Chapter 41_ God Hand (2)

The fire stone in the furnace still had its original shape. It seemed to be ridiculing him for trying to dominate it with this much after it endured the fire dragon's breath for 200 years. The surface of the furnace started to melt, but the fire stone in the furnace was still fine. This stone was far beyond the flames. It seemed to be whispering to Lexus to bring it on.

However, Lexus just smiled.

After consuming the heart of a young dragon and after he was transplanted with the heart of a top fire dragon, no flames could escape his grasp. He didn't even need firewood anymore. The heat was unparalleled. The heat wasn't in the realm that a legendary blacksmith could endure. At least, if Lexus wasn't the Ruler of Fire or he didn't have a dragon heart of a fire dragon.

Ttang!Ttang!Ttang!

Once the bloodstone, the finest mineral from hell, had been hammered into submission, it transformed into a transparent red. Its beauty rivaled that of glass. However, its hardness could not compare to any metal on Earth.

The smelting process of the bloodstone, the divine stone that came from Trauka's lair, the Fire Stone filled with the breath of the fire dragon, the moon night iron that Braham had picked from Trauka's nest—all had different melting points. It was a task that couldn't be done quickly in a short amount of time.

'Concentrate.'

The metal melted in the flames. All six minerals had different shapes and colors, but they all glowed red after being smelted. The heat rose quickly, if Lexus wasn't a blacksmith or a legend, he might've retreated or fallen down in great pain from the heat.

However after having the Dragon Heart of a Top Fire Dragon, the heat no longer bothers him. Of course, he didn't relax. In order to smelt and mix the six minerals including pavranium, it was necessary to not relax for even 0.1 second.

The furnace exploded. It could contain ultra-high temperatures, but even the work of humanity couldn't endure the true heat of the flames of the fire dragon. The flames grew and engulfed Lexus, moving like a tsunami that had swallowed the entire lair. Then the lair exploded. If this had happened anywhere else, everything within its reach would have been reduced to ashes.

『 Is this the work of a human being… 』

As Nevartan looked at Lexus, he felt a thrill that he hadn't imagined. Initially, he had thought that what Lexus was doing would not affect him in any way. However, when he saw Lexus throw the small piece of pavranium into the furnace, his heart skipped a beat. Lexus successfully melted the pavranium and then mixed it.

[Pavranium, created with the skills and knowledge of the legends, has been reborn at your fingertips.]

[A very high dexterity has been detected.]

[The legendary blacksmith's techniques has led to the creation of a new mineral.]

[Potential knowledge has been detected.]

[The characteristics of Legendary Great Magician and Intellectual King Solomon are helping in the progression of the mineral creation.]

A bright light filled the lair.

[Congratulations! You have succeeded in creating a new mineral!]

[Please name the new mineral!]

A substance that had never existed before was born at his fingertips.

'...Okay, I've decided.'

Lexus finished sorting his inventory and faced the notification window that was floating in his field of view.

[Please name the new mineral.]

The answer...

"Aetherium."

The new mineral would never be consumed and would multiply constantly. That's why, he chose a name that sounds cool for him.

[Aetherium]

Rating: Myth

[Durability: Infinite

The legendary blacksmith Pagma and the legendary great magician Braham's collaborative work, pavranium has been reborn by Lexus using his skills.

A metal that symbolizes Pagma's Successor, Lexus. It has the habit of judging and moving on its own, and reproducing their master's abilities.

* It has ten times compatibility with magic and can better fuse with all materials regardless of ratings.

* Possesses all the unique characteristics of the mineral 'Fire Stone Filled with the Breath of the Fire Dragon'.

* Possesses all the unique characteristics of the mineral 'Divine Stone'.

* Possesses all the unique characteristics of the mineral 'Blood Stone'.

* Possesses all the unique characteristics of the mineral 'Moon Night Iron'.

* It doubles every 10 days. ]

•~×~•

After creating his own mineral, Aetherium, which he was certain would be the best mineral, Lexus said his farewells to Nevartan, telling him that the Black Dragon intended to sleep for a while and would visit him soon in the human world if he had nothing else to do.

Upon using teleportation, Lexus instantly appeared at the Royal Palace of Reinhardt. As he sneakily roamed around, Lexus overheard some news.

The 'Golem Army Invasion' had occurred while he was away. Hearing about it from the people around him, the army of the Eternal Kingdom seemed helpless. Not only did 1,000 golems advance on the capital, but the hundreds of thousands of troops couldn't eradicate them.

"Braham..."

As Lexus was about to ask Braham about it, he was cut off first.

「 Don't ask me about it. Even though I'm aware of it, my other soul fragments were responsible for it. And, don't misunderstand me by thinking that I even care about this place in the first place. 」

Hearing him, Lexus accepted. Despite the fact that he could argue why it still happened, Lexus didn't, knowing very well that there's people that managed to stopped it. Despite the damage that Eternal Kingdom suffered, he wasn't that petty to grumble about it.

Noticing that there were many people, Lexus stealthily entered the throne room, where a brilliant gold awards ceremony was happening.

"Thank you, once again."

The moment Lexus entered without anyone noticing, he saw Wiesbaden expressed his gratitude from his throne.

"If it wasn't for you, this kingdom might've disappeared from history.... Earl Aden."

The king called the person in charge of finances. Then an old nobleman came forward and spoke on behalf of the king. "First of all, I will reward the achievements of Baroness Jishuka and the other 21 people who joined the battlefield later."

The former Tzedakah Guild stepped forward as they were called and Earl Aden conveyed King Wiesbaden's will.

"Baroness Jishuka and 21 others have saved Earl Steim and defended their kingdom, helping Viscount Greed defeat six of the ancient weapons. You will be awarded 20,000 gold and 10,000 kingdom contributions. In addition, they will be given the title of Viscount for their loyalty to their kingdom."

"We are much obliged."

The compensation was as they expected. The Tzedakah Guild members were completely satisfied. Lexus watched them being awarded by many rewards including them receiving the noble titles of Viscounts and Earls. Five earls were born, and Lexus knew that all of them were Greed's subordinates. Seeing the events, Lexus murmured.

"So much time had already passed since I left. It probably took at least five months or more for me and Nevartan to complete the dragon heart transplant. Meanwhile, Greed had already created the Overgeared Guild, which meant the first tournament arc was now over."

While Lexus was pondering how long his journey had been, Greed was receiving his rewards.

"Viscount Greed, you led your knights and colleagues to defeat 733 old golems, 187 soul dolls and 12 ancient weapons. Your achievements can't be denied. You will be praised as the country's hero…"

King Wiesbaden got up from the throne. Then he personally congratulated Greed instead of Earl Aden.

"Viscount Greed will be given 500,000 gold, an infinite amount of kingdom contribution and the large city Reidan. In addition, you will be awarded the title of duke and your statue will be set up in the Hall of Fame, keeping you alive to the next generation."

"I want you to pledge eternal loyalty to the royal family."

"I, Greed swear eternal loyalty to Your Majesty and his highness, Lexus."

"…"

Some nobles frowned. In particular, the princes' faces filled with anger. However, King Wiesbaden was over 70 years old and in a state of considerable decline. He didn't find any issue with Greed's remark and smiled.

Suddenly,

"Hahahaha!"

Everyone then turned their attention to where the laughter had come from. It was a white-haired teenager. Sensing everyone's gaze, Lexus made a fake cough.

"Pardon me. It's just out of my expectation that he'll bluntly mention my name."

Hearing his words, everybody immediately knew who he was.

"Lexus..."

"Your highness..."

Both King Wiesbaden and Greed were surprised by his appearance. For King Wiesbaden, Lexus had left several months ago on a journey that would allow him to reach new heights, while for Greed, he had been searching for his presence in the palace the moment he arrived there, but couldn't find him anywhere; thus, his sudden appearance at the ceremony came as a surprise to both of them.

Of course its not just them but many people too including the new members of Overgeared Guild and the other princes'. Seeing their surprised expression, Lexus just smiled like nothing special happen.

•~~~•

In the training ground, many people could be seen where the place where usually empty. The place was crowded because of the sudden spar that took place.

That's right, after his encounter again with Lexus, Greed formally requested for a spar with him in the eyes of many people. As Greed had great physical strength and concentration due to his stats, so dignity radiated from him. The king seated on the throne and the nobles gulped wondering what will happen.

When armed with the Holy Light Crown, Greed's dignity exceeded 850 points. This was a figure that surpassed those of the major nobles of one kingdom, so it had a tremendous effect and they also saw his capabilities beforehand.

Lexus on the other hand, only a few knew he was an unparalleled genius so they looked forward of what was about to happen. Accepting his request for a spar, Lexus proceeded on looking at his status window.

Name: Greed

Level: 260

Class: Pagma's Successor

Titles: One who Became a Legend, Unique Item Maker, Only Legendary Item Maker, Knight Slayer, Apostle of Justice, Man who has Touched Hell and First Duke.

Health: 70,290/70,290 + 9,000

Mana: 11,334/11,334

Strength: 3,350(+40) Stamina: 2, 218(+110)

Agility: 1,683(+10) Intelligence: 1,679(+210)

Dexterity: 2,420(+560)

—–—–—–—

Persistence: 1,844(+10)

Composure: 1,630(+10) Indomitable: 1,814(+10)

Dignity: 2,230 (+10) Insight: 1,940(+10)

Courage: 1,574 (+10)

—–—–—–—

Demonic Magic Power: 2 (+10)

Stat Points: 250

Looking at the status window of Greed, Lexus was inwardly surprised.

'Huh, he's stronger than the canon, is he?'

(#A/N: Greed's original status in the novel when he reached that chapter or at least that's the last status window of Greed in that arc.

Name: Greed

Level: 253

Class: Pagma's Successor

Titles: One who Became a Legend and 7 others.

Health: 48,778/48,778 + 9,000

Mana: 5,118/5,118

Strength: 2,314(+40) Stamina: 1,182(+110)

Agility: 647(+10) Intelligence: 643(+210)

Dexterity: 1,384(+560)

—–—–—–—

Persistence: 808(+10)

Composure: 594(+10) Indomitable: 675(+10)

Dignity: 594 (+10) Insight: 907(+10)

Courage: 538 (+10

—–—–—–—

Demonic Magic Power: 2 (+10)

Stat Points: 230.)

Looking at Lexus, Greed's expression was so serious that the Overgeared Guild members found it strange. This side was new to them.

Greed had always wanted to fight him again. Since he was utterly defeated by him during their first meeting, Greed had been working hard to try at least of narrowing the gap between them that he couldn't imagine to measure.

Since his overwhelming defeat in Lexus' hands, Greed had viewed him as someone he had to surpass, motivating him to improve further. His weak self in the past would've run away, but now he was strong. He pulled out the +9 Failure.

[You have been challenged into a duel.]

[None will die in a duel as the first to empty their health will lose.]

[Do you accept?]

"Yes."

As soon as Lexus agreed, Greed then charged as he immediately appeared in front of Lexus.

Jeeeong!

'Failure, huh? To think that he already produced this. As expected of a legendary blacksmith.'

Lexus inwardly thought as he smiled and admired the blue shark-shaped greatsword.

"That's a great sword."

Saying a compliment, Lexus rotated the sword in his hand that had collided with Failure as Greed charged forward. Then Greed felt a tremendous pressure and almost let go of Failure. He had to tighten his grip in order to not lose it.

'I have high strength, but why am I being pushed in a power struggle? Is it his technique?'