Chapter:11-Blacksmith's Shop
Lekri was the largest city in the region—a bustling hub where merchants, mercenaries, and adventurers gathered. The constant flow of trade ensured there was never a dull moment. Markets overflowed with exotic goods, and the city's quest boards were always filled with bounties, escort missions, and monster hunts.
But Edwin wasn't here for the trade or the quests.
"The man who made this sword… he lives here," he thought as he dismissed his status window.
Currently, he found himself navigating through the busy Lekri street market. Stalls lined both sides of the road, their vendors loudly advertising their wares—spices, weapons, rare ingredients, enchanted trinkets. The mingling scents of freshly baked bread and sizzling meat filled the air, blending with the occasional foul odor of unwashed bodies.
As Edwin walked through the crowded streets, he overheard snippets of conversation.
"Did you hear? Villages have been getting destroyed recently!" one man whispered to his friend, voice laced with concern.
"Yeah! I heard one got burned down just yesterday!" another replied.
Edwin's steps faltered. Marlin Village…
He clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. Marlin Village had been his only home—his only family. Now, it was nothing but ashes, its people likely slaughtered. But he forced himself to keep walking. He couldn't afford to dwell on it. Not yet.
For now, he had a different goal.
He stopped several bystanders, asking for the best blacksmith in the city.
Every answer was the same: Drovan.
Apparently, Drovan was a master craftsman, trained by dwarves themselves. That fact alone was shocking—non-human species were usually met with hostility in these lands, yet this man had been accepted by them.
Following the directions given to him, Edwin arrived at a rugged blacksmith's shop. The building had a sturdy stone facade, its walls bearing marks of age and wear. Soot and the scent of burning metal lingered in the air.
Taking a breath, Edwin stepped inside. A small bell above the door rang at his entrance.
"Oh!" A startled voice greeted him.
A young woman, no older than Edwin himself, stood behind the counter. She had auburn hair tied back in a messy ponytail, soot lightly dusting her cheeks. She straightened up quickly, trying to look professional.
"Um, welcome! I—uh, my name's Emily! How can I help you?" she said, slightly nervous.
Edwin unsheathed his sword, placing it on the counter. "This sword—do you recognize it?"
Emily's eyes widened as she examined the weapon. "Wait… this craftsmanship—!" She hurriedly took the sword and rushed toward the back of the shop without another word.
Edwin sighed, watching her disappear into the forge. He took the opportunity to browse the weapons displayed on the walls. The craftsmanship of each blade was remarkable—polished steel, intricate engravings, and perfect weight distribution. This was clearly the work of a master.
After a while, the shop's back door creaked open, and an older man stepped out. He was around fifty, his face set in a permanent scowl, deep wrinkles forming around his eyes. His body, however, showed no signs of frailty—his muscles were thick and powerful, a testament to years of labor.
"So, you're the brat lugging this sword around?" Drovan grunted. He tossed the blade onto the counter, his sharp eyes analyzing Edwin.
Edwin blinked. "Uh… yeah?"
"Your handling is atrocious. You're lucky this thing didn't break in half already."
Edwin scowled slightly. First time meeting, and this guy's already scolding me?
Before Edwin could retort, Drovan crossed his arms. "That said… you did something decent. You saved Gavan, didn't you?"
Edwin hesitated, then nodded.
Drovan let out a gruff sigh. "That idiot. I should've known he'd get himself into trouble…" He shook his head, then looked back at Edwin. "Since you saved him, I'll fix the sword for free. Not that it's worth much—it's barely more than a glorified slab of iron."
Edwin blinked, caught off guard by the generosity.
"You serious?"
"Tch. Just take it before I change my mind, brat," Drovan muttered.
Edwin gave him a respectful nod. "Thank you."
As he turned to leave, Drovan tossed him a small leather pouch. The weight of it told him there were coins inside.
"Consider it a bit of extra gratitude. Now get outta here before I find more reasons to yell at you."
Edwin smirked slightly, tucking the pouch away. With a final bow, he stepped out of the shop.
That Night – At the Inn
Edwin lay sprawled across a simple bed in a modestly furnished room. The wooden walls creaked occasionally, and the dim candlelight cast flickering shadows.
The inn wasn't luxurious, but it was quiet, and for the first time in days, Edwin had a roof over his head.
He got up and looked at his forearm.
He looked at the rune that was engraved on it.
"Elara". He called.
The status window opened.
[Yes,sir?]
"Explain this rune.". He said
[Rune of Enhancement shall strengthen any aspect of your physical force when activated.Except for Health]
"How do I activate it?". He asked.
[Simply think about it]
He did as it said.
He thought about the rune activating.
As he did he felt a warmth rise ip in his forearm.
He felt energy pulsating inside him.
Until he saw that the mark had lit up.
That red glow emanating throughout the room.
Edwin quickly opened his status window.
[Strength: 19] 6+
[Agility: 20] 6+
[Durability: 21] 6+
[Sense: 21] 6+
[Health: 1400/2000]
[Rune of Enhancement]
[Rank:Simple]
"Oh!,all of them went up six except for health...". He said.
"Hmmm,was the goblins rune ranking higher?". He asked.
[Yes]
[It was Rank:Complex]
"I see,what are the ruin rankings?". He asked.
[Simple
"Wow...how much time does it take to advance each step?". He asked once more.
[The needed amount of time grows bigger each level]
[But,for the very first step maybe half a year]
"Phew,It's long but no to-". As he was about to say in relief he got cut off.
[To reach the next step 2 years will be needed on a normal pace]
If that was not enough....
[The next level shall need 10 years]
"J-just stop....." He pleaded.
[I was joking]
The mechanical voice of the system made Edwin a bit uneasy.
End of Chapter