Chapter 37

[Translator – Helga]

[Proofreader – Lucky]

Chapter 37

Kane slumped into the empty room. He then pulled out a few mana stones from his pocket. They were stones he had swiped from the black crow exchange. Though not in perfect condition, with some crafting, they could fetch a decent price.

In the game [War of the Gods: Infinite Defense], there were several features that allowed characters to develop post-creation. Most of these systems were designed to encourage excessive spending, often leading players to quit. However, if used wisely, they could become extremely advantageous.

One of these systems was the ‘Crafting’ feature, which allowed players to process mana stones and imbue them with various options. Even a single A-grade option could more than double a character’s original stats.

‘The problem is that the success rate of *Crafting* is less than 10%.’

But with the magic book he found in the Nest of Abyss, those issues could be resolved.

[Masherin’s Magic Engraving]Follow the latest novels at novelhall.com

Type: Magic Grimoire

Grade: S (Growth-type)

Description: A magical engraving book written by Masherin, one of the continent’s top three engravers and craftsmen.

Unlike regular engravers, Masherin used magic engravings on not only accessories but also buildings.

Effect: 80% chance to engrave options of B grade or higher, acquisition of crafting skills

That effect alone was incredible. The increased probability of B-grade or higher options was insane. And there was more.

Hidden skills further boosted its power. One such effect was that the character’s base stats increased during the crafting process. This meant that not only could he become stronger while crafting, but the crafted items would be bonuses.

Options that turned out well could be given to characters to significantly boost their stats. The mediocre ones could be sold to nobles for a high price, generating income.

‘Moreover, it’s beneficial for me too. I can increase my stats just by sitting and cutting jewels. I need to raise the abilities I couldn’t enhance in the hidden stage here.’

Kane infused mana into the crafting dagger. Symbols appeared on the blade. He was ready.

He started cutting the mana stone with the dagger.

Scrape!

The mana stone was sliced through effortlessly.

Engraving required delicate use of mana to carve the jewel precisely.

“Let’s focus.”

[Blue Tiger’s Breath has been activated.]

He began to peel away the surface of the mana stone, layer by layer, like peeling the skin off an onion. The intensity of the mana, the delicate sensation in his hands—each movement was precise.

Designing the jewel, Kane thought of every detail as he continued crafting. As time passed,

‘Is it because I’m only a beginner at 3rd class? My thumb is already trembling,’

Cold sweat dripped down his forehead. Perhaps it was due to the constant delicate work, his finger joints started to ache.

‘I can’t stop here,’

The ‘Blue Tiger’s Breath’ focused on his eyes. His vision sharpened, allowing him to concentrate even more on the jewel. He controlled the trembling movements of his fingers and continued crafting.

About 30 minutes later,

[Due to Persistent Jewel Crafting (LV. 1), your Stamina has increased to D.]

[Due to meticulous handling of ‘Blue Tiger’s Breath’, your Mana has increased to D.]

He had no time to celebrate the message indicating his increased base abilities. A single slip could mean the failure of the jewel crafting.

Imbuing the jewel with magic was more challenging and exhausting than he had anticipated.

[30% of the jewel crafting is complete.]

Only one-third was done. There was still a long way to go. Giving up was not an option. Opportunities to simultaneously gain stats and money were rare.

‘I need to be even more persistent and maximize my stats,’

He kept cutting and refining the jewel. The sensation in his hands gradually faded, and his mana was nearly depleted. His stamina had already reached its limit. Yet, with immense concentration, he continued perfecting the jewel.

Then, something extraordinary happened.

*Tsususu-*

The Blood Mark stirred around him.

The Blood Mark rippled with each movement of the crafting dagger.

* * *

Camilla was lingering outside Kane’s room in the dark night. Wisps of mana were seeping out from the door’s cracks. The energy was growing, swelling like a snowball.

“What on earth is happening in there?”

She couldn’t just barge into her master’s room. Since the moment Young Master Kane’s personality changed, it was impossible to enter unannounced like she used to.

“The energy is too ominous for mere mana training. Should I just go in?”

The powerful aura emanating through the door felt sinister, akin to dark magic or demonic energy. She worried Kane might have lost control while training his mana.

After deliberating for a long while,

“I have to go in!”

She made up her mind. She grabbed the door handle and took a deep breath. With a deep inhale, she flung the door open.

“Ah!”

The energy that had filled the room rushed out at her. The ominous aura vanished without a trace. What poured over her was cool, refreshing mana. Along with the energy, Kane’s voice reached her.

“It’s... done!”

He was lying on the floor.

“Young... Master?”

“Haah...”

“Are you okay?”

Such was the result of his first crafting attempt.

[KaraShi Jewel]

Category: Accessory

Grade: ★★★*

Description: This is the first jewel Kane Rehinar crafted in his room. It has a peculiar sophistication due to the special spell engraved with magic.

Effects: Fire Rune Resistance +40%

In a Crisis: Activates Water Barrier (B-)*

For a 3-star grade, the options were rather low. It was likely because he used a simple mana stone rather than a higher-quality mana stone. Selling it as it was could tarnish the reputation of KaraShi.

Although Kane wasn’t satisfied, other nobles would have been desperate to buy the jewel. It had a captivating, mysterious magical aura, apart from its functionality.

“I’ll keep it for now.”

Kane put the jewel in his pocket.

“If you ever want one, let me know. I’ll make you a new one.”

“Hehe, okay!”

Camilla’s mood brightened instantly.

Crafting jewels was hard work, and adding magical engravings doubled the effort required. She felt a sense of specialness that Kane offered to create one for her..

—

Kane continued to hone his crafting skills. From his first attempt, he realized that he was less skillful with his hands than Ray Hatzfeld.

“There’s nothing that can’t be achieved with effort.”

He practiced his crafting skills relentlessly, even skipping meals. While elemental mana stones were scarce, he could easily obtain normal mana stones from monsters. He used these mana stones for his practice.

Days passed—one, two, three.

“I’m not yet at the level of proficiency I desire.”

He used mana to carve the mana stones diligently. The sun rose and set repeatedly.

[Due to the delicate use of mana, ‘Blue Tiger’s breath (D-)’ has increased to D.]

[Due to excellent craftsmanship (LV. 2), Strength has increased to D.]

[Due to nimble craftsmanship (LV. 2), Agility has increased to D.]

After another day, his stats and mana depth improved further. Despite this, Kane was not satisfied.

“I’m almost there.”

Another day passed.

[Crafting Skill has increased to LV. 3.]

[You have reached Mid-Tier 3rd Class.]

[You have fulfilled the conditions for a Hidden Promotion Quest.]

Finally, Kane had achieved his goal.

“Haaa.”

Lying down, he gazed at the ceiling and let out a deep breath. The grueling work had taken its toll, and fatigue washed over him.

“I need to get some sleep.”

His heavy eyelids closed. After five days of continuous work without sleep, the moment he relaxed, sleep overtook him. As he slept, new messages chimed.

[The Lumber Mill has been completed.]

[Commerce has increased by +5.]

[You can now use the Lumber Mill.]

[The Tavern has been completed.]

[Commerce has increased by +5.]

[You can now use the Tavern.]

[The Farm has been completed.]

[Agriculture has increased by +5.]

[You can now use the Farmland.]

[The Inn has been completed.]

[Commerce has increased by +5.]

[You can now use the Inn.]

[The Mill has been completed.]

[Agriculture has increased by +5.]

[You can now use the Mill.]

[Commerce has increased by +5.]

[Guild has increased by +5.]

...

The notifications about the completed buildings filled the air. Despite the noise, Kane remained oblivious, deep in slumber.

The next day, upon waking, he immediately checked the plethora of messages.

[To activate the buildings, you must visit them personally.]

With the realization of the work ahead, Kane knew he had to visit each of these newly constructed facilities to activate them.

[Translator – Helga]

[Proofreader – Lucky]