Paretic Blade
Gilgamesh's fingers trembled slightly as he examined the ten fragments of Blue Orichalcum glowing on his workbench. Each piece pulsed with an eerie lunar radiance, their surfaces shimmering like frozen moonlight. The system notification hovered in his vision.
[Blue Orichalcum]
Orichalcum is a mineral born with the power of moonlight and the Guardian of the Forest.
It is impossible to erode the Guardian of the Forest's magic power, but it has the best hardness and strength among all minerals.
It is lightweight and becomes much stronger in darkness.
* Advanced blacksmith skills are required to smelt it.
Weight: 3
Kaela leaned against the anvil, her arms crossed. "Ten pieces," she observed. "Exactly what you need for the Paretic Blade." Her voice carried the weight of their recent battle - the crumbling golems, the Guardian's earth-shaking demise.
Gilgamesh nodded, running a calloused thumb over the cool surface of a fragment. "Enough for one attempt." The unspoken consequence hung between them - failure meant another grueling raid through the Grey Forest.
[Paretic Blade]
Rating: Unique ~ Legendary
Paretic Blade was an item that was guaranteed to have a unique rating when produced. The basic performance was fraudulent, so a unique rating didn't change the fact that it was an absolute weapon.
But Gilgamesh wasn't content on staying to produce unique rated item anymore, he swore to himself that he will make legendary item today!
Ttaangg! Ttaangg! Ttaangg!
Once started, the flames in the furnace never turned off. Gilgamesh also didn't stop his hammering. He solely devoted himself to the task, regardless of whether it was day or not. Due to the heat from the fire and Gilgamesh's enthusiasm, it seemed like the smithy was on the brink of an explosion.
Gilgamesh's hammer hit the red-hot blue orichalcum with rhythmic motion. He used his accumulated knowledge and experience to let his body flow while making the item. The blue orichalcum was delicately tempered.
Kaela watched, mesmerized, as the mineral's outer layers sloughed away like shedding skin, revealing the true core beneath - a deep cerulean that drank in the firelight. She didn't make a single sound, content only watching and letting Gilgamesh concentrate on his work.
[The Legendary Blacksmith's Patience skill has been activated. Concentration, stamina, and defense will rise to the extreme for one hour.]
Time passed. Gilgamesh has spent three days perfecting his work. On the third day, the smithy had become a vision of hellish beauty. Molten sparks danced in the superheated air, catching in Gilgamesh's sweat-soaked hair like fallen stars. His hands were raw, his vision blurred from strain, yet his strikes never faltered.
[The Legendary Blacksmith's Breath has increased the effectiveness of your production items]
As midnight approached on the third day, Gilgamesh lifted the finished blade with trembling arms.
The Paretic Blade seemed to drink in the illumination, its dark blue orichalcum edge absorbing light while the black iron spine pulsed like a living thing. For a suspended moment, the very air seemed to still - then the notifications erupted like fireworks across his vision.
[A Legendary-rated item was produced, so all stats have permanently risen by +25, and reputation throughout the continent has risen by +1,000.]
[The title 'Only Legendary Item Maker' has been acquired.]
[Paretic Blade]
Rating: Legendary
Durability: 1,230/1,230
Attack Power: 1,270~2,450
Defense: 70
* Agility +25
* Critical chance +90%
* There is a certain probability of activating the '5 Joint Attacks' skill.
* There will be a fear effect if the enemy is more than 20 levels lower than the user.
* Attack power +20% in dark places.
* There is a high probability of activating the 'Paralyze' skill.
It is designed by a legendary blacksmith. It is a greatsword, but its cutting ability is excellent. Blue Orichalcum and Black Iron were used as materials, it's light so the attack speed doesn't fall. Due to the nature of the blue orichalcum, it becomes stronger in the dark.
User Restriction: Level 300 or higher. More than 5,200 strength.
Advanced Sword Mastery level 8 or higher.
Weight: 690
The titles he got when he made the Epic and Unique items were the 'First Epic Item Maker' and 'First Unique Item Maker'. But the title for the legendary item had the word 'only' compared to 'first.' The creation of a legendary item in Satisfy reminded him why he was the only Pagma's Successor.
"ah.."
Kaela's quiet gasp broke through his reverie. Gilgamesh turned to find her slumped against the anvil, her usual composed expression shattered. Dark circles framed eyes that now shone with something akin to reverence.
Gilgamesh confirmed that Kaela was there the whole time, supporting him. Thanks to her support, he can enjoy being a blacksmith, despite its monotone job, he comes to enjoy the thrill of making items.
"Gil..." Her voice was hoarse from days of silent vigilance.
"That's... this is..."
Gilgamesh then showed his newly finished greatsword to her, the blade gleaming with a promise of power and artistry. As Kaela's tired eyes fell upon it, a flicker of awe ignited within her, transforming her exhaustion into something vibrant and alive.
Kaela's fingers brushed the flat of the blade. A shiver ran through her as the metal thrummed against her skin, resonating with the same rhythm as the blacksmith's heartbeat. When she looked up, there were tears cutting clean streaks through the soot on her cheeks. "T-this, this a masterpiece!" she stammered, her voice trembling with emotion.
In all her years, she had never encountered craftsmanship that could rival this. The legends of Pagma had always seemed distant and mythical, but now, standing before Gilgamesh, she realized that even his successor could breathe life into metal in a way that transcended mere skill.
Overcome with gratitude and joy, Kaela launched herself at Gilgamesh, wrapping her arms around him in a fierce embrace. "Thank you..." she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
Her words were a heartfelt tapestry woven from the threads of all he had given her: the time he had saved her from despair, the moments he had accepted, the guidance he had offered when she was lost, and now, this breathtaking gift that spoke of his dedication and talent. In that embrace, she felt not just gratitude, but a profound connection.
"Husshh, silly girl," Gilgamesh chuckled softly, his voice warm and reassuring as he gently wiped the tears from her cheeks with the rough pad of his thumb.
The tenderness of his gesture sent a ripple of comfort through her, grounding her in the moment. "You're going to make me blush," he added with a playful grin, his eyes sparkling with a mix of amusement and affection.
Kaela couldn't help but smile through her tears, the warmth of his presence wrapping around her like a protective cloak. "I can't help it! This means so much to me," she replied, her voice still thick with emotion. "You've done so much already, and I—"
"Then again," he interrupted, his tone shifting to one of playful seriousness, "this is still an early chapter of our story. You can thank me again when the time comes." His words hung in the air, filled with promise and the weight of unspoken adventures yet to unfold.
Kaela's heart swelled at the thought. She could envision the countless challenges they would face together, the battles they would fight side by side, and the victories that awaited them on the horizon. Each moment would be a new page, a new opportunity to forge their destinies together.
"I'll look forward to it."
"Huhut, there is my cute girl~," Gilgamesh said teasingly, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Kaela pouted at his words, a playful frown creasing her brow, but there was no real annoyance in her. Instead, a warmth spread through her, igniting a flutter of joy in her chest. "Just for this time. I allow you to call me cute."
Gilgamesh's smile widened as he kept stroking her face. "Cute Kaela~"
The way he said her name made her heart race, and she felt a blush creeping up her cheeks. "You're impossible," she huffed, though her tone was light, betraying her amusement.
"Hahaha."
___
The performance of Paretic Blade was better than Gilgamesh expected. Not only does it exert overwhelming attack power. The extra option to paralyze an enemy that has been hit gives him an edge against most players.
But the greed of humans knows no bound. Gilgamesh then enchanted Paretic Blade, making it more powerful.
[+9 Paretic Blade]
Rating: Legendary
Durability: 1,230/1,230
Attack Power: 2,091~4,165
Defense: 70
* Agility +30
* Critical chance +90%
* There is a certain probability of activating the '5 Joint Attacks' skill.
* There will be a fear effect if the enemy is more than 20 levels lower than the user.
* Attack power +20% in dark places.
* There is a high probability of activating the 'Paralyze' skill.
...
.....
.
Those were the stats of Paretic Blade after Gilgamesh enchanted it. Making it the most powerful weapon players could have... for now.
***
"Kuackk-!"
In one of the hunting grounds near Bairan, a blonde-haired young man groaned in agony, clutching his bleeding hand. The source of his pain loomed nearby: a level 280 boss monster, the Onix Bear, a hulking beast armed with razor-sharp claws and an intimidating presence that sent shivers down the spines of even the bravest adventurers.
The blonde-haired man's health bar blinked dangerously red. Through the haze of pain, he could see the monstrous bear rising on its hind legs - all 2 tons of muscle and rage, its obsidian claws glistening with his blood.
"Regas!" exclaimed one of his team members, a burly black man with a bald head, his voice laced with concern and anger.
"Stupid fool! I told you not to charge at the enemy alone!" a beautiful woman with fiery red hair scolded him, her bow drawn taut, ready to unleash another arrow.
"Haha, sorry, master," Regas replied with a pained smile.
"Patience Shield!" shouted another black man, this one wielding a massive shield that gleamed in the sunlight. He stepped in front of Regas just as the Onix Bear prepared to strike again, blocking the beast's powerful claws with a resounding thud. "Don't just stand there! Move!"
"Argh! You bastard! I will get revenge for Regas!" Vantner, the bald man, roared, his fury igniting his courage as he charged at the boss monster, twin axes raised high.
"Vantner! Not you too, you fool!" the red-haired woman, Jishuka, shouted. Frustration is boiling over her.
Jishuka's arrow whizzed past Vantner's ear, striking the bear square in its sensitive nose. "Both of you idiots deserve to be mauled!" Despite her words, her hands remained steady - each shot perfectly placed to distract the enraged beast.
"Aaaaaaah!" Vantner bellowed, swinging his axes with all his might.
Chaaeng!Jjejejeok!
The two axes moved without rest, and the momentum was as fierce as lightning bolts. However, he could only do so much against the Onix Bear's overwhelming power.
"Cough!" he gasped as the bear retaliated, swiping him aside like a ragdoll, sending him crashing to the ground.
The bear, sensing victory, turned its attention back to Vantner, ready to deliver a final blow. But just then, a spear whizzed past Vantner's shoulder, striking the beast with a resounding clang.
Kangg!!
Grraanghh!
The Onix Bear howled in pain, momentarily distracted as the spear-wielding man continued his assault, relentless and precise.
"Hey, Pon! Don't use me as a shield! This jerk, hiding behind me in order to try and suck up all the honey!"
"Aren't you supposed to be the guardian knight? Bear it for a while, would ya~?" Pon, renowned as one of the best spearmen in Satisfy, retorted, a smirk on his face despite the chaos around them. Vantner's veins bulged in irritation, but he had no time to respond.
"Grrr!" The Onix Bear, enraged, charged at them with terrifying speed, its massive form barreling forward like a freight train.
But just as it seemed all hope was lost, a hooded figure emerged from the shadows, moving with the grace of a phantom.
"Faker!"
"We need to retreat. This raid is a failure," Faker said, his voice calm and authoritative, cutting through the chaos like a knife.
Jishuka, the red-haired archer, nodded in agreement, her heart sinking as she assessed the dire situation. With most of their guildmates either dead or incapacitated, their chances of defeating the Onix Bear were slim to none. Not only that, but their resources were nearly depleted, making victory impossible.
"Everyone, fall back-!"
But before anyone could register her word, a calm voice resounded from behind.
"Are you gonna finish it?"
Jishuka, the red-haired archer, turned sharply at the sound of the calm voice, her heart racing. The figure stood there, cloaked in dark armor that seemed to absorb the light around him, creating an aura of mystery and danger. His sharp eyes glinted with a predatory intensity as they locked onto the Onix Bear, assessing it like a connoisseur evaluating a fine meal.
"Who...?"