Back in the world of Arcoul, in Yorland’s Frosthill town, a local blacksmith shop is banging away. My party and I have come back through the gate and exited the inn we rented. I saw a blacksmith and stopped by to check it out. I stealthily take a picture with my phone for reference and make sure the flash isn’t on.

But even to my untrained eyes, I can see that this blacksmith is a novice. Most likely he picked up the trade from a local smith and is satisfied to offer cheap affordable products. Maybe after using the crafting skill a bunch it’s given me the insight of an experienced crafter.

Speaking of products, my team and I are decked out in custom gear I made the previous day. I gave a set of underarmor that raises defense and resistances, and after asking for preference, I handed out individual accessories that had a number of enchantments. I chose common buffs like physique up, mana capacity up, exp gain up, and remote communications. That way they can all stay in contact and grow stronger exponentially.

For myself, I went all out in addition to the ones I gave to the team. I crafted a set of leather armor made to look like everyday wear. The armor was upgraded to +10 and enchanted to give me extra Strength and Vitality. I even made +10 belts that I have on my waist and shoulders, all giving me extra Agility and Dexterity. There’s a hooded vest as well that gives me extra Magic and Will, upgraded 10 times of course.

As if this wasn’t enough of an advantage, I also have accessories like rings, necklaces, and bracelets, enchanted with buffs that are outright excessive. The buffs I have on me are Physical Damage Reduction, Magical Damage Reduction, Enhanced Perception, Critical Strike Chance Up, Lifesteal, Armor Pierce. These are all popular concepts from games.

The first three are self-explanatory, critical strike chance means all my attacks have a secret chance to score a critical and get insanely high damage values. Lifesteal means that my attacks heal me for a portion of damage dealt. Armor pierce means my attacks ignore a percentage of the enemy’s defenses. These passives mean I have an edge in battles even without my skills.

All in all, my stats are like this.

Status

Name: Becca Thorn

Race: Human

Level: 50

HP: 17000

MP: 18500

Stats

Strength: 150 (+20)

Vitality: 150 (+20)

Agility: 155 (+20)

Dexterity:150 (+20)

Magic: 165 (+20)

Will: 150 (+20)

Equipment

Weapon: +10 Steel Lightning Katana – Atk 100

Set of +10 Steel and Carbon Fiber Armor – Def 200

Maybe I went a bit too far with the crafting. My level has grown twice as much due to Game Menu passively adding experience. And my gear is good enough to be rare end game loot. When I check the experience tab I see that crafting was added, so repeated crafting is what caused my level to skyrocket.

We leave the blacksmith and come to Lord Gosler’s estate. The guards recognize me but I’m guessing because Gosler already explained, they begrudgingly let me pass.

The familiar butler greets us and leads us up the stairs to Gosler’s room. He knocks and a voice lets us in. Inside is Lord Gosler and the two Keepers from yesterday’s rat chase. Will and Wendy I believe?

Wendy is up and looks energetic so her stamina must be recovered.

Will 「 You girls are up? Let me thank you and introduce you properly. This is Wendy, who you helped save before. 」

Wendy 「 I’m Wendy. I heard that if not for you, me and Will would have died out there. I sincerely thank you. 」

Becca 「 No problem. 」

Will 「 Let me make it up to you. How about we go out for drinks later? Our treat. 」

Becca 「 Sure. 」

The two leave us with Gosler after reporting about the rat swarm.

Gosler 「 It seems we have your team to thank for saving those two young-ins. And we also have to reward you for turning in those rat specimens. The doctor was ecstatic to examine them. 」

Becca 「 Did he find out anything about them? 」

Gosler 「 I’ll let him explain that. In the meantime, care for another drink? 」

Becca 「 Don’t mind if I do. I also have something to share too. 」

I bring out from Inventory a malt whiskey I picked up at a store. I mostly picked it because it was recommended and the bottle it came in seemed ornate.

Gosler eyes the bottle suspiciously. He picks it up like carrying a precious treasure and stows it away in his desk.

Gosler 「 I shall take my time to explore its flavors in full. Would you happen to have any soda per chance? I would whet my tongue a bit. 」

I toss a lime soda at him and he chugs it down like a real drinker.

In due time Doctor Fraude shows up looking more haggard than ever. But there is a rare glimmer in his eyes, one of hope I assume.

Fraude 「 Hello Keepers. I have some news. It’s hard to say, frankly unlikely, but I might be on to a breakthrough. I just need a human test subject. I’ve already tested on all kinds of monsters and animals so I’m positively sure it will work. A cure that is. 」

Gosler 「 A cure you say? Bravo, sir Doctor. 」

Gosler and Fraude look ecstatic.

Fraude 「 My lord, I’m about to start tests on human subjects so we’ll know if this cure works soon enough. I hope you can await the good news. 」

Gosler 「 Excellent. This calls for a celebration. Tell my head butler to make arrangements for a festival. 」

A servant bows in understanding and vacates the room. My team also leaves soon enough but something is gnawing at my mind. My instincts as a hero are telling me it’s too soon to celebrate.

I wonder what’s bothering me. Maybe I should do some investigating.

END OF CHAPTER 6

Status

NEW Skills

Game Menu

Spatial & Temporal Manipulation

Crafting