Chapter 219 - Gray Iron
While others were indecisive about the choice of region, Russell chose the Albitz Kingdom without hesitation.
"Lord Ryu Min said, 'You don't need to do anything else, wait for Black Scythe in the Albitz Kingdom'."
Although he had heard strategies for Round 13, the prophet said completing the mission was unnecessary.
As a blacksmith, he believed that by partnering with the dwarves, he could improve his reputation more easily than others.
"I've told Black Scythe the details. It's something that really needs his help."
That's why he was patiently waiting here.
More than an hour passed.
"Maybe he won't come?"
While worrying about being stood up here, he saw a black object in the sky.
"What's this? Wow!"
Like a demon flapping its wings, it landed softly in front of Russell.
It was none other than Black Scythe.
"Russell Daniel?"
"Yes, it's me. Are you Black Scythe?"
Given the fantastical nature of the world, aliases weren't visible, but he could feel that the other was Black Scythe.
"Yes, I am Black Scythe."
"A pleasure to meet you."
"A pleasure, huh? I've heard of you through the prophet. He said you're close, so treat me with special care."
"The prophet said that?"
Black Scythe nodded, and Russell was impressed.
"Ryu Min really thinks of me that way... There really isn't any saint."
Russell, who had thought to try harder when they met, suddenly remembered Ryu Min's words.
"He said when you meet Black Scythe, you should prove your worth, right?"
At this moment, Russell gathered the courage to improve his relationship with Black Scythe.
"Uhm, I was told you could help me grow."
"That's right."
"It's a bit cheeky, but could you help me? I want to grow faster."
"Hmm..."
"In return, I can cast a buff that will help you in hunting. Just for a moment, could you give me your weapon...?"
When Russell approached asking for a weapon, Ryu Min frowned.
"You want me to hand over my weapon?"
"Oh, no. You don't need to give it to me. Just let me touch it."
When Russell grasped the scythe, Ryu Min raised his hand slightly and memorized the skill.
Then, a surprising message appeared in front of Ryu Min.
"The effect of the 'Weapon Sharpening' skill increases weapon damage by 150%."
"The buff will last until the end of this round."
"The weapon damage has increased like this?"
He vaguely knew about the blacksmith's skills, but this was the first time he received a buff.
"It increased more than I thought."
"Haha, I'm still amazed. Could you allow me to touch your armor as well this time?"
When Ryu Min nodded, Russell touched the armor with his hands.
Then, another surprising message appeared.
"The effect of the 'Equipment Sharpening' skill increases armor options by 10%."
"The buff will last until the end of this round."
"What? The options have increased?"
Russell opened the information window of the dark Thanatos armor Ryu Min was wearing.
"Defense 2,200, all stats +1.1 per level, 73.7% chance to dodge when hit?"
Indeed, the options had improved by 10%.
"The stats have improved, right? This way, enhancements can be applied to all parts. Oh, excluding weapons and accessories."
"Really?"
"Since you mention it, I'll show you. Come over here."
From the helmet to the gloves and shoes, upon applying enhancements, the statistics increased by 10%.
Although it wasn't a significant increase, it made sense due to the possibility of strengthening the options.
'For options with probabilities like those of the black armor, could it approach 100% if done right?'
He never imagined the blacksmith would have a skill like this.
Ryu Min expressed his admiration, and Russell smiled proudly.
"Surprised? I never thought the equipment polishing skill I learned at level 60 would be so efficient."
"Repair, weapon polishing, equipment polishing... What skills do I have left?"
"Oh, there's also the skill to craft materials, but it's not as good as an enhancement skill. Basically, it's gathering low-quality items to make higher-quality materials."
Ryu Min nodded in approval.
Since he could buy materials with money, it wasn't necessary for him.
But who knows, it might be useful for Russell.
'Well, just polishing weapons and equipment alone is enough to be a useful profession.'
"How was it? Did it help?"
"Quite a bit."
Russell inwardly rejoiced at seeing Ryu Min's satisfied expression.
He had clearly demonstrated his worth.
"Alright. I'll help you grow more."
"Thank you. But where do you plan to go?"
"According to the prophet, we should head to the Karuga Mountains. There, we must find the dwarven city."
"Do you know the way?"
"Yes, I do. I'm quite friendly with the dwarves."
Ryu Min smiled mischievously and changed his title to 'The One Who Leads'.
Seeing the letters above his head, Russell widened his eyes in surprise.
"What's that on your head?"
"It seems it's the first time you've seen it. It's a title. It comes with various effects. According to the prophet, if you strengthen your relationship with the dwarves, you'll also get one."
"Ah, I see."
"No time to waste, let's head straight there."
"Uh, by any chance, do you plan to fly like before? It's just that, I'm afraid of heights..."
"Don't worry. I plan to go on foot. The dwarven city is underground."
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Near the Kingdom of Albits lay the Karuga Mountains. And beneath them, the well-known dwarven city of Iron Gray.
"Wow... so this is the city of the dwarves..."
"You could close your mouth. They're staring at us strangely."
Although dwarves who had active interactions with humans didn't hinder entry, outsiders were considered as such.
Russell, apparently taken aback by the novelty, observed the dwarves working with a fascinated gaze.
"What's up? Do you find it interesting?"
Perhaps due to the joy of meeting comrades practicing the same metallurgy, Russell's enthusiasm could be clearly perceived from his entire being.
"Look at that. Striking with a hammer is quite an art. There's not the slightest tremor in each blow. Wow, look at how he handles his hands. The skill in metalworking is no joke. It seems he's making a plate for armor. How can he have that skill with such small, thick hands? Oh, are all those things behind him works made by himself? I'd like to touch them at least once..."
"Russell, regain your focus and come this way."
"Oh, sorry. Haha..."
Guiding the distracted Russell, who was like a cat in front of a fish market, they headed to Iron Gray's largest place, the 'Hammerfall' forge.
"Here we are. Go in."
"Oh, yeah, wait a moment. What's that in front of me...?"
When Russell looked, his gaze was lost in the air.
It seems a side quest has appeared.
"There seems to be a mission asking you to work as an assistant in Hammerfall for 3 hours."
"And the reward?"
"They say your relationship with the dwarves will significantly improve, and your overall skills will increase by one level. However, it seems it's only available for the blacksmith profession."
Just by completing a mission, you could pass the round and enhance your skills. "There's no better side quest than this. Only Russell can do it, though."
Though you have to work for 3 hours, it's relatively short compared to other players.
"The others probably would need at least 6 hours to do reputation tasks."
In that sense, the second place in this round was practically decided for Russell.
"Although it all depends on getting a job in the first place."
Simply saying you want to work as an assistant in the forge won't do any good.
Who would entrust work to a human who appeared without any connection?
It would be lucky if you're not kicked out.
"But there's no need to worry. I'm here."
Ryu Min opened the door to the forge and gestured for Russell to enter.
"Wow..."
Russell, amazed by the enormous size of the forge that he couldn't take in at a glance, expressed his admiration endlessly.
At that moment, a young dwarf approached with a sharp look and asked abruptly, "Why have humans come here?"
But that was only for a moment.
The dwarf who had given Ryu Min a disdainful look was surprised to see him.
"Oh, isn't he the one who went ahead before?"
Ryu Min nodded.
Though the dwarf acted as if he knew Russell, it wasn't surprising anymore.
He was just feeling the greatness of the reputation system once again.
"We've come to see the blacksmith of Hammerfall, Heimer."
"To Heimer, huh? Wait a moment."
Hurrying away, the young dwarf soon returned with a thick-bearded dwarf.
It was Heimer, the blacksmith of Hammerfall who had been punched in the face in the eighth round.
"Oh, it's a visitor who went ahead before! I've been waiting to see you!"
Whether due to the 'Very Friendly' reputation, Heimer warmly greeted Ryu Min.
"We shouldn't be here. I'll take you to a quieter place. It's too noisy here."
"That's fine."
Following Heimer, who quickly moved to a relatively quiet resting room, Ryu Min introduced Russell.
"Let me introduce you. This is a good friend of mine, Russell Daniel."
Though Russell felt a bit taken aback by being introduced like this, he responded quickly.
"Uh, hello. Please, call me Russell."
Since the height difference was considerable, they simply bowed to each other instead of shaking hands.
"Pleased to meet you! Anyway, why have you come to our city?"
"Well, actually, I wanted to talk about that. Could you write about this friend who's here?"
"Write?"
"Today I'm just asking for your help for a day. He said he wants to learn from dwarves, the best in forging skills. Despite appearances, this friend has experience in alchemy."
Heimer's gaze settled on Russell when they mentioned the word "forge."
"Have you tried forging?"
"Yes, although I only have six years of experience, I can perform basic tasks."
"What items have you created?"
"Well, there are several things. Longswords, daggers, bracelets, armor, chairs, and more. Should I say I've created almost everything?"
"Oh? Does that mean you've surpassed the intermediate level?"
Heimer looked at Russell with astonished eyes.
It seems he liked the answer.
"The interview has been successful."
With this, he could stop worrying about getting a job.
Or so he thought.
"Alright. Since the one who went ahead introduced you, we'll employ you just for today as special help."
"Oh, thank you!"
"But since it's late, would three hours be acceptable?"
"Yes, of course."
Russell was excited like a knowledge-hungry student, and Heimer didn't dislike that reaction either.
In fact, he seemed eager to take Russell, full of passion, away as soon as possible.
"Do you want to start working right away?"
"Yes, yes!"
"And what about you, who went ahead?"
"I've finished my business, so I'll leave."
After those words, Russell quickly approached and bowed in the Korean style.
"Thank you for helping me. If it weren't for Black Scythe, I wouldn't have had this opportunity."
If it weren't for Ryu Min's positive introduction, this mission would have been impossible.
"I'll remember those words."
Having left a debt, now Russell will treat Black Scythe with gratitude.
"Oh, before I go, I have something to discuss with Heimer."
"With me? Do you need something?"
"I heard that here in Iron Gray, you sell special materials."
"What materials are you referring to?"
Ryu Min listed the materials needed for the God rank combination.
Upon hearing the materials, Heimer's expression constantly changed.
"Well, where did you hear that rumor from...?"
"I have quite extensive connections. Do you have those materials?"
"Yes, I have them. But... this is quite expensive."
"Don't worry."
Ryu Min smiled faintly.
"I have plenty of gold."
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