Myth 5: The Blacksmith's Apprentice
Myung-ki's real life schedule would start with waking up from the game at 5 am and start his morning routine of jogging to the forest and start his parkour like training until about 7 am. He then would sprint home and take a shower in his own private bathroom before joining his family for breakfast at 8 am. He would then work in the backyard in the small forge and made kitchen knives and dull swords for decorative purposes as making real weapons would be illegal. He did not know what to do with them but Myung-Dae said he would handle it. Two knives or one sword would take about an hour of his day. He then would train his body and sword technique in his room until it was time for lunch. After eating a lot for lunch he would then log into fighting destiny and play the game only taking a small break for dinner.
In the game Myung-Ki's avatar Akaro continued a routine as well. During the mornings he kept the library open he would quietly read as many books as he can. He obtained a title and a myth weaver skill that helped with this endeavor. After his morning read and maintenance of the library, he would then eat lunch at the restaurant and sometimes the chefs would join him. Even his aunt would take a break and have a meal with him. He would then get a bento and obtained the training meals his brother chefs would give him.
He used various ways to sneak into the training grounds like using persuasion on little children to distract the instructor, causing disturbances near by that would force the instructor to help, and other devious ways to allow him to get into the training grounds without detection. He would alternately use previous methods in random intervals to prevent the Ezekiel from figuring out any patterns.
From time to time Chul-Moo would challenge him to duels if he was caught by hangul user during training sessions. This always gave an audience whenever they do fight and Chul-Moo always was a higher level than him. Chul-Moo would leave the city to train and fish while Akaro would gain experience from reading and doing small quests for the restaurant.
At one point Chul-Moo asked that Akaro would use his two sword fighting style in their duels as he wanted to test how strong the redhead truly was. It was an immediate defeat as Akaro would target all the joints whenever they fought and there would be no time for the young Korean to react to Akaro’s slashes. This however did not deter the young man but rather spurned him on more to get even stronger and challenge Akaro even more.
He would continue to train and only take small breaks to eat and meditate to replenish his status points. He did not know that resting at an inn would improve his experience gain yet so he just continued on until the morning where he would have to open the library once more.
By the fifth week in the game, Akaro finally got to the last book in the library and another pop up message appeared.
You have acquired a secret achievement. You have gain an update to a title.
Four Swords Master Scholar
WIS +50
INT +50
Focus + 50
Mana +1000
Reputation up by 100
Level up: Literary Understanding (Beginner level 9: Exp: 10%)
The skill Literary Understanding was a skill that he obtained that allowed him to only read new information in the books compared to similar books he has read before. It was a passive skill that would automatically begin whenever he read something similar to what he read before.This helped him get through most of the history and lore of the Four Swords country.
Akaro was starting to understand that in this game, in order for skill proficiency to increase he would need to use it constantly. He watched as other players that started out around the same time as him were adventuring and obtaining armor and weapons from questing. He primarily stayed within the city so he has yet to experience fighting monsters and animals outside the city gates. Although he hasn’t “grinded” like normal players, he instead focused on grinding in reading and training his body. This helped increase his base stats a lot better but it was still a slower way to gain experience.
The young man was treating a game as if he was just in another world and this avatar he created was another facet of himself. That being said he wanted to make sure he was comfortable in his new body and wanted to make sure he was getting close to a similar condition of how his real body would feel. He felt that something was missing from his equipment as he only had the beginner’s short sword which was obsolete to what he would normally use.
'I need to make two katana...'
Finishing his first goal of reading the books and now that he was starting to feel more comfortable with his current strengths he decided that he needed weapons. He did not one just any iron sword he could buy or get from beginner quests. His prideful Japanese soul would not allow him to use such weapons. His grandfather always said that the best weapon anyone can have is one they made with their own sweat and blood. He followed this saying well as he also gained the experience and knowledge of swordsmithing from his grandfather.
'Need to find a place to smith first.'
He contemplated on where to start and decided to ask his brothers at the restaurant.
"Isn't it younger brother. Got hungry already?" The head chef greeted. He was use to not seeing Akaro until around lunch but he was here a lot earlier.
Already familiar with these group of people Akaro could not help but smile.
"No Oji-san. Wanted to find out if you can help me?"
"I see no problem with that at all. Tell uncle what you need and I'll help you? Is it by any chance a woman?"
Ignoring the lecherous grin the older man had Akaro explained.
"I am not so popular to have any worries with woman. I want to make swords to my liking but I did not come across any forges that I can use to do so."
The head chef shook his head as this boy must have a screw loose.
'A boy this handsome with no women problems is unbelievable. He must have been living under a rock or he is as dense as one.'
Although not too far from the truth the man replied.
"Well if you do have any women issues feel free to talk to me. I use to be a lady killer until I got married you know. But as for a forge. Old man Melchior has a forge not too far from here." Gaspar informed the young man.
"Can you tell me where I can find him?" Akaro asked with the thought of making his weapons starting to elevate his mood.
"Hold on. Before you go to him you need to be prepared. I've been his friend for awhile now but that's because he likes my food. He's a cheap skate and he does not take apprentices easily. Actually he does not have any apprentices as he is very hard to please." Gaspar explained.
The chef pondered a bit before saying, "I know how I can help you. He loves my food although he won't openly admit it. Maybe strike a deal with him that I'll provide him a meal everyday if he takes you on as an apprentice."
Akaro wrote a simple contract between him and the head chef.
'I, Gaspar of Hunters Delight, will provide one meal a day to Melchior provided that Akaro is accepted as his apprentice.'
The chef just signed it as he already trusted Akaro. He also told him how to meet with the blacksmith.
Speech stat increased by 30
"I was hoping you would follow your mother's footsteps but it looks like you are following your own path. Cooking prince would have had a nice ring to it." Gaspar smiled, "Good luck on trying to persuade that man. OH! Take this with you as well."
Gaspar handed Akaro two bento. One for him and obviously the other for Melchior.
***
After leaving the restaurant he walked westward passing the training grounds. The instructor spotted him and kept his gaze on him. But Akaro kept walking as his focus was not on training but on getting access to a forge. He did know what to expect when he got there but he needed to prepare a contract in order for this to work to his advantage.
'I need access to the forge when he's not using it. So I need to make an agreeable terms for that. Also need access to materials as well.'
Akaro was starting to get a headache. If what Gaspar said was true, getting materials from Melchior will be a pain. He took a deep breath and just decided that he'll have to face the music.
It was exactly what he expected. The smithy was known as the Rusty Nail. It was full of soot and the clanging of metal can be heard. He also saw a bit of a line up from players who just came back from fighting deer and rabbits as the location was quite close to one of the exits leading outside. The line was for repairs and requests to make equipment.
"Repairs are 15 copper."
"Can I pay you 10 copper instead? I don't have the rest right now but my sword only has 1 durability and I don't want to lose it."
"Do you think this is a charity?! You should have taken care of your weapon. Swinging it like it's some sort of toy. Either pay the 15 copper or stop wasting my time."
Akaro watched at the conversation taking place. The young player gave up and left and the next person in line came up. The old man was built like a mountain. Although he had a full white beard he could see singed hairs from working closely to hot metal. He was tall and had a very brawny build. He wore no shirt but just a soot covered apron. His face showed many wrinkles and it looked like he had a permanent frown.
"ANYONE ELSE WHO THINKS THEY CAN BARTER WITH ME FOR REPAIRS BETTER LEAVE THE LINE! 15 COPPER FOR REPAIRS!"
Melchior bellowed after the last customer he dealt with. Repairing for a master blacksmith did not take a lot of time but he was still running a business. He was also quite a famous blacksmith in the kingdom and is often commissioned by nobles quite often for swords and armour. He also made other items that various people would need like nails, horseshoes, and other items but he made most of his money on weapons.
Akaro approached and chose his words carefully.
"Are you the great blacksmith of Four Swords City known as Melchior?"
"Trying to butter me up like toast will not work. Not buying whatever it is you're selling."
Melchior continued to repair while replying to Akaro.
"I am not selling anything. Just wanted to make sure you are the same Melchior that Gaspar was talking about."
Hearing the name Gaspar, Melchior turned and looked at the red headed young man.
"You know Gaspar? What does that fool chef want?"
Now that Akaro had peaked his interest he needed to persuade Melchior to make him an apprentice.
"He is like an uncle to me and when I asked if there was a forge that I can use he mentioned that there was no greater forge than yours."
"Just speak what you want or go away. If you are looking for free armour and weapons come back again when you are stronger greenhorn."
Still wearing the starting gear showed that Akaro was not rich and showed lack of strength.
"Well straight to the point is what I am more comfortable with anyway. I would like to use your forge to make my own weapons."
"I don't take apprentices that do not know the value of hard work. Letting a greenhorn like you use my forge is impossible!"
"I did not come here empty handed. Gaspar is willing to make you a meal everyday if you take me on as an apprentice. If you want I can help you at your forge during your working hours and only use it when you have closed up shop."
"That's pretty interesting proposal. I am quite hungry and those bentos that you have smell of his cooking. What would you look for in a wage? I am not going to pay you the same way I pay myself as you are just a green horn."
'Hooked... now to slowly get him to agree on a contract.'
"I can make a contract with you with these conditions." Akaro started to write on a piece of parchment while also using his persuasion skill to hopefully suade the older man into accepting the terms.
'I, Melchior of the Rusty Nail, Will make Akaro an apprentice at the Rusty Nail. Akaro will have access to the forge, tools, and any needed raw materials to use. In return Melchior will receive a meal from Gaspar from Hunters Delight every working day. Also Akaro will work for Melchior at the cost of 1 copper per piece work he completes.'
"So if you repair for 10 copper you would only cash in 1 copper? Are you right in the head?"
Frowning at the insult Akaro nodded.
Melchior was frugal there was no doubt in that and he also had a keen eye for business. This was an opportunity for practically free labour.
"I will agree to these terms."
Signing the paper Melchior looked at Akaro.
"I'll teach you the repair skill. You will start working now. And give me my meal."
Ding
Speech up by 30
Level up: Persuasion (Beginner Lv. 4 24.5%)
Level up: Contract (Beginner Lv. 4 12.8%)
Level up: Inscribe (Beginner Lv. 3 33%)
Learned Repair
Taking an extra blacksmith apron Akaro got ready to take on orders.
"THIS IS MY NEW APPRENTICE! REPAIRS THROUGH HIM ARE 5 COPPERS FOR NOW UNTIL HE GETS BETTER! YOU MAY LOSE DURABILITY ON YOUR ITEMS! THERE ARE NO REFUNDS"
Akaro cringed at the older mans volume but was amazed at how quickly this man estimated the costs. Shaking his head he got ready as the line seem to have gotten bigger as the other beginner users with less money, cheap skates, or females who saw his face wanted to have him repair it.
Players brought in weapons and paid the 5 coppers for each item. As Akaro's repair skill was beginner level 1 they lost about 10 durability each time he repaired an item. But it didn't matter to the players as it was cost effective and they were mainly beginning items that did not cost that much to begin with.
This continued throughout the day and Akaro only stopped to eat his bento before continuing again. As time went on the repair skill leveled up. By the end of the day it was at beginner level 3 and the durability loss was decreased by 1 each time.
"Alright we are closing shop. Come again tomorrow." Melchior grunted.
"Damn I'll have to wait until tomorrow to get my sword repaired."
"Noo I didn't get to see the pretty boy!"
"I hope it's 5 copper again tomorrow."
Akaro overhearing some of the groans and some strange comments of him being pretty put a frown on his face.
Melchior looked at the youth and was surprised that he just continued to work throughout the day with no complaints. 'I was sure this amount of work would drive him off. Oh well I'll still get a free meal.'
Although Melchior was beginning to get ready to leave Akaro stretched and prepared himself for the real work.
Akaro first needed to smelt some ore for him to use. Seeing the open aired furnace he prepared it by shovelling coal to keep the fires burning at intense heat. On top of it he put the mold underneath to catch any of the molten iron that melts. As the preparations were done Akaro then put a layer of charcoal first and then added iron scraps as another layer. He followed up with another layer of charcoal. After 10 minutes he would add another layer of iron scraps and charcoal. Although it wasn't the traditional way to get steel he just needed metal to work with as he didn't have a lot of time to make tamahagane (Japanese steel).
Melchior who was watching silently was surprised at the knowledge the young man had. He knew now he was trained in this skill before and because of his social standing could not afford a forge he can work on his own.
'That's why he is so desperate to use this forge, even forgoing fortune to do what he wanted to do. Make weapons. But it's still too early to think that. I'll check the results of his work tomorrow.'
Leaving the red headed boy Melchior walked towards a certain restaurant as he wanted to speak with a certain someone.
Akaro continued to smelt until about an hour has passed. He then took out the collected molten iron and set it aside to cool down. Taking a steel poker he start poking up and pieces of charcoal would fall. Removing any excess he kept poking at it until a metal sound could be heard. He quickly used metal tongs and removed the alloy to let it cool.
Ding
Successfully made steel alloy.
Learned Smelting
Although he created the item he was not able to see the quality of his work unless he used a certain skill he acquired after becoming a Myth Weaver.
“Identify.”
You failed to identify the item.
You failed to identify the item.
You failed to identify the item.
You failed to identify the item.
You failed to identify the item.
The constant failures was beginning to wear down his mana but he had to continue regardless of the loss. He was able to succeed finally and was able to inspect his creation.
Impure steel alloy
Due to using iron scraps with various degrees of purity and carbon percentage of 1.7% the steel is regarded weaker than normal steel. Items made with this alloy will have decreased attack compared to other steel items.
Iron Purity: 30%
Carbon content: 1.7%
Quality: F
'Not good enough.'
Akaro continued another batch using the same technique but with subtle changes each time. It was four in the morning before he stopped due to exhaustion and hunger. He set aside to the last piece of steel in a group of about four other pieces.
“Identify”
[table]
[table][tbody]
You failed to identify the item.
You failed to identify the item.
Steel Alloy
The average alloy that is used throughout the kingdoms.
Iron Purity: 70%
Carbon Content 1.0%
Quality: C
Akaro happy that he got to this level as that was the highest he was going to get with scraps of iron. Knowing that Melchior will not let him touch the pure iron sand until there was a bit more trust between them, he decided to go get some breakfast at the Hunter's Delight.
After arriving he was greeted by Gaspar, Cooking Queen and surprisingly enough Chul-Moo.
“I do not know how you did it but he accepted you. Good job!”
Gaspar patted Akaro's back.
“So are you planning to have the blacksmith as a class?”
His mother asked concerned.
“I already have a class. But I plan to make it one of the classes that I'll learn once I get the message saying it.” Akaro replied simply.
“Oh my rival finally has a class?! I have the martial artist class and fisherman as my subclass. What amazing combat class did you get? Assassin? Swordmaster?” Chul-Moo excited that his rival was always getting stronger.
“It’s a knowledge type class called Myth Weaver.” Akaro deadpanned.
“Myth Weaver? That’s not a normal type of class. Akaro is it a unique class?” Cooking Queen wanted to verify out of curiosity and the need to protect her son from unwanted attention even from her own work.
“Yes.” Akaro answered back immediately. He had no need to lie as the class name itself was very vague.
“Aigoo… do not tell anyone you don’t trust about it. A unique class is like a treasure amongst full time players and they would hound you until you tell them how you obtained it.” His mother sighed.
“Sounds powerful but a knowledge class? Isn’t that what those wimpy mages use.” Chul-Moo made a disgusted face. “A man only needs his own body to protect himself. Magic are for weaklings!”
“I’m assuming then you won’t be learning any magic.” Gaspar interjected.
“Can’t even if I wanted to. I replaced my mana with Ki so I got the title Manaless. Makes me weaker against magic attacks but I can beat them regardless. They take too long to cast spells.” Puffing out his chest the hangul user proudly stated.
Akaro was interested in a way as he hasn’t come across it yet. The term magic in the game was vague to him, as his base knowledge of it was what he read. Apparently magic users use mana to conjure spells that can do a lot of damage. The main weakness is the activation and cooldown. They weren’t meant to fight solo as they lack in the physical side of things.
“As my rival you must get a combat skill to get even stronger. I can’t see you using any magic with your skills at fighting.” Chul-Moo continued.
The redhead couldn’t disagree as in all honesty it was a very foreign subject and “ninja” magic is just a way for certain tools to be used to cause confusion and surprise whether to escape or gain advantage in a fight. Also it was only considered magic in the past as people were more superstitious than the current society norms.
“Well I’m sure you’ll learn how to use it or replace it when a new class is available to you.” Cooking Queen started as she was sure that the boy in front of her already has an idea for what he wanted as his first class.
“I can’t… I lost the ability to change classes and adaptability passive that humans get.” Akaro responded.
“Eh?!” His mother was shocked already with his unique class but losing the ability that all humans started out with shocked her even more.
Ding
[table]
Akaro accepted without any hesitation.
[table] [tbody]
You have been invited to Cooking Queen’s party. Do you accept?
YesNo Status WindowNameAkaroAlignmentNeutralRaceAncient HumanLevel20Reputation300Ki2225/2225Health1550/1550Mana2700/2700Stamina1550/1550Vitality155Strength203Agility201Dexterity149Wisdom156 (170)Intelligence126 (205)Charisma125Luck125 (135)Tenacity135Focus125 (185)Spirit120Toughness85Endurance155Perserverance125Stealth125(145)Art120Speech545OpenOpenOpenResistancesMagic 10%10% damage reduction from magicClassesCategoryTypeNameLevelMainKnowledgeLegendary Myth WeaverBeginnerSub???NoneNoneSub???NoneNoneSub???NoneNoneTitlesTitleAttributeHunter's Delight Little BrotherLuck +10Fast ReaderInt +10, Focus +10, Wis +10StealthyStealth +20Dual Wielding Adept SwordsmanSword profficiency Exp +10%BlasphemerDamage by Faith +20%Advanced DuelistAll stats +2 during duelsChul-Moo's RivalDuels with this player increases Exp and stat growthInstant Kill Redhead DuelistReputation +100Eventful Life???Four Swords Master ScholarFocus +50, Int +50, Wis +50, Mana +1000Artifact DecrypterInt +10, Wis +10Four Swords LibrarianInt +10, Wis +10, Reputation 40Joshua's ApprenticeGain access to any libraryClose Quarters FighterCombats skills +10% Damage
As she was the leader of the party she was able to look at his status page. It shocked her at how strong he was compared to a normal player. He had many titles and all his stats were quite even. What really caught her eye was that his type of human was called ancient. This was the second time she has come across that type. The first belonged to the strongest player in the game who is the highest ranked officer in the other human capital, Demascus. She only was able to know that as she was in charge of editing the game video for that player’s interview. She sighed as she already knew that the boy in front of her was very secretive and having this class would be the opposite of what he would desire. She disbanded the party before speaking to her son.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
“Akaro, this is a way for you to group with other people and fight together sharing experience points and japtem. Japtem means loot.” Cooking Queen started to explain to the two young men in front of her.
Nodding Akaro listened to his eomma.
“You can also share your stats with party members. But don't show this to people you don't trust. There are a lot of PKers out there.”
Warned about player killers, Akaro was about to ask the question until he was interrupted.
“Murderers! I do not serve foreigners who kill civilian folk and foreigners alike. They cannot hide their notoriety in front of the guards or the church.”
The head chef was upset as he knew of many instances that players that frequented his restaurant daily would miss a couple of day to only find out they were killed by other players while farming japtem.
“So players can kill other players?” Akaro asked aloud.
“They can try to kill me. I’ll accept all challengers.” Chul-Moo grinned.
Akaro made another note in his head.
'This is too real for a game. I'll have to watch myself.'
“Yes they can. But most of these PK players do not attack near a town or city. Bounties will be created for you and your avatar name will be shown in red for all the public to see. You will also lose trust amongst the NPCs around you. The good thing is we can defend ourselves by being able to attack them without any penalties. Players who do this regularly for the reward are known as PK Hunters. So I better not see a bounty on either of you!”
Juhee explained to her son and his friend before giving them a warning.
“I would never kill another player outside of a duel. That is dishonourable.” The hangul user said with strength in his voice.
“As long as they are innocent players I won’t kill them. But if they are these player killers…” Akaro started off before displaying a cold gaze in his eyes. The people around him shuddered at the look.
The redhead’s upbringing was of course to be able to handle himself against dangerous situations in real life but since he made a promise to his grandfather of not using their techniques to kill unless times of war, he refrained from using any of the more dangerous skills he knows on sparring partners. As this was a game he believed he was allowed to use the full potential of the skills he knew without worry.
'So I can kill them if they tried to kill me.' Akaro thought.
“Just be careful. If anyone tries to bully you make sure to tell me. I’ll make them pay. I may not look like it but my subclass is warrior.” Cooking Queen also gave a steely gaze as she started thinking of players trying to hurt her son. “Anyways, both of you sit. Gaspar and I will be done preparing breakfast soon.”
Chul-Moo and Akaro both had to swallow their saliva as the breakfast Juhee was cooking was almost finished. It was beef steak with a side of scrambled eggs with rye toast. They all ate together as the younger chefs started to trickle in one by one. Akaro left them to prepare for the day and started heading back to the Rusty Nail.
He had already closed the library for the time being as it shouldn’t be a problem as there was no one else that really went to that library. Even the bowl hair cut player was no where to be seen at that point. Again as he past by the library going past the training grounds he felt the gaze of a pair of eyes on him.
Ezekiel was once again watching Akaro as the redhead walked by.
Once Akaro got to the rusty nail he was surprised to find an even longer line than what he saw the previous day. A majority of the people in the line were female from what he can tell from a glance. A lot of them looked like housewives holding various cooking utensils and other items.
“You are good for business.” Melchior mocked him as Akaro put his apron on.
“THE COST FOR MY APPRENTICES REPAIR SERVICES HAVE NOW INCREASED TO 6 COPPER.”
Groans could be heard by the cheapskates but to the newer players that meant he would be able to repair with less loss of durability. The females, both players and NPCs, did not care as they had ulterior motives.
They started their day once more. As more and more of the repairs were being done by Akaro alone Melchior was able to work on private requests. He then saw in the corner of the room the different group of steel that Akaro had made the night before. He inspected the different piles.
'He was able to make four Steel alloys out of the scrap metal I left around. Not bad for a green horn. But there is a lot of cruddy steel here.'
Out of the different grades of steel in total out of twenty pieces four was good, five was mediocre, and the rest were of the impure variety. Although impressed with the work Melchior believed that flattering would lead to laziness and so he yelled at him.
“OI GREENHORN! Only four passable steel ore you made. Are you trying to waste my materials?!”
Akaro stared at the man and only bowed in apology. He knew he had a lot of wasteful steel not good enough to use as weapons.
“I will do better tonight.”
Happy with the response Melchior started to work on a custom sword a noble requested.
Meanwhile Akaro was starting to think the line would not end. He was getting quicker at repairing but the line continued to grow. What he quickly noticed throughout the day the ratio of women to men were increasing.
“There he is.”
“He has to be an NPC to be that good looking.”
“So?! He's still eye candy!”
“I'll find out if I try to friend him.”
“My husband is so lacking when compared to him.”
“I wonder if he is taken.”
The gossiping women chatter was beginning to give him a headache. Akaro was also noticing a gaze from them similar to what he felt at the mall.
Ding
Learned skill Awareness (Beginner Lv. 1 0%): Enables the user to take in the surroundings and feel if there are possible threats in the nearby area.
Akaro sighed at the new skill. Unlocked by the ferocious gazes from these women he could only shake his head in disbelief.
Chul-Moo happened to be returning from the west gate and spotted his rival busy at work repairing items. From his point of view he thought that his rival was charming the women with ease. This made him feel a little agitated as one of his goals in the game were to find a girlfriend. Walking up to the counter he took off his shirt and looked at all the women in front of the line.
“All of you ladies. Who is better, a man wearing an apron or a man with muscles like mine!” He stated to the crowd in front of him.
He was flexing his muscles and normally some women would probably be impressed by the physique as if compared to Akaro there were some major differences. Chul-Moo had more muscle in general and looked bigger than his rival in terms of size. In an aesthetic look he had more defined muscles than his rival. Akaro’s body can be compared to tennis players in the sense that the muscles only needed to use swordplay were strengthened to a degree without losing his flexibility.
Unfortunately for the hangul user he was also carrying a sack filled with fish and the smell of course isn’t the best one to come across. He got his answer right away as various pots and pans were thrown at him.
“Get away from there! You stink of fish!”
“Of course we would go for the more handsome one!”
Chul-Moo was forced to leave as he continued to dodge various metal objects. He swore some of them were knives. “You’ll regret saying no to a man like me!” Was the last comment he said before dodging another pan.
Akaro sighed after the interaction of his rival and the women in line. He thought that Chul-Moo would be able to persuade some of the woman to leave the line due to his antics. Akaro did not understand why Chul-Moo was not able to do so. A lot of the romance books showed pictures of topless men with a lot of muscles. He read even a few of them but did not understand anything that was written. He just stopped his thoughts and continued to do the menial repairs.
The women brought Akaro pots and knives that needed repairing. The problem was not in the repairing but it was getting them to leave after the repair was done. They would try to start talking to him but as he was quite uncomfortable he did not reply back. Friend requests would often pop up in which he would ignore and say no under his breath. The person who requested would pout a bit before deciding to be content that she can look at him.
One scene in particular increased his belief that women were to be feared.
Akaro had just finish repairing a kettle that was quite sturdy to begin with. After the repair the woman paid the six copper and retrieved the kettle. She then placed it on the ground and picked up moderate sized stone and threw it on the kettle. The scariest part was not her action but what she said after.
“Oh I'm so clumsy. I guess I'll have to get it repaired again.”
'YOU JUST THREW A ROCK AT IT!!'
Akaro mentally shouted out a tsukkomi.
She wasn't the only one unfortunately for Akaro. Many of the other women were beginning to get the same idea and so he saw a lot of the same faces.
'Kami please save me.'
Melchior chuckled at the situation. He did not care if they kept coming back. He was raking in quite a bit of profit.
Akaro's prayer was answered about thirty minutes to lunch as his mother walked by carrying two bento.
“Melchior-nim here is your bento.”
Cooking Queen was not happy of what she had heard. As Chul-Moo was delivering the fish to the restaurant, she heard him complain that his rival was even beating him with woman. Although originally she was going to send one of the younger chefs, she decided to go herself. She was not happy all with what she was seeing. Many women were beginning to get a bit more aggressive in their approach showing off skin and leaning over to thank Akaro revealing a bit of their cleavage. One look at Akaro's face informed her all she needed to know.
“Ah-dul (son). Here is your lunch.”
Juhee made sure the surrounding women heard her before she set her gaze on the surrounding women.
“I hope there is no one causing you any hassle.”
Many of the women started to button up their tops and started to act properly amongst themselves. If the women were to be described as a pack of wolves, Juhee would be the mother bear protecting her cub. Juhee's glare alone ran chills throughout their spines.
“I will return everyday you are working here.”
“Thank you eomma.”
This was the first time Akaro spoke all day. If his mother's words were ice cold water, his voice was gasoline that revived the embers that she just put out.
“Did you hear his voice?”
“He's an angel.”
“I wonder if he's a singer in real life.”
“Not in Korea he's not.”
“Maybe he's a foreign pop star?!”
Even though she was a bit worried Cooking Queen had to leave and log off to go to work.
Akaro cursed his luck as the women who was just quiet, started talking again and now they had another goal and that was to make him talk.
This continued until the end of the week. Akaro had closed the library for the time being and stopped training to focus on his metal work. Every time the regular hours ended he would continue to work and smelt. By the end of the week he had made one hundred impure steel, seventy-five mediocre class steel, and thirty steel alloy.
Due to not having the blacksmith class yet his smelting was hampered in proficiency gain due to his current class. Although it only went up to beginner level 3 it still decrease the time to do the same amount of work he did on the first day. Also his identification level was only beginner level 2 even with all the ores he had identified.
`Lets do some practice first. Going to use up the bad alloy first.`
Melchior watched Akaro grab one of the impure steel and placed it in the forge.
`Let`s watch and see what this green horn is going to do.`
Using the metal tongs Akaro grabbed the heated metal and brought it to the anvil. He then grabbed a hammer and started striking the metal. He missed a couple of times due to trying to get his body to move the way he thought it to but Akaro`s accuracy slowly started to increase. Once he got a square like shape he heated it up again. This time he started folding the metal. Every hit from the hammer there would be metal sparks from the heat. Also impurities were starting to burn off. He repeated these steps until he folded the metal about seventeen times which was his favourite number. On the seventeenth fold he heated the metal once more and started to make the shape of a knife. He did not want to make a katana out of poor material after all. Since he had a lot of metal to work with he made a chef knife. After making the point of the blade he then started to work on the edge.
This whole process took hours game time. By the time he had finished the basic outline of the knife it was time to eat lunch. Akaro`s mother came by again and with food for both him and Melchior.
Taking this time Melchior decided that he need to know who taught Akaro.
“Greenhorn. Who taught you to forge like this?”
“My grandfather did.”
“He must have drilled it in to you pretty good. You are quite disciplined. Where is your grandfather? I would like to have a drink with him.”
“He passed away awhile ago.”
Akaro's face showed a brief moment of sadness before his usual unemotional face returned.
'This boy must have been from a good family. Why does he have to work at my forge?'
“Sorry to hear that. How about your father? Why did he not let use the forge at your place?”
“My father does not believe this work is suited for the wealthy.”
'Noble blood.'
Melchior thought as he was an NPC after all. Still curious about the lad he asked another question.
“If you do not mind me asking greenhorn. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?”
“You have given me a chance to use your forge. I do not mind sharing a bit of my story.”
Akaro started to tell Melchior details of how he came to be raised by his grandfather and how he was about eight years old when he first lifted a hammer to help his grandfather forge. He then told him how after his grandfather died his father kicked him out to live with his grandfather and aunt from his mother’s side. Of course he omitted locations as it was still a game based in a different world but he did mention how this was a new experience for him.
“What a despicable man! To have thrown out his own son like a piece of garbage!”
After he told his story Akaro got a pop up message.
You have told a tale of your honest past. The hardened man, Melchior, who has heard the story has softened his heart.
Level up: Storytelling (Beginner Lv. 2 20%)
Int up by 1
Wis up by 1
Luck up by 1
Speech up by 20
Art up by 10
Mana up by 100
Reputation up by 10
'This boy was experiencing this much pain and here I am taking advantage of him.'
“Boy.”
Akaro looking a bit confused with the change of his nickname looked at the old smith.
“We are going to change that agreement. I will acknowledge you as my true apprentice and we are going to change how much you earn. I cannot take advantage of the amount of work you do. It would disgrace me. From now on any profit you make we split 40/60. I still get a bit more as this is my forge but this should help you on purchasing your own in the future.”
“Alter Contract.”
'I, Melchior of the Rusty Nail, Will make Akaro an apprentice at the Rusty Nail. Akaro will have access to the forge, tools, and any needed raw materials to use. In return Melchior will receive a meal from Gaspar from Hunter's Delight every working day. Any profit Akaro makes at the Rusty Nail he will give 60% of it to Melchior.'
They both re-signed the piece of paper.
“Starting next week when we open again I'll pay you properly.”
Melchior smiles at Akaro before changing his face to a stern look.
“Your story took too long boy! I am going have to stay at the forge longer. You better use up all that ore!”
Akaro smirked before nodding.
“Yes master.”
He felt good talking about his story to Melchior. Akaro felt his heart was slightly lighter. He knew that Melchior was not a real person but he did not care. He treated the man with the proper respect as if he would to any elder.
Getting back to the forge he started working on a new piece of impure steel alloy and repeated the steps he did that morning. He wanted to finish making the base knives before continuing to the sharpening step.
This continued until he used up about fifteen percent of the impure steel ore. He had to eat some of his beef jerky and bread as the bento was not enough to keep his hunger from growing. Using the hammer and hitting the metal brought up his stats as well. He had also picked up the dexterity stat not too long ago as well.
“Stats.”
[tbody]
[table]
“Skills.”
[table][tbody]
Status Window NameAkaroAlignmentNeutralRaceAncient HumanLevel20Reputation300Ki2225/2225Health1550/1550Mana2700/2700Stamina1750/1750Vitality155Strength210Agility201Dexterity149 Wisdom156 (170)Intelligence126 (205)Charisma125Luck125 (135)Tenacity135Focus125 (185)Spirit120Toughness85Endurance175Perserverance125Stealth125(145)Art120Speech545Dexterity120OpenOpenResistancesMagic 10%10% damage reduction from magicClassesCategoryTypeNameLevelMainKnowledgeLegendary Myth WeaverBeginnerSub???NoneNoneSub???NoneNoneSub???NoneNoneTitlesTitleAttributeHunter's Delight Little BrotherLuck +10Fast ReaderInt +10, Focus +10, Wis +10StealthyStealth +20Dual Wielding Adept SwordsmanSword profficiency Exp +10%BlasphemerDamage by Faith +20%Advanced DuelistAll stats +2 during duelsChul-Moo's RivalDuels with this player increases Exp and stat growthInstant Kill Redhead DuelistReputation +100Eventful Life???Four Swords Master ScholarFocus +50, Int +50, Wis +50, Mana +1000Artifact DecrypterInt +10, Wis +10Four Swords LibrarianInt +10, Wis +10, Reputation 40Joshua's ApprenticeGain access to any libraryClose Quarters FighterCombats skills +10% Damage Skill WindowNameDescriptionExperience/Proficiency %LevelEffectConsumptionLegendary Myth Weaver:CoercionEnable the user to persuade using threats or black mail to force others to do as the user requests. As it is a negative form of persuasion spirit stats will be affected.0%Beginner: 130% chance to obtain condition but 10% success rate"20 Speech
5 Spirit "ContractEnables the ability to make contracts for trades and battle. The other party must sign in order for the contract to work. Higher level in contract increases the amount of conditions that can be put into place. The more detailed the contract the stiffer the punishment for breaking it.13%Beginner: 3Create, alter, cancel contracts created by the user as long as the conditions are met.
Broken conditions will cause random penalties to occur.
3 condition/per contract.50 mana/conditionDecipherEnable the Ability to read and understand ancient texts.0%Beginner: 1100% accuracy in translating ancient texts but 10% success rate1000 manaIdentificationEnables you to learn the true value of unidentified items0%Beginner: 2100% accuracy in identifying iems but 5% success rate20 manaIllustrationEnables the ability to sketch images that depict an instance in the story.0%Beginner: 1Increases the artistic value of stories created10 mana/secondInscribeEnables the ability to write on any surface.
Corresponding tool will be needed to use this ability.33%Beginner: 3Able to write on any physical surface.10 mana/second.PersuasionEnables the user to increase the likelihood of having succeed any attempts to acquire favors, items, passage, etc... with speech24.5%%Beginner: 425% chance to obtain condition but 20% success rate40 SpeechStorytelling (passive)Enables the ability to use speech or writing to create a story using one's imagination.0%Beginner: 1Increases the popularity of any story created depending on retention of audience/readers. This skill can greatly increase Speech and Art stats. Reputation may increase as well.N/ALiterary Understanding (passive)Makes reading quicker as it omits any redudancy when reading.30%Beginner: 920% of redudant information is omitted.N/APassive SkillsSword MasteryEnables the user to use sword class weapons.25%Beginner: 3"Attack Damage increased (17.5%) when wielding sword class weapon.
Attack Speed increased (6.5%) when wielding sword class weapons"10 Stamina/strikeDual WieldingEnables the user to use a weapon in both hands.20%Beginner: 3"Attack Damage increased (12.5%) when wielding a weapon with off hand.
Attack Speed increases (6.5%) when wielding a weapon with off hand."10 Stamina/strikeCrafting SkillsRepairEnables you to repair weapons and armors.37%Beginner: 3100% success rate but loss of durability 820 StaminaSmeltingEnables you to draw out raw materiel from items melted down, and compound it to a solid form to use as material for smithing.0%Beginner: 3Effectiveness and quality increase by 10%20 StaminaCombat SkillsAwarenessEnables the user to locate and potential threats within a given area.0%Beginner: 1Withing 5 meters from current position50 StaminaAmeterasuUsing the pinnacle of speed, power, and centrifugal force simultaneously in a well placed strike unleashes a devastating attack with two blades.N/ARank (A)"Damage increases by 300%
20% chance to cause bleed
20% chance to stun
20% chance to ignore defense300 KiReiken no issatsu: TenhekiA counter that relies on an opponent's own momentum and striking at the neck with great speed to pierce and subdue them.N/ARank (B)Damage increases by 100% + Opponent Momentum Speed
Backlash damage 40% of damage given200 KiRaijinUsing lightning like speed in drawing the twin swords you can land a blow before your opponent can even react.Rank (A)"Damage increased by 400%
20% chance to instant kill
20% chance to cause confusion
20% chance to ignore defense"500 KiReiken no nissatsu: RyuseiWhile an opponent on the ground, using a closed fist aiming and using full force upon any open vital point. Most common the back of the head or the wind pipe.N/ARank (B)Damage increased by 150% +/- defense of location struck.250 KiKojinLike a raging flame burning anything in its way, this technique will strike with 17 random attacks with two blades.N/ARank (A)"Damage increased by 25%/Hit + 50% of Attack Speed
20% chance to cause fear
20% chance to critical hit
20% chance to ignore defense"750 Ki
***
Once again Akaro logged off after inspecting his stats and reviewing his skills, as it was now five in the morning.
‘I think I’ll just play this game for a while since I’m using a forge there. I’ll hold off on making anymore knives as I don’t want to keep bothering grandfather on finding ways to use them.’
With this decision he is now able to play more actively in the game. Thankfully due to him already well off he was able to play a lot more. Unfortunately due to his gaming knowledge, he did not understand that he can buy items with his money to make his game life a bit easier. He won’t come to understand this until a later time.