Congratulations. You are the first in your kingdom to break through the Ashen Ember Gate.

Seeing the notification in front of him, Thorian was surprised. There was a reward for this kind of thing?

Just as he finished his thoughts, another screen popped in front of him.

Congratulations. As a reward, you shall receive the “Dark Phoenix Flame Arts” Martial Technique.

First Form Unlocked: Dark Flame Palm

Dark Flame Palm Description The Dark Flame Palm allows the user to channel the Dark Phoenix Flame qi into their palm, creating a swirling vortex of dark flames that enhance their striking power. When this technique is executed, the palm strike engulfs the target in a potent blaze of dark energy, causing destructive damage. Once the proficiency reaches its maximal value, the second form will be unlocked. Proficiency 0%

Cultivation Technique Unlocked: Dark Flame Meditation

Dark Flame Meditation Description Dark Flame Meditation is a deep meditative technique where the practitioner channels their colorless qi through the Vermillion Bird gates, located near the heart. As the qi enters these gates, it undergoes a profound transformation, adopting the characteristics of the Dark Phoenix, now known as the Dark Flame Qi. Proficiency MAX

Overwhelmed by the barrage of notifications that had suddenly appeared, Thorian was stunned. He had never anticipated such a sequence of events. His only aim was to dedicate himself to the diligent and rapid cultivation of his Qi. The results, however, far exceeded his expectations.

I've never encountered anything like this before, Thorian confessed, his eyebrows knotting together in confusion. The Dark Phoenix Flame Arts? But isn't that Arthur's Martial Technique? It seems he chose to keep this revelation under wraps.

A recollection of Arthur's face prompted a wide grin to stretch across Thorian's features. Unbeknownst to many, he held a deep sense of respect for Arthur. Known as the strongest fire magus in the kingdom and the leader of the esteemed council of ten, Arthur was a figure of awe and admiration.

Your past blessings are now my possession. Don't resent me. It's fate that presented me with this opportunity, not any deceit of mine.

Thorian's musings were abruptly disrupted as a foul odor violently invaded his senses, making his stomach churn violently.

What in the seven hells?!

A glance around revealed the source of the nauseating smell. A black substance, as dark as a moonless night, was smeared across his fur. This viscous ooze had overrun half the room, its rank stench so potent that Thorian had to battle to maintain consciousness.

This entire room needs cleansing by fire.

Though he was strongly tempted to immolate the entire Cultivation Hall, Thorian instead focused his energy on a water spell. He unleashed a rapid succession of waterballs, which not only distressed the wooden floor but managed to propel the repellent goo out of the hall and into the earth beyond. He then promptly bathed himself in the water from his spell, ensuring not a single crevice of his body was left untouched.

Once the nauseating odor had dissipated to a more tolerable level, Thorian inhaled deeply and surveyed the Cultivation Hall with a grimace. We need a system to tackle this problem, he mused. It's already a nightmare dealing with the fallout of my cultivation alone. If everyone in the village were to join in, we'd render this place uninhabitable.

Choosing to brainstorm solutions to this dilemma later, Thorian reentered the room and donned his Verdant Robe. Patting his pockets, he found the blueprint, the recipe, and the necessary materials to manufacture both items.

I haven’t yet inspected the forge or the laboratory. Before introducing civilians, I need to ensure everything's in order. Offering them a production class could significantly enhance both our military prowess and our internal economy.

With this strategy in mind, Thorian headed towards the blacksmith's forge. Just as he approached the door, he retrieved the blueprint from his pocket for closer examination.

White-Iron Sword Blueprint Skill Requirements Blacksmith I Materials Two White-Iron Ingots Description A detailed blueprint for a standard sword made from the material White-Iron. The plans depict a straight double-edged blade with a simple crossguard and pommel. The White-Iron, when properly forged, lends the sword a lighter weight and a sharper edge, making it an ideal weapon for those preferring speed and precision.

A grin played on Thorian's lips as he toyed with two ingots in his pocket. As he stepped into the building, the echo of the blacksmith's hammering reached his ears. The heavy wooden door creaked open, unleashing a wave of intense heat that washed over him. It carried with it the rich, mesmerizing aroma of burning coal and heated metal. The industrial symphony - the rhythmic pounding of hammer on anvil, the gentle hiss of cooling steel, and the intermittent grunts of the engrossed smith - was a soothing melody to Thorian's ears.

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The smithy was a cavern of shifting shadows and flickering flames. The forge commanded the room, its fiery glow beating like a radiant heart. The blacksmith, an imposing figure, bent over his anvil. His muscles, caught in the forge's gleam, rippled with every strike as he worked a piece of glowing iron.

So, a human at last?

Upon observing the blacksmith's silhouette, a smile tugged at the corners of Thorian's mouth. The beings from other dimensions had all been of various species, making this the first human to be enlisted in the service of his territory.

Once the smith completed his work, he lifted his gaze to Thorian and greeted him. "So, my lord, you have finally arrived."

Thorian cleared his throat before responding, "My apologies for the delay. We've been dealing with an invasion, and I haven't had the opportunity to meet you until now."

"There's no need for apologies, my lord," the blacksmith dismissed, shaking his head. "Given the ongoing stabilization of your territory, such delays are to be expected."

Thorian nodded in acknowledgment before swiftly changing the subject. "I wish to learn the blacksmith skill first. I plan to bring in new citizens to work with you as apprentices within a few hours."

"With pleasure, my lord," the blacksmith replied, a broad grin spreading across his face at the prospect of welcoming new apprentices. "As for your skill, here is the scroll."

Thorian accepted the skill scroll from the blacksmith's grasp, ripping it down the middle without hesitation. Immediately, a notification materialized in front of him.

Do you wish to accept the production class: Blacksmith? All progress in your Magus class will be deleted.

No, just teach me the skill without changing my class.

Blacksmith I has been learned.

Blacksmith I Description Master the forge's flames and harness the power of the hammer, skillfully utilizing heat, force, and precision to mold raw metal into strong armor or powerful weaponry. Currently, you can transform low-grade materials into Initiate-level items. Your proficiency level affects the quality of your handiwork; the higher your proficiency, the less likely you are to produce flawed items and the more likely you are to craft rare pieces. Proficiency 0%

"Will you be utilizing the forge right away, my lord?" the blacksmith's question pulled Thorian from his contemplation.

"Not immediately," Thorian shook his head. "There are still numerous issues that require my attention. I will return later with the civilian apprentices."

"Take care, my lord," the blacksmith nodded in response.

“You as well, uh..."

The blacksmith interjected, "Yashuwe, my lord."

"Take care, Yashuwe," Thorian nodded with a smile, then made his exit from the forge.

With his conversation with Yashuwe completed, Thorian set off for the Alchemist’s Lab. Similar to the blacksmith skill, he accepted the alchemy skill without adopting the class. Having accomplished his tasks there, he then headed toward the Magus Guild.

While en route to the Guild, Thorian decided to review the spell he had acquired on his return journey to the village.

Minor Elemental Affinity Description You possess a rare affinity for all elements, marking you as a unique existence. All elemental skills that you invoke are more potent and effective than usual. Proficiency 11.8%

Not a bad rate of progression, Thorian mused with a satisfied grin. Closing the skill description screen, he continued toward the Magus Guild, where Fizzlegrin was waiting to greet him.

"Are you here to advance your class, my lord?" Fizzlegrin asked.

"Yes, I am," Thorian affirmed.

Upon hearing his response, the Buzzlekin led him into a room to the right. This was where magi had previously undergone testing for their talents. At the far end of the room, a giant glass orb shimmered, brimming with vibrant hues and twinkling lights, reminiscent of a star-studded night sky.

"Please place your hand upon that orb, my lord," Thumblewick Fizzlegrin instructed.

Thorian complied and pressed his hand against the enigmatic object. Instantaneously, the room plunged into darkness, only to be illuminated moments later by flickering lights. It was as if Thorian had been teleported into the vast expanse of space, twirling amidst the celestial bodies.

Checking for requirements

Requirements Fulfilled

Possible class advancements

Fire Magus

Wind Magus

Earth Magus

Water Magus

Lightning Magus

Steam Magus

Magma Magus

Ice Magus

Wood Magus

Sand Magus

Elemental Magus

Without missing a beat, Thorian selected the final option. "I choose the Elemental Magus."

Congratulations, you have advanced to the unique class: "Elemental Magus"