.

Roland stared for a moment before finally nodding solemnly.