My Job is Moonlight Sculptor
The village of Baran was packed with a huge amount of players.
-"Unique sculptures! Food! Low durability weapons and armors repair, fast and cheap!"
-"How much for the sculpture?"
-"20 silver a piece! Expensive? It´s as expensive as it is beautiful. Just take a look at them!"
Women surrounded the player with the nick Weed. The sculptures he produced one after another seemed alive.
Large stone sculptures are much harder to sell than smaller ones. Additionally you can make lovely pairs out of the small sculptures and the interest in them will increase further, particularly from the girls.
Weed was selling sculptures, while preparing food. The smell attracted players and the crowd already gathered around Weed attracted more people.
People waiting in line to buy sculptures, breathing in the wonderful smell of stew meat, found it impossible to remain indifferent.
-"What are you cooking?"
-"Poison? Are you trying to make poison? This delicious aroma coming from..."
-"Yes, you will die twice, from a bite from this delicacy, that will change your perception about food! Take a bite and enjoy a slice of perfection!"
Weeds hand with the spoon flashed, giving players a chance to experience the taste of stew meat.
Fist of all, the smell! The delicious taste of the dishes was created with the help of the purest spring water and wild edible herbs that were useful to the body.
The moment a player tried the dish, the flavors exploded in his mouth. No female was able to remain calm after taking a bite.
-"How delicious! Can i please have some?"
-"Yes, please, we want two servings over here as well! How much is it?"
-"Only 15 silver."
-"That is a bit expensive for just one dish, is it not?"
Male players replied with unhappy faces. 15 silvers was a high price for good food. But on the issue of money Weed would never be willing to compromise.
-"Please understand. I am cooking, in order to let as many people as possible eat healthy and tasty food. Especially after a long journey, you will be able to feel it. I seem to hear complaints that the dishes are too expensive?"
-"Yeah, it´s too expensive!"
-"I would love to sell it cheaper, but the price for just the ingredients lies at almost 14 silvers. The rest of the money is paid for the hard work i invested into the development of my culinary skill. After hearing this, you will surely agree with me, that the food i sell is not overpriced. Hic! I wish to prepare healthy and delicious food, so i can´t use cheap ingredients that are only suitable for cheap meals. And good products are expensive! Hic!"
Weed wept bitterly, a real actor. Injured and bleeding to death, Weed would still not shed a tear. But this were investments. Investments made into ingredients that cost next to nothing!
-"Dude!"
Still preoccupied with the story the girl wept alongside Weed:
-"We can buy his food! Don´t be such a cheapskate! To prepare a delicious meal, as my mother used to say, you have to cook with your heart. Cooking a delicious meal takes time and requires expensive products!"
-"Yes, I agree. Excuse me for my harsh words, please prepare more and sell it to those who can appreciate your work."
The couple came up and bought a chunk for as much as 20 silvers. No one yelled that the price was inflated.
And the sad expression on Weeds face was replaced with a sunny smile.
Each dish sold - is additionally earned money!
Weed managed to sell many sculptures and plates of food. In fact, ingredients to the meat cost him only 1 silver. Since he collected nearly all he needed during his travels. And whatever else he needed to buy, he bought in mountain villages, where the prices were considerably lower than in the city.
Furthermore, in addition to cheap products, he learned many different recipes.
-"Hey! One portion for me, please!"
-"With marine algae for me."
-"I´m back for more, ha-ha!"
Clients kept coming without end. His cooking skill and sculpturing skill have risen significantly, the popularity of the dishes was just absurd. Seeing all this, even the jokers shut up, as business with a drop of lies had brought incredible dividents.
Weed felt great and did everything to give the customer the best service! However from time to time Weed came across people who badly irritated him.
-"It´s the guy from the TV!" Two girls peered closely at his face from different angles.
-"You are the `Princess Knight´, no?"
After participating in a game in high school, Weed aquired a great cash price, but it came with a nickname!
The video with the competition was spread everywhere on the internet. Because of this many people now recognized his face. Some people strife to become popular, but not Weed.
-"No, you´re wrong. Look carefully, the shape of the face is not the same."
Weed turned away from them to avoid attention. Anyway, the dishes prepared by Weed increased the options of mana and health, and so countless people gathered to try them. Some hunting groups especially came to eat or take a portion or two with them.
-"15 silver for delicious food and 30 for a dish before a hunt! Thank you for your purchase and a good hunt to you!"
As an alternative, if the bonuses of the meal were lost, the user was able receive a sculpture or have his equipment repaired completely free. Therefore, the high fee for food scared nobody off.
Besides, getting 30 silvers did not pose much of a problem, anybody could earn them just outside the city gates. At the same time, Weeds meals increased health and mana, prolonged the hunts and made them safer for the users.
Not to mention the food was hard to cook. The ingredients were expensive. The Heavenly fruit for example, cost 15 silvers, and a dozen Avian eggs as much as 95 silvers.
And without the necessary care, the cooking food could turn into poison and kill the chef.
Expensive dishes and ingredients found in the cuisine was labeled with the name `The Royal Bird´.
It were those eggs in combination with other components that gave off those wonderful effects at improving health and mana of the character.
*************
When Mapan joined Weed, he had high expectations of Baran village.
< Today ends the old life as a poor merchant. A new life awaits me! >
One could say the life of a merchant was difficult.
In Mapans head swirled bitter memories of the past.
< It was a truly difficult time. >
When he had decided to become a merchant, hopes and dreams soared in his head.
In being a merchant Mapan liked:
Money!
Power and money!
Fame and money!
In the end money makes the world go round.
He majored in economics and capitalism has become his philosophy.
With firm conviction he decided to make a huge fortune step by step.
The Continent of Bersa was the place, there he believed, he could obtain money, power and fame. And the money in the Kingdom could raise him to nobility.
Deciding on the profession of a merchant, Mapan firmly set foot on the path to wealth. But fate had decided otherwise.
First an foremost the road of a merchant was difficult. Since no one is permitted to leave the castle walls during the first four weeks, Mapan had spent that time carrying out orders. Taverns, weaponry shops, moneychangers and so on. Hard work for nearly nonexistent money. And finally:
Ring!
> As a result of the work done, you fulfill the requirements to learn the profession of a merchant. No merchant would miss an opportunity to make a profit:
-"I urgently need 300 rabbit skins. I will give you 1 gold. Will you take care of the issue? This is a search quest, by fulfilling it, you can formally become a member of the merchants in Rosenheim Kingdom. However, you need to complete it as soon as possible. I wold like to receive the goods within 3 days."
Difficulty: E
Limitation: Get the job done in 3 days. If you fail, the confidence in the correctness of the chosen path will decrease and you will not be able to repeat the test for a month.
-"Uraaa, finally! Big money, i´m on my way!" Singing of joy, Mapan gleefully accepted the quest.
< The first gold coin and the profession of a merchant. >
Rabbits inhabited the lands surrounding the castle. It was a low-lewel monster hunted b newcomers.
The price of one carcass equaled 10 copper, therefore, he required 3000 coppers to accomplish the quest. Meaning 30 silvers would suffice.
To attract customers one simply needed to make a good offer:
-"BUY rabbit skin! 11 coppers a piece!"
Mapan stood in front of the city gates and shouted his lungs out. He hoped, that a huge amount of players out hunting for rabbits, would come running to sell their loot.
But then he heard another nearby shout:
-"Rabbit skin for 30 copper a piece!"
Next to the trader more players made even better offers:
-"Buy rabbit pelt 50 copper a piece! Will buy all!"
< Damn, what´s going on? >
An NPC would buy rabbit skin for no more that 10 coppers, so where do those prices come from?
< What´s happening here? Who are these people... >
Puzzled Mapan asked one of the nearby buyers and the answer led him to despair.
-"Don´t you know? At first only a few traders bought pelts for sewing clothes. But once people realized, that it was needed by others, the prices immediately soared sky-high."
Mapan despaired. The prices of his competitors stood in his way. And the time limit was only three days. Buying as many skins for his money as possible, Mapan went to hunt. Day and night, without sleep, he brought the 300 pieces of skin together.
In the end Mapan was left without a penny in his pocket.
-"Thank you, you're now a merchant!"
The moneychanger gave him a standard quest for the profession of merchant and Mapan was gone with the wind.
Thus began his journey. A path to the heights of trade.
To improve his trade skill he had to buy and sell as much as possible. Hence he avoided battles with monsters and instead led a different kind of war, without blood and tears.
Mapan traveled to a distant village, in hopes to make money of buying and reselling the spoils of war.
He believed it would not be difficult and he just needed to wait till people find out about it and come to sell things at the kiosk. People came. But they charged impossible amounts.
< But my suffering has ended now. >
Ever since Mapan entered a partnership with Weed his anxiety and fear of failure almost evaporated.
He now trusted and believed in only Weed.
< I will follow him to the ends of the world. Trust in him as in myself. >
Mapan firmly decided.
A great warrior! Adventurer! God of war! With this knowledge, Mapan was assured in him. He thought about it until they left the city.
< How does he do it! > Mapan wanted to scream. He squinted his eyes again and again, watching Weed prepare food, sell sculptures and repair equipment!
-"Unbelievable!"
Weed prepared food and the nearby standing Mapan was sobbing to himself. The Weed, he knew as a great warrior, was now cheerfully selling food and sculptures.
< So what is his profession... >
He didn't want to guess and assume. He had to know for sure, but Mapan hesitated. He was afraid to ask, but could't help but ask at the same time.
-"Weed, what is your profession?"
-"Mine? Well, isn't that obvious - a sculptor."
< Sculptor! > -"How so?!" Mapan was stunned.
< If artists and sculptors are so successful, what am i compared to them? >
Melancholy settled over him, with a trembling hand, he pointed to the boiling pot.
-"And what about your cooking?"
-"That's my hobby."
-"And the repair..."
-"It's pretty hard to learn the skill of a sculptor. Blacksmithing skills, like the repair skill and creation of weapons, can enhance and raise the level of the sculpture skill in the intermediate stage. So I learned them."
Ever since they became partners, Mapans business thrived, but his thoughts refused to settle down.
From his point of view, a man with Weeds character, couldn't achieve that he saw. Hard work is not enough to leave a mark on history. Only the one who found his true calling and stubbornly pursues his goals can conquer the world! Is that truly his calling?
< How is it that a person with such a character has such success? >
Mapan missed something.
Weed went through his part of hardships. He had beaten the crap out of a scarecrow at the Basic Training hall in Rosenheim for a month in order to have a small advantage in the future.
To increase his Sculpturing skill he carved sculptures from wood in masses and to increase his Cooking skill he volunteered to cook for the NPC soldiers of the Rosenheim army.
Tens of thousands of meals and sculptures! He grew up constantly working like mad.
Mapan studied everything from the beginning till now.
< His commercial potential exceeds mine by far. Confucius, a Chinese teacher, once said: "if three people walk by, among them one is surely my teacher." I´m afraid, he's my teacher. >
Mapan didn't regret his choice. He rented a place behind Weed and opened his own stall.
He watched the emotions Weed showed, when selling a meal and sculptures, with great interest.
< That a liar! > Mapan was shocked.
< Only a drunk wouldn't notice the deception with the ingredients. >
Some people were very unhappy.
-"I feel as if i had been robbed."
Weed skillfully reassured buyers and with brilliance and eloquence persuaded the players to buy his goods. With just a few phrases, as Mapan noticed, Weed persuaded the people to pay 10 silvers for food and 15 for sculptures.
Two days later, Weed gathered his remaining sculptures in his bag and turned to Mapan:
-"You know, essentially they are all the same."
The sculptures were carved during his trip to the Heavenly City and only half of them had been sold.
The problem is, that when you already have bought a statue as a gift, you won't buy a second one. If you're not a collector, that is.
Previously, Weed believed, that even if the cost of material for sculptures is low, they should still be sold, at at least twice the price. But now his view changed and as he reached the intermediate level, he stopped increasing the price and focused on further increasing his level.
In this city he sold sculptures to almost everybody who wished to buy one. Even lured the people with food wouldn't help attract buyers anymore.
His Cooking and Repair Skill both rose by 40% and it was time to break down the stall. And so he did.
Weed looked back at the people on horses surrounding Mapan, obviously selling him goods.
-"Get ready, we will leave soon."
-"Where? Why?"
-"I warned you, that we will continue on through the Barkhu mountains."
Weed had to return the Cup of Freya to the Order of Freya in three months time and there wasn't much time left. So even if he wanted to, Weed could not stay in town.
In addition, in order to improve his sculpting skill, he needed something to sculpt. Weed grew stronger in all his other skills, but not in sculpture and that was his true profession. Weed wandered through the shops and stalls, quickly purchasing the ingredients he needed for the campaign.
-"Be careful!" The major of the village and soldiers went out to see the travelers off.
-"Be sure to visit us later on."
-"Of course. I will never forget you three and your help."
Dale, Becker and Hosram. They said their goodbyes to everyone present.
-"Until we meet again!"
-"Yes, sir! We need to finish some things, but we will be sure to return."
Weed and Mapan purchased some goods to sell on their way through the mountains. They were well versed in the specific goods produced in Rosenheim Kingdom. Jade, pearls, white wine, cheese, olive oil and Mithril were extracted in the southern cities of the Kingdom.
And although the Kingdom was not very advanced in terms of technology or trade routes - food, jewelry and ore enjoyed great popularity.
In the Centre were several cities and kingdoms specializing in the manufacturing of weapons and armor. Naturally these weapons were more lucrative in terms of strength and attack than the ones in the Kingdom in the South.
Therefore, the players who started their journey in the heart of the continent, had an advantage. However, from the perspective of adventure and opportunity, Rosenheim Kingdom was not a bad choice.
-"40 jade, please."
Mapan was the one buying the jewelries. Thanks to his profession, the transaction on the purchase of the jewelry was on better terms. But if one tried to reduce the price too much, the deal could be cancelled. If that happens, the trader you are dealing with, will refuse to have bargain with you for the next 10 days.
Weed watched as Mapan ended the transaction.
-"Price for jade - 760 gold. Are you sure you want to close the deal?"
-"Hmmm, can't you bring down the price a bit more?" He asked.
-"Sorry, no can do. This is the limit of my skill."
Weeds hands trembled when he passed on 800 gold. Mapan paid for the goods and gave jewelry and change to Weed.
-"Where to now?"
-"To the town of Falcon for pearls."
There, they purchased 50 pearls for 690 gold and then fetched 3kg of Mithril from the following town.
After all these purchases Weeds pockets were empty once more.
He had only 50 gold left.
From the previously accumulated 1700 gold.
The money he had saved up all this time disappeared quickly.
In the United Kingdom of Britain, behind the Barkhu mountains, the price for jewelry was at least 25% higher than here. The profit was formidable, even if you weren't a merchant.
-"Are you ok?"
Every time Weed bought something, Mapan found himself questioning his actions.
-"Yes, all is well."
Going down a street Weed suddenly stopped and looked down at the earth attentively.
Then suddenly smiling, he squatted down and dug up some root, placing it in his backpack.
-"What are you doing?" Mapan couldn't resist his curiosity.
-"This? I'm digging up herbs."
-"This herb is..."
-"I've studied medical botany, the landscape here is very steep and many plants are on the way."
Mapan gave out a heavy sigh.
-"I see."
Weed, his idol, concentrated on digging up grass.
Mapan pondered:
< I shouldn't condemn him. Who knows what he went through... >
When Weed was selling goods via Mapan, there was no certainty of a further partnership. He had no other option, then to wait and see.
After all, he was only human.
Time passed and Mapan forgave his idol. Even with such blunders, Mapan received many benefits from the cooperation with Weed.
Transactions for the purchase and sale of the jewelry considerably improved his Trading skill.
The benefits were so great, he was willing to cooperate in the future, too.
< As someone once said: If you have set out on the road, do not stray from your path, until you reach your goal. >
His profession brought Mapan many hardships. Because he didn't have as much capital as Weed, he mostly had to buy products such as olive oil or cheese.
He didn't receive a great deal of money by reselling food, but it gave stable small profits without big risks. Thanks to his Trading skill Mapan bought large quantities of food for a low price and delivered it in his wagon all over the Kingdom.
A merchant needed a wagon as much as air to breathe.
But horses were horrendously expensive - as much as 100 gold! He had to buy a half-dead mule.
Weed though god rid of many bags accompanying him through the years.
Thanks to Mapans skill, he acquired some backpacks that can hold 20 times more cargo than their volume and also reduced the weight by a quarter.
Finally, Weed together with Mapan, left town looking like wandering peddlers.
***********
The Barkhu Mountains.
The mountain range was located in the south of the Rosenheim Kingdom and in the East of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. Both countries recognized it as neutral territory and so a huge number of monsters now inhabited it.
Hundreds of monsters on hard passable terrain!
Both countries periodically sent squads of Army rangers or soldiers to counterbalance, but the number of monsters refused to diminish. It only slightly reduced the strength of the undead, so that the countries needn't fear attacks on their boarder towns.
-"Ku-ha-ha-ha-ha." Here and there unintelligible screams and roars from monsters could be heard. In the mountains echoes carried a great distance, so to travelers it seemed like they were surrounded in a dense ring.
One couldn't just take a walk through the mountains. Travelers had to be prepared for battle.
Finally, tired of the sounds, our heroes ran into their opponents.
Lycanthropes.
Werewolves around level 100 or so. Though sometimes they exceeded level 150, but that was rather an exception. In these mountains they were at the bottom of the food chain and therefore could be found here on the outskirts of the mountains, away from its center.
In their nature lycanthropes resembled wolves and hunted in a pack.
Before our heroes 10 lycanthropes appeared at once. The leader of the pack started howling, passing the message about the prey on deeper into the mountains.
Sitting in the front of the wagon, Mapan was highly concerned with their situation.
-"Damn! Soon even more will arrive. What do we do now?! Weed you said you will take care of the problems on the road, right?"
All the while Weed was sitting in the passenger seat curving out a sculpture with a knife.
It was the unique knife of Zahab. Every sculptor dreamed of owning such a knife. The sculpture gets finished with just a couple of strokes from the knife, as it passes through the wood, like a hot knife through butter.
The lycanthropes slowly approached.
When they appeared, they still resembled humans. Bodies with human heads and long grey hair.
But as they came closer the werewolves came to resemble more and more wolves or other creatures.
Before the travelers stood a flock of animals ready to attack.
Recently Weeds' handicraft improved really well. It reached Intermediate stage 4. This enabled the use of other hand tools and gave an additional 5% increase to all attributes. In addition as a beginner, Weed was given a 3% increase in performance, which operated separately. Thanks to this his characteristics had risen by a significant amount and with the increasing skill, came more bonuses, which, however, were not easy to achieve.
-"We are lucky."
He put aside the piece of wood he picked up somewhere along the way. During his journey he didn't get to carve as many sculptures as he would have liked to.
The Sculpture skill increased only when he produced an unique, one of its kind sculpture. And although all of his sculptures seemed alive, Weed only managed a 1.5% increase. The faster he managed to increase his skill level, the faster his other attributes will improve.
-"Hey Weed!" Mapan was trembling with fear and tears streamed out of his eyes.
After a quick glance in his direction, Weed put away the knife and took out a black sword from beneath his seat.
It was a freezing blade he got from a phantom.
-"I believe we sat around too much. Working is always a good pass time entertainment, but it's probably time to relax a bit and stretch the body, no? Too bad we missed the moment of their transformation. But this are just the outskirts of the mountains, so we will probably get to enjoy the sight next time."
Weed wanted to catch that moment as best as he could. In the future he would need to cut several sculptures from memory to improve his skill.
If he managed to sculpture the transformation process right, he had a hunch it would move up his skill rating.
Weed stepped out of the wagon, holding only a clay sword. Seeing this Mapan couldn't resist and clarified:
-"You don't intend to fight them with this sword, do you?"
Mapan became seriously concerned at the sight of the sword. After hunting in Lavias the durability of the sword was at its minimum. And although Weed gathered many things from the undead in the dungeons, he couldn't use them.
The one half were class-less weapons like axes, clubs and so on, that he couldn't use because of his profession, and the other half were class-limited weapons, that required certain characteristics Weed did not posses.
Therefore, whenever the clay sword in his hand broke, Weed replaced it with another just as weak in durability.
In the meantime, lycanthropes attracted by easy prey arrived and now Weed was greeted by more than 20 exemplars. Mapan couldn't bring himself to look away from their faces which were as black as the night.
As descendants of wolves, lycanthropes were very brave. Already one of them struck the earth with his paw, roaring wildly, prepared to rush forward.
-"Kha-ah-jaaa!"
A loud cry escaped Weeds' mouth in retaliation!
The power of his cry lifted up dust and dry leaves from the ground, forcing them to dance in the air.
The earth seemed to tremble under the feet of the hero and the lycanthropes.
> Skill: You have used Lions' Roar. 1% improvement in skill.
Level: 1,1%
Because of the raise in level, the bonuses increase.
Deafened by the roar, the lycanthropes shacked their heads. Weed didn't wait until the enemy came around and rushed forward.
-"Circle of punches!"
Weed moved around wounding his opponents.
-"Wuf- wuf!"
Weed bombarded them with his bare hands. After his expedition to Lavias and the battle with the Death knight, the level 100 lycanthropes didn't pose a threat to him.
-"Seven Celestial Footstep!"
Slithering along the ground, Weed skillfully dodged all the adversaries attacks and abilities. Prior to that, he usually tried not to allow the enemy to use his skills, but now it was different. The applied power operated specifically for Royal Road.
In the midst of running, due to the sped it became difficult to turn, but the footstep allowed him to make a 90 degree turn.
The law of inertia was abolished and you could do the impossible.
While changing directions, the player didn't lose speed at all and his image even became blurry to an outside observer.
The name of the skill itself betrayed how long the skill lasts - only seven steps.
But precisely with these seven steps it was possible to profusely confuse the enemy.
The value of the ability lied in its efficiency to restore, skill level one was quickly restored.
-"Seven Celestial Footsteps!"
Although the lycanthropes flinched away from Weeds' roar, they were unable to wound their prey.
Missed!
The lycanthropes tried to close in, tried very hard, but were always a second too late, attacking the spot Weed was at just a moment ago.
In contrast Weeds blows beat the air out of the wolves.
-"Kha-ah-jaaa!"
-"Uaff, afff!"
The loud cries echoed across the mountain range.
Weed used the skill Lion's Roar once again!
To raise his expertise level in the skill, Weed used the skill anytime they ran into a new group of monsters. Day and night his roar could be heard echoing among the rocks.
Most people were afraid of the monster in the Barkhu mountains, but all Weed saw were the lovely EXP points and the money to be obtained! And loot!
No matter how many monsters they came across, Weed was prepared to kill them all.
He felt at home in battle.
< I wonder if there are some dungeons around. >, he thought.
The south-western part of the mountains was still unexplored. Around the towns and villages the mountain area was populated, but no one ventured into the deeper parts of the Barkhu Mountains.
While on the journey, if he wasn't disturbed by monsters, Weed more interested in the development of his Sculptural mastery.
Developing it, he also improved his sword-technique - the Sculpting Blade! The technique increased the damage inflicted.
She also allowed Weed to ignore the enemies defenses and improved together with his Sculptural mastery.
But that's not all! The Emperor Geihar mentioned in his instructions the ability of 'Breath of Life', which allows you to animate a sculpture!
Animated sculptures will love and protect their creator. But the skill required a higher level of skill and Weed had only a little left to go, to reach that stage.
It was exactly this ability that allowed the Emperor to conquer the continent. With that ability in hand everything would change.
-"Skill! Breath of Life!"
> Breathe Life into Sculptures
The secret technique of the Emperor Geihar Von Arpen left behind for his successor. The elements of the technique are not fully disclosed.
Limitations: Can only be used, when the sculptor has reached Advanced Skill level of sculptural craftsmanship.
Requirements: 500 Mana, 10 Art (constantly lost), the level will drop by 2.
WARNING!
Sculptures are very proud individuals and demand uniqueness. If they see a similar sculpture, they will fight each other to the death.
To master this technique, one first of all needed to raise your mastery in sculpturing, that was as difficult as a walk from Hong Kong to Pyongyang. And all for the sake of giving live to a sculpture.
Moreover it robbed you permanently of 10 points in Art and decreased your level, which imposed certain restrictions on the use of the ability.
-"These skill requirements are unbelievably ridiculous! Surely this technique will prove to be useful!"
Sculpting Blade and Breath of Life.
Just imagine how strong they will be together!
And what if you use them together with Sculpture Destruction skill?
Or if he finally becomes the Grand Master of Sculpture and possesses all five sculpture secrets?
Weed had been given the option of converting to the profession of Martial Artist, but he decided not to and bet everything on the class Moonlight Sculptor.
He can quickly develop his skills through crafts and artwork, which n return will benefit his combat skills.
But even with all these bonuses, Weed would stay significantly weaker in combat skill than any plain warrior. Sculpture could fix this. It was a chance. He had to take advantage of it.
-"Sculpture Destruction, Sculpting Blade and Breath of Life! In the course of developing and using them, I need to find all the other outstanding skills. I need to reach the maximum level in Sculpture Mastery!"
Improved Sculpture Skill will affect everything. So whilst the monsters stayed away, Weed sat next to Mapan and sculpted.
The trees they encountered in the mountains, became an excellent material for it, but for all that they were coming to an end.
With his Sculpting skill now at Intermediate level 3 even simple sculptures were now elegant and detailed.
Weed took out the emeralds, pearls and other jewelries acquired by him in Rosenheim Kingdom.
-"What are you planning to do?" Mapan asked.
Remaining silent, after a little thought Weed pulled out a blue jewel. Mapan couldn't grasp the situation.
What was going on?
It was clearly not a case of Weed boasting with his wealth and he surely didn't wish to present those as gift to the next monster.
< Maybe he simply wishes to admire them? >
But Weeds next action shocked him! He began to gently cut the stone with Zahab's engraving knife.
< Noooo! > Mapan inner voice screamed. He personally bought all the jewels and knew their value. Knew it all too well.
Those were incredibly expensive jewels!
Although the stones have not been processed, the price was still awesome. And Weed unhesitatingly proceeded working on the stone.
-"What, what are you doing..."
The moment Mapan wanted to stop Weed, his eyes widened in surprise. The jewel gradually turned into something incredible. The prints could only be noticed, when looking at them intently.
After Weed was done with it, the stone shone brighter and the light had gotten depth.
Mapan calmed down and began to look blankly at Weeds flashing hands.
-"So beautiful!"
The knife was moving gently, producing small changes in the shape of the stone.
Mapans eyes were filled with admiration. With easy movements the dull colors of the stone shone brightly.
< Maybe all the jewels can become this great. >
The Intermediate Stage allowed to work with other materials. It was still too soon to make something unique and subtle, but due to lack of other material, he decided to give it a shot.
Zahab's Engraving knife was an unique item and he already tired of praising it. With its help and his Art Stat, he could work on jewels even at his low level.
His Art Stat was now at 300. Working under moonlight added another 100 points to it and for each masterpiece created by him it further improved.
-"It looks incredible!" Mapan was shivering with delight at trying to imagine the consequences of
Weed's actions.
Buying and reselling raw jewels from the Rosenheim Kingdom in the United Kingdom of Britain would give off a small profit. But the faceted stones were another matter entirely.
Stones, faceted by a skillful engraver, how high a profit could they bring..?
-"Impossible to imagine!", escaped Mapan.
Mapan was completely devastated. Too much fell on his head during the last minutes.
He was careful with the wagon, as to not inadvertently interfere with the work.
Meanwhile Weed proceeded engraving the jewels.
-"Unique sculptures! Food! Low durability weapons and armors repair, fast and cheap!"
-"How much for the sculpture?"
-"20 silver a piece! Expensive? It´s as expensive as it is beautiful. Just take a look at them!"
Women surrounded the player with the nick Weed. The sculptures he produced one after another seemed alive.
Large stone sculptures are much harder to sell than smaller ones. Additionally you can make lovely pairs out of the small sculptures and the interest in them will increase further, particularly from the girls.
Weed was selling sculptures, while preparing food. The smell attracted players and the crowd already gathered around Weed attracted more people.
People waiting in line to buy sculptures, breathing in the wonderful smell of stew meat, found it impossible to remain indifferent.
-"What are you cooking?"
-"Poison? Are you trying to make poison? This delicious aroma coming from..."
-"Yes, you will die twice, from a bite from this delicacy, that will change your perception about food! Take a bite and enjoy a slice of perfection!"
Weeds hand with the spoon flashed, giving players a chance to experience the taste of stew meat.
Fist of all, the smell! The delicious taste of the dishes was created with the help of the purest spring water and wild edible herbs that were useful to the body.
The moment a player tried the dish, the flavors exploded in his mouth. No female was able to remain calm after taking a bite.
-"How delicious! Can i please have some?"
-"Yes, please, we want two servings over here as well! How much is it?"
-"Only 15 silver."
-"That is a bit expensive for just one dish, is it not?"
Male players replied with unhappy faces. 15 silvers was a high price for good food. But on the issue of money Weed would never be willing to compromise.
-"Please understand. I am cooking, in order to let as many people as possible eat healthy and tasty food. Especially after a long journey, you will be able to feel it. I seem to hear complaints that the dishes are too expensive?"
-"Yeah, it´s too expensive!"
-"I would love to sell it cheaper, but the price for just the ingredients lies at almost 14 silvers. The rest of the money is paid for the hard work i invested into the development of my culinary skill. After hearing this, you will surely agree with me, that the food i sell is not overpriced. Hic! I wish to prepare healthy and delicious food, so i can´t use cheap ingredients that are only suitable for cheap meals. And good products are expensive! Hic!"
Weed wept bitterly, a real actor. Injured and bleeding to death, Weed would still not shed a tear. But this were investments. Investments made into ingredients that cost next to nothing!
-"Dude!"
Still preoccupied with the story the girl wept alongside Weed:
-"We can buy his food! Don´t be such a cheapskate! To prepare a delicious meal, as my mother used to say, you have to cook with your heart. Cooking a delicious meal takes time and requires expensive products!"
-"Yes, I agree. Excuse me for my harsh words, please prepare more and sell it to those who can appreciate your work."
The couple came up and bought a chunk for as much as 20 silvers. No one yelled that the price was inflated.
And the sad expression on Weeds face was replaced with a sunny smile.
Each dish sold - is additionally earned money!
Weed managed to sell many sculptures and plates of food. In fact, ingredients to the meat cost him only 1 silver. Since he collected nearly all he needed during his travels. And whatever else he needed to buy, he bought in mountain villages, where the prices were considerably lower than in the city.
Furthermore, in addition to cheap products, he learned many different recipes.
-"Hey! One portion for me, please!"
-"With marine algae for me."
-"I´m back for more, ha-ha!"
Clients kept coming without end. His cooking skill and sculpturing skill have risen significantly, the popularity of the dishes was just absurd. Seeing all this, even the jokers shut up, as business with a drop of lies had brought incredible dividents.
Weed felt great and did everything to give the customer the best service! However from time to time Weed came across people who badly irritated him.
-"It´s the guy from the TV!" Two girls peered closely at his face from different angles.
-"You are the `Princess Knight´, no?"
After participating in a game in high school, Weed aquired a great cash price, but it came with a nickname!
The video with the competition was spread everywhere on the internet. Because of this many people now recognized his face. Some people strife to become popular, but not Weed.
-"No, you´re wrong. Look carefully, the shape of the face is not the same."
Weed turned away from them to avoid attention. Anyway, the dishes prepared by Weed increased the options of mana and health, and so countless people gathered to try them. Some hunting groups especially came to eat or take a portion or two with them.
-"15 silver for delicious food and 30 for a dish before a hunt! Thank you for your purchase and a good hunt to you!"
As an alternative, if the bonuses of the meal were lost, the user was able receive a sculpture or have his equipment repaired completely free. Therefore, the high fee for food scared nobody off.
Besides, getting 30 silvers did not pose much of a problem, anybody could earn them just outside the city gates. At the same time, Weeds meals increased health and mana, prolonged the hunts and made them safer for the users.
Not to mention the food was hard to cook. The ingredients were expensive. The Heavenly fruit for example, cost 15 silvers, and a dozen Avian eggs as much as 95 silvers.
And without the necessary care, the cooking food could turn into poison and kill the chef.
Expensive dishes and ingredients found in the cuisine was labeled with the name `The Royal Bird´.
It were those eggs in combination with other components that gave off those wonderful effects at improving health and mana of the character.
*************
When Mapan joined Weed, he had high expectations of Baran village.
< Today ends the old life as a poor merchant. A new life awaits me! >
One could say the life of a merchant was difficult.
In Mapans head swirled bitter memories of the past.
< It was a truly difficult time. >
When he had decided to become a merchant, hopes and dreams soared in his head.
In being a merchant Mapan liked:
Money!
Power and money!
Fame and money!
In the end money makes the world go round.
He majored in economics and capitalism has become his philosophy.
With firm conviction he decided to make a huge fortune step by step.
The Continent of Bersa was the place, there he believed, he could obtain money, power and fame. And the money in the Kingdom could raise him to nobility.
Deciding on the profession of a merchant, Mapan firmly set foot on the path to wealth. But fate had decided otherwise.
First an foremost the road of a merchant was difficult. Since no one is permitted to leave the castle walls during the first four weeks, Mapan had spent that time carrying out orders. Taverns, weaponry shops, moneychangers and so on. Hard work for nearly nonexistent money. And finally:
Ring!
> As a result of the work done, you fulfill the requirements to learn the profession of a merchant. No merchant would miss an opportunity to make a profit:
-"I urgently need 300 rabbit skins. I will give you 1 gold. Will you take care of the issue? This is a search quest, by fulfilling it, you can formally become a member of the merchants in Rosenheim Kingdom. However, you need to complete it as soon as possible. I wold like to receive the goods within 3 days."
Difficulty: E
Limitation: Get the job done in 3 days. If you fail, the confidence in the correctness of the chosen path will decrease and you will not be able to repeat the test for a month.
-"Uraaa, finally! Big money, i´m on my way!" Singing of joy, Mapan gleefully accepted the quest.
< The first gold coin and the profession of a merchant. >
Rabbits inhabited the lands surrounding the castle. It was a low-lewel monster hunted b newcomers.
The price of one carcass equaled 10 copper, therefore, he required 3000 coppers to accomplish the quest. Meaning 30 silvers would suffice.
To attract customers one simply needed to make a good offer:
-"BUY rabbit skin! 11 coppers a piece!"
Mapan stood in front of the city gates and shouted his lungs out. He hoped, that a huge amount of players out hunting for rabbits, would come running to sell their loot.
But then he heard another nearby shout:
-"Rabbit skin for 30 copper a piece!"
Next to the trader more players made even better offers:
-"Buy rabbit pelt 50 copper a piece! Will buy all!"
< Damn, what´s going on? >
An NPC would buy rabbit skin for no more that 10 coppers, so where do those prices come from?
< What´s happening here? Who are these people... >
Puzzled Mapan asked one of the nearby buyers and the answer led him to despair.
-"Don´t you know? At first only a few traders bought pelts for sewing clothes. But once people realized, that it was needed by others, the prices immediately soared sky-high."
Mapan despaired. The prices of his competitors stood in his way. And the time limit was only three days. Buying as many skins for his money as possible, Mapan went to hunt. Day and night, without sleep, he brought the 300 pieces of skin together.
In the end Mapan was left without a penny in his pocket.
-"Thank you, you're now a merchant!"
The moneychanger gave him a standard quest for the profession of merchant and Mapan was gone with the wind.
Thus began his journey. A path to the heights of trade.
To improve his trade skill he had to buy and sell as much as possible. Hence he avoided battles with monsters and instead led a different kind of war, without blood and tears.
Mapan traveled to a distant village, in hopes to make money of buying and reselling the spoils of war.
He believed it would not be difficult and he just needed to wait till people find out about it and come to sell things at the kiosk. People came. But they charged impossible amounts.
< But my suffering has ended now. >
Ever since Mapan entered a partnership with Weed his anxiety and fear of failure almost evaporated.
He now trusted and believed in only Weed.
< I will follow him to the ends of the world. Trust in him as in myself. >
Mapan firmly decided.
A great warrior! Adventurer! God of war! With this knowledge, Mapan was assured in him. He thought about it until they left the city.
< How does he do it! > Mapan wanted to scream. He squinted his eyes again and again, watching Weed prepare food, sell sculptures and repair equipment!
-"Unbelievable!"
Weed prepared food and the nearby standing Mapan was sobbing to himself. The Weed, he knew as a great warrior, was now cheerfully selling food and sculptures.
< So what is his profession... >
He didn't want to guess and assume. He had to know for sure, but Mapan hesitated. He was afraid to ask, but could't help but ask at the same time.
-"Weed, what is your profession?"
-"Mine? Well, isn't that obvious - a sculptor."
< Sculptor! > -"How so?!" Mapan was stunned.
< If artists and sculptors are so successful, what am i compared to them? >
Melancholy settled over him, with a trembling hand, he pointed to the boiling pot.
-"And what about your cooking?"
-"That's my hobby."
-"And the repair..."
-"It's pretty hard to learn the skill of a sculptor. Blacksmithing skills, like the repair skill and creation of weapons, can enhance and raise the level of the sculpture skill in the intermediate stage. So I learned them."
Ever since they became partners, Mapans business thrived, but his thoughts refused to settle down.
From his point of view, a man with Weeds character, couldn't achieve that he saw. Hard work is not enough to leave a mark on history. Only the one who found his true calling and stubbornly pursues his goals can conquer the world! Is that truly his calling?
< How is it that a person with such a character has such success? >
Mapan missed something.
Weed went through his part of hardships. He had beaten the crap out of a scarecrow at the Basic Training hall in Rosenheim for a month in order to have a small advantage in the future.
To increase his Sculpturing skill he carved sculptures from wood in masses and to increase his Cooking skill he volunteered to cook for the NPC soldiers of the Rosenheim army.
Tens of thousands of meals and sculptures! He grew up constantly working like mad.
Mapan studied everything from the beginning till now.
< His commercial potential exceeds mine by far. Confucius, a Chinese teacher, once said: "if three people walk by, among them one is surely my teacher." I´m afraid, he's my teacher. >
Mapan didn't regret his choice. He rented a place behind Weed and opened his own stall.
He watched the emotions Weed showed, when selling a meal and sculptures, with great interest.
< That a liar! > Mapan was shocked.
< Only a drunk wouldn't notice the deception with the ingredients. >
Some people were very unhappy.
-"I feel as if i had been robbed."
Weed skillfully reassured buyers and with brilliance and eloquence persuaded the players to buy his goods. With just a few phrases, as Mapan noticed, Weed persuaded the people to pay 10 silvers for food and 15 for sculptures.
Two days later, Weed gathered his remaining sculptures in his bag and turned to Mapan:
-"You know, essentially they are all the same."
The sculptures were carved during his trip to the Heavenly City and only half of them had been sold.
The problem is, that when you already have bought a statue as a gift, you won't buy a second one. If you're not a collector, that is.
Previously, Weed believed, that even if the cost of material for sculptures is low, they should still be sold, at at least twice the price. But now his view changed and as he reached the intermediate level, he stopped increasing the price and focused on further increasing his level.
In this city he sold sculptures to almost everybody who wished to buy one. Even lured the people with food wouldn't help attract buyers anymore.
His Cooking and Repair Skill both rose by 40% and it was time to break down the stall. And so he did.
Weed looked back at the people on horses surrounding Mapan, obviously selling him goods.
-"Get ready, we will leave soon."
-"Where? Why?"
-"I warned you, that we will continue on through the Barkhu mountains."
Weed had to return the Cup of Freya to the Order of Freya in three months time and there wasn't much time left. So even if he wanted to, Weed could not stay in town.
In addition, in order to improve his sculpting skill, he needed something to sculpt. Weed grew stronger in all his other skills, but not in sculpture and that was his true profession. Weed wandered through the shops and stalls, quickly purchasing the ingredients he needed for the campaign.
-"Be careful!" The major of the village and soldiers went out to see the travelers off.
-"Be sure to visit us later on."
-"Of course. I will never forget you three and your help."
Dale, Becker and Hosram. They said their goodbyes to everyone present.
-"Until we meet again!"
-"Yes, sir! We need to finish some things, but we will be sure to return."
Weed and Mapan purchased some goods to sell on their way through the mountains. They were well versed in the specific goods produced in Rosenheim Kingdom. Jade, pearls, white wine, cheese, olive oil and Mithril were extracted in the southern cities of the Kingdom.
And although the Kingdom was not very advanced in terms of technology or trade routes - food, jewelry and ore enjoyed great popularity.
In the Centre were several cities and kingdoms specializing in the manufacturing of weapons and armor. Naturally these weapons were more lucrative in terms of strength and attack than the ones in the Kingdom in the South.
Therefore, the players who started their journey in the heart of the continent, had an advantage. However, from the perspective of adventure and opportunity, Rosenheim Kingdom was not a bad choice.
-"40 jade, please."
Mapan was the one buying the jewelries. Thanks to his profession, the transaction on the purchase of the jewelry was on better terms. But if one tried to reduce the price too much, the deal could be cancelled. If that happens, the trader you are dealing with, will refuse to have bargain with you for the next 10 days.
Weed watched as Mapan ended the transaction.
-"Price for jade - 760 gold. Are you sure you want to close the deal?"
-"Hmmm, can't you bring down the price a bit more?" He asked.
-"Sorry, no can do. This is the limit of my skill."
Weeds hands trembled when he passed on 800 gold. Mapan paid for the goods and gave jewelry and change to Weed.
-"Where to now?"
-"To the town of Falcon for pearls."
There, they purchased 50 pearls for 690 gold and then fetched 3kg of Mithril from the following town.
After all these purchases Weeds pockets were empty once more.
He had only 50 gold left.
From the previously accumulated 1700 gold.
The money he had saved up all this time disappeared quickly.
In the United Kingdom of Britain, behind the Barkhu mountains, the price for jewelry was at least 25% higher than here. The profit was formidable, even if you weren't a merchant.
-"Are you ok?"
Every time Weed bought something, Mapan found himself questioning his actions.
-"Yes, all is well."
Going down a street Weed suddenly stopped and looked down at the earth attentively.
Then suddenly smiling, he squatted down and dug up some root, placing it in his backpack.
-"What are you doing?" Mapan couldn't resist his curiosity.
-"This? I'm digging up herbs."
-"This herb is..."
-"I've studied medical botany, the landscape here is very steep and many plants are on the way."
Mapan gave out a heavy sigh.
-"I see."
Weed, his idol, concentrated on digging up grass.
Mapan pondered:
< I shouldn't condemn him. Who knows what he went through... >
When Weed was selling goods via Mapan, there was no certainty of a further partnership. He had no other option, then to wait and see.
After all, he was only human.
Time passed and Mapan forgave his idol. Even with such blunders, Mapan received many benefits from the cooperation with Weed.
Transactions for the purchase and sale of the jewelry considerably improved his Trading skill.
The benefits were so great, he was willing to cooperate in the future, too.
< As someone once said: If you have set out on the road, do not stray from your path, until you reach your goal. >
His profession brought Mapan many hardships. Because he didn't have as much capital as Weed, he mostly had to buy products such as olive oil or cheese.
He didn't receive a great deal of money by reselling food, but it gave stable small profits without big risks. Thanks to his Trading skill Mapan bought large quantities of food for a low price and delivered it in his wagon all over the Kingdom.
A merchant needed a wagon as much as air to breathe.
But horses were horrendously expensive - as much as 100 gold! He had to buy a half-dead mule.
Weed though god rid of many bags accompanying him through the years.
Thanks to Mapans skill, he acquired some backpacks that can hold 20 times more cargo than their volume and also reduced the weight by a quarter.
Finally, Weed together with Mapan, left town looking like wandering peddlers.
***********
The Barkhu Mountains.
The mountain range was located in the south of the Rosenheim Kingdom and in the East of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. Both countries recognized it as neutral territory and so a huge number of monsters now inhabited it.
Hundreds of monsters on hard passable terrain!
Both countries periodically sent squads of Army rangers or soldiers to counterbalance, but the number of monsters refused to diminish. It only slightly reduced the strength of the undead, so that the countries needn't fear attacks on their boarder towns.
-"Ku-ha-ha-ha-ha." Here and there unintelligible screams and roars from monsters could be heard. In the mountains echoes carried a great distance, so to travelers it seemed like they were surrounded in a dense ring.
One couldn't just take a walk through the mountains. Travelers had to be prepared for battle.
Finally, tired of the sounds, our heroes ran into their opponents.
Lycanthropes.
Werewolves around level 100 or so. Though sometimes they exceeded level 150, but that was rather an exception. In these mountains they were at the bottom of the food chain and therefore could be found here on the outskirts of the mountains, away from its center.
In their nature lycanthropes resembled wolves and hunted in a pack.
Before our heroes 10 lycanthropes appeared at once. The leader of the pack started howling, passing the message about the prey on deeper into the mountains.
Sitting in the front of the wagon, Mapan was highly concerned with their situation.
-"Damn! Soon even more will arrive. What do we do now?! Weed you said you will take care of the problems on the road, right?"
All the while Weed was sitting in the passenger seat curving out a sculpture with a knife.
It was the unique knife of Zahab. Every sculptor dreamed of owning such a knife. The sculpture gets finished with just a couple of strokes from the knife, as it passes through the wood, like a hot knife through butter.
The lycanthropes slowly approached.
When they appeared, they still resembled humans. Bodies with human heads and long grey hair.
But as they came closer the werewolves came to resemble more and more wolves or other creatures.
Before the travelers stood a flock of animals ready to attack.
Recently Weeds' handicraft improved really well. It reached Intermediate stage 4. This enabled the use of other hand tools and gave an additional 5% increase to all attributes. In addition as a beginner, Weed was given a 3% increase in performance, which operated separately. Thanks to this his characteristics had risen by a significant amount and with the increasing skill, came more bonuses, which, however, were not easy to achieve.
-"We are lucky."
He put aside the piece of wood he picked up somewhere along the way. During his journey he didn't get to carve as many sculptures as he would have liked to.
The Sculpture skill increased only when he produced an unique, one of its kind sculpture. And although all of his sculptures seemed alive, Weed only managed a 1.5% increase. The faster he managed to increase his skill level, the faster his other attributes will improve.
-"Hey Weed!" Mapan was trembling with fear and tears streamed out of his eyes.
After a quick glance in his direction, Weed put away the knife and took out a black sword from beneath his seat.
It was a freezing blade he got from a phantom.
-"I believe we sat around too much. Working is always a good pass time entertainment, but it's probably time to relax a bit and stretch the body, no? Too bad we missed the moment of their transformation. But this are just the outskirts of the mountains, so we will probably get to enjoy the sight next time."
Weed wanted to catch that moment as best as he could. In the future he would need to cut several sculptures from memory to improve his skill.
If he managed to sculpture the transformation process right, he had a hunch it would move up his skill rating.
Weed stepped out of the wagon, holding only a clay sword. Seeing this Mapan couldn't resist and clarified:
-"You don't intend to fight them with this sword, do you?"
Mapan became seriously concerned at the sight of the sword. After hunting in Lavias the durability of the sword was at its minimum. And although Weed gathered many things from the undead in the dungeons, he couldn't use them.
The one half were class-less weapons like axes, clubs and so on, that he couldn't use because of his profession, and the other half were class-limited weapons, that required certain characteristics Weed did not posses.
Therefore, whenever the clay sword in his hand broke, Weed replaced it with another just as weak in durability.
In the meantime, lycanthropes attracted by easy prey arrived and now Weed was greeted by more than 20 exemplars. Mapan couldn't bring himself to look away from their faces which were as black as the night.
As descendants of wolves, lycanthropes were very brave. Already one of them struck the earth with his paw, roaring wildly, prepared to rush forward.
-"Kha-ah-jaaa!"
A loud cry escaped Weeds' mouth in retaliation!
The power of his cry lifted up dust and dry leaves from the ground, forcing them to dance in the air.
The earth seemed to tremble under the feet of the hero and the lycanthropes.
> Skill: You have used Lions' Roar. 1% improvement in skill.
Level: 1,1%
Because of the raise in level, the bonuses increase.
Deafened by the roar, the lycanthropes shacked their heads. Weed didn't wait until the enemy came around and rushed forward.
-"Circle of punches!"
Weed moved around wounding his opponents.
-"Wuf- wuf!"
Weed bombarded them with his bare hands. After his expedition to Lavias and the battle with the Death knight, the level 100 lycanthropes didn't pose a threat to him.
-"Seven Celestial Footstep!"
Slithering along the ground, Weed skillfully dodged all the adversaries attacks and abilities. Prior to that, he usually tried not to allow the enemy to use his skills, but now it was different. The applied power operated specifically for Royal Road.
In the midst of running, due to the sped it became difficult to turn, but the footstep allowed him to make a 90 degree turn.
The law of inertia was abolished and you could do the impossible.
While changing directions, the player didn't lose speed at all and his image even became blurry to an outside observer.
The name of the skill itself betrayed how long the skill lasts - only seven steps.
But precisely with these seven steps it was possible to profusely confuse the enemy.
The value of the ability lied in its efficiency to restore, skill level one was quickly restored.
-"Seven Celestial Footsteps!"
Although the lycanthropes flinched away from Weeds' roar, they were unable to wound their prey.
Missed!
The lycanthropes tried to close in, tried very hard, but were always a second too late, attacking the spot Weed was at just a moment ago.
In contrast Weeds blows beat the air out of the wolves.
-"Kha-ah-jaaa!"
-"Uaff, afff!"
The loud cries echoed across the mountain range.
Weed used the skill Lion's Roar once again!
To raise his expertise level in the skill, Weed used the skill anytime they ran into a new group of monsters. Day and night his roar could be heard echoing among the rocks.
Most people were afraid of the monster in the Barkhu mountains, but all Weed saw were the lovely EXP points and the money to be obtained! And loot!
No matter how many monsters they came across, Weed was prepared to kill them all.
He felt at home in battle.
< I wonder if there are some dungeons around. >, he thought.
The south-western part of the mountains was still unexplored. Around the towns and villages the mountain area was populated, but no one ventured into the deeper parts of the Barkhu Mountains.
While on the journey, if he wasn't disturbed by monsters, Weed more interested in the development of his Sculptural mastery.
Developing it, he also improved his sword-technique - the Sculpting Blade! The technique increased the damage inflicted.
She also allowed Weed to ignore the enemies defenses and improved together with his Sculptural mastery.
But that's not all! The Emperor Geihar mentioned in his instructions the ability of 'Breath of Life', which allows you to animate a sculpture!
Animated sculptures will love and protect their creator. But the skill required a higher level of skill and Weed had only a little left to go, to reach that stage.
It was exactly this ability that allowed the Emperor to conquer the continent. With that ability in hand everything would change.
-"Skill! Breath of Life!"
> Breathe Life into Sculptures
The secret technique of the Emperor Geihar Von Arpen left behind for his successor. The elements of the technique are not fully disclosed.
Limitations: Can only be used, when the sculptor has reached Advanced Skill level of sculptural craftsmanship.
Requirements: 500 Mana, 10 Art (constantly lost), the level will drop by 2.
WARNING!
Sculptures are very proud individuals and demand uniqueness. If they see a similar sculpture, they will fight each other to the death.
To master this technique, one first of all needed to raise your mastery in sculpturing, that was as difficult as a walk from Hong Kong to Pyongyang. And all for the sake of giving live to a sculpture.
Moreover it robbed you permanently of 10 points in Art and decreased your level, which imposed certain restrictions on the use of the ability.
-"These skill requirements are unbelievably ridiculous! Surely this technique will prove to be useful!"
Sculpting Blade and Breath of Life.
Just imagine how strong they will be together!
And what if you use them together with Sculpture Destruction skill?
Or if he finally becomes the Grand Master of Sculpture and possesses all five sculpture secrets?
Weed had been given the option of converting to the profession of Martial Artist, but he decided not to and bet everything on the class Moonlight Sculptor.
He can quickly develop his skills through crafts and artwork, which n return will benefit his combat skills.
But even with all these bonuses, Weed would stay significantly weaker in combat skill than any plain warrior. Sculpture could fix this. It was a chance. He had to take advantage of it.
-"Sculpture Destruction, Sculpting Blade and Breath of Life! In the course of developing and using them, I need to find all the other outstanding skills. I need to reach the maximum level in Sculpture Mastery!"
Improved Sculpture Skill will affect everything. So whilst the monsters stayed away, Weed sat next to Mapan and sculpted.
The trees they encountered in the mountains, became an excellent material for it, but for all that they were coming to an end.
With his Sculpting skill now at Intermediate level 3 even simple sculptures were now elegant and detailed.
Weed took out the emeralds, pearls and other jewelries acquired by him in Rosenheim Kingdom.
-"What are you planning to do?" Mapan asked.
Remaining silent, after a little thought Weed pulled out a blue jewel. Mapan couldn't grasp the situation.
What was going on?
It was clearly not a case of Weed boasting with his wealth and he surely didn't wish to present those as gift to the next monster.
< Maybe he simply wishes to admire them? >
But Weeds next action shocked him! He began to gently cut the stone with Zahab's engraving knife.
< Noooo! > Mapan inner voice screamed. He personally bought all the jewels and knew their value. Knew it all too well.
Those were incredibly expensive jewels!
Although the stones have not been processed, the price was still awesome. And Weed unhesitatingly proceeded working on the stone.
-"What, what are you doing..."
The moment Mapan wanted to stop Weed, his eyes widened in surprise. The jewel gradually turned into something incredible. The prints could only be noticed, when looking at them intently.
After Weed was done with it, the stone shone brighter and the light had gotten depth.
Mapan calmed down and began to look blankly at Weeds flashing hands.
-"So beautiful!"
The knife was moving gently, producing small changes in the shape of the stone.
Mapans eyes were filled with admiration. With easy movements the dull colors of the stone shone brightly.
< Maybe all the jewels can become this great. >
The Intermediate Stage allowed to work with other materials. It was still too soon to make something unique and subtle, but due to lack of other material, he decided to give it a shot.
Zahab's Engraving knife was an unique item and he already tired of praising it. With its help and his Art Stat, he could work on jewels even at his low level.
His Art Stat was now at 300. Working under moonlight added another 100 points to it and for each masterpiece created by him it further improved.
-"It looks incredible!" Mapan was shivering with delight at trying to imagine the consequences of
Weed's actions.
Buying and reselling raw jewels from the Rosenheim Kingdom in the United Kingdom of Britain would give off a small profit. But the faceted stones were another matter entirely.
Stones, faceted by a skillful engraver, how high a profit could they bring..?
-"Impossible to imagine!", escaped Mapan.
Mapan was completely devastated. Too much fell on his head during the last minutes.
He was careful with the wagon, as to not inadvertently interfere with the work.
Meanwhile Weed proceeded engraving the jewels.
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