Chapter 3: Metalweaving
Adam’s POV
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Nove was walking me through the metal weaving basics, outlining the key focus areas.
First off, all metal weaving arts required Nexus Energy Points, or NEP, functioning akin to mana in other fantasy worlds. However, NEP had its limits. The kid I was borrowing this body from had only a rudimentary understanding of metal weaving, so Nove couldn't delve too deep into the specifics. Nevertheless, she provided me with the fundamentals, enabling me to manipulate a small patch of dirt into a cube that briefly rose.
Don't get me wrong, though. My creation didn't last long. It crumbled back down due to my inadequate metal weaving skills. Nove clarified that, typically, structures would be fortified, but given my current expertise, there wasn't much I could accomplish. The technique I utilized was known as "Base Arts," primarily geared towards moving objects around but it’s range is very limited.
Nove's metal weaving knowledge is limited to three basic arts, and to be honest, they're all pretty much useless given my metalweaver's mastery (MV) points sitting at a measly 2.
One of the trio she briefed me on is the Base Arts. It's as basic as it sounds—just moving stuff around. Simple, right? Well, not quite. It's not just inefficient; it's practically useless. Sure, I could yank out a chunk of stone from a rock and mold it into a sword shape, but my weak physique can't handle anything too hefty. Even a heavy dagger would be useless for me.
Sure, I could go for the classic move—spiking enemies with a ground-born spear. However, there are limitations. Base arts require me to be close to the materials, don't make them any sturdier, and leave air pockets, making the structures unstable. In essence, using base arts in a monster fight is like performing a hat trick in front of an armed robber—utterly pointless.
The next two metal weaving arts, however, are the saving grace.
First up, Fusion Arts. This beauty can fuse two materials simultaneously, blending their properties to create a sturdy item. While my skills might not be top-notch for crafting weapons, Fusion Forge Arts steps in to fill the gap.
In a nutshell, Fusion Forge can enhance, melt, or amplify the unique properties of materials. Fusion Arts, on the other hand, combines them to form alloys, and with the help of Base Arts, I can shape the material to my liking. Unfortunately, my immediate options were limited to dirt and stone. Regardless, if I can fashion something usable, it's good enough for now.
Extracting materials proved to be quite straightforward. Utilizing Base Arts, I maneuvered chunks of materials out of the ground, leaving behind cleanly cube-shaped holes reminiscent of those in a survival game I once played. From there, Nove took over, seamlessly transferring those materials into the inner storage. While it would be ideal to learn these processes myself, hunger took precedence over everything else.
"Okay, time to craft a usable weapon," I declared, observing as a chunk of stone and a similar-sized piece of dirt materialized in cube-like shapes and descended to the ground. My plan? To blend the two materials, creating a weapon that's both lightweight and functional.
Even though Nove assured me she would handle the materials in my inner inventory, it was still surreal to witness objects materializing out of thin air.
I crouched down, placing my hands right on top of the cubes, initiating the use of Fusion Forge Arts to heat and strengthen them. Despite uttering those words, the reality was that I didn't fully comprehend the mechanics behind it – luckily, Nove was handling the technicalities.
Soon, steam began rising from both the stone and dirt chunks, and the cubes gradually shrank. I patiently awaited Nove's signal that the process was complete before proceeding with Fusion Arts to fuse the two cubes together. It was a peculiar sight, watching these solid forms merge like different-colored putty coalescing. After a considerable swirling duration, I was left with a cube sporting a light brown or khaki hue.
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Now, the question was what to create. While a sword was a conventional choice, I favored a bit more distance between myself and potential adversaries. A spear, perhaps? Yet, I had to ensure I could effectively wield whatever weapon I fashioned; otherwise, it would be of little use. Decisions, decisions...
In the end, I employed Base Arts to mold the hot cube into a rudimentary spear. Although it fell short of the grandeur associated with the term "spear," it served its purpose. The double-edged weapon boasted a slightly thick rod, marred by irregularities and a lack of sleekness. The blade, while not razor-sharp—reminiscent of a butter knife—featured a sufficiently pointed end for effective thrusting and puncturing.
Despite its rough appearance, the spear seemed durable, and its manageable meter-long size made it ideal for my weakened state. Contrary to expectations, the weapon was only mildly warm after the crafting process, defying the anticipation of scorching heat given the earlier emanation of steam. Clutching the spear, there was a sense of accomplishment; it might not be a masterpiece, and it carried a bit of weight, yet it felt manageable. I may not execute intricate combos akin to those in fighting games, but I could wield it well enough to smack or stab at oncoming monsters.
"Success," Nove's voice echoed, followed by the appearance of a game-like window in front of the makeshift spear I now held.
Stone and Dirt Short Spear (0.5/6 Star Tier)
Materials used: Dirt, Stone.
Damage: 14
Durability: 50/50
Knockback: 4 (Weak)
Speed: 0.8 sec/swing
Resistances:
-10 to All Resistances
-8 to Earth Resistance
Special Attributes:
* Weak Craftsmanship (0.5/6 Star Tier):
due to low Metalweaving Mastery, the spear is dull and rough. Not suitable for most combat situations but better than nothing.
(-10 to all stats)
* Earthen Resilience Infusion (0.5/6 Star Tier):
The dirt incorporated into the blade provide a subtle resilience to physical impacts and makes the weapon a bit lighter. The process is rudimentary but effective.
(Max Damage +2, speed -0.2 sec/swing)
* Stonewall Fortification Enhancement (0.5/6 Star Tier):
Stone is integrated to enhance the hardness of the blade. Blade's edge gains additional strength against piercing attacks.
(+3 damage on thrusting attacks)
* Sturdy Craftsmanship (1/6 Star Tier):
The spear is well-crafted and durable, able to withstand basic combat scenarios.
(Max Durability: +10)
* Terra Affinity Integration (0.5/6 Star Tier):
Basic Terra Affinity has been granted due to all elements belonging to the Terra element, granting the sword a mild resistance against earth-based attacks.
(Earth resistance +2)
Whoa.
My gaze shifted between the lengthy text window and the crafted spear in my hand. The weight of the makeshift weapon was inconsequential compared to the thrill of creation. The rough khaki-colored rod, culminating in a dull pointed, broad arrowhead shape, beckoned me to swing and twirl it with abandon. Excitement surged within me, and a massive, creepy smile crept onto my face as I marveled at what I had produced.
"Nove, do you see this?"
"Yes, we made that."
My excitement transcended mere enthusiasm; it bordered on sheer geeky euphoria. Thoughts of the numerous special materials present in this world flooded my mind, sparking visions of future creations. Geeked out and grinning like a mad scientist, I reveled in the potential awaiting exploration.
"I sense that you're happy," Nove remarked, to which I responded with an enthusiastic nod akin to a child who just received their desired Christmas present. Her next words, however, aimed to dampen my spirits.
"I don't want to ruin your mood, but an average Metal Weaver can do all that you did and end up with a better weapon in less than a second."
Despite her sarcasm, my excitement refused to wane.
"Well, I'm not any average Metal Weaver; I'm a Metal Weaver with only 2 MV points."
There was a moment of silence before Nove spoke again.
"I see, I had not considered that. You are indeed a genius to accomplish so much with the same stat points you had as a child. Congratulations."
I remained unfazed by the potential sarcasm, fueled by hunger and excitement, and without further ado, I descended further into the cave.