The group of four, which consisted of Lucian, Eldric, Aziza, and Robin, left the building and made their way to the nearby workshop.
Robin planned to borrow a weapon from the academy since his worn-out sword had broken during the explosions that occurred within Luvengton City.
Upon entering the workshop, what appeared before them was a vibrant and bustling scene filled with the sights and sounds of craftsmanship.
The air was permeated with the scent of metal and wood, hinting at the intricate work being carried out within the workshop's walls.
The workshop itself was a spacious area, adorned with shelves, racks, and display cases, each holding a remarkable assortment of weapons.
To the right of the entrance, Robin's attention was immediately drawn to a counter where an Asian woman in her mid-twenties sat engrossed in a book. Her presence exuded a sense of serene focus, and Robin couldn't help but be intrigued by her apparent knowledge and wisdom.
As Robin's gaze continued to sweep across the workshop, his eyes widened in awe. Rows upon rows of weapons lined the walls and occupied the various workstations.
The assortment was staggering, encompassing an extensive range of weapon types and variations. Swords of all shapes and sizes glinted under the workshop's warm lighting, their blades reflecting a mastery of craftsmanship. Bows, meticulously strung and adorned with ornate details, stood alongside arrows of different fletching styles.
Polearms leaned against the walls, their gleaming shafts adorned with intricate carvings and embellishments. Axes, with their sharp edges and sturdy hafts, were arranged neatly, while great-swords, with their imposing size, rested on custom-made stands.
Unconventional weapons like pile bunkers, scythes, and even gigantic scissors captured Robin's attention, showcasing the ingenuity and creativity of the workshop's artisans.
The symphony of metalworking filled the air as skilled craftsmen and craftswomen meticulously honed, polished, and assembled the weapons.
Sparks danced in the workshop's corners as blades were sharpened, and the rhythmic sounds of hammers meeting metal resonated throughout the space, creating an atmosphere of dedication and expertise.
Robin marveled at the sheer variety of weapons on display, each one a testament to the countless paths and possibilities that existed within this vast world. It was a visual depiction of the diverse classes that spanned the globe.
The workshop stood as a testament to the passion and commitment of those who dedicated their lives to the art of weapon crafting.
"So, what is your path, and what weapon are you looking for?" Eldric spoke as he cast a glance at Robin while we walked towards the wall of displayed weapons.
"Honestly, I don't have a path yet," Robin said as he stopped for a second before continuing.
"But I planned to try using a single-handed sword," Robin finished. Although there are many different weapon categories, Robin planned to use a single-handed sword instead.
The group of three glanced at each other before shaking their heads. Since Robin wasn't an awakener yet, they didn't know how strong he was. Robin was a strategist, so they didn't mind that he was weak.
As long as he was a good strategist, they were fine with him being weak. However, what they didn't know was that even though Robin was a Novice [ - ], even without a path, he was still one of the strongest Novices [ - ]out there.
With the help of [ ■ Sight ] and his mind, he can beat most Novice [ - ] Soul Macers, as long as his opponents don't have a path. Robin is the strongest Novice [ - ] Soul Macer.
Upon obtaining a path, a Soul Macer would become a Novice [ · ]. The fight between Scarlet and Robin is an example of how strong Robin is. Although the two used Soul Links, Robin still won against Scarlet in terms of agility and perception without having a path.
This also included the fact that Scarlet had a path on top of her Soul Link, [Danger's Instinct]. Without the help of her Soul link, Robin would have won the fight between the two.
Robin didn't know why he was much stronger than the average Novice [ - ], but what he was certain of was the fact that he had higher attribute stats compared to others.
"So, what do I need to do to borrow a weapon here?" Robin asked the group of three.
Lucian took the lead and replied to Robin. "You can only borrow a G-ranked weapon here. Anything else you would need to purchase from the weapons available."
Eldric nodded his head and explained the reason why G-ranked weapons could be borrowed for free.
"The G-ranked weapons here are failed products by blacksmiths, which is why they are free to borrow. However, after using them, they must be returned since lower-ranked students usually come here to borrow weapons for practice."
Robin nodded his head and scanned the weapons displayed on the wall. Robin took his time to choose the weapons that were displayed on the wall, and with the help of [ ■ Sight ], he was able to find a decent sword.
===
Type: Weapon
Rank: G-
- A failed product by a random blacksmith, who mistimed the forging process, resulting in the weapon being lowered by an sub rank
Effect - N/A
---
[Hidden Details]
- Attack increase: 1.5%
- Duration: 150/200
===
Grabbing the sword, Robin swung the blade on his hands a couple of times before nodding his head.
"Not a bad sword."
The group made their way to the counter. Robin, who grabs the sword in his hand, registered his name. Then, the group of four individuals exited the workshop.
Meanwhile.
...
In a dimly lit cavern, two creatures can be seen lowering their heads toward a figure with a menacing aura exuding from its body.
"What happened?"
The voice was monotone, yet cold. Its icy voice sent shivers toward the two creatures that lowered it's heads.
"Lord, We didn't..."
"Enough," the figure interrupted. Its voice reverberated through the area, sending shockwaves through the bodies of the two creatures, who shuddered unconsciously.
The figure turned to the two creatures, its blue iris with a gigantic yellow star-like pupil bore deeply onto the two creatures.
"I do not want any more failures," the figure stated coldly.
"Y-Yes.." the two creatures stuttered in reply, feeling primordial fear in the presence of the figure before them. The explosion in Luvengton City had nearly disrupted their lord's ascension.
...
Entering a forest, Eldirc, Lucian and Aziza withdrew their weapons. Eldric with daggers in his hands, poised his stance, ready to strike.
Lucian, who took the lead, held a shield and cautiously scouted ahead. Aziza summoned her gigantic great sword from thin air, grasping it with one of her hands as she dragged its blade along the ground, leaving a line with each step.
Robin held the hilt of his sword, ready to draw it at a moment's notice. The group of four individuals silently walked deeper into the forest. Cracks and rustles could be heard all around as bushes covered the entire forest floor.
"Why haven't you awaken your path yet, Robin?" Lucian spoke, curious about the reason why Robin wouldn't want to awaken his path.
"I have my circumstances," Robin replied as he didn't knew how he would explain to the group of the fact that he is currently partaking the trials in order to obtain a path for himself.
"I see," Lucian nodded, glancing around at their surroundings.
"Let's take a rest for a moment," Lucian commanded. The group nodded and sat down on the grassy ground.
As Robin sat down, he wondered how the natives within the trials were able to awaken their paths. Did they also undertake the trials, just as he was currently doing?
If that were the case, did it mean the trials weren't actually trials, but rather a parallel universe? It would explain a lot, but at the same time raise even more questions.
Clutching his head, Robin cast a glance at the group and asked, "Hey guys, how were you able to awaken your paths?"
Although it might expose the fact that he wasn't native to the trials, Robin wants to know more related to the trials.
Eldric, Lucian, and Aziza looked at each other, casting Robin a perplexed glance. He just shook his head.
"We awakened our paths by crushing a stone called Genesia Alderite," Eldric replied.
Lucian nodded in confirmation and added, "Genesia Alderite spontaneously appeared during humanity's darkest time."
"It gave everyone in the world hope as people awakened their paths and fought back against the corruptors," Lucian continued.
"I see," Robin nodded thoughtfully. Aziza kept staring at Robin pensively, deep in thought.
"Do you guys know why or when did it appeared?"
Lucian glance at Eldric, which he shook his head in return, don't know why or when did it appeared.
Aziza's soft voice carried across the area as she answered, "June 12th."
The three looked at Aziza as she fell silent once more. Robin rubbed his chin, trying to remember why "June 12th" felt oddly familiar.
Yet it felt like he had somehow forgotten what happened on that date. Robin knew something significant had occurred to him on June 12th, yet somehow all memories relating to that day had been removed. It was maddeningly on the tip of his tongue yet remained just out of reach.
Robin shook his head and questioned once again.
"So you all have only been awakened for about a year?" Robin asked.
Eldric nodded in response. "Honestly, it's almost been two years now since it's November 25th," he replied.
Lucian clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention.
"Let's get going and finish the hunt," he suggested. The others nodded their heads in return.