"I hereby name you a Noob Smasher!"

"Blop!"

"Bad smithy ability levelled up!"

Wow, that's nice! I would never say that creating a random weapon with the intention to keep it bad would earn me a level! I think I need to start working harder on my abilities! But well, not now.

With my new weapon in hand, I wouldn't be a former gamer if I didn't inspect it properly.

Bonger, you know what to do!

"Blop!"

"Noob Smasher +1 - enhanced shortsword"

"Requirement to use: moral level of cultivation."

"Lowgrade shortsword filled with flaws and weak spots. Can be used to create marks and transmit energy through it"

"Name bonus: Attacking opponents weaker than host deals additional blunt damage"

"Ads fifteen strength and forty agility to the user!"

Wait, this ain't as bad as I expected! While I'm not sure about this 'marks' part, I believe the next part of the description means that I can use it to extend my energy paths! While I'm not sure if there is any order similar to my acupoints that will organise the energy within it, but I don't want to try it here in the smithy. I already caused a fair bit of destruction last time, there is no point in angering the warden by repeating the same mistake!

After clearing up the place after my job, I exit the room, nod to the warden and leave for Eve's mansion. Since I couldn't even be bothered to fix a scabbard for my new blade, I just throw it into my storage ring. There is no way I will let anyone see me with this abomination!

While I still believe that my duel didn't make me popular, for some reason quite a bit of people are staring at me as I walk through the street. While it's true that there are a lot more people out in the open now I don't really see why I could draw their attention. Maybe I dirtied my face while working with the coal? Well, no point thinking about it.

In just a few minutes, I reach Eve's mansion and enter through the front door. Just as expected, this short while that I took to create my new blade was more thank enough for her to finish preparing the food. While it's not as abundant as the feast yesterday, it still puts most of the earthy restaurants into shame.

"I didn't expect you to be back so soon! Did you finish your weapon?"

Noticing my arrival, Eve look out of the kitchen with a lovely smile on her face. Dressed in an apron - how the hell do they have fucking aprons in this backwards world? - with just a light cloth underneath, she is the embodiment of household warmth.

"It's ready to smash Baxhar head!"

Sitting down near the table, I can't wait to start eating. While I don't need to do it at all, the aroma spread by the multiple dishes is intoxicating. A moment later, Eve comes with yet another platter of delicious looking meat. At this point, I'm left wondering where does she even get all this food? I never saw a single cow or sheep in the entire sect!

"That's good then. I hope you won't mind if I come with you to see the fight? I would love to see his expression when you smear him on the arena floor!'"

What a lovely girl! I didn't even need to ask her to come if she asked for it herself! With every interaction between us, I'm falling deeper and deeper in love with her!

"I was going to invite you anyway, it flatters me to hear your enthusiasm!"

Since we are both at the table already, I reach for a platter with small bites of meat and push some of them on my plate. Adding some salads, rice and other kinds of meat, I create almost a mountain of food in front of me! While I'm not hungry, the more I eat, the happier Eve will be seeing that I enjoy her cooking!

"Oh, I almost forgot. I have a brew for a specially joyous occasion. Would you mind accompanying me to this drink after you win the duel? I was ordered to finish it in one go when I received it from Sect Master yesterday when you were training. Would you mind?"

O, I didn't know that Stella was here. Maybe she was worried about Eve after hearing about my outburst? While I'm glad that someone took care of her hidden injury, I'm kinda worried about the content of the bottle presented by Eve. Considering how my relationship with master developed during our first serious meeting, I don't know what to think about this brew.

"I will be honoured! But let's not speak about winning before I actually show him his place. While I'm certain that he defeating him won't pose any trouble to me, I need to be as cautious as always. Who knows what kind of tricks does he have under his sleeve?"

While it might sound like a flaunting my careful attitude, I'm actually serious. There is no way in hell that I could expect the penguin back in the forest to freeze me with its damn poetry, so how could I take it easy when faced off against a human opponent?

But the truth is, while Baxhar is bound to have some hidden tricks, my sheer vitality and resistance stats are bound to guarantee me sustaining everything that he will throw at me. If I add my agility, strength and my new weapon, I don't think I need to be scared of him!

After finishing the meal, I left the mansion to train in the courtyard again. With just a few hours separating me from the duel, I want to make the best use of my remaining time. While it might not prove useful in the fight itself, additional training will never prove worthless!

Sitting down on the grass, I started circulating my energy through both my inner and outer pathways. While I tried adding my new blade to my paths, in the end, all I could do was to infuse it with my energy. While it added a fancy glow to its edge, I didn't see any differences in its performance. Compared to windslord… It is trash!

While I was cultivating, all the remaining time passed. With only an hour left before the start of the fight, Eve came to fetch me up. For some reason, she is dressed in a really fancy robe!

"You look insane! Is this part of my reward for the sure victory?"

I can't help but ask.

"Who knows? For now, let's go! I can't wait to see people reactions when you show your glorious prowess!"