Chapter 24: Forge That Doesn’t Cry (2)

Chapter 24: Forge That Doesn’t Cry (2)

[Ironwill Longsword]

Grade: Unique

Attack Power: 154-173

+5 Strength

+10 Agility

*This blade grants the user a strong will. This weapon cannot break.

A sword that has been brought to the limit of its potential. Requires incredible power to wield.

Requirements: Level 80+ Strength: 500+

Durability: Infinite

"...!" Kai was so surprised that he almost dropped the sword.

A- a Unique rank!

It was his first time seeing such an incredible weapon. The fact that he was holding such magnificent equipment in his hands, which he wouldn’t even be able to find in auction houses, made his hands tremble.

"Isn't it remarkable?"

"Th-this is..."

The opponent's sword lacked the sophistication of Solid's sword. It also didn’t possess the luxurious elegance either.

But....

If asked which sword was superior, Kai believed it would be the one he was holding.

The sword's inherent capabilities have been maximized.

Although Kai knew nothing about crafting equipment, he was certain about the greatness of this sword.

I understand how Solid feels.

If someone he hadn't even considered a rival suddenly created such a sword right before his eyes, it would undoubtedly shatter the pride of an old man who had swung a hammer all his life.

Solid slumped back onto the sofa. "After the competition ended, the arrogant kid bowed and apologized, thanking me for accepting his unreasonable request. That sword... he said it was a token of his apology and hoped I would accept it."

"Y-you mean, he just gave it to you?" Kai's mouth dropped open.

A Unique-ranked sword could easily be worth thousands of gold if sold in an auction house. Being a player, that kid wouldn't have been unaware of the sword's value. To gift such a sword without any hesitation was an action beyond Kai's comprehension.

"At first, I made excuses for myself for losing. I said that I lost because I tried to imitate the beautiful sword he had and ended up making mine too decorative without realizing it." RêAd lateSt chapters at novelhall.com Only

"Ah... indeed, your sword is incredibly ornate," Kai nodded, looking at the sword from the handle to the blade, which was unmatched in its luxuriousness.

At that sight, Solid gave an even more self-mocking smile and shook his head. "But that wasn't it."

“...Huh?"

"I dug out all the swords I had made up to now, trying to rationalize my actions. Then I realized that... that was the kind of sword I had always been making until now,” Solid said with a voice full of deep regret. "Most who ordered swords from me were knights or the offspring of noble families. All of them liked flashy things."

"That means...?"

"I made swords for decades to meet their demands, and without realizing it, I had become adept at making ornate swords."

"...."

"The moment I realized that, I couldn't bring myself to pick up a hammer anymore." Rubbing his face with his large palms, Solid ended his story.

Kai was left speechless. Would he be able to endure the pain of realizing too late that he had dedicated his life to a misguided path?

...It would be very shocking.

That would be the same for Solid. His pride as a craftsman and his reflections on his life, those two aspects were continually tormenting the current Solid.

[Blacksmith Solid has become a master blacksmith.]

[You helped an NPC overcome their complex. +3 Benevolence.]

[Affinity with Solid greatly increased. Solid considers you his benefactor.]

"Wh-what...?"

They were messages that were hard to grasp at a glance!

After calming down and reading the messages carefully, Kai suddenly got up in excitement as he realized something.

Good deeds aren't just simple kindness acts!

The concept of good deeds was far more inclusive than he had thought.

That means....

Not only physically helping NPCs, but also healing their emotional wounds as he had done now or offering counseling could increase the Benevolence stat.

Solid, with hands as large as pot lids, suddenly grasped Kai's delicate hands.

"Thank you! I feel like I've overcome a great barrier thanks to you. I'm truly grateful!"

"Ahaha...."

As Kai scratched the back of his head and laughed awkwardly, a deep smile appeared on Solid's stern face. He laughed heartily and patted Kai on the shoulder.

"Hahahaha! Now that the gloominess has lifted, my hands are itching to work! Speaking of which, weren't you here to give me a job? Leave it to me!"

Solid, as if eager to swing his hammer right away, rotated his shoulders and neck while shouting. His personality, previously sharp and sensitive from self-doubt and alcohol, had returned to its usual positive and hearty state.

Kai's eyes sparkled as he neatly took out materials from his inventory. "I actually came to request the crafting of equipment. These are the materials."

"Oh wow! Scales and teeth of a Wyrm Lizard! You're a more powerful adventurer than I thought, aren’t you? You don't look like it, though. Hahaha!" Solid laughed heartily, his expression saying to leave it all to him. "Is there a specific weapon you're interested in?"

"Um... actually, I wanted to learn a new weapon skill. Could you recommend one for me?"

"A weapon skill, huh? Hm, let me see." Solid nodded after looking at Kai's arms, legs, and body proportions. "I personally recommended swordsmanship."

"Swordsmanship? Is there a particular reason?"

"Your arms and legs are slender and long. That indicated an extended reach which is crucial for a swordsman.”

"Wouldn't it be better to wield a spear then?"

"I could make a spear if that's what you want. But the most important thing is...."

"The most important thing is?" Kai leaned forward with a look of intense curiosity.

Solid laughed heartily again at Kai’s expression, "I'm just better at making swords than spears. Hahaha!"

"...Oh, I see."

The logic was convincing. Kai nodded in understanding at once.

Then, requesting a sword would get me the best quality weapon.

Whether learning spear skills or sword skills, as long as it slightly aided his solo play, it was sufficient. Regardless of the skill learned at the moment, it wouldn't unleash significant power anyway. In that case, it made sense to use a weapon with better performance.

"Please make me a sword then. You can just make the scales into some armor."

"An excellent choice. I'll try and create a masterpiece of my lifetime. Give me a week."

"Alright, I'll be going then."

Solid quickly prepared for the work after receiving the materials. Then the previously dead forge roared to life with loud noises and flames. At the same time, the quiet surroundings began to echo with a regular pattern of sounds.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Kai, leaving the blacksmith, looked back at the lively building with a sense of pride.