BXBX NOVEL Chapter 37
Chapter 37
Kane slumped into the empty room. He then pulled out a few mana stones from his pocket. They were stones he had swiped from the black crow exchange. Though not in perfect condition, with some crafting, they could fetch a decent price.
In the game [War of the Gods: Infinite Defense], there were several features that allowed characters to develop post-creation. Most of these systems were designed to encourage excessive spending, often leading players to quit. However, if used wisely, they could become extremely advantageous.
One of these systems was the ‘Crafting’ feature, which allowed players to process mana stones and imbue them with various options. Even a single A-grade option could more than double a character’s original stats.
‘The problem is that the success rate of *Crafting* is less than 10%.’
But with the magic book he found in the Nest of Abyss, those issues could be resolved.
[Masherin’s Magic Engraving]
Type: Magic Grimoire
Grade: S (Growth-type)
Description: A magical engraving book written by Masherin, one of the continent’s top three engravers and craftsmen.
Unlike regular engravers, Masherin used magic engravings on not only accessories but also buildings.
Effect: 80% chance to engrave options of B grade or higher, acquisition of crafting skills
That effect alone was incredible. The increased probability of B-grade or higher options was insane. And there was more.
Hidden skills further boosted its power. One such effect was that the character’s base stats increased during the crafting process. This meant that not only could he become stronger while crafting, but the crafted items would be bonuses.
Options that turned out well could be given to characters to significantly boost their stats. The mediocre ones could be sold to nobles for a high price, generating income.
‘Moreover, it’s beneficial for me too. I can increase my stats just by sitting and cutting jewels. I need to raise the abilities I couldn’t enhance in the hidden stage here.’
Kane infused mana into the crafting dagger. Symbols appeared on the blade. He was ready.
He started cutting the mana stone with the dagger.
Scrape!
The mana stone was sliced through effortlessly.
Engraving required delicate use of mana to carve the jewel precisely.
“Let’s focus.”
[Blue Tiger’s Breath has been activated.]
He began to peel away the surface of the mana stone, layer by layer, like peeling the skin off an onion. The intensity of the mana, the delicate sensation in his hands—each movement was precise.
Designing the jewel, Kane thought of every detail as he continued crafting. As time passed,
‘Is it because I’m only a beginner at 3rd class? My thumb is already trembling,’
Cold sweat dripped down his forehead. Perhaps it was due to the constant delicate work, his finger joints started to ache.
‘I can’t stop here,’
The ‘Blue Tiger’s Breath’ focused on his eyes. His vision sharpened, allowing him to concentrate even more on the jewel. He controlled the trembling movements of his fingers and continued crafting.
About 30 minutes later,
[Due to Persistent Jewel Crafting (LV. 1), your Stamina has increased to D.]
[Due to meticulous handling of ‘Blue Tiger’s Breath’, your Mana has increased to D.]
He had no time to celebrate the message indicating his increased base abilities. A single slip could mean the failure of the jewel crafting.
Imbuing the jewel with magic was more challenging and exhausting than he had anticipated.
[30% of the jewel crafting is complete.]
Only one-third was done. There was still a long way to go. Giving up was not an option. Opportunities to simultaneously gain stats and money were rare.
‘I need to be even more persistent and maximize my stats,’
He kept cutting and refining the jewel. The sensation in his hands gradually faded, and his mana was nearly depleted. His stamina had already reached its limit. Yet, with immense concentration, he continued perfecting the jewel.
Then, something extraordinary happened.
*Tsususu-*
The Blood Mark stirred around him.
The Blood Mark rippled with each movement of the crafting dagger.
* * *
Camilla was lingering outside Kane’s room in the dark night. Wisps of mana were seeping out from the door’s cracks. The energy was growing, swelling like a snowball.
“What on earth is happening in there?”
She couldn’t just barge into her master’s room. Since the moment Young Master Kane’s personality changed, it was impossible to enter unannounced like she used to.
“The energy is too ominous for mere mana training. Should I just go in?”
The powerful aura emanating through the door felt sinister, akin to dark magic or demonic energy. She worried Kane might have lost control while training his mana.
After deliberating for a long while,
“I have to go in!”
She made up her mind. She grabbed the door handle and took a deep breath. With a deep inhale, she flung the door open.
“Ah!”
The energy that had filled the room rushed out at her. The ominous aura vanished without a trace. What poured over her was cool, refreshing mana. Along with the energy, Kane’s voice reached her.
“It’s… done!”
He was lying on the floor.
“Young… Master?”
“Haah…”
“Are you okay?”
“It was exhausting, but… I think I’ll be fine with some rest.”
From Camilla’s perspective, Kane was drenched in sweat.
“How exactly are you training your mana to end up looking like a soaked rat?”
Instead of responding, Kane extended his hand.
“Look, didn’t I do a good job?”
In his hand was a jewel.
“Did you make this yourself, Young Master?”
“You don’t believe it?”
“I had no idea you had such skills. Can I look at it up close?”
“Of course.”
He handed the jewel to Camilla with a proud smile. She couldn’t help but gasp.
“Wow. It’s so mystical and brilliant…”
She couldn’t take her eyes off the jewel. Inside the blue gem was a red dot. When she tilted the jewel slightly, the red dot moved without losing its shape.
“What is this red dot inside?”
“Look closely.”
At Kane’s words, she stared intently at the red dot. At first, she saw nothing, but then a thought crossed her mind. She focused mana into her eyes.
“Ah…”
She finally understood what Kane meant.
“Amazing, isn’t it?”
“Yes…”
Inside the red dot, there was a pattern of two crossed swords. It was a slightly modified design of the Rehinar family crest.
Camilla asked, “But why did you engrave this on the jewel?”
“It’s a symbol. It will become our family’s main source of income. How about calling the product ‘KaraShi’?”
In reality, it was a name inspired by a famous luxury brand, Cartier, but Camilla, unaware of this, tilted her head in confusion before smiling.
“It looks like it was made by an expert.”
“Of course, who do you think made it?”
After expressing her admiration, she couldn’t help but say,
“With such a valuable skill, why did you stay quiet all this time? If we had known, we would have started selling jewelry many years ago!”
“You like it that much?”
“It’s so beautiful and sophisticated that noble ladies and young noblewomen will be eager to buy it.”
“Perfect.”
Camilla and Sara shared a common trait: neither liked jewelry. They preferred weapons like swords. If Camilla found it beautiful, then most women would want it.
“Young Master, there’s a special power in the red engraving inside, isn’t there?”
Her admiration was not only for the design but also for the functionality. There were many accessories with simple magical effects on the market, varying greatly in price based on performance. However, the jewel Kane crafted seemed to possess a different kind of power.
“Try to guess what it does.”
Kane posed a riddle to Camilla. She closely inspected the jewel.
“Isn’t it just fire mana? Other than enhancing the power of fire rune, I don’t see anything else…”
No matter how hard she looked, she couldn’t discern the hidden power. Finally, Kane explained,
“Try breaking the jewel.”
As she nodded and attempted to break the jewel with her mana, the ominous force she had felt outside the room surged out. Her eyes widened.
“Ah…”
The ominous energy transformed into a water barrier, blocking external attacks.
“A barrier spell?”
It didn’t just enhance rune strength; it was a barrier spell that protected against attacks.
“That’s the lowest tier option.”
“This is the lowest?”
Camilla’s eyes remained wide in astonishment. The craftsmanship of the jewel was impressive, but the fact that it also contained a magical engraving was beyond her imagination. She couldn’t fathom the extent of the Young Master’s abilities.
“If crafted correctly, not even demonic attacks can penetrate it.”
She found herself nodding involuntarily. Observing the water barrier, she understood. Could 3rd-class mana penetrate it? No way. At least beginner-tier 4th-class mana would be required to break through the water barrier. The barrier’s density was that formidable.
“Amazing…”
“Do you want it?”
At Kane’s words, Camilla panicked.
“Oh, no! If you give it to me, I might lose it in no time.”
She waved her hands, refusing vehemently.
“It would be helpful for you to have it.”
“Really, it’s fine. Please give it to someone who needs it.”
“If you insist.”
Kane’s right eye glinted, and the blood sigil in his pupil deactivated the active barrier..
*Plop.*
The jewel fell to the floor as if nothing had happened.
“Hmm. Should I sell this? The options are a bit underwhelming.”
Such was the result of his first crafting attempt.
[KaraShi Jewel]
Category: Accessory
Grade: ★★★*
Description: This is the first jewel Kane Rehinar crafted in his room. It has a peculiar sophistication due to the special spell engraved with magic.
Effects: Fire Rune Resistance +40%
In a Crisis: Activates Water Barrier (B-)*
For a 3-star grade, the options were rather low. It was likely because he used a simple mana stone rather than a higher-quality mana stone. Selling it as it was could tarnish the reputation of KaraShi.
Although Kane wasn’t satisfied, other nobles would have been desperate to buy the jewel. It had a captivating, mysterious magical aura, apart from its functionality.
“I’ll keep it for now.”
Kane put the jewel in his pocket.
“If you ever want one, let me know. I’ll make you a new one.”
“Hehe, okay!”
Camilla’s mood brightened instantly.
Crafting jewels was hard work, and adding magical engravings doubled the effort required. She felt a sense of specialness that Kane offered to create one for her..
—
Kane continued to hone his crafting skills. From his first attempt, he realized that he was less skillful with his hands than Ray Hatzfeld.
“There’s nothing that can’t be achieved with effort.”
He practiced his crafting skills relentlessly, even skipping meals. While elemental mana stones were scarce, he could easily obtain normal mana stones from monsters. He used these mana stones for his practice.
Days passed—one, two, three.
“I’m not yet at the level of proficiency I desire.”
He used mana to carve the mana stones diligently. The sun rose and set repeatedly.
[Due to the delicate use of mana, ‘Blue Tiger’s breath (D-)’ has increased to D.]
[Due to excellent craftsmanship (LV. 2), Strength has increased to D.]
[Due to nimble craftsmanship (LV. 2), Agility has increased to D.]
After another day, his stats and mana depth improved further. Despite this, Kane was not satisfied.
“I’m almost there.”
Another day passed.
[Crafting Skill has increased to LV. 3.]
[You have reached Mid-Tier 3rd Class.]
[You have fulfilled the conditions for a Hidden Promotion Quest.]
Finally, Kane had achieved his goal.
“Haaa.”
Lying down, he gazed at the ceiling and let out a deep breath. The grueling work had taken its toll, and fatigue washed over him.
“I need to get some sleep.”
His heavy eyelids closed. After five days of continuous work without sleep, the moment he relaxed, sleep overtook him. As he slept, new messages chimed.
[The Lumber Mill has been completed.]
[Commerce has increased by +5.]
[You can now use the Lumber Mill.]
[The Tavern has been completed.]
[Commerce has increased by +5.]
[You can now use the Tavern.]
[The Farm has been completed.]
[Agriculture has increased by +5.]
[You can now use the Farmland.]
[The Inn has been completed.]
[Commerce has increased by +5.]
[You can now use the Inn.]
[The Mill has been completed.]
[Agriculture has increased by +5.]
[You can now use the Mill.]
[Commerce has increased by +5.]
[Guild has increased by +5.]
…
The notifications about the completed buildings filled the air. Despite the noise, Kane remained oblivious, deep in slumber.
The next day, upon waking, he immediately checked the plethora of messages.
[To activate the buildings, you must visit them personally.]
With the realization of the work ahead, Kane knew he had to visit each of these newly constructed facilities to activate them.