Chapter 628: First Day In School [Part 1]

Chapter 628: First Day In School [Part 1]



Aster didn't need to announce where they were. From a distance, as they walked closer, Northern could already hear the crude clangor of metals frivolously ripping the air apart.

As they approached the smithy, the first thing he noticed was its sheer scale. The building stood like a fortress of industry, its walls constructed from dark stone that bore the marks of time and countless fiery battles.

Massive oregon iron beams reinforced the structure, their rivets glowing faintly as if imbued with latent heat. The roof, a sweeping dome of the same oregon metal but more blackened than the beams, caught the sunlight, reflecting it in golden flashes where it wasn't dulled by

soot.

A towering chimney pierced the sky, belching columns of smoke that mingled with the low- hanging clouds, announcing the forge's activity against the backdrop of the mountain and wildlife.

Around its base, a network of pipes and vents hissed with the steady exhalation of steam, lending the air a humid, metallic tang.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Aster's steps finally came to a stop, and so did Northern's. Unmiraculously, Northern's threat had worked perfectly.

Northern had meant every word of the threat: if Aster had continued talking, his plan was to release all the void aura he had been suppressing since entering and have the boy pass out cold on the ground.

The blabbermouth pointed to the industry-like building before them.

"There is LaRosa Workshop."

Northern already knew-anyone would, given how announcing the building itself was.

"I see. Thank you, Aster." Northern gave a short response and focused on the building.

He thought Aster would have silently walked away until he heard the boy's modulated voice reach his ears.

"So won't you at least give me your name? Can't keep calling you 'Fella' forever, you know."

Northern sighed internally, looked over his shoulder, and said to Aster, "My name is Lael, or Artemis. Whichever suits you."

"Okay, I'll just go ahead and call you Art. Because now we are friends."

Northern rolled his eyes away and started to stroll towards the smithy.

"My workshop is just a stone's throw away from here, you know, towards your right!"

Northern closed his eyes for a moment and willfully ignored the boy's shout.

Very few people were walking around this place, and Northern liked that not even one of them cared enough to look in his direction.

That one second, however, was enough for someone like Northern to make out his entire

physique.

This man had a muscular build, with broad shoulders and arms that seemed forged themselves. His red hair, styled in a rugged manner, complemented his confident and almost arrogant demeanor.

A neatly trimmed beard framed his strong jawline, enhancing his aura of experience and

authority.

His outfit was practical yet iconic: a heavy brown leather apron adorned with reinforced metal plates, protecting him during his craft.

Around his waist was a belt loaded with various blacksmithing tools, from hammers to tongs, each meticulously placed for easy access.

His hands held a large, custom-designed hammer, the kind that could shape both steel and legends, to his right shoulder. His boots and bracers were sturdy, made for long hours of

labor.

Despite his rugged appearance, there was a spark of intelligence in his eyes, hinting at someone as thoughtful as he is skilled.

Northern watched him stride purposefully out of the smithy and beyond.

The person he had called, Shampoo, arrived in front of Northern. He was a lithe-looking guy with a slightly bent frame, perhaps his posture over the years had contributed to that.

His eyes examined Northern for a few seconds.

Then Northern caught the flash of a villainous grin. He raised a brow, 'Huh? Did I imagine it?'

The boy adjusted his glasses and raised his chin, looking down on Northern even though they

were around the same age.

"Today is your first day, right. Did you come with your work suits?"

Northern frowned, "I don't even know what those are."

"Look at this runt. Talking back at your senior, foolish freshman, you will know your place

soon."

Northern tilted his head, innocently shocked, "Heh?"