The next morning, the village was quiet, but Arjun was already awake. He sat in his workshop, looking at the five pieces of Star-Bronze Ore he had gained from the Shadow Wolf.
The blue screen flashed again:
[New Recipe Unlocked: Bracers of Strength]
[Required Materials: Star-Bronze Ore (x5), Leather Strap (x2)]
"I can make armor now?" Arjun whispered, his eyes widening. He followed the System's instructions. He melted the glowing ore and used his mysterious Bronze Hammer. Each strike made a musical sound, Ting! Ting! After an hour of hard work, a pair of shining metal bracers lay on the table. They were not made of normal brass; they had tiny blue stars glowing inside the metal.
[Success! You have crafted: Bracers of Strength (Grade: Rare)]
[Effect: Increases punching power by 20%]
Arjun put them on his arms. Instantly, he felt a surge of energy. He picked up a heavy rock and crushed it with one hand. "Incredible!" he gasped.
Suddenly, a loud horse's neigh came from outside. A group of soldiers in golden armor stopped at his door. Their leader was a tall woman with a long scar on her face. She was a Captain from the Royal City.
"I heard a young man here killed a Shadow Wolf with a single blow," the Captain said, looking at Arjun with sharp eyes. "And I see you are wearing some very... interesting armor."
Arjun hid his hands behind his back, but it was too late. The Captain walked closer. "My name is Captain Elena. The King is looking for talented blacksmiths. If you can craft a weapon for me, I will pay you in gold. If you fail... you will be arrested for hiding magical artifacts."
Arjun's heart raced. The System popped up a new window:
[Emergency Quest: Craft a Divine Dagger for Captain Elena.]
[Time Limit: 24 Hours]
[Failure: Shop Destroyed]
Arjun looked at the Captain and then at his hammer. This was his chance to enter the big city, but it was also a very dangerous trap.
"I will do it," Arjun said firmly. "But I need my own materials."