The Village Head's son, Rahul, stepped into the workshop. He was a Level 5 Warrior and very proud of his strength. He looked at Dayal's new dagger and laughed.
"That small knife looks like a toy, Dayal. My Iron Sword is much heavier and stronger," Rahul said, raising his broken blade.
Dayal remained calm. "A weapon's strength is not about its size, Rahul. It's about the soul of the metal."
[Ding! Side Quest Triggered: Prove the Power of Bronze.]
[Reward: 50 Experience Points and 100 System Credits.]
Rahul swung his iron sword with force. "Stop talking! Let's see what happens!"
Dayal didn't run. He activated his new skill: [Eye of the Craftsman]. Suddenly, the world slowed down. He saw a tiny, glowing red line on Rahul's sword—a hidden crack in the metal.
"There it is," Dayal whispered.
He moved quickly. With his new +5 Agility, he stepped to the side and struck the red line on Rahul's sword with his Bronze Fang Dagger.
CLANG!
The sound of metal hitting metal echoed through the workshop. A second later, a loud SNAP followed. Rahul's iron sword broke into two pieces. The top half hit the floor with a heavy thud.
Rahul froze. He looked at his broken handle and then at Dayal's glowing dagger. There wasn't even a single scratch on Dayal's weapon.
"My... my sword broke?" Rahul stuttered. "Against a piece of bronze?"
[Ding! Side Quest Completed!]
[Reward: +50 XP, +100 System Credits.]
[Level Up! Level 2 -> Level 3]
Dayal pointed the tip of the dagger at Rahul. "Bronze is only weak if the craftsman is weak. Now, please leave my shop. I have work to do."
Rahul turned and ran out of the shop, his face red with shame.
Dayal sat down, breathing heavily. The system screen popped up again.
[New Main Mission: The Village Elder's Request.]
[Mission: The Great Forest is dangerous. Craft a full set of Bronze Armor to protect yourself.]
Dayal looked at his small workshop. To build armor, he needed more materials and a better furnace. He needed to go to the market in the city, but that required money.
"System," Dayal said. "Show me the Shop."
A screen filled with legendary blueprints appeared. Dayal's journey had only just begun