Sweeping Victory Reshuffles the Rankings
Thanks to Vulcan's overwhelming domination of the practical evaluation, the rankings underwent a massive shake-up.
The preliminary judging sheets, which had been on hold, were replaced, and Vulcan's name sat proudly at the very top. The same went for the practical evaluation scores.
'Some folks must be pretty salty about this.'
- That's their karma.
Of course, the real issue was the rankings below him.
Some of the early dropouts, who should have been relegated to the bottom, had been selected by certain craftsmen as their Great Warriors and climbed into the mid-to-upper ranks.
Picking a Great Warrior capable of properly wielding their gear was part of the craftsmen's role, but there was a world of difference between showing nothing at all and demonstrating even a sliver of potential.
Thanks to Vulcan wielding their weapons and displaying absurd prowess, there was now solid evidence to judge them on.
'They look like they could kill with a glare.'
As a result, some expressed gratitude to Vulcan, while others whose rankings dropped shot him resentful glares.
Unexpected grudges had formed, but Vulcan didn't pay it much mind. As Tud said, it was their own karma—and if they'd crafted truly superior gear, they wouldn't be swayed like this.
Proof of that lay in the top ranks, which remained rock-solid despite the changes.
'These users are tougher than I thought.'
No matter how it shook out, a craftsman was defined by their ability to create the best gear. Their grudges meant nothing if you could produce exceptional items.
Bleeding market competition? Superior gear sold out faster than it could be made. Making it so others couldn't buy? Even New Age couldn't pull that off.
As long as the item effects were legit, buyers would flock regardless of feuds or infamy.
So there was no reason to feel intimidated. If anything, Vulcan had the leisure to glance at the other winners.
'They've got full pedigrees—must be why.'
Still, the users' strong showings were eye-catching. Out of 30 finalists, only 10 placed, and four of them—including Vulcan—were users.
Naturally, excluding Vulcan, they were all guild members. Some guilds drilled their prelim entries like tutors, even prepping expected finals themes and model recipes as "answer keys." Maybe it was inevitable.
'This might get annoying.'
That made Vulcan's solo stand out even more. Unaffiliated with any guild and boasting top-tier combat skills himself, he'd attract recruiters and guild poachers in droves.
Trouble was guaranteed, but for now, Vulcan focused on the present.
From consolation prizes to excellence awards, then grand prizes, up to the top honor for himself. He eyed the ceremony's end and the prize—and singular opportunity—that came with it.
'But what's this "hidden thing" you mentioned?'
- You'll see when you get there.
The workshop Tud once used, now preserved and open to the public. The chance to craft there was prize enough, but curiosity swelled about whatever Tud had stashed away.
No way he's still sulking about it, right?
A flicker of worry, but it seemed fine. Relieved, he watched the head judge approach.
"Huh?"
"I see you're surprised. Your performance left a deep impression. Congratulations."
"Thank you."
It was none other than Gremori Hatoon, manager of the Artisan Hall.
So that's what he meant by "see you soon."
Gremori smiled warmly, handing over the plaque. A title notification followed.
Selling to NPCs? Not sure when that'd come up, but the rest wasn't bad. Besides, this title wasn't the real reward for winning the monthly contest.
"If you have time, could you stop by again?"
"Pardon? Ah, yes. Of course."
Gremori leaned in, whispering a request to meet again—just for Vulcan's ears. No clue why, but it couldn't hurt. He'd never heard the name before, but chairing the judges meant serious clout in Smell.
Even beyond status, the man had aided his growth, so Vulcan was happy to pay respects.
He agreed, and the ceremony wrapped.
Now, only the grand prize exclusive perk remained.
"You may enter anytime, but once inside, no re-entry. You can only take out one item you've personally crafted. Every single object in the workshop is inventoried down to the tiniest speck—hiding anything is pointless."
"Got it. Let's head in."
After the practical eval and results, they'd had a breather, so Vulcan was prepped. Nothing major, but with first place locked, he'd stocked materials for crafting in Tud's workshop.
He hadn't settled on what yet—long stays were fine as long as he didn't leave—but he'd decide inside. Or log off briefly to think, then craft.
Real-world priorities awaited.
"Then we'll open the holy site."
'Holy site? Really?'
- Hmph! A space this body graced is naturally sacred!
Vulcan confirmed, and Tud's workshop unlocked. Smell was built around it, so it wasn't hidden—but security was ironclad. Rumors said crafting here yielded far superior results, drawing sneaks to pilfer tools.
They counted every pebble, but Vulcan didn't care. He sought something they'd never noticed.
How could they detect the undetectable? Grinning slyly, he entered Tud's old workshop.
"Where should I look?"
- You see my great legacy and that's your first question?!
Thwack!!
He'd asked about the hidden item and got smacked upside the head for it.
"Urk. No, I figured I'd grab what I can first, then savor it slowly. Ahem. This is the mighty Tud's workshop—I can't just glance around carelessly."
- Smooth talker. Not wrong, though!
Quick backpedal soothed Tud's ire. And yeah, the place looked impressive at a glance.
The forge alone was massive. Dwarfing Vulcan's portable one and rivaling shop models several times over—like a mini blast furnace.
Size wasn't all; Tud's personal touch meant insane heat output.
Dragon Eye revealed orange glows everywhere: every tool was Unique grade.
"No wonder top gear comes out easy here."
It wasn't one-and-done either. Retry as needed; just take one finished piece. The rest? Artisan Association reclaimed them.
Pretty shady, but rules were rules.
"Unique, Unique, Unique... this too... all Uniques."
Mind-blowing. Every item seemed deliberately matched at Unique.
'Skill shortage back then?'
Still incredible. How many in Smell had Unique+ tools? One or two was a haul.
Here? Everything: forge, anvil, hammer, tongs, chisels, benders, grinders—all Unique.
Every artisan's dream.
- Not skill shortage—I deliberately stopped at this! Blanket Epic/Legendary tools? No growth there!!
Vulcan's grumble earned a head-thumping from indignant Tud. Early days meant learning basics, so no overkill gear.
"This is plenty... Ow! Quit hitting!!"
Another swat, but Vulcan agreed. Gear reliance stunted growth. Like hearing the anvil's song—without knowledge and experience, it was luck-dependent, not skill.
"So... what to make?"
Survey complete, Vulcan pondered. Pre-entry dilemma persisted; no easy answer.
Weapons? Blessed Sun Sword, Death Serpent, Impure Arrow covered it. Armor? Impenetrable Warrior's Faith and Dark Hound set sufficed.
Accessories? Temple trinkets filled some slots, but not all. Viable, but no pressing options or concepts sparked.
And was jewelry the best use of this chance?
- Idiot. Can't you tell?
"Pardon? Ah...!"
Tud's jab clicked. Vulcan gasped in realization.
"Make a tool?"
No need for gear. Superior crafting here meant a forever-useful tool outshone disposable equipment.
Gear got swapped on level-up; tools lasted.
- Not just make one—eye those for later.
- Exactly.
Dragon Eye could extract recipes by touch. Craft one here, replicate the setup outside? No clinging to this one shot.
"Rent it out for cash... Ow! I said quit it!"
Overreach earned another smack, but feasible. Security wouldn't match, though.
"Forge's too huge... What even are these materials? This possible? Who gets these...?!"
- Why? I had 'em, used 'em. Problem?
Composed, Vulcan touched items, scanning recipes. The massive forge's list was absurd: Salamander King scales, Phoenix feathers, Crimson Jade heart?
Insane stuff. Level 300 might barely hunt or buy them—if lucky.
'Skill shortage, huh.'
Tud's excuse rang hollow now. Not deliberate Uniques—best he could do with those mats.
"Fabricators tempting, but anvil's the efficiency king."
Helpers nice, but anvil was priority. Epic Craftsman's Origin hammer skipped it; forge/anvil/fabricator weighed, but anvil fit: materials, methods, and this unique high-heat setup.
- First, grab that.
"Pardon?"
Recipes secured, decisions set, silent Tud spoke. Revealing the hidden, undiscovered item.