Juri's visit to the City took longer than expected, and he only came back ten days later.
"Why do you think there are so many Tribes around Astreg City? That's because there isn't enough space for everyone there. So as you can imagine, even a small workshop in a not much bustling street was quite expensive. Well, when I say not much bustling, it is only compared to the main roads. Due to the enormous number of Tribes and the fact that the City is full, even this place has many people passing by."
Alanda couldn't help but ask.
"How much was it to rent the workshop?"
Juri smiled bitterly and shook his head.
"Please don't ask. Just understand that we won't be able to keep that place for more than two months if we don't sell anything."
Rean laughed, though.
"Don't worry, the swords and other weapons will definitely sell. You guys saw it yourselves, my sword was even better than a Spiritual Kaz one."
Erkil and his two apprentices then stepped forward, and Rean took the opportunity to say.
"Erkil has already understood how the process works. His two apprentices should be able to do that as well to a certain extent. The only thing is that Erkil will have to be by their side when they are forging it. After all, he has to guarantee quality. Anyway, they are ready to go with you anytime."
Juri was happy to hear it.
"Very well. As I said, if you have families that you are worried about, I can let you bring them. Just make sure to keep the Steelwork a secret from them as well."
Erkil's two apprentices shook their heads. As Erkil mentioned before, they are not married and have been dedicating their life to Blacksmith so far. As for Erkil, he would be bringing his wife only.
"Our kids are already grown-ups and married off, there is no need to bring them together. So I already talked to them. This time, only my wife will be coming with me."
Juri didn't complain.
It was then that Rean spoke.
"Tribe Leader. I understood your plan to make the Steel weapons recognized first. But someone might be faster and come for it earlier. If a high-level cultivator uses their Spiritual Sense, they would be able to check Erkil and his apprentices working with it."
Juri agreed with Rean.
"I know. That's why I have already planned things out. At the moment, no one cares about us, so I'm sure we are safe for the moment. That being said, I will have Erkil and his two apprentices forge quite a few Steel Weapons. After that, I will get rid of all limestone and the majority of the coal, leaving only Iron behind."
Rean's eyes lit up.
"That is indeed a good idea. By forging everything we need before putting any to sell. You will be able to spend a few days without caring about running out of Swords. Even if someone comes to spy later, since the blacksmiths will not be working anymore, there will be nothing for them to watch. The limestones will be gone, and the remaining coal will only be seen as the way to make fire."
Juri smiled.
"Correct. Also, I'm planning to forge a lot of Iron Swords and leave them outside. I will be making demonstrations with the people in the streets. They will be able to select a sword and test it against the Steel Sword to check the results by themselves. There will definitely be those who will want to test their very own weapons against as well."
Rean had to admit that it was a good idea. Seeing is believing, after all.
"Anyway. I will be going. Alanda, you will be in charge of the Tribe in the meantime. If everything goes alright, I should be back in three or four weeks."
Alanda nodded.
"No problem. I already prepared a few warriors to go with you, especially a batch with Wind Element Affinity to help with the forging."
Juri smiled after hearing that.
The next day, Juri left with Erkil and the rest.
As Juri disappeared in the distance, Alanda couldn't help but ask Rean.
"Don't you want to go with them? You would be able to check their work firsthand."
Rean shook his head, though.
"It is only Steel, there is no need for me to check on it. Instead, I will be cultivating for the time being. I haven't done any training in the past two and a half weeks at all. This world is too different from mine, intelligence can only bring you so far. Without the strength to back it up, I will only become a target in the future with what I have in my head. Besides, mother would definitely be worried sick."
Alanda nodded, satisfied. He, too, believes that one's own strength was the most critical part. Nothing else will matter if you die, and in this world, death is a common occurrence.
"Good, then go back to classes tomorrow. Roan had been teaching the kids with me while you stayed in the workshop, so you need to catch up."
Rean looked at Alanda.
"Considering the amount of Spirit Stones I will get from my Steel Weapons, why should I keep working as a teacher? I will have more than enough to pay the last 35 Spirit Stones to you."
Alanda shook his head.
"It is not about the Spirit Stones anymore. All the kids take you and Roan as their model. If you disappear, wouldn't it affect their own improvement? How can you be so cold-hearted?"
Rean's mouth couldn't help but twitch.
"You just want someone to do your job, right?"
Alanda looked away and pretended that he didn't hear anything. However, he wasn't wrong. The kids really looked up to him and Roan. Besides, Rean had to admit that it had already become part of his routine.
"Sigh... Fine. Since Roan is still there, I might as well continue. It is not like I have Spirit Stones to cultivate anyway."
'Not to mention that I had never had the chance to enjoy my school life back on Earth.'
Rean then went back home to wash. After all, Steelworks in an ancient world isn't exactly the cleanest type of job.