Chapter 4: The Weight of a New World
The morning sunlight streamed through the grimy windows of Adam's workshop, but the bright rays did little to dispel the tension that lingered in the air. The faint scent of burning wood hung around the room, a remnant of the night's chaos. Adam sat at his workbench, the Dagger of the Wraith resting on the table in front of him. Its once faint glow had dimmed, leaving it looking like any other antique blade.
Ethan paced nervously behind him, hands shoved deep into his pockets. "I still can't believe what happened," he muttered, his voice cracking. "That thing... it wasn't human, was it?"
Adam didn't look up. He was running his fingers over the dagger's intricate carvings, replaying the events of the previous night in his mind. "No," he said finally. "It wasn't human. And if what I've seen so far is any indication, there's probably more where it came from."
Ethan stopped pacing and turned to Adam, his expression one of mounting panic. "More? Adam, I'm just a normal guy! I can't deal with this kind of stuff! That thing nearly killed both of us!"
Adam sighed, leaning back in his chair and rubbing his temples. "You're not the only one who's in over their head, Ethan. I didn't ask for any of this either." He gestured toward the faintly glowing interface hovering in front of him. "This system... these artifacts... it's all dumped itself into my life, and now I have to deal with it. Same as you."
Ethan stared at the translucent blue screen, his brow furrowing. "So this... thing, this 'system'... It's like some kind of game? It gives you missions, rewards, and powers?"
"Something like that," Adam said, his voice flat. "Except this isn't a game. If we mess up, we die. Simple as that."
Ethan sank into a nearby chair, his head in his hands. "I never should've bought that stupid dagger. I thought it would look good in my collection, maybe impress a few people. I didn't know..."
"Well, now you do," Adam interrupted, his tone sharp. He immediately regretted his words when Ethan flinched. Softening his voice, he added, "Look, what's done is done. The important thing now is figuring out what we're dealing with—and how to survive it."
Ethan looked up, his eyes red-rimmed. "How do we do that? You're just one guy with some... weird powers. And I'm nobody."
Adam frowned, leaning forward. "You're not nobody. That dagger chose you, Ethan. These artifacts, they're not random. There's a reason they end up where they do."
Ethan scoffed. "Chosen, huh? Feels more like a curse."
Adam didn't argue. Part of him agreed.
The system chimed softly, breaking the tense silence. A new message appeared on the interface.
[Daily Artifact Creation Limit: Reset]
[New Mission: Create a support artifact for a non-user.]
[Reward: Increased Appraisal Range.]
Adam blinked, reading the message twice. "A support artifact... for a non-user?" He glanced at Ethan, who was watching him warily.
"What now?" Ethan asked.
"The system wants me to make something for you," Adam said, the words tasting strange in his mouth.
"For me?" Ethan frowned. "Why?"
"Probably because you'll need it," Adam replied grimly.
He stood and began sifting through the scattered materials on his workbench. Most of it was junk: bits of old wood, scraps of leather, and tarnished metal. None of it seemed suitable for creating something truly useful.
His eyes landed on the silver coin from the night before. It had returned to its inert state, but its smooth surface gleamed in the sunlight. An idea began to form in his mind.
"Alright," Adam muttered, grabbing the coin and a strip of leather. "Let's see if this works."
The interface reacted as he placed the materials on the workbench.
[Material Quality: Medium]
[Crafting Potential: High]
[Artifact Type: Support-Oriented (Recommended)]
A faint glow surrounded the materials as Adam pressed the [Create] button. The familiar hum of energy filled the room, and his hands moved instinctively, guided by the system. He wrapped the leather around the coin, etching runes into its surface with surprising precision.
Minutes later, the glow faded, leaving a small, worn-looking medallion resting on the table.
[Artifact Created: Medallion of Safe Passage]
Effect: Emits a protective aura that deters hostile entities within a five-meter radius. Activation Phrase: Custodi via!"
Adam picked up the medallion, its weight surprisingly reassuring in his hand. He turned to Ethan, holding it out. "Here. This should help keep you safe."
Ethan hesitated, staring at the medallion like it might bite him. "Are you sure it'll work?"
"It'll work," Adam said firmly. "Just wear it and remember the activation phrase. Custodi via. It means 'guard the way.'"
Ethan reluctantly took the medallion, slipping the leather cord over his head. The moment it settled against his chest, the faintest shimmer of light surrounded him before disappearing.
"Feel any different?" Adam asked.
"No," Ethan said, his voice uncertain. "But I'll take your word for it."
The workshop fell silent again, the weight of the situation settling over them like a heavy blanket. Adam returned to his chair, his mind churning with questions. Why had the system chosen him? What was its purpose? And why were these artifacts causing so much chaos?
Before he could spiral further, Ethan spoke up.
"So... what now?"
Adam met his gaze, determination hardening his features. "Now we figure out what's going on. These artifacts... they're not just random objects. There's a pattern here, and we need to understand it before things get worse."
"And if we can't?" Ethan asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Adam didn't answer immediately. Instead, he glanced at the Dagger of the Wraith, its dark blade gleaming ominously.
"Then we fight," he said finally. "And we make damn sure we win."
End of Chapter 4.