Others Summon, I Forge Beast Armor

Over the next seven days, Luke’s life flipped upside down. The factory worker, John, had spread the word about the boy who helped his Steelback Orangutan. Since guilds and formal unions charged a fortune for armor, news of a cheaper and more efficient blacksmith spread quickly.

As a result, Luke’s shop was crowded the very next morning. He woke up to knocking on his door, and when he looked out, he saw a line of factory workers with their companions.

On Monday, Luke forged another chestplate, this time for an Epoxy Beaver, leaving the worker so satisfied, he tipped Luke. The day after that, three workers brought their Copper Crab summons. Their shells were cracking from lifting bricks, so Luke hammered out leg guards to reinforce them.

Even a few richer bystanders who were just driving past saw the armor pieces on display and stopped their cars to buy custom gear, too.

Of course, Luke couldn’t have accomplished this without his little turtle friend, whom he named Amigo.

Using its〖Divine Bookkeeper〗skill, Amigo counted Luke’s revenue like a greedy businessman, cataloging his income and selling rate.

By the end of the week, Luke checked his total balance. After paying for his food and some basic supplies, he had accumulated 25,000 in a single week. That money was more than enough for him to live without worry. While his father and his stepbrother were thinking he was rotting in a gutter somewhere, Luke was actually making a better living than most graduates. He didn’t need the Kingsley name at all.

However, with his pockets now full, Luke decided it was time for an upgrade. He couldn’t run a successful workshop while looking like a vagrant. So, he visited a supermarket, passing the discount area to entertain quality merchandise.

He selected a pair of black boots fit for combat, dark jeans, and a black jacket that gave him the silhouette of a professional hunter. Next, he went to the electronics counter where he bought a smartphone, so he could reconnect to the world, check the city news, track his bank account, and even look up monster data on the web.

Without wasting more time, Luke left the supermarket and booked a ride with his new phone. His destination was the academy. Luke knew he had to face the student body after what happened in the awakening ceremony.

Montclair Academy was an institution catered to nobility and prestige, so after losing his status as the Duke’s heir, everyone likely assumed Luke would drop out, but Luke wanted to show up and prove he belonged there by merit, not just by birthright.

The cab climbed the mountain road and came to a stop in front of the gates. Luke stepped out, adjusting his jacket. The campus was mostly empty because it was an interim day, which worked to his advantage. Only a few staff members scattered about saw Luke, and they froze when he walked past. Having read the news of his disinheritance, they expected a broken boy, but Luke looked like he had purpose—like his story was far from finished.

He passed them without a word, entering the main administration building and approaching the front desk where he tapped his knuckles against the counter to grab the secretary’s attention.

”I’m here to see the Principal,” Luke said. ”Please arrange an appointment for me.”

Meanwhile, inside the grand principal’s office, a tense negotiation was underway.

The office was textbook, painted white, trimmed with wood, and boasting a wide window overlooking the academy’s fields. Principal Claris was a strict but beautiful woman with her glasses and posture. She was sitting behind her desk, listening to two noble parents seated before her.

These parents were the powerful kind, the kind who had just donated a large amount of money to the school. Because of this donation, they wanted special in-school benefits for their child.

”We just want to be sure our son gets the first choice of the training rooms,” the noble father said, sipping from a crystal glass. ”And of course, he should have access to the higher grade beast elixirs before the more common students get to touch them. It’s only fair, considering our generosity to your academy, Principal Claris.”

Principal Claris maintained her composure by offering a smile, though she was secretly irritated.

These wealthy elites always treated her academy like a marketplace where privileges could be bought off the shelf. Still, she had to play along; the school required their capital.

Suddenly, the wooden door of the office opened, and the Principal’s secretary, Brenda, stepped inside, her face pale as if she’d seen a ghost.

The principal’s smile vanished. This meeting was critical, and she had explicitly ordered her staff that she was not to be disturbed under any circumstances.

”What is it, Brenda?” Principal Claris demanded. ”I believe I told you I am in a private conference. This had better be an absolute emergency.”

The two noble parents crossed their arms, visibly offended that a mere secretary had interrupted their audience.

Brenda swallowed hard, her hands trembling. Avoiding the gaze of the guests, she moved quickly across the room, leaned over the desk, and whispered into the principal’s ear.

”Ma’am... Luke... Kingsley is outside in the lobby,” Brenda murmured. ”He arrived in a private car, dressed gallantly, and he is demanding an immediate audience with you.”

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A/N: Thanks for reading!