Hidden Forge in Vala Fortress
In the iron fortress called Vala, one of the most well-known strongholds beside the Grand Canyon, the streets were flooded with people. The fortress was famous for one thing: equipment specialized in hunting magic and spirit beasts.
Traders shouted over each other in the huge square. Buyers haggled, sellers flaunted their goods, and various equipment shimmered under the sun. This place was a paradise for hunters and merchants alike.
In the Great World of Eden, most people relied on magic for survival. About 30% of the population lacked spiritual roots, making them unable to cultivate—so they turned to magic instead. That's why magic beasts became a prime target: fast to reproduce, dangerous, and packed with valuable materials.
Their meat? Inedible. Eat it, and your body might just explode.
Their skin? Tough as iron.
Their heads? Contained rare magic stones, essential for restoring broken equipment.
Magic Rank System:
Magician – Casts basic fireballs.
Medium Magician – Bigger fireballs.
Intermediate Magician – Controls fire's burning effect.
Wizard – Can learn multiple attributes (Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Wood, Light, Dark).
Medium Wizard – Faster casting, can manipulate weather.
Intermediate Wizard – Can cast multiple spells and even fly.
Peak Wizard – Can shake mountains and rivers.
Grand Wizard – Can destroy a small mountain.
Grandmaster Magician – Can shatter the sky.
Medium Grand Magician – Can create life.
Peak Medium Magician – Can create life in masses (but with a heavy price).
Magic Warrior Path:
Beginner Warrior – Normal attack.
Medium Warrior – Strengthens body.
Intermediate Warrior – Enhanced flexibility.
Peak Warrior – Strengthens will.
Beginner Knight – Can learn magic.
Medium Knight – Can control magic.
Intermediate Knight – Can fuse magic with weapons.
Peak Knight – Can fuse magic into each slash.
Lord – Can learn intent.
Medium Lord – Can fly.
Intermediate Lord – Can split mountains and rivers.
Peak Lord – Can affect space.
King – All senses enhanced.
Emperor – Unknown.
In the middle of the crowd, Arthur followed his father, who was tightly holding his hand.
"Papa, where are we going?" Arthur asked.
"To see Old Man Brook," his father said. "He's a King-level sword user and a blacksmith, too. We'll get some good equipment for you. This place is secret—I don't know why he even opened a shop."
They arrived at a quiet corner. The shop looked abandoned—its decapitated signboard barely hanging on. Amy knocked eight times before pushing the door open.
Inside, the place looked like a treasure dump. Glowing swords, magical armors, and enchanted accessories were scattered like trash across the floor.
Sitting on a chair with his eyes closed was a wrinkled old man, snoring softly.
"Old man Brook," Amy called out. "Still alive and kicking, huh? You look pretty lively!"
Old Man Brook cracked one eye open. "Tch. Amy. What brings you here? Huh? That your brat?"
"Yup. My first son." Amy gently nudged Arthur forward.
Arthur took the cue and bowed.
"Arthur greets Uncle Brook."
"Good, good," Brook said, smiling. "So? You want me to forge something? Got anything special to give me?"
"Hahaha, still the same old greedy blacksmith. I want my son to choose a weapon."
Brook grinned and waved a hand. "Go ahead, kid. Pick what you want."
He wasn't worried. His equipment adapted to the wielder's size, and each piece was unique.
Arthur nodded and started browsing—swords, spears, halberds, maces, boots, necklaces, even pouches. Everything looked like high-grade stuff.
While Arthur browsed, his father chuckled.
"Still stingy with your good stuff, huh?"
"Hehe," Brook grinned. "I've got some treasures stored away. But you'll have to earn the right to buy them."
Suddenly, Brook vanished.
Amy laughed and vanished too.
Arthur stood frozen, blinking.
"HUH? Where'd they go?"
He quickly asked Blu in his mind.
"They're in another space," Blu said. "Once you get stronger, you'll be able to do that too. But for now… this is our chance."
"Huh? Chance for what?"
"Swallow all the items here. You'll gain XP. I think you can reach level 13 if you sell them later."
Arthur blinked. "Wait wait wait—that's stealing!"
"Nope," Blu said casually. "You're just copying them. Swallow now, spit them later."
"Oh! Right! I forgot I had that skill. What about the stuff from the Trial?"
"You already have all of it. When you transmigrate or transport, everything you swallowed stays in your inventory. You can even copy the process to forge it again—as long as you have the materials."
Arthur's eyes widened. "That's… way too OP."
"You're welcome," Blu said smugly.
"Why didn't you tell me earlier?!"
"…You never asked," Blu replied, deadpan.
Arthur was speechless.
"Now swallow them. Hurry!"
---
Fifteen minutes later
Arthur had swallowed everything.
"Done?" Blu asked.
Arthur nodded. "Done."
"Good. Now we wait."
---
Ten minutes later
His father and Old Man Brook suddenly reappeared in their original spots—like nothing happened.
But the result was obvious.
Brook looked pale and grumpy. Amy was calm and cool.
Brook stood up, glaring at Amy. "You're stronger than I thought. Fine. Follow me."
Amy gestured to Arthur. "Come on."
Arthur followed them down the stairs—his curiosity reaching new heights.