Chapter 746 (1/2)

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio  Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Hopes and the team did not know that Sui Xiong had gotten inspiration from their mining jobs to create a powerful tool and eventually develop the idea of building a giant Great Magic Pool for the Republic of Northwest. They continued to identify the ores steadily day by day—separating the stones according to Mithril content and passing them on to the masters for further inspection.

This job was boring, and yet, it was good for training magic. When the ores were finally completely identified, Hopes reflected that his knowledge of ores had indeed increased. If this experience were to be described as a game, his “ore-dressing” technique had been sharpened, and he was taking a big step forward from being simply an expert to becoming a master.

If he continued down this path diligently, over a year or so, he would also be able to differentiate naturally occurring and acquired Mithril.

He smiled at the thought of it.

“You look very happy; is it because we’re finally finished with the job? To be honest, I was getting sick of the repetitive job. I’d rather fight a pack of trolls than continue this manual labor,” Ruby, who was sitting on the floor beside Hopes, remarked.

Hopes looked at Ruby’s face and his dark circles and laughed, saying, “It’s not like you had an extremely hard task! Why do you look so weary?”

“I used to think that fighting a war was extremely tough. It’s only now that I realize that engaging in internal affairs is just as tough. Every day, one has to assign manpower and handle administrative matters… This is really not up my alley. I’m a soldier, not a scholar or aristocrat!”

“I think you’re doing a good job though; things are looking good so far. If this is not considered talent, then what is?”

Ruby did not have a reply to that and remained silent.

“He simply dislikes the job. We have no choice, though. Sometimes in life, we have to do what we have to do even if we are unhappy,” Sid, who was sitting beside them, commented.

“If I could, I would want to be a librarian. I would just read books, tidy bookshelves and settle book borrowing administrative matters quietly and peacefully every day. That would be such a quaint life! But that is impossible. I have roles to fulfill now. I’m not young anymore, and I don’t have the ability to command anymore,” Sid sighed and said.

Sid glanced at the weary Ruby with his faded green eyes and said, “You’re even older than me; the stress of life must be getting to you in a worse way, and thus, I can understand where you are coming from. Whether we’re happy or unhappy, each day still passes on its own time. I suggest that you change your attitude towards the job and try to like it.”

Ruby froze and smiled before sighing and shaking his head. “You’re right, but I can’t bring myself to do it. I really cannot enjoy doing complex, never-ending work that requires liaising with people, numbers and trade!”

He turned to look with envy at Dudu, who was sitting with a nearby group of people who were heartily eating and drinking in the corner.

“Sometimes, I really admire that fellow. Even if he lacks brains, he is always so positive and carefree.”