“Hey, Miss Maggie,” I greeted, walking into the pet shop. The middle-aged woman behind the counter rushed out to greet me.
“Oh, hello, dear! You’re back already?” She said, clasping my hands in hers. “Well, here are your rewards then.”
[You have obtained Item [Pet Food (x10)]]
[You have obtained Item [Growth Pellet - Lesser]]
[Pet Food]
[Rarity: Common]
[Type: Consumable]
[Subtype: Recovery]
[Restrictions: for pets only]
[Effects:
1. Recovers 100 HP and MP when consumed]
“Oh, that’s a pretty decent effect. It’ll be helpful for letting you guys recover after combat,” I thought aloud. “Now, [Orthrus], open up.”
The little Hellhound opened his mouth and I fed him the Growth Pellet. Once again, all of his main stats increased by 10 points all at once. Smiling, I was happy to see my little puppy growing even stronger. Though, when I checked his stats and saw that some of them were already higher than mine, my eyes practically shot out of my head.
“Dang! There’s no way pets are meant to be this strong! Is it because you guys are both Unique pets?” I commented. However, at that moment, Miss Maggie started talking again.
“So, dear, you’ve proven that you can take proper care of your pets. But now, I’d like to tell you about bloodlines,” she said. “Some rarer, stronger animals such as your [Hellhound] have a bloodline, which shows what beast tribe they’ve descended from. This bloodline can dictate their potential for growth, as well as what abilities they acquire when growing stronger. However, dear, that’s not the most important part of a bloodline. The most important part is that if you take proper care of your pet, you can awaken their bloodline, which will make them stronger and even have a chance to evolve them into a stronger creature.”
“Oh, wow! So, how can I do that? How can I take good enough care of them for their bloodlines to awaken and for them to evolve?” I asked.
“Well, dear, just because you take good care of them doesn’t mean they’ll evolve,” she explained. “No one fully understand what causes a creature to evolve, but awakening their bloodline is a different matter. It’s much easier to understand and simpler to achieve.
“Once they become strong enough, they’ll gain the ability to awaken their bestial bloodline, which will raise their attributes and sometimes even give them a new ability. So, what I’d like you to do now is make your pet strong enough to awaken their bloodline.”
[Miss Maggie would like you to raise the strength of pet [Orthrus] until it can awaken its bloodline]
[Pet Level 2/30]
[Rewards: [Growth Pellet - Greater], [Bloodline Awaken] Pet Skill]
[Failure Penalty: kicked out and banned from [Strange Pet Shop]]
[Part 4/?]
[Accept? Y/N]
“Sure, I’ll do it,” I said, accepting the Quest.
“Excellent! I’m sure your precious little pet will be stronger in no time, dear!” She exclaimed. I then left, both of my pets following closely behind me. However, as I was walking, I noticed Farmer James approaching me.
“Cain! You promised you’d help me with the unknown creature killing my livestock!” He shouted. “Please, come help me!”
“Oh, that’s right, I forgot about that Quest,” I admitted quietly. “Alright, night’s about to fall, I’ll be there right now.”
“Good. Come, I’ll lead the way,” he said, necking me to follow. The NPC led me to the outskirts of the village near where his wheat field was. However, this time, he led me to another field where several different animals roamed. “This is what’s left of my livestock. Could you please keep that monster for taking any more?”
“I’ll certainly do my best,” I replied.
“Good, I really appreciate it,” the farmer replied, tipping his hat. “Just stay here in the pasture until night falls, that’s when you’ll see the beast.”
“Got it. I’ll take care of it,” I told him. I then led my pets into the pasture, where we found a good hiding place. The three of us sat there quietly until night fell. And after several minute of waiting, the already dark night sky became even darker and I could hear a loud flapping of wings.
[Warning! Field Boss [Alpha Wyvern] has appeared]
[Recommended Player Level: 25]
[Recommended Number of Players: 5~7]
“What the-? It’s a Field Boss?!?!” I shouted. “And one even stronger than the [Forest Guardian]! I-I don’t know if I can kill this thing after all.”
But before I could think too much more, the monster dove downwards. It snatched a cow in each of its large taloned feet, raising the animals up to its mouth. I watched, petrified, as the wyvern ate both cows whole at the same time.
“I can’t take on something like that by myself! I’m definitely gonna die!” I quietly shouted, freaking out. But at that moment, both Orthrus and Fluffy rubbed their muzzles against me. “Yeah, you’re right, boys, we can do this. After all, I’ve got you two to watch my back.”
We ran out from our hiding spot, which got the boss’ attention. It landed in the pasture, eyeing us curiously. It didn’t seem to perceive us as a threat, just more prey that was dumb enough to come to it. Opening its mouth, I saw an orange glow appearing in its throat.
“Move! Get out of the way!” I shouted. All three of us dove out of the way as a torrent of flames spewed out of the monster’s mouth. Drawing my Wolf Fang Dagger, I used [Throw I] to launch the weapon into the wyvern’s eye. It roared in pain as the weapon pierced and burst its eyeball, half blind now. “How was that, you big lizard?”
[Bleed status effect has been triggered]
[[Alpha Wyvern] will receive 5 physical damage per second for 10 seconds]
[Rabies status effect has been triggered]
[[Alpha Wyvern] will receive 5 poison damage per second for 10 seconds]
I grinned, seeing that both of my DoT effects had proced. Drawing my greatsword, I felt the passive buffs from [Giant Killing], [First Solo Raider], and [Moonlight’s Blessing] strengthening me. Charging forward, I slashed the monster, dealing some damage. However, it didn’t look all that injured, just angry. But I was satisfied seeing the DoT make its HP continue to drop little by little.
“[White Wolf’s Howl I]!” I shouted. At that same moment, I also heard Fluffy howl.
[[White Wolf’s Howl I] has been activated]
[Your stats have been temporarily increased]
[Your allies’ stats have been temporarily increased]
[Your opponent’s stats have been temporarily decreased]
[[White Wolf’s Howl III] has been activated]
[Your stats have been temporarily increased]
[Your opponent’s stats have been temporarily decreased]
“Awesome! Let’s do this!” I shouted, swinging my sword. It sliced into the monster’s scaled flesh, doing a little more damage. I also saw [Fluffy] run up and bite it, a white and blue swirling aura surrounding his body.
[Slow status effect has been triggered]
[[Alpha Wyvern’s] Attack Speed and Movement Speed have been reduced by 10% for 10 seconds]
[Frostbite status effect has been triggered]
[[Alpha Wyvern] will receive 5 points of Ice Damage every second for 10 seconds]
I could visibly see a thin coating of frost and ice covering the boss’ body as its movements slowed down. Grinning wider, I continued hacking and slashing, my greatsword dealing a decent amount of damage with every swing. And eventually, a jolt of yellow electricity caused its body to lock up.
[Paralysis status effect has been triggered]
[[Alpha Wyvern] cannot move for 5 seconds]
“Alright! Everything’s turning out well so far!” I shouted. I then looked up at its HP bar and saw that it was still two thirds full. Eyes widening, I realized once again what we were fighting. “O-okay, we’ll just have to hit this thing even harder!”
Orthrus leapt in and bit the wyvern, his bite causing both physical damage and fire damage. However, as always, the monster didn’t seem all that fazed. Once the Paralysis was finished, it merely raised its long, spine-covered tail and swept it towards us. Jumping in front of me and Orthrus, Fluffy tanked the blow head-on. He was sent flying, but when I checked his status, he seemed to be alright.
“Man, what I wouldn’t give to have stats like [Fluffy’s],” I muttered to myself. The Alpha Wyvern, recognizing Fluffy as the strongest one among us, reared back its hard and prepared to breathe fire again. “Oh no you don’t! [Black Wolf King’s Howl I]!”
[[Black Wolf King’s Howl I] has been activated]
[[Alpha Wyvern] has been Terrified]
[[Alpha Wyvern] cannot move for 10 seconds or until damage is taken]
[[Alpha Wyvern’s] Physical Defense and Magic Defense has been reduced by 50% until damage is taken]
[Your allies have been Encouraged]
[Your allies’ stats have been temporarily increased]
[Your allies have Shielding]
“[Ogre’s Strength]!”
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
[[Ogre’s Strength] has been activated]
[Your Str has been temporarily increased]
“[Berserk]!”
[[Berserk] has been activated]
[Your Str, Agi, Attack Power, Attack Speed, and Movement Speed have been temporarily increased]
[Your Vit, Int, and Defense have been temporarily decreased]
“[Rapid Strikes]!”
[[Rapid Strikes] has been activated]
[Your Attack Speed has been temporarily increased]
“Let’s do this!” I shouted. Swinging my greatsword, I attacked the boss monster as fast as I could. At the same time, Fluffy and Orthrus both kept attacking and backing away, helping me chip away at the monster’s ridiculous HP bar. Eventually, its HP dropped down to half. It roared and flapped its wings, the gust of wind blowing all three of us back. “Guess we’ve reached phase 2. And my buffs have pretty much run out. At least my MP is back over 50% thanks to the passive effects of [Moonlight’s Blessing].”
However, out of nowhere, the wyvern’s tail came whipping towards me. It impaled me through the chest before I could even react.
[Poison status effect has been triggered]
[You will receive 15 poison damage every second for 20 seconds]
“AAARRRGGHH!!!” I screamed, pain overwhelming me. The wyvern flicked its tail and my body flew away. I slammed into a tree with enough force for it to break, which made take even more damage. Checking my status, I was satisfied with where my MP was. “[Power of Hope]!”
[[Power of Hope] has been activated]
[Some of your HP has been recovered]
[Your stats have been temporarily increased]
Breathing heavily, I leaned on my greatsword as I hobbled my way to my opponent. The powerful monster just watched as I approached, still not truly seeing me as a threat. Gritting my teeth, I prepared to attack again. But first, I needed help.
“[Orthrus]! Use [Overheat]!” I shouted. I watched as the tiny black Hellhound’s body suddenly glowed bright orange, flames surrounding him. He pounced on the wyvern’s tail and bit down, dealing more damage than before. The Field Boss roared in pain and outrage, flicking its tail. However, Orthrus held on with his powerful jaws.
[Burn status effect has been triggered]
[[Alpha Wyvern] will receive 5 fire damage every second for 10 seconds]
The Alpha Wyvern roared and stomped its foot. A shockwave shot out, launching Fluffy and myself into the air. It then smacked us with its winged front limb. We slammed into the ground, both of us not feeling great. Of course, Fluffy was doing better than me, but he was still getting close to reaching his limit. Orthrus noticed us in danger and let go, wanting to help. He let out a tiny, adorable howl.
[[Hell’s Howl I] has been activated]
[Fear status effect has been triggered]
[[Alpha Wyvern] has resisted Fear]
[Ignite status effect has been triggered]
[[Alpha Wyvern] will Burn until dead]
“Wh-what is this effect? I mean, I’m glad it worked, but what exactly is Ignite?” I asked, shaking my head in bewilderment. “Guess my pets are just destined to be stronger than me.”
Standing up straight, I lifted my greatsword. I began hacking at the boss, trying to kill it. However, it once again blew me back by flapping its wings. Then, with a roar, it flew up into the air and began spewing fire down on us.
“Get under cover!” I shouted to my pets. They both ran to find somewhere to hide while I did the same. However, I made sure to remain in moonlight so that I was still receiving the passive effects of [Moonlight’s Blessing]. More importantly, so I could receive the Skill’s MP recovery. And once I had recovered enough, I enacted my plan. “[Moonlight’s Blessing]!”
[[Moonlight’s Blessing] has been activated]
[Your stats, Attack Power, Defense, and HP/MP recovery have been temporarily increased]
[You can now use [Moonlight Blast]]
“[Moonlight Blast]!” I shouted. An orb of blue energy condensed in the palm of my hand before shooting out at the Alpha Wyvern. The blast struck the monster’s wing, not only doing damage but also causing it to lose balance and height. However, for the moment, I only had enough MP to use the one [Moonlight Blast].
So, I had to continue with the strategy of waiting for my MP to recover enough for me to fire a blast, then repeat. I used this strategy until [Moonlight’s Blessing’s] active effects deactivated, leaving me weaker ant unable to use [Moonlight Blast]. Sighing, I began wishing I had more ways of attacking enemies at a range. Picking up a rock, I used [Throw I] to launch it at the wyvern, not expecting much.
[You hit a vital point]
[You have dealt critical damage]
[[Alpha Wyvern] cannot fly until HP recovers]
I watched in astonishment as the massive creature crashed to the ground. Approaching it cautiously, I was careful not to get its attention. Climbing onto its prone body, I yanked my dagger out of its eye socket. Then, I cocked my arm back and used [Throw I] to launch the dagger back into the eye socket. The weapon pierced deep into the boss’ head, doing lots of damage.
[Ignore defense option has triggered]
[[Wolf Fang Dagger] has ignored 50% of [Alpha Wyvern’s] Physical Defense]
Once again, I was stunned speechless as the wyvern’s HP dropped to 0. Its body turned into red particles while I was standing on it, dropping me to the ground. Getting up, I noticed the system messages.
[You have leveled up x5]
[You have obtained 2000 gold]
[You have obtained Skill Book [Breath Attack]]
[You have obtained Item [Alpha Wyvern’s Scales (x20)]
[You have obtained Item [Alpha Wyvern’s Heart]]
[Congratulations! You have defeated Field Boss [Alpha Wyvern]]
[You have obtained Title [Wyvern Slayer]]
[You have obtained Title [Immortal Adventurer]]
[Pet [Orthrus] has leveled up x2]
[Stats have been randomly increased]
[Random Skill has been leveled up]
[Pet [Fluffy] has leveled up]
[Stats have been randomly increased]
[New Skill has been generated]
“Whew, that was tough. But the rewards do seem worth it,” I thought aloud. “However, I should first deal with my new stat points. And I think I’m gonna put them into Int, because once again, I noticed that my lack of MP was my main problem.”
After having taken care of that, I checked out my rewards.
[Draconic Breath]
[Type: Active]
[Effects:
1. Breathe out a swirling cyclone of destructive energy up to 100 ft that deals magic damage equal to 300 + Magic Attack Power]
[Costs 200 MP to use, 5 minute cooldown]
[Alpha Wyvern’s Scales]
[Rarity: Epic]
[Type: Material]
[Subtype: Forging]
[A sturdy metal-like scale stronger than most average metals, it makes an excellent material for forging weapons and armor.]
[Alpha Wyvern’s Heart]
[Rarity: Unique]
[Type: Consumable]
[Subtype: Enhancement]
[Restrictions: 100+ Int]
[Effects:
1. +100% all main stats
2. +1000 max MP
3. [Draconic Transformation] Passive & Active Skill]
[Draconic Transformation]
[Type: Passive & Active]
[Passive Effects:
1. Can speak, read, and write the dragon language
2. Can grow the Skill’s active effects by absorbing draconic energy
1. Absorbs draconic energy by killing draconic creatures]
[Active Effects:
1. x2 all main stats for 1 minute
2. x2 max MP for 1 minute
3. Physical Attack Power is increased by an amount equal to Magic Attack Power for 1 minute
4. Can fly for 1 minute
5. [Dragonspeech] Active Skill]
[Costs 1000 MP to use, 24 hour cooldown]
[Dragonspeech]
[Type: Active]
[Effects:
1. Speak a word of power that targets 1 creature within vision and causes 1 random effect]
[Costs 100 MP to use, no cooldown]
[Wyvern Slayer]
[Requirements: hunt the [Alpha Wyvern] Field Boss by yourself]
[Effects:
1. +10% all main stats
2. +100 all main stats when facing a draconic creature
3. +50% damage dealt to draconic creatures]
[Immortal Adventurer]
[Requirements: hunt 3+ Field or Raid Bosses by yourself without dying]
[Effects:
1. +10% all main stats
2. +1% HP and MP recovery per second
3. [Immortality] Passive Skill]
[Immortality]
[Type: Passive]
[Effects:
1. Survive fatal damage with 1 HP remaining
2. Become immune to damage for 5 seconds after surviving fatal damage]
“Holy…that’s so much! Haha, man, I’ve hit a jackpot this time!” I shouted. I learned the Skill and stashed the Items in my inventory. “Guess I’d better get my Int up to 100 soon. I really want that [Draconic Transformation] Skill.”
I then checked both Orthrus’ and Fluffy’s status screens.
[Hellhound]
[Name: [Orthrus]]
[Rarity: Unique]
[Level: 4]
[Bloodline: [Undying Hellfire Hound Tribe]]
[Stats: HP (1111.5), MP (490), Str (103), Vit (106), Agi (101), Dex (30), Int (98), Physical Attack Power (515), Magic Attack Power (490), Attack Speed (202), Movement Speed (202), Physical Defense (1060), Magic Defense (490), Carrying Capacity (206), and Luck (3)
Skills: [Fiery Jaws I], [Fire Resist - Lesser], [Hell’s Howl II], [Overheat - Greater]]
[White Wolf]
[Name: [Fluffy]]
[Rarity: Unique]
[Level: 21]
[Bloodline: [Crystal Ice Wolf Tribe]]
[Stats: HP (4294.5), MP (1085), Str (409), Vit (409), Agi (409), Dex (10), Int (217), Physical Attack Power (2045), Magic Attack Power (1085), Attack Speed (818), Movement Speed (818), Physical Defense (4090), Magic Defense (1085), Carrying Capacity (818), and Luck (1)
Skills: [White Wolf’s Howl III], [Tireless Marathoner], [Frost I], [Cold Resist - Lesser], [Permafrost - Lesser]]
“Man, they both really are strong,” I muttered. “I’m glad they’re my pets, because I would probably die if I fought either of them. Well, maybe not, but it would be a tough battle. I really need to get 100 Int so I can use the [Alpha Wyvern’s Heart].
“Though, I guess technically, if you include the stat buffs from my Titles, my Int is already over 100. I could try to use it now and see if that works. But before that, I need to turn in my Quest.”
I walked up to the large farms house in the different. Knocking on the door, I waited patiently for James to come. After a few minutes, he answered the door.
“What is it, Cain? Are you giving up?” He asked, his voice groggy.
“No, I wanted to let you know that I’ve killed it,” I replied. “It was the [Alpha Wyvern].”
His eyes went wide. He shut the door for a few seconds, then opened it again. Stepping outside, he seemed more awake as he handed me my Quest rewards.
[+Relationship with Farmer James]
[You have obtained 1000 gold]
[You have obtained Item [Special Seed (x15)]]
[You have obtained Item [Fragment of ???]]
[Fragment of ???]
[Rarity: ???]
[Type: ???]
[Subtype: ???]
[A mysterious object that is a shattered fragment of a larger whole.]
“Thank you, James,” I said. He nodded, then went back inside. Probably to go back to sleep since it was the middle of the night. Yawning, I also thought that sleep was a good idea. “Come on, boys, let’s find a place to sleep tonight.”
Fluffy and Orthrus both barked and followed behind me as I walked. Heading back in the direction of the village, the three of us arrived in front of an inn. Entering, I started talking to the innkeeper. I borrowed a room for the night and bought meals for myself and the pets.
“Thank you very much, ma’am,” I said. I then went upstairs into my room. Eating my dinner, I quickly went to bed. And when I woke up the next morning, I felt much better. Looking down, I saw both of my pets still asleep on the floor. “Aw, you guys are so cute.”
Getting up, I did my best not to wake them. Looking over my list of active Quests, I noticed that I still had one from Karc. Seeing that, I decided that would be the Quest I worked on completing today.
“Okay, boys, let’s go,” I said. Both Fluffy and Orthrus immediately woke up. They sat on their haunches, looking up at me. “Is there something I’m forgetting, guys?”
At that moment, I remembered the Item sitting in my inventory. Slapping myself in the forehead, I pulled out the [Alpha Wyvern’s Heart]. Holding it, I tried to activate the Item.
[You have absorbed [Alpha Wyvern’s Heart]]
[All main stats have been permanently increased by 100%]
[Max MP has been permanently increased by 1000]
[You have obtained Passive & Active Skill [Draconic Transformation]]
I felt a massive burst in power flood my body as golden light exploded out of me. Breathing heavily, I could barely handle the massive increase in strength my body just underwent. Taking a deep breath, I stood up straight and checked out my status screen.
[Player ID: Cain]
[Level: 16]
[Job: Greatswordsman]
[Class: none]
[Innate Ability: unawakened]
[Title/s: [Forest Liberator], [First Solo Raider], [Pack Leader], [Wyvern Slayer], [Immortal Adventurer]]
[Stats: HP (1222.5), MP (2125), Str ((345)210+21+21+21+21+21+30), Vit ((105)50+5+5+5+5+5+30), Agi ((150)100+10+10+10+10+10), Dex ((30)20+2+2+2+2+2), Int ((225)150+15+15+15+15+15), Mlt (10), Physical Attack Power (1725), Magic Attack Power (1125), Attack Speed (300), Movement Speed (300), Physical Defense (1050), Magic Defense (1125), Carrying Capacity (690), and Luck (3)]
[Skills: [Acid Resist - Lesser], [Throw I], [Giant Killing], [White Wolf’s Howl I], [Heat Resist - Lesser], [Determination I], [Power of Hope], [Berserk], [Ogre’s Strength], [Moonlight’s Blessing], [Moonlight Blast] ([Moonlight’s Blessing] Subskill), [Black Wolf King’s Howl I], [Spirit’s Vengeance], [Rapid Strikes], [Draconic Breath], [Draconic Transformation], [Dragonspeech] ([Draconic Transformation] Subskill), [Immortality]]
[Weapon/s: [Excellent Custom Greatsword], [Wolf Fang Dagger]]
[Armor: none]
[Accessories: [Ogre Tooth Necklace]]
[Other Items: [Healing Potion - Lesser (x4)], [Small Stone (x3)], [Special Seed (x40)], [Alpha Wyvern’s Scales (x20)], [Fragment of ???]]
[Currency: 5210 gold]
“Man, this feeling is…AMAZING!” I shouted. “My base level of strength is so much higher now, and with how much MP I have, I can use pretty much all of my Skills without problem. Either way, I have Quests to finish.”
Walking out of the inn, I started heading towards Karc’s smithy. Standing outside, I took a deep breath before walking in, trying to get a taste of cool air. Opening the door, I was immediately blasted by a wave of dry heat. Stepping inside, I saw the large blacksmith hammering away on his anvil.
“Hello, Karc,” I said, getting his attention. He turned and saw me, a wide smile stretching across his face.
“Well, hello there, Cain! I was starting to think you weren’t gonna come back here!” He admitted. Putting down his hammer, he walked over to me and shook my hand, completely crushing it. “So, are you ready to start learning the ways of the blacksmith?”
“Yes sir, I am. But first, could you repair my sword, please? It’s seen a lot of use,” I asked, holding up the greatsword he made for me.
“Of course I can repair it!” He replied with a laugh. “Hold on just a moment.”
Taking the Excellent Custom Greatsword from me, he placed it on his anvil. Grabbing his hammer, he began banging on the weapon. I watched as the small cracks that had been forming in the blade were vanishing. Once he was finished, he handed it back to me, good as new.
“So, what do I owe you for the repair?” I asked.
“Ah, you owe me nothin’. It was my pleasure to repair the sword that I made for you,” he answered. “Now, you ready to get to work? Course, you may want your pets to wait outside.”
He pointed to Fluffy and Orthrus who had walked in behind me. I chuckled and shook my head.
“No, they’ll be alright. [Fluffy’s] cold enough that this place will simply keep him warm, and [Orthrus] is a [Hellhound], so he naturally runs hot,” I replied. Karc nodded his head thoughtfully.
“Well, if that lil’ one is a [Hellhound], he may need somethin’ special,” Karc stated. Entering a back room, I could hear the NPC rummaging through things. When he finally came back, he held a bright orange and red crystal orb the size of my fist in his palm. “This is a [Fire Essence Orb]. If you give ‘im this, that [Hellhound] of yours should grow stronger.”
[You have obtained Item [Fire Essence Orb]]
[Fire Essence Orb]
[Rarity: Unique]
[Type: Consumable]
[Subtype: Enhancement]
[Restrictions: 100+ Vit, fire attribute]
[Effects:
1. Increases all fire damage dealt by 100%
2. All Skills that deal fire damage have 5% chance to inflict Ignite status effect
3. 1% chance of obtaining [Primordial Flame Fragment]]
“Here you go, bud,” I said, handing the crystal orb to Orthrus. He ate it happily, and I could tell he had become more powerful. I also received a system message.
[Pet [Orthrus] has obtained Item [Primordial Flame Fragment]]
[Primordial Flame Fragment]
[Rarity: Legendary]
[Type: Enhancement]
[Subtype: Elemental]
[Restrictions: body strong enough to withstand the flames]
[1 Fragment Effects:
1. Increases all fire damage dealt by 25%
2. All basic attacks deal additional fire damage equal to Magic Attack Power]
I watched in amazement as the orange glow in Orthrus’ body grew brighter and a strange crystal-like shard appeared in his forehead. I could feel heat coming off of him, which was amazing since the heat inside the [Mysterious Smithy] was already immense. I turned to look at Karc, but the blacksmith also had an incredulous look on his face.
“I, uh, was not expecting anything so drastic to happen,” he admitted. “But your pet does seem to have grown stronger, so you’re welcome, Cain!”
“Er, yeah, thanks, Karc,” I said, still in shock. “But do you think I could learn smithing from you now? I’m ready to learn!”
However, the large grin that stretched across the man’s mouth made me rethink my confident statement.