The Return of the Legendary Golden-Handed Blacksmith - Chapter 17

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 17
Episode 17.
-You have learned the Hoz Refining Technique!
-Basic Refining Technique and the skill have merged!
The Hoz Refining Technique was distinctive in its nature.
‘The Basic Refining Technique helps when crafting fundamental equipment.’
In essence, it provided significant aid in skill modifiers.
‘Equipment crafting itself is quite demanding.’
Jin-woo was an experienced craftsman.
So it came easily to him, but fundamentally it was considerably difficult for those just beginning to pursue a crafting profession.
The Basic Refining Technique skill was what made such a thing possible.
‘And the Hoz Refining Technique is…’
Clang!
-You have created a Low-grade Iron Shield!
-You have created B-grade equipment!
“Durability modifier,” he murmured.
After learning the Hoz Refining Technique, equipment now received durability bonuses.
-The proficiency of Hoz Refining Technique has increased.
“And there’s a separate crafting modifier too.”
This made refining techniques absolutely essential.
“For those just starting out, it’s absolutely necessary, and it’s useful for anyone who wants to make better equipment as well.”
The difference between having a skill and not having one was significant.
“So then…”
What about the Lava Refining Technique, sponsored by the Blacksmith God?
Jin-woo began earnestly crafting equipment using the Lava Refining Technique.
“You said I could use it freely.”
Jin-woo examined the materials in the storehouse.
“Oh.”
The storehouse was mostly filled with minerals.
“Iron has a nice feel to work with.”
The low-grade iron he’d handled before definitely had good tactile feedback.
Jin-woo began using various materials from the storehouse.
They were all low-grade materials, but every single one felt good in his hands.
‘This is completely different from Eternal Sunshine.’
Clang!
That recoil he felt with each strike downward.
“This is the feeling.”
It was similar to the tactile sensation fishermen spoke of when they cast their lines—or perhaps this had even better feel to it.
“Just as each catch has its own feel, each material here has its own unique tactile feedback.”
Back at Eternal Sunshine, the synchronization rate wasn’t high enough like it was here in Newjene, so he’d needed premium materials to feel that texture.
But this place was different.
“Low-grade materials are fine.”
Each one offered its own distinct feel.
“Hah…”
Jin-woo laughed without realizing it.
Whoosh!
At that moment, a powerful force flowed from Jin-woo’s hands.
And it poured directly into the material.
-Due to the effect of Lava Refining Technique, the material’s power is enhanced!
“Oho.”
A vivid crimson aura began blooming from the material.
Clang! Clang!
Jin-woo didn’t miss the timing.
He struck precisely with the hammer, shaping the form.
Through repeated quenching, he completed the equipment.
This time he’d crafted a longsword.
-Equipment has been created!
-The power of lava dwells within it.
-The God of Flame and Craftsmanship marvels at his first creation imbued with divine power!
-A new god has taken interest in you.
-A new god is watching you.
[Shining Iron Sword]
-Attack Power: 55~60
-Grade: B+
-Durability 4000 / 4000
* Special Option [Power of Lava: Fire resistance increases by 5.]
It was remarkably fine equipment.
Even the grade was higher than what he’d made before.
B+ — one tier above B.
“I’m getting the hang of this. And I never knew that each refining technique would have a different feel in the hands.”
It was thoroughly enjoyable.
“And the materials too…”
Despite not using premium materials, quite excellent equipment had emerged.
“Of course, materials matter.”
But Jin-woo found himself interested in crafting good equipment from inferior materials.
“At Eternal Sunshine, I always worked with only the finest materials.”
One of the most annoying things he’d heard back then was that anyone could make good equipment from good materials.
With the Lava Refining Technique, that seemed possible.
“I can prove it.”
Jin-woo smiled slightly.
“It seems if my actions please them, other gods can sponsor me freely as well.”
But they hadn’t revealed their names yet, so it appeared they were still watching and waiting.
-The proficiency of Lava Refining Technique has increased!
“The Lava Refining Technique is definitely good.”
Jin-woo looked at the hammer and his own hands.
“The hammer is becoming more familiar too. It works quite well with the Lava Refining Technique.”
As his Strength stat and level rose, he could strike faster.
Momentum accumulated.
What would have originally taken dozens of minutes more to strike was now shortened by the Lava Refining Technique.
“Indeed it’s different. Though I won’t know what other abilities it has until I use them.”
But one thing was certain.
“If I learn refining techniques, I can craft with much more dynamism?”
If he could learn them, it was definitely good to master numerous refining techniques.
“Each refining technique seems to have its own characteristics.”
Which meant he could infuse the power embedded in each refining technique into his equipment.
“Then shall I try again?”
Mixing the Hoz Refining Technique he’d learned from Hoz with the Lava Refining Technique he’d been sponsored with.
Clang! Clang!
Jin-woo began crafting equipment again. And about an hour later…
-The proficiency of Hoz Refining Technique has increased!
-The proficiency of Lava Refining Technique has increased!
-You can merge refining techniques.
-You have learned a refining technique superior to Hoz Refining Technique. Will you merge them?
“Oh. If I merge them, only the advantages of each technique remain. The proficiency won’t increase separately either—it’ll combine into one.”
Then that was good.
-Hoz Refining Technique has merged with Lava Refining Technique!
Two refining techniques had become one.
-Equipment has been created!
-You have created an Iron Dagger!
B+ again.
But the completion quality had risen even further.
“It works.”
He could craft equipment using both refining techniques together.
“The characteristics of both techniques are fully preserved. I understand the feeling now.”
Jin-woo spoke with admiration as he used the Lava Refining Technique.
“The attack power rose considerably. I definitely used the same materials.”
If the same cost yielded higher attack power, then naturally his sword would be the one chosen.
“What I especially like is…”
That the refining techniques allowed him to craft better equipment.
“Hm!”
Jin-woo’s hands itched to continue.
“I really want to try working with more diverse materials.”
He wanted to handle every material available in this Newjene.
“Then I should earn money first.”
Jin-woo looked at the remaining materials.
“Not that I’m tired of these materials.”
Materials were always welcome.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The cheerful sound of hammer-striking continued.
-Equipment has been created!
-Equipment has been created!
-Equipment has been created!
With an abundance of materials, Jin-woo never stopped crafting.
-You have created an Iron Helmet!
A simple-looking helmet.
-You have created a Shield!
An even simpler-looking shield.
“My hands are loosening up more?”
Clang!
Jin-woo increased his pace. There were still materials.
Clang! Clang!
And so he crafted without pause.
-Your level has increased!
-Dexterity stat has increased!
-Excellent Immersion!
-Immersion stat has increased!
A moment of perfect unity.
-Synchronization Rate has increased!
Level and skill didn’t matter.
He simply moved as drawn forward.
No.
He moved as he himself led the way!
Clang!
Light shone from the hammer and light shone from the material.
But that too was brief.
-Insufficient Stamina.
“Hm?”
Jin-woo stopped hammering.
“That was quite good. What a shame.”
Jin-woo checked his stamina.
[1/500]
Only 1 remained.
“And I’ve only been at it for 14 hours.”
Jin-woo’s expression showed genuine disappointment.
“I need to do something about the Stamina stat first.”
Just as he was about to craft armor, someone entered the blacksmith shop.
“Jin-woo.”
It was Hoz, finished with his business.
“Hammering all day long. Don’t you go hunting?”
That’s typical for new Foreigners.
The Flam Continent is uncharted territory.
Especially for Foreigners, there was so much unknown, and adventures awaited at every turn.
Foreigners generally enjoyed wandering here and there, so Jin-woo’s refusal to leave the blacksmith shop was quite unusual.
“There are already materials here, so I don’t have need to hunt yet. And there’s something I wanted to tell you.”
At that moment, Hoz saw the equipment stacked neatly in one place.
“!”
“I’ve used up all the materials.”
“You used them all?”
“You said I could use them freely.”
“But you should’ve run out of stamina!”
“Yes, I ran out and stopped.”
Hoz counted the stacked equipment.
“And yet all of this was produced?”
Hoz’s mouth fell open in astonishment.
He’d stopped crafting due to stamina issues, yet used up all the materials in the storehouse.
“My level went up several times in the middle, so I invested points into the Stamina stat. That’s thanks to it. It’s nothing remarkable.”
And Jin-woo himself didn’t even realize this was remarkable.
“May I take a closer look?”
Hoz became interested in the equipment.
This pace was definitely unusual.
But more important than pace was the quality of the crafted equipment itself.
The equipment Jin-woo had made was quite varied in type.
“Hmm.”
Naturally, equipment carries its own character. You can’t craft an axe like you craft a sword, and you can’t craft armor like you craft an axe.
Originally, Hoz was supposed to teach him these things as well, but fundamentally Hoz was a blacksmith managing the blacksmith shop.
So he’d planned to finish the shop’s work and teach him today.
“Ha.”
But the moment he saw Jin-woo’s equipment, a hollow laugh escaped him.
“What’s your level?”
“I’ve leveled up quite a bit. I’m at 21 now.”
Level 21.
It was surprising that he’d crafted B-grade equipment, but there was something even more surprising.
The options on the equipment.
Judging by what seemed to be their creation order, as you moved to the right, the detailed options kept improving continuously.
So it was impossible not to laugh hollowly.
At this rate, A-grade was right around the corner.
Level 21 crafting A-grade equipment? That was absolutely absurd.
“Would it be alright if I sold these? It seems I’ve only used up materials. I’d like to sell them and cover the material costs.”
“Of course you can sell them.”
And Hoz added further.
“I’ll compensate you properly for what’s sold. Never mind the material costs. You’ve learned my refining technique, after all……”
“Thank you, Master!”
-Hoz’s Affection has increased!
“Hmph!”
Hoz seemed quite pleased with the title “Master,” his expression turning quite satisfied.
‘Sell the equipment.’
A good idea came to Jin-woo’s mind. A very good method to solve the stamina problem.
* * *
“What brings you here, Foreigner?”
Purple Powder Alchemy Workshop.
“I’m not here to buy anything.”
Jin-woo stood before the workshop master.
“Is there any chance I could learn how to make potions?”
Insufficient stamina.
There was nothing better to replenish it than potions.
“You want to learn potion crafting?”
The workshop master was a middle-aged man.
He had a rather impressive mustache, curled up and round.
The workshop owner looked at Jin-woo as if he were absurd.
“You look like a blacksmith to me.”
One could tell from the hammer hanging at his waist.
“My Dexterity is quite good.”
“Ha. But this kind of dexterity is different from that kind. Of course, dexterity is the most important in potion-making…”
The workshop master was at a loss.
“Hammering and this are completely different fields of dexterity.”
“Couldn’t I learn?”
The workshop master pondered for a moment.
Then, with an expression as if a good idea had come to him, he spoke.
“There’s a condition. If, as you say, you truly possess exceptional dexterity suited to potion crafting, then it will be a very simple matter.”
* * *
“The foundation of potion crafting is herbs. Potions are made by mixing herbs with Mana Water, which contains magical energy.”
Shinz’s Backside Mountain.
This mountain was teeming with monsters, but it also grew numerous herbs.
“Do you know what the foundation of herb-gathering is? It’s the gathering itself. To exaggerate slightly, gathering is practically everything. The herb’s effectiveness is determined at the moment of collection.”
Baeins, the workshop master, looked at Jin-woo.
He then drew in a deep breath as if smelling something, before slowly extending his hand toward where a seedling had sprouted.
Soft rustle.
Then, most carefully, he gathered the herb. The process was genuinely gentle, and at the moment of extraction, quite swift.
“Like so.”
Then he smiled slightly.
On the surface, it seemed like a simple task, but it wasn’t.
The most important elements in herb gathering were this delicate dexterity and timing.
It was work requiring extreme care, and such work was not something a blacksmith could do.
How much effort had he spent learning this technique himself?
Moreover, each herb had its own characteristics, requiring collection methods suited to those traits.
“Gather the herbs exactly as I just showed you. Try once.”
Naturally, the first gathering attempt would damage the herb.
But Baeins had just shown him the method.
If he couldn’t do it after being shown, then there was no way to teach him.
“Can you show me one more…”
“No, this is fine.”
Jin-woo had already observed carefully.
‘The timing of the pull. Delicate, and I roughly sense where and how to pull.’
Then he drew in a deep breath.
‘The scent.’
Jin-woo followed the scent exactly as Baeins had shown him. Then he stood before an herb with leaves that branched into three.
“!”
Baeins laughed without realizing it. It was a similar herb, but far more delicate than the one he’d just demonstrated.
The slightest excess or deficiency of force would damage it immediately.
-You have collected Green Tea Herb!
Jin-woo held up the gathered herb and nodded.
“I understand.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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