Chapter 3: Problem

Arthur successfully crafted a Rank 2 Cosmic Weapon. He felt proud and excited because he had created such a high-quality weapon. Out there, Rank 2 weapons were only owned by clan leaders. Ordinary people could never own a weapon like this, even if they worked hard for 10 years.

Without wasting any time, Arthur immediately ran to Kyle, carrying the weapon. He hoped his master would be pleased with his achievement.

Kyle, still sitting under the tree without moving, sensed Arthur's presence. He looked at Arthur carrying the new weapon in his hands.

"Master... This is the finished weapon," Arthur said.

Kyle smiled, seeing his disciple's achievement. "Good, good... Let me take a look."

Arthur happily handed over the weapon to Kyle.

Kyle examined and observed every angle of the weapon.

"You've done well to reach this level in such a short time. Hmm..."

Kyle snapped his fingers at the weapon. Immediately, the weapon broke into two parts. The blade portion fell to the floor with a loud clink, like a heart shattering as it hit the ground.

"NO! My weapon!" Arthur touched the broken part, almost in tears. He looked at Kyle.

"My hard work... destroyed in just a few moments!? No... No..."

Kyle replied softly, "From now on, make 1000 weapons like this in a single day."

Arthur was completely shocked by Kyle's words. It had taken him a month to create a weapon of this level. Now he had to make 1000 in a day. Yes, Mom and Dad... Your son Arthur is coming...

Kyle said, "Hurry up... Don't waste time... The mountain won't flatten itself."

Arthur picked up the two parts of the spear, still feeling sorrowful.

---

Meanwhile...

At Baron Aaron's mansion. He sat at his desk, reading documents. He had just won a war against Beastraal.

Beastraal was a beast capable of absorbing cosmic energy like humans. Their abilities were ranked, from Rank 1 to Rank 9.

Knock, knock, knock.

The door to Baron Aaron's office was knocked.

"Come in," said Baron Aaron, sighing deeply. He placed all the documents on the desk.

Steward Kana entered and walked over to the Baron's desk.

Steward Kana bowed slightly as a sign of respect before speaking. "Baron, the latest report from our spies has arrived."

Baron Aaron raised an eyebrow. "What report?"

"From the Dust Mountain, my Lord. A remote place that we've always thought was worthless... But recently, an extraordinary cosmic energy movement has been detected."

Baron Aaron squinted his eyes. "Dust Mountain… That's just barren land left behind after an ancient war."

Steward Kana nodded slowly. "That's true, my Lord. But according to the report, possibly a hidden cosmic weapon, has caused the cosmic energy flow there to become active. It's not just ordinary energy. In fact, it's reported that the entire land there became fertile overnight."

Baron Aaron paused for a moment. His fingers tapped the surface of the desk slowly. "Fertile? Instant fertility of land can't happen unless..."

"Yes, my Lord," interrupted Kana softly. "That can only happen with the presence of high level Cosmic weapon"

"And you say this happened at Dust Mountain?"

"Yes, my Lord. And another thing..." Steward Kana unrolled a scroll and handed it to Baron Aaron. "A Rank 1 weapon is being sold at the nearby small town's weapon market, signed by a young blacksmith named Arthur."

The name made Baron Aaron lift his head with deep interest.

"Arthur... That name sounds familiar."

"According to the information, he's the youngest son of the Forgemind family, a weaponsmith family that was destroyed when they were killed by the Whitecrane clan."

"Hmm..." Baron Aaron slowly stood up from his chair, his eyes staring far out the window. "If there really is a young man who can craft a Rank 1 Cosmic Weapon in such a short time, he might have potential."

He turned to Kana. "We may have found something more valuable than cosmic treasures."

---

Back at Dust Mountain.

Arthur gripped his hammer tightly. Sweat soaked his body. His hands were bleeding and his eyes were red, but he didn't stop.

In his mind, one voice echoed.

"1000 in a day."

He failed. Again and again. But now, each failure didn't hurt as much as his first loss.

"Don't think about the broken spear, think about your heart that hasn't shattered," Kyle's voice echoed from afar.

Arthur shouted in his heart, "I don't know if I can still hold on, Master… But I will try."

The next day, Arthur went to the nearby town to sell some of his weapons, including the Rank 2 weapon.

Arthur stood before the grand building adorned with dragon and sword carvings. The Sword Pavilion, where warriors and nobles bought high-quality weapons. Today, Arthur brought several Rank 1 weapons and the final Rank 2 weapon he managed to craft yesterday.

His steps were slow but certain. His clothes were worn, but his eyes were filled with determination.

Arthur approached the main counter. An old guard glanced at him briefly before speaking.

"You again? Country boy... If you don't have quality weapons, don't waste space here."

Arthur didn't reply. He simply unwrapped the Rank 2 spear, revealing the faint cosmic pattern pulsing on its blade.

The old guard was shocked, his eyes widening. "I-Is this... Rank 2?"

Before he could say more, a smug voice came from behind.

"Pfft, you're proud of such a weapon?"

Arthur turned around.

A young man with a sly face, dressed in luxury, stood with a beautiful young woman laughing softly beside him. Behind them were two burly bodyguards.

Arthur recognized the face. Fein, the son of one of the elders in the Sword Pavilion.

"You think a weapon like this can be sold here? The best it can do is be used by farmers to scare off chickens," Fein said, followed by laughter from the girl beside him.

Arthur sighed deeply. He didn't want to cause trouble… but his hand gripped his spear tightly.

"If you think this weapon is unworthy... why don't you try breaking it yourself?" Arthur said calmly.

Fein sneered, "Alright, I'll show everyone... why someone like you should know your place."

He drew his small sword and attacked Arthur.

Clink!

Energy sparks flew. The crowd started to gather around.

A brief fight ensued.

But after just three moves, Arthur dodged the attack, then used the back of his spear to push Fein to the ground.

"Ugh!" Fein fell, his clothes dirty, his face scratched.

"How could this happen?!"

The girl beside him screamed, "Guards! Catch him!"

Two guards rushed at Arthur, but before they could approach...

BOOM!

A powerful pressure enveloped the space.

"Enough."

A deep, cold voice echoed. A man in a blue robe, bearing the Sword Pavilion emblem on his chest, descended from the building.

"Vice Master Liu!" the guard shouted.

Everyone bowed respectfully. Arthur lowered his head as well.

Vice Master Liu walked towards Arthur and Fein. His gaze was sharp, probing the soul of every individual.

"Arthur, right? Your weapon... is no ordinary weapon," he said, holding Arthur's spear.

He looked for a moment, then his eyes lit up. "You... not only know how to forge weapons. You also understand the soul of the weapon."

Arthur fell silent. He wasn't sure what the man meant.

Vice Master Liu turned to Fein. "You... have disgraced the Pavilion with your behavior. Go home and report to your father. Let me handle things here."

Fein wanted to resist, but the Vice Master's gaze locked him in place. He gritted his teeth and walked away, embarrassed.

Vice Master Liu turned back to Arthur.

"Come to my office tomorrow. I have an offer… for a blacksmith like you."