Broken felt his hands still trembling from the intensity of the crafting process. The process to achieve this result required deep concentration and focus. He couldn’t afford even the
smallest mistake, ensuring each step was carried out with utmost care. The result was a Unique-grade Hammer!
The hammer boasted surprisingly high attack power and conferred additional Dexterity to its user. It was truly extraordinary. Even though it might not have combat-specific skills, it could still be a formidable weapon in dire situations due to its significant attack damage.
The first skill was particularly insane, enhancing his crafting efficiency by an astounding 50%! This was a huge deal. Imagine completing crafting tasks much faster during time-pressured competitions. The efficiency gain alone was worth its weight in gold.
The second skill was even more incredible. It increased the chance of creating higher-grade items, including Epic, Unique, and even Legendary grades. Though the chance of achieving a Legendary-grade item was slim, the hammer still opened up that possibility.
Could this mean he might craft a Legendary-grade item even if the blueprint didn’t specify it? This was something Broken needed to explore through experimentation.
Now, he had his own Hammer-a personal tool to aid his future creations. As a blacksmith, it was only natural to have a personal hammer. Slowly but surely, he envisioned building his own workstation, a place where he could hone his craft and push his own limits.
On the stage, Titonor, Lanceshot, and the other blacksmiths hurried forward, their faces marked with surprise and curiosity. They crowded around the royal blacksmith, eager for a closer look at Broken’s exceptional creation.
Lanceshot’s voice boomed with anger. “He should be disqualified!” he shouted, jabbing a finger in Broken’s direction. “He finished after the time limit!”
Another critic chimed in, “Yeah, he just got lucky. He didn’t deserve to win! He’s too slow!”
Lanceshot insisted, “The five of us who’ve been standing here deserved the win instead of him!”
Hearing these accusations stirred doubt among the crowd about Broken’s legitimacy to hold the top spot in the first round of the competition.
“Judge, please change the decision!” someone shouted. “Everyone agrees Broken doesn’t deserve the win. He didn’t finish on time.”
Lionell, the Knight Grand Cross, stepped in with a firm declaration. “No. He finished the job on time. I’ll put my name on the line for his worthiness.”
His words silenced the crowd instantly. The respect people had for Lionell’s word left no room for further arguments or doubts. Everyone knew that if Lionell vouched for someone, it was final.
With this decision, Titonor, who had been poised in fifth place, found himself disqualified and denied entry into the final round.
He fell to the ground with a loud thud, his face contorted with agony. “This can’t be happening,” he whispered, disbelief and shock evident in his voice. “How can someone so inexperienced beat me? I won’t accept it!”
Morbit’s voice echoed with excitement throughout the space. “Alright, everyone! After this thrilling round, we have carefully chosen five participants from each category who will be progressing to the next round in two days. Congratulations to Broken, who has shocked us all with the grade of his item. I hope he can maintain this level of luck and skill in the final round.”
Max exclaimed, “Keep your eyes peeled for more surprises and unforgettable moments. We can’t wait for all of you to join us again and witness even more astounding feats!” “Until then, cheers!” added Morbit.
The royal blacksmith, still holding the Unique-grade Hammer that Broken had just crafted, started to walk away.
“Sir, could I please have the hammer back?” Broken implored.
The royal blacksmith stopped in his tracks and turned around, a serious expression on his face. “This hammer is a treasured piece-it deserves to be kept in royal hands,” he declared.
Jasper, a royal blacksmith known for his expertise at Expert Rank Level 2, held great respect throughout the Dissidia Kingdom. He was chosen as a judge to evaluate talented blacksmiths who might earn the honor of working in the castle.
During the judging, he witnessed an extraordinary sight: an unknown blacksmith had crafted a Unique-grade hammer with a skill effect that significantly added the chance of producing Legendary-grade items.
He was captivated by the hammer, unable to simply set it down-as though it had a magnetic pull he couldn’t resist. His desire to possess the hammer was overwhelming, but he knew deep down it wasn’t his to take. The thought of letting it go filled him with a sense of failure. “The hammer belongs to me. The rules clearly state that the crafted items remain the property of the blacksmiths who create them,” Broken asserted.
“Listen, young man,” Jasper said, his expression shifting to one of calculated interest. “You are a very talented blacksmith, and I want to learn more about you. Will you come with me?”
Without waiting for a response, Jasper turned and started to walk away, expecting Broken to follow.
From a distance, Lionell noticed the exchange, his eyes narrowing suspiciously.
But before he could act, a Knight ran up to him and said, “Sir Lionell, Princess Alora is looking for you.”
Lionell hesitated for a moment, evaluating the situation. He thought that nothing out of the ordinary would happen, so he decided to return to Princess Alora.
Meanwhile, Jasper led Broken into a secluded room where five other royal blacksmiths were gathered. Their eyes lit up when they saw Broken.
“Look! He’s the one who crafted the Unique-grade item. He’s incredibly talented,” one of
them said.
The blacksmiths encircled Broken, their curiosity palpable.
“Give me back the hammer,” Broken demanded.
“Listen,” Jasper said soothingly. “You have the potential to gain great honor by contributing to the kingdom, and for that…”
“No!” Broken interrupted, his voice resolute. “Give me back the hammer.”
Jasper’s demeanor shifted, his voice echoing through the room. “I am a royal blacksmith, and I hold power here. I’m certain you still wish to proceed to the next round, correct?” Broken’s voice trembled with anger as he spoke loudly, “The rules of the first round state that all crafted objects are rightfully owned by their creators. I worked tirelessly to make this
hammer with my own hands, and it belongs to me!”
One of the blacksmiths turned to Jasper. “Do you really want that hammer, Jasper?”
Jasper responded with a casual air, “This hammer is extremely valuable. It holds the potential to create Legendary items, something every blacksmith covets. I’m sure after reading the details of its skills, you’ll want to craft something with it too.”
“Yeah,” another blacksmith agreed. “I’m certain this hammer would be more useful in the hands of us royal blacksmiths.”
“Hey, just let us use the hammer,” one of them suggested. “We’ll return it to you later.”
“We’re only borrowing it. You won’t lose the hammer,” another assured him.
The six blacksmiths encircled Broken, trapping him from all sides.
Broken took a slow, measured breath as he assessed the situation. “Please don’t force me to
fight,” he said resolutely.
He didn’t want to cause any trouble in the kingdom, but they were trying to rob him. The hammer was a Unique-grade item, exceptionally valuable, and he couldn’t let it go without a
fight.
“Listen, young man,” Jasper continued, his tone softening, “We will compensate you generously for this hammer. We don’t want to take it from you unfairly. And don’t be disheartened—you can always create another hammer with your talents. We will provide you
with the resources you need.”
The six blacksmiths simultaneously prepared their hammers as if to ready themselves for a
confrontation.
“You sure you want to fight us?” one blacksmith taunted. “Our levels are high, and there are six of us. You’re just a blacksmith with no combat ability.”
Broken declared. “Don’t underestimate me just because I appear to be nothing more than a
blacksmith.”
“So, what else? Do you think you can fight us using a sword and slice us like the players do to monsters? Hahaha,” one of the blacksmiths taunted.
“We’ve tried to be patient by offering you a fair reward, but you’re wasting our generosity,”
another added.
“Don’t blame us if something happens to you and the hammer becomes ours.”
Jasper stepped forward, adding his voice to the threats. “Broken, opposing us is not a wise
decision. You still have a chance to participate in the second round, and you wouldn’t act so foolishly as to throw away all those opportunities, would you?”
***
(Author’s Note: I published 10 new privilege chapters today. But no worries, I’ll also publish 2 new chapters for everyone. I love the story and I love my readers too.)