Chapter 57 - The 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 high-quality 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 finished the quest. "I have completed the quest, sir," he said with pride in his voice.

Fokil nodded in appreciation. "Good. It seems you were fortunate enough to smelt a 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 even better materials."

He continued, "Now that you have demonstrated your proficiency in smelting, it is time for your next challenge. You must create Elite-grade gloves 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 Gloves]

[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 Elite-grade Gloves.]

[Clear Rewards: 40 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. The sparks flew with each hit, lighting up the room with a fiery brilliance.

"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 grasped the tongs firmly, lifting the heated iron from the forge and placing it upon the anvil. The metal glowed a bright orange, ready to be shaped.

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. His hands moved with a growing confidence, each strike more assured than the last.

The fire roared in the background, casting flickering shadows across the smithy. The heat was intense, making the air shimmer.

"Forging a glove requires patience and precision," Fokil said. "Each plate must be shaped with care, ensuring that they are both durable and flexible enough for the wearer."

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. He adjusted his grip on the hammer, striking with more finesse.

[Congratulations! You have 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 delighted to finally acquire the Dexterity stat. He knew this was a requirement for all production classes. Though he couldn't allocate stat points specifically to Dexterity, this new attribute gave him more options to become efficient in his craft and improve the potential output of his crafting.

The next step for Broken was to complete as many quests and achievements as possible to collect stat points. This was essential for staying competitive with other players who continued to level up. Crafting like this would also help him level up and progress his Self Transcendence Blessing, making it a win-win solution for him.

"Careful, brat," 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," 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. His hands worked steadily, his concentration unwavering.

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

At last, the final rivet was in place. Broken held the completed gloves up to the light, marveling at the intricate craftsmanship that had gone into their creation. An indigo aura glowed softly around them, indicating that he had successfully crafted Elite-grade gloves.

"Excellent work, brat," 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 an Elite grade equipment with your own two hands on your first try.]

[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 40 Dexterity Stat points! Now that's something to be excited about!]

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

Fokil looked at him with immense pride and satisfaction in his progression. "Let me give you something for this accomplishment."

With a knowing gesture, Fokil walked away and opened the door to another room.

Broken watched in awe as Fokil came back into the main room and placed something down before him.

"Take a look at this one, brat," Fokil said with a hint of a smile. "It's a blueprint for a Royal Hammer that will come in handy for your work."

[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 40 stat points.]

Broken's heart skipped a beat as he struggled to contain his overwhelming excitement. He couldn't believe his luck - receiving so many amazing gifts in one day! First, he was bestowed with 40 points in Dexterity. Then, he got an additional 40 stat points. And now, he had a blueprint to create a Royal Hammer. This was perfect for him, as he would frequently use a hammer for work. Having his own top-notch hammer would definitely give him an advantage.

"Thank you, sir! This is an incredible reward," Broken exclaimed enthusiastically. "I'm so fortunate to have received so much from you today!"

"Enough chit-chat," Fokil replied with a chuckle. "Why don't you inspect the stats of the gloves you just crafted?"

Broken nodded in agreement and then proceeded to examine the gloves, taking in all the detailed information.

The gloves felt sturdy yet flexible in his hands. The craftsmanship was evident in every metal plate, showing the care and precision that had gone into their creation. As he appraised the gloves, a notification appeared before him.

[Warrior's Call Glove]

[Grade: Elite]

[…]