Another World’s Versatile Crafting Master
chapter-166

Who knew that when Lin Li arrived, the fat man was nowhere to be found. Judging from the empty metal cage on the ground, it seemed that he did not even have the time to pack them when he left in a hurry.

Standing at the corner of the street, Lin Li could not help but feel odd.

He only took less than an hour from the time he’d entered the blacksmith shop and exited from it with Azalez. How did the fat bandit disappear in such a short amount of time?

“Little fella, you wanted to look for Shaun?” Azalez sounded as though he frequented the black market as well. From how Lin Li stood at the corner of the streets, he already guessed whom he wanted to look for.

“Yes, Mr. Azalez. Do you know him?”

“Of course I do! That bastard sells the offspring of magical beasts here every day—I don’t know how many have been deceived by him already. He’s going to be caught and brought by the garrison of Alanna to the dungeons one day!”

The middle-aged man chided the fat bandit righteously, forgetting that he was no different from him. From how he molested female adventurers every day, he might gain even more hatred from the people.

“…”

“But, this fella got some skills… He could actually get ahold of so many magical beasts’ offspring,” the middle-aged man finally remarked objectively after criticizing the fat bandit.

“Actually…” Lin Li nodded, and asked in suspicion, “Mr. Azalez, does Shaun always run off after agreeing on a transaction?”

“Of course.” The middle-aged man laughed gloatingly. “What do you think he does?”

Hearing that, Lin Li understood everything.

That fat bandit was a conman.

Conning was a dangerous profession—one could get into trouble any time. Now that he did not even have time to keep his metal cage, it might mean that someone was after him…

“You need to find him?”

“Yeah.”

“There’s no need to worry. He will be back after a few days when the coast is clear. Since it’s not that great an issue, nothing would happen to him after the victim’s anger subsides.”

“Alright, I will come back after a few days, then.”

After they walked out from the black market, the two chatted casually.

Lin Li gradually realized that apart from being a little perverse and quite a pretentious prick, it was easy to get along with this leader of the Sky Knights. The conversation made the journey less boring too.

And the conversation’s topic was naturally related to forging.

Throughout the journey, Azalez appeared to be very composed, but his anxiety grew as he spoke.

As a natural pervert, he even forgot that he took advantage of a female adventurer—how unimaginable!

In the world of Anril, every warrior was expected to have the skillset in forging—just like how most mages were proficient in the studies of inscription. Legendary-level Azalez had great knowledge in forging no ordinary man would be able to comprehend.

Although he was not like Old Hoyer, or like the person from the adventurer Guild, Azalez’s forging skills could still be considered as one of the best in Alanna.

However, his skill was nothing comparable to the young mage’s…

That fella looked no older than 20 years old, but when it came to forging, it was as if he had been an old blacksmith for decades. He could talk to Lin Li about anything. Although Lin Li was a man of few words, all his words would be able to address the crux of their topics.

And then…

Azalez could tell that that young mage knew more than what they talked about. The suggestions he gave seemed very casual as though it did not require much thinking. That feeling reminded Azalez of his mentor when he was still a novice in a blacksmith shop.

Now, his forging skills had already peaked in the whole of Alanna.

“Felic, my house is in front.” The two men grew closer as they journeyed from the black market. Azalez’s had already switched from addressing Lin Li as ‘little fella’ to the passionate ‘Felic’.

In reality, if it was not for Lin Li’s age, Azalez really hoped to learn from him, and let him coach him in the art of forging.

With the advice from such an experienced person, he might have the chance to surpass Old Hoyer and reach the level of the man from the Adventurer Guild.

Unfortunately…

As a legendary-level man, and the leader of the Sky Knights, if he were to treat such a youngster as his master and learn from him, it would be a huge embarrassment for Azalez. He would not dare to lift his head anymore next time, and would be covering his face with a piece of cloth…

“I’ll need to think of something…” Azalez muttered as he grew more and more impatient as they walked. The attainment of this young man in the art of forging were beyond his imagination. While they walked, Azalez had decided that even if he could not be Lin Li’s apprentice, he had to ask for his advice on forging…

Lin Li was not at all concerned what Azalez was thinking about.

In reality, Azalez was right. Lin Li only replied out of boredom subconsciously. He merely spoke because someone was asking him questions…

Just like how you met someone familiar during a stroll after dinner—if he asked you if you had had your dinner, you would also reply with a ‘just eaten’.

Yet he knew not that Lin Li was a guru. His skills in forging had gone beyond what normal people could imagine.

As a guru, any word that came out from Lin Li’s mouth would be enough to create a great admiration from Azalez.

Azalez’s mansion was not far from the black market.

One was indifferent, while the other wanted to chat a little while more. Hence, no one called for a carriage, and they travelled slowly on foot. Yet, they only took around half an hour.

Azalez invited Lin Li to take a seat in the living room graciously before coming out with a parcel.

“Come, Felic. Here’s the 10 pieces of Salamandrid skins you wanted.” After giving Lin Li the parcel, he did not pester him for the Eternal Adamantine. Instead, he patted on chest fervently and assured him, “If these are not enough, you could come and look for me directly. I can’t vouch for other matters, but giving you a few more Salamandrid skins would definitely not be a problem.”

“It’s enough already…” Lin Li received the parcel, and said apologetically, “But, Mr. Azalez, I’m afraid I can only give you the Eternal Adamantine tomorrow. You know, those things are so heavy. I can’t carry them everywhere I go…”

Of course, he was lying.

The Eternal Adamantine which he’d just finished smelting a few days ago was lying quietly in his Ring of Endless Storm.

And Lin Li did not intent to take them out in front of Azalez.

Only Andoine and Sean knew of the existence of the Ring of Endless Storm. They were the two men whom Lin Li trusted not to divulge that secret.

Azalez was really a nice man. However, since it was the first time for Lin Li to meet Azalez, it would be too abrupt to show him such a high-level item.

“No problem. You can give me the Eternal Adamantine whenever you are free.”

Despite giving Lin Li the Fire Salamandrid skins, he could only receive the Eternal Adamantine another day.

If it was before, Azalez would definitely not allow that. After all, the Eternal Adamantine was very important to him. Wouldn’t it be problematic if that fella stood him up?

However, it was different now.

After realizing Lin Li’s great potential and ability, he really hoped to consult him more in the art of forging. When Lin Li told him he would give him the things he needed the next day, Azalez was more than happy to agree on it. How would he reject that request?

Initially, Lin Li had planned to rush back to the Guild of Magic the moment he acquired the Salamandrid skins. Yet, Azalez insisted that he stay behind to chat. Seeing that the sky wasn’t that dark yet, Lin Li did not reject his offer further, and sat in the spacious living room for idle chitchat.

But, this time, the topic of the conversation was not like before, regarding the field of forging.

While they were conversing, Azalez asked casually, “Oh, yes. Felic, why do I feel that your name is a little familiar? Did we meet each other before?” He really felt that he had heard the name somewhere before.

“You must have remembered it wrongly. It has been a month since I reached here from Jarrosus…” After saying that, Lin Li thought, You would not have met me before I reached Jarrosus. I was still at a place called Endless World then…

“Jarrosus?” What was supposed to be a casual reply changed the expression on Azalez’s face.

“You were saying that you’re from Jarrosus?”

“You’re right, I’m from Jarrosus. Why, Mr. Azalez? Have you met me in Jarrosus?” Seeing Azalez’s change in expression, Lin Li grew doubtful.

What might the matter be for it to create such a concern for the legendary warrior, Azalez?

“That, Felic…” Azalez hesitated for a while before he continued his question with uncertainty, “I’m afraid you are going to face some trouble…”

“What trouble?”

“When you reached Alanna a month ago, did you injure a young man named Matthias?” Azalez asked with a serious and grave expression.

“Yeah, there was such an incident.”

“You’re in great trouble…” Azalez sighed. Shaking his head, he asked, “Do you know who is Matthias’ father?”

“No, I don’t…”

“His father is Wilhelm!”

“Wilhelm?” Lin Li felt that this name was rather familiar, but he could not remember where he heard it before.