The Returned Genius Blacksmith has Awakened as an all-Master - Chapter 78

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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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Chapter 78
078. The Fourth
“What do you understand magic to be, that you would insist on learning it from me?”
Astrid spoke with measured calm.
But it was Geumson whose words caught in his throat.
He had never given deep thought to what “magic” truly was.
No—for Geumson, magic was simply another tool.
A means to craft new equipment and imbue it with powerful attributes.
Nothing more than a tool and instrument to fill the gaps in his offensive power.
“I, well…”
As Geumson hesitated, Astrid continued for him.
She spoke of the outsiders—the Players.
“You outsiders treat magic far too lightly. You see it merely as a means to obtain greater strength, rarer treasures, nothing more.”
“That’s not true of me! I—”
“And what do you do once you’ve learned magic? Hunt monsters. Certainly, it’s no trivial pursuit, but do you truly need magic for such things?”
Magic to dispatch monsters, magic for combat.
That was the sort of magic Players typically desired.
A means to fell monsters faster and more efficiently, to reap greater wealth and climb higher in level.
At the deepest level, Geumson was no different.
He too harbored an unspoken hunger for stronger magic.
“You already possess considerable power. Would it not be wiser to focus on what you have now? Besides, I myself have little time—or rather, little leisure—remaining.”
Geumson could not refute Astrid’s words.
There was no flaw in what she said.
Moreover, if Geumson were to take the Job “Mage,” it would be his fourth—after Blacksmith, Magitech Engineer, and Alchemist.
If he were to ask Lepion Net about taking a fourth Job, he would be mocked mercilessly.
They would call it the fastest path to a ruined character through Job Penalty.
‘Is it… impossible?’
Geumson clenched his teeth.
Though Astrid could not know the circumstances of other Players, she seemed to see through Geumson’s own state entirely.
This was no mere refusal—it sounded like genuine concern for him.
But then Astrid spoke again, and Geumson’s eyes changed.
“Magic must paint miracles.”
“Miracles…?”
“Yes. Miracles that overturn impossible realities. That is what magic truly is.”
Astrid’s words were couched in gentleness, yet they were a clear refusal.
But that final phrase ignited something within Geumson’s chest.
He clenched his fists and spoke.
“If magic means painting miracles, then I must learn it. I have no choice.”
His eyes burned with unwavering resolve.
Moved by Geumson’s sudden intensity, Astrid set down her teacup and straightened, her voice taking on a different tone.
“Do you… have a miracle that must be painted?”
At that question, a memory surfaced in Geumson’s mind—the day the ashen sky came crashing down.
The countless regrets, the rage, the endless self-loathing born of insufficient power, and the countless people who were sacrificed.
Memories he had buried deep now rose with terrible clarity.
Every day he wished to forget.
Astrid gazed at him intently, and asked with grave sincerity.
“May I look at that memory of yours for a moment?”
Astrid was asking permission.
He did not know what magic this was.
But when Geumson nodded, Astrid stepped forward slowly and placed her fingertip between his brows.
Then her eyes shimmered with faint light as she seeped into his memory.
She saw it all.
The Gate opening, monsters pouring forth.
Geumson’s comrades falling helplessly.
People surrendering to despair.
A world of distrust and deception, where even fellow humans could not be trusted—a human hell.
The powerlessness of witnessing all of it and being unable to do anything.
The bitter sting of effort that bore no fruit.
Crackle—
Boom-boom-boom-crash!
The sky collapses.
Even amid that swirling vortex of countless emotions.
The sky crumbles, hollow and inevitable.
And the man who wishes to change it all—Geumson.
Astrid saw Geumson in her memory.
Opening her eyes, Astrid gazed upon Geumson once more.
For the first time, sorrow and compassion flickered across her face.
“You will need a miracle of your own, child. It must have been so difficult.”
She asked nothing.
Whether that memory was truth or illusion.
She asked nothing at all—not whether it was the product of vain delusion.
She simply embraced Geumson’s shoulders gently.
Geumson felt a surge rise unbidden at that warm touch, but he bit his lip and barely held it back.
His lip split, and he tasted the copper-iron of blood.
“What is your miracle? What miracle do you wish to paint?”
Messages began to bloom as she spoke.
There was no rigorous test, no quest required to gain a Job.
Geumson had simply shown his sincerity.
For Astrid, nothing else was necessary.
Only sincerity.
That alone was all she needed.
[The Grand Sorceress Astrid accepts Geumson as her disciple.]
[You have achieved a First Achievement!]
[You have become the disciple of the Hidden NPC ‘Grand Sorceress Astrid’ for the first time.]
[This great accomplishment is the fruit of your unbreakable will and your noble dedication to save the world.]
[The system pays its respects to your potential and possibility.]
[Reputation increases by 2,000!]
[The Wisdom Stat is unlocked, and you receive a +50 bonus.]
[All Stats permanently increase by 10!]
[Geumson has become the sole Heir of the Grand Sorceress Astrid.]
[You have acquired the Title ‘Heir of the Stars’!]
[Title: Heir of the Stars]
– Description: One who inherits the flow of ancient magic, as distant and profound as the stars in the night sky. New history of magic will be written at your fingertips.
– Effect 1. [Whisper of Stars]: Proficiency gain on all Skills increases by 200%.
– Effect 2. [Mana Resonance Amplification]: The range and duration of all magic increase by 20%.
– Effect 3. [Ancient Wisdom]: Decryption ability for ancient texts is strengthened, and the probability of discovering hidden information when appraising ancient artifacts increases by 50%.
[You can freely enter and exit Astrid’s Floating Island, and gain high trust from its residents.]
[Full access permissions are granted to Astrid’s private library and research facilities.]
[You have acquired the Sub-profession ‘Sorcerer’.]
.
.
.
He had simply become Astrid’s disciple.
Yet the rewards poured down in dazzling profusion.
‘This… I should probably do something for Jung Ha-rin.’
Unintentionally, he had stolen away the rewards that Jung Ha-rin would have received as a future Grand Sorceress.
A sense of debt to Jung Ha-rin.
It seemed he would need to prepare custom-made equipment for her.
To repay this debt.
Whoosh—
With that familiar sound, consciousness returned to reality.
Geumson rose, his body stiff and aching.
Yet Astrid’s final words seemed to linger at his ear.
“A miracle, you say…”
Geumson recalled the rewards he had gained as Astrid’s disciple.
The newly unlocked Wisdom Stat, and all his other Stats had risen by 10.
Geumson’s current Stats now totaled eleven, including Wisdom.
In other words, he had gained 110 Stat points all at once.
[Player Details]
[Base Stats]
– Strength: 110(+50)
– Agility: 99
– Vitality: 100(+50)
– Mana: 99
[Unlocked Stats]
– Luck: 102
– Precision: 110
– Holy Power: 106
– Command: 110
– Focus: 110
– Endurance: 95
– Wisdom: 60
[Remaining Stats: 50]
Geumson pulled out his phone and brought up his character information in Lepion.
Geumson’s stats were unbelievable for someone at Level 60.
Just looking at the stat distribution filled him with satisfaction.
‘This is why early stat distribution matters. The gap will only widen from here on out.’
Even receiving the same rewards, the disparity would only grow.
Geumson checked his player information next.
[Player Information]
– Name: Geumson
– Level: 60
– Job: Blacksmith
– Sub-professions:
1. Magitech Engineering
2. Alchemy
3. Sorcery
– Titles:
1. Narcissist
2. The First Heretic
3. Right Hand of the Sun
4. Heir of the Cogwheel
5. Honer of the Void
6. Liberator
7. Solitary Conqueror
8. Heir of Stars
– Achievements:
1. Unshaken Conviction
2. Headhunter
3. One Who Astounded the Blacksmith
4. Troll Slayer
5. Golem Dismantling Specialist
6. One Who Revived an Ancient Heart
7. Destructive Craftsman
8. First Ego Golem Creator
9. Mine Destroyer
10. Overcame Level Gap
11. Ancient Researcher
12. Giant Slayer
13. Desert Troubleshooter
– Acquired Skills:
1. Resolute Intuition [Hidden] Lv. 7
2. Mining [MAX]
3. Smelting [MAX]
4. Soul Forging [Hidden] Lv. 6
5. Possessed Dexterity [Hidden] Lv. 8
6. Lesser Regeneration Lv. 6
7. Solar Strike [Hidden] Lv. 3
8. Blue Index Lv. 2
9. Golem Modification Evolution [Hidden] Lv. 1
10. Crafter’s Resonance [Unique] Lv. 3
11. Gathering Lv. 4
12. Pulse Insight [Hidden] Lv. 5
13. Extraction Lv. 1
14. Infinite Chain Strike [Hidden] Lv. 2
15. Giant’s Strength [Hidden] Lv. 2
– Reputation: 6,000
– Attributes possessed:
[Flame: 31%], [Light: 15%], [Darkness: 1.5%]
– Saved blueprints.
.
.
.
Information so dense it made his eyes swim.
Geumson’s records—the sort that would astonish anyone who saw them.
Yet his gaze remained perfectly calm.
Something felt off.
‘The skill levels… they’re too low.’
His skill levels hadn’t risen as quickly as he’d hoped.
Of course, others would curse him for thinking such thoughts, but that mattered little to him.
‘Is it the Job Penalty?’
It did seem to be the Job Penalty holding him back.
But things were about to change.
‘All skill proficiency increased by 200%…’
The title: Heir of Stars.
Geumson examined its effects carefully.
A satisfied smile played at the corner of his mouth.

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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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