The throne was in the middle of the VIP seat. When Empress Catherine appeared on the throne, all the people stood up and bowed to her. It was a voluntary bow.
At that time, Catherine used extraordinary wisdom, courage and means to settle the royal war to rescue the empire. After managing with much difficulty, the Dark Shadow Empire, which was initially barely surviving, became the second largest empire after the Bloody Empire. She brought the citizens back to peace and tranquility. Thus, regardless of nobles or the commoners, they respect and revere their ruler from their heart.
Catherine wore a robe with a crown and a veil covering her face. On her throne, her face couldn’t be seen, but people could still peek into the beauty of the first beauty from the faintly visible perfect figure and the mysterious, elegant temperament.
A 10 metre radius around the throne was surrounded by the imperial guards equipped with fine equipment. However, even without these guards, Catherine was second only to the world’s strongest Emperor Raizen so no one would dare to offend.
The judges of the contest were a group of mechanic masters led by Master Anderson, the top mechanic masters of the empire. At the center of the arena were the ten mechanics who entered the final stage today.
The workbenches required for all three specializations were placed around each mechanic. Generally, the mechanics brought their own tools, but they could also choose to use the given tools.
The finals’ rules were very simple. Whoever produces the highest rated equipment, regardless of materials and specialization within the time limit would be the champion!
In this final, there were originally two popular champions Robert and the capital’s genius, Savice. Yet, Savice unexpectedly failed in the semi-final and the rise of two unexpected candidates, “Arthur” and Horford covered Roberta’s limelight.
However, the possibility that candidates had hid their capabilities couldn’t be ruled out. Everything was possible in the finals now.
After the mechanics took their place, the finals began with the ring of a bell.
Almost everyone moved including Robert except two.
Chen Rui and Horford.
The two didn’t argue with each other nor looked at each other movingly as it was a contest afterall.
The two who took a deep breath and closed your eyes, calmed down quickly with different methods. Then, almost at the same time, they began to move and carefully place the tools and materials on the workbench. Every tool and material was placed at the most suitable for themselves. Despite the limited time, they performed such a “prelude” at their own pace and didn’t even look at the time.
The eyes of several masters at judges’ seats fell onto the two men. Master Anderson who was sitting in the middle nodded slightly; while Rummenigge looked surprised and rejoiced; Master Leo frowned; Only Master Xhosa murmured, “I didn’t expect.”
After doing all the preparations, the movements of the two began to change rapidly. Chen Rui’s hammering movements were huge like splashing ink to draw; whereas Horford’s movements were smaller and more subtle like a detailed drawing. The audience’s eyes were involuntarily attracted. All of them had an illusion as if there were only two candidates on the stage and the rest were just a background.
Anderson’s eyes stayed on Horford for a moment, then it finally fell onto Chen Rui. As the best mechanic in metal specialization, he obviously noticed that although Horford’s method was precise and impeccable, what really moved him was Chen Rui’s method. The hammering method was casual yet sophisticated. It seemed to have deviated from the scope of ordinary mechanics as it could fully utilize his energy to complete the process of refining and shaping.
Could that method be from the taurens who are famous for their craftsmanship?
That’s right! This hammering method does have the essence of the taurens. I can’t believe someone can actually master the tauren’s craftsmanship in this world! Due to their limited talent, the tauren’s craftsmanship is also deficient in enchantment. If he applies the enchantment he masters…
Anderson’s eyes grew brighter and bigger as he stared at every hammering of Chen Rui for the fear of missing out.
Master Xhosa was already gulping alcohol with a somewhat self-deprecating smile on his face. No wonder “Arthur” politely rejected my apprenticeship and only said to respond after the contest. From his level of performance now, even I am inferior from him. How am I worthy to be his teacher? However, the form this guy filled seems to be.. dual-specializations?
Rummenigge’s expression had changed from surprise to serious, “It looks like this final has surpassed the rank of mechanics…”
As soon as the experts showed their skills, everyone would know their capabilities. All the masters showed their approvals.
Master versus master! Besides, they are not ordinary masters!
The final is really unexpected!
Several metal-specialized mechanics had stopped crafting and stared at the two’s methods and actions. From time to time, they looked like they were pondering or surprised. Mechanics that could enter the final were naturally extraordinary people who could notice the amazing skills of the two.
It was almost impossible to win with the presence of these two people. Since it was rare to see master level craftsmanship, they might as well watch carefully to learn, so it wasn’t wasted.
Chen Rui, who had completed crafting, started enchanting. The tauren’s craftsmanship was perfect, but there they were always lacking in enchantment. Today, he would make up for deficiency!
Although his basic knowledge and advanced knowledge were integrated, Chen Rui’s method contained traces of Skye and Tata. Under the brilliant glory of the magic array, Chen Rui used the “pointing” method to complete the last enchantment on that weapon, and the broadsword was finally completed.
At about the same time, Horford completed a dark dagger.
The previous champion, Robert, completed his work a bit faster than both of them.
It was a magic bracelet. Robert was indeed extraordinary. Once he was in the state, there was nothing else in his eyes as all the attention was on the tools and materials in his hands. So, he didn’t notice the performance of Chen Rui and Horford. Certainly, that was also a quality that an excellent mechanic should have.
Three works were placed on the table of the judges at the same time. The appraisal results of Robert’s work were announced first. Unnamed magic bracelet. Casting speed of water magic increased by 10%; water magic damage increased by 17%; physical defense increased by 12%. Excellent grade.
“Robert can freely craft outstanding excellent-grade equipment now, so he’s almost a junior master.” Rummenigge said, “After the contest, you can come to the association for master certification.”
Although it was rumored that Robert had already reached the master level in the early days, now that Rummenigge officially confirmed in person, many people were still surprised. The mechanic contest actually gave birth to a master.
Robert had already faintly reached the level of the master in recent years, but he hadn’t participated in the certification because he wanted to get popular by joining the mechanic contest.
Hearing Rummenigge’s invitation to participate in the master’s certification publicly, Robert smiled and looked provocatively at Chen Rui and Howard.
However, Chen Rui and Howard were just looking at each other as if there were invisible sparks between them; they simply ignored the “third party”, Robert’s provocation. To be precise, they couldn’t bother about Robert as only each other was worthy of their attention.
The next item appraised was Horford’s dagger, named “Gust”. Attack speed increased by 22%; movement speed increased by 20%; tear damage increased by 20%. Excellent-grade.
Robert’s smile suddenly solidified. The attributes of the dagger, which was also an excellent grade, were higher than his magic bracelet. The dagger accelerates the user’s attack and damage, so it is perfect for assassins and the like. Naming and a personal engraving on the equipment was also a sign commonly used by masters.
There were already some people at the scene who planned to buy that dagger from Horford after the contest.
Subsequently, Chen Rui’s broadsword was appraised. The grade of the equipment was discussed for a while among the judges, and it was finally determined as a quasi-legendary grade weapon.
The so-called quasi-legendary grade was a superior excellent-grade weapon. Besides, its enchantment had exceeded the 30% upper limit of excellent-grade equipment, but it hadn’t yet reached the requirement of legendary-grade.
The sword’s name was “Eyes of Flame”. Attack increased by 31%; stamina recovery speed increased by 35%; crushing damage increased by 28%.
Quasi-Legendary grade! This time it raised a commotion among the entire crowd. A quasi-legendary grade equipment actually appeared!
At that point, even those mechanics, who weren’t paying attention, stopped and looked at each other. Is this a mechanic contest or a mechanic master contest?
On the throne, Catherine slightly nodded. This season of contest gave birth to three masters and the appearance of quasi-legendary grade weapons was indeed good.
Robert, who had previously provoked Chen Rui, had a pale face. Now, he finally understood why they didn’t even bother to look at him. Initially, he was proud that he was invited to participate in the master certification. Yet, now that little pride had been shattered by that broadsword. Without any certification, “Arthur” was already a recognized mechanic master!
The Falamo couple in the audience seats had a pale face already. Dior clenched his fists tightly and waved a few times inexplicably. It was only Celine that looked indifferent, but an odd brilliance appeared in her eyes.
“Interesting! It seems that I still underestimated you! It’s just the beginning of the contest.” Horford’s eyes ignited the will to fight. I can also create quasi-legendary-grade equipment. The quality of the equipment is related to the status, materials and other factors. So, it doesn’t mean Chen Rui’s is surely better than him. Besides, I have a more secure way to win.
Horford bowed to the VIP seats and said proudly, “Dear Empress and all the masters, since Arthur and I are both masters, for the sake of fairness, I propose to use the rules of the masters contest a year ago to determine the victory.”
The Master Contest a year ago? The audience looked excited.
Since mechanics had limitations on their status, inspiration etc. The rule of the master contest was to make three types of equipment to get a total score. If there were different specializations, there would be high bonus points.
The president of the Bloody Empire’s Mechanic Alliance, Nate was a rare dual-specialization top master. One year ago, he used this rule to defeat Master Anderson to become the world’s top mechanic.
Master Leo and Chen Rui had grudges, so he was the first one to agree. Leo was a master from the Mechanic Alliance, so him being the first to agree made the audience applauded. Master Anderson frowned and asked Chen Rui, “Do you agree with Horford’s suggestion?”
Chen Rui shrugged after hearing the rules, “I have no comments.”
This is truly a master contest! The arena’s audience were clapping excitedly. Coming to this finals is totally worth it!
Leo didn’t take Robert into consideration, but Robert knew that his skills weren’t comparable, so he didn’t protest. Similarly, he also had the intention to observe and study closely, so he retreated to the side.
After some noises, the audience calmed down and waited for the next round of battle between the two masters.
Horford didn’t choose to forge and went straight to the armor crafting workdesk. He took a large piece of beast hide from his space ring and began to cut it skillfully.
Master Anderson’s pupils suddenly contracted. He is actually a dual-specializations master! Also, the specializations of metal and leather, including the familiar methods are exactly what my rival Nate has….is he a disciple of Nate?
Nate is also a Samuel Royal Family like Horford. Anderson felt that it was more plausible as he thought. After not seeing Nate for many years, he actually taught such a genius disciple! Now, it depends whether Horford’s leather specialization has reached the master-level. Otherwise, with the bonus point from dual-specialization, even if “Arthur” has better metal specialization, he can’t win.
Many people had guessed that Horford might be a dual-specializations master, and the arena had an uproar. Are we witnessing the birth of a dual-specialized master?
Celine in the audience seats smiled confidently. That was her trump card. In the rules of the master contest, the dual-specialized master was invincible. Even if someone was better than Horford in single specialization, he or she couldn’t win.
At that time, there was another burst of exclamation in the boiling sound. It turned out that Chen Rui also came to the workdesk and took out a roll of cloth. It was a cloth made with a secret method using Fangxiao’s beast hide from the sea of death that he “blackmailed” from Dior. Besides, it was a Demon Emperor level Fangxiao (a type of demonic fish).
The masters on the VIP seats took a deep breath. Could it be…? Master Xhosa was the most excited. He actually crushed the wine bottle accidentally. The sharp pieces had cut into his skin and he was bleeding, but he didn’t notice.
The veteran master shouted in his heart. This guy is actually going to show leather specialization! This isn’t written on that form! Other than the exposed metal specialization and the leather specialization that he’s going to show, on that form… there is still another specialization!
A dual-specialization mechanic still isn’t a miracle? Could the biggest miracle in the mechanic world happen after thousands of years?
Hmmmm… the smart move by Celine actually turned out to be more useful to Chen Rui.