The fact that the "refinery" looked like a pill furnace still unsettled Lucian, though he knew better than to dwell on appearances. Practicality mattered most in these dire circumstances.
Opening the forge's interface, Lucian observed its capabilities.
Magical Item Creation: Required templates and Void Crystals.
Equipment Refinement: Required Void Essence.
"A pity I didn't have this earlier," Lucian muttered, recalling the tragic end of his trusty longsword during battle. Then he took out the [Gauss Sniper Rifle], the technological artifact he'd found earlier.
The rifle had potential but was limited by its lack of a scope and its poor accuracy. Refining it into a magical weapon seemed like the perfect solution.
Placing it inside the furnace, Lucian was prompted.
[Infuse 100 Void Crystals] / [Remove Item]
His heart twinged at the steep cost, but he gritted his teeth and confirmed.
Immediately, flames roared beneath the pill furnace, and the humanoid statue atop it came to life. It floated around the furnace in a ritualistic dance.
After half an hour, the flames subsided, and the humanoid statue returned to stillness. The lid of the furnace lifted, and the rifle emerged, shimmering with otherworldly brilliance.
It floated toward Lucian, as if recognizing him as its rightful master.
[Gauss Sniper Rifle] (Refined Magical Item)
Type: Equipment
Level: 10
Quality: Rare
Attributes: +5 Spirit, +5 Constitution
Ammunition: Spirit Bullets
Magazine: 100/100 (Recovery Rate: 1 bullet/10 seconds)
Range: 0–2000 meters
Description: "Master the art of killing from a distance. A weapon for the sharp-eyed and steady-handed."
Lucian marveled at its transformation. It was now imbued with magic and required no physical ammunition. Instead, it drew from its wielder's spirit to form bullets.
"With this, I can cover any weak points in our defenses," Lucian said with a grin, storing the weapon in his inventory.
The Fifth Day
At dawn, explosions outside the walls shattered the morning calm.
Boom!
Lucian jolted awake. By his side, Lin Daiyu sat up, her raven-black hair cascading over her shoulders. Her sleepy eyes glistened like dew, and her soft voice broke the silence.
"Lucian, has the next wave arrived?"
Lucian glanced outside, summoning his refined rifle with a thought. It materialized in his hand, sleek and gleaming.
"Let's find out," he replied, striding to the door.
Lin Daiyu gracefully slid her feet into soft shoes, following him. Her presence, calm yet determined, steadied Lucian's nerves.
At the wooden walls, Lucian peered beyond the fortifications. Emerging from the thick fog, hordes of shambling figures lurched forward—undead monsters with icy auras clinging to their decaying forms.
Through his [Lens of True Sight], Lucian identified them.
[Frost Rot Corpse]
Species: Undead / Void
Level: 6
Attributes:
Constitution: 11
Spirit: 0.1
Skill: Corrosion Strike
Description: "Death's frozen embrace still clings to them."
[Elite Frost Rot Corpse]
Species: Undead / Void
Level: 8
Attributes:
Constitution: 25
Spirit: 0.1
Skills:
Corrosive Venom
Frost Breath
Description: "Born in frost and rot, they are death's bitter harvest."
A rough estimate placed the total number of undead at over a hundred. Among them were dozens of elites, each one exuding a chilling malice.
"We'll need everything we've got," Lucian muttered, his grip tightening on the rifle. He glanced at Lin Daiyu. "Ready to give them hell?"
Lin Daiyu's serene smile carried a hint of icy determination.
"For you, Lucian, I'm always ready."
Lucian's heart skipped a beat, but he forced himself to focus. Turning toward the defenses, he issued his commands.
"Deploy all defenses! Fire at will!"
From atop the walls, the magical towers sprang to life, and the battle for the fifth wave began.