Chapter 88 Passing The Test
Jacob could tell Drew still didn't believe he could pull this off, but he didn't mind, since he was almost done with his goal of getting a smithy here.
He impassively said, "How much time do I have?"
"Time?" Drew was lost for words and grumbled inwardly, 'Shouldn't you be worried about other things than time?'
But he still replied, "12 hours, and you will only get one chance. Although there aren't many rules when taking the Gunsmith Apprentices Tests since it was just a beginner rank so we are lax in this rank.
"However, from Basic Gunsmith, things change, and you can only take this test once every 10 Days in the Humane Kingdom, and you can't take the test of Advance Gunsmith without passing the Intermediate Gunsmith Test either.
"Well, it's not like you need to test for Intermediate Gunsmith anytime soon since there are only four in the entire Humane Kingdom, and it's very hard to make them invigilate your test…" Drew spoke as his expression darkened slightly, it was as if he had experienced this personally and didn't want to remember.
'It seemed I can't jump the ranks like I just did.'
Jacob was dissatisfied with these rules since his qualification was much higher than even an Advance Gunsmith, but they simply didn't have the means to measure them.
However, even if they had, he won't show his entire knowledge just because of some benefits. He still didn't know how deep this gunsmith hold knowledge of firearms was and if they were on the level where he can show his knowledge without being worried about setting a target on himself.
But this Basic Gunsmith was just too low for him, and their equipment was the main reason for his dissatisfaction. He knew he can't create advanced guns here either.
Especially the ones with delicate components like automatic machine guns and silent sniper rifle
However, this wasn't the only thing he lacks, like he can't make cognitive radar, microchips, semiconductors, or add analytic engines and laser technology.
These things can make an enormous difference between life and death. He needed a proper lab and equipment to make these modern guns, but he didn't have time to invent all this equipment, which would take his precious time.
Nevertheless, it's not like he was hoping to get all this here, but he was still somewhat disappointed with the equipment in this kingdom.
"Fine, I'll start first." Jacob sighed bitterly and moved toward the molding equipment.
Although he never used these kinds of old equipment, this doesn't mean he didn't know how they work. Everything had a foundation, and without it, you can't build anything.
Drew and Olaf closely observed the young man. It won't be a lie to say they were looking forward to seeing Jacob's capabilities, despite different thoughts.
Especially Olaf, who wished for Jacob to miserably fail, and then he can persuade Drew to drop Jacob's rank further to Intermediate Gunsmith Apprentice so he could then easily control Jacob.
In contrast, Drew wanted to teach Jacob and become a teacher of a future genius so he could clear some of his regrets and return the humiliation he once suffered.
However, as time pass both old men's expressions started to change, from surprise to serious, then horror!
Because at first, Jacob looked clumsy, but as time passed, Jacob started to move like an expert, and before long he was moving so fast they didn't even know what he was doing anymore.
However, as a revolver started to shape, they both thought they were hallucinating because Jacob's revolver wasn't like their traditional short barrel revolver, but was completely different.
After familiarizing himself with the equipment, it didn't take him long before he assembled a revolver, which was average in his view, however it was the best he can do with these tools.
Over two hours passed, and a shining long barrel black revolver lay on the table with two golden bullets.
"T-this is?" Drew took a deep breath before he spoke.
He had never seen something like this before, although this was a revolver, it had eight clips instead of six. Which was nothing but an evaluation in their eyes.
Jacob coolly said, "This is Taurus 44 Magnum, just call it Magnum. Just test it. I don't want to waste any more time."
Drew, however, didn't proceed with the testing, and without explaining, he picked up the Magnum and two bullets.
He sternly looked at dumbfounded Olaf and said, "I don't want anything about this out of this room. Tell everyone he failed, and I accept him as my apprentice."
Drew quickly looked at the unruffled Jacob and said, "Come with me."
Jacob could hear Drew's widely beating heart, and he decided to see what this old man was up to so he followed him.
As for Olaf, he had no idea what just happened, but he knew it wasn't as simple as Drew making it, not with that revolver Jacob just made. But he can't offend Drew right now, so he does as he was told and only hopes for Drew to let him examine that revolver.
Even he could tell that the revolver was a masterpiece, and he had gained some insight after watching Jacob's lockwork.
On the top floor,
Drew led Jacob to his office and quickly closed the door as if he was afraid someone would disturb them.
He quickly looked at Jacob, who had a frosty expression, and said while bowing his head, "Mister, I'm extremely sorry to do this, but it was necessary for your safety."
"What do you mean?" Jacob's eye narrowed.
Drew smiled wryly and put the Magnum Revolver on the table, and sternly said, "Truth be told, you are more than qualified to be an Advance Gunsmith with this gun, but there is only one facility in the uncommon region that give the benefits you deserve, and it's in Aureate Kingdom of Green Goblins.
"However, both you and I know those little bastards would rather kill you and offend the Gunsmith Guild than let a human genius like you enter that facility and grow under their nose." His expression turned extremely gloomy,
"Besides, even the goblins in that gunsmith guild won't let a human grow, no matter what, unless they had lost their minds.
"Although the Gunsmith Guild isn't affiliated with any race or any organization in power square, as the matter of fact. But everyone knows each race is selfish, and if they felt threatened by an enemy race, they would try to get rid of that threat even if they seemed peaceful on the surface.
"So, I'm asking you if you want the intermediate gunsmith rank, but that process will be lengthy, and you have to go to the royal capital. Or you can get the Basic Gunsmith Rank ID in seven days.
"However, I personally think giving you the Basic Gunsmith Rank will be a waste of your talent. At least you should be in those higher-level workshops in the royal capital since it would be impossible for you to go to the rare region. At least it is better than having nothing. What are your thoughts?"
Jacob suddenly pulled an amusing smile. "So, you want to protect me?"
Drew thought Jacob was taking this situation too lightly and kindly advised, "I don't know how you get your knowledge and experience. But I know better to ask. There are many old facilities abandoned by many experts after their research, which they don't bother to destroy.
"However, those useless facilities can be a treasure trove for a race like us. But having knowledge is nothing if you don't have the talent to use it, and you are a talented person.
"But sometimes it is better to remain hidden before you can grow. I can write a letter to the guild leader in the capital, and he'll know what to do, all remain is your approval."
Jacob knew what Drew wanted, he wanted him to go to the capital branch of the gunsmith guild and remain hidden there until he grew old, and the other kingdoms won't feel threatened by his existence.
It was like deteriorating his talent just because they can't protect him. He even wanted to laugh in disdain.
He plainly rejected, "Look, I know you mean well, but you don't have to worry about me. Just give me the identity of the Basic Gunsmith and a private room in this place, and I'm content. Although it looked like I'm after fame but I know when to stop."
Drew's eyes contracted as he got what Jacob meant. He couldn't help but thought, 'What a wily brat!'
He couldn't help but reevaluate this young man in front of him.
Jacob suddenly looked at the Magnum Revolver as his lips curled. "This Magnum will be my goodwill and appreciation gift to you. We both know you should be able to become an Intermediate Gunsmith as long as you research that revolver. It will put another layer of protection on me, right?"
Drew couldn't help but get shocked when he heard this, "A-are you… serious?!"