Chapter 42 - The Ultimate Double Strikes

[Congratulations, Broken! You have achieved an outstanding accomplishment by successfully completing the quest of smelting iron ore and carbon into steel and producing a top-notch product.]

[As a reward for your efforts, you have been presented with five gleaming steel bars - three of low-grade, one of mid-grade, and one of high-grade - in recognition of your hard work. Congratulations, and happy crafting!]

Broken smiled as he held up the five steel bars in his hands, each of them weighing around 100g. He then turned to Fokil and said, "I have completed this quest, master."

Fokil nodded in appreciation. "Good. It seems you were fortunate enough to smelt the high-quality steel bar with just low-quality iron ore. If you can get your hands on high-quality iron ore, you can use it to craft other materials as well."

He went on, "Now that you have demonstrated your proficiency in smelting, it is time for your next challenge. You must create an elite-grade glove from these steel bars. It will not be easy, but if you manage to complete this quest, it will be a testament to your outstanding blacksmithing abilities."

[Craft an Elite Grade Glove]

[Rating: B]

[The Master Blacksmith has tasked you with crafting an Elite-grade glove. You must use the knowledge you've learned from Fokil to create a glove of Elite grade. Be sure to pay close attention to detail, as the slightest mistake will ruin the entire project.]

[Clear Conditions: Successfully craft an Elite grade Glove]

[Clear Rewards: 50 stat points]

Fokil demonstrated the proper technique for hammering the steel, his powerful blows ringing through the smithy like thunder. Each strike seemed effortless yet precise as if he were sculpting the metal with an invisible hand.

"Your turn," Fokil said again, handing Broken the tongs and hammer.

Broken felt a surge of excitement and apprehension as he took the tools from the master blacksmith. He could sense Fokil's skepticism, but that only fueled his determination to prove himself. He grasped the tongs firmly, lifting the heated iron from the forge and placing it upon the anvil.

The resulting clang echoed throughout the smithy, drawing Fokil's attention. The master blacksmith watched closely as Broken continued to shape the steel, his every blow deliberate and focused. Though his technique was unpolished, there was a raw talent and determination that could not be denied.

"Excellent," Fokil said grudgingly, a hint of admiration in his voice. "You have the makings of a fine blacksmith. Keep practicing, and one day, you may even surpass me."

The fire roared in the background, casting flickering shadows across the smithy.

"Remember," Fokil said, "forging a glove requires patience and precision. Each plate must be shaped with care, ensuring that they are both durable and flexible enough for the wearer." His voice was stern yet encouraging – a tone that reminded Broken he was in the presence of greatness.

Broken nodded, sweat dripping from his brow. He focused on the task at hand, determined to replicate Fokil's motions down to the smallest detail. As he began shaping the first metal plate, he found that maintaining the balance between strength and flexibility was trickier than it seemed.

[Congratulations! You have just unlocked a Dexterity Stat.]

[This stat will increase your effectiveness in all production classes and give you a higher chance of crafting higher-quality items. Enjoy your newfound edge!]

Broken was presented with a notification on the transparent screen in front of him and was delighted to finally acquire the Dexterity Stat, which is a requirement for all production classes. Unfortunately, stat points can't be allocated specifically to the Dexterity Stat, but at least he has more options to become more efficient in his production class.

The next step for Broken is to complete as many quests and achievements as he can in order to collect as many stat points as possible, as this is the only way he can stay competitive with other players who continue to level up.

"Careful, kid," Fokil warned when he noticed Broken struggling. "Too much force, and the plate will crack."

Gritting his teeth, Broken adjusted his grip and applied a gentler touch. Gradually, the plates began to take shape, their edges curving smoothly under his careful guidance. He felt a surge of pride with each successful strike, but there was no time to bask in his accomplishment – he had to keep moving, keep learning.

"Good, good," Fokil murmured as he observed Broken's progress. "Now, let's see you assemble the plates into a proper glove."

Swallowing hard, Broken set about connecting the plates with small rivets, following Fokil's example.

"Almost there," Fokil said, his voice filled with anticipation. "Just a few more adjustments, and you'll have yourself a fine glove."

At last, the final rivet was in place. Broken held the completed glove up to the light, marveling at the intricate craftsmanship that had gone into its creation. It was not perfect, but it was a testament to his perseverance and the bond he had forged with Fokil.

"Excellent work, kid," Fokil praised, clapping a heavy hand on Broken's shoulder. "You've truly outdone yourself today."

[Congratulations! You've done the impossible - you've crafted the Elite grade equipment with your own two hands.]

[Your dedication and skill have been nothing short of extraordinary; you should be feeling proud and triumphant.]

[Your hard work and determination have paid off - not only have you achieved greatness, but you've also earned yourself a bonus reward of 50 Dexterity Stat points! Now that's something to be excited about!]

"Your progress is remarkable," Fokil praised.

Broken was beaming with joy, unable to conceal his happiness.

Fokil looked at him with immense pride and satisfaction in the young man's progression and eagerness. "I knew you'd do it," he said affectionately.

"Let me give you something for this accomplishment."

With a knowing gesture, he beckoned Broken to follow him and opened the door to another room. He reached out as if expecting something and took hold of a hammer blueprint from the corner.

Broken watched in awe as he brought it back into the main room and placed it down before him.

"Take a look at this one, kid," he said. "It's a blueprint for a Royal Hammer that will come in handy for your work."

The blueprint held meticulous information. Everything about this hammer seemed like something out of the ordinary.

[Congratulations! You have successfully created an Elite Grade Glove!]

[Your Quest 'Craft an Elite Grade Glove' has been upgraded to an A-rating.]

[As a reward, you have been given a blueprint of a Royal Hammer and 50 stat points.]

[You must be feeling pretty powerful now! Who knows what you'll be able to craft next!]

"This is great!" Broken exclaimed enthusiastically. "I'm so fortunate to have received so much from you today, Master!"

"Enough chit-chat," Fokil replied. "Why don't you inspect the glove you just created?"

Broken nodded in agreement and then proceeded to examine the glove he had just created, taking in all the information.

[Warrior's Call Glove]

[Grade: Elite]

[Agility +20]

[Strength +20]

[Durability: 100/100]

[Weight: 150]

[The perfect accessory for the sword-wielding novice. With its comfy, one-size-fits-all design, the glove is sure to be a hit with any aspiring swordsman.]

[Skills:]

[1. Double Strikes: As you ready yourself to attack your target, a powerful surge of energy runs through your body.

With a little bit of luck, you just might be able to pull off the ultimate Double Strike. It will double the amount of your normal or skill attack! Just remember, it's not guaranteed - so don't get too cocky!

The likelihood of pulling off a Double Strike is a mere 10%, and the recharge time for the attack is 2 seconds.]

[User Restriction: Level 50 or higher]

"Double Strikes," Broken muttered under his breath after reading the skills listed in his new glove. A broad smile spread across his face as he read, his excitement palpable.

"Congratulations, Kid," Fokil said, clapping him on the shoulder. "That's a very good Glove for a beginner like you. I think you can use that glove to fight. And listen, don't go around embarrassing me by dressing like a beggar when you're my apprentice and all, okay?"

Broken was filled with joy. "Thank you, Master. I also have a class for fighting. Soon I will make some gear that I don't already possess for my fighter class. You can depend on me to make the best use of all the things you have given me."

"Alright," Fokil continued, "I'm sure you can find other blueprints from merchants, plazas, and auctions. You need to gather the materials required for the gear you don't have yet, enough to fight and hunt monsters. Then, you'll be able to craft the Moonvine Sword blueprint that I have given you."

"Oh," Broken suddenly recalled the blueprint he had acquired from Fokil.

"Have you looked at what the blueprint holds?"

"Not yet," Broken replied. He hadn't yet checked the contents of the Moonvine Sword blueprint, as he had just learned the Appraisal skill and had been too busy with Fokil's quests.

[Hey there, you've reached your daily online limit!]

[To ensure your well-being, we'll be disconnecting you in 30 seconds. We hope you have a great day!]

A notification popped up in front of Broken, something he had never seen before while playing Immortal Legacy. He had used a full sixteen hours in a day to log in, the most he had ever done. "Master, I think it's time for me to go," Broken said. "But I'll be right back."

"Good, kid," Fokil replied excitedly. "You can use all the facilities here at the Smithy if you need them. And I'd be really pleased if you could start crafting the Moonvine Sword soon, too."

"Thanks," Broken said, smiling. "I'll be back soon."

With that, Broken quit the Smithy and logged out of the game.