What natural talent or abundant vitality? That kid gets exhausted just swinging a sledgehammer a few times on a normal day. Expecting him to achieve anything in martial arts is pure wishful thinking.

Although the old man only knows a bit about martial arts, having spent most of his life in a military camp, even if he hasn’t eaten pork, he’s certainly seen pigs run.

Turning his head to glance at William Carter, who was staring blankly while holding the sledgehammer, Old Craftsman was about to speak frankly, but for some reason, he suddenly sensed something unfamiliar about the boy. Looking again at the large hammer in his hand, he couldn’t help but be startled—this kid’s strength really does seem to have increased.

Frowning slightly, he said, “Kid, you’re still here—are you working out your strength?”

Hearing his words, William Carter suddenly had a flash of inspiration and said, “Old master, I need a stronger physique right now. So, while you weren’t here, I took the chance to get some exercise.”

A faint blush appeared on his face, stirred by excitement. But in the eyes of Ethan Brooks and Old Craftsman, it looked like he was just embarrassed.

“Hey, you rascal.” Old Craftsman tapped him with his hand, stepped forward to check him over, and said slowly, “You’ve been hammering for so long—have you really been working out here the whole time?”

William Carter nodded repeatedly and said, “Except for resting, I really have been here the whole time.”

In fact, he hadn’t been hammering for very long, but because his strength had inexplicably increased, he managed to achieve a lot in a short period.

But Old Craftsman didn’t know this. He still viewed William Carter as before, so naturally, he misjudged the time.

Ethan Brooks chuckled and said, “Kid, you want to train your body and strength? Heh, just using brute force here won’t work. Why not come train with this general for a few months? I guarantee you’ll have a bright future.”

Old Craftsman’s expression changed slightly. He said, “General Brooks, he’s already used the Armament Token.” After a pause, he added, “Although the boy hasn’t yet awakened his armament, I can already sense the seed of armament within him. Give him another ten days or so, and he’ll surely be able to manifest it and become a qualified armament forger.”

Ethan Brooks looked at William Carter in surprise and sighed, “Such a fine physique, and he wants to be an armament forger—what a pity.”

He was a straightforward man, and even in front of Old Craftsman, he spoke without reservation.

Old Craftsman’s face darkened slightly. What do you mean, it’s a pity to be an armament forger? What an uncultured brute.

However, since the man was a deputy general in the camp—recently parachuted in, no less—it proved he had powerful backing. Naturally, Old Craftsman wouldn’t fall out with him over a single comment.

William Carter, meanwhile, was completely confused, not understanding why Old Craftsman was hiding the truth.

Ethan Brooks stepped forward and gave William Carter a heavy slap on the shoulder.

William Carter’s body trembled slightly. If he were still the scrawny kid he used to be, he’d probably have collapsed on the spot. But although his build hadn’t changed, his resilience was now on a whole different level. So, while his legs shook a bit, he quickly steadied himself.

Ethan Brooks nodded repeatedly and said, “Good kid. You may not have learned martial arts, but you’re strong and steady on your feet. Very good. If you’re interested, you can come find me at the West Camp anytime.” He turned and grinned at Old Craftsman, saying, “For your master’s sake, I’ll personally train you.”

He was indeed a bit eager to recruit talent, but he wouldn’t casually offer favors. However, since he needed something from Old Craftsman now, his attitude was different.

Old Craftsman was moved and said, “Kid, General Brooks is being generous—aren’t you going to thank him?”

William Carter bowed, half-understanding, and said, “Thank you, General.”

Ethan Brooks laughed and waved his hand. “Forget it.” Then he turned and said, “Old Craftsman, let’s get down to business.”

Old Craftsman walked to a corner of the room, searched among a pile of minerals for a moment, and took something out. “General Brooks, what do you think of this diamond paired with the bloodthirsty stone you found?”

Ethan Brooks examined it for a while, his eyes lighting up with joy. He laughed, “Old Craftsman, I knew you’d have good treasures here. Heh, if we use this stone to forge a spear, maybe we really can create that attribute, right?”

Old Craftsman pondered for a moment and said, “I’ll gather some more special materials and do my utmost. If we succeed…” A flush of excitement appeared on his face. “Maybe, in my lifetime, I’ll really be able to forge a magic weapon!”

Ethan Brooks’s eyes also lit up slightly. Clearly, the magic weapon Old Craftsman spoke of was extremely important to him.

However, his expression suddenly changed, and he shouted sternly, “Who’s there!” As he spoke, his aura surged, and an indescribable sense of terror instantly filled the room, pinning down Old Craftsman and William Carter so they couldn’t move.

Cold sweat broke out on William Carter’s forehead. Only now did he realize how terrifying a true martial arts master could be.

Compared to Ethan Brooks, that Zhang Hanyu wasn’t even fit to carry his shoes.