Chapter 970. Grant May

Seth had recently learned that a comprehensive build-up of experience and knowledge could majorly improve the power of items, even without relying on the inherent rating of the material, he didn't have the time or capacity to do so at the moment.

There were still many things he didn't know in smithing and enchantment, that he had yet to learn and comprehend. Skipping this step by using the material rating of special skills to make high-rated items without the foundation was a cheat not many could abuse as readily as Seth.

Although creating the foundation with time and effort led to better results, the blacksmith decided to simply grind the skills. After all, he had no intention to become a sublime carpenter or an omniscient alchemist. He was a blacksmith, he wanted to stay one. Even his bardic skills were just a support to his original class, outside of combat. It was no different for these other skills.

The ultimate goal was to quickly improve his skills as a maestro in this way. If he needed more knowledge in brewing potions, tailoring, or working wood, he could always gain it at a later time. He had made that decision and intended to go through with it.

Entering the cavern of the original Hanging Tree, which had now become a legendary Guardian Tree, Seth stepped to its trunk and knocked against it, like knocking against a door.

“Karina, can you hear me?” he asked the tree and waited. Moments later the dryad stepped out of the tree, as if it was just an illusion that hid her.

“How can I help you, Seth?” she asked helpfully. She seemed in a good mood. Was her cooperation with Evan on the creation of a subway connection between the Tree Stations going well, or was she just happy to get away from that work?Excavate this data, retracing it to n0v*lbin★

“I will be working on raising my <Carpentry> skill from now on and I hoped you could make me a storage of epic and relic-rated wood to use,” he requested from her.

“Oh, was that all...? I hoped, maybe..?” she stammered and seemed a little disappointed. It seemed that she not quite enjoyed working with Evan. Who would have thought that the benign Karina would be able to get along with the tamer?

“You know, Thres is still waiting for their tree. Maybe, if you finish this quickly, you could travel there and expand the net of tree Stations?” Seth offered her a juicy reward. At the same time, he would be able to catch up on the promise he had made.

“Grant, are you still here?” Seth announced his presence as he entered the enchantment lab, one of the ones Al'Zalsar had renovated before she got her own place. This was the domain of the enchanters, magicians who specialized in imbuing items through a row of magic formations, spells, and arcane materials. It was a very complicated science. Seth knew some of the principles and formulas, but it was still far outside his expertise.

“T-Tower Master?” the man in question asked sleepily. He found Grant at a desk in the back, bending over a bunch of notes that showed fresh stains of saliva. This guy had actually fallen asleep at his desk and drooled all over his notes.

“Grant, you should really think more about your own health. Staying long to the point that you fall asleep in the lab isn't healthy or helpful.”

“I'm sorry, Tower Master. I just wanted to finish this before returning... oh no,” anguished he looked at the notes he drooled on. Some parts were illegible, other parts were barely more than the doodles of someone lacking sleep. It was clear from his expression, that his sleep-deprived self had not done any useful work. With a sigh, he threw the paper in the bin.

“Anyways, what can I do for you, Tower Master?”

“I told you Seth was okay, but ...forget it. Here, enchant these 25 bows as you see fit and bring them to me when you are done. It doesn't have to be anything special, since I will be selling those on the auction house.”

Seth looked at the man and halted for a moment. Maybe it was not his place to say something, as he had just brought him more work, but he was also his boss and responsible for the guy.

“And take your time, it isn't urgent. Try looking after yourself a little more. I know it's hard to let go of a captivating task, but you should look after yourself a little more,” the workaholic who learned his lesson, relayed his wisdom to the slightly younger man.

“Ahh...sure. Thank you, Tow- ..Seth,” the enchanter answered, hesitatingly calling the blacksmith by his name.

“Well, then, I will leave you to your work, or rather, you should go get to bed and continue tomorrow.”

With that, Seth vanished using the Tower's teleportation and returned home to spend the evening with Fin and Mina.