A Master's Badge
"Agreed."
With a collective nod, the group split to follow Yao Xuan's practical suggestion. Yao Xuan and Tang Wulin headed for the Forging Association; Gu Yue and Xu Xiaoyan made for the Mecha Design Association; Xie Xie set off alone for Mecha Manufacturing.
Ten minutes later, Yao Xuan and Tang Wulin stood before a solid building emblazoned with four stark characters: Forging Association. The door swung open to reveal a broad counter with several service windows, each manned by a student attendant. Despite their youth, their auras were steady, their soul power palpable—upperclassmen earning their keep through contribution points.
"Hello," Tang Wulin stepped up to a window, his tone respectful. "I'm Tang Wulin, a freshman. I'd like to join the Forging Association."
"Welcome," the attendant replied warmly. "Membership requires a minimum of Level 3 Forging proficiency. Do you have your professional certification? If not, we can arrange an assessment."
"I have it here, senior." Tang Wulin produced his badge.
The attendant took it, his eyes widening. "Level 4 Forging Master! At your age? Impressive!" Before they'd left East Sea City, Mu Chen had formally certified them: Yao Xuan at Level 5, Tang Wulin at Level 4. A Level 4 blacksmith at fourteen was rare, even at Shrek. The attendant inserted the badge into a verification device. "Confirmed. You broke through at twelve? Remarkable. Welcome to the association." His manner grew even more courteous as he detailed the rights and resources available to a Level 4 member—access to advanced materials, discounted commissions, priority workshop booking.
Once Tang Wulin's paperwork was complete, the attendant turned to Yao Xuan. "And you, junior brother? Here to register as well?"
"Yes." Yao Xuan handed over his badge.
The attendant's eyes dropped to the object in his hand—a deep purple badge adorned with five sharp stars. The air left his lungs in a soft whoosh. His jaw went slack.
"Level… Level 5.5 Forging Master?" he stammered, the words barely audible. His mind recoiled. A Level 4 prodigy at fourteen was one thing. But a Master? The youngest Forging Master in Federation history had been twenty-two. This boy would shatter that record by nearly a decade. A wild, desperate thought flitted through his mind: It must be counterfeit.
Professional instinct took over. With slightly trembling hands, he inserted the badge into the verifier. The screen illuminated with data:
Yao Xuan. Male. Age 14. Birthplace: Aolai City. Affiliation: East Sea Forging Association. Rank: Level 5 Forging Master. Notable Achievement: First Place, Junior Division, Tianhai Alliance Forging Grand Competition. Task Completion Record: [Extensive].
The attendant's eyes darted from the official holo-photo to Yao Xuan's calm face. There was no error. The reality, as impossible as it seemed, was true.
He returned the badge with a reverence usually reserved for elders. "A Master Forger… at fourteen. This is… an honor for our association." His voice was hushed with awe.
His exclamation drew the attention of every other attendant at the counter. They clustered around, stares boring into Yao Xuan—a vortex of shock, disbelief, naked admiration, and dawning realization of the legend in their midst.
"Then, am I registered?" Yao Xuan asked, his tone unchanged by the stir he'd caused.
"Absolutely! It is our privilege!" The head attendant, collecting himself, launched into an explanation of benefits tailored for a Master. "You will have a private, fifty-square-meter forging studio. A thirty percent discount on all metals purchased through the association. Twenty standard units of rare metals provided monthly for practice. The association will facilitate commissions, taking only a three percent service fee with full transaction guarantee. Furthermore, completing three or more Master-level commissions per month comes with a stipend of five thousand contribution points. Lastly, the association's network is at your disposal. Many senior students will gladly offer assistance in exchange for the future possibility of you forging their battle armor metal. A Master Forger is… an exceptional resource."
Yao Xuan absorbed the information with a slight nod. "Understood. Thank you." He paused. "When I tested previously, Senior Feng Wuyu asked that I come see him. Could you take me to him?"
The request, delivered so casually after the revelation of his status, only solidified the aura around him. He was not just a student who happened to be a Master. He was a Master whom the legendary Saint Craftsman himself had summoned.