(Harlow)

I must admit I’ve seen some crazy things in my time. But a grown man leaping into an open maw to cut his way out. That was some Herculean awesomeness. I had some newfound respect for Jaxson. He might have some flaws, but when push comes to shove, he doesn’t hold back.

When we returned home, I showed him to the shower and even gave him some of my favorite soap. I asked Stella to wait in the workshop while I made some finger sandwiches for everyone. I even grabbed a couple of ales that I’m sure Jaxson will appreciate after the day he’s had.

I walked into my workshop and set the platter down on the table. Taking the heart from Stella, I looked over the recipe she gave me. The recipe was simple, but it would be the hardest I’d ever done. Forging was a very involved process. The higher your rank, the easier it was, but certain recipes were hard, regardless.

Recipes are not a learned skill, require no experience or points, and stats rarely affect the outcome. Any player can use any recipe at any time with nothing more than the right tool of choice and the required ingredients. Some recipes have ranks that determine the level of difficulty.

The recipe in my hand was legendary rank. The weapon in question would be powerful. It would be the hardest recipe I’d ever done. I rubbed my hands together in anticipation. I placed the Magnite into the smelter to melt it down for the mold.

At the sounding of the timer, I opened the slues gate, letting the molten metal pour out into the mold. I lifted the mold and placed it on the anvil. When I could see the metal cooled enough to solidify, I took my hammer and shattered the mold, revealing the bright red rod. Picking it up with tongs, I placed it into the forge and worked the bellows, heating it again before placing it on the anvil and going to work, hammering it into a slim and sleek form. I took out a length of ironwood and placed it into the forge till it was nice and hot. I swapped out the two and hammered the ironwood into a place setting for the Managem. I connected them to pieces and put them in the forge to bind them together.

Examining my work, I placed it into the trough cooling the metal, and left it there for a few minutes. When it was cool enough for me to touch, I picked it up and brought my engraving tools. Next, I engraved the runes of power that were listed on the recipe and added a few of my own. To finish, I placed the Managem in its setting. I stared at my work, admiring it for a moment.

It was a six-foot staff of blue and green metal with the blood-red gem at the top. While I was making the staff, Stella fused the gem with the basilisk heart, giving it its power. The runes glowed red powered by the gem. I gave it to Stella, and she stared at the wonder.

A notification followed by a fanfare.

Notice!

Title achieved

Legendary Forge Master

Forge a weapon or tool using a Legendary Rank Recipe

I took a quick look at my stats and sure enough, my rank in all my smithing skills was now Legendary. I was going to look forward to experimenting with the rare materials at my disposal.

Stella was all but salivating over her new Elvari rod. She quickly reached into her pocket and handed over three recipes as we agreed. I stored them in my inventory. “Well, you know where to find me if you need me.”

She was beaming. “Come on let’s go test it out.” She said, tugging on my arm. “Let’s all go on another quest.”

I shook my head. “No thanks. I’ve had more than enough adventure for now.”

She made a face. “Come on, you hardly get out.”

I shook my head again. “I’m done for now. However, I’m sure Jaxson will be game.”

She rolled her eyes. “Yeah, I’m sure he will. Fine, then be a stick in the mud.”

I chuckled and bid her and Jaxson farewell. Jaxson looked and smelled much better after the bath. It still astounded me how reckless and brilliant he was. It surprised me to find that I felt a pang at my decision to not join them. But that was nonsense.

I was a solitary figure, and I never wanted to be out with others. Then why did I feel a desire to join them again? I’d sleep on it, and if in the morning if I still wanted to join them.