Chapter 167: Magic Artifacts (2)

"Surprisingly, despite its cool features, it's cost is generally less than a freaking MC (mana collector)! What kind of hot garbage is that shit!"

The price of a [Terminator] lies between the range of 25k - 300k. There aren't really any broad classifications of it but Rewen believed that a 300k credits [Terminator] would be worth it simply because it has more features.

[Type Slots] are, in simple words, are "ability slots". Before using a [Terminator], it is compulsory to use For a Rank 0 Magic Artifact, there is only a single slot available - [Type - IV] but that doesn't mean that there is only a single kind of ability. As long as a certain criteria is met, any kind of ability could be fitted into the weapon. However, the "ability-making" function is not a function of [Type Slots] but rather [Terminator].

It's price can be as low as 1k.

"It's not surprising when you consider that this is the least important component when creating a Magic Artifact. Still better than MC though."

[Distributor] is another electronic machine powered by mana. It's main function is like an on-and-off switch. The "switch" needs to be programmed. 

It's price is the lowest. Good-quality [Distributor] for Rank 0 Magic Artifacts aren't more than 400 credits.

Lastly, there's this [Watcher]. This isn't really a 'necessary' component while making a Magic Artifact but it ensures smoothness and reduces the risks of the weapon going awry. It isn't too pricey so Rewen wouldn't overlook this. 

These were the most basic equipment necessary to create a Magic Artifact. Of course, there were several accessories which make a particular Magic Artifact better. As Rewen scrolled down the articles about Magic Artifact, he sighed.

"Forget about accessories, my budget doesn't even allow me to buy the basics…" Rewen looked at his smartphone and dialed a number.

"Hello?" A sleepy female voice from the other side.

"It's me, Mom."

"What?"

"I need some credits."

"Why?"

"I'm trying to create a Magic Artifact."

"Did you hit your head or something? Oh, nevermind." Viviana recalled that her son had interference. Yawning lightly, she continued. "Focus on your studies rather than going tangent."

"I'm serious."

"I'm serious as well."

"What's the matter? Who called?" Just then, a male's voice came. Rewen recognized the voice. It was none other than his father.

"Rewen is asking for credits." 

"That's why… I said to not give him a large amount of cash." 

"..."

"Why is he asking for credits?"

"He said that would create a Magic Artifact."

"Hm? Pass me the phone. Rewen?"

Rewen, who was quietly eavesdropping on the conversation between his father and mother spoke out. "Yes?"

"I'll send you the equipment. It should arrive at your place by tomorrow afternoon." 

Rewen's eyes lip up. 'Right. Mom did tell me that they are essentially running a Magic Artifact company.'

"Alright, thanks."

"Hm. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

Rewen cut off the call.

But his research hadn't ended. It had just started.

At the very beginning, one needs to have a base. That base can be anything. But one obviously can't hope to make a sword powered by mana using an arrow. A base needs to be appropriate.

The first stage of creation of Magic Artifact is just fixing the MC into the base weapon. Fixing a MC (mana collector) doesn't require any particular skill sets. It comes in various shapes and forms and is usually smaller than a normal index finger which makes it easier to attach it to a base weapon. 

The next stage follows with the [Enhancer]. Here, his experience as a blacksmith will be extremely useful. After applying [Enhancer] all over the weapon, one needs to heat and hammer not to change the physical shape of the base weapon but to change the internal properties of the weapon and induce mana in its properties. 

This is also the longest process. To [Enhance] a base weapon into a Rank 0 Magic Artifact, the weapon has to be simultaneously heated and hammered manually for at least 7-12 hours. Rewen didn't dare to say that he could do it in five hours because it's not about the speed, it's about the patience and quality.

The next stage involves the [Terminator]. This is the part where he was completely clueless about. It required him to have detailed knowledge about Mana Physics, Advanced Mana Mechanics, Software/Hardware Engineering, Mana Architecture, programming languages and Basic Methods of Termination.

These had further subcategories and so on. Needless to say, it wasn't something that could be learned in a few days worth of time. It requires months and years. Frankly speaking, the best part about this is that he had [Memorization] which could help him digest that knowledge at an absurdly fast pace. 

But that's it.

There is a broad difference between 'knowing' and 'implementing'. Even if he knows a thing or two about [Terminator], that doesn't necessarily mean he could implement it in a correct manner. When thought about it deeper, it sounds unreal and stupid because why not? Why can't a person just implement his/her knowledge? Isn't that the essence of knowledge?

The answer to this is rhetorical.

Why can't people normally directly swim in water even if they know how to?

Learning follows three steps - knowledge, adaptation and implementation.

Of course, there are geniuses who often overlook adaptation and there are definitely subjects and fields where adaptation isn't highlighted but that doesn't mean it isn't necessary in any way. Using a [Terminator] is one such field. You can be a world-class hacker who has every knowledge about [Terminator] but you still wouldn't necessarily succeed. At the beginning, it's more of a trial-and-error method until it evolves to actually understanding the mechanism instead of just knowing and properly using it.

The last step of creating a Magic Artifact involves [Distributor]. Here, too, advanced programming knowledge is needed but compared to the step involving [Terminator], it's easier by miles. One just needs to program a specific criteria for ON/OFF into the [Distributor] and it's done.

The [Watcher] isn't absolutely a necessity but if Rewen gets them from his father, he would use it.

These are the steps explained briefly.

"Hmm… the [Terminator] step is too complicated. For now, let's see what I have for myself. System?"

[Yes?]

"List all the skills along with my proficiency in skills involved in creating a Rank 0 Magic Artifact."

[Request processing…]

[Analyzing the request…]

[Does the Host want to merge the feature [Blacksmith] with the request?]

[Yes] [No]

'If that's possible, then sure.'

[Seeking approval…]

[Request approved!]

Rewen heaved a sigh of relief when he heard this.

[The request would be generated in three seconds.]

[3]

[2]

[1]

A blue translucent screen appeared in front of his eyes.

---

Rank 0 Magic Artifact 

[Status] -

[Elementary Mana Physics]: Toddler 

[Mana Mechanics]: Beginner 0

[Advanced Mana Mechanics]: Toddler

[Engineering]: Beginner 2

[Computer Programming]: Beginner 4

[Mana Programming]: Toddler

[Mana Architecture]: Toddler

[Forging]: Novice 2

[Methods] - 

[Master Arts of Darin's Second Disciple]

[Skill Tree] -

[Assembling] (1 SP) - [Reverse Engineering] (3 SP) - …

[JLK Programming] (1 SP) - [Zero Point Fundamentals] (3 SP) - …

[Thread Visibility] (1 SP) - [Structural Mana Atomization] (3 SP) - …

…

..

[Force] (1 SP) - [Stable] (3 SP) - …

---