ã€ŠSolo Craftingã€‹


 Ch 1 - The Divine Comedy

    The city''s crowd filled the streets, the sound of car horns and people''s noise was an irritating sound in my ears. With every step I took, I hated this damn city more and more, especially seeing him everywhere I went.

    On top of a tall building, a huge billboard read:

    "One of Japan''s most famous hunters, Yoshida Isamu, announced he would enter the 60th Floor!"

    "I''m so tired of seeing this nonsense everywhere, nobody respects or cares about normal jobs anymore, everyone just wants to be one of those damn hunters."

    ¡°When we asked Yoshida Isamu why he climbed the tower alone instead of with a team, his answer took us all back in time: ''I got here thanks to the man I admired as a kid, Felix Laytn. From here on, I will continue on his path.¡¯¡±

    ¡°Felix Laytn, Felix Laytn! Do I have to hear that guy''s name everywhere I go?¡±

    "There''s no one who doesn''t know him; families tell their kids about his heroics before bed. The first hunter to appear, the man who challenged the highest floors alone. While the rest of the world was working together, he made it to the 70th Floor all by himself while others struggled in the 20s. But after that, no one heard from him again!"

    I covered my cursed ears and kept walking through the crowd, exhausted from carrying the heavy bag on my back all day.

    "I''ve worked for months without eating properly, but it was worth it¡ªI''ve finally got enough money to cover some of my mom''s medication!"

    With great excitement, I ran to the hospital entrance. Doctors were rushing around, attending to patients. It was the only place where I felt normal, because here, everyone was equal¡ªno matter how strong you were, death was the same for everyone.

    I quickly walked toward the reception desk.

    "Hello, I''ve come to visit the patient in room 149."

    The woman at the desk lifted her head and looked at me. Her movements were slow, and her gaze was blank, clearly showing how exhausted she was.

    "Name?" she asked slowly.

    "Come on, I come here every day, I''m sure you know my name," I said with a slight joke, not knowing why I said such a thing.

    "Name?" she repeated, without changing her tone or delivery.

    "Alexander, but you can call me Alex."

    She repeated what I said as if it wasn''t enough, "Alexander?"

    "Alexander¡ª" I took a deep breath between the two words, "Laytn."

    The receptionist turned back to her computer and after pressing a few keys, without lifting her head, she said, "Alright, your doctor is waiting in the patient¡¯s room." She paused, as if thinking to herself, "Laytn, Laytn... wait a minute, you''re¡ª" But by the time she looked up, Alex was already gone.

    I rushed to room 149. As I cracked the door open and stepped inside, I saw the doctor attending to her. I lowered my head and entered the room, closing the door behind me.

    "Hello, Doctor."

    "Hello, Alex, you haven''t been coming around much lately," he said while still focusing on the patient lying on the bed.

    "I¡¯ve been working hard to earn enough for the medication. I¡¯ve finally got the money for the first dose."

    "The first dose? You know we''re on the fourth dose by now, right? I''ve been covering for you out of pity, but I can''t keep doing that."

    I was biting my lips and clenching my fists out of anger. Was it because he pitied me? Does he not care about his patients at all? No, I shouldn''t be angry. He''s right. I''m pathetic. I can''t even afford my mother''s medication...

    The doctor leaned closer to me and said, "Your mother''s condition is getting worse, her recent seizures have increased. With the resources we have, we can only keep her alive for a little longer, that''s all. If you want to heal her, you''ll need a high-level healer or an equally potent high-grade potion."

    I couldn''t lift my head out of the shame of not being able to give my mother a better life. After all, I was just a simple craftsman. No matter how much I worked, I could never earn enough to afford a healer or a potion...

    The doctor said, "I''ll leave you alone with your mother, then," and left the room.

    I walked over to my mother and looked at her. The golden hair she once had had faded into a lifeless color. Her once smooth skin had become dry and withered. She was struggling to breathe, and there wasn''t a trace of the joyful face she used to have.

    "I''m sorry, Mom..."

    Tears started streaming down my face like a waterfall. I bit my lips, trying not to scream and curse at everything, holding myself back.

    "I''m sorry for everything..."

    No matter how much I cried, nothing would get better. The only way for someone like me to make enough money to help my mother was to become a hunter, but it was impossible for an unawakened person to be a hunter.

    I left the hospital and headed to my workshop, hoping to make a few more items to sell that evening. This workshop was passed down to me from my father. When I was young, I loved helping him clean and repair his weapons. My father left my mother and me when I was 12, all because of his damned obsession with adventure. Was that stupid tower really that important? Was the price of being the world''s greatest hunter abandoning your family? My mother was my father''s illegitimate wife, but I always felt that he loved us. He would visit us and take care of us. While his legitimate wife and child lived in wealth and comfort, we struggled to survive in a small house, but my mother never once lost her smile, not until that day.

    Six years ago...

    My mother, with tears in her eyes, was shouting at my father, "You can''t leave, you can''t abandon us!" She kept screaming and hitting him, but my father stood there without reacting. I watched them with tear-filled eyes from the side.

    My father pulled my mother away and slowly walked toward me. He knelt down, put his hand on my shoulder, and said, "Son, I know one day you''ll understand me. One day you''ll become an adventurer like your father, and you''ll climb the tower. A hunter never gives up on an adventure..." Then he turned and left.

    A few days had passed since my father left, but my mother hadn''t stopped crying even once. She had stopped eating and wasn''t taking care of her health. My mother had been weak since birth and didn''t have the strength for hard labor. Her family had died in a dungeon break, and my father saved her at the last moment. That''s how they met, and up until that day, my father had taken care of her, but now it was up to me to take care of my mother. I did whatever I had to survive. I stole food, begged for money, and even scavenged through garbage, but eventually, my mother''s seizures started. One day, it got so bad that, thanks to people who heard her screams, I was able to rush her to the hospital.

    Since that day, my mother has been in the hospital, and I''ve been trying to take care of her by earning money from the hobby my father taught me. According to the doctor, my mother''s illness had worsened because of the sadness she had experienced, and her condition was deteriorating day by day...

    Present day, now.

    As I walked, lost in thought about the past, I came across a large crowd.

    "Everyone, move back! This is not a drill, please move away."

    When I looked more carefully to see what was happening, I saw hunters standing in front of a massive dungeon gate.

    The gates were different from the tower. Exactly 60 years ago, the gods chose the world as the 0th floor of the tower, and they said if people didn''t climb the tower, it would destroy the world. The tower was like a living organism that fed on the world. If we didn''t continue to cleanse the tower, it would begin to consume the life energy it needed from the world, wiping out every living thing. At first, people didn''t want to believe any of this, but when the gates, as they were called, appeared in various parts of the world, allowing us to enter the tower, and the hunters emerged, they started to believe.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    However, the most significant event that made the whole world accept this occurred three months after the tower appeared. Various portals began to appear in all countries, and after a few weeks of silence, monsters started emerging from these portals and invading cities. Although the world united and somehow overcame this catastrophe, millions of lives had already been lost. This was the punishment for not clearing the tower within those three months. As long as we didn''t clear the tower, these portals kept appearing, so countries began forming organizations like hunter guilds to encourage people to become hunters and climb the tower.

    With the tower''s emergence, our entire way of life changed. Even though the number of portals decreased when we started climbing the tower, they never fully disappeared. If we didn¡¯t clear a portal within three weeks, it would crack open, and the monsters inside would start pouring out. The reason why the hunters were gathered here was probably to clear the portal that had just appeared.

    One of the hunters shouted, "Damn it, this stupid knife is useless now. We''re about to enter the portal, and my weapon can''t even cut anything!"

    After hearing what the hunter said, I thought this could be a good opportunity to make some money. I tried to slip through the crowd and approach the hunter. Just as I was about to pass under the tape surrounding the portal, the officials stationed there to keep people away caught me and wouldn¡¯t let me through.

    ¡°You can¡¯t pass here!¡±

    Struggling to get free, I yelled, "W-Wait, I can repair that knife!"

    Upon hearing me, the hunter called out to the officials, "Let him through."

    I slipped out of their grasp, ducked under the tape, and approached the hunter. From his light-looking leather armor, the mask covering his face, his use of a dagger, and his piercing gaze, I could tell he was an assassin-type hunter.

    The hunter looked at me and said, ¡°You said you could fix my knife, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I can repair it,¡± I said confidently. In reality, I was nothing more than a simple craftsman who made small items, but I had helped my father repair his weapons many times, so I had a decent idea of how to fix "Tower Weapons."

    ¡°Alright, here¡¯s my knife. If you can repair it, I¡¯ll pay you a good amount,¡± he said.

    I took the knife and examined it for a bit, quickly figuring out what it was made of.

    ¡°A dagger made from the tooth of a Night Wolf. You must have gotten this from around the 10th floor. Although the Night Wolf¡¯s tooth is strong, it¡¯s a material with a short lifespan and decays over time.¡±

    The hunter, with a surprised expression, asked, "Huh? Do you have an appraisal skill? Or are you a hunter too?"

    I finished examining the knife and looked up. ¡°A hunter? No, I¡¯m just a simple craftsman.¡±

    I lowered my bag to the ground and pulled out my hammer and mini anvil. I always carry these tools with me because there are always a few hunters who need repairs wherever I sell my products.

    The hunter stared at me in amazement and thought, "Just a craftsman? That anvil must weigh at least 40 kilos, and no ordinary person could carry something that heavy in a backpack."

    I rummaged through my bag, looking for a material that could fuse with the Night Wolf¡¯s tooth. ¡°The shell of a Rock Turtle! Although it lives on the 5th floor, the hardness of its shell is equivalent to that of the Night Wolf¡¯s tooth, and it¡¯s much more durable.¡±

    I pulled out a low-level fire crystal from my bag and shattered it over the Rock Turtle¡¯s shell, raising its temperature just enough to shape it.

    As I continued working, the hunter watched me and thought, "I feel like I¡¯ve seen him before¡­ wait a minute¡­ isn¡¯t this the kid who kept trying to sell materials in front of the Tower¡¯s gate? Could he actually be this talented?"

    I continued hammering the knife, filling in the cracks, and then sharpened the blade¡¯s edges with a whetstone I took from my bag.

    ¡°Here¡¯s your knife. I would¡¯ve done a better job, but with the limited materials I have, this is the best I can do. It should still last you throughout this dungeon.¡±

    The hunter looked at me and said, ¡°My name is Nigel.¡±

    ¡°Alex,¡± I replied.

    ¡°Nice to meet you, Alex. I promised I¡¯d pay for the knife, but as you can see, my outfit doesn¡¯t have any pockets. Instead, how about we make a deal?¡±

    I was frustrated that I couldn¡¯t get my money, but the idea of a deal piqued my curiosity. ¡°A deal?¡±

    ¡°Yes. How about you come with us into the dungeon?¡±

    I responded in surprise, ¡°Come into the dungeon? Non-hunters aren¡¯t allowed in dungeons, and that¡¯s basically a death sentence. Are you inviting me to die?¡±

    ¡°Of course not. I know non-hunters aren¡¯t allowed in, but you¡¯re aware that most hunter teams travel with gatherers, right? If we bend the rules a little, we can register you as a low-tier hunter and let you enter the dungeon. You¡¯d get 10% of the materials collected. What do you think?¡±

    ¡°10% of the materials? That¡¯s worth way more than what I¡¯d earn from repairing the knife. With that money, I could help my mother!¡±

    ¡°Come on, it¡¯s just a D-rank dungeon, and our team is made up of C-rank hunters. Besides, I¡¯m part of a B-rank hunter group, and my friends and I have been sent here to clear this dungeon quickly. I promise nothing will happen to you.¡±

    ¡°A B-rank hunter? A B-rank hunter is supposed to be as strong as 100 C-rank hunters. If we have someone like that with us, clearing a D-rank dungeon shouldn¡¯t be too hard!¡±

    ¡°Alright, I accept your offer.¡±

    Nigel, with a broad smile on his face, called out to the team, ¡°Get ready, we¡¯re entering the dungeon!¡±

    The whole team gathered, and together, we passed through the dungeon gate. It was my first time entering a dungeon, but thanks to the stories my father used to tell me when I was a child, it felt as if I had done this countless times before. As I stepped through the gate, a strange tingling sensation washed over my body, and as it passed, I found myself in a completely different place.

    The surroundings were dark and gloomy, visibility was poor, and the light from the torches on the walls was almost nonexistent. The stone walls were cold and damp, the ceiling was low, covered in cobwebs. The smell of decaying flesh and dampness was sharp, stinging our noses.

    One of the hunters stepped forward and said, ¡°Let the mages light the way with their fire magic. Considering the structure of this dungeon, we¡¯re in a labyrinth-type one. Don¡¯t split up, and try to walk the same path as me. I¡¯ll use my ability to detect traps.¡±

    After walking for a while, we came to a fork in the path.

    ¡°Alright, we¡¯re going to split up here. My group will go left, and you will go right. Since your group knows its formation better, it makes more sense to divide like this. I can¡¯t detect any traps on the right side, so it¡¯s logical for you to take that path. I¡¯ll neutralize the traps on the left and catch up to you. I¡¯ve entered dungeons like this countless times, and the trapless path is always the correct one.¡±

    One of the hunters from the other group stepped forward and asked, ¡°Then wouldn¡¯t it be better if we all went to the right?¡±

    With a smile on his face, Nigel replied, ¡°But what if there¡¯s a valuable treasure on the left? Wouldn¡¯t finding it and sharing it be good for all of us? Don¡¯t worry, for a B-rank hunter, avoiding traps in a C-rank dungeon is easy.¡±

    Though the other hunter didn¡¯t seem fully convinced, he had no choice but to accept Nigel¡¯s decision. The groups split up, and we continued on our way. Naturally, I stayed with Nigel¡¯s group.

    We walked for a long time, but barely encountered any monsters or traps.

    Curious, I asked Nigel, ¡°Wasn¡¯t this supposed to be the trapped path? Isn¡¯t it strange that we haven¡¯t come across anything?¡±

    With a wide grin, Nigel said, ¡°What? Why would we take the trapped path? Didn¡¯t I say that the trapless path is always the right one?¡±

    Confused and worried, I asked, ¡°So, does that mean the path the others took was the trapped one?¡±

    Nigel gave a devilish smile and said, ¡°Hey, why are you asking that? Isn¡¯t it their fault for entering the dungeon without a hunter capable of detecting traps in their group? If something happens to them, there¡¯s nothing we can do except take their belongings and leave the dungeon. Don¡¯t forget, 10% of everything we collect goes to you, so shut up and keep walking.¡±

    I continued walking in horror. What could I do? Should I act like a protector of justice and ask him how he could do such a thing? And then what? He could easily kill me with a single move. I couldn¡¯t leave my mother behind¡­

    ¡°Damn it, after all, you¡¯re just like him, only thinking about yourself. All hunters are the same¡­¡±

    We walked for a few more hours without encountering anything, and eventually, we arrived at the boss room. As we had expected, none of the others were there. When the boss monster is killed, the dungeon gate opens in the boss room, and you must leave immediately; otherwise, you¡¯ll vanish along with the dungeon as it slowly disintegrates after the boss¡¯s death.

    We set up camp for a while in front of the boss room, and later, Nigel and I went back along the trapped path, gathered all the valuable items from the bodies of the dead, and returned to the boss room.

    ¡°Take good care of those items in your bag and stay back. When we kill the boss, you¡¯ll get your share, and we¡¯ll leave. Don¡¯t worry too much, Alex. It¡¯s just business.¡±

    I followed everything he said to the letter. The only thing I could do was stand on the side and wait.

    The moment we entered the boss room, the door slammed shut, and everything went pitch black.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t had visitors in a long time.¡±

    A pair of red eyes appeared in the darkness.

    Nigel, filled with fear and anxiety, exclaimed, ¡°A talking monster!?¡±

    ¡°Monster? Hahaha! Quite bold words for a little insect.¡±

    ¡°A talking monster! In a C-rank dungeon?¡±

    Suddenly, the lights turned on, revealing the owner of the glowing eyes in the darkness. A humanoid monster with pale white skin stood before them. From its red eyes and appearance, they realized what it was.

    ¡°A-A vampire!¡±

    A vampire should at least be an A-rank monster. Dungeons were different from towers. Each floor of the tower was a world of its own, whereas in dungeons, the monsters were solely focused on killing you. While things in the tower were always the same, rare situations could occur in dungeons, just like the vampire that had now appeared in this C-rank dungeon.

    Nigel was trembling in fear, and the other two hunters weren¡¯t any different. One of them was so terrified that he lost his mind and charged at the vampire, trying to attack it.

    ¡°YOU¡¯RE JUST A BOSS OF A C-RANK DUNGEON, YOU BASTA¡ª¡±

    Without even standing up, the vampire made a single motion with its arm, slicing the hunter in two.

    The other female hunter in Nigel¡¯s party started screaming and crying hysterically, while Nigel dropped to his knees and muttered, ¡°This is the end for us¡­¡±

    As for me, I was frozen in place, overwhelmed with fear and panic, unsure of what to do, standing in a corner of the room. I had hidden behind Nigel, whom I had despised just moments ago. I was no different from that scumbag, only thinking of myself. I had used my mother¡¯s medical bills as an excuse to scavenge the belongings of dead people, and now, I was getting what I deserved.

    ¡°I have no intention of killing you despicable creatures, so I¡¯ll offer you an opportunity.¡±

    ¡°An opportunity? I¡¯ll do anything! I¡¯ll do whatever it takes to get out of here!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve had fresh human blood, and I¡¯m quite hungry. If you hand one of you over to me, I¡¯ll let the rest go.¡±

    ¡°What? Sacrifice one of us? That won¡¯t work! Isn¡¯t it impossible to leave a dungeon without defeating the boss? But no, even I believed there was a chance just moments ago, so they must believe it too. In this case, it¡¯s obvious that I¡¯m the one to be sacrificed, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Nigel stood up with a crazed expression on his face and started approaching me.

    ¡°W-Wait, Nigel, he¡¯s tricking you! Even if I die, you won¡¯t be able to leave the dungeon without killing the boss, don¡¯t believe him!¡±

    No matter what I said, Nigel wasn¡¯t listening to me. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the vampire sitting on its throne, smiling devilishly, watching us with delight. It wasn¡¯t giving us an opportunity; it was toying with us!

    ¡°Screw it, if I¡¯m going to die, I¡¯ll take this bastard with me!¡± Among the belongings I had taken from the dead, I had found a dagger, which I had strapped to my waist just in case. As soon as Nigel got close, I drew the dagger and lunged at him, but before I could do anything, he stabbed me right through the heart.

    ¡°HAHAHAHA! BEAUTIFUL, JUST BEAUTIFUL!¡±

    Nigel, with a hopeful smile on his face, asked, ¡°I killed him, now you¡¯ll let us go, right?¡±

    ¡°Hmm, I think I¡¯ve changed my mind. How about I kill all of you instead?¡±

    ¡°YOU SON OF A BI¡ª¡±

    The vampire moved at the speed of light, grabbing Nigel by the throat and lifting him into the air.

    Meanwhile, my vision was becoming increasingly blurry, and I felt a cold pain in my heart. I was getting colder and colder.

    ¡°Hahaha, stabbed by the dagger I repaired myself¡­¡± I said, coughing up blood.

    My vision completely darkened. I was dying. Just as everything was about to end, a screen appeared in front of me.

    [Achievement Unlocked: Divine Comedy]

    ¡°Stabbed by your own crafted dagger? Life sure has a different sense of humor, doesn¡¯t it?¡±

    The system is pleased with the scenario created by your passion for craftsmanship and offers you a quest: ¡°Revenge is best served hot! Kill everyone responsible for this pain!¡±

    [0/3]

    [Reward: The Path of the Craftsman, Full Recovery.]

    [Penalty: Death.]

    [If the quest is accepted, one of the craftsman¡¯s skills will be randomly granted for 1 minute, and once the quest ends, the skill will be revoked regardless of the outcome.]

    ¡°W-What? What is this? Am I hallucinating because I¡¯m close to death? No, I don¡¯t care what it is, I¡¯ll do whatever it takes to survive.¡±

    [Do you accept the quest?]

    ¡°Yes...¡±

 Ch 2 - First Task

    [Task accepted?]

    ¡°Yes¡­¡±

    [Task accepted.]

    [For 1 minute, you will be able to use the Artisan''s "Destruction" power at its maximum potential.]

    [Destruction: Just as an Artisan knows how to create, they also know how to destroy. The Artisan''s destruction ability allows them to break anything down into its fundamental components, reducing it to its essence.]

    [Time remaining: 59 seconds.]

    ¡°Shit, the timer''s already started... So this ability lets me destroy things, huh? I think I know how to use it. No, it''s more than just knowing how to use it, it''s like I''ve had this power for a long time. How is this possible? Screw it, none of that matters right now!¡±

    I started crawling to survive. Crawling, dragging myself by my fingers. Even as my nails tore off and my hands were drenched in blood, I kept pulling myself forward.

    [Time remaining: 30 seconds.]

    ¡°Huh? What does this insect think it''s doing? Are you crawling toward me?¡±

    The vampire threw Nigel, whom he had been holding by the neck, onto the crying female hunter.

    ¡°HAHAHAHA! The effort humans put into clinging to life is admirable! Do you want revenge? What do you think you''ll achieve by crawling toward me?¡±

    Ignoring what the vampire said, I kept crawling, doing everything I could to reach him. As soon as I saw his feet, I reached out to touch him, but before I could, he stomped on my hand, crushing every bone in my right hand.

    ¡°HAHAHAHA! Pathetic creature!¡±

    ¡°Pathetic? Your death will come at the hands of this pathetic creature.¡±

    ¡°Huh? What did you just say?¡±

    With my left hand, I grabbed the vampire''s ankle, the one crushing my right hand, and activated my ability.

    ¡°Destruction.¡±

    ¡°Wha¡ª¡±

    Before the vampire could even finish his sentence, his body exploded into pieces, his limbs scattering across the room, and my entire body was drenched in his blood. I could taste the blood as it dripped from my face into my mouth.

    I crawled toward the wall and tried to pull myself up.

    Meanwhile, Nigel, who had witnessed everything, was overjoyed that the vampire was dead.

    ¡°We¡ªwe made it! So you were actually a hunter hiding your power all this time? I can''t believe we survived! Bringing you onto the team was really the right decision! I''ll give you 20%, no, I''ll give you 30% of the profits!¡±

    I pushed myself up with the help of the wall and walked toward the woman still lying on the floor, crying. As I passed by her, I placed my hand on her back and activated my ability.

    ¡°Destruction.¡±

    The female hunter exploded into pieces, her blood splattering across the walls.

    ¡°H-Huh? What are you doing? Ah, I get it! You want to steal her stuff too, right? Why are you walking toward me? Did you think I''d be mad because you killed a teammate? Of course not! I was planning to kill that bitch soon anyway! Come on, let''s grab her stuff and get out of here!¡±

    [Time remaining: 10 seconds.]

    I continued walking toward Nigel and stopped in front of him, reaching out my hand.

    Nigel said, ¡°D-Do you... do you want to shake my hand? Hahaha! W-We really did make a good team, didn''t we?¡± as he reached out to shake my hand.

    But I wasn''t trying to shake his hand.

    [Time remaining: 5 seconds.]

    I placed my hand on Nigel''s face.

    ¡°W-What are you doing? S-Stop!?¡±

    Nigel wanted to escape, but he couldn''t. He had already collapsed to his knees in fear, paralyzed and unable to move.

    [Time remaining: 3 seconds.]

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much, Nigel. It¡¯s just business.¡±

    [Time remaining: 1 second.]

    ¡°Destruction.¡±

    Nigel¡¯s head exploded, splattering his brains all over the walls. Blood covered me and the room, the scent of fresh blood overwhelming my senses.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    [Task completed.]

    [As the time has expired, the Artisan''s Destruction ability has been withdrawn.]

    [Rewards being distributed...]

    [Reward: Full Restoration]

    My entire body was engulfed in light, and all my wounds healed. Even the blood and dirt on me vanished.

    "Is this Full Restoration? I really feel like I¡¯m in a laundry detergent commercial."

    [Reward: Craftsman''s Path]

    [Craftsman System Acquired.]

    "Craftsman System?"

    [Craftsman System] [Level 1]

    [Health: 15/15] [Mana: 0/0]

    [Stats] [Strength: 2] [Agility: 2] [Durability: 3] [Intelligence: 2] [Luck: 1]

    [Skills]

    [Examine] [A passive skill that develops in proportion to your level of understanding. It allows you to better comprehend materials, complex structures, and the composition of different substances.]

    [Shatter] [Allows you to break down complex formations into their components, provided you fully understand their structure.]

    "All these skills and stats¡­ This is just like a game. So, is this what the so-called system gave me? Is this the work of some god? No, gods don¡¯t help someone without talent."

    Gods have the right to choose individuals with talent, bestow their own gifts upon them, and take them as their apostles. While they cannot directly interfere with the world or people for some reason, they show their presence through humans.

    "And this dismantling skill, it doesn¡¯t seem as strong as the [Shatter] skill I just used, but it looks like a similar ability."

    "Wait a minute, what am I doing? Am I seriously examining my skills like I¡¯m playing a game?.."

    ¡°I-I just killed two people without hesitation¡­¡±

    Overwhelmed by shock, I suddenly started vomiting. The human brain tends to fill itself with other thoughts to cope with trauma, but no matter how much you distract yourself, the effects of trauma eventually surface. What I was experiencing right now was no different; my body was trembling, and I couldn¡¯t stop vomiting. Reality had hit me like a wet log to the face.

    Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the portal beginning to close.

    ¡°Damn it! So much happened at once that I forgot I killed the boss. I need to get out of here before the dungeon collapses.¡±

    Just before entering the portal, I spotted something shining among the vampire''s exploding corpse.

    [Vampire''s Fangs]

    "Huh? Vampire fangs? These details¡­ Am I seeing this thanks to my Comprehension skill?"

    [Vampire fangs have the ability to absorb blood and become sharper depending on the amount of blood absorbed. Since they are made of bone, they are also hard and durable.]

    "These might come in handy. I should take them before I leave."

    I looked around a bit more before leaving, but I couldn¡¯t find the boss¡¯s mana crystal anywhere. It must have been destroyed along with the boss when I used the Destruction skill. I should consider myself lucky to have gotten the fangs.

    Mana Crystals: Mana crystals are materials used by hunters for making tower weapons, armor, potions, and various other items. Through studies conducted on mana crystals, it has also become possible to use them as long-term energy sources. While not every monster drops a mana crystal, low-level mana crystals are fairly common. The rarity of the monster often correlates with the rarity of the mana crystal.

    After putting the fangs in my bag, I entered the portal and left the dungeon. By the time I emerged, hours had passed, and the crowd had already dispersed, leaving only the officials behind. Since I was the only one to come out of the dungeon alone, the officials naturally asked what had happened. I explained what had occurred in the dungeon, though I altered the story a bit. Instead of revealing what I had done, I told them that Hunter Nigel had killed everyone and left me to carry the items, and that we encountered a B-rank boss. I said Nigel and the boss fought until they both died, and I somehow managed to escape by sheer luck.

    If Nigel¡¯s team had all survived, they might have covered up the deaths in the dungeon as a ¡®Dungeon Accident.¡¯ But for an unawakened person like me to emerge alone would raise suspicion.

    Of course, I¡¯m awakened now, in a way.

    The Awakened: The awakened are individuals chosen by the system. Awakened people can level up, increase their stats, and gradually become stronger. However, leveling up becomes increasingly slow, so individuals within certain level ranges are often at roughly the same power level. Therefore, while leveling up is important, what matters more is the person¡¯s class and skills. Warrior, mage, archer, and thief are common classes, while healer, barbarian, and spearman are rarer. Classes that are held by only one or a few individuals are referred to as "Special Classes." Japan¡¯s most famous hunter, Yoshida Isamu, possesses one such Special Class, the ¡°Aura Spearman.¡±

    Hunters¡¯ strengths are ranked from F, E, D, C, B, A, to S. Even among the S ranks, those who are exceptionally powerful are called "Special Grade." Special Grades are so rare that there are only a few in the world. Felix Latyn is the first Special Grade hunter.

    After explaining the situation to the officials, I set off toward my workshop. Even though people had died, they said the items belonged to the person who cleared the dungeon, so they allowed me to take the items I had collected with me.

    As I walked, my thoughts were spinning around in my head.

    ¡°A craftsman, huh? There¡¯s never been a production-type class before. Does this mean I have a Special Grade class? How am I supposed to fight with a class focused on crafting? I thought I could climb the tower, clear dungeons, make money, and cure my mother¡¯s illness. But can I really do that?¡±

    I kept walking, feeling confused.

    "No, I didn''t have anything before, and now I have something I can use. I have to do my best."

    When I arrived at my workshop, I put my bag on the workbench and emptied its contents onto the table.

    The workshop was a makeshift structure with very limited facilities. The first thing that caught your eye when you entered the room was the old and worn-out workbench in the middle. Scattered across it were tools like hammers, pliers, and wrenches. In one corner stood an old forge and an anvil, next to which hung unfinished or damaged swords, knives, and other weapons.

    The walls were cracked and dirty, bearing the marks of time. On the floor, metal scraps and piles of dust were scattered. A small window let in a faint beam of light, barely illuminating the room. The workshop gave the feeling of being abandoned or left untouched for a long time. While there were enough materials to work with, the environment felt overwhelmingly dark, tired, and lonely.

    My mother was now staying in the hospital, and after turning 18, I sold our small, makeshift house to push things forward and earn more money. I bought this smaller, even more makeshift workshop and filled it with the tools I needed with the remaining money. Most of the items here were built from trash I found, and I¡¯ve been living here for the past six months. In our old house, I only had a small anvil and a few tools, but moving to a workshop with a forge and more tools gave me the chance to work harder. I had considered using the money from the sale to buy my mother''s medications, but sooner or later, when we needed more medicine, I would have ended up penniless. So this was the best solution.

    I sat in my wobbly chair, with one leg broken, and glanced over the items I had spread on the table.

    "Alright, it''s time to make some money!"

 Ch 3 - Craftsman System

    I began examining the items laid out on the table. There were 4 daggers, 2 swords, 1 mace, and 1 magic staff.

    "Let¡¯s start by examining the daggers."

    I picked up one of the daggers and began inspecting its structure, hilt, and shape. Weapons made of regular metals and modern firearms, like guns, were ineffective against monsters. Of course, there are various classes and special enchantments for using regular weapons, but these things are generally not effective. That¡¯s why people began crafting weapons and armor from materials gathered from dungeons and towers to combat monsters. Instead of handmade weapons, people usually preferred those found in dungeons or towers as treasure or dropped from monsters, as their overall characteristics tend to be better than handmade ones.

    [Dagger][E Rank]

    [The blade is made from a type of bone sharpened into a point.]

    "What? Is this the [Examine] ability? So, it works on things like this too, and I can get information about what the blade is made of and, to some extent, how it was made. Being able to see the weapon¡¯s rank is much easier than trying to determine it by mere inspection!"

    I began examining the other daggers one by one, and I noticed that my comprehension ability was becoming more detailed.

    [Dagger][E Rank]

    [The blade of the dagger is made from the bone of a warrior orc, sharpened to a point, while the hilt is crafted from the root of a certain tree.]

    "I¡¯ve finished examining the third dagger, and the information is becoming even more detailed. It looks like all the daggers are made from the same material, which means I probably gathered them from the same person. Maybe they shared their weapons since they were in the same team. Let¡¯s examine the last dagger."

    [Dagger][E Rank]

    [The blade of the dagger is made from the arm bone of a warrior orc, while the hilt is crafted from the root of an ebony tree.]

    [Your understanding of Orc Bone Daggers has increased, and your insight into this type of weapon will improve!]

    "Did I just unlock some kind of achievement? Let''s examine this dagger again."

    [Orc Bone Dagger][E Rank]

    [The blade of the dagger is made from the arm bone of a warrior orc, while the hilt is crafted from the root of an ebony tree.] [Slightly Used.]

    "Yes! I can see everything in detail now. While it¡¯s not too hard for someone like me to tell how much a weapon has been used, getting this extra information saves time, which means I can produce more goods and make more money. Alright, let¡¯s examine the other items too."

    [Sword][E Rank]

    [A sword made from a type of iron.]

    [Sword][E Rank]

    [A sword made from a sturdy wood.]

    [Mace][D Rank]

    [A mace made from a type of stone.]

    [Staff][D Rank]

    [A staff made from a combination of stone and wood.]

    "Hmm, it¡¯s not as detailed as with the daggers, but it''s better than nothing. I guess the more of a certain type of item I examine, the more detailed my understanding becomes. Since I couldn''t see more information after examining two swords, it means it¡¯s not just about the type of weapon but also the materials it¡¯s made of and the processes it¡¯s gone through."

    After inspecting everything, as I was about to set the daggers aside, I had a feeling that I could activate another one of my abilities. I didn¡¯t know how I sensed this strange feeling, but it felt as if I¡¯d been familiar with these abilities for a long time.

    "Hmm, I feel like I can use my [Shatter] ability on these daggers. Is it because my understanding of them has increased?"

    I took the dagger in my hand and activated the skill.

    [Shatter]

    The dagger I held disintegrated into pieces, reverting its materials to their purest forms.

    [Dagger successfully shattered]

    [Materials obtained]

    [1x Orc Warrior''s Arm Bone]

    [1x Ebony Tree Root]

    ¡°D-Damn, even though the dagger seemed slightly worn, the materials are as good as new! And I got them in their raw, unprocessed state! If I can reach a level where I can shatter all materials, I could buy nearly broken weapons for cheap, break them down, and create new ones!¡±

    As I began to understand the possibilities, my hope steadily grew. To earn more, I had to work harder. One by one, I shattered the remaining daggers.

    [Daggers successfully shattered]

    [Materials obtained]

    [4x Orc Warrior''s Arm Bone]

    [4x Ebony Tree Root]

    "Yes! Alright, with these materials, I can craft a good sword and sell it. No, if I use this... I can make an extraordinary sword!"A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    The orc warrior''s bones, the ebony tree roots, and the additional materials I intended to use: goblin bones and vampire fangs. I was used to working with goblin bones, as I had often crafted small daggers with them before. They were flexible, easy to process, and combine with other materials. They were also relatively cheap, so I always made sure to keep a few goblin bones in my workshop.

    My heart raced; the sword I was about to create would be far beyond an ordinary weapon. The forge roared beside me, its heat waves crashing against my face. My focus intensified; the time had come to start crafting the sword.

    For the first step, I took the orc warrior¡¯s arm bone and placed it into the forge. As the fire slowly heated the bone, I prepared the goblin bones and vampire fangs. Rather than using these pieces individually, I decided to merge them together. This would give the sword a much more unique quality. The goblin bone would add flexibility, and the vampire fangs would endow the sword with sharp strength.

    I worked the bellows slowly, intensifying the flames. As I turned the bone in the fire with my smithing rod, I kept my eyes locked on it. When I noticed the bone turning red and its hard exterior melting into a more malleable form, I added the goblin bone to the forge. The goblin bone, being lighter and more flexible, made the merging process easier.

    The vampire fangs were to be the final touch. Instead of throwing them directly into the forge, I prepared a solution to soften them. I poured the solution into a small pot beside the furnace and placed the fangs in. A light steam rose from the pot, and I watched as the solution eroded the vampire fangs. Once they were sufficiently softened, I merged them with the orc and goblin bone mixture that I had taken from the forge.

    I placed the combined materials on the anvil. Raising the hammer, I struck down hard to start the process. With each blow, the combination of the orc bone, goblin bone, and vampire fangs began to take shape, almost as if they were locking together. Each strike increased the flexibility of the sword, while the sharpness of the vampire fangs embedded themselves deeper within the material. The sound of my hammer echoed through the workshop, ringing in my ears like a victory song.

    I carefully prepared the ebony tree roots for the hilt. That cold, black, and sturdy wood would add weight and balance to the sword. I cut, hollowed, and crafted it with precision. I also embedded a few leftover fragments of the vampire fangs into the hilt, further enhancing the sword''s power and adding a dark aesthetic to it.

    In the final step, I mounted the sword into the ebony hilt. When I held it in my hand, the power I felt was indescribable. As I spun the sword, I noticed a faint red glow emanating from the vampire fangs. The dark and deadly energy of the vampires had been imbued into this sword. It was no longer just a weapon¡ªit had taken on its own character.

    I carefully plunged the sword into the cooling tank. Steam and a hissing sound surrounded me as the sword cooled. In the mist, faint glimmers appeared on its surface. When I held it again, I could feel the flexibility of the goblin bone combined with the sharpness of the vampire fangs. I swung it through the air a few times, and it felt as if even the air was being sliced in half.

    [Congratulations, you have obtained the Vampiric Sword!]

    [Vampiric Sword][B Rank]

    This sword possesses a simple yet effective design. The blade, crafted from orc warrior¡¯s arm bone and goblin bone, provides both durability and flexibility. The fragments of vampire fangs increase its sharpness, granting it the ability to pierce through even the toughest armor with ease. The ebony hilt is sturdy and well-balanced, making it comfortable to wield. Its weight is neither too heavy nor too light, allowing for strong performance in both offense and defense. Aesthetically, it carries a dark and simple beauty, but its true power lies in its functionality.

    [Attributes]

    [Sharp Blood] [D Rank]

    [A sword that sharpens the more blood it absorbs.]

    [Note: Since the sword is not made entirely of vampiric materials, the effect of Sharp Blood will be visibly reduced.]

    ¡°A B-rank sword!? And it has an attribute too? If I sell something like this, I can pay off my mom¡¯s medical debt and even cover her meds for the next few months!¡±

    [Achievement Unlocked]

    [Who wouldn¡¯t want a sword that emits red lights when swung? After long efforts, you¡¯ve managed to craft a sword beyond your capabilities!]

    [Strength +5]

    [Intelligence +5]

    ¡°A-STAT INCREASE!? Achievements that increase stats are extremely rare! In the early stages, leveling up to increase your stats is easy, but as you progress, leveling becomes nearly impossible, and gaining stat points gets harder and harder, so achievements like these are extremely rare!¡±

    With a surge of excitement, I quickly opened the Crafting System to check my stats.

    [Craftsman System]

    [Level 3]

    [Mana 0/0]

    [HP: 20/20]

    [Stats]

    [Strength: 8]

    [Intelligence: 6]

    [Endurance: 4]

    [Agility: 2]

    [Luck: 1]

    ¡°Wait a minute, my Intelligence stat is 6, which means it increased by 5, but my Strength should be 7, so why is it 8? I¡¯m certain I received a reward of 5 strength stats. Also, my Endurance increased by 1. What does this all mean? I couldn¡¯t have leveled up without realizing it and distributed my stats because I haven¡¯t killed any monsters, and I gained my Awakening after defeating the boss, so I couldn¡¯t have gained experience from that either¡­¡±

    As I continued to examine the screen, I noticed that my level had increased.

    ¡°Level 3? But how is that possible? And where are my stat points from leveling up?¡±

    Each time you level up, you are rewarded with stat points. The number of stat points varies, but you are guaranteed at least 1 stat point, and it¡¯s entirely up to you which stat you allocate it to.

    ¡°So, I gained 2 extra stat points, meaning the points from the levels I gained were automatically distributed? No, that can¡¯t be. I haven¡¯t received any notification of leveling up or gaining stat points. Could it be¡­ what I¡¯m thinking?¡±

    To test my theory, I grabbed the iron swords I had previously set aside after working on them to gain mastery, and began melting them in the furnace. One by one, I melted each sword and forged them again. I repeated this process for hours, destroying and reforging dozens of swords. My understanding of iron swords had improved greatly, and I was dismantling them with ease. After long hours, it was time to test my theory.

    ¡°Crafting System.¡±

    [Craftsman System]

    [Level 3]

    [Mana 0/0]

    [HP: 25/25]

    [Stats]

    [Strength: 8]

    [Intelligence: 6]

    [Endurance: 5]

    [Agility: 2]

    [Luck: 1]

    ¡°Damn¡­ my Endurance stat increased even though I didn¡¯t level up¡­ So, I can increase my stats without leveling up? But how? All I did was forge a sword. No, actually, this is like a physical workout. Every time I swing the hammer, all the muscles in my body are working, constantly consuming my endurance. If my guess is correct, I¡¯m gaining strength through crafting! More precisely, I¡¯m growing stronger by producing things! It seems I¡¯m not gaining stat points from leveling up, but I can increase my stat points through hard work! This is basically a cheat!¡±

    For the first time in a long time, I felt hopeful about life. I had hopes that I could actually achieve something. I could give my mom a better life, and I would do whatever it takes to make that happen.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to craft whatever I can to get stronger!¡±

 Ch 4 - Nights Fire, Days Market

    After obtaining the Vampiric Sword and examining the other weapons, I began repairing all the damaged ones in order. In my workshop, I could only use low-level materials because my tools weren¡¯t sufficient for processing better ones. Even though I possessed the Crafting System, being able to craft a weapon like the Vampiric Sword in such a workshop was truly incredible.

    Before starting the repairs, I carefully inspected the items on the table. Each had been worn out from battles, but still appeared reusable. I began with the swords in order.

    When I picked up the sword, I could feel how the metal had deteriorated over time. The tip was dull, and there was a deep gash in the blade, but the iron still held its resilience. This sword must have survived many battles, but it deserved to shine once more. While my comprehension ability couldn¡¯t fully analyze what the material was, my experience allowed me to understand the nature of the iron and how to work it or what metals to mix it with.

    I took a deep breath and slowly placed the sword on the table. I glanced at the furnace beside me. The fire cast a warm glow into the dark corners of the room, as if promising to restore the sword¡¯s former glory. I pumped the bellows, intensifying the flames, sending sparks flying. Carefully, I grasped the sword and placed it in the furnace. The iron slowly began to heat up in the flames, its surface glowing a faint red.

    After some time, when I saw the sword glowing, I pulled it out of the furnace. As I laid it on the anvil, I could feel the heat in my hands, indicating that the iron had softened. I raised the hammer with force and delivered the first strike. The ringing sound of metal filled the workshop with every blow. I began sharpening the dull edge, restoring its original sharpness with each strike. As I struck the hammer down, the sword grew harder, and the cracks and marks on its surface gradually disappeared. As I forged the sword, it felt as if I was not only removing the metal¡¯s wear but also lifting the weight of its memories from battle. Every strike made the sword stronger, giving it new life.

    As the sword took shape, I plunged it into the cooling tank. The hiss of the water and the rising steam signaled that I was nearing the end of my work. When I pulled the sword out of the water, its shine surprised me. The old, tired sword was gone, replaced by a reborn weapon. But my work wasn¡¯t finished yet.

    I grabbed the whetstone and carefully polished the surface of the sword. The last scratches were erased. When I held the sword in my hand, the smoothness and weight of the metal pleased me. Now it was both an aesthetic and functional weapon.

    Repairing the wooden sword was easier than repairing a metal one. When I picked up the wooden sword, its handle was worn in places, and the blade was full of cracks. It looked like it didn¡¯t have much time left before breaking. First, I sanded down the blade to remove the surface cracks and then coated it with a special wood resin. This increased its durability and gave it a smooth surface. As for the handle, I had to replace it. I cut a new, sturdy piece of wood, ensuring it had the same size and balance as the old handle. Finally, I assembled the parts and polished it. The sword became stronger and more balanced than before.

    The mace and the staff were next in line. First, I took the mace in my hand, its cold stone body and wooden handle carrying the weariness of years. The stone head of the mace was filled with cracks, as if it might shatter with the slightest blow. However, this was a powerful weapon that had probably shattered countless enemy shields on the battlefield.

    I carefully removed the stone part and placed it in a special solution to prevent it from breaking. This liquid would strengthen the internal structure of the stone and repair the cracks. While the head rested in the solution, I took the wooden handle in my hands. The texture of the handle carried the traces of years, with small breaks and cracks in a few places. I decided to replace this handle with a stronger piece of wood.

    I took a sturdy, solid piece of wood and began to carve it slowly. I paid close attention as I shaped it; it had to be strong enough to support the head of the mace but light enough to provide flexibility during combat. After preparing the new handle, I took out the stone head from the solution. The cracks on the surface had closed, and the stone had regained its strength. I attached the head to the new handle, and the mace seemed to have returned to its former glory.

    Then I moved on to the staff. The staff was a mix of stone and wood, elegant yet powerful in structure. Its wood was rough and cracked in some places, but the most important part, the stone at the tip, was still in place. I took the stone in my hand and examined it for a while, trying to feel its energy. Despite a few scratches, it hadn¡¯t lost its power.

    My first task was to carefully mend the cracked wood. I sanded down the broken parts and polished them, restoring the original texture. Then, to secure the stone at the tip, I enlarged the wooden socket and tightly fitted the stone back into place. When I held the staff, it was light and well-balanced, ready to show its former might in the hands of a wizard.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    [Weapons repaired, your understanding of battle gear has slightly increased.] [Intelligence +1]

    ¡°That¡¯s it! All this effort was worth it, now all I need to do is go to the front of the tower and start selling. Since it¡¯s already past midnight because of all this work, I better head there early tomorrow morning to secure a spot.¡±

    As the first rays of the morning sun began to seep through the heavy curtains of the room, I slowly opened my eyes. My body was still tired from the intense work throughout the night, but my mind was at peace. I had repaired the weapons and breathed new life into them. I touched the edge of the pillow with my hand and took a deep breath. Quietly, I got out of bed, my feet lightly creaking against the floorboards.

    I walked to the window and pulled back the curtain. Outside, a thin layer of mist had started to melt away with the slowly rising yellow rays of the sun. In the distance, a few merchants were slowly making their way to the morning market. But behind them, I saw the structure that cut through the sky: the Tower. This massive building, reaching into infinity, disappeared among the clouds, rising from the ground to the heavens with a size that defied human limits. It was so majestic that every time I looked at it, I felt a mixture of admiration and fear deep inside.

    I remembered that I needed to get ready. I quickly dressed, carefully packed the weapons I had repaired into a leather bag, and opened the door to step outside. The streets had a light activity as the day was just beginning. The air was cool, but not cold enough to make me shiver. As I got closer to the square where the tower stood, the hustle and bustle increased. Merchants were setting up their stalls, apprentices were arranging goods, and hunters were filling the square with heavy steps.

    As we approached the tower, its vastness became even more striking. The doors were so large that even a giant would struggle to open them, adorned with intricate carvings. This stone structure seemed as if it had been standing there for centuries; as if the world could change, but the tower would remain the same. Its boundless form rising into the sky gave the feeling that it harbored secrets and ancient powers within. Each stone seemed to carry a piece of history.

    In front of the tower, a marketplace had been set up, a haven for hunters and adventurers. Weapon stalls lined the area; swords, axes, daggers, and arrows were displayed in various forms. Some swords drew attention with their shiny metal surfaces, while others looked older and more worn, waiting to be reshaped by experienced hands. Armor stalls were filled with gleaming breastplates, sturdy shields, and finely crafted leather armor. Every piece was made to protect the life of a hunter or warrior, remaining loyal even in the toughest battles.

    As I passed by a potion stall, the colorful bottles caught my attention. Each bottle, with its bright hues, carried a fairytale-like aura. The red ones signified healing potions, the blue ones replenished magical power, and the green ones enhanced resistance to poisons. Each of these was vital for hunters; during a battle with a tough creature, these potions could save lives.

    The vendors introduced their goods to customers, some even performing small demonstrations to showcase the power of their potions. In one corner, a craftsman was sanding down a sword he was repairing, while on another side, a merchant was carefully weighing a newly forged axe.

    This was the gathering place for hunters about to enter the tower and for those making a living thanks to the tower. After wandering around a bit more, I found a good spot to set up my own stall.

    After spreading the large cloth from my bag on the spot where I wanted to sell, I laid out the items I had repaired and eagerly waited, wondering how many tower coins I would earn.

    Tower coins were the currency used for trade by those within the tower. Though the coins appeared as numbers in the hunters'' system, when they wanted to hold the money, it would suddenly materialize in their hands. This allowed both hunters and non-hunters to trade using tower coins. Non-hunters could take the tower coins they earned to Tower Coin Exchange Centers and exchange them for real money. While the value of tower coins fluctuated from time to time, at the moment, one tower coin was worth about $35.

    So, do I have access to this currency system since I¡¯ve gone through my awakening? The answer is no. For the system''s full features to be unlocked, hunters need to enter the tower. A hunter who hasn''t entered the tower is essentially non-functional because to level up, gain power, or collect loot, a hunter can only do so by entering the tower or by killing other hunters. Monsters in dungeons, aside from the bosses, do not grant experience points. Additionally, a hunter who hasn''t strengthened themselves in the tower is likely to die quickly in dungeons, so those who venture into dungeons are usually hunters who have already entered the tower.

    Though the reasons for this are unknown, this is how the system works, and there''s nothing we can do about it. As a result, hunters are divided into two categories: those who continue climbing the tower to become stronger and those who, after reaching a certain level of power, continue to clear dungeons. Though dungeons are tough, they¡¯re a better option for most hunters because to exit a dungeon, you only need to clear it. But in the tower, you can only enter or exit through the portals located every five floors.

    Also, a hunter on the 3rd floor cannot descend to the 2nd floor. Once you enter the tower, you must clear five floors at a time, so keep in mind that you¡¯ll need to clean five floors once inside. For this reason, some people remain on the same floor for years without clearing it¡ªsome choose to live there, while others go mad and commit suicide.

    Luckily, I''m just an awakened who produces things, so entering the tower would be certain death for me. No matter how hard I work to improve my stats, lacking the proper skills in the tower could mean death. All I need to do is keep producing and selling more items so I can afford better medicine for my mother and provide better opportunities.

    ¡°So, let¡¯s start selling!¡±

 Ch 5 - Fates Collide in the Bazaar

    I started waiting by the stall from early morning. As the sun illuminated the square, the crowd slowly began to grow. Adventurers, merchants, and hunters filled every corner of the market. Everyone was making their final preparations before entering the tower. Some were looking for new weapons, while others were replenishing their potions. I, on the other hand, was eager to sell the weapons I had repaired.

    After a while, my first customer approached my stall. He was a young hunter, clad in leather armor. He picked up one of the swords and examined it carefully.

    "This sword looks very old, but... it''s been repaired quite well," he said. "Who did this?"

    I felt a sense of pride for a moment. "I did," I replied. "I repaired and reforged it."

    The hunter weighed the sword again. "Even in its repaired state, it feels very sturdy. How much for it?"

    I thought for a moment. Tower coins were quite valuable in the current market, and I knew that my sales could create a great opportunity for my mother. "I''m asking 12 tower coins for this sword," I said.

    The young hunter thought for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, I''ll take it." In an instant, 12 tower coins appeared in his hand. I tossed the coins into the pouch I had brought with me and handed the hunter his sword.

    As the hours passed, a few more hunters came to my stall and showed interest in the weapons I had repaired. Some bought a mace, others a staff. With each sale, the number of tower coins I earned slowly increased.

    As the day progressed, I felt a strange tension in the crowd. There was a sudden silence in the marketplace, and a few people fixed their gaze on the tower. There was movement at the tower. The hunters waiting in line to enter seemed to sense the approaching danger. The tower gates slowly opened, and a group of high-level hunters emerged. Their heavy armor and gleaming weapons made it clear how powerful they were. Everyone knew who they were: the Tower Climbers.

    The Tower Climbers were elite hunters who advanced in the tower, reaching higher floors, and completing the most dangerous quests. As they passed through the market, a weight seemed to settle on everyone. Once they were gone, the market returned to its usual hustle and bustle, but their presence had left a lasting impression on the crowd.

    Hours passed by, and I managed to sell everything except for the Vampiric Sword. In total, I had earned 72 tower coins¡ªalmost a few months'' worth of earnings in a single day. A large part of this money came from hunters who had fallen into traps and lost their lives, as I had taken their hard-earned items and resold them. Yet, it was too late for regrets because I had done what needed to be done.

    There was a strange commotion in the marketplace. People were whispering to one another, gathering in small groups. At first, I didn''t understand what was happening, but as I looked at the place where the crowd was focusing, I noticed something: everyone was converging in one direction, their eyes fixed on the tower.

    When I overheard a passing merchant''s conversation, I realized why it had drawn so much attention. "Yoshida Isamu," one of them said. "He''s coming here. He''s going to enter the 60th floor today."

    This name was on everyone''s lips because he was one of the few hunters who had reached the 60th floor of the tower. He was a legendary climber, overcoming the challenges of the tower over the years, gaining strength, and always managing to return. Having someone like him here grabbed the attention of the entire square.

    "Yoshida Isamu? Really?" said another voice. "They say he never struggles while passing each floor. He moves through the tower as if he''s on a casual walk."

    Another hunter added, "They say no one who''s fought him has ever survived. I heard he single-handedly took down a boss on the 55th floor. Now he''s preparing to enter the 60th floor."

    This news drew everyone''s attention. Everyone was eager to watch Yoshida Isamu enter the tower. Those who saw him as a legend whispered his name in admiration. A figure like him was bound to draw attention.

    Of course, no one knew what a bastard he really was.

    As Yoshida Isamu drew the attention of the crowd, his physical presence alone posed a threat. Tall and burly, he immediately stood out from the other hunters. He was about 1.90 meters tall, and his broad shoulders and muscular physique showed that the heavy armor he wore didn¡¯t burden him at all. His body resembled that of a soldier hardened by years on the battlefield; each step he took was firm and resolute, as if nothing in the world could stand against him.

    His black hair fell messily across his forehead, but this disarray added to his charisma. His dark brown eyes were striking, but the first thing you noticed was their sharp, cold gaze. Those eyes seemed to look down on everyone, making them feel insignificant. There was always a hint of mockery on his face, as if he were teasing those around him. His jawline was pronounced, and a faint scar from a past wound marked the edge of his chin.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    His clothing and armor revealed just how experienced he was on the battlefield. The heavy armor in shades of black and red glinted slightly with each movement. The small scratches and dents on his armor were not marks of defeat but rather a testament to his countless victories. He carried a massive sword on his back; it was nearly half his height and intricately decorated at the hilt.

    Despite his impressive appearance and accomplishments, he was actually a scoundrel.

    For a moment, our eyes met among the crowd. As I noticed him heading toward my stall, my heart began to race. His sudden change of direction immediately drew the crowd¡¯s attention. People were whispering, straining to understand where he was going.

    ¡°Yoshida Isamu is heading toward that stall¡­¡±

    ¡°Who is he looking at? Who¡¯s at the stall?¡±

    ¡°Is he going to talk to someone? Who is it?¡±

    Surrounding hunters and merchants tried to piece together what was happening through whispers. As their curious gazes focused on me, Yoshida¡¯s steps approached my stall. When my eyes locked with his dark ones, I felt a shiver run through me. His familiar, mocking smile was present on his face.

    ¡°It¡¯s really funny to see you in this wretched place again,¡± he said, his voice dripping with more than just disdain; it was delight. His eyes quickly shifted to the weapons on my stall. ¡°Are you selling these? How pathetic... Though, a fatherless bastard like you deserves to be right here.¡±

    His words were so sharp and toxic that, for a moment, I couldn¡¯t think of a response. My lips involuntarily tightened. I gritted my teeth, but I couldn¡¯t say anything to him. My arm muscles tensed, and as I made fists, I felt my nails dig into my palms, causing pain.

    Yoshida''s gaze roamed over me, and his sly smile widened. ¡°Are you still living with your mother? Poor woman, does she still whisper your father''s name in bed? I wonder if she thinks about how she raised a bastard like you every night?¡± he added, a mocking tone of pity in his voice. ¡°Oh, of course... What else can a fatherless kid like you do?¡±

    His words stabbed into me like a knife. I had squeezed my lips so tightly that I could feel them bleeding. My eyes slowly began to well up, but I would never show my weakness in front of Yoshida. My hands tightened even more, and a few drops of blood fell from my fists onto the stall. But the pain... it was nothing compared to the agony of his words.

    Yoshida paused for a moment, as if to gauge the effect of what he¡¯d said. His eyes, filled with the satisfaction of declaring victory, scanned me from head to toe.

    ¡°Wasting time with the likes of you is a loss,¡± he said coldly. ¡°But seeing you like this entertains me. Say hi to your mother for me.¡±

    As he turned away, his cold, mocking laughter echoed in my ears. The crowd silently watched the unfolding scene. I had not been able to react. It was as if a lock had been placed on my words. I tried to swallow, but my throat was tight. I attempted to wipe my bleeding lips, but my hands were still trembling.

    As Yoshida¡¯s words replayed in my mind, the helplessness of being unable to do anything against him consumed me. I hated myself for being such a weakling.

    After Yoshida left, the crowd dispersed; no one else had heard what he said, so people thought he had simply stopped by an ordinary stall before entering the tower. This way, I managed to attract the attention of a few, but unfortunately, only the B-Rank Vampiric Sword remained, and since most of the people shopping at the tower entrance were low-level hunters, they either didn''t want this sword or found it too expensive.

    I was about to lose hope in selling the Vampiric Sword. I was about to start packing my things when a mysterious man dressed in black approached my stall. There was silence in his steps, yet every movement was controlled. I couldn¡¯t miss the daggers hidden beneath his clothing. It was clear he was an assassin. He pointed at the Vampiric Sword.

    "Are you selling this?" he asked in a calm, deep voice.

    "Yes, I am," I replied, not blinking. "It''s not easy to find a sword like this."

    The man stepped closer to the sword, lightly touching it with his fingers, as if he could almost feel it. "It''s rare to see such things around here. I usually don''t check stalls, but when that bastard passed by, I couldn''t help but take a look."

    I understood he was talking about Yoshida, and I furrowed my brows, nodding my head. "I agree that he is a bastard."

    The man narrowed his eyes and looked at me, a faint smile forming on his lips. "We share the same feelings; perhaps you could give me a discount then."

    I rolled my eyes, slightly mocking. "Asking for a discount without even asking the price? You''re a tough customer."

    The man let out a short laugh, placing his hand on his hip. "I''m not tough, just smart. If this sword were a pair of daggers, I could offer you a good price."

    I thought for a moment, carefully examining the Vampiric Sword with my hands. "A pair of daggers? It would take time to reforge this sword into daggers, but... I could do it."

    The man''s eyebrows lifted slightly. There was surprise in his eyes, but also interest. "Can you really do it? Did you make this sword?"

    "Yes," I said confidently. "Did you think I just found such a sword?"

    The man fell silent for a moment, scanning me from head to toe with his eyes. "I thought you were a hunter selling what they found. Seems I was mistaken."

    I shook my head. "I wish I could find things like that easily; then I would be very rich. But unfortunately, I''m not a hunter... at least not the kind you know."

    The smirk on the man''s face grew. "Everyone has their secrets, don¡¯t they?" he said, a hint of curiosity in his voice. He pulled a card from his pocket and placed it on the table. "This is my card. When you¡¯re ready with the daggers, call this number, and I¡¯ll come to pick them up."

    As I took the card in my hand, I furrowed my brows. "But how can I trust you? Once I reforge it, I won¡¯t be able to find such a piece again. I don''t want to make daggers for you and end up keeping them."

    The man silently pulled out a pouch from his pocket. He placed it gently on the counter with his fingertips. A few shining tower coins caught my eye. "Here¡¯s 100 tower coins," he said calmly. "Let this be a welcome gift, independent of the price. I¡¯ll pay the rest when I see the daggers."

    For a moment, I looked at the pouch in my hand, then into the man¡¯s eyes. His eyes were dark, but there was a calm confidence within them. "You¡¯re generous," I said, still suspicious. "But why are you giving me this much money upfront?"

    The man smiled and stepped back. "Trust. We both know what this is about."

    The allure of the money was captivating, but my doubts had not vanished yet. Still, my instincts told me this man would keep his word.

    "Agreed," I said, gripping the pouch.

 Ch 6 - Steel of the Vampire: A New Form

    As I was closing up shop, my eyes were still on the tower of coins inside the purse. The allure of money is always strong, but something inside me was holding me back. Doubt... Was it really wise to reforge such a rare artifact like the Vampiric Sword? The offer I had received was very tempting, but the risk was immense. I took a deep breath, tore my gaze away from the purse, and felt the weight on my shoulder. "Alright then," I muttered to myself. I strapped the sword to my back and set off toward my workshop.

    The sun was slowly sinking behind the towers. As I walked through the narrow streets, I could feel the stone paths echoing under my firm steps. The town had begun to quiet down; everyone was retreating to their homes for dinner, and the streets were emptying. The few conversations I overheard along the way were about hunters entering the tower. But my mind was already elsewhere, consumed with thoughts of the Vampiric Sword and how I would turn it into two daggers.

    When I arrived at the workshop, I opened the door and stepped inside. I carefully removed the sword from my back and placed it on the workbench. I reached up and lit the lamp hanging from the ceiling, casting a dim light over the workshop. This moment was familiar¡ª the start of a project, the point where everything begins to focus. I rolled up my sleeves and took one more look at the sword. Turning it into two daggers... I knew it was going to be difficult.

    Splitting the sword and transforming it into two daggers seemed like a challenging decision at first, but each stage of the process required attention and patience. Reshaping this sword, infused with vampiric energy, would demand far more than a simple metalworking process. But I was determined; I would meticulously craft each piece and create two distinct daggers.

    I began by placing the sword into the furnace. As the heat slowly reddened the blade, I closely examined it to identify the ideal cutting points. I marked a spot in the center of the blade, where the material was balanced and would allow for two equal parts after the cut. Breaking or cutting this sword wasn¡¯t an ordinary task, as the vampiric magic from its teeth held the metal tightly. The blade was far more resistant than normal steel.

    Once the sword was fully red-hot, I placed it on the anvil. To cut it straight down the middle, I used a large hammer. With each strike, a faint energy pulsed from the ebony hilt, where the vampire¡¯s teeth were embedded. Splitting the sword was a grueling process; it resisted, as if trying to maintain its integrity. But after enough strikes, I finally managed to separate it into two equal parts.

    Now, I could begin working on the two dagger forms. Each part still carried the energy from the sword''s core, so reshaping the material would require immense precision. The mixture of orc bone and goblin bone, combined with the vampire¡¯s teeth, demanded that every strike be balanced and careful. I placed each piece back into the furnace, this time to melt them down for reforging. Since the daggers would be smaller, I needed to soften the material and thin it out.

    When I felt the bone reach its melting point, I began the first phase of shaping with the hammer. I raised the mallet, and with each strike, the blend of bone and metal grew thinner and lighter. I paid particular attention to the tips of both daggers; I wanted the sharpness from the vampire¡¯s teeth to be evenly distributed across the tips. With every hit, the combination of metal and bone took on the form of the daggers. Thanks to the goblin bone, the daggers would be flexible and swift, while the vampire''s teeth would give them a deadly sharpness.

    After shaping the blades of the daggers, it was time to work on the hilts. I reworked the ebony roots and prepared hilts of appropriate size for each dagger. By placing small fragments of vampire teeth inside the roots, I ensured that these daggers, like the sword, would carry the dark energy of the vampire. While preparing the hilts, I carefully worked on the balance and center of gravity for each dagger. I wanted the daggers to be light yet balanced, so they could become fast and lethal weapons.

    After finishing the daggers, I moved on to the cooling process. I plunged both daggers into the cooling tank, and this time the hissing and steam were quite different from those in the sword-making process. A red glow from the vampire teeth faintly appeared at the tips of both daggers. The energy of the sword had now split into two, but each dagger formed a power source of its own. When I held the daggers in my hands, I could feel that they were light but incredibly sharp. It was as if they left a trace even when moving through the air.

    [Dual Vampiric Daggers obtained.]

    [Dual Vampiric Daggers][B Rank]

    [These dual daggers have a simple but effective design. The blades, forged with the bones of an orc warrior and a goblin, offer both durability and flexibility. The fragments of vampire teeth added to them enhance their sharpness, allowing them to pierce even tough armor with ease. The ebony hilts are sturdy and balanced, making them comfortable to use. The daggers are neither too heavy nor too light, making them perform well in both defense and attack. Aesthetically, they have a dark and simple beauty, but their true power lies in their functionality.]

    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    [Abilities]

    [Sharp Blood][D Rank] [A blade that continues to sharpen as it feeds on blood.] [Note: Since the daggers are not entirely made of vampiric materials, the effect of Sharp Blood will be noticeably diminished.]

    ¡°This is it! I managed to transfer the vampiric sword¡¯s ability to the daggers. The chances of something like this happening are nearly impossible, yet I¡¯ve done it twice in a row! With the combination of the skills and experience I¡¯ve gained, I¡¯m becoming a better craftsman with each passing day.¡±

    I took a deep breath and leaned back in my chair. I had been working hard for days and had barely rested, and the exhaustion had seeped into every corner of my body. Despite the tiredness, a deep sense of satisfaction filled me. The Dual Vampiric Daggers lay in front of me; each one carried a piece of me, each one reflected my craftsmanship. My fingers still bore the marks of the work; I could feel the hard texture of the metal and bone, the scorching heat of the fire.

    As the relief of finishing my work spread through my body, I leaned my head back and closed my eyes for a moment. The workshop was quiet, with only faint hissing sounds and the final echoes of melting metal fading away. I was tired but at peace.

    But that peace didn¡¯t last long. Suddenly, I remembered the coins in the pouch. I had accepted the offer, and now I was going to make a lot of money from this job. My heart started racing again. The thought of receiving a large sum of money excited me but also filled me with tension. Just the idea of those stacks of coins settling into my palm stirred something within me. It had been a long time since I had taken on such a lucrative job. This money would go a long way in giving my mother a better life.

    As I was lost in my thoughts, the small card on the corner of the table caught my attention. The card the hunter gave me... I reached out and took it, noticing the finely crafted symbols on it. Elegant writing on the card read "Shadow Spirit Alliance." Below it, a number was engraved. It was a guild card.

    "So, the Shadow Spirit Alliance. I¡¯ve heard some strange people are in this guild. As long as they pay me, I¡¯d forge a pair of knives for a monster, so I don¡¯t care how strange it is."

    As I picked up the phone, a slight unease stirred inside me. I was going to make a lot of money from this job, but I couldn¡¯t remember who the hunter that placed the order was. I glanced at the card again, dialed the number, and took a deep breath before initiating the call. On the other end, I heard a few short hisses, followed by a woman¡¯s voice echoing.

    "Hello, you¡¯re speaking with the receptionist of the Shadow Spirit Alliance Guild," said the woman, her professionalism catching my attention. Her tone was calm and disciplined, showing how seriously the guild operated.

    "Hello," I started, my voice a bit shaky at first, but I quickly composed myself and continued, "the daggers you ordered are ready. Will you be coming to pick them up?"

    There was a brief silence before the woman responded, sounding slightly surprised. "The daggers we ordered? I believe someone from our guild gave you this number. If you tell me their name, I can inform them that their order is ready."

    My heart started to race. I hadn¡¯t expected this part. A name¡­ What had he told me? With all the work and exhaustion, I realized I had completely forgotten his name. For a moment, I felt panic rise, but I quickly pulled myself together and, with a calm voice, said, "Of course, his name is... his name is, uh..." But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn¡¯t remember it. There was a ringing emptiness in my mind.

    I cursed to myself. WHAT WAS THIS GUY''S NAME?

    The woman must have sensed my struggle because I could almost imagine her politely smiling. "Ahh, I think it might be better if I come in person..." I said, my voice sounding resigned.

    The woman continued with patience. "Of course, while our guild is open 24/7, it''s more active during the afternoon hours, so coming later would be better," she replied.

    ¡°Afternoon hours?¡± I thought to myself. My mind was clouded with fatigue. How long had I been working? As I glanced at the clock, I realized it was six in the morning. How many hours had I been hammering the chisel?

    A wave of embarrassment washed over me for calling at this hour. "Of course, I apologize for disturbing you at this time," I said, my voice filled with apology. The woman politely responded, "No problem," and hung up the phone.

    After hanging up, I let out a deep breath and leaned back in my chair. This guild must be quite disciplined, answering calls even at six in the morning. "They¡¯re answering calls even at this hour; guild work must be tough," I thought.

    Outside, the first rays of the sun began to spread over the town. I was already on the verge of finishing my day.

    ¡°Ahh, I think it might be better if I come in person¡­¡±

    ¡°Of course, while our guild is open 24/7, it''s more active during the afternoon hours, so coming later would be better.¡±

    Afternoon hours? I thought to myself. How long have I been working?

    When I looked at the clock, I saw it was six in the morning.

    ¡°Of course, I apologize for disturbing you at this time¡­¡± I said and hung up.

    ¡°They¡¯re answering calls even at this hour, guild work must be tough¡­¡±

    After placing the phone on the table, I took a deep breath for a moment, and then my gaze involuntarily fell on one of the daggers in front of me. The surface of the dagger glistened faintly in the dim light, casting a blurry reflection. I noticed the deep lines on my face, the dark circles under my eyes. Every detail was a testament to how little sleep I had gotten in the past few days. My eyes seemed to be fighting to close, but the thoughts swirling in my mind kept spinning.

    How tired am I? Fatigue had enveloped my whole body, weighing down every step, but the fact that this job was done gave me a brief sense of relief. As I watched myself in the dark, cold surface of the dagger, I realized that resisting any longer was pointless.

    I tore my eyes away from the daggers and leaned heavily back into the chair behind me. I felt my muscles relax. Although it was still early, I had plenty of time to go to the guild. I definitely needed some sleep. Otherwise, I¡¯d be too exhausted to even carry the daggers I was going to deliver.

    With a light sense of peace, I got up from the chair and moved to the dim corner of the workshop. As I lay down on my small bed, my last thought was that this job was finally done. Now, I just had to collect the money and focus on resting. As my eyes slowly closed, a faint smile crossed my lips one last time before I fell into a deep sleep.

    Sleep... that''s what I need the most right now.

 Ch 7 - Secrets and Opportunities

    When I opened my eyes, the first light of the sun seeped into my small workshop. The coolness of the morning eased my exhaustion slightly. Slowly sitting up, I pushed off the blanket covering me. Rubbing my eyes, I still felt the weariness from the night lingering within me. Reaching towards the table next to me, I carefully lifted two daggers.

    Even in the dim room, their gleam was distinct. My fingers traced each intricate detail on their surface, filling me with a sense of satisfaction from the craftsmanship. The fatigue brought by sword-making was now replaced by the pride of a job well done. I gently shook the daggers, performing a final check. Their tips glinted with a light, deadly sharpness. The energy from the vampire¡¯s teeth imbued each dagger, making them even more impressive.

    Slowly, I rose from bed and opened the door to the workshop. Outside, the morning chill greeted me. After a long night, the first light of day had begun to spread across the town. The streets, swiftly passing by, hadn¡¯t fully awakened yet. People were slowly emerging from their homes, preparing for a new day.

    Before setting off, I paused for a moment to take a deep breath. I carefully wrapped my daggers, securing them neatly at my waist. A wave of excitement welled up inside me.

    After dressing, I opened the workshop door. The air was fresh and cool, a light breeze caressing my face. After a long walk, I finally reached the guild building of the Shadow Spirit Alliance.

    The guild building was a striking example of modern architecture. Its exterior was covered with large glass panels, allowing natural light to fill the interior. The two-story entrance opened into a spacious courtyard, with grand doors on the ground floor catching the eye. At the center of the building was a tall atrium. The high ceiling added depth and spaciousness to the interior. Massive glass pillars elegantly supported the structure.

    As I stepped inside, walls filled with modern art pieces greeted me. Each artwork told a story of the guild¡¯s history. Guild members were gathered in the room¡¯s corners, conversing or discussing their projects. The air was filled with a sense of seriousness, creating a disciplined work environment.

    Walking through the wide atrium, I headed toward the reception desk to deliver the daggers. Behind the stylish desk stood a young woman, focused intently on her computer screen.

    "Hello," I said, introducing myself. "I¡¯m here to deliver the daggers."

    She looked up from the screen and smiled at me. "Yes, I was expecting you," she said. "The guild leader gave me information about the daggers this morning. He''s currently waiting for you in his office."

    For a moment, I froze and blurted out, "T-THE GUILD LEADER!?" The room turned toward us as my voice echoed. Lowering my tone, I repeated, ¡°The guild leader?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± the receptionist confirmed with a slight smile. ¡°I¡¯ll escort you to his office.¡±

    With my heart pounding, we walked toward the elevator together. Standing beside the receptionist, I watched as the ground floor doors closed, and the elevator swiftly ascended. With each floor we passed, my excitement grew.

    When the elevator doors opened at the top floor, I took a deep breath, steadying myself. The receptionist led me through the door and said, "Please, make yourself comfortable," before descending in the elevator.

    "Should I feel comfortable? The man I thought was just an ordinary person turned out to be the guild leader, and I even treated him like a scammer..."

    With a mix of excitement and apprehension, I opened the door and walked inside.

    As soon as I stepped into the room, my eyes locked onto the guild leader, standing directly in front of a tall bookshelf, looking out the window. The morning light filled the room, casting a dramatic silhouette around him. His confident posture conveyed the weight of his leadership.

    I cleared my throat carefully to get his attention. At that moment, he turned around, with an expression that was both friendly and mysterious in his eyes.

    "So you''ve come. I thought it would take you at least a few days," he said with a slight smile in his voice.

    "Well, I don''t have much else to do, so I get plenty of time to make weapons."

    "You must enjoy your work," he said, turning to face me. He gestured for me to sit in the chair next to the desk. I quietly took my seat.

    "The daggers you requested are here," I said, placing the daggers on the desk.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    He picked up the daggers from the desk and examined them closely. As he lightly touched the sharp edge with his finger, a look of satisfaction appeared on his face. "Truly impressive work," he said.

    "Thank you, so..." I said, looking at him, making it very clear that I was eagerly waiting for the rest of the payment.

    The guild leader said, "Oh, of course," and placed a bag of money on the desk.

    "There are 500 tower coins in the bag."

    "F-Five hundred? Isn¡¯t that too much for a pair of B-Tier daggers?" I asked in shock.

    "Double the price; that''s what we agreed on, isn¡¯t it?" he said confidently. He wasn''t shy about showing off his wealth; after all, he was a guild leader.

    "I can¡¯t believe you''re actually paying double... I have... how much money now? A quick calculation... I earned 672 Tower Coins in just two days!?"

    Trying to hide my excitement, I put the bag into my pouch.

    "You didn''t mention you were a guild leader."

    "Everyone has their secrets, don¡¯t they? What about you? Doesn¡¯t carrying all those Tower Coins around get burdensome? At the very least, you should clear the first five floors, and our guild can provide you with all the help you need."

    "I''m not interested in entering the tower; even if I did, I''m not sure I''d be of any use, so thanks, but no thanks," I said, standing up. "I should get going."

    "Wait a minute; I have an offer for you," he said in a deep voice.

    "An offer?"

    "Wouldn¡¯t you like to join our guild? Here, we could provide you with the best facilities and equipment to forge even more weapons," he said, barely able to conceal his excitement.

    "Mr. Guild Leader..."

    "Kurt, you can call me that."

    "Alright, Kurt, why are you so interested in me? I thought I made it clear that I have no combat power and won¡¯t be entering the tower," I said, my back turned to him.

    "Do you know what power is, Mr. Alex? For some, power is knowledge. Thanks to knowledge, I know not only your name but also who your father was and the condition of your mother. But none of that was the reason I invited you to join my guild," he said as he stood up and looked out the window again.

    "I like looking out from here; it makes me feel like the entire city is beneath me. What does it take for a person to earn this view? Hard work? Some sort of trickery? If the end result is wealth, does it really matter how you got it?" he said, starting to walk around the room again.

    "Those are some fancy words, Mr. Kurt. Do you think you know everything about me?"

    "I know you need money, just like I do. Do you have any idea how much it costs to keep an entire guild running? I¡¯m not even counting the equipment, potions, and manpower needed to climb the tower and clear the dungeons. Every day, equipment breaks and needs to be replaced, costing us millions. I tracked the items you''ve been selling. You''ve been repairing them to near perfection. For an ordinary blacksmith, getting an item to half of its original quality is a great success."

    "And you do it as if it¡¯s nothing. I¡¯m not even mentioning that you can break down an enchanted sword and reforge the same enchantment into a pair of daggers. Someone like you could be a great asset to our guild. With better tools and materials, you could craft higher-level items. You¡¯d earn even more money and take better care of your mother, wouldn¡¯t you? I can offer you opportunities that even money can¡¯t buy," he said, standing behind me.

    ¡°Thank you for your offer, Mr. Kurt; you¡¯ve done your research well,¡± I said with my back still turned to Kurt.

    ¡°Thank you, the Shadow Spirit Alliance is known for its information network.¡±

    ¡°Still, you should work harder.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Kurt replied in a tone of astonishment.

    ¡°Secrets, Mr. Kurt. I have plenty of them,¡± I said in a cold tone.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯ll have to decline your offer.¡±

    ¡°I knew it wouldn¡¯t be that easy... Still, if you change your mind, there will always be a place for you with us.¡±

    Without saying anything, I left the room.

    As I walked out of the room and into the corridor, I felt a strange sense of disappointment. Guild leader Kurt had tried hard to persuade me, but things were not that simple. As I walked down the corridor, I glanced out the window of the room. The promise I had made to my mother kept circling in my mind.

    When I exited the building, the morning chill greeted me again. I took a deep breath and set off toward my workshop. Along the way, I thought about what Kurt had said: ¡°Better facilities, better materials...¡±

    When I arrived at my workshop, I opened the door and stepped inside. Setting aside the lightness that came from delivering the daggers, there were many tasks waiting for me. I sat down in my chair and began to think.

    ¡°672 Tower money, 23,520 dollars. If I allocate some of that to materials and a few new tools... No, I can¡¯t be greedy enough to buy new equipment. I should make a list of the materials I need and with the remaining money, I can provide better medicines and doctors for my mother. Also, now that I have money, I can transfer her to a better hospital.¡±

    I took out a piece of paper and a pen and began to list the necessary materials.

    ¡°If I buy higher quality materials, I can produce better products and earn more money, so I shouldn¡¯t be afraid to invest. Now, let¡¯s think about what I need to get¡­¡±

    <ol>

    <li>Kara??ra?: Black, fireproof, hard yet brittle. Preferred for making weapons and shields.</li>

    <li>G?r¨¹n?tezi: Bright grey, reflects light, medium hardness and shock-resistant. Used for lighting, magical charms, and decorative purposes.</li>

    <li>Sinsak?y¨¹: Misty grey, absorbs sound and vibration, has low flexibility. Ideal for armor that requires stealth and silent movement charms.</li>

    <li>G?lgesim: Purplish shimmering, soft and durable. Suitable for stealth accessories and shadow magic.</li>

    <li>????r?p: Sparkling red, cold to the touch and fire resistant. Used in wands for fire magic and lighting elements.</li>

    <li>Poison Tail: Greenish black, flexible and durable, has poison-carrying properties. Used in poisonous weapons and armor.</li>

    <li>Spider Eye: Matte black, provides vision in darkness, brittle. Preferred for night vision charms and magical magnifying glasses.</li>

    </ol>

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ve noted down the materials I need and their properties briefly; it would be good to order a few dozen of these materials, and afterward, it would be nice to visit my mother. There¡¯s a lot to be done¡­¡± I said, taking a deep breath, closing my eyes, and yawning. When I opened my eyes, the following message appeared before me.

    [Requirements Met.]

 Ch 8 - "Symbol" From The Past

    [Requirements Met.]

    [Your understanding of minerals has increased.]

    ¡°My understanding of minerals has increased? This must be related to my [Examine] ability. Let¡¯s go over these materials again.¡±

    <hr>

    <ol>

    <li> Kara??ra?</li>

    </ol>

    <ul>

    <li>Properties:</li>

    <ul>

    <li>Color: Deep, glossy black</li>

    <li>Durability: Highly resistant to fire and corrosive substances.</li>

    <li>Hardness: Hard, but prone to cracking under impact.</li>

    <li>Heat Resistance: Possesses exceptional heat resistance; difficult to melt and withstands high temperatures.</li>

    </ul>

    <li>Uses:</li>

    <ul>

    <li>Weapon Crafting:

    Kara??ra?''s high hardness and fire resistance make it ideal for crafting swords, axes, and other heavy weapons. However, due to its brittleness against impact, it is often combined with flexibility-enhancing enchantments or strengthening materials to improve durability.</li>

    <li>Armor Crafting:

    Its fire resistance makes it suitable for use in high-temperature combat zones. However, due to its fragile nature, it is more often used in shields or other protective equipment that encounters less direct impact.</li>

    <li>Magical Rituals:

    Kara??ra?¡¯s dark nature is well-suited for dark magic or protective talismans, offering energy-absorbing and sealing capabilities against dark spells.</li>

    </ul>

    </ul>

    <hr>

    <ol start="2">

    <li> G?r¨¹n?tezi</li>

    </ol>

    <ul>

    <li>Properties:</li>

    <ul>

    <li>Color: Reflective metallic gray or silver tones.</li>

    <li>Hardness: Medium hardness with some flexibility; resistant to impacts.</li>

    <li>Light Reflection: Exhibits high reflectivity, giving it a glowing, eye-catching appearance.</li>

    </ul>

    <li>Uses:</li>

    <ul>

    <li>Lighting and Decorative Items:

    G?r¨¹n?tezi is used for decorative objects and mirrors in palaces or sacred spaces due to its reflective properties, which enhance lighting.</li>

    <li>Magical Charms and Scrolls:

    Its shiny surface makes it an excellent medium for magical engravings, amplifying the potency and reach of inscribed spells.</li>

    <li>Weapon Accessories:

    Often used in outer layers of shields or handles of swords, its aesthetic appeal and affinity for magic make it ideal for crafting standout pieces.</li>

    </ul>

    </ul>

    <hr>

    <ol start="3">

    <li> Sinsak?y¨¹</li>

    </ol>

    <ul>

    <li>Properties:</li>

    <ul>

    <li>Color: Misty gray with fine veining and a faintly foggy appearance.</li>

    <li>Flexibility: Very low; high risk of breaking after being shaped.</li>

    <li>Energy Absorption: Absorbs sound and vibrations, making it ideal for stealthy and shadowy tasks.</li>

    </ul>

    <li>Uses:</li>

    <ul>

    <li>Stealth Armor and Shields:

    Its sound-absorbing property makes it popular in armor crafted for assassins or agents who operate in the shadows.</li>

    <li>Magical Barriers and Protection Fields:

    Sinsak?y¨¹¡¯s energy-absorbing nature makes it ideal for creating protective barriers or shields to guard mages silently.</li>

    <li>Stealth Rings:

    Used to craft small charms or rings that allow the wearer to move more quietly.</li>

    </ul>

    </ul>

    <hr>

    <ol start="4">

    <li> G?lgesim</li>

    </ol>

    <ul>

    <li>Properties:</li>

    <ul>

    <li>Color: Emits a faint purplish glow in dark environments.</li>

    <li>Hardness: Soft yet durable, easily shaped.</li>

    <li>Concealment: Its glowing properties in shadowy conditions make it highly compatible with shadow magic.</li>

    </ul>

    <li>Uses:</li>

    <ul>

    <li>Amulets for Shadow Magic:

    Thanks to its glowing and flexible nature, G?lgesim is used by shadow mages to craft charms, night vision aids, or light-sensitive spells.</li>

    <li>Stealth Accessories:

    Accessories such as necklaces or rings designed to enhance invisibility and concealment for warriors or mages.</li>

    <li>Decorative Objects and Tools:

    Preferred for creating decorative items that interplay with light and shadow in mesmerizing ways.</li>

    </ul>

    </ul>

    <hr>

    <ol start="5">

    <li> ????r?p</li>

    </ol>

    <ul>

    <li>Properties:</li>

    <ul>

    <li>Color: Sparkling red, radiating an intense glow.</li>

    <li>Hardness: Medium hardness; resistant to flames but vulnerable to high impacts.</li>

    <li>Heat Emission: Absorbs heat, giving it a cold touch.</li>

    </ul>

    <li>Uses:</li>

    <ul>

    <li>Mage Staves and Weapons:

    Excellent for offensive spells, particularly fire-enhanced staves and wands.</li>

    <li>Heat-Absorbing Tools:

    Its heat absorption makes it ideal for devices requiring cold environments. Additionally, it can be used in mage gloves for heat protection.</li>

    <li>Lighting Products:

    ????r?p¡¯s sparkling appearance makes it suitable for decorative lighting elements.</li>

    </ul>

    </ul>

    <ol start="6">

    <li> Venomtail</li>

    </ol>

    <ul>

    <li>Properties:</li>

    <ul>

    <li>Color: Greenish-black hues with a glossy surface.</li>

    <li>Hardness: Flexible and durable, not brittle.</li>

    <li>Poison: Can carry a high dose of venom, which can be activated through magic or physical attacks.</li>

    </ul>

    <li>Uses:</li>

    <ul>

    <li>Poisoned Weapons:

    Its venom-carrying ability makes it ideal for daggers, arrowheads, and similar weapons. Special enchantments can be applied to enhance the potency of the venom.</li>

    <li>Defensive Armors:

    Perfect for crafting specialized armor that can repel enemies with a toxic coating or release poisonous mist.</li>

    <li>Healing and Poison Crafting:

    When used in small, controlled quantities, it can be utilized in antidote preparation or healing magic.</li>

    </ul>

    </ul>

    <hr>

    <ol start="7">

    <li> Spider Eye</li>

    </ol>

    <ul>

    <li>Properties:</li>

    <ul>

    <li>Color: Matte black with small, eye-shaped indentations resembling tiny stones.</li>

    <li>Flexibility: None; extremely brittle.</li>

    <li>Vision Ability: Enables the user to see in darkness and notice fine details; can be enhanced with magical processing.</li>

    </ul>

    <li>Uses:</li>

    <ul>

    <li>Vision Rings or Amulet Talismans:

    Can be used to craft rings or necklaces that grant night vision, often favored by shadow mages.</li>

    <li>Magical Talismans:

    Used to create magical magnifiers or charms that allow for an enhanced focus on minuscule details.</li>

    <li>Visual Enhancement Armors:

    Used in helmets or visors to provide better vision in dark environments, making it easier to detect hidden enemy attacks.</li>

    </ul>

    </ul>

    <hr>

    ¡°Wow! Just by looking at these materials, I can understand their properties and potential uses. This is definitely going to come in handy.¡±

    With the material list in hand, I left my workshop and started heading toward the shop where I usually purchased them.

    I held the list tightly as I stepped out of the workshop, gradually disappearing into the maze of narrow streets. The cool air combined with a thin mist lingering over the stone-paved roads. The city¡¯s winding alleys seemed to guide me, twisting and turning as though with purpose. As I drew closer to Rick¡¯s Shop, my excitement grew.

    When I finally arrived, the shop¡¯s exterior captivated me as it always did. Its stone walls, imbued with the essence of a bygone era, and weathered wooden details set it apart from every other building. Above the door, the faded wooden sign still bore the name ¡°Rick¡¯s World of Wonders¡± engraved in an old-fashioned script. Next to the sign, wind chimes swayed gently, creating a melodic tune as they danced in the breeze. The shop windows were just clear enough to hint at the rare treasures within. I could feel the air of mystery emanating from the place.

    Taking a step toward the door, I grasped the antique bronze door knocker. Lifting it, I knocked against the door, the heavy sound echoing within, followed by the faint melody of the chimes. Taking a deep breath, I slowly pushed the door open and stepped inside.

    As I entered, a familiar scent of old parchment mixed with burnt herbs greeted me. This aroma was one of the things that made Old Rick¡¯s Shop special to me for years. The organized chaos of the shelves was as it always was; magical talismans, crystals, rare minerals, and objects whose purposes only Rick seemed to know were piled everywhere. My eyes wandered through the disorder for a few seconds before locking onto Rick himself, standing behind the counter and peering at me over the rim of his thin-framed glasses.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    Despite his advanced age, there was a vigor in his posture. His shoulder-length white hair seemed to tell stories of a life well-lived. His beard, thin and untidy, hung loosely from his chin, much like the chaotic order of his shop''s shelves.

    His face was lined with the marks of time, especially around his eyes, where fine wrinkles became more pronounced whenever he smiled. But his most striking feature was his deep blue eyes. They seemed to be blessed with the ability to see beyond; one could almost feel like he was reading into their soul. His thin, round-framed glasses rested on the bridge of his nose, and he constantly pushed them back up with his hand.

    His clothes gave the impression of being unchanged for years. He wore a faded gray tunic and a worn leather apron. The apron¡¯s pockets were stuffed with various magical trinkets, stones, and tiny tools whose purposes I couldn¡¯t even guess, serving as both a testament to his craftsmanship and his insatiable curiosity.

    ¡°Alex! Are you here to gather materials again, or are you looking for something else today?¡± he said with a smile that was both wise and playful.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got quite a long list,¡± I replied, pulling out my list and placing it on the counter. ¡°I¡¯m starting a new project and need some rare materials.¡±

    Rick glanced at the list, then picked it up with his long, slender fingers, examining it carefully. Pushing his glasses up, he pursed his lips.

    ¡°Darksteel, Glowplate, Whisperore... hmm, Venomtail? What are you up to, Alex? These materials could create either a masterpiece or a disaster.¡±

    His gaze locked onto mine, but that was just his way. He wasn¡¯t trying to intimidate me; he was, as always, trying to understand me while having a little fun.

    ¡°I¡¯m working on a commission,¡± I said with a grin. ¡°Some armor, a few enchanted accessories, and a bit of experimentation. You know, it¡¯s my job. I can¡¯t learn without experimenting.¡±

    Rick raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on his lips. ¡°Can¡¯t learn without experimenting, eh? Very well, wait here.¡±

    With that, he muttered something and disappeared into the back of the shop. As he vanished among the shelves, I thought I heard him cursing in a language I didn¡¯t recognize. Moments later, he returned with a box and several wrapped packages, setting them carefully on the counter.

    ¡°This is Darksteel. Bright and sturdy. But don¡¯t let its hardness fool you; it¡¯s prone to cracking under impact. Be mindful of that when working with it,¡± he said, handing the material to me. Then he pulled out a plate of Glowplate, its surface gleaming under the light and briefly dazzling my eyes. ¡°You¡¯ll make something spectacular with this. Avoid over-polishing it to keep its brilliance intact.¡±

    One by one, he laid out the other materials. He spoke of Whisperore¡¯s fragility, Shadowgem¡¯s nighttime glow, and Venomtail¡¯s deadly but controlled properties. I tried to memorize every word; Rick¡¯s advice was priceless.

    Finally, as I packed the materials into my bag, I pulled out a pouch of gold and placed it on the counter. ¡°As always, you¡¯ve given me the best, Rick. I¡¯m grateful.¡±

    Rick smiled as he picked up the pouch. ¡°It¡¯s you who keeps me rich, kid. But remember, materials come to life only in the hands of a skilled craftsman like you. Otherwise, they¡¯re just piles of rock and metal.¡±

    I slung my bag over my shoulder, nodded in gratitude, and said my goodbyes. As I stepped outside, a sharp, cool wind hit my face. My eyes wandered to the sky for a moment; the mist had cleared, and the sun was beginning to shine through the clouds. I smiled to myself. I couldn¡¯t wait to start my new projects, eager to see what I could create with Rick¡¯s materials.

    ¡°These materials cost me a fortune, but they were a necessary investment. If I use this opportunity wisely, I¡¯ll be able to sell better products at higher prices over time, take better care of my mother, and maybe even save enough to open my own shop in the future!¡±

    Before returning to my workshop, I decided to visit my mother. With a mix of pride and joy in my heart, I headed toward the hospital. Entering the hospital, I had my usual unnecessary exchange with the receptionist.

    The hospital corridors were silent, disturbed only by the occasional passing of nurses and the faint beeping of machines. I adjusted my bag on my shoulder and walked toward the room where my mother was staying. I stopped in front of the door, taking a deep breath. When I stepped inside, I was met with my mother¡¯s lifeless yet peaceful face.

    My mother had been in a coma for years, showing barely any sign of life. I sat down in the chair beside her bed and began to speak, a faint smile on my face:

    ¡°Mom, I went to Rick¡¯s again today. Can you believe it? He managed to amaze me as always. That shop... it¡¯s truly another world. Darksteel, Glowplate, Shadowgem¡­ I got incredible materials. I¡¯m starting a new project. I think this might be the biggest work I¡¯ve ever done. If everything goes as planned, I¡¯ll finally save enough to open my own shop. And maybe... maybe I can get you out of here, bring you home again. Do you remember how you used to sit in the garden for hours, tending to the flowers?¡±

    I gently adjusted the thin tube beside her, my voice tinged with sadness. ¡°Sometimes I wonder,¡± I continued, ¡°Am I strong enough to achieve all this? But as the son of a woman like you, I know I can¡¯t give up. You were always strong, Mom. Just like you taught me, I¡¯ll stay strong too.¡±

    In the middle of my monologue, the sound of my mother¡¯s monitors suddenly quickened. For a moment, I couldn¡¯t comprehend what was happening. Her body moved slightly, then tensed in a spasm-like motion. Her eyes widened in fear.

    ¡°Mom? Mom! What¡¯s happening? Please, stop! Somebody help! Help!¡± I shouted as I ran out of the room. Nurses and doctors quickly rushed in, ushering me out and closing the door. One of the doctors spoke calmly as the door shut, ¡°Leave it to us; we¡¯ll do everything we can.¡±

    I began pacing the hallway, waiting. Every passing minute felt like an hour. Inside me was a mix of fear and an inexplicable guilt. I mumbled to myself, ¡°What did I do? Did it happen because I talked to her? Or was it something else?¡±

    Hours passed. Finally, one of the doctors emerged from the room. He looked exhausted as he approached and lightly touched my shoulder. ¡°Alex, may we speak?¡±

    I stood up immediately, looking at him with concern. ¡°What happened? How is my mother? Is she okay?¡±

    The doctor sighed and began to explain. ¡°Your mother¡¯s condition is stable now. However, this was a mana insufficiency crisis. This occurs when mana flow becomes completely irregular, and the body can no longer sustain itself.¡±

    I frowned. ¡°Mana insufficiency? How is that possible? My mother... she¡¯s been like this for so long. I¡¯ve never heard anything about mana before.¡±

    Maintaining his serious tone, the doctor continued, ¡°Mana insufficiency typically stems from two causes. Either the person is inherently predisposed to it, which is extremely rare, or it results from external interference disrupting the mana flow. However, for someone to perform such an interference, they would need to have very strong mana control. Your mother¡¯s condition points to one of these two possibilities.¡±

    This revelation stunned me. ¡°External interference? But... but who? Why? Could this even be possible?¡±

    The doctor shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s hard to say right now. However, your mother¡¯s condition is quite delicate. We¡¯ll need a specialized treatment plan to stabilize her mana balance. Understanding how this condition originated will help guide her treatment.¡±

    Millions of thoughts flooded my mind. If my mother wasn¡¯t born with this condition, then someone must have disrupted the mana flow in her body. But who could do such a thing?

    The doctor added, ¡°By the way, we noticed a scar on her body that wasn¡¯t documented before. We¡¯d like you to check it, just to confirm.¡±

    I looked at him with a puzzled expression. ¡°A scar?¡±

    We quickly headed back to my mother¡¯s room. The doctor gently pulled down her clothing to expose the area over her heart, showing me the scar.

    ¡°Was this scar here before?¡± he asked.

    The moment I saw it, I remembered. This was no ordinary scar.

    10 Years Ago¡­

    ¡°Dad, when I grow up, I¡¯m going to be a hunter like you and wear a superhero outfit like this!¡± I said, handing him a drawing.

    My father carefully examined the picture. ¡°What¡¯s this symbol on your chest?¡± he asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s my superhero symbol!¡± I replied proudly. ¡°It¡¯s a big letter A inside a diamond shape.¡±

    ¡­

    I was brimming with anger, so angry that I clenched my fists so hard that the inside of my palm bled. I made an oath at that moment;

    ¡°Dad, I WILL KILL YOU! I SWEAR I WILL KILL YOU!¡±

 Ch 9 - The Blacksmiths Way: Beginning of a Revenge.

    One moment, my heart began pounding intensely. The anger building up inside me felt like it was preventing me from expressing what I truly felt. The beautiful days I once dreamed of were now replaced by a dark rage and a burning desire for revenge. My father had caused much more than my mother¡¯s illness. I remembered¡­ that day, that cursed day¡­ The days he overlooked me, belittled me¡­ Now, no matter what, I was determined to make him pay. He didn¡¯t just destroy my mother; he left me alone with this darkness within me. Now, there was only one thing left for me to do: take my revenge.

    I clenched my eyes shut. In my mind, I saw my mother¡¯s face, the moment she left this world, the crushing weight of that moment pressing down on us, and my father¡¯s cold, detached gaze¡­ I felt them all together. Those fleeting emotions, as fast as a single breath, were as heavy as they were sharp and devastating. But I had to control this anger¡ªfor my mother. Everything had a time, a way, a pattern¡­ and I would carve that path myself.

    I took a deep breath, slowly. I needed to calm myself. I had to focus only on my mother. Her recovery, her health¡­ That was what I needed to prioritize. So, I lifted my head and began walking toward the doctor.

    "Doctor, make sure my mother receives the best care possible. Spare no expense in her treatment," I said, keeping my gaze steady.

    I saw a flicker of uncertainty in the doctor¡¯s eyes as he furrowed his brows slightly. ¡°Alex, such treatment could be extremely expensive... Correcting mana flow requires special medicines and treatment methods, and these types of medicines¡­ are often incredibly hard to find.¡±

    I felt that angry, dark feeling inside me vanish for a moment. Slowly, I opened my bag and took out the money, placing it in front of the doctor. It was a total of 272 Tower Coins (equivalent to $9,520).

    The doctor looked at the money, momentarily stunned, before carefully putting it away. He turned his eyes back to me. ¡°This¡­ is a substantial amount. But I must give you a realistic explanation,¡± he said, with a serious expression. ¡°Mana deficiency is a very difficult illness to treat, and for that, we need a special medicine. This medicine comes from what we call the Life Tree¡¯s Root, known for curing all ailments. However, saying this is much easier than finding it. So far, only two people have ever managed to obtain it.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± I said, a determined smile appearing on my face. "I¡¯ll bring that medicine. It¡¯s only a matter of time. But until then, please take good care of my mother.¡±

    The doctor nodded, seeming slightly more at ease. ¡°Alright then. We¡¯ll do our best.¡±

    In that moment, I felt like everything was under my control. My anger toward my father had transformed into a tool on my journey to completely heal my mother. But this tool was now a weapon I wielded to save her. First, I would find that medicine, and then I would destroy the man who had reduced my mother to this state¡­

    As I stepped out of the hospital, the sky was covered in a gray shroud. A faint breeze left a cold touch on my face. It felt unjust for the outside world to be so calm while my mother lay inside, confined to her bed. Storms raged within me, yet everyone around me continued with their routines as if nothing had changed. Sometimes, you realize how invisible your pain is to others.

    I quickened my steps, trying not to stumble on the uneven cobblestones. My feet carried me toward the workshop automatically, but my mind was elsewhere. My father''s face kept revolving in my thoughts. The times I admired him as a child¡­ Then the pale, frail face of my mother lying in her bed. The wound in her heart. That symbol.

    ¡°Because of you¡­¡± I muttered to myself. My anger, like a fire growing within me, was consuming me. I was certain that all of this was connected to him somehow. Just thinking about the day I would exact my revenge deepened the darkness inside me. But for now, I had to set this anger aside. A greater task lay before me: saving my mother.

    As I opened the door to my workshop, I could feel the tension inside me. The soft creak of the wooden door reminded me of the weight on my shoulders. I stepped inside, greeted by the familiar scent of metal and coal. The tools hanging on the walls, the piles of materials on the shelves¡­ This was my world. My sanctuary. But today, this place would be more than just a refuge¡ªit would become a war preparation center.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    Slowly, I pulled out a chair and sat down. Resting my hand on my forehead, I took a deep breath. A long and dangerous journey lay ahead of me. The Tower¡­ that cursed place. No one knew exactly what went on inside, at least no one who could share their knowledge ever emerged. It was said that those who tried to leak information from the Tower were killed. It was as if the Tower enforced secrecy in exchange for its rewards. And those who defied this pact were sentenced to death.

    But why?

    The answer to that question didn¡¯t change the task in front of me. The only thing I understood was that surviving in the Tower was next to impossible under normal circumstances. Becoming a hunter inside was akin to suicide. For someone like me to enter the Tower was an even worse prospect. I wasn¡¯t physically strong, nor was I an experienced fighter. But¡­ I trusted my intelligence. I trusted my hands and the things I created. And now, it was time to prove it.

    I stood up and turned to the shelves. The materials I had purchased from Rick were still in my bag. I placed the bag on the table and began carefully unpacking its contents. The dark, smooth surface of Kara??ra?, the faintly shimmering texture of G?lgesim¡­ They all gleamed before me. Placing my hands on the edge of the table, I took a deep breath and muttered to myself:

    ¡°If I¡¯m going to survive the Tower, I need to do what I do best: create. I must use every skill, every tool I have, and craft the best weapons and equipment possible.¡±

    I pulled out a parchment and picked up a pen. I began planning how to use the materials, which weapons and equipment I would create, and how I would prepare myself for what lay ahead.

    Weapons and Equipment to Be Crafted

    <ol>

    <li> Primary Weapons</li>

    </ol>

    <ul>

    <li>Luminous Blade

    Materials: G?lgesim, G?r¨¹n?tezi

    Purpose:</li>

    <ul>

    <li>A lightweight and fast melee weapon.</li>

    <li>The glowing surface of G?lgesim provides an advantage in dark areas.</li>

    <li>G?r¨¹n?tezi  makes the blade both durable and flexible for long-term use.</li>

    </ul>

    <li>Stealth Arrows and Bow

    Materials: Kara??ra?, Sinsak?y¨¹

    Purpose:</li>

    <ul>

    <li>Designed for silently and effectively hunting enemies from a distance.</li>

    <li>Kara??ra? enhances the arrows¡¯ lethality.</li>

    <li>Sinsak?y¨¹ allows the bow to be used lightly and quickly.</li>

    </ul>

    </ul>

    <hr>

    <ol start="2">

    <li> Secondary Weapons</li>

    </ol>

    <ul>

    <li>Poisoned Dagger

    Materials: Venomtail, Kara??ra?, Sinsak?y¨¹

    Purpose:</li>

    <ul>

    <li>Designed for silent and lethal close-range attacks.</li>

    <li>Venomtail adds a paralyzing poison effect to the weapon.</li>

    <li>Sinsak?y¨¹ ensures the dagger¡¯s swift usability.</li>

    </ul>

    </ul>

    <hr>

    <ol start="3">

    <li> Protective Gear</li>

    </ol>

    <ul>

    <li>Dual-Layered Armor

    Materials: G?r¨¹n?tezi, Kara??ra?

    Purpose:</li>

    <ul>

    <li>Provides high protection while maintaining mobility.</li>

    <li>G?r¨¹?tezi keeps the armor light, avoiding movement restrictions.</li>

    <li>Kara??ra? ensures resistance to physical impacts.</li>

    </ul>

    <li>Silence Boots

    Materials: G?r¨¹n?tezi, Sinsak?y¨¹

    Purpose:</li>

    <ul>

    <li>Allows silent movement.</li>

    <li>The flexible soles made of G?r¨¹n?tezi  enable quiet steps.</li>

    <li>Sinsak?y¨¹ ensures the boots are lightweight and comfortable.</li>

    </ul>

    </ul>

    <hr>

    <ol start="4">

    <li> Tactical Accessories</li>

    </ol>

    <ul>

    <li>Mana-Charged Amulet

    Materials: G?lgesim, Sinsak?y¨¹

    Purpose:</li>

    <ul>

    <li>Regulates mana flow during combat, enabling abilities to last longer.</li>

    <li>Its lightweight nature allows for constant portability.</li>

    </ul>

    </ul>

    <hr>

    <ol start="5">

    <li> Consumable Items</li>

    </ol>

    <ul>

    <li>Poisonous Flask Bomb

    Materials: Venomtail, Kara??ra? Fragments.

    Purpose:</li>

    <ul>

    <li>Used to neutralize enemy groups.</li>

    <li>The poisonous mist creates both a lethal and deterring effect.</li>

    </ul>

    <li>Mana Potion Bottles

    Materials: Sinsak?y¨¹, G?r¨¹n?tezi

    Purpose:</li>

    <ul>

    <li>Portable solution for replenishing mana during battles.</li>

    <li>Lightweight design allows easy transport.</li>

    </ul>

    </ul>

    <hr>

    <ol start="6">

    <li> Multi-Purpose Tools</li>

    </ol>

    <ul>

    <li>Multi-Functional Grapple (Rope and Hook System)

    Materials: Kara??ra?, G?r¨¹n?tezi

    Purpose:</li>

    <ul>

    <li>Ideal for overcoming obstacles, climbing heights, or creating escape routes within the Tower.</li>

    <li>Kara??ra? provides durability to the hook.</li>

    <li>G?r¨¹n?tezi ensures the rope remains light and flexible.</li>

    </ul>

    </ul>

    As I wrote down each item, I visualized how I would use each material. I imagined these pieces coming together in my hands, transforming into deadly works of art. Each one would be a step, a chance at survival.

    But the Tower¡­ the dark secrets of that place¡­ I needed more information. I couldn¡¯t put my plan into action so simplistically. Every step had to be calculated with precision. There was no room for error. Yet, I knew one thing: I had to prepare first.

    ¡°I will survive this. I will heal my mother. And in the end¡­ I will settle the score with my father.¡±

    I placed the pen on the table and took another deep breath. It was time to get to work. I pulled down the necessary tools and materials from the shelves. Before lighting the fire and beginning my task, I paused for a moment beside the table. My workshop was my battlefield. And I was ready for this fight.

 Ch 10 - Forging Companions of War

    I closed the door of my workshop and stood upright at my workbench instead of taking a seat. Slowly, I placed my hands on the table and took a deep breath. It was starting now. The first and most crucial step: the Luminous Blade. If I failed to craft this blade properly, stepping into the tower would be equivalent to signing my death warrant.

    The materials were laid out before me. A piece of Gloresium, with its light-emitting surface, shimmered on the workbench. That soft blue glow always captivated me, but I was also acutely aware of its fragility. Beside it lay Glintsteel, dark and stoic, as though harboring a silent strength within. Combining these two opposing materials was a task that, if not handled precisely, could lead to disaster.

    The first step was clear: shaping the materials.

    Gloresium was renowned for both its beauty and its delicate nature. A single mistake, and all I¡¯d have left would be a pile of dust. I carefully grasped the piece with my left hand, while my right hand picked up a fine-working tool. One of the enchanted instruments on my bench, a magical rasp that used heat and vibrations to shape materials, would allow me to work with precision. As I worked with the rasp, the material¡¯s radiant glow filled the workshop with a soft blue aura.

    ¡°Slow... slow¡­¡± I murmured to myself. This kind of work demanded patience. As I shaped the Gloresium into something resembling a blade, I paid close attention to every movement, trying to feel the vibrations of the material. After some time, it began to take the desired form. But my task was far from over.

    After shaping, the surface needed to be both smooth and durable. This was where my special polishing fluid came into play. I applied the fluid to the blade¡¯s surface and polished it gently with my handcrafted soft cloth. With every motion, the Gloresium¡¯s glow intensified, almost as if it were alive.

    Next came Glintsteel¡ªless fragile than Gloresium, but just as challenging to work with. This metal would provide the flexibility and durability the blade required. Failure here could mean the blade snapping on the first strike or bending into uselessness.

    I placed the Glintsteel in the forge and lit the fire. Bright orange flames gradually changed the metal¡¯s dark hue into a glowing red. As I waited for it to reach the right temperature, I grabbed my hammer with my other hand. This process demanded swift and decisive movements.

    ¡°Now!¡± I said, pulling the metal from the forge. I placed it on the workbench and began hammering it into shape. Sparks flew with each strike, dancing alongside the Gloresium¡¯s glow. The rhythm of my hammer was critical; hitting too hard could fracture the metal, while too light a strike wouldn¡¯t shape it effectively.

    The next step was the most critical of all: merging the Gloresium and Glintsteel. The essence of the blade lay in this union. First, I carefully encased the Gloresium blade in a fine frame of Glintsteel. This would not only enhance the blade¡¯s durability but also protect the Gloresium without obscuring its natural light.

    To solidify the fusion, I used a special magic seal. I retrieved this small artifact from a lower drawer in my workbench. Its purpose was to harmonize the energies between the two materials. Placing my hands on either side of the blade, I began reciting the incantation. The glow of the Gloresium intensified, while the Glintsteel seemed to radiate a faint brilliance of its own.

    he sword had taken shape, but it was still an unfinished masterpiece. I needed to sharpen its edges, create the hilt, and adjust its weight balance. I moved to the sharpening stone and began to work slowly. With each motion, the blade¡¯s edge became sharper. I could hear my own breath; there were no other sounds in the workshop.

    The final step was to add the hilt. I shaped a piece of Glintsteel into a smooth curve and wrapped it in leather. This would provide a comfortable grip and prevent slippage during sweaty conditions.

    The Luminous Blade stood before me. In the dim light of the workshop, the sword glowed, exactly as I had imagined. Light, durable, and deadly... I grasped the hilt and swung it slowly. A sharp, swift wind followed... This sword would be my closest companion in the tower.

    [Luminous Blade obtained.] [Luminous Blade] [The Luminous Blade has a special structure that emits light in the dark and is incredibly durable.]

    As I placed the sword back on the workbench, I thought to myself, "One is done, now for the others." My heart was filled with both pride and a sense of unease about the challenges I would face in the tower. But there was no turning back now.

    A light breeze stirred in the workshop, and the air drifting through the window moved between the materials on my bench, creating a soft, silent melody. I carefully placed the Luminous Blade into its special sheath. Now, it was time for the Stealth Arrows and Bow. I needed to strike the perfect balance between silence and lethality. This weapon would allow me to hunt my enemies from a distance, unnoticed.

    On the workbench, I spread out the materials that represented the spirit of a hunter: Blackcharash, dark and sturdy, was a faithful protector. Beside it lay Silentvine, almost intangible with its delicate fibers, yet strong. Together, they promised a flawless union of silence and lethality.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    I started with the arrows. This was a delicate craftsmanship that required precision, as the tips had to be both aerodynamic and capable of silently piercing the target.

    Blackcharash Shaft

    I carefully selected pieces of Blackcharash. A piece too thick would increase the arrow¡¯s weight and reduce its speed, while one that was too thin would be fragile. After finding the right piece, I used my special knives to cut it into a straight, balanced shape. The sparks flying during the cutting process were like tiny fireflies dancing in the workshop.

    Once the shaft was ready, I used a special blend I had prepared to polish the arrows. This mixture not only reduced the arrows'' friction but also completely eliminated the noise during flight.

    Arrowheads

    To create the arrowheads, I used Blackcharash once again. This metal not only ensured the tips were hard and durable, but it also had a unique property that allowed it to shatter upon impact, dealing additional damage to the enemy. As I shaped the arrowheads on a small anvil, the metallic sound of each strike filled the workshop.

    Silentvine Fletchings

    Next, I worked on the fletchings to ensure the arrows flew straight. I carefully cut Silentvine fibers into thin, symmetrical pieces. This material was so light and smooth it nearly eliminated wind resistance. I attached the fibers to the rear of the arrows and secured them with a special adhesive mixture. This mixture fused the fibers to the shafts, making them impossible to detach.

    The arrows were ready. Now, I needed to work on the bow that would launch them. The bow would be one of the most critical tools in the tower. It needed to be light, strong, and precise.

    Blackcharash Bow Body

    For the bow¡¯s main body, I chose a long piece of Blackcharash. I gently heated it, shaping it into a strong yet flexible form. The hardness of Blackcharash would make the bow resistant to breaking. The key during shaping was to find the right balance between flexibility and rigidity.

    Silentvine Bowstring

    For the bowstring, I used Silentvine fibers. These fibers were almost invisible in their thinness, yet incredibly durable. I braided the fibers into a bowstring and attached it to the bow¡¯s ends using a special tying technique. These knots were so secure that they wouldn¡¯t come undone under high tension.

    With the arrows and bow ready, I knew the work wasn¡¯t complete. A weapon must always be tested before it is truly finished. I prepared the small range at the back of my workshop. Setting up a target board, I placed the first arrow onto the bow.

    As I drew the bowstring, I heard a faint, melody-like sound as the Silentvine string stretched. When I released the arrow, there was a sharp but silent ¡°thwip¡± as it pierced the target. I walked over to inspect the arrow¡¯s penetration: the depth was perfect, and the arrow was almost invisible in the target.

    [Stealth Arrows and Bow]

    [Silent and effective for long-range strikes. Enhanced lethality with Blackash arrows and a lightweight, swift bow made of Whisperwood.

    The Stealth Arrows and Bow were now complete. As I walked back from the range with the bow and arrows in hand, I felt both a sense of relief and tension. This weapon would be my best companion for silent hunting in the tower. Like a shadow bringing death in silence, I would take down my prey with this bow. But first, I had to finish my other weapons. I turned and looked back at the workbench. There was still much to be done.

    The silence in my workshop heightened the intensity of my thoughts. I looked at the materials on the table¡ªVenomtail, Blackcharash, and Silentvine. These three materials were coming together for a single purpose: to create a silent but deadly weapon. The Poisoned Dagger would be a small, but lethal tool, disabling my enemies at unexpected moments.

    Blackcharash Shaping

    To create the blade¡¯s body, I took a piece of Blackcharash metal. This material, with its solid structure, would ensure the blade''s longevity. I heated the piece on the anvil and, with each hammer strike, shaped the metal into a fine and elegant blade form.

    To create a thin and sharp point, I used a special file. The surface of the blade was made matte, reflecting no light. This feature would give me an advantage in situations requiring stealth.

    The Venom''s Bed

    In the center of the blade, I carved a small channel to hold the Venomtail poison. This channel was designed to release the poison directly upon impact with the target. While carving the channel, I had to be cautious of Blackcharash''s durability. If I wasn¡¯t careful, the metal could crack.

    Silentvine Wrapping

    For the handle, I focused on comfort and balance. I carefully braided Silentvine fibers and wrapped them around the blade¡¯s handle. This would prevent slipping during use and ensure the handle was light yet durable.

    The Poisoned Touch

    At the end of the handle, I designed a small cap. This cap concealed a Venomtail liquid reservoir that could be carried alongside the blade. If the poison ran out during battle, the reservoir would allow the blade to be replenished.

    Poison Preparation

    Before using the Venomtail poison, I had to stabilize it. If applied directly, it could pose a danger to the blade and might diminish the poison''s effectiveness. In a small glass container, I thinned the Venomtail liquid with a special mixture to stabilize it and give it a more reliable form.

    Application to the Blade

    Using a brush, I carefully applied the prepared poison to the surface of the blade. Any lapse in concentration during this process could be deadly. Each drop of poison spread evenly across the blade¡¯s channel and edges. Once the poison fully soaked in, it created an almost invisible layer on the surface.

    I took the blade in my hand and checked its balance. The handle and tip needed to be in perfect harmony. I silently approached the target board. When I swung the blade with a light motion, it pierced the target with almost no sound. Upon inspecting the target, I noticed the Venomtail poison began to take effect almost instantly.

    [Poisoned Dagger]

    [Deadly and silent in close combat. Infused with Tailvenom for a paralyzing effect, and enhanced with Whisperwood for swift handling.]

    The Poisoned Dagger was now ready. This small but deadly weapon would allow me to incapacitate my enemies silently and quickly. I placed it into its sheath and strapped it to my belt. I briefly touched the Silentvine wrapping on the handle. I knew this weapon would remain loyal to me, like a trusted companion.

    Turning back to my workbench, I began gathering the materials for my next weapon...