After receiving the material list and seeing dozens of items with different requirements, Lock felt that the forging master, who had been silent for a long time, probably wouldn't be able to complete this task…
The time and effort involved were immense.
An excellent blacksmith must be extremely experienced.
In this era, when high-tech testing equipment was not available, processes such as temperature control, forging precision, and quenching all relied entirely on the blacksmith's naked eye and personal experience.
In terms of physical strength, Lock was not lacking—in fact, he far exceeded the basic requirement.
But when it came to experience, he was only fourteen years old and had spent less than half a year in this world.
He lacked the necessary accumulation of skills.
This required time.
Just when Lock was about to abandon this long-delayed task, he received orders: the black gold bamboo sword could indeed be upgraded, and both its sharpness and toughness would greatly improve.
Keith and Erwin acted decisively and ordered Lock to remain in the Shiganshina District to oversee the process.
"Do you want to do this…"
Watching the Survey Corps troops retreat, Lock was speechless.
Especially Oruo's gloating expression, which made him feel particularly disheartened.
"Well, you used to be a supernova in the Survey Corps, and now you're supervising in a blacksmith shop. Is that okay? Oh no, I'm just a helper…" Oruo mocked.
If it had been any other person, Lock would have stood by and watched from the sidelines.
But since Uncle Harry was the main force upgrading the weapon this time, he would most likely return to lifting iron and hammering steel.
Shaking his head slightly, Lock calmed himself.
He felt a strange sense of destiny pulling him toward blacksmithing.
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[Forging Master]
Mission Objective: Become a Forging Master
Mission Reward: Strength +5, Coordination +5, Weapon Mastery +5
Mission Penalty: None
Mission Time: Three Months and Thirteen Days
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Recalling the long-forgotten mission again, Lock looked at the remaining time.
He felt he had a chance.
There was no rule stating the entire forging process had to be completed by him alone.
In his first mission, he had relied on Uncle Harry's help to succeed.
This time… the same loophole applied.
An opportunity stood before him, and Lock resolved to seize it.
He remembered the Titan had broken into the city after the Survey Corps had left the Wall, so there should be enough time.
How to officially apply to stay in the Shiganshina District for the next mission was a problem for later.
Without worrying about that now, Lock turned and walked toward the Corps' base, prepared to take on the equipment upgrade.
Indeed, Captain Keith's efficiency was remarkable.
As soon as they learned that he black gold bamboo sword could be improved, Keith quickly opened a workshop in the base, promoted Uncle Harry to lead the project, and let him recruit personnel freely, with full support.
Everything was to be completed as soon as possible.
For the Survey Corps, which constantly faced Titans beyond the Wall, upgrading equipment was a matter of survival.
Keith and Erwin couldn't help but take notice.
As for why Lock was asked to stay and supervise, rather than report the task to the royal government, there was a deeper reason.
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At the front of the Survey Corps column…
"Captain, you seem to think highly of Lock," Erwin asked, tone carrying meaning.
Keith glanced at him calmly.
"In terms of how much you value that kid, you rank just below me."
Erwin nodded.
"My intuition tells me Lock will become the pillar of the Legion one day."
Keith glanced at Levi, expression unreadable, and said, "I always thought your favorite was Levi."
"Levi is very strong, but only fit to be a general, not a commander," Erwin whispered.
Then casually added, "Is there a problem with the government again?"
"As expected, nothing can be hidden from you, you fox," Keith smiled bitterly before becoming serious.
"The Military Police have started attacking us again. With huge losses from the recent expeditions beyond the Wall, and many supplies wasted, the government's patience is near its end."
Keith sighed deeply.
"Although this mission achieved a phased victory, those short-sighted idiots will never acknowledge it. I probably can't stay as la eaar much longer."
"Head of Group…" Erwin hesitated, as though a weight prevented the words.
After a brief pause, he said with faint hope, "We could fight for the Garrison Corps…"
"It's useless." Keith shook his head. "The royal government has never cared about us. Their attack on us was planned long ago. I must step down."
Keith turned to Erwin, eyes firm.
"From now on, the Survey Corps will be your responsibility."
"I will do my best!" Erwin's expression was solemn.
His heart was cold.
The Titan crisis remained unresolved, and humanity lived trapped like livestock within the city walls.
The various factions inside only schemed for power, strengthening their own positions.
The king with supreme authority turned a blind eye.
Is there hope for such a government?
Under such leadership, could humans ever be truly free?
Erwin deeply sympathized with Keith's helplessness… and understood his good intentions toward Lock.
Reporting the task to the king now would only disadvantage Lock.
Keeping him in the Shiganshina District was a form of protection.