Nigel continued, his voice deep and steady. "Thousand Refinement is also known as half-step Spirit Refinement. At this level, a blacksmith can already breathe life and intent into metal. Second-grade Blue Coppertite increases a battle armor component's amplification to about 110 percent. First grade raises it to 112 percent. Spirit Refined Blue Coppertite reaches 115 percent."
He fixed Ray with a sharp gaze. "That's why anyone capable of producing first-grade metal is considered only one step away from becoming a Spirit Blacksmith."
Kaelan nodded. "We examined the metals you submitted for your recent tasks. Most were second-grade. That means you've already met the real standard of a fourth-rank blacksmith."
Fourth rank.
Those two words finally sank in.
According to the Blacksmith Association, one had to Thousand Refine and shape two metals consecutively to reach the fourth rank. Yet Nigel was saying Ray had already reached it purely through quality.
