True Smithing: A Crafting LitRPG Series by Jared Mandani & LitRPG Freaks

Author:Jared Mandani & LitRPG Freaks [Mandani, Jared]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-06-03T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter XIII: First Orders

“We try our best to prevent nepotism and unfair advantages within the virtual spaces we support. After all, our goal is to provide an ideal version of what life should be, not keeping people waiting in line at the virtual supermarket!”

-Jolier Vazquez, in “The Limits of Simulated Realism, an interview.”

When they reached the forge, they found Altara tidying the place up. Though every machine was already fully functional—a fact Hephaestus knew well, having used most of them one way or another—the floor, walls, and the machines themselves were grimy with oil, iron dust, rust, and other inevitabilities of time and decay; none were to be seen, however, as most of the machines looked damn near pristine, as did the floors and ceilings of the forge were clean, nearly sparkling.

Altara, sitting on a chair, saw Hephaestus and his kids. “Hey,” she called, lifting a tankard in her right hand, “Wondered how much longer y’all would take.”

“Did some summer cleaning, Altara?” asked Talwar.

“Nah,” she replied, climbing to her feet, “I figured since Hephaestus is now goin’ to get more business, it wouldn’t hurt havin’ a clean smithy, no?”

“Well,” chuckled Falcata, “dad would tell you that a dirty forge is a happy forge.”

“He would?” asked Altara, turning towards the blacksmith, “Why would that be?”

“Because it means you are using it, and its tools. No forge remains clean for a long time. Only those which never feel the heat of a furnace can stay squeaky clean.”

“Well in that case,” said the woman, “let’s make it dirty, shall we?” She noticed the silence, and the kids’ expressions. “That’s NOT at all what I meant!”

“Sure, sure, whatever you said,” joked Falcata, somehow warmer towards the woman. “Anyhow dad, I think it’s time for us to go.”

“What? You quitting the game?”

“No, we’re going hunting.”

“Yea dad,” her brother added, “there’s an experience event going on right now. Besides, we gotta get you materials to work with.”

“Hm,” Hephaestus nodded towards his son, thanking him. “You gonna be alright?”

“Sure thing dad,” Falcata said, “just killing a few mobs, gathering resources…nothing out of this world, I promise.”

“Very well then. You two have fun.

“Thanks dad!”

“You too!”

The siblings left the forge behind, talking among themselves, and occasionally turning back towards the place. Hephaestus shook his head fondly, saying “Kids eh? A father’s pride, to be sure.”

“I couldn’t know ‘bout that, Hephy,” replied Altara, “ain’t never had no kids.”

Hephaestus shrugged. “You may one day, who knows.”

“Indeed. So, you ready for some craftin’?” she asked, changing the topic.

Hephaestus noticed, opting not to press the topic. “Ready as I’ll ever be, only need a few customers, though.”

“All in time. You got plenty o’ exposure at the arena in Baldera, I’m sure customers will come in anytime. Meanwhile,” she said, procuring another chair, and sending it towards Hephaestus, “chill out.”

The smith nodded, sitting on the chair. Silence stretched until the blacksmith said “Fancy looking place, once you remove the ash and soot.”

“I know, right?” She paused. “It was Baratus’ pride, truth be told.”

“I can see why,” replied Hephaestus, “mighty well equipped, just as any good forge should be.

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