Chapter 28:Level 10

Kain's so close to achieving a significant milestone in his journey! Just a nudge away from level 10, he could soon unlock additional skills and insight—an opportunity to expand his forging knowledge, take up enchanting, and enroll in a prestigious school to hone his craft further. Every step forward counted.

Feeling invigorated, Kain ventured back into the Kobold Dungeon, his enhanced tri-elemental hammer and improved armor giving him a sense of security and determination. The dungeon's labyrinthine tunnels were now familiar, but the dangers within remained ever-present.

The Final Push

Kain knew he needed to secure just a bit more experience before he could level up. He advanced through the corridors, keeping his senses sharp. Soon enough, he encountered a group of lower-level Kobolds, ranging from levels 8 to 10. They didn't seem as formidable as the ones he had previously faced, but Kain remained cautious.

Engaging the Kobolds

Kain approached the group quietly, targeting one of the level 10 Kobolds. With his Shield Parry and Evasion Tactics finely tuned, he navigated their attacks with precision. Using his tri-elemental hammer, he delivered swift, powerful strikes, leveraging both the fire and water enchantments to gain the upper hand.

Each blow landed with a satisfying thud, and the elemental effects caused additional damage, ensuring the Kobolds couldn't regroup effectively. Kain applied his Regeneration skill to recover from any minor injuries, maintaining his edge in the battle.

Reaching Level 10

After a few intense moments, Kain defeated the final Kobold in the group. A surge of energy coursed through him as he reached the experience threshold he needed: 450/450 EXP.

With this accomplishment, Kain felt a wave of empowerment. He had ascended to Level 10.

Achieving a Class

Leveling up to 10 unlocked new potentials for Kain. He now had the opportunity to choose a class that would define his skills and abilities further. Given his path as a blacksmith and warrior, he pondered over a few options:

Warrior Blacksmith: Specializing in heavy armor and melee combat, enhancing forging abilities to create powerful weapons and armor.

Battle Mage: Combining elemental magic with physical combat, allowing for a mix of enchanting and spellcasting 

Guardian Smith: Focusing on defense and durability, both on the battlefield and in crafting unbreakable gear.

Kain's choice to become a **Guardian Smith** marked a pivotal moment in his journey. The Guardian Smith class focussed on defense, durability, and resilience. With these enhanced skills, Kain would not only excel in crafting unbreakable gear but also become an impenetrable force on the battlefield.

### Embracing the Guardian Smith Class

Upon choosing the Guardian Smith class, Kain felt a surge of energy and newfound abilities. This class amplified his already impressive blacksmithing skills and defensive capabilities, aligning perfectly with his path as a warrior and a craftsman. The Guardian Smith class provided him with unique skills tailored for both forging and combat.

### New Abilities and Skills

1. **Ironclad Defense:** A passive skill that significantly boosts Kain's overall defense and resilience, making him harder to damage in battle.(+2/2 levels)

2. **Shield Mastery:** Enhances his proficiency with shields, allowing for more effective blocking, parrying, and deflecting of enemy attacks.

3. **Fortified Armor Crafting:** Grants Kain the ability to forge exceptionally durable armor that offers superior protection and resistance to damage.

4. **Rock Solid:** An active ability that temporarily increases Kain's defense to an impenetrable level, allowing him to absorb even the most powerful blows.(+5 defence/2 levels) mana cost 5

5. **Guardian Aura:** A passive aura that provides defensive boosts to allies within a certain radius, making Kain an invaluable asset in group battles.

After an exhilarating day of testing his new Guardian Smith abilities, Kain was eager to take the next step in his journey. The following morning, he made his way to the Town Hall of Fort Hope to update his card and inquire about enrolling in an academy.

### Updating the ID Card

At the Town Hall, Kain was greeted by a friendly clerk who guided him through updating his ID card to reflect his new class. The process was quick and efficient, ensuring that all his new abilities and stats were accurately recorded.

### Exploring Academy Options

Kain then asked about enrolling in an academy to expand his knowledge of blacksmithing, enchanting, and combat. The clerk provided him with a detailed list of options, but explained that Fort Hope only had one academy, which was heavily focused on combat training.

### Fort Hope's Combat Academy

While the Combat Academy offered excellent training in martial skills, Kain knew he needed more than just combat expertise. He wanted to delve deeper into the art of forging, enchanting, and crafting to truly master his craft. The clerk suggested that Kain might need to leave Fort Hope to find academies that specialize in these areas.

### Decision to Leave Fort Hope

Kain weighed his options. Although the Combat Academy would undoubtedly enhance his fighting skills, he felt that expanding his knowledge in blacksmithing and enchanting was crucial for his growth as a Guardian Smith. 

Determined to pursue his passion for forging and enchanting, Kain decided it was time to leave Fort Hope. The journey ahead was both exciting and daunting, filled with the promise of new opportunities and challenges.

### Setting Preparations

Kain returned to Vulcan's Forge to prepare for his journey. He shared his plans with Vulcan, who nodded in understanding and support. They spent the day crafting and fine-tuning Kain's gear, ensuring he was well-equipped for the adventures ahead.

Vulcan offered Kain some final words of wisdom. "The world is vast, Kain, and your journey has just begun. Seek out the knowledge and skills you crave, and remember, you always have a place here at the forge."

### A New Adventure Begins

With his gear packed and his resolve stronger than ever, Kain set out from Fort Hope. His destination was an academy renowned for its expertise in forging and enchanting—places where he could learn from the best and unlock his full potential.

Each town he passed through brought new experiences and encounters, from battling fierce monsters to meeting fellow adventurers and craftsmen. The road was long and winding, but Kain embraced each challenge with enthusiasm and determination.

### Arriving at the Academy

After weeks of travel, Kain arrived at his destination—an academy known as the Guild of Master Smiths. The sprawling campus was filled with forges, workshops, and libraries dedicated to the art of craftsmanship and enchantment. It was a place where masters of their trades shared their knowledge with the next generation.

### Enrolling and Joining Classes

Kain enrolled immediately, eager to begin his studies. His days at the academy were filled with intensive training sessions, lectures, and hands-on practice. He learned advanced blacksmithing techniques, intricate enchantment methods, and ways to combine both crafts to create exceptional gear.

### Growing and Learning

As Kain honed his skills, he began to experiment with new alloys, enchantments, and weapon designs. The instructors were impressed by his dedication and quickly recognized his potential. Kain's creations became more sophisticated and powerful, reflecting his growth as a Guardian Smith.

### New Challenges and Friendships

Kain made friends with fellow students and forged bonds with the instructors, each new relationship enriching his journey. Together, they faced challenges, collaborated on projects, and supported each other's growth.

### A Bright Future

Kain's choice to leave Fort Hope and seek out the Guild of Master Smiths was a defining moment in his journey. With each passing day, he moved closer to mastering his craft and fulfilling his dreams. The future was bright, filled with endless possibilities, and Kain was ready to embrace them all.