Chapter 5: It's a hassle!
After Chen HaoYu moved in, he went back to the library to study how to be an Artificer.
Carrying a book called [Guide to becoming an Artificer] while still looking for other books regarding artificers job, he saw a dilapidated book covered in dust resting on a table near the window.
Picking it up and blowing the dust away, he coughed before reading the faded words on it. Some of the words cannot be read anymore and all he can read was [... Truth ... Chaos .... Universe].
"I wonder if the chaos here is related to chaos energy..." He muttered.
Chen HaoYu took the book since he thought that it might help him somehow. After getting the other books, he sat down and started reading.
...
Becoming an Artificer, one had to be proficient in array formations because most artifacts have array formations on them unless the artifact is natural made which is very rare to find in this world.
The artifacts created have different grades according to how many array formations are there and their durability. Artificers are sought after by Marksmen, that's why Artificers is a luxurious job but also the most difficult job. Importing array formations into the created artifacts is not easy, requiring meticulous attention to detail so that they can ensure the client's safety that nothing will happen or that the formations to stop midway or the artifacts to break due to overload of magic energy.
While one-time use artifacts are available for purchase, they are not as sought after as their permanent counterparts. This is because permanent artifacts offer long-term usability and reliability, making them a more valuable investment for adventurers and individuals seeking dependable tools for their endeavors.
As for artifacts that can be used for daily necessities, no one creates them since it took them time to create artifacts, do maintenance, pursuing mastery in this field to be a better artificers, and compete with other artificers. For them, it's a waste of time when they could focus it on artifacts used by adventurers and soldiers.
"Hmm... Is it really a waste to create such useful things? I mean how hard can it be?" Chen HaoYu muttered.
"Are you trying to learn about artificers?" A young man wearing a red robe with golden lining and intricate designs sat down next to him.
Seeing him dressed like that when all the people Chen HaoYu had seen were wearing casual modern clothes, he found it weird but he still maintained a respectful attitude, "Yes sir, I was just thinking why they don't create such items."
"Why are you talking so formal? I just bought these clothes because it has a discount on it! No need to be so formal to me, I'm not rich, just pretending to be one! Hahaha" The young man laughed.
A cough can be heard in the reception area, the young man smiled and lowered his voice, "Anyway, they don't make it because engraving array formations in the artifacts consumes a lot of magic energy and not only that but they also have to ensure both quality of the weapon and the array. And there have been artifacts made for daily use but they were abandoned because of its operation."
"What operation? Why would they abandon those?" Chen HaoYu was curious so he closed the book and faced the young man.
"Well let me give you an example, someone had created an artifact for lighting purposes. He managed to create the device for lighting but he still need to create the switch for it and when he created the switch he would need to link up both of the device. Linking it up physically will work but nobody wants such a mess of wire so he plan it to be controlled remotely."
"Then where's the problem?"
"Here's the problem, the switch has to be manually connected to the lighting device every time just to turn it on or off! You may say why it has to be manually connected, it's because of the array! Arrays have to be manually operated, you will need to power the array in the lighting device and as well as the switch! That's why it's a hassle!" The young man said then he took out a dagger from his robes.
"Woah! Why are you pulling a dagger here?" Chen HaoYu backed of a little.
"Hahaha don't be scared! I'm going to show you something. This dagger of mine has an array formation in it."
"Okay?"
"The array inside this dagger allows me to pass my magic energy to this dagger enhancing it's lethality and there's another array inside that can make my dagger release freezing spell so when I stab someone I can also freeze their wounds or I can even manipulate the spell to attack the insides of my enemies." The young man said then he released a deep blue magic energy from his hand holding the dagger. The dagger emitted a cold aura around it. "See?"
"Ooh? Then what has that got to do with your example?" Seeing the dagger emit cold aura and knowing that it can even cast a spell because of the array formation, he was excited on becoming an Artificer.
"Well the magic will only work if I pour my magic energy but if I didn't then it won't work at all!" Pulling out his magic energy, the dagger went back to normal.
He continued, "So creating daily necessities artifacts are not only wasting your time but also your magic energy."
"Ohhh..." Knowing that arrays needed to be manually activated, he was disappointed.
Looking at Chen HaoYu disappointed face, the young man chuckled, "No need to be sad though. There's actually a way to activate array remotely or even have the array work non-stop."
"Really?"
"Of course! But it's a complicated array formation..."
Hearing that it's possible to activate arrays remotely, he was excited but he remembered that he still didn't know the man, "I'm sorry sir but may I know who are you? I'm Chen HaoYu"
"I told you not to be so formal with me, I indeed forgot to introduce myself. I'm Zhao Congming and an array master, though still an adept level array master." Zhao Congming said smilingly.
"Adept level?"
"Yeah! You don't know about the levels of each professions?" Zhao Congming looked weirdly at Chen HaoYu.
Coughing, Chen HaoYu said, "Well I just don't know the titles for each level"
"Oh you must be a mage right? Since mages have the most different titles. Well adept level is the 3rd level for most professions. The only professions that don't use it are the mages and swordsmen. For you mages, it's sorcerer and for swordsmen it's apprentice."
Zhao Congming continued, "Don't take the apprentice for swordsman to be the 2nd level like the other professions, only the swordsman has the title 'apprentice' as the 3rd level."
"Why though?"
"I don't know, why don't you ask the author?"
"By the way, can you teach me array formations? Uh, I will pay you!" Chen HaoYu said after thinking for a while.
Smirking, Zhao Congming replied, "I feel like your planning to create non-mainstream artifacts. No need to pay me! I'm betting that you'll shock the world with your artifacts, I'll teach you about arrays and in return you'll include me in your experiments! I've also wanted to become an Artificer but I can't because my family will get mad at me since our family are Array Masters and I have to continue this generation. Sigh, life is tough!"
"That's not a problem to me!" Chen HaoYu smiled.
"We have a deal then!" Zhao Congming smiled.
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