As Callum resumed his walk toward the mine, he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement coursing through him. The opportunity to test his abilities in actual combat was too tempting to ignore, but he knew better than to rush headlong into danger without proper preparation. Despite his high Dexterity, he knew his Endurance was lacking, and he couldn't afford to exhaust himself just before battle.
Instead, he maintained a steady pace, taking time to consider his options. The quest ahead promised great rewards, and he found himself wondering which two pieces of equipment he should choose as blueprints from Raul. Should he go for a defensive option like a shield or chest plate? However, the idea of heavy armor gave him pause as he didn't have the strength to support such a build.
Callum was beginning to understand the natural stat weights of his new class, the Arcane Tinkerer. He was likely to engage in close-range fights with high Constitution, while the intelligence scaling suggested he relied more on abilities and skills than traditional fighting techniques. As a flexible mid-range damage dealer, he could employ traps, ranged attacks, or even an in-and-out melee style. He wasn't quite sure which one he'd adopt as his own until he saw more that the class had to offer.
His thoughts turned to the possibility of getting a blueprint for a sword or a real weapon to wield in his free hand, but the idea seemed impractical. Instead, a shield blueprint might provide a useful defensive option in his offhand, at least in the early levels. He nodded to himself.
The shield will be my first choice for a blueprint.
With one blueprint option left to choose, Callum contemplated his next move. He considered getting the blueprint for a wrench. It seemed too rudimentary a tool for his taste. Any blacksmith worth their salt could forge one for him if he needed a replacement.
His options then boiled down to a piece of heavy equipment that wasn't as weighty as the others, such as boots or pauldrons. Though the prospect of plate-crafted shoulder armor intrigued him, Callum hesitated. Unfamiliar with their weight and size, he worried they might slow him down in combat. On the other hand, an armored upper left shoulder did appeal to him. His experience with unarmed combat taught him the value of using his shoulders and elbows to deflect strikes. Adding a shield and an armored upper left shoulder together would significantly enhance his defense.
However, Callum also needed to think about the long-term applications of the blueprints. Relying solely on his family's resources was not an option any longer. Raul had offered to teach him about smelting ores, and with his guidance, Callum could learn the Blacksmithing profession at level 5 if the older man was willing to teach him. It would take time, but eventually, he could craft the most valuable piece in any armor set: the chest piece. Chest pieces of any armor set always sold well in markets, so he could choose that blueprint now and hold onto it for a future profit. Yet, the more he thought about it, the more he realized that he shouldn't focus on a profession solely for monetary gain. Instead, he should use it to increase his power. Ultimately, Callum dismissed the idea of choosing the chest piece blueprint. His [Scrap Collector] ability would provide him with ample wealth without much additional effort.
With a newfound confidence, Callum decided to approach Raul for the blueprints that would enhance his survival rate in melee combat: a beginner shield and shoulder armor. He hoped that it would protect him in battle and make him feel more comfortable while fighting in melee.
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This decision did present Callum with a problem. If his reputation with Raul continued to grow as he completed the quest chain for the old man, would it be worth remaining in the desolate starter village until he reached level five to train as a blacksmith? The thought made Callum inwardly groan. He was already far behind the others, and leveling up to level five would be a slow process in this area due to its lack of monsters.
While hiking through the woods with his Book, Callum shared his thoughts. As he did so, the enchanted bird swooped down and lightly pecked him on the head.
Laughing, Callum swiped at Book, "Alright, alright! It's a foolish idea. I should move on to the next location. If I need to delay gaining the profession, I will. Blacksmithing will likely be a common profession in this newly integrated planet."
In the verdant depths of the forest, Book's enchanted wings rustled with excitement, eager to soak up every detail of their new surroundings. The lush greens and colorful blooms were a feast for her senses, and she reveled in the beauty of the natural world around them.
As they walked deeper into the forest, Callum's eyes adjusted to the bright patterns of light filtering through the canopy above. Towering trees with smooth trunks and bursting branches stretched up to the sky, surrounded by vines and leaves in every hue of green.
Book, taking to the air in her raven form, soared up to a nearby tree and perched upon a branch. From her vantage point, she observed the intricate patterns of the leaves, each one a unique shape and shade of green. She listened to the rustling of small animals moving through the underbrush and the sweet chirping of birds high above.
Callum's sharp eyes caught a flash of movement among the bushes and raised his wrench in readiness. But as the creature emerged, he lowered it in surprise. It was a small four-legged creature with budding antlers, its fur a rich brown, with delicate spots on its sides. The creature regarded them with curious eyes before bounding away into the foliage.
Although it wasn't his typical environment, Callum couldn't deny that the lush forest was refreshing and offered a new perspective on the world around him. For Book, it was an opportunity to experience a new environment and record her observations on her pages. Together, they embraced the overwhelming amount of life present in the forest, feeling more alive themselves as a result.
As Callum began to see some of the landmarks described by the guards, he sent Book to do a bit of scouting.
It only took moments for Book to return in bird form and report. Flapping down, she transformed into her original form and projected two words on the opened page.
All clear!
He nodded and slid the enchanted book into his robes before continuing. Callum trudged through the thick underbrush of the forest, his eyes darting from tree to tree as he scanned his surroundings. As he moved deeper through the forest, the dense foliage began to thin out, and the rocky terrain grew more treacherous underfoot. He scrambled over jagged boulders and leaped across gaps, his heart picking up speed as he drew nearer to the Ladrian Forest Mine.
As he drew closer to his destination, he spied two small, abandoned shacks nestled among the trees and rocks. They appeared to be relics of a bygone era, possibly used for mining or storage long ago. Callum couldn't help but wonder if the goblins had caused their abandonment or if they'd been here before the integration.
At last, he came upon the entrance to the mine, a gaping maw in the side of a rocky hill. The rough-hewn stone was weathered and pitted with age, but it still held an ominous allure. Callum approached cautiously, his hand clutching the handle of his wrench.
The mine entrance loomed before him, its dark depths beckoning. But as he drew nearer, he saw it was deserted and silent, with no sign of recent activity. The only sounds were the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant cry of a bird. Callum steeled himself and stepped inside, ready to face the small horde he knew that lay within.