As the system notification faded into the background of his consciousness, Caelum turned his attention back to the task at hand. The Shadow Stalker's death had brought a significant gain in experience, which they would share, strengthening both him and Elara.
"Looks like we both got stronger," Caelum said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. He quickly checked his and Elara's stats, due to the newly earned experience points.
[Updated Status:
Caelum:
Level: 9 (Gained one level)
Experience Points (XP): [1750/2700] (450 XP gained from the Shadow Stalker, divided between two)
Health Points (HP): 138/138 (Increased due to leveling up)
Mana Points (MP): 138/138 (Increased due to leveling up)
Vitality (VIT): 19 (10 base + 9 from leveling)
Strength (STR): 10
Agility (AGI): 32 (12 base + 20 from leveling)
Intelligence (INT): 23 (10 base + 13 from leveling)
Wisdom (WIS): 10
Charisma (CHA): 8
Luck (LUK): 25 (14 base + 11 from leveling)
Free Stats: 40 (Additional 5 from leveling up)]
[Elara:
Level: 7 (Gained two levels)
Experience Points (XP): [50/1600] (450 XP gained from the Shadow Stalker, divided between two)
Health Points (HP): 107/107 (Increased due to leveling up)
Mana Points (MP): 100/100
Vitality (VIT): 17 (10 base + 7 from leveling)
Strength (STR): 10
Agility (AGI): 18 (10 base + 8 from leveling)
Intelligence (INT): 14 (10 base + 4 from leveling)
Wisdom (WIS): 17 (10 base + 7 from leveling)
Charisma (CHA): 16 (10 base + 6 from leveling)
Free Stats: 10 (Additional 10 from leveling up)]
Caelum swiftly allocated Elara's 10 free stats, enhancing her agility, vitality, wisdom, and charisma. The newfound strength in her eyes was evident, a silent testament to their shared victory against the Shadow Stalker.
[Updated Elara's Status:
Level: 7
Experience Points (XP): [50/1600]
Health Points (HP): 107/107
Mana Points (MP): 100/100
Vitality (VIT): 19 (17 base + 2 from allocation)
Strength (STR): 10
Agility (AGI): 21 (18 base + 3 from allocation)
Intelligence (INT): 14
Wisdom (WIS): 20 (17 base + 3 from allocation)
Charisma (CHA): 18 (16 base + 2 from allocation)
Free Stats: 0]
After adjusting her stats, Caelum turned his attention to the lifeless form of the Shadow Stalker. With a swift motion, he stored the creature's body in his inventory, the act seamless and almost mechanical. It was a part of his existence now, this blend of reality and the system's influence.
As they walked towards Lighthaven, the forest around them seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. The menace that had stalked its shadows was gone, and a subtle tranquility returned to the woods. The moonlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor, a serene backdrop to their conversation.
As they neared the town, Caelum's thoughts drifted to their next move. The completion of the quest had elevated their status, but it also meant new challenges would soon surface. He knew they needed to be prepared.
"The Shadow Stalker's defeat will bring us some recognition in Lighthaven. We should use that to our advantage," Caelum said, his voice low but firm.
Elara agreed, her eyes reflecting the resolve. "Yes, but we should also be cautious. Notoriety can be a double-edged sword."
They entered Lighthaven, the town's cobblestone streets quiet in the late hour. The familiar sights of the town, with its quaint houses and flickering lanterns, offered a semblance of normalcy after the night's ordeal.
Caelum didn't head directly to the Adventurers' Guild upon entering Lighthaven; instead, he made his way to Master Ironhand's Blacksmith. The rewards from their quests were indeed bountiful, but there was an urgency that weighed on him – the need for a new gun. His makeshift bamboo gun had served its purpose, but it was far from sufficient for the challenges that lay ahead. To truly harness his skills, he needed a more formidable weapon – a pistol with a chamber that could hold six bullets, his holy number.
As they approached the blacksmith, the familiar gruff voice of Ironhand greeted them. The blacksmith, a giant of a man with arms like tree trunks and a face perennially sooted from the forge, was as focused as ever. Upon hearing their footsteps, Ironhand looked up, his eyes narrowing as he recognized Caelum. "It is you. Did you complete the task I gave you?" His voice carried a hint of skepticism.
Caelum nodded, reaching under his cape to withdraw Luminescent wood and Lodestarite Ore from his inventory. The items lay in his hands, glowing subtly in the dim light of the forge. Ironhand's eyes widened in shock. "You really did it?" he asked, his gruff exterior faltering.
Caelum understood Ironhand's disbelief. The Luminescent wood, in particular, was a rare commodity. Not only was it challenging to locate the Luminescent zone in the Whispering Forest, but the tree itself was the heart of the area. Fortunately, Elara's ability to communicate with the forest had enabled them to obtain some branches.
"You sent us on an impossible mission to discourage us," Caelum stated, his voice calm yet firm. "But we are here with the items."
Ironhand, despite his towering figure, seemed embarrassed. "I will make it worthwhile for you, I promise," he said earnestly.
Caelum waved his hand dismissively. "No need," he said. "As promised, let me use your forge."
Ironhand nodded, leading them to the inner part of his forge. Inside, a separate area was set up, equipped with all the necessary tools for crafting. "You can use any material you want. I won't charge you," Ironhand offered.
Caelum nodded his thanks, his mind already focused on the task ahead. He wasn't short on money, but what he lacked were the right blueprints for the weapon he envisioned – a robust and reliable revolver. As Ironhand left them to their privacy, Elara settled nearby, her gaze fixed on Caelum with a mix of curiosity and anticipation.
Elara watched Caelum with a blend of curiosity and wonder as he approached the forge. To her, he was still the Caelum she knew – the kind-hearted farmer boy from their village. Yet, here he was, stepping into the role of a blacksmith with a confidence that seemed alien to his former self. The Caelum she knew had no knowledge of crafting or forging, just as he had no experience in combat. But ever since their village was razed and they were thrust into this world of peril and survival, he had transformed, becoming someone who could stand against the darkest of foes.
Caelum approached the forge, the heat and glow of the fire illuminating his determined expression. He didn't immediately jump into the process of forging; instead, he paused to plan his approach. In his mind, he silently called up the Gunslinger System. "System, show me the blueprints I have," he thought.
The system responded with a display of various blueprints he had earned over his recent adventures. These were not the schematics from Earth he was familiar with, but rather new types of crafts, specialized for the magical world he now inhabited. The blueprints included:
[Basic Enchanted Bullet Blueprint: An introduction to crafting magical ammunition.
Mystic Reinforced Barrel Design: A blueprint to enhance gun durability and its compatibility with magic.
Elemental Gunpowder Recipe: Instructions for making gunpowder infused with various elemental effects.
Basic Silencer Blueprint: A design to reduce noise and recoil for stealthy attacks.
Basic Elemental Chamber Blueprint: A guide to modifying bullets with elemental properties.
Basic Healing Bullet Blueprint: Plans for bullets that provide minor healing upon impact.
Basic Armor-Piercing Bullet Blueprint: Designs for bullets capable of penetrating tough hides and armor.
Mystic Focus Barrel Blueprint: A schematic for a barrel that enhances focus and precision.]
Caelum's eyes narrowed as he reviewed the blueprints. Each one offered unique advantages, but he didn't have materials.
Elara watched him, her blue eyes reflecting the firelight. "What are you thinking?" she asked softly, sensing the intensity of his focus.
Caelum looked up, his gaze still distant. "I'm planning the gun I need to craft," he replied. "My class... it offers possibilities I hadn't even considered possible."
Elara nodded, her curiosity piqued. "Can I help in any way?"
Caelum considered for a moment, then nodded. "Yes. Keep an eye on the forge's temperature. It needs to be consistent." He appreciated her support, even if she couldn't understand the full extent of his plans.