After Fanz stormed off, another adventurer walked up to my table and asked, "Can I commission for a mask? If so what do I need to trade for a plain white mask that has an owl shape to it? I don't have anything useful to trade yet but I shall trade when I have enough stuff."
"You want a normal mask or one with special attributes?" I asked as I observed this new customer. The adventurer standing in front of me was Nez - a druid holding a quarterstaff with a black raven perched on his shoulder.
"Hmmm, can it be one that can changes colors. If not, then a normal one will do." Nez pondered for a bit.
"Change colors eh?...hmm...can you capture a live E-rank giant Chameleon? They're about as big as a cow."
"Hmmmm, I can... I think with careful planning, but can we go hunt something outside the quest though?"
"Yes, you can. Also, if you want, I can enhance the mask with a special attribute called Camouflage which lets you blend into the background if you wore all white."
"It's fine." Nez refused, "I got my magic for stealth. Plus I don't dress in white anyway. I will wait for tomorrow to go Chameleon hunting."
With that said and done, Nez left to go about his business. I turned back to the clusters of adventurers still in the Tavern and began advertising my skills and my masks. As I looked at my surroundings, I see Alliuna walking towards me. She handed a big black feathered wing and asked me to make a mask out of it.
Curiously looking at the mask, I asked, "What's it from?"
"I'm not sure. I believe it may be from a Fallen Angel." Alliuna shrugged.
"Ok, I'll try." I replied. Since this dragon hybrid is already powerful, I will have to go all out. Opening my Maker's Domain, I carefully inspected the wing. Apparently, this is a wing of a Demonic Vermillion - a creature on par with Dragons.
With this material, I decided on a feathered mask. First, I de-feathered the wing and then carve off the meat. Next, I used the bones as my base reshaping it and condensing it so that it becomes a small mask...large enough to cover the eyes and some of the nose of the user. Then, I washed the mask in the blood while chanting some incantations...instilling magical properties and buffs into the mask. Then, I use the feathers to decorate the mask while still chanting nonstop. After an hour, I pricked my finger and let and single drop of my blood filled with my Maker's Essence onto the mask. The blood, as if alive, spread out and covered the mask entirely - turning the mask red for a moment before dissipating back to its original white and black color. Finally done, I appraised the mask:
Vermillion Mask of Unholiness: A-rank
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No cooldown
No-limit
Indestructible
Stamina Drain 1%
Special Attributes:
Strength Increase x3
Speed Increase x3
Defense Increase x3
Fire Resistance 200%
Darkness Resistance 200%
Unholy Resistance 200%
Special Skills:
Power Drain - drains health and magic power at a rate of 1000 pts/sec
Eternal Fire Imbuement - grants all attacks with fire so strong that it can't be extinguished until there's nothing left to burn
Special Abilities:
Revive - user can revive once
Satisfied with this work, I deactivated my domain and handed the mask to the customer.
"Here, how's this?"
After looking at the mask, Alliuna claps in delight, "Well done. I am most impressed. Though I have to say, if this is your A-rank, what do you consider S-rank? Well, I can't use half of its abilities but still, this will give me a valid excuse for using more powers than I've disclosed."
It seemed that Alliuna misunderstood and thought that she needed to have the affinity in order to use the abilities...however, that is not the case. With the mask, even if the user is a normal citizen, he/she can use the abilities mentioned in the mask. I, however, did not mention this as it seems this dragon hybrid would only wear it for decoration. Just as I was about to hand the mask over to Alliuna, PK - that greedy idiot - suddenly cast his "Plunder" skill and stole the mask out of my hands.
I smiled...hmph small tricks...and takes out my Ghost Mask. After transforming into a ghost, I turned myself invisible and fluttered towards PK. With a swipe, I take back the mask. But then, I noticed that PK was still smiling when I took back the mask. Realizing something was off, I asked him about it. PK said that his "Plunder" skill can not only steal items, but also skills (low version of original).
Knowing that the only skill I used during my time at the Tavern was summoning my Maker's Domain, I laughed at PK. I told him that Maker's Domain can't be stably activated if the user doesn't have Maker's Essence. I then told him that I can give him a drop of Maker's Essence if he teaches me his Plunder skill (Maker's Essence is basically life essence and can be strengthened by purifying and refining one's blood while tempering one's life force). PK agreed and taught me his skill. Turns out it was his bloodline skill, but seeing how he easily taught it to an outsider, I decided to douse him with a little more pure Maker's Essence. This way, he will be able to level up his Maker's Domain and increase his successes when crafting.
After the exchange, I fluttered back. I took off my mask and turned towards Alliuna.
"Here's your Demonic Vermillion Mask. Use it with care."