The Soul Cubic was shining and resonating. I could see its aura was overflowing. Then it went inside me as if it was being sucked.

Job Changed! You have become Astral Artisan. Job Skill Acquired! You have learned Soul Cubic.

You have learned Crafting.

You have learned Recycle.

You have learned Repair.

You have learned Blunt Mastery.

You have learned Astral Infuse.

You have learned Astral Eyes. Detect Aura and Observe have been merged to Astral Eyes.

Astral Eyes level has increased!

I was too tired to check those new skills. I could see Mirage felt the same. So we used 【Teleport Scroll – Eldan】 to get back and immediately took a rest at the inn.

When I got up, it was almost dusk. I quickly went to Mirage's room and knocked the door. After a few seconds, she opened the door while yawning.

"Are you still sleepy?"

"N-no… I just got up… Hehehe…"

"Ah alright… Shall we eat first…?"

"Okay!"

I was relieved that Mirage seemed brighter today. I asked her what she wanted to eat, and she said that she wanted to try meat pasta. We went to street food stall and ordered the food, then we sat down on vacant seats.

While waiting for the food, I checked my new job with a smile on my face.

Astral Artisan Beginner Class: Artisan Job description:

An artisan who can gain access to astral dimensions. Thus, it is possible to create item beyond understanding. Gained effect:

+ 500 HP

+ 500 MP

+ 10 All Stats >Skills related to Artisan such as crafting, smith, etc. are doubled the experience.

>Due to Astral Artisan profession, DEX and INT growth rate are harshly increased. Crafting Level 1 Active: An ability to make item from materials. Repair Level 1 Active: Repair equipment's durability with certain materials. Recycle Level 1 Active: Turn equipment back into materials. Blunt Mastery Level 1 Passive: Increase STR when using blunts as weapon. Astral Eyes Level 2 Active: Eyes with the ability to identify.

Passive: Detecting aura at will. Also, it can visualize what beyond naked eyes can't see.

>It provides additional description to identified item depending on user's intelligence.

Mana Cost: 225

Cooldown: 90 seconds Astral Infuse Level 1 Active: Infuse a soul to an item. The item will be possessed a skill of infused soul.

>Infused skills will be random.

>Additional effect will be given if the item is perfectly matched with the soul.

Infused Soul Effect: 10%

Mana Cost: 500

Cool down: 5 hours Soul Cubic Level 1 Passive: Detect and absorb souls in certain radius.

Soul: 0/500

Radius: 5 meters

Crafting, Recycle and Repair were artisan's basic skills. Blunt should be artisan's basic weapon. And then three skills excited me the most.

First was Astral Eyes.

It was upgraded version of Observe and Aura Detection. By looking at the active description, it seemed it could identify anything.

I gave it a try to unidentified swords I got from Norwall Cave drop. I got three unidentified swords. Two of them were common. Until I identified the last one.

'【Astral Eyes】'

A window of the sword's new description popped out in front of me.

Cursed Rapier (Rare) Type One-handed sword Restriction 30 DEX Durability 67/110 A cursed sword that was once held by skeleton warrior. It is unknown as to why this sword is cursed. Effect:

+150 Attack Speed

+100 P. Attack

+10 DEX

+10 STR Attribute: Poison – The rapier is producing poison. Anyone who gets hit will be poisoned.

Curse: The user will get poisoned. The longer the user hold this sword, the poison will be more lethal.

'What kind of sword is this?'

The effect and attribute were pretty good but the curse was terrible. It was a double-edged sword.

I might sell it later or sooner, because just by reading the description made me uncomfortable to hold it. However, an idea suddenly came to my mind.

'Wait a minute… Will the sword raise my poison resistance if I use it?'

I immediately took back my thought about selling the sword. Perhaps this sword would be useful. I put the sword inside my bag and moving my thought to the other skill.

Astral Infuse.

Infusing a monster soul to an item and imbuing a random skill which possessed by the monster to the item.

'Come to think of it, I got one soul from Ilkaav.'

I called out the Soul Cubic and it appeared floating in front of me. I could sense the soul of Ilkaav was resonating inside the cubic.

When I checked the cubic, a window appeared.

Soul ◊ Phantasmagoria's Incomplete Soul

There was only one name listed, and it wasn't Ilkaav name. It seemed it was the soul of whatever inside Ilkaav. Moreover, it was an incomplete soul.

'Incomplete? Does that mean I can't use this?'

I sighed while closing the window.

'Well, I just need to find another soul I guess.'

When I was done sorting things out, the meat pasta was already in front of me. I saw Mirage was eating the pasta. So I began to eat the pasta as well.

"That was good."

"Yes. I'd like to eat it again."

"Do you want another plate?"

"N-no, I'm already full." She waved her hands and then occasionally stick her fingers together as she continued. "Thank you…"

"It's fine. If there's something you want, please tell me, okay?"

"Okay."

"Well then, let's pay Heiden a visit."

"Unh…" She nodded and smiled cheerfully.

Heiden's Shop

After I grabbed some supplies, my gaze went around the shelves as I asked Heiden if he had some spell books.

"Ah I'm sorry brother, they're already sold." He said as he scratched his cheek. And then he continued. "There is a book store at the east side, but it's already this late… It's probably closed."

"I see…"

Well, it couldn't be helped. I was thinking that I would continue reading Halton's book tonight. And I should take another rest too, then I would leave Eldan tomorrow.

"Oh brother, if you have that kind of face." He sighed after he looked at my thinking face. Then he continued. "I'm gonna restock them tomorrow. You can count on me!"

He said it while pointing his thumb to himself. His face was smiling proudly as if he was dependable older brother. It seemed he was misunderstood. But looking at him now made me really happy to know him in this game.

"Ah, alright then… I'll come again tomorrow. Thank you."

"Don't worry! For my own brother, I'll do anything! Huehuehue…"

I checked everything before I left, but suddenly the doorbell rang and someone entered the shop. It was a short bunny girl.

'Player?'

There was no way a cute little bunny girl like that was not a player. Suddenly, she immediately ran towards Mirage while shouting.

"Angel!"

She went around Mirage in awe while observing her figure.

'Ah this is bad, if she tells her friends about Mirage…'

A rumor might spread and players would know Mirage. Looking at Mirage's confused face just by one bunny girl, I thought she wouldn't stand the crowd if she was known and popular. I knew the feeling of an idol that couldn't do their daily life, they even being stalked by creeps and perverts.

I didn't want trouble like that. I walked to Mirage and warned her.

"Wear your mantle properly. We're leaving."

"Y-yes…"

As I walked outside I looked at Heiden with apologetic gesture as if saying 'Heiden please cover me…'

Knew what I meant, Heiden smiled and gave me okay sign as if saying 'Don't worry little brother, I got this!'

I could see the bunny girl followed us but then Heiden stopped her. We got out the shop and walked away from the shop quickly.

The stars already filled the night sky. We went to Halton's tent next. I informed him that I got the job and showed the Soul Cubic.

"That's amazing, Zeroth sonny." His face was surprised in awe. "To witness such wonderful creation of Sir Belgram. I'm so happy to live this long… If possible I will also look forward for your creation in the future. Heheheh…"

"I'm still beginner though. Also, I plan to leave Eldan tomorrow. I want to see and learn more about this world. I need to find Sir Belgram too."

"I see… That's a great idea. But I'm sorry I can't help you to get another clue for Sir Belgram whereabouts. But, I will pray for your travel."

Said Halton as he smiled, but I could see sadness in his eyes. As if he wanted to go with me and see my growth as Astral Artisan.

However, he was too old to travel far. Also, protecting two NPCs would be troublesome for me. But looking at him now, I couldn't leave the problem alone. At least, I wanted to help him.

"It's okay, we will find him somehow. Anyway… About his workshop in Norwall Cave. I'd like you to use it. If you hope to be blacksmith again, we will go there tomorrow." I said as I looked at Mirage, then she added.

"W-well… The place is abandoned. I'm sure my father would do the same…"

"Is that so…" I could see his eyes widened and filled with happiness. "Zeroth sonny, and Miss Mirage. I'm wholeheartedly thankful. It's an honor to inherit such luxury. I will use the workshop well."

The next day, I went to Heiden's Shop to take the spell books I asked. And then I said to him that I was gonna leave the town.

He was sad and even crying, but it couldn't be helped. It felt awkward because I didn't feel any emotions. I forced a smile and we eventually bid our farewell.

"Don't worry, I have Eldan Teleport Scroll. I'll eventually back here someday."

"*sobs* Oh lil bro… I will be waiting. *sobs* I hope you two travel safely."

"Thanks, Heiden. I hope you'll get many customers…" I said it with a smile. Hearing that, Heiden was laughing while crying. "Take care."

"You too lil bro. Please take care…"

In front of the town gate, Halton was already waiting for us. So without any delay, we went to Norwall Cave together.

When we were in Eldan Meadow, I looked back once and saw the picturesque of Eldan Town for the last time.

'Farewell Eldan…'

・・・

Belgram's Workshop

I tried many things to craft while being supervised by Halton. The book written by Halton was good and detailed, but it was way better if the author taught you personally. Since there were some methods I couldn't understand just by reading.

I also began my magic study with Mirage. It seemed she was also interested in magic. We talked a lot during this moment, though it was still awkward sometimes. Until we talked about the ring.

Curious, we tried the ring's skill. However, nothing happened after we chanted the skill. It didn't work. I checked the ring again, but this time with astral eyes.

Ring of Harmony (Unique Mythical) Type Accessory Restriction None Durability 200 One of Belgram's finest works for his wife which is also known as Artifact of Melleth. It is specially made to prevent a plague from spreading. >Only Zeroth can equip this item.

*If durability drops below 250, the ring's capability is disabled. Effect:

50% chance to negate all status ailments

+10 HP & MP regeneration per minute Item Skill – Soul Connect

Active: Linking two souls who have the same ring and sharing each other abilities for a certain duration.

Effect: Sharing all skills.

Duration: 1 hour

Cooldown: 1 day

'I see…'

Up until now, I thought my luck was bad. With Formidable Mind and the ring's effect, I thought I would resist any debuffs. However, the ring wasn't actually active.

'As expected of Mythical item that surpasses Legendary. There should be more hidden options…'

If my Astral Eyes level or my INT was high enough, there might be a chance of more hidden options revealed.

'I have to repair the ring…'

No matter how many options were hidden, I didn't know how to make the durability went up. Also, the material should be really hard to find considering the ring's rarity.

Because of this, I checked my items using Astral Eyes. Until my hand took out the Unidentified Black Tome from Uruzak.

'Ah… Uruzak's book… This should be interesting.'

I tried to identify it with Astral Eyes immediately. Then suddenly, a magic circle was formed on the book.

It was activating, and then the sigil was unlocked. No window or system message appeared. Curious, I opened the book and tried to read its content.

However, I knitted my eyebrows and then raised one. The tome was written in a language I didn't understand.

I asked Mirage if she knew the language but, she didn't. Then I asked Halton about it.

Surprisingly, he said that he never seen such language. He had seen elven and dwarven letters but the thing he just saw was new to him. He asked where I got the book and I told him the truth. Then he said he never heard of Uruzak or even Beleth.

So I thought they probably worked in shadow. I put the black tome inside my bag and continued grinding my crafting and magic again.

A few days had passed, and I pretty much grasped the basic of magic. I learned four basic element spells and Mana Control.

The element spells were just enchantment magic though, but I would try to learn more spells in the future.

Mana Control was a passive skill that decreased mana consumption depending on user's capability. Even though I had a lot of mana, it would be really useful later if I got higher tier skills or spells.

Moreover, I was an artisan too. I should be using a big amount of mana when crafting items, so the skill would be a great help.

I also leveled up some of my skills. Of course, I didn't forget to use cursed rapier while hunting. As expected, it made my poison resistance level went up a lot.

Meanwhile, Mirage remembered some part of her memories, following with her Crystal Siren's skills. It was good that she remembered her memories little by little. And more importantly, she was happy about it.

Everyday, we went hunting in the forest or inside the Norwall Cave dungeon. What was in the boss room was not Uruzak anymore. It was Zombie Knight.

The Zombie Knight was actually on par with the Mutated one. It was a decent boss for beginner.

So my schedule in Norwall Cave was basically magic study in the morning, hunting at noon, crafting after dusk, sleep, and repeat.

Grinding, grinding, and grinding was all I did in the past few days. It was bored at some point, but it was dispensable. I needed to do it for my growth.

After all, it was already became gamers job to grind their character. It also had some perks, like seeing my skills getting stronger was exciting. And I was satisfied with the result.

Halton and I took a rest in front of Norwall Cave. Enjoying the forest's cool breeze while hearing the chirping birds. Then I remembered something.

"Anyway, Sir Halton. Do you by any chance know what kind of material can repair this ring?" I said as I stretch my hand to give him the Ring of Harmony.

"Hmm… Let me see…" Halton observed the ring intently. A few seconds later, he opened his mouth. "It can't be… It's Mithril…?"

'Did I hear that wrong?'

However, Halton then continued as if he heard my thought.

"No, I knew it from the start. It's definitely Mithril."

There was no information if someone had found Mithril yet. The only information of rare material on the thread was Orichalcum. There might be some who didn't want to share their information though.

"Where can I find Mithril?"

"It's impossible without the dwarf." He was silent for a moment. Then he continued as he realized something. "Oh by dwarf I mean it's not the new heroes. It's the native one."

"I see… I heard that their personality is…you know… Terrible."

"Hahaha… Yeah… They are really rude, greedy, and prideful. But once you are close, they're actually nice and loyal. And they'll treat you well. Sadly, no one knows where they are now. It is said that they were migrating to north…"

He sighed and then continued.

"However, what lies there is a harsh and dangerous Baradran Mountain Range. There is a path in Crystal Crater, but it's a habitat of powerful magical creatures."

A dwarf, huh. It would be great if I befriended one. I could learn crafting from them. I gazed the sky and folded my hand while thinking for a while. Finding Mithril and grinding my Repair skill. It would take a long time.

'I need to focus on my grinding.'

"Well, I think within my capability now I can't repair the ring anyway. I need to polish my skill first. Is there a place you know where I can mine materials?"

There were some materials in the workshop but it was mostly iron ore. I needed to try different kind of materials to improve.

Halton put his hand on his chin while looking up. His jaw then dropped as remembering something.

"Ah… There is a canyon east of here. It was once a dwarven mine. It should be one day walk from here. And three days walk southeast from there you'll find Orbania Town. It's in Juvaldo Kingdom's territory. I think it will be good for your next destination."

I took out the map and showed it to Halton.

"Yeah. I think it's around here somewhere. I was once there researching unusual materials. I don't know if there's Mithril. It was restricted even for me to go deep."

I nodded while Halton pointing the place.

"Come to think of it. This place is geographically good. This forest and the cave are filled with plants. East of here you can get minerals. And south of here is Eldan. It's a perfect place."

"It's peaceful too. Sir Belgram was an amazing person indeed."

"He was… Umm he is… Heheheh… I hope he's still alive somewhere."

"Yeah. His daughter needs some explanation after all."

The final day had come, Mirage and I were ready to take off. I gave Halton a goodbye present, a dagger that imbued Wild Boar's soul. It possessed Rush Skill.

I used a lot of souls to successfully infuse it, but I was satisfied with the result. It was for Halton after all. I hoped it would be a good use for him.

Gladly, he was really happy when he received it. Then we bid farewell afterwards. I pretty much mastered all the methods that he had taught me.

He was a great teacher.

'I'm glad I meet good NPCs so far.'

It was fun living there. I smiled while looking at the blue sky. We began to walk towards our new journey.

・・・

"The plan is set. We are already in position. Are you ready to make a history, champion?"

"If you mean by make a history is escaping this prison then I am ready."

"Very well, then. I'll see you in a second."

Boom! Clatter Clatter

The wall where the man's voice was heard suddenly crumbled. As the cloud of dust faded, a big two-headed turtle appeared from the hole on the wall.

Their head looked like dragon head. Navy blue colored skin. Big dark brown shell with sharp pointy back. Feet like elephant and hands with sharp white claws. The two heads were faced towards Vallas.

"I didn't know you are a blond human…"

"And you are a two-headed turtle."

"Ah I'm sorry… Where is our manner… I am Ro'bro. I am Bro'gon. We are known as Robrogon in the ring. Nice to meet you, Vallas the Arena Champion."

"Aren't we in a hurry?"

"You're right. Then let's save the chit-chat for later."