Chapter 54 - Master Rank Blacksmith

The Production Class had a unique ranking system, divided into four ranks - Beginner, Advanced, Expert, and Master - each with nine levels of progression. Every rank had its own unique features that distinguished it from the others. However, it was clear that increasing one's rank in the Production Class required an extraordinary amount of effort. Even a Dwarf Blacksmith like Fokil could proudly call himself a Master Blacksmith, holding this title in high esteem among his fellow dwarves.

Every player who had obtained a production class was tasked with dedicating their efforts to mastering the production skills, completing quests, and meeting objectives to improve their rank. Despite this focus on progress, the most successful blacksmith player in the game had only been able to reach Advanced Rank - Level 9. This showed that to achieve the Expert Rank, time and money alone were not enough. It would take immense dedication and skill. If pushed harder, the first player to reach Expert Rank might emerge, perhaps in the near future.

Beginner blacksmiths were just beginning their journey, learning the fundamentals of metalworking and tempering. Their craftsmanship was rudimentary and raw, with much room for improvement.

Advanced blacksmiths had achieved proficiency in their trade, capable of forging weapons and armor with intricate designs and superior results.

Expert blacksmiths were a rarity. They possessed an almost supernatural perception of the characteristics of metals. They could perform feats of fire and metal that seemed inconceivable, producing one-of-a-kind and powerful items that were greatly coveted by adventurers and collectors alike.

And then there were the masters – renowned artisans throughout Yunatea whose names were spoken with admiration and respect. Their creations were the stuff of legend, artifacts with the power to shape the fate of the world. These master blacksmiths had reached the pinnacle of their craft, their works revered and their skills unmatched.

In simpler terms, the Production Class ranking system limits the quality of items that can be made and the chances of obtaining a higher grade in crafting. Additionally, higher ranks come with specialized skills.

Broken swallowed hard and focused on the stream of notifications that seemed to appear in his vision endlessly. Even after the notifications congratulating him on the success of his two quests, now it was time for the information about the Blacksmith Class to appear before him.

[The heat of the forge radiates through every breath as a Blacksmith toils away with hammers and tongs. The metal glows and takes form under their skillful hands, a dance between them and the fire as they breathe life into steel. Every weapon crafted is imbued with passion, made with an adventurer's dreams in mind that will never be extinguished.]

[Royal Blacksmiths have devoted their entire existence to the art of blacksmithing, forging heated metal into glimmering works of art and skill. With a single blow of the hammer, they can turn ordinary ore into extraordinary creations, crafting weapons fit for a king.]

Despite his best attempts to keep his attention on the environment around him, the notifications kept distracting him as he followed Fokil, tempting him to take a glance at least.

"What kind of blacksmith will I be in a unique class?"

[The player has now been granted the Unique-grade Class of Royal Blacksmith.]

[The new skill Blacksmith's Craftsmanship has been unlocked.]

[The new skill Blacksmith's Appraisal has been unlocked.]

[The new skill Blacksmith's Repair has been unlocked.]

[The new skill Blacksmith's Soul Engrave has been unlocked.]

[The new skill Blacksmith's Path of Legend has been unlocked.]

Broken paused for a moment, carefully studying all the skill information he had just received. He was amazed at the impressive array of skills he had been granted; even the names of each skill sounded incredibly cool. 

"So, it seems that you are rather intrigued by all those new skills?" Fokil said.

Broken postponed reading more detailed descriptions of each skill he had just acquired and focused on Fokil.

"Yes, sir," Broken replied in a quiet voice.

Fokil asserted sternly, "Your rank in Blacksmith's Craftsmanship is the most crucial element of being a blacksmith. Every skill you have and the techniques you have learned will be useless if you don't make an effort to level up your Blacksmith's Craftsmanship. Don't get distracted by your other abilities if you are not endeavoring to enhance your primary skill first."

"I understand," Broken answered firmly. "I will work hard and strive to raise my Blacksmith's Craftsmanship Rank and Level."

"You should consider yourself lucky," Fokil said with a hint of annoyance, "that I bestowed upon you the Royal Blacksmith class, a privilege that is exclusive to the Dwarves."

"I won't squander this chance, sir," Broken replied, his voice filled with determination.

Fokil continued, speaking solemnly. "As a player, you are cursed with eternal life; no matter what kind of death you suffer, you will come back to life as if nothing has happened. Thus, I hope that you can reach the rank of Expert at least in your lifetime; however, attaining the title of Master is nearly impossible."

Broken nodded and, with determination, followed Fokil. He had made a resolution to become one of the highest-ranked Blacksmith players in Immortal Legacy. He had the reasons and the substantial resources to achieve this, of course, along with the passive skill he got from the Sloth Champion title.

The information he had obtained from the internet indicated that someone who had attained the Advanced Rank - Level 9 had invested an immense amount of time and effort into the Blacksmith class from the beginning of the game. They could proudly show their achievement to others. And Broken was determined to reach that level at least.

"How many years do you think players can live?" Fokil continued, still with an irritated expression on his face. "Do you know how much I struggled to reach the Master Rank?"

Broken was lost for words when Fokil posed the question. He could not imagine how much effort it took to accomplish such a feat. He shook his head, "No, sir, I don't know how many years it took you to achieve this, but I'm certain that it is something worth celebrating and honoring."

"Alright, let's stop wasting time and get to training," Fokil declared firmly. "We can't afford to let the Class I've assigned to you go to waste."

"Yes, sir."

At that moment, Broken realized something significant.

[Self Transcendence Blessing Activation Progress: 91%]

[The reaction occurred because the Self Transcendence Blessing and the Royal Blacksmith Class led to an unforeseen outcome.]

An unexpected event unfolded right before his eyes. The Transcendence Blessing was triggered even when the progress was still at 91%.

Broken suddenly widened his eyes when a new notification regarding Self Transcendence appeared before him. His body trembled in anticipation as he was wondering what surprise he would receive.

[The Royal Blacksmith Class just got a significant upgrade! With the power of Self Transcendence Blessing, the Blacksmith Class has ranked up to new heights. Forge away, apprentice! Let your creations reach new heights!]

[Congratulations! You have reached Master Rank - Level 1 in Blacksmith's Craftsmanship. You have finally mastered the art of hammering hot metal into supremely crafted weapons and armor! Now you can join the ranks of the greatest blacksmiths in the world!]

Broken stood in awe as he read the notifications. "I can't believe it," he whispered to himself. "I actually reached Master Rank."

Fokil, noticing the change in Broken's expression, asked, "What happened?"