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A half-hour passed in no time and soon Xika and Madarame were walking along a mountain trail. Xik was silent, simply taking in his surroundings. Every now and then Madarame stopped and checked his surroundings. The old man had packed two shovels and was carrying a large folded up container.

Xik was completely lost at where they were going to "gather materials" shouldn't they be mining in a cave for iron or something? After what felt like an hour of walking they reached there destination. It was a huge plain field littered with holes and craters. Madarame found and rock and sat down handing Xik a shovel.
"Get digging" he said in a stern tone, and dead serious expression.
"Well wait what am I digging up?" Xik questioned taking the shovel though.
"Meteorites, the bigger the better" Madarame stated flatly. "Despite common believe Black Steel, isn't from this planet. But rather a strange compound found in most meteorites that crash in the earth. There is iron and other earth metals in it but there are other non-earthly minerals that give the metal its unique color and durability. So stop your questions and get digging! Fill up this container." finished by opening the large container and setting on the ground.
Xik could see carrying straps on one side and could see how this day would end for him. Sighing heavily Xik went to work. The craters were pretty small along with their space inhabitants. Every 30th crater he dug out he managed to find a large 5 pound chuck of space rock. The sun was setting when he finally managed to fill up the container, it probably weighed about 200 pounds maybe more. Through out the entire ordeal the Old man was simply sitting there smoking from his Kiseru. When it was time to leave he just rose up and began walking.
Carrying the heavy container would normally be no effort for Xik if he didn't already drain himself from digging in the hot sun for all the damn rock. Another hour passed and they finally arrived at the clearing. Dropping the meteorites off in front of Madarame's porch Xik made his way to his bike.
"So I'll see in what a month or so to pick up the sword" Xik asked wearily. Madarame bellowed laughter confusing Xik even more.
"You'll be staying here while I forge the sword, you may have the strength but you'll need more than that use one of my swords!" he exclaimed lifting the container with one hand over his shoulders and placing it inside. "I suggest you get comfortable you'll be here at least a month." Xik just stood there his mind's mouth hitting the floor.
This was going to be a long "vacation" - To be continued