The Blacksmith Has Fallen

I recall that this is Lina's first visit to the Capital, as her track record as a Battle Maid has been pretty light on major assignments. The main branch of the Battle Maid Association, currently based in the Capital, hasn't reached out to her until now. However, since I've enlisted her as my personal Battle Maid, she'll be treated just like any other member. But to truly become a competent Battle Maid, she needs proper armor and weapons. Her current gear is about as basic as it gets, and it's a bit of a mystery how she's managed to get by with it for so long.

As I glance around, I notice a few things that seem different from what I remember in the past. I chalk it up to the fact that maybe this place hasn't seen any renovations or updates, given that most players are still hanging around Mining Town and nearby hunting grounds.

Lina is quite the inquisitive type. Despite only knowing me for a few hours and having just joined as my recruit, she's already treating me like her mentor and master. Her curiosity extends to all the new sights and stores in the Capital, and she's not shy about asking questions and pointing out interesting things. It's a promising sign that she's taking her new role seriously.

Navigating the Capital is a real challenge, and if you're not careful with your directions, you might find yourself wandering through its labyrinthine backstreets and winding roads. Yet, that's what makes the adventure so exciting – stumbling upon the unexpected. I had a blast exploring the area, especially since some of the spots were entirely new to me, offering a fresh experience even for a seasoned traveler like myself. But, caught up in our exploration, I completely lost track of how close we were getting to our final destination.

To my surprise, we suddenly found ourselves standing in front of a decrepit blacksmith shop with a shattered sign. Most players tended to overlook this place, dismissing it as just another abandoned building in the game, a desolate wasteland strewn with trash and devoid of any signs of life.

"This place might seem deserted, but don't be fooled," I replied to Lina's skepticism. We stood before the unassuming exterior of what appeared to be an abandoned shop. 

This was the workshop of one of the game's most talented blacksmiths. She had the potential to rival even the Imperial blacksmiths and ascend to legendary status, given the right materials and a spark of motivation. The problem was, that she lacked the drive, often finding solace in a bottle or a puff of smoke. Laziness was her constant companion.

"But if we manage to get her in the mood," I continued, pushing open the creaking door with ease, "she could be the top-tier blacksmith we've been searching for, capable of crafting top-notch items."

Lina's doubt lingered as she glanced around the dimly lit shop. "What is this place, Master? Is this really the place you were talking about?"

I nodded, understanding her confusion. "Yes, indeed. This may not look like much, but it's the home of a truly eccentric blacksmith. Her unorthodox ways are reflected in her shop's appearance."

Lina wrinkled her nose, still skeptical. "It seems abandoned, though."

With a sly grin, I replied, "Appearances can be deceiving. Let's find this recluse and see if we can't spark some motivation in her. She might surprise us."

I give the door another firm knock, three times in total. It was crucial to make sure this was the right spot; barging in without following the local customs could land us in trouble. In this town, the unwritten law was crystal clear: three knocks were your ticket inside, anything less, and you'd risk drawing the attention of the vigilant city guards. But if the occupants didn't answer, it was an open invitation to enter. That was the golden rule, and everyone here played by it. If you wanted to stay out of hot water and make a name for yourself in the Capital, you didn't mess with the locals.

*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*

I held my breath for a moment, hoping for any sign of movement from within. However, there was nothing, not even a faint shuffle.

"Hey, I'm starting to doubt if we've got the right place," Lina piped up, a hint of skepticism in her voice.

"I'm pretty certain this is it," I reassured her, keeping my tone serious but relaxed. "Alright, let's not waste any more time. We've knocked three times; it's time to see what's behind door number one." I turned the doorknob and gently pushed the door open, Lina hesitated for a moment before cautiously stepping inside with me.

The moment we stepped inside, the pungent scent of metal and burnt coal hit my nose, and the temperature skyrocketed, indicating that this place was far from deserted. The walls were adorned with weaponry and armor, confirming that we were in the right spot. Yet, there was no one in sight.

"Hello? Anyone home?" I scanned the area, hoping to find the elusive blacksmith I had been searching for.

And then...

"Master! We've got an unconscious person here!" Lina immediately pointed towards a woman sprawled out on the floor, her face planted firmly in the ground. Judging by her appearance, it was undoubtedly the blacksmith we sought.

Without hesitation, we lifted her gently and settled her into a nearby chair. She was out cold but still breathing, knocked senseless for some unknown reason. Just as I was pondering this strange turn of events, a notification suddenly popped up before me, a quest notification.

----

[Collapsed Blacksmith]

Type: Hidden Quest

Info: So, you stumbled into what looked like the world's most ghostly blacksmith shop. But guess what? This blacksmith didn't just fall asleep at the anvil! Nope, she's out cold on the floor. Let's wake her up by playing a little mixologist.

Progress:

Small Mana Potions: 0/5

Small Health Potions: 0/5

Difficulty: None

Recommended Levels: None

Rewards: ???

----

Is it just a coincidence that I haven't touched those basic potions I received when I first started this game? Maybe, but honestly, that's not the most pressing issue right now. I'm well aware that, apart from these potions, there have to be other ways to help her get back on her feet. Relying solely on potions won't do the trick.

"Lina, could you grab me a cold, damp towel? She looks like she's overheating," I casually requested, my concern evident as I monitored her condition.

"Sure thing!" Lina didn't waste a second and scurried off to find a towel. In the meantime, I began assessing her condition to figure out why she'd collapsed. No fever, but those dark bags under her eyes tell a different story. It's clear she's been pushing herself too hard, and it finally caught up with her. Despite being lazy, as long as she finds herself enjoying what she is doing or finds something worth doing, she won't stop doing that work even if it costs her sleep and rest.

Lina came back with a basin of cold water and a wet towel, and I wasted no time. I popped the cap off the Small Health Potion and gently lifted Almira's head, urging her to take a sip. Her parched lips told me she hadn't been hydrating, which probably led to her collapse.

"Hand me that towel," I said, extending my hand to Lina. She handed it over, and I started wiping the sweat from Almira's forehead. Cooling her down was a priority.

Next, I cracked open another of the tiny health potions, making sure Almira could sip it without spilling a drop. But here's the trick: I didn't want her to grimace at the bitter aftertaste of the Mana Potion. So, I went for the blend. First, she'd sip the Health Potion, then, as soon as it went down, she'd follow it with the Mana Potion. It took some getting used to, but once you had the hang of it, that nasty aftertaste didn't hang around for long.

After carefully administering the potion, I nonchalantly reached for another Mana Potion, downing it in her mouth without hesitation. Lina's visible disgust at the blacksmith's involuntary taste test made it clear she shared my sentiment - these Mana Potions weren't exactly a gourmet delight. It seems only a select few crazy individuals actually enjoy their flavor, and I certainly wasn't one of them.

Almira's face began to show signs of a reaction, but I wasn't satisfied yet. Swiftly, I grabbed the Health Potion, determined not to leave her mouth with a lingering bad taste from an overdose of Mana Potions. I ensured she drained the entire bottle before gently wiping her forehead with a damp towel. Her feverish temperature was gradually subsiding, but she remained unconscious.

As she finished the last drop of the potion, Almira's eyes suddenly snapped open, and an unmistakable fury clouded her face.

"F*ck, who allowed me to drink and eat sh*t?!"