Absolute Craft

Chapter 21: Leveling Up (1)

"I never expected to babysit a player, but it wasn't a terrible experience," Vargar said with a cheeky smile as he adjusted the straps on his large backpack.

Blake stood across from him, arms folded. At the word "babysit," he glanced away, then sighed and thanked the old dwarf for everything.

Yesterday, Blake had completed his first quest and obtained the first piece of the 12th Lost King's set. He shaped it into a horn for his demonic helmet, finishing yet another legendary quest. He also discussed the gatekeepers' armor and weapons with Vargar, eventually deciding to split the loot in half. Those pieces—armor and spears—had been forged from high-quality steel, perfect for crafting, selling, and other uses.

Although Vargar initially disliked taking half, Blake reminded him that resources were part of their deal. Deep down, Blake also wanted to share his loot. This felt like his first genuine step toward becoming a better human being and a more considerate player. He hoped to care more about his relationships.

"Thanks for everything, Vargar. I'll always consider you my friend. Until we meet again in the Dwarven Kingdom," Blake said, extending his hand.

The old dwarf shook it firmly. "And I'll think of ye as a friend as well, Blake. Until next time!"

Vargar turned, opened the smithy doors, and let the howling blizzard blow in. The sudden cold startled Sol from his nap, prompting a comical defensive stance against the chill. His Sunshine soon banished the discomfort.

Wasting no time, Vargar headed down the mountain's slope. His silhouette shrank until it vanished beyond the horizon. At that moment, the smithy's doors swung shut.

–

Blake approached the workbench and set his palms on it. He studied the smithy: the furnace, the spot where he'd shared a beer with Vargar, the sealed doors, and finally the pile of armor and spears.

He couldn't store the third objective's loot in his inventory because of his low level. His armor and katana already took up most of the space, with blacksmithing tools filling the rest.

One particular tool stood out—Blake's reward for completing the quest with outstanding results: the horn now adorning his helmet.

It looked like a thick, volcanic-themed pad that could stretch and contract infinitely. This remarkable property would let Blake craft items with far greater ease and precision; he could even create custom molds for mass production.

Playing with its delightfully soft texture brought out his inner child, reminiscent of popping bubble wrap. Sol, seemingly eager to join, rolled onto the workbench and gazed up at Blake. Yet the elemental's golden eyes soon fixated on Blake rather than the mold.

"What's up?" Blake asked, puzzled.

Sol didn't reply, remaining perfectly still. His silence said it all. The little apple-like creature had been so happy at Blake's side, but now he was quiet.

After a moment's thought, Blake asked, "Hungry?"

Sol's eyes brightened. He'd appeared just a day ago; perhaps he needed sustenance—whatever that meant for an elemental. Blake had nobody to consult; no one else here could speak or explain Sol's needs. It felt more challenging than facing gatekeepers. Every second of silence made Blake uneasy. How did one feed an elemental?

Just then, a gentle nudge of intuition, like an angel on his shoulder, came to him.

"Anything you want?" he asked.

Sol turned toward the pile of steel equipment, focusing on a nearly intact suit of gatekeeper armor—one of the many sets Blake had left in good condition. To Sol, it seemed like a meal.

"Sure… just one," Blake said, lifting the little elemental and placing him on the chosen armor piece.

Without hesitation, Sol pressed his tiny mouth to the armor. In a few moments, his apple-like body began melting it into a paste he slurped up eagerly.

Both Blake and Beatrix—her emerald eyes peering from his shadow—watched with amazement. Sol didn't care, happily wriggling around as he devoured the armor with ease.

Blake glanced over his shoulder. "What about you?" he asked Beatrix.

She shook her head slightly, indicating no need for nourishment.

Blake nodded. "I can't work on an empty stomach, so we'll head out as well. We can't go anywhere without our little torch. Let's wait until he's done."

His familiar silently agreed, and the two of them waited, patient and intrigued.