Levi thought about it for a while—if he didn’t provoke the Church, then they should not do anything to him.

It’s just that he was obliged to pay tithes and other taxes “in the name of the Loving Father.”

He couldn’t avoid it either. The Church practically rules over the Emerald Kingdom.

“If only I were a Great Knight, I would stay away from worldly disputes and look after myself,” he sighed.

“Or, perhaps, I could become a Legendary Knight and go against the laws of the Church. Who cares about paying taxes when your own strength is godlike?”

Truly, Legendary Knights were like living gods.

‘If I can’t become a wizard, I’ll become a Legendary Knight..’

Soon, the Month of Flowers passed.

Judging from Knight Fred’s intel, the Church moved quickly.

As soon as his neighbours moved away, the serfs in their territory were then driven to build a church that was grander and more magnificent than Levi’s own castle.

At the end of the Month of Flowers, he continued practising Frost Wolf’s Breathing Method, step-by-step, according to the scroll.

‘Is this even working? It took me half a month to learn the Black Snake one, but it has been over a month. Do I really need to be of their kin to learn this?’

Levi was unsatisfied and said, ‘I’ll persist for another month. If it doesn’t work, I’ll move on to the Giant Bear’s Breathing Method, and if that doesn’t work, I’ll give up. Then I’ll melt that magic armour into pure mithril.’

With the help of his Black Snake pills, his proficiency has increased by a thousand in just a month, which is more than twice the regular practice.

With this speed, he’ll be able to become a Knight before all of his pills run out.

His Golden Cross Slash’s proficiency has increased by more than a thousand as well.

His forging has also made a breakthrough; this month, he has been busy forging the armour pieces. It is delicate yet challenging work. It was much more difficult than forging regular swords.

Because it was his first time forging armour, he was very unskilled, so it took a month to complete the main parts of the armour.

On this day, Levi was slamming on the forging table of the castle again.

He used the cold forging method to forge the armour. The Knight had asked Levi to design an armour similar to plated armour, and it was much easier than cumbersome chainmail.

Plate armour is effective against crossbows and long swords but much heavier compared to chainmail.

Levi worked shirtless, his glistening muscles shining under the forge’s fire. Gradually, he finished the breastplate, which is the final part of the armour.

And soon, he can be regarded as a formal blacksmith.

[Forging Proficiency +101]

With the armour’s sharp lines, refined beauty, and metallic fragrance, Levi admired this masterpiece of his with satisfaction.

“Not bad, not bad. I’ll set the price at 25 gold coins,” he grinned. Under normal circumstances, plate armour is usually sold for about 20 gold coins.

However, with the special effect attached to his forging proficiency, the quality of his forges is better than that of the ones crafted by ordinary blacksmiths. 25 gold is considered a cheap price.

Only nobles and dignified Knights would be able to afford a full set of armour like this. For ordinary Knights, they would be delighted to own even a single part.

It’s just that this world’s productivity seems to be taking a step backwards rather than forward.

He realised how lucky he was in his previous life.

The comfort and convenience of modern-day technology are only missed when they are lost.

‘Just by forging this set of armour, I gained several hundred points of proficiency. Hence, if I craft a dozen more pieces, I should be able to advance to the fourth level.’

Levi Snyder

Black Snake Breathing Method: Level 3 (5011/10000)

Golden Cross Slash: Level 3 (5427/10000), Special Effect: Vibrate (Advanced)

Beast Taming: Level 3 (Max); Special Effect: Heart of the Wild

Forging: Level 3 (2008/10000), Special Effect: High-Quality Forging

Looking at his proficiency panel, there was considerable progress in the progress bar.

He decided to test the armour by putting it on himself, and he saw Knight Fred waiting by the door.

“What’s the matter, Knight Fred?” Levi asked as he got dressed.

“Master, the people from the Church are here,” he shrugged.

“How many?”

“Only two: a priest and a Knight.”

“Let’s go and have a look.”

Levi put on his best aristocratic robe and wore a layer of chainmail inside as protection.

Ever since he learnt of the dangers of this world, he wore chainmail everywhere, as well as an armour piece that protected his heart. It may have been uncomfortable, but at least he felt safe.

Outside the castle, a priest wearing a white robe, accompanied by a church’s Knight in silver and white armour, waited.

“Master Abraham, it seems that the young Baron Snyder is rude! To keep us dignified guests waiting in this wretched place,” the slender knight said with displeasure.

As a knight of the church, he is a member of the Glorious Knights. He looks down on anyone who crosses him.

The priest glanced at the knight and said flatly, “Knight Shimmer, calm yourself. You don’t want to be caught red-handed by the enemy, now, would you?”

With the opening of the gate, Levi and Knight Fred rode out slowly on their horses. With a warm smile, Levi got off his horse and gave the traditional noble salute.

“Dear Pastor Abraham, I sincerely welcome you to the Blackwater Valley.”