81. The Elven Blacksmith
In front of the World Tree, there was a pond.
It emitted a blue light, strange and mysteriously unique spring water.
It appeared clear on the surface, but in reality, it was a spring infused with a strange mist-like vapor.
Right, it’s the ‘Mana Spring.’
As I gazed at the spring, information quickly came to mind.
Character enhancement through the Mana Spring
• Currently Enhanceable Characters: Eidnis, Aisha.
▷ Eidnis: Capable of blossoming talent in physical enhancement.
▷ Aisha: Capable of blossoming talent in blacksmithing.
• Upon talent blossoming, 2,500 points and 2,500 MP (Mana Energy) are consumed.
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Current Mana Spring capacity: 5000 MP
• Charging a new Mana Stone will replenish the consumed spring water.
“At the moment, Eidnis and Aisha seem to be the ones capable of growth….”
Eidnis and his wife, Aisha.
They were the ones leading the Elven tribe.
Thanks to the Mana Spring’s capacity being restored, their growth became possible once again.
“Originally, the Mana Spring could only be restored through Mana Stones, but ascending to an Intermediate God status rewarded them with points as compensation.”
Having risen from a Lesser God status, they received MP points as compensation, which could activate the Mana Spring’s abilities.
[It was fortunate. This case was truly exceptional.]
“Isn’t that the case?”
[The rewards vary in size depending on the racial deity.]
The rewards seem to be random among the gods.
In that sense, luck was certainly on their side.
In any case, it was a good sign.
This meant that the Elves could aim for an increase in their overall power.
But a blacksmith, huh?
Before, she had already made Zion’s spear and honed the dull edge of a sword, contributing significantly.
But will blossoming talent bring about noticeable changes?
I’m not sure.
The system explained it for me.
[Upon blossoming Aisha’s talent, new tools and facilities related to blacksmithing will be opened in the shop window.]
Oh, is that so.
Facilities and tools.
They were elements that never once disappointed my expectations.
They always brought about effects beyond what was expected.
“Um… but, System.”
[Please speak.]
Character enhancement through the Mana Spring
• Currently Enhanceable Characters: Eidnis, Aisha.
“Is there a reason why the rest of them don’t appear on the enhancement list?”
He asked, puzzled by the fact that only two characters were eligible for enhancement.
The total number of newcomers in the square was seven.
Alisa, Eidnis and Aisha, Pafona.
The families, including Ananta, Rayan, and Ilana.
In the case of Alisa, she possessed the talent of a sorceress.
Likewise, the others as well.
Warriors and archers alike.
Each had their own talent.
However, the rest were not listed.
For some reason, it seemed that they were not undergoing character enhancement.
[In response to the relevant question, it seems that there are temporary restrictions due to various reasons. Alisa is still weak, and Papona is too young for talent confirmation. Additionally, the rest of the characters are limited for various other reasons.]
I roughly understood the reasons.
According to the system’s description, it seemed that there must be some conditions to help them grow.
They were all restrictions that would naturally be resolved over time.
Right now, it seemed there was no need to worry too much.
[A class with rare value. Blacksmiths belonging to the production job group are a profession that, as their status rises, can create magnificent works even gods would admire. The potential is immeasurable even to the tribe’s deity.]
“A blacksmith….”
Certainly, a class worth paying attention to.
Creating weapons and being able to advance the power of the elves as a whole.
At this point, it could only be said that it was lucky for Alisa to have joined.
“Come to think of it, even in modern times, those in the production classes are treated quite well.”
Of course, there were differences in income among them due to varying abilities, but that was the same in any world.
If some earned well, naturally, others did not.
However, in some aspects, they had more advantages than hunters.
They didn’t need to fear for their lives.
Moreover, some high-level blacksmiths received better rewards and compensation than most high-ranked hunters and were able to immerse themselves in their work in a prosperous environment.
It was because they were rare and possessed such abilities.
‘And now, someone with such abilities has become one of the residents.’
In the center of the square.
In front of the growing World Tree’s spring, a kind elf gestured towards Idnis and Aisha.
“Come here, both of you.”
“…My lord?”
Despite their confusion, they cautiously approached and stood before the elf.
Irna was the first to notice.
“Oh.”
Irna’s eyes widened slightly.
“It seems like the lord will grant us strength!”
“Strength… you mean?”
“Yes! Would you kneel before the spring as guided by him and wait?”
She led the other elves, knowing Han’s thoughts and intentions beforehand.
Thanks to her, Han was now somewhat at ease.
First, Irina, who had experienced all these experiences, explained them in words.
Han placed her hands on Ednis and Aisha, who were looking at him.
Rumble-
Then, the essence of mana, which emerged from the spring, flowed into the bodies of the two like smoke in no time.
It was a soft sensation, as if being sucked in without any resistance.
At that moment, did they feel some kind of change?
“Uh…!”
“…What is this?”
Aisha and Ednis widened their eyes slightly.
Strong energy with a blue tint in their pupils began to flicker like smoke.
Mana awakening.
Han also experienced the moment of awakening abilities in the past.
An alert window appeared before Han.
[Congratulations! Through your protection, the characters ‘Ednis’ and ‘Aisha’ awaken!]
[From now on, ‘Ednis’ will open his eyes to physical abilities!]
[From now on, ‘Aisha’ will open her eyes to blacksmithing skills!]
[Due to the effectiveness of the talents they possess, their abilities will greatly increase!]
“What on earth…? I can feel mana all over my body.”
Looking down at themselves as if unable to comprehend.
Other elves were also observing this astonishing moment.
At that time, for some reason.
Goooo-
The hammer hanging from Aisha’s waist began to emit light with a blue tint.
[The blacksmith’s talent begins to shine!]
***
Zion and Ednis holding swords.
They stared at each other.
A blue aura flowed like smoke from their swords. It was mana.
Han watched the situation.
“……”
“……”
A moment of confrontation.
“Haap!”
Zion moved first.
Zion, who rushed forward as if shot out, swung his sword, and Ednis, as if expecting it, reacted and counterattacked.
Sparks flew from the clash of the blades.
Clang!
The sound of metal colliding echoed, and several exchanges followed in a brief moment.
Han, along with the elves watching.
Everyone’s eyes sparkled as they revealed their skills.
“Woah!”
“They’re both amazing!”
“Oh… Are they both incredible?”
It was definitely not an ordinary display of physical prowess.
Graceful, powerful, and above all, strong.
Whether effortlessly wielding that heavy steel sword or moving it with ease, the speed was extraordinary as well.
Idnis had no idea she was this strong.
No, to be more precise, would it be accurate to say she had “become stronger”?
Just a short time ago, Idnis was just an ordinary elf, not much different from the others.
She couldn’t handle mana so naturally or enhance her body.
But she had changed overnight.
However, the overall situation favored Zion.
Even an outsider like Han, who had lived without any conflicts all his life, could see that.
“Idnis may have gotten stronger, but still, Zion has the upper hand in terms of strength, speed, and even momentary sense in every aspect.”
Clang! Clang!
Idnis’ sword strikes were strong.
However, Zion was simply overwhelming.
To Han’s eyes, Idnis’ sword was barely visible, while Zion’s sword was nowhere to be seen.
“Haah!”
Crash!
With a powerful blow, Zion brought down his sword.
The ground beneath Idnis, blocking the attack, sank deeply, creating a circular crater.
“Wow, wow….”
Those watching couldn’t help but open their mouths in amazement.
To have the ground sink with just one blow of strength.
The awakened ones born with the potential for physical enhancement were known to be fearsome, but witnessing it firsthand was on another level.
Indeed, the rumors of tearing monsters apart with bare hands or shattering building columns with punches were not just idle talk.
“Haah. Haah.”
Thud.
Idnis exhaled heavily as she lowered her sword.
“Zion, you truly are strong. Even though I too have been blessed by the gods, to still have this level of strength…”
“No, it’s not that. Idnis, you are plenty strong yourself.”
From the beginning, the outcome of the match was clear.
“It’s not that Idnis is weak. It’s just that Zion, her opponent, was too strong….”
Was it simply because Zion had developed his talents first?
It was probably not for that reason.
Zion had not changed.
He had just become a bit more accustomed to combat, and that was all.
There was no significant physical growth that stood out.
“Indeed, looking at this, even with similar potential, there can be variations.”
[From the outset, Zion’s talent was outstandingly exceptional.]
“Indeed, is that so?”
In response to Han’s question, the system replied.
[Typically, even if an elf possesses the talent for physical enhancement, it is impossible to exhibit such exceptional aptitude. This is a racial characteristic. However, they excel in defense and archery rather than offense.]
“Well, elves are known for their archery skills after all. It’s only natural for them to excel in defense.”
Agility and archery were inherent basic skills among elves.
Zion, born with the talent of a warrior, shared the same traits.
There were exceptions like Yumina, but fundamentally, everyone was skilled in precise marksmanship.
[Elf ‘Zion’ is an extremely rare individual born with the talent of celestial martial arts. Moreover, he inherited even more talent from his younger sister ‘Yumina.’ Perhaps there is no one among the elves with greater talent than him. However, the lack of magical talent is a counterbalance to his abilities.]
“Now that you mention it… There certainly seems to be that aspect.”
Han realized something.
His gaze naturally turned towards the two elven siblings.
Their contrasting abilities were evident.
One lacked magical talent but excelled physically, while the other lacked physical prowess but excelled in magic.
“At times, the fate of one sibling is to inherit what the other lacks, making them stronger. The fact that ‘Zion’ and ‘Yumina’ each inherited the talents of a warrior and a mage is also due to this reason.”
“They seem to have complemented each other in that way.”
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They each possessed the genius of two individuals.
It was inevitable for them to be exceptional.
It was indeed remarkable how Idnis had confronted Zion.