Renzo had barely sheathed the Ogre Fang Katana when a strange vibration ran through his body.
He stopped.
The sensation was different from leveling up.
Different from forging.
It felt...
Ancient.
A dark golden window suddenly appeared before him.
Unlike the normal blue system notifications, this one seemed older.
Almost alive.
Hidden Quest Triggered
Quest Name:Path of the Divine Blacksmith
Description:
You have successfully forged equipment using monster materials for the first time.
The gods have acknowledged your potential.
Prove yourself worthy.
Objective:
Create your first complete equipment set.
Current Progress:
✓ Weapon Created
✓ Armor Created
□ Accessory Not Created
Reward:
????
Kensei-Ryu immediately laughed.
"So there really is a path prepared for you."
Vulcanos remained silent for several seconds.
When he finally spoke, his voice carried unusual gravity.
"The Divine Blacksmith legacy."
Renzo frowned slightly.
"You know about this?"
Vulcanos answered.
"Only fragments."
"The path was created for those chosen by the forge."
"Very few have ever walked it."
Renzo looked at the quest window again.
A complete equipment set.
Weapon.
Armor.
Accessory.
He already had the first two.
Only the accessory remained.
Kensei-Ryu chuckled.
"Should be easy."
Renzo shook his head.
"No."
"Hidden quests never give simple rewards."
Twenty-three years of experience had taught him that.
The harder the requirements...
The greater the reward.
Vulcanos suddenly spoke.
"The Ogre Core."
Renzo blinked.
"The core?"
"The monster's heart and core contain concentrated magical energy."
"It is suitable for creating an accessory."
Renzo looked down.
The massive corpse still remained.
Thanks to Material Insight, a bright golden glow pulsed from deep inside the monster's chest.
The core.
Without hesitation, Renzo activated Divine Forge once more.
Golden light filled the alley.
The Ogre Brute's chest slowly opened under the influence of the forge.
Seconds later—
A crimson crystal floated into the air.
It was roughly the size of a fist.
Energy pulsed inside it like a heartbeat.
Kensei-Ryu whistled.
"That's beautiful."
Renzo extended both hands.
The forge ignited.
Heat surged through the alley.
The crystal slowly melted.
Compressed.
Refined.
Shaped.
Renzo focused carefully.
Smaller.
More precise.
The molten crystal condensed into a silver chain.
At its center rested a small crimson gem.
Moments later—
CLINK.
The completed accessory landed in Renzo's palm.
A system window appeared.
Item Created
Name: Ogre Heart Pendant
Rank: D
Effect:
• +5 Strength
• Increases stamina recovery by 15%
Special Trait:
• Indomitable Will — Reduces fear and intimidation effects.
Renzo's eyes widened slightly.
"D-Rank?"
Kensei-Ryu laughed loudly.
"You skipped an entire rank."
Vulcanos sounded pleased.
"Exceptional craftsmanship."
Then—
The hidden quest window suddenly flashed.
Hidden Quest Completed
Path of the Divine Blacksmith
Reward Granted.
A brilliant golden light exploded before Renzo.
He instinctively stepped back.
The light condensed.
Then transformed into another window.
Unique Skill Acquired
Divine Inventory (S-Rank)
Effect:
A personal dimensional storage space exclusive to the Divine Blacksmith.
Current Capacity:
100 Slots
Only forged equipment and crafting materials may be stored.
Renzo froze.
For the first time since regressing...
He was genuinely shocked.
Dimensional storage skills were incredibly rare.
Even S-Rank hunters would kill for one.
And his was S-Rank.
Kensei-Ryu burst into laughter.
"The heavens are spoiling you."
Vulcanos spoke calmly.
"A blacksmith must carry his forge."
Renzo slowly smiled.
This reward alone was worth more than entire guilds.
Without hesitation, he touched the Ogre corpse.
The enormous body disappeared instantly.
Stored.
Then the scattered monster corpses around the alley vanished as well.
Stored.
No traces remained.
Renzo looked at his empty surroundings.
A grin slowly spread across his face.
This...
Changed everything.
Because now—
Every monster.
Every material.
Every weapon he forged.
Could travel with him.
And somewhere in the city...
The First Gate Champion was still waiting.