Chapter 156 - Verbal Skirmish

Jason figured out that his knowledge was on par with the questions but his understanding lacked behind and he wasn't able to comprehend every situation stated by his masters, which was only reasonable.

If he were able to answer everything after memorizing the content of the dozen books he read over the last month, why would he even need Shane and Dalia as his Artisan masters?

It would be entirely useless and a waste of time.

Nevertheless, his comprehension was good but there was just too much to reconsider with every lifestyle occupation.

Jason understood the main points but concluding some facts was still extremely difficult due to his lack of practice.

Dalia and Shane also figured that out and they decided to focus on these facts on his schedule.

"Jason, you´ve been reading books about theoretical knowledge over the last few weeks. It would be best if you can come to us every day to teach you more about practical knowledge from all basic-lifestyle occupations.

We know that you don't have to attend the early classes in school, as such it would be even better if you use your free time in the morning to come here." Shane said knowingly.

Jason´s free time in the morning was mostly used to increase his proficiency with his affinities but it wouldn't be a problem to reschedule his schedule in order to free his morning.

As such, Jason nodded his head before a thought appeared in his mind.

`Can I practice my black origin flame´s proficiency while brewing and refining materials?` He asked himself as he looked at Shane and Dalia, asking the same question.

Dalia chuckled for a moment before she seriously answered

"You can obviously practice the proficiency of your black origin flame while brewing inscription reagents and potions as the control and accuracy of your flame determines the cleansing effect of origin flames.

A single degree difference can change the purity of your herbs and materials by a huge margin.

Maintaining the perfect temperature is taxing and will consume a lot of your focus but with enough practice, you will be proficient with all of it."

Saying so, Jason sighed in relief and he could use most of his remaining time to increase the proficiency of his ice affinity, as long as his fire affinity proficiency increased while learning more about the lifestyle occupations.

Now it was Shane´s turn to say something, causing Jason to be slightly disgruntled

"As you already know, I´ve observed your performance at the school´s basic artisan exam and I have to say that you really found a good way to waste materials. Even a newborn would be able to forge a better dagger and inscribing it with runes in order for it to be barely able to reach an acceptable sharpness was the only thing you did almost well.

I wonder if your black origin flame is a normal flame you dyed while trying to only make it look like a special origin flame or the real deal because the impurities you extracted were laughable.

I could do better with normal flames and a decent purifying method and you want me to believe that you have a rare origin flame.

If I didn't know better, I would have believed that you tried to con us with your black origin flame!" Shane finished his speech and looked at Jason disappointed on the outside while he felt slightly sorry on the inside.

He wanted Jason to feel provoked in order to awaken his motivation to work harder.

It would also backfire but it seemed to work as he observed Jason´s change in his expression.

Jason felt wronged and couldn´t understand Shane, as he only tried to pass the practical artisan exam and nothing more.

Turning slightly red, Jason´s anger was apparent and he stood up saying

"I can do better! Just give me another try and you´ll see!!

Furthermore, why are you even pulling me down without having me taught anything? The only things you provided were the books only a few days before the exam started.

For me to be able to pass all three lifestyle occupation exams with a single try is already better than almost all of my classmates! I'll do better!"

Jason said slightly louder. He wasn´t dumb or naive to believe that Shane would praise him in order for him to grow lazy, but what he said right now was too much for him to endure because he gave his best over the last few weeks without slacking off for a single moment.

It was tiring and hearing Shane´s speech provoked him, even though he knew that Shane solely said so in order to provoke him.

Shane was astonished to see Jason´s outburst and he wanted to rebuke when Dalia sent him a voice transmission.

`That was too much... Jason is still young and he always gives his best!!`

Hearing this from his wife, Shane remembered that Jason was barely 14 years old, causing him to slap his own forehead.

Shane didn´t see Jason as a teenager as he behaved differently most of the time and due to his height and well-developed body in addition to his mature face, he treated him like a young man subconsciously.

This wasn't particularly wrong but Shane forgot that it was important for children to receive praise once in a while, in order for them to understand that their hard work pays off.

Sighing, Shane decided to step back as he cleared his throat.

"I don't want to undermine your achievement, but I know your capabilities and talent are much better than the products you delivered at the school artisan exam.

As such I might have overreacted a little bit… It's only for your good and I want you to strive for the highest possible instead of playing lowkey in order to not attract the attention of stronger individuals.

It might be true that you shouldn´t oppose the big clans for the time being but nobody on Astrix will be able to handle me.

I want you to give your best each and every time you do something without having to hold back even a tiny bit."

Listening to Shane, Jason calmed down as he figured out that his master only wanted the best for him.

Having someone to rely on was not something Jason had for the last few years while his mother was not strong enough to protect him from being bullied or anything like that due to her duty at the Cerus family.

As such, Shane´s words warmed his heart and Jason smiled at him.

This made Shane uncomfortable while Dalia smiled at Jason brightly.

Not being able to take this situation any longer, Shane changed the subject.

"You don't really have to show me your current capabilities as I could roughly estimate how far you can go at the moment.

To show you how to handle forging, brewing, and inscribing, we want to demonstrate to you a perfect grade-1 weapon, potion, and inscription.

Our confidence in your talent is high and due to your mana eyes, you´ll be able to understand everything much easier than most students.

Just imprint our knowledge in your mind and learn it.

Maybe you can even improve it in the future...who knows?"

Shane said with a slight tinge of pride in his voice, as he turned around towards the spiral staircase that led them downwards.