A God Killed Me By Accident, But I Reincarnated As The 4th Son Of The Marquis

Volume 14 Chapter 49: Blacksmith Finals

Later in the day, Arlo took a deep breath as he waited. He and the other blacksmiths waited for the instructors to enter; it was time for the blacksmith finals. However, the dreading silence occurring in class only made him nervous. It was the same for the others as well. Some sweated while others felt their stomachs churning, ready to throw up.

One of his friends patted him on the back, “Arlo, please calm down a bit more.” 

Like Arlo, he was also a halfling. There weren't many halflings. Being the only few in the class, the two were able to form a close friendship with one another. It was better than being alone.

“I’m fine.” Arlo continued to take deep breaths as he watched calmly.

"..." His friend wanted to say something but paused. He understood the problem. 

Most halflings were scrutinized by their races. However, it was usually murmurs and scoffs. Arlo's situation was different. These students continued to talk down about him in front of his face! It was because of the people he was with. Some wanted to use Arlo to reach them, while others thought he was unworthy of befriending people like this. 

Even now, they stared at him with contempt. But that all stopped when the instructors entered. 

"Today's final shall be simple. I want you all to take an ore and smelt it down. The assistant instructors and I will check it. You have the whole day to complete it." The students nodded as they headed to their stations. Each assistant instructor came over, asking them what ore they wanted. 

“Which one do you want?”

“Agerite.” Arlo calmly stated, which caused the assistant instructor to be taken aback. However, he nodded as he handed it over. The other students who stood there also scoffed at him, “How could he choose something like that?” 

Arlo calmly answered. His choice only made the assistant instructor's eyes widen; hearing his choice was unexpected. It was a brief expression that was unnoticeable to the students. He nodded and handed the ore over. The other students who stood there scoffed, “How could he choose something like that?” 

"He's trying to show off."

"He's asking to flunk." 

Agerite was used in the academy; it was one of the sturdiest and trickiest metals. To choose this on the finals? From how straightforward the finals were, the students understood what they needed to do.

Choosing an easy ore to work with. That would give them the highest chance to pass.

Arlo took a deep breath as he placed the ore into the furnace. Sounds of hammering dominated the workshop. Different pitches of a hammer being swung down onto the ore created a unique melody. Some finished quickly as they brought their product to the instructor.

“Redo it.”

“...Eh?” The student paused as his eyes widened. Was this not enough? This was the same purity he always showed during the class. He was not the only one.

"Redo it." More and more were told to do so again. 

“...” The instructors glanced at Arlo; he continued to hammer down on the ore and place it into the furnace. Unlike the others, he was one of the few who had chosen quite a hard ore. Arlo started to hammer again.

Slowly, the dim sound grew louder and brighter. That vibrant sound caused the students to stop hammering and glance at him. It was such a mellow sound compared to what the others made. The instructor smiled as he watched Arlo work.

Before long, Arlo brought the ingot over to the instructors. 

“You passed.” 

When that was finished, the same could be said about Carolyn and the others as they took a deep sigh. “Phew! We’re finally done with the finals as well!” Their general studies test was finished, and there was one less thing they didn’t need to worry about. Carolyn and the others headed back to the island, where there was a warm and hot meal waiting for them.  

Carolyn and the others froze. But that was only because they couldn’t believe it. The aroma and that deliciousness! They know that smell; it was filled with oils and butter!

Keith smiled, “Just this once. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” It was a treat for all of the hard work they’ve done these last couple of days. But that alone was enough to cause them to cry in happiness. 

As they continued to eat the food with happiness, Herrick couldn’t help but ask, “Professor, do you know what our magic finals are going to be?” 

“Herrick, you understand I can’t tell you. It would be considered cheating.”

“But magic was never my strong suit.” Even as he grew, there was nothing to say about this. Keith took a deep sigh, “You just need to study again. You’ve done it for the general studies one.” The lion had tried everything and had been doing this for quite some time now. Keith smiled; you guys just need to work hard and not do anything wrong. That was something very much so.