Apprentices and a Dictionary

Prado, a second-tier blacksmith, used many techniques to forge fine ironware. It required relatively more hammering while maintaining the item's shape, making it quite difficult. Even with Prado's skill, he was exhausted after a full day.

It was not as if Dole had never considered becoming a blacksmith. An entry-level apprentice only earned commission each month, but if he could forge ungraded farming implements and tools, he could still earn copper and silver coins. The monthly income was far from small, much better than working as a laborer here or in the mines. Once he became a first-tier blacksmith, he could forge weapons and armor, and the pay would be even higher. Still, Dole always felt that he could become a warrior, so he kept that thought to himself. But whenever he had the chance in the smithy, he was more than willing to learn.

After a whole day of clanging hammers, Dole was exhausted as well. They worked until past ten at night before finishing the three broadswords. The third-tier blacksmiths and laborers throughout the smithy had all been worn out by the day's work.

However, Ha did not skimp on any of the three meals. Every meal had meat, which made Dole very happy.

Once the forging was complete, Prado let out a breath. Next came the polishing, and the laborers were no longer needed for that. Yudo and Eric were flushed red with exhaustion, while Dole seemed mostly unaffected, apart from breathing a little heavily.

Prado thought Dole was quite good and had the potential to become a blacksmith. He wondered whether he should poach Dole from Verek.

After dinner, Ha gathered all the laborers together and began handing out their wages. Every laborer who had participated in that day's work received an extra copper coin, and everyone was delighted.

As they were leaving, Ha kept Dole behind.

Dole did not understand why, but he stayed to hear what Ha had to say.

Ha was not the owner of the smithy, merely its manager. After everyone else had left, he took out another copper coin and handed it to Dole. His tone carried a hint of temptation. "Dole, do you want to become a blacksmith? A real blacksmith?"

Dole was stunned and found it hard to believe. It had only been a few days. Did Manager Ha think that highly of him already?

A rare smile appeared on Ha's somewhat dark face. "The most basic requirement for becoming a blacksmith is strength. Look at Yudo and Eric. They're older than you, but they're not as strong. I wouldn't recommend them for blacksmithing. You're different. You have the potential to become a blacksmith."

Dole lowered his head and considered it only briefly before saying, "All right. Then I'll become an apprentice."

Being an apprentice was different from being a laborer. Apprentices received no wages. Only after they forged ironware and it was sold would they receive a small share of the proceeds. That was the smithy's rule. It prevented apprentices from slacking off while learning and pushed them to improve faster. If they learned to forge ironware early, the income would be far better than that of a laborer.

There were countless apprentices like Dole in Duomeng City.

After confirming his decision, Ha smiled and patted Dole on the shoulder. "You don't need to worry. Apprentices have nothing to do most of the time. If a master needs you to work as a laborer, you can do that too. You'll earn some wages then." He could tell that Dole had truly come for the money. Otherwise, he would not have gone to the more exhausting smithy. The mines looked tiring, but they were actually fairly leisurely and easier than the smithy.

Hearing that, Dole's face reddened. Ha had clearly seen through him, which was why he had spoken so bluntly. Dole thought for a moment and said, "Actually, I just want to buy a dictionary. Once I have one, I won't be short of money anymore. After that, I'll do whatever you ask."

Ha was somewhat surprised. He looked at Dole as though seeing him for the first time. "You want to learn to read?"

Dole shook his head. "I just want to recognize words."

Ha immediately laughed and patted his shoulder. "Wait here." He turned and headed for the rear courtyard.

Dole was baffled. What was Ha going to do?

A moment later, Ha came out of the rear courtyard carrying a thick book. Smiling, he said, "No need to buy one. I have a spare one here. Take it. But remember, I won't be paying you wages."

Dole was dumbfounded. He hurriedly thanked him. His goal was the dictionary. So what if he did not get paid? Once he became a warrior in the future, earning money would be easy. There was no rush. At that moment, he was so moved that tears nearly came to his eyes.

Blacksmiths were usually rather quiet, but Dole could tell they simply were not good at expressing their feelings. Whether it was Verek, Ha, or Prado, none of them seemed dull to Dole. They were cold on the outside but warm inside.

"Thank you, Ha, thank you! I'll work hard and become a real blacksmith." Dole hugged the book to his chest, cherishing it dearly.

Ha smiled faintly. "I'm investing in you because I can see how hard you work. If you were like Yudo and the others, I wouldn't do this. Work hard. The future belongs to you young people."

Dole was naturally overwhelmed with gratitude.

On his way back to the slums, Dole's steps were light.

The weather had cleared during the day, and the temperature had risen. The night now carried a slight warmth.

Not long after Dole entered the slums, while he was still feeling happy, Dog Aoduo darted out from the shadows and came to his side. Just as Dole was wondering what was going on, Dog Aoduo bit his clothes and pulled him hard.

Dog Aoduo was very strong. Despite Dole's current strength, he was dragged to the side. He immediately realized that Dog Aoduo might have discovered something and was warning him.

Dole did not understand, so he could only follow Dog Aoduo. They went deeper into the slums and found some shadows to hide in. Soon, he saw several people wandering aimlessly through the slums in the darkness. They appeared to be drifting about without purpose, but most of their attention was actually focused on Dole's room.

Those sons of bitches found me again. Could that Aoduo actually be a dog? How many days has it been, and he's still after me? The weather clears, and he comes looking for me right away. What rotten luck. Thank goodness for Dog Aoduo, or I'd be in trouble today.

He rubbed Dog Aoduo's head with lingering fear. Then he suddenly remembered that the book was still at home. Since those people had found their way here, they must have located his house. What about the book?

The moment he thought of that, he panicked and grew agitated.

Just then, Dog Aoduo bit his hand. It hurt quite a bit. Somewhat impatiently, Dole turned to see what was wrong with him.

After one look, he froze. This dog had truly become a spirit. He had actually packed the book into a bundle and brought it out.

"Not bad. You're a good friend. Picking you up wasn't for nothing." In the shadows, Dole let out a huge breath of relief. As long as the book was safe, that was all that mattered. There were plenty of ruined houses in the slums. He could abandon his bedding and find somewhere else to stay. He would let Dog Aoduo find a place.

He secretly glanced at those people and went around them.

The slums did not look very large, but once one entered them, they seemed vast. With Aoduo watching his home, Dole did not dare return. He quickly found a small abandoned house and hid inside.