[Requirements Met.]
[Your understanding of minerals has increased.]
“My understanding of minerals has increased? This must be related to my [Examine] ability. Let’s go over these materials again.”
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1. Karaçıraş
* Properties:
* Color: Deep, glossy black
* Durability: Highly resistant to fire and corrosive substances.
* Hardness: Hard, but prone to cracking under impact.
* Heat Resistance: Possesses exceptional heat resistance; difficult to melt and withstands high temperatures.
* Uses:
* Weapon Crafting:
Karaçıraş's high hardness and fire resistance make it ideal for crafting swords, axes, and other heavy weapons. However, due to its brittleness against impact, it is often combined with flexibility-enhancing enchantments or strengthening materials to improve durability.
* Armor Crafting:
Its fire resistance makes it suitable for use in high-temperature combat zones. However, due to its fragile nature, it is more often used in shields or other protective equipment that encounters less direct impact.
* Magical Rituals:
Karaçıraş’s dark nature is well-suited for dark magic or protective talismans, offering energy-absorbing and sealing capabilities against dark spells.
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2. Görünçtezi
* Properties:
* Color: Reflective metallic gray or silver tones.
* Hardness: Medium hardness with some flexibility; resistant to impacts.
* Light Reflection: Exhibits high reflectivity, giving it a glowing, eye-catching appearance.
* Uses:
* Lighting and Decorative Items:
Görünçtezi is used for decorative objects and mirrors in palaces or sacred spaces due to its reflective properties, which enhance lighting.
* Magical Charms and Scrolls:
Its shiny surface makes it an excellent medium for magical engravings, amplifying the potency and reach of inscribed spells.
* Weapon Accessories:
Often used in outer layers of shields or handles of swords, its aesthetic appeal and affinity for magic make it ideal for crafting standout pieces.
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3. Sinsaköyü
* Properties:
* Color: Misty gray with fine veining and a faintly foggy appearance.
* Flexibility: Very low; high risk of breaking after being shaped.
* Energy Absorption: Absorbs sound and vibrations, making it ideal for stealthy and shadowy tasks.
* Uses:
* Stealth Armor and Shields:
Its sound-absorbing property makes it popular in armor crafted for assassins or agents who operate in the shadows.
* Magical Barriers and Protection Fields:
Sinsaköyü’s energy-absorbing nature makes it ideal for creating protective barriers or shields to guard mages silently.
* Stealth Rings:
Used to craft small charms or rings that allow the wearer to move more quietly.
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4. Gölgesim
* Properties:
* Color: Emits a faint purplish glow in dark environments.
* Hardness: Soft yet durable, easily shaped.
* Concealment: Its glowing properties in shadowy conditions make it highly compatible with shadow magic.
* Uses:
* Amulets for Shadow Magic:
Thanks to its glowing and flexible nature, Gölgesim is used by shadow mages to craft charms, night vision aids, or light-sensitive spells.
* Stealth Accessories:
Accessories such as necklaces or rings designed to enhance invisibility and concealment for warriors or mages.
* Decorative Objects and Tools:
Preferred for creating decorative items that interplay with light and shadow in mesmerizing ways.
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5. Çığırıp
* Properties:
* Color: Sparkling red, radiating an intense glow.
* Hardness: Medium hardness; resistant to flames but vulnerable to high impacts.
* Heat Emission: Absorbs heat, giving it a cold touch.
* Uses:
* Mage Staves and Weapons:
Excellent for offensive spells, particularly fire-enhanced staves and wands.
* Heat-Absorbing Tools:
Its heat absorption makes it ideal for devices requiring cold environments. Additionally, it can be used in mage gloves for heat protection.
* Lighting Products:
Çığırıp’s sparkling appearance makes it suitable for decorative lighting elements.
6. Venomtail
* Properties:
* Color: Greenish-black hues with a glossy surface.
* Hardness: Flexible and durable, not brittle.
* Poison: Can carry a high dose of venom, which can be activated through magic or physical attacks.
* Uses:
* Poisoned Weapons:
Its venom-carrying ability makes it ideal for daggers, arrowheads, and similar weapons. Special enchantments can be applied to enhance the potency of the venom.
* Defensive Armors:
Perfect for crafting specialized armor that can repel enemies with a toxic coating or release poisonous mist.
* Healing and Poison Crafting:
When used in small, controlled quantities, it can be utilized in antidote preparation or healing magic.
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7. Spider Eye
* Properties:
* Color: Matte black with small, eye-shaped indentations resembling tiny stones.
* Flexibility: None; extremely brittle.
* Vision Ability: Enables the user to see in darkness and notice fine details; can be enhanced with magical processing.
* Uses:
* Vision Rings or Amulet Talismans:
Can be used to craft rings or necklaces that grant night vision, often favored by shadow mages.
* Magical Talismans:
Used to create magical magnifiers or charms that allow for an enhanced focus on minuscule details.
* Visual Enhancement Armors:
Used in helmets or visors to provide better vision in dark environments, making it easier to detect hidden enemy attacks.
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“Wow! Just by looking at these materials, I can understand their properties and potential uses. This is definitely going to come in handy.”
With the material list in hand, I left my workshop and started heading toward the shop where I usually purchased them.
I held the list tightly as I stepped out of the workshop, gradually disappearing into the maze of narrow streets. The cool air combined with a thin mist lingering over the stone-paved roads. The city’s winding alleys seemed to guide me, twisting and turning as though with purpose. As I drew closer to Rick’s Shop, my excitement grew.
When I finally arrived, the shop’s exterior captivated me as it always did. Its stone walls, imbued with the essence of a bygone era, and weathered wooden details set it apart from every other building. Above the door, the faded wooden sign still bore the name “Rick’s World of Wonders” engraved in an old-fashioned script. Next to the sign, wind chimes swayed gently, creating a melodic tune as they danced in the breeze. The shop windows were just clear enough to hint at the rare treasures within. I could feel the air of mystery emanating from the place.
Taking a step toward the door, I grasped the antique bronze door knocker. Lifting it, I knocked against the door, the heavy sound echoing within, followed by the faint melody of the chimes. Taking a deep breath, I slowly pushed the door open and stepped inside.
As I entered, a familiar scent of old parchment mixed with burnt herbs greeted me. This aroma was one of the things that made Old Rick’s Shop special to me for years. The organized chaos of the shelves was as it always was; magical talismans, crystals, rare minerals, and objects whose purposes only Rick seemed to know were piled everywhere. My eyes wandered through the disorder for a few seconds before locking onto Rick himself, standing behind the counter and peering at me over the rim of his thin-framed glasses.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
Despite his advanced age, there was a vigor in his posture. His shoulder-length white hair seemed to tell stories of a life well-lived. His beard, thin and untidy, hung loosely from his chin, much like the chaotic order of his shop's shelves.
His face was lined with the marks of time, especially around his eyes, where fine wrinkles became more pronounced whenever he smiled. But his most striking feature was his deep blue eyes. They seemed to be blessed with the ability to see beyond; one could almost feel like he was reading into their soul. His thin, round-framed glasses rested on the bridge of his nose, and he constantly pushed them back up with his hand.
His clothes gave the impression of being unchanged for years. He wore a faded gray tunic and a worn leather apron. The apron’s pockets were stuffed with various magical trinkets, stones, and tiny tools whose purposes I couldn’t even guess, serving as both a testament to his craftsmanship and his insatiable curiosity.
“Alex! Are you here to gather materials again, or are you looking for something else today?” he said with a smile that was both wise and playful.
“I’ve got quite a long list,” I replied, pulling out my list and placing it on the counter. “I’m starting a new project and need some rare materials.”
Rick glanced at the list, then picked it up with his long, slender fingers, examining it carefully. Pushing his glasses up, he pursed his lips.
“Darksteel, Glowplate, Whisperore... hmm, Venomtail? What are you up to, Alex? These materials could create either a masterpiece or a disaster.”
His gaze locked onto mine, but that was just his way. He wasn’t trying to intimidate me; he was, as always, trying to understand me while having a little fun.
“I’m working on a commission,” I said with a grin. “Some armor, a few enchanted accessories, and a bit of experimentation. You know, it’s my job. I can’t learn without experimenting.”
Rick raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Can’t learn without experimenting, eh? Very well, wait here.”
With that, he muttered something and disappeared into the back of the shop. As he vanished among the shelves, I thought I heard him cursing in a language I didn’t recognize. Moments later, he returned with a box and several wrapped packages, setting them carefully on the counter.
“This is Darksteel. Bright and sturdy. But don’t let its hardness fool you; it’s prone to cracking under impact. Be mindful of that when working with it,” he said, handing the material to me. Then he pulled out a plate of Glowplate, its surface gleaming under the light and briefly dazzling my eyes. “You’ll make something spectacular with this. Avoid over-polishing it to keep its brilliance intact.”
One by one, he laid out the other materials. He spoke of Whisperore’s fragility, Shadowgem’s nighttime glow, and Venomtail’s deadly but controlled properties. I tried to memorize every word; Rick’s advice was priceless.
Finally, as I packed the materials into my bag, I pulled out a pouch of gold and placed it on the counter. “As always, you’ve given me the best, Rick. I’m grateful.”
Rick smiled as he picked up the pouch. “It’s you who keeps me rich, kid. But remember, materials come to life only in the hands of a skilled craftsman like you. Otherwise, they’re just piles of rock and metal.”
I slung my bag over my shoulder, nodded in gratitude, and said my goodbyes. As I stepped outside, a sharp, cool wind hit my face. My eyes wandered to the sky for a moment; the mist had cleared, and the sun was beginning to shine through the clouds. I smiled to myself. I couldn’t wait to start my new projects, eager to see what I could create with Rick’s materials.
“These materials cost me a fortune, but they were a necessary investment. If I use this opportunity wisely, I’ll be able to sell better products at higher prices over time, take better care of my mother, and maybe even save enough to open my own shop in the future!”
Before returning to my workshop, I decided to visit my mother. With a mix of pride and joy in my heart, I headed toward the hospital. Entering the hospital, I had my usual unnecessary exchange with the receptionist.
The hospital corridors were silent, disturbed only by the occasional passing of nurses and the faint beeping of machines. I adjusted my bag on my shoulder and walked toward the room where my mother was staying. I stopped in front of the door, taking a deep breath. When I stepped inside, I was met with my mother’s lifeless yet peaceful face.
My mother had been in a coma for years, showing barely any sign of life. I sat down in the chair beside her bed and began to speak, a faint smile on my face:
“Mom, I went to Rick’s again today. Can you believe it? He managed to amaze me as always. That shop... it’s truly another world. Darksteel, Glowplate, Shadowgem… I got incredible materials. I’m starting a new project. I think this might be the biggest work I’ve ever done. If everything goes as planned, I’ll finally save enough to open my own shop. And maybe... maybe I can get you out of here, bring you home again. Do you remember how you used to sit in the garden for hours, tending to the flowers?”
I gently adjusted the thin tube beside her, my voice tinged with sadness. “Sometimes I wonder,” I continued, “Am I strong enough to achieve all this? But as the son of a woman like you, I know I can’t give up. You were always strong, Mom. Just like you taught me, I’ll stay strong too.”
In the middle of my monologue, the sound of my mother’s monitors suddenly quickened. For a moment, I couldn’t comprehend what was happening. Her body moved slightly, then tensed in a spasm-like motion. Her eyes widened in fear.
“Mom? Mom! What’s happening? Please, stop! Somebody help! Help!” I shouted as I ran out of the room. Nurses and doctors quickly rushed in, ushering me out and closing the door. One of the doctors spoke calmly as the door shut, “Leave it to us; we’ll do everything we can.”
I began pacing the hallway, waiting. Every passing minute felt like an hour. Inside me was a mix of fear and an inexplicable guilt. I mumbled to myself, “What did I do? Did it happen because I talked to her? Or was it something else?”
Hours passed. Finally, one of the doctors emerged from the room. He looked exhausted as he approached and lightly touched my shoulder. “Alex, may we speak?”
I stood up immediately, looking at him with concern. “What happened? How is my mother? Is she okay?”
The doctor sighed and began to explain. “Your mother’s condition is stable now. However, this was a mana insufficiency crisis. This occurs when mana flow becomes completely irregular, and the body can no longer sustain itself.”
I frowned. “Mana insufficiency? How is that possible? My mother... she’s been like this for so long. I’ve never heard anything about mana before.”
Maintaining his serious tone, the doctor continued, “Mana insufficiency typically stems from two causes. Either the person is inherently predisposed to it, which is extremely rare, or it results from external interference disrupting the mana flow. However, for someone to perform such an interference, they would need to have very strong mana control. Your mother’s condition points to one of these two possibilities.”
This revelation stunned me. “External interference? But... but who? Why? Could this even be possible?”
The doctor shrugged. “It’s hard to say right now. However, your mother’s condition is quite delicate. We’ll need a specialized treatment plan to stabilize her mana balance. Understanding how this condition originated will help guide her treatment.”
Millions of thoughts flooded my mind. If my mother wasn’t born with this condition, then someone must have disrupted the mana flow in her body. But who could do such a thing?
The doctor added, “By the way, we noticed a scar on her body that wasn’t documented before. We’d like you to check it, just to confirm.”
I looked at him with a puzzled expression. “A scar?”
We quickly headed back to my mother’s room. The doctor gently pulled down her clothing to expose the area over her heart, showing me the scar.
“Was this scar here before?” he asked.
The moment I saw it, I remembered. This was no ordinary scar.
10 Years Ago…
“Dad, when I grow up, I’m going to be a hunter like you and wear a superhero outfit like this!” I said, handing him a drawing.
My father carefully examined the picture. “What’s this symbol on your chest?” he asked.
“It’s my superhero symbol!” I replied proudly. “It’s a big letter A inside a diamond shape.”
…
I was brimming with anger, so angry that I clenched my fists so hard that the inside of my palm bled. I made an oath at that moment;
“Dad, I WILL KILL YOU! I SWEAR I WILL KILL YOU!”