Classroom of the Elite: Monster Academy

Vol 1. Chapter 2.2 - Blacksmithing

It was already one o'clock in the afternoon and I found myself wandering aimlessly around the campus, lost in thought. As I walked, I weighed the different options in my mind, trying to decide how I should proceed from here on out.

100,000 points for a single meal... if I don't spend points on anything else, then I might just be able to scrape by before next month arrives... or not.

I shouldn't rely on the allowance that they will give to me. Instead, I should look for ways to make some points for myself. But how?

Walking around, still contemplating, I found my feet take me in front of a certain large building. My eyes were drawn to the massive sigil adorning its front. A large, bronze hammer, etched in intricate detail, stood prominently at the center of the building's facade. The hammer seemed to pulse with energy, its intricate design reflecting the skill and artistry of those who worked within.

It's the Blacksmith Association building.

Curious, I stepped closer. The door, made of heavy iron, loomed before me, with the emblem of the association emblazoned on its surface.

Pushing the door open, the first thing I saw was a counter stretching over twenty meters long, with more than fifteen windows for helping visitors. Looking around, the place looked very simple and rough, but I felt a steely atmosphere as soon as I penetrated inside. Along the walls, there were screens showing the appearance of various metals, with annotations under each one. The name, place of origin, and characteristics of metal were written.

At the moment, I could see several staff members sat behind the windows. They had a youthful appearance, so it is likely that they were students as well. Since it is still lunchtime. There aren't that many people around.

As I approached the counter, a friendly service staff member stood up to greet me. Her mid-back length chestnut brown hair cascaded gracefully in loose waves, she exuded an invigorating aura. "Hello there," she said with a warm smile. "How may I help you today? Are you here for a request, or perhaps are you a blacksmith?" I noticed a polished nameplate on her chest bearing the name Hori.

Shaking my head, I answered. "I'm sorry, but I just arrived here, I wonder if you can tell me more about this place?"

"Oh! You must be a freshman, all right then. Let me explain it for you, this is the ANSA's Blacksmith Association and the floor we are currently in is the Task Acceptance Hall. It is where we receive requests and missions from our clients, also this is where the blacksmiths registered to the association accept these requests. Of course, once a request or mission is fulfilled, the blacksmith will then receive the monetary reward that accompanies it."

It was only natural that the four professions required for mecha and battle armor crafting will be on demand and I know that blacksmithing is the most profitable of them all. Also... ANSA huh, I guess the academy's name is indeed quite the mouthful.

She continued. "The second floor is where the blacksmith workshops are located, and the third and fourth floors are where the forged products are sold. Is there anything else you want to know?"

I thought for a moment before asking, "Do they allow observers inside the workshops?"

She raised her brow a little bit, seemingly confused on the nature of my question. But that is only for a moment, and she regained her composure as it could be interpreted that I'm simply interested in how blacksmiths work.

"That depends on the blacksmith. You would have to ask for their permission to enter their workshop." Just then, the heavy iron doors at the entrance of the hall creaked open, and a blast of fresh air rushed in, signaling the arrival of someone.