[Blacksmith’s Soul Engrave (Production Skill)]
[This one’s a real show-stopper! It’s like a magical tattoo that’s applied to the item you crafted. Unlock the power of the Monster Soul Stone by engraving it onto weapons or armor, and inherit one of its skills or even its soul. The chance of achieving success and obtaining exceptional results will depend on your overall status.]
“Let me tell you about ‘Blacksmith’s Soul Engrave’,” said Fokil.
Broken was intrigued by the name alone and even more so when he read the skill description. It seemed like something only a highly-skilled blacksmith would possess, and its potential was enormous. Just acquiring a Monster Soul Stone was far more difficult than obtaining a Monster Core, and the thought of merging it with a crafted item promised unprecedented results.
“Do you understand the difference between a Monster Core and a Monster Soul Stone?” asked Fokil.
Broken nodded. “Yes, sir. A Monster Core is just the essence of a monster or magical creature, while a Monster Soul Stone has a part of that creature’s soul still lingering in it.”
“That is correct,” Fokil said. “You have the option to engrave a Monster Soul Stone into your crafted item. If luck is not on your side, it could be destroyed. But, if fortune smiles upon you, the soul will take residence in your item.”
“There are many benefits you can get by doing this,” Fokil continued. “First, your item will inherit their legacy skills, such as fire control or water control if you engrave a salamander soul in it, even if the item doesn’t have a water attribute.”
“Second, they will regenerate themselves, maintaining your item’s durability much longer than the normal one.”
“Third, the item can become a growth item, where its grade can increase as you use it. That’s a short explanation.”
Broken slowly nodded, absorbing everything Fokil had said. “I believe I understand this skill, and it’s certainly extraordinary.”
“Yes,” Fokil affirmed. “But acquiring a Monster Soul Stone is no easy feat, and it’s extremely costly. Furthermore, it can be easily destroyed if you lack the necessary expertise.”
As Broken listened to the detailed explanation, he realized the impact on armor and equipment was even more remarkable than he had initially thought. The idea of items repairing themselves was practically like having living objects! No wonder, with a soul embedded within them.
But, the concept of a Growth Item was what truly captivated him. These items, often spoken of in legends, had the potential to grow in both level and grade, possessing almost limitless potential and undoubtedly high value.
And if an armor or weapon had a soul inside it, did that mean they could communicate or even fight on their own? Broken’s mind raced with wild thoughts about the possibilities these blacksmithing skills offered. The potential was immense and truly unpredictable.
Fokil then continued, “Now, let’s talk about the next skill, The Path of Legend.” fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com
The final skill sounded incredibly grand just by its name alone.
[Blacksmith’s Path of Legend (Production Skill)]
[As you wield the hammer, you feel a power and strength that you didn’t know you had. You hear the clinking and clanging of metal as you create something new and magical. It is a skill that will make your enemies tremble in fear, for you can now forge items of legend and create weapons of myth.
Although it is unlikely, there is still a slim possibility that you may be able to craft Legendary-grade items. Even more incredibly, it is theoretically possible to make Mythic grade items, although the chances are almost nonexistent.
The chance of achieving success and obtaining exceptional results will depend on your overall blacksmith skills and status.]
Broken swallowed hard as he read the description of the skill. The information was clear- this skill gave him the chance to craft a Legendary Item or, even more astonishingly, a Mythic-grade item. Although the probability was very low, at least he had found a doorway into this realm. He only needed to keep crafting until he achieved it.
“So, the skill gives the chance to create Legendary-grade items, correct, sir?” Broken asked. Fokil was silent for a moment, as if reluctant to explain. “During my life, I have only been able to produce one Legendary item, and that was an extraordinary achievement for which I had dedicated myself tirelessly,” he said.
He continued, “And as for you, you should keep your enthusiasm in check, brat. Focus on your practice and forget about this one skill for now. I’m sure you will be disappointed if you expect too much. There’s a reason they’re called Legendary items-they’re rare. Unless you dedicate decades or even centuries to blacksmithing like I have, your chances are slim.”
He paused, then added, “It is possible, but I don’t want you to lose interest in becoming a blacksmith if you set your expectations too high.”
Broken slowly nodded, understanding why Fokil was so skeptical. Creating a Legendary item was certainly not a simple task.
“Sir,” Broken said, “Thanks for your guidance. I need to leave for a while, but I’ll be back soon to work on the blueprints I’ve prepared.”
Fokil grunted in acknowledgment and continued his work, the sound of metal striking metal echoing in the smithy as Broken left, his mind buzzing with the possibilities and challenges
ahead.
***
Leon emerged from his capsule device, feeling his throat dry and parched. He immediately grabbed a water bottle from the table near the capsule and drank deeply, the cool water spilling down his chin and neck. He wiped his mouth with his arm and checked his phone, noticing several messages from Freya, Lily, and… Laura?
He quickly moved to his bed and sat down, curious about why someone who had vanished from his life suddenly sent him a message.
“Hi, Leon… How are you? I just moved to the city where you live… I wonder if you might be interested in meeting me… tonight? It’s Saturday night… Do you have any other plans? I heard there’s a nice café downtown. Uhm… Please let me know your answer…”
Leon paused for a moment, taking in the message. The sender was someone who had once been very special to him.
Laura had been his classmate in senior high school. Initially, they became close because they sat next to each other in class. Their closeness grew when Laura often invited Leon to study together in the library. Despite being a popular girl admired by many boys at school, Laura seemed to enjoy Leon’s company.
As time went by, Leon’s feelings for Laura grew stronger and he finally mustered the courage to tell her. To his delight, Laura was overjoyed and happily accepted his confession. From that moment on, they were officially a couple. Laura was not just someone he knew from high school, she was his very first girlfriend. Despite their romantic relationship, their bond still felt like a close friendship. They would go on dates, have meals together, and watch movies until their graduation drew near.
However, as the end of their high school journey approached, Laura suddenly became distant and unreachable. Leon would send her messages, but they were never replied to. Even though it was obvious that she had read them, he never received a response. When he called her, her tone was more formal and distant compared to before.
Now, out of the blue, she was reaching out to him again? What did she want?