“Even so, they are wares difficult to acquire in the area.”
However, the time had come to end those privileges.
“So it’s finally time to leave Jackson.”
By hunting in the Shadow Forest, Ark had finally reached level 30. The Rotting Wolves and Zombies were no longer much help in increasing his experience. Although the experience the level 30 Ghoul’s gave were still okay, they were low in numbers. Be as it may, he still couldn’t hunt the level 50 Reapers. It seemed like he had to move his hunting ground soon and look for a new quest.
“Before that, there’s a skill I’ve got to learn.”
It was the repair skill.
There were only five Smithies in Jackson. Near one of those places, there was the sole master NPC who taught the repair skill.
However, he didn’t know the exact location.
They didn’t go around wearing name tags just because they were master NPCs, so users were forced to personally wander around as they conversed with other NPCs, one by one.
But who was Ark?
‘When did I have time to waste like that?’
“Hey, Thomas. It’s been awhile.”
As Ark waved his hand, Soldiers who’d been passing by rejoiced and approached him.
“Ark, we haven’t seen you in for few days. When did you return?”
“A little while ago. But do you happen to know a Blacksmith in the village who’ll teach the repair skill?”
“Are you talking about Norton? I know him. Go that way and cross the bridge, it’s the first Smithy you see. But what are you going to do by learning the repair method? If you go to the castle, old man Corn fixes them for you cheaply. And even if you learn the repair method, it’s not like you can fix them well right away. It’s better to leave them to old man Corn.”
“I’m thinking of leaving to go on a journey for a few days in a faraway land. Since it’ll be rough if I overlook it, I’m gonna learn it while I’m in the village.”
“Faraway?”
Thomas nodded as he looked at him sadly.
“Well, you are an outsider. Then be sure to at least visit the Lord before you leave. Stop by at our barracks too, okay?”
“Alright.”
Ark waved at the parting Soldiers and turned around.
At the sight, users in the area had perplexed expressions on their faces.
For the most part, Soldiers weren’t that friendly toward a user. They considered the user an existence whose only purpose was to cause trouble in the village. There wasn’t a single user who had heard a Soldier asking them to visit the barracks.
It was only possible for Ark, who was a friend to the young Lord.
In any case, Ark wasn’t interested in the reactions of the users. Even if it was a small number, the only people Ark wanted to befriend were NPCs.
‘Anyway, I’ve learned what I needed. Looks like my pocket will become much lighter.’
A sigh flowed out of Ark’s mouth.
Understandably, it took money to learn a skill from a master NPC. After looking it up on the forums, it costs 20 gold to learn the repair skill. Repairing wasn’t possible with just the skill. Each material exclusive repair skill tool set was 10 gold. In Ark’s case, it would cost 30 gold since he needed the metal kit, leather kit, and cloth kit sets.
In total, he had to spend 50 gold to be able to use the repair skill.
This was the reason why the majority of users couldn’t learn it in the beginning even though it was a useful skill.
‘Although it’s money I saved up...’
His insides soured since he had to use 50 gold of the money he’d scrounged up.
However, if he went on a journey, the repair skill was absolutely necessary for a user with a profession that required them to hunt.
If users had to look for a Smithy every time they needed to repair, it would result to spending more money. If they accidentally forgot to repair, there was danger of breaking their equipment. Something precious will still be precious. It seemed all the more precious because he’d wasted money every day on repair costs, whether it was in Harun or Jackson.
“Come on in. Is there something you need?”
When he arrived at the Smithy, a middle aged man with a long beard approached him.
“I’ve come here after hearing that the owner of this place is the appointed mentor of the repairing technique.”
“Do you want to learn the repairing technique?”
A new stat has been formed.
The Art of Communication (+5): You are able to achieve what you want with an ornate way of speech. The higher the skill, the easier you can persuade your target, and you can drag out an even greater benefit.
Stat distribution is impossible, and will only increase when you have succeeded in a negotiation, a bargain, or a special deal.
Alchemist Raymond’s Request
Alchemist Raymond of Jackson is producing Ailard for the Smithy.
However, he cannot acquire the necessary material because he has fallen ill, so he has requested for you do the job.
Raymond has urged you multiple times to not disclose any information regarding the mineral to anyone.
As per Raymond’s request, you must guard the secret until the completion of the quest. You cannot be in a party.
Difficulty: F
“A person? You mean a stranger?”
“So you do remember.”
‘Would you be able to forget if it were you?’
Ark barely managed to swallow back the curses that surged up.
“That’s good— I wanted to meet you once again.”
“Oh no, there’s not much I’ve done, jeez.”
“But compared to the difficulty, a worthwhile item hasn’t come out. Although I have to give it to Ark-nim…”
“Please do not worry about it. And it’s not like we’ve reached the end yet, either.”
“That’s true. Then let’s hurry and finish it.”
It was when Andel, who’d finished restoring, stood up.
*Kuuoooooo!*
Suddenly, with a roar that shook the cave, a warning message popped up.
- The boss monster Crystal Golem has appeared!
- A critical hit ignoring all defenses has been delivered!
- You have defeated a level 44 Chaotic player.
Steel Greaves
Armor Type
Steel Footwear
Defense
50
Durability
7/80
Weight
30
Usage Restriction
At least 150 Strength
Agility -5, the penalty is nulled if used by a Warrior-related profession.
Crystal Golem’s Head (Magic)
Armor Type
Stone Helmet
Defense
40
Durability
50/50
Weight
40
Usage Restriction
At least 135 Strength
Option: Mana +100
Crystal: The Mana-filled mineral that the Crystal Golem had been growing in its body.
Through your Knowledge of Ancient Relics, you have discovered hidden information of the Crystal.
The Crystal is a blood crystal, one of the Ancient Relics.
As a blood crystal, an ancient organic mineral that gives the power of healing, it will naturally develop if fragments are buried within a manufactured Golem's body and furnished with nourishment. Because Mana-rich humans were used as nourishment for the Golem, production was banned long ago.
Bonus for acquiring information of the ancient relic crystal.
- Knowledge of Ancient Relics +5.
- Fame has increased by 30.
The quest has been updated.
Alchemist Raymond's Request = The Secret of the Blood Crystal
The mineral that Raymond asked you to get was one of the ancient relics, a blood crystal. It seems that Raymond purposefully planted and raised the blood crystal within the crystal golem's body and was supporting it with sacrificial travelers. In order to prevent more sacrifices, you must interrogate Raymond, obtain a confession, and inform a guard of Jackson.
Difficulty: G
Andel’s face went white with terror.