Chapter 76: Wasteful Class

Chapter 76: Wasteful Class~CLANG!~ ~CLANG!~ ~CLANG!~

The sounds of hammer striking metal was the only noise that filled the forging hall, as each student stood at their respective forge, sweat beading on their foreheads as they pounded glowing different types of metals with all their strength, shaping the metal for forging.

Adrian stood off to the side with his arms crossed, observing the class with a detached air.

Occasionally, he offered pointers, mimicking the calm guidance of Master Gorran.

"Keep your strikes even.",

"You’re hitting too hard on one side; it’ll warp the blade."

Adrian was tired of wasting his time in such manner. He had mastered the basics of forging long ago and he had also fully grasped the art of enchanting.

Learning enchanting was the only valuable knowledge Adrian gained from this class.

His inventions typically relied on standard metals paired with a magic crystal or mana source to channel energy through mana conduits or advanced runes.

But enchanting opened new possibilities. He could envision crafting metals that were inherently stronger, more resistant to wear, or even capable of conducting mana without external conduits.

The idea of giving his creations intrinsic magical properties; like self-repairing alloys excited him. It could elevate his tech to a whole new level.



But enchanting wasn’t so simple. The process grew exponentially more difficult with higher-grade materials.

Rare metals which Adrian had his eyes on and alloys he had available required great strength to enchant properly.

His strength from ascending, amplified by the Power Suit, might be enough for smaller projects, but tackling something ambitious would be grueling.

While he would soon reach 2-Star and get stronger again, Adrian still wasn’t ready to experience the stress of traditional forging once more.

He had tasted the ease of advanced technology through his [System Factory]. The thought of manually enchanting complex alloys felt like a step backward.

Instead, his mind still remained on a solution he had thought it before. An invention to make the process easier

’That’s a project for later. I only wish for this class to end now.’

[5:08 PM].

The bell was late, a reminder of how inconsistent the Academy’s timekeeping was.

’That ends today,’ Adrian thought. He’d had enough of this world’s outdated methods.

His real reason for attending Forge Mastering wasn’t to learn but to lay the groundwork for his broader plan: to integrate his inventions into the Academy’s systems.

Even though he knew that it was only a matter of time before his deal with the Adventurer’s Association and Dukedoms spread the reputation of his inventions and soon reached the Academy.

Adrian wasn’t content to wait. He wanted to act now and convince the Academy to adopt his creations directly.

He had already arranged to discuss this with Master Gorran after class, and if all went well, he would pitch it to someone with real authority.

~DING—DONG~

The bell finally rang, and the students began packing up, many of them saying prayers of thanks.

Master Gorran finished giving the class their assignments, and as the last student filed out, he turned to Adrian.

"So, what’s this plan of yours, Adrian?"



Adrian uncrossed his arms and stepped forward.

"I have something I’d like to share with the Academy," he said. "It’s something I believe would improve life for everyone here."

Gorran’s brows rose in curiosity. He was well aware of Adrian’s brilliance, so he treated his words seriously. "Go on, then. Show me."

Adrian reached into his bag, pulling out the pendulum-driven clock. It was a compact device, no larger than a small book, encased in polished wood with a brass face.

The pendulum swung steadily beneath a glass panel, ticking with precise rhythm. He held it out for Gorran to inspect.

The instructor looked at it closely. "What in the blazes is this?"

Adrian smiled but held back a full explanation. "I would prefer to explain its full use when we meet with the Dean," he said respectfully.

"The Dean’s a busy man, lad. You won’t get a meeting with him for something like this, not without proving it first. But the Vice Dean might hear you out."

Adrian nodded in understanding. "That works. When can we go?"

"She’s likely in her office. Come on. Let’s go."

Adrian stored the clock back in his bag and followed Gorran out of the Forge Hall.

***

The walk to the staff section only took a bit over 10 minutes.

Gorren led Adrian to the administrative building, and then they and to climb a staircase before stopping behind a door.

Gorran knocked firmly, and a clear, authoritative voice called from within, "Come in."

The door swung open to reveal a spacious office, its walls lined with shelves brimming with artifacts and books.

A broad desk dominated the center, cluttered with scrolls, inkwells, and a small orb that pulsed softly with light.

Behind it sat the Vice Dean, a woman with black hair tied in a neat braid. Her piercing gray eyes assessed Gorran and Adrian with a single glance that felt like it could pierce through steel.

"Instructor Gorran," she said.




Her gaze shifted to Adrian. "And who is this?"

Gorran bowed slightly with respect. "Vice Dean Victoria, this is Adrian, a first-year student."

Adrian mirrored the bow, keeping his posture steady. "Pleased to meet you, ma’am."

"So, what can I help you with?"

Gorran gestured to Adrian. "The lad says he has something to show you. He says it’ll change the Academy for the better."

Victoria leaned back in her chair and folded her hands. "I’m listening."

Adrian stepped forward, retrieving the pendulum-driven clock from his bag. He set it gently on her desk, its polished wood and brass face catching the light.

"This is a clock. It keeps time with precision, down to the second, using a mechanical pendulum and gears. Unlike hourglasses or sundials, it’s unaffected by weather or user error.

It can synchronize classes, appointments, and schedules, ensuring everything runs on time."

He explained its inner workings briefly, highlighting its consistency and ease of use. By the time he finished, Victoria’s eyes were fixed on the clock, her fingers hovering over its surface.

The steady tick-tock filled the silence, but she said nothing, as she contemplated over what he had said for some moments. Finally, she spoke up:

"And you made this yourself?"