49, Sticky Hair and Thrown Cures A Costly Confusion

"Uran, thank you for your help... so, um, how much do I owe for the medicine?"

"Since you threw 21 times, it's 210,000."

"210,000... understood, I'll pay."

I handed the money to Uran. The effects of the medicine had vanished, but I couldn't shake the feeling that my hair was a bit sticky; I hoped it was just in my head.

"Thank you, Uran! You have such amazing throwing accuracy!"

"Well, you guys weren't exactly moving at high speed, so hitting you wasn't too hard. Lena, even when confused, just kept hammering the metal block relentlessly, showing great spirit. It wouldn't have been surprising if she had ended up smashing Phoebe instead."

Phoebe praised Uran. Even as Uran blushed a little, wasn't she just complimenting us? Wait, had I been confused the whole time? I hadn't noticed, I was too focused.

"By the way, Uran, why weren't you affected by the status ailments?"

"I have two reasons. First, I have equipment that grants resistance to status effects. Second, I was like an outsider in the operation, outside the range of the effect. By the way, there's a thing called a resistance marathon where you get hit by a lot of status ailments to gain resistance and level up. But it's pretty much for masochists, so not many people do it."

Hmm, I see... Is that why I gained resistance to status ailments?

"I need to choose the evolution path for my combined evolution..."

**Spell Forging**

A skill that allows you to create equipment using magic. It can grant certain spells as special skills, but learning magic is necessary to acquire these special abilities. You'll also be able to see the completion level of the equipment you're crafting. This skill is recommended for blacksmiths who want to master magic.

**Blood Forging**

A skill that allows you to use your own blood as material to forge equipment. While it significantly lowers your maximum HP and increases HP loss during forging, it greatly enhances the performance of the weapons you create. Moreover, equipping your own crafted gear boosts its effectiveness even further. You can also see the completion level of your ongoing creations. The lost maximum HP can be restored by sealing the skill. This is recommended for blacksmiths who are willing to die multiple times to create powerful equipment.

Hmm, if I want to increase my maximum HP, Spell Forging is the clear choice... But if I can't use magic, the main feature would go to waste... Blood Forging is a superior version of Spell Forging, but that also means my maximum HP would drop even further... There's a real chance it could fall into single digits, leaving me anxious about combat.

Regardless of which I pick, the ability to see how much more is needed for completion is a nice touch.

"Hmm, considering that I need to create Phoebe's key afterward... I think I'll go with Blood Forging."

**Skill: Blood Forging acquired. You have also gained the Modification skill at level 1.**

As I triggered the fusion evolution for the cursed blood blacksmith, Uran looked taken aback.

"Lena, you seem like a frontline fighter, but did you really choose cursed blood blacksmith? That's powerful, but it's better suited for a backline role where you won't be exposed to too much attack!"

"Oh, thank goodness... it's not weak?"

"It's not weak, but it's definitely not a skill for the front line. Your HP has dropped too low; it's going to be tough to tank in battle now."

A quick glance at my status revealed my maximum HP had fallen to 96... I was now a truly frail blacksmith.

"Well, since I've chosen it, there's no turning back. Let's go ahead and create the key for the Memory Fairy Gate."

"Got it! I was embarrassing earlier when I hit you, Lena, but I'll give it my all this time!"

"Trying hard is good, but just don't overexert yourself, okay?"

Phoebe seemed worried about the earlier chaos... I thought it wasn't beneficial to get too tense.

Considering what we were about to create, it was understandable to feel pressure, but I needed to stay focused to avoid any mistakes.

I set the recipe for the Memory Fairy Gate key, along with two memory crystals and a large ice crystal, into the forging device.

"Huh? It says the process consumes all MP and half of HP at the start, but my MP is down to 25% and HP too?"

Unlike when I created firelight, the amount of HP being consumed seemed reduced. Could it be because I'm no longer just an apprentice, now functioning as a subclass technician for the Fairy Gate?

First, I'll recover the MP spent while creating TT's weapon by using an MP recovery potion from the shop, and since my HP is being restored by Phoebe's regeneration, there's no issue there.

The real concern is the HP damage I sustain while crafting; just swinging the hammer once during the fire-light creation inflicts devastating damage. Back then, I had the support of numerous enchantments and skills from Phoebe, Rhea, and the leader, or I likely wouldn't have managed at all.

Now that I've gained some experience, the recoil damage from swinging the hammer may have decreased, but there's also the possibility that my skill, Bloodforge, has increased it. I learned during the auction process that if a crafting attempt fails, the materials are destroyed. With only one memory crystal, failure is not an option.

However, relying too much on the leader and the others isn't ideal either... what should I do?

Maybe I could swing the hammer with my right hand while drinking a potion with my left... No, I can't imagine being able to control the hammer properly that way—failure is the only future I foresee. I'd better not.

"Um, are you okay, Lena? Deep in thought?"

"Oh! I'm fine! I'm just a bit anxious since there won't be as much support as during the fire-light process… but I'll manage somehow!"

With determination, I hit the start button, and my MP is instantly drained. Suddenly, the workshop temperature starts to plummet. It feels cold!?

"Wait! What did you do? Why is cold air coming from the forge? This is impossible! What did you do, Lena?" Uran exclaimed, shocked by the sudden drop in temperature. It seemed that emitting cold air from the forge was unheard of.

"I used a special recipe! Is Phoebe okay with the cold?"

"I'm fine! If I wear this... and cast Regenerate, Fairy Wish, Slip Guard, Power Up, Element Boost!" Phoebe quickly slipped into a small rabbit robe she had sewn, channeling supportive magic. The little rabbit robe certainly had great resistance to cold. During the summer event at the snowy mountains, they had been forced to wear swimsuits, but here in the workshop, it was no issue.

"If I drink a cold-resistance potion, maybe I can manage? Uran, here!"

"Hey, don't just throw it to me! I appreciate it, but I've got some too!" Uran caught the potion and took one for herself. They had to make it through this!

Wait, isn't the cold in here just as bad as the snowy mountains?

"Lena! Regular potions won't be enough to fend off this chill! I'll manage with my gear; you need to figure something out!" Uran shouted, realizing they were in a space colder than the snowy mountains.

What are the disadvantages of this cold? My body is shaking, but what else is there? I want to know, but they've just brought over a block of metal wrapped in ice and snow... Can I even process this with a hammer? But if I don't hit it, it'll fail! I have to do it! This is a game; common sense doesn't apply!

Clang!

I swing the hammer, but I can't feel the impact. It's one thing to hit hot metal, but I've never struck cold metal before! However, thanks to the effects of the cursed blood blacksmithing, I can tell that the quality of what I'm crafting is improving, so it's not a failure! Fortunately, my HP isn't dropping much—probably because there's no environmental damage from heat, though the cold is making my body stiff!

"Uran! What are the disadvantages of being in such extreme cold?"

"Your movements are restricted, and there are limits to your skills and magic! If it gets any colder, your body might freeze up like it's encased in ice, and when the ice shatters, you'll take heavy damage!"

"Got it!"

I briefly consider creating a fire with a flick of my wrist, but it would affect the metal, and I would need to keep moving to maintain the flame, so I quickly abandon the idea.

"I have no choice but to keep swinging the hammer! Is Phoebe okay?!"

"Yes! Thanks to my robe, I'm not cold! I'll focus on channeling my magic! Yuki, lend me your strength!"

Clang! Clang! I continue to swing the hammer!

I vividly imagine the key needed to forge the fairy gate. Through Phoebe's recollections, I see Yuki's staff clearly. Unlike the hazy images from before, this vision is sharp and detailed!

"Cold!? Ugh… Don't underestimate me!"

As I swung the hammer again and again, ice began to form on my fingertips, numbing my grip. But thanks to the ice, my hand remained glued to the hammer, preventing it from slipping from my grasp.

With one final swing, I brought the hammer down onto the cold metal, which was slowly taking shape into a small staff. The ice that clung to my fingers shattered with a sickening crack... and along with it, my fingers.

"No way! It was almost done!" The shocking sight of my missing fingers froze me in place. Panic surged through me; I was so close to completion, yet my body refused to respond! The hammer, now unable to be held, threatened to fall to the ground!

"Come on, work! Telekinesis!" Phoebe's voice rang out, and just as the hammer seemed ready to hit the ground, it was pulled into her grasp as if by an invisible force.

"Yes! I'm borrowing Lena's power!" Phoebe lifted the hammer high and struck the almost-finished staff with a powerful blow!

Kaaaang! Unlike my earlier attempts, this sound was exquisitely clear, and at that moment, the finishing button materialized. Simultaneously, my stiff body relaxed, allowing me to drive my uninjured palm onto the button!

"I can't believe Phoebe's blacksmithing skills, gained as a reward from the trial of resonance, came to my rescue... Nice one, Phoebe..." I said, just as I collapsed, my HP depleted by the damage from the finishing blow. The freezing damage had been far more severe than I anticipated.

Revived in Lily's cozy home, I quickly returned to the workshop.

"Welcome back, Lena... The leader sure brought in an extraordinary person," said Uran, eyeing me with a hint of suspicion.

"I'm truly sorry for the commotion…"

"Honestly, I thought something had happened to the forge at first."

Uran's gaze was slightly accusatory, and I felt a twinge of guilt.

"Welcome back, Lena! I finished the staff!" exclaimed Phoebe, proudly holding up a pure white staff for me to see.

**'Key to the Fairy Gate of Memories

Attribute: Ice

Status: Attack +1, Magic Power +39

Special Effects: MP Tank (300/300), Magic Speed Boost (Medium), Pain Resistance (Medium), Equipment Restriction: Phoebe, Lena

Special Skills: Fairy Ice Gate, Yuki's Magic

This Fairy Gate key, crafted through the teamwork of Lena and Phoebe, takes the form of a pure white staff and is imbued with two memory crystals. It grants the user access to a vast array of spells once wielded by the woman who had taught magic to Phoebe. Furthermore, it serves as a gateway to the fairy's homeland.'**

**'Special Skill: Fairy Ice Gate

This skill expends all MP to unleash the power of nature's ice through the fairy gate. The greater the MP consumed, the more potent and expansive the ice power becomes. The MP used for this skill comes exclusively from the key's holder and the weapon's MP tank.