Originally, Xu Feng didn't think much of these Apprentice level blacksmiths.
After all, just what kind of specialty could these blacksmiths offer that would change his mind?
The apprentice level was a bit higher than Novice, but in reality, there really isn't much of a difference except the former was somewhat more experienced and knowledgeable.
One could become a newly promoted Apprentice, and they would be no different than an almost ready-to-be promoted from Novice level.
However, his overview and skepticism were shattered when he realized what these 3 Apprentice level Blacksmiths were capable of.
'These 3 Apprentice level blacksmiths must be mine.' Xu Feng inwardly declared. They knew not only Resonance Enchantment but also Durability Augmentation.
Resonance Enchantment was a unique crafting technique involving embedding resonant stones into weapons and armor to enhance their effectiveness against specific enemy types.
Mastery of Resonance Enchantment required a deep understanding of resonance properties and the acquisition of rare stones, making it a rare skill among apprentice blacksmiths.
As for Durability Augmentation, it focused on improving the longevity of weapons and armor by adding a special durability-enhancing layer. This process utilized rare materials and advanced crafting methods, distinguishing it from more common blacksmithing techniques.
Just these two specialty factors alone made it impossible for Xu Feng to let them go away to another place.
"Tracy, draft a contract and tell them their condition can be met, but they must sign a long-term contract, as well as prevent them from leaving earlier than expected." Xu Feng commanded.
And to his astonishment, Tracy revealed a third documentation, except this time, it was a contract form.
"I've prepared them beforehand, boss," Tracy said, handing it for him to inspect.
When Xu Feng browsed through the contract and its clauses, his eyes widened in shock.
He lifted his chin slightly up and gazed at Tracy with a disbelief expression, "Why did you come to work for my hotel?"
What he meant wasn't anything offensive, but out of respect and a compliment to her ability. She was literally the type that would ease a lot of worries for their boss.
"Anyway, just make sure to hire those 3 Apprentice blacksmiths and around 10 Novice blacksmiths. The contract remained the same, with only the apprentice receiving a bit more. They can get to work as soon as the Vanguard Blacksmith construction is done." Xu Feng instructed.
"Understood, boss." Tracy nodded her head.
"Alright, I'm going to leave the city for a few days."
"Eh, but what about the Paradise Plains?"
"Relax, you can just notify me if it happens." Xu Feng smiled, reminding her that she now had a function to signal an emergency.
Although he won't know the context, just receiving the signal would be enough to remind him the time was up.
As the owner of the hotel and having completed the tedious process, he could now teleport back to the hotel whenever he wanted, albeit with a cost depending on the distance.
Shortly after the instruction, Xu Feng began using his Mirage Pendant for the first time.
And under the eyes of Tracy, he changed his appearance to a somewhat middle-aged man, as well as his name, Eclipse Nova.
Astonished, Tracy took a second to compose herself from the dramatic change. At the same time, she was confused by his name change as well.
Since she was an employee under him, she naturally knew his name was Lin Feng, but now the data was showing Eclipse Nova to her from the inspection skills she had.
"Eclipse Nova?" She mumbled confusingly.
"Ahem, the name is just to make it sound mysterious and cool." Xu Feng faked a cough and explained softly.
He was not good with naming things, but the name does have a backstory behind it. Eclipse Nova combined the mysterious and powerful imagery of an eclipse with the explosive connotations of a nova. This fusion suggested a force that was both overwhelming and enigmatic.
What he wanted was to portray himself as the enigmatic and overwhelming mastermind that was behind Lin Feng's persona.
To simplify things, it was just to make others fear and respect him who never truly existed in the first place.
"Okay, if Jessica or anyone from the Adventure Association looks for me. You can just tell them I'm going to search for the ores." Xu Feng swiftly said and exited the lounge, feeling quite embarrassed.