Alan was silent for a moment. Then he looked directly at Khan.
"I know your son died," Alan said quietly. "But drowning yourself in alcohol won't help. You should mourn him properly—and return to your work."
Khan stiffened.
"Otherwise, his soul won't find peace," Alan continued calmly. "Not when his father has become like this after his death."
The words struck harder than any blade.
Alan turned toward the door.
"I'll return once again—when I'm strong enough to wear the armor."
With that, he left, his footsteps echoing through the empty smithy.
Khan remained standing there, unmoving.
After a long while, he looked down at his trembling hands.
"…He's right," Khan murmured.
The bottle slipped from his grip and rolled across the floor.
"I shouldn't waste myself like this…"
"But… but I can't," Khan cried, alone in the smithy.
***
"Hmm, Now I should level up a bit, now that I can equip weapons I can hunt too" Alan mumbled as he sat near the fountain looking at the bustling city around him.
Alan then opened the Auction tab and began scrolling through the Skills section, but most of what he found were Common or Uncommon category skills—there weren't even any Rare ones available.
Makes sense, Alan thought. The game has only just launched. Player levels are still low, and hunting high-level monsters that drop powerful skills isn't easy.
In the end, he purchased several skills from the auction.
[ Cut ][ Heavy Strike ][ Crescent Slash ][ Parry ][ Quick Step ]
They were all Uncommon-rank skills.
One thing about Satisfy was that players could learn skills regardless of their class, as long as they met the required stats or special conditions. For example, Grid had learned magic skills despite being Pagma's successor because he met Intelligence requirements.
Similarly, these skills only required certain stat thresholds—Strength, Agility, and Stamina—which Alan easily met. As a result, he learned all of them without any difficulty.
Alan then began to look through the Spells section as well. After all, ironically, his highest stat after Dexterity was Intelligence.
A blacksmith who could use magic—it was one of the strangest combinations possible.
Most astonishing of all, Alan hadn't invested a single stat point even after all his level-ups. His stat points were still untouched, quietly waiting to be distributed.
All of his current stats came from his titles and the rewards he had received for crafting a Rare Rank item.
"Okay, now I'm ready," Alan smiled after purchasing the skills Haste, Spell Blade, and Fire Sword.
All of these skills were designed for magic swordsmen. Magic skills here can be used without any staff or orbs unlike in other games.
Though Staff amplify magic damage while orbs reduce casting time.
Plus, he could buy them easily since they were more readily available. These spells required both Intelligence and other physical stats—like Agility for Haste—to learn.
"Now, let's go hunt," Alan smiled as he began walking toward the nearest hunting zone.
Many players could be seen nearby, shouting to form parties.
"Healer needed for a five-member party!"
"A tank required!"
There were many such calls, but Alan ignored them and simply walked into the cave alone.
It was a dungeon known for containing many minerals and ores. He had chosen this place so he could level up while also gathering materials—killing two birds with one stone.
[ You have entered Kobolds' Abode ]
[ Your level is too low. Caution is advised. ]
The Kobolds' Abode was a dungeon where kobolds ranging from level 120 to 180 could be found. The ores here were mostly black iron, red gems, and similar materials.
It was a famous grinding ground for solo-type players. Kobolds were humanoid monsters that gave excellent experience, and while they were weaker than most monsters of the same level, they were still significantly stronger than goblins.
Just as Alan entered, he took out a longsword and equipped his armor.
Both items were crafted by his own hands.
[ You have equipped Steel Sword that Harmonizes with Magic ]
[ You have equipped Comfortable Wolf Armor ]
Both were far superior to ordinary monster drops, thanks to the effects of his titles.
"Okay… let's see my first prey," Alan muttered as he moved deeper into the tunnels.
Soon, he heard footsteps ahead. Turning toward the sound, he spotted three kobolds walking around.
[ Kobold Warrior – Level 139 ]
[ Kobold Warrior – Level 136 ]
[ Kobold Warrior – Level 133 ]
"Hehe, let's see how I am now," Alan smiled as he activated Haste.
"O winds of fleeting speed, make my body lighter."
[ You have activated Haste ]
[ Agility increased by 30% for 1 minute ]
Next, he chanted another spell.
"Oh ever-burning flames, coat my sword and bring ruin to my enemies."
[ You have activated Fire Sword ]
[ For the next 1 minute, your attacks will deal additional fire damage equal to 50% of your magic damage. ]
[ There is a 10% chance to apply Burn on enemies. ]
Alan stepped forward, his movements turning fluid as the spell took effect. The kobolds noticed him instantly and let out sharp screeches, raising their crude weapons.
"Perfect," Alan said calmly.
He vanished from his original position.
Quick Step.
His Speed increaed by 100% for another 3 seconds.
In a blur, he appeared in front of the nearest kobold. His sword flashed—steel wrapped in roaring flames.
Slash!
The blade cut cleanly across the kobold's chest. Fire exploded outward, scorching its body as it was sent flying into the cave wall.
[ Critical Hit! ]
[ Additional fire damage applied. ]
[ Burn inflicted. ]
The kobold screamed, its health plummeting rapidly as flames continued to eat away at it.
The remaining two charged at him from opposite sides.
Alan twisted his body, meeting the first strike head-on.
Parry.
Steel rang sharply as he redirected the kobold's attack and countered with a heavy downward blow.
Heavy Strike!
The ground cracked beneath the impact as the kobold collapsed, its skull shattered.
The last kobold hesitated—just for a moment.
That moment was enough.
Alan spun, drawing a fiery arc through the air.
Crescent Slash.
A crescent-shaped wave of flame tore through the cave, engulfing the kobold and smashing it into the wall.
Silence followed.
[ Kobold Warrior has been defeated. ]
[ Kobold Warrior has been defeated. ]
[ Kobold Warrior has been defeated. ]