The Missing Artisans

"And since things have turned out this way, there's one thing I'd like to ask of you. Ah, don't worry—it's not as payment or anything like that. It's just a personal request."

"A request? Sure. Go ahead."

"According to the information you provided, a large number of artisans have been kidnapped somewhere. I've already ordered an investigation, but since they're all craftsmen who only know how to make things, it's likely to take time. So, could you conduct your own investigation separately? If you find or rescue the kidnapped ones, I'll reward you personally, and as the representative of Smell, I'll make sure it's substantial."

"As the representative of Smell?"

Vulcan checked the sudden special quest with a slightly suspicious look. His face mixed doubt with a hint of who the hell are you to represent Smell?

"I must not have mentioned it. While I manage the Artisans' Hall on a smaller scale, I also hold the honorary position of Smell's representative."

"Ah...?"

The story was simple. When they first met, he'd introduced himself as a noble without territory, but the truth was different. This place, Smell, was the territory granted to Gremori Hatoon by the king. But he couldn't claim lordship over a place infused with that one's will, so he relinquished it, turning it into a free city. Still, to ward off interference from other territories and lords, he—and his descendants—took on the role of de facto city head, the representative. They intervened only in critical matters, deferring to the Artisans' Council of renowned craftsmen for most things, ensuring the city's nominal freedom wasn't just a facade.

Users had long speculated how a key hub like Smell could be a free city outside any lord's control. This was the answer.

"Of course. I'll do everything I can to help."

With the necessary discussions done, Gremori Hatoon made his personal plea for Vulcan to find the missing artisans. There was no reason to refuse. No time limit, no failure penalty—it was a no-brainer quest. Vulcan accepted readily, and Gremori nodded in satisfaction.

"We'll share any information we uncover with you as well. I leave it in your hands."

Even better, they'd share intel, saving Vulcan the ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠legwork to track them. He'd already been skeptical about the artisans' disappearance and planned to investigate anyway, as much as possible.

Are they seriously prepping for war or something?

If they were truly tied to the 'black humans' of the main scenario quest, there'd be a reason to gather artisans—and it was bound to be sinister.

"Finally, take these."

"What are these?"

As their talk wrapped up, Gremori handed over four letters. Three were similar, one slightly different.

"This is the Artisans' Association certificate recognizing you as an intermediate blacksmith. The other three are my recommendation letters to the architects', alchemists', and enchanters' associations. To reach advanced artisan status, you'll need achievements worthy of it, but with these, you'll instantly qualify as intermediate once you meet the criteria."

"Ah...! Thank you."

They were a certificate and recommendation letters. He'd already won the monthly artisan contest title, but this separate certification as an intermediate in specific fields came with perks. It should've been issued right after the contest, but delays from his busyness and incidents meant it was handed over now. Knowing Vulcan had picked up other artisan skills, Gremori even wrote recommendations—making intermediate status a breeze.

"Hm, but what are the qualifications?"

"Your main crafting skill at C-rank should suffice. It's the minimum, but with my endorsement, it'll pass without review."

"So advanced needs around A-rank? Might be a dumb question, but I'm new to this."

"No problem. That's fair. For advanced recognition, you need at least B-rank. But you must prove it with results, so B-rank alone rarely cuts it. Even A-rank artisans aren't automatically advanced. Still, someone like you who already grasps infusing intent might reach advanced early."

Results probably meant Epic-grade items? No—Artisans' Hall had Uniques too. Items there required at least advanced artisans, so grade wasn't everything. Nor was rank the sole criterion for advanced status.

Though certified intermediate blacksmith, Vulcan knew the gap to advanced was vast. Back when he was a rising warrior, rumors of an advanced blacksmith drew massive crowds. Some commissioned gear from them and skyrocketed to ranker status. It made him anxious.

Gremori said he'd reach it soon, and with Tud, it was just a matter of time. But higher realms brought unease and impatience. Especially since they were growing—higher levels, stronger gear—even now.

"I've kept you too long when you're busy. If you need my help later, come anytime."

"Yes. Thank you."

With that, Vulcan left the Artisans' Hall. Restoration was in full swing: artisans everywhere on streets, architects repairing buildings, blacksmiths forging supplies on-site, alchemists and enchanters aiding with their skills.

But not everyone pitched in. Users acted based on quests received or not; some artisans holed up in workshops, others wandered searching for missing colleagues over city recovery.

"Still not ready?"

"Yes. Damage isn't extensive, but it's a big job."

"Any estimate on time?"

"Hard to say. Could be four days if quick, months if not. Core magic circle's intact—otherwise, we'd need the grand mage who installed it."

Vulcan first headed to the teleport gate. He'd checked the homunculi-damaged teleport circle's repair status. That was why he'd rushed to the metropolis.

This ties my feet completely.

For the main scenario quest 'Disciple's News'—bypassing temples. Deliver news of disciple Hainel to 7-circle grand mage, Lv 400+ Count Alter. Build ties, snag extra quests/rewards.

Level gap was huge; he'd seem insignificant. But Legend Incarnate title might impress the NPC. Worth a shot—he'd been eager. Now transport was blocked.

Take a carriage to another metropolis?

Alter's place was too far direct. Better: nearby metropolis, then teleport. But no direct metropolis links from Smell—two or three cities minimum. Pure travel: over ten days. Smell's might recover sooner, but he'd waste time otherwise. Temples might summon him too.

"What to do..."

After pondering, Vulcan rented a forge. Watch repairs a few days, decide then. Plenty to do anyway—no time wasted.

"Reinforcement first."

Contest over, but winner title made forge rental free. Settling in calmly, Vulcan started on his gear.

Item reinforcement. Item upgrade. Trying new, untested skills.

Gain feel on his gear, buy decent stuff, reinforce, resell.

"Item Reinforcement."

"Huh?"

First: Serpent of Death. Main weapon, grown twice on impure power. But no reinforcement possible—not all items qualified.

"This won't work?"

- Tsk tsk. Only items with growth potential via secondary smelting. Finished or underpowered ones? Can't touch 'em, obviously.

"Ugh. This one either?"

Tud's scolding made him click his tongue; tried Blessed Sun Sword too—same result. Not for sale, but minor attack boosts hugely impacted price. Profit potential dashed; both un-reinforceable. Finished? Underpowered? Unclear—but impossible now.

"This one works, right?"

"Oh?"

Remaining armor worked. Unlike +1 stones, it allowed directional reinforcement—prompt for direction. Vulcan's face darkened.

"Wait, can this fail and wreck it?"

Defense up, durability up, whatever—great if choosable. But implied risk of failure penalties.

- Obviously. Think random tweaks always improve? Deviate from intent, and boom.

"Damn."

Spot on. Wrong direction: item ruined, ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠regardless of success. Options tanked, bad materials forced—severe penalties possible.

- That's why not just anyone reinforces. It's creation itself. Need deep understanding, conviction for direction and boosts.

Low comprehension? Can't even pick direction...

"...Huh? Recommendations?"

- What? No way.

Tud smirked evilly at Vulcan's grim face—then new alert.

High comprehension = recommendations.

- Needs 90%+ comprehension...!

High comprehension? His own work, sure—but really? Doubt crept in. Tud's shock fueled suspicion.

"Item Reinforcement."

Tried another item—not self-crafted. Same result.

As expected. Even non-crafted. Enjoying Tud's fluster, Vulcan tapped his eye.

"This, right?"

- ...Seems so. Damn. Missed chance to grind you.

Dragon Eye. Again, its utility shone. Not just essence-viewing—repository of Tud's knowledge.

Vulcan's low comprehension + Tud's vast DB via Dragon Eye = instant 90%+ on most items.

"Truly all-purpose."

Thus, previews of directions, post-reinforcement options. Variable by success/quality, but pre-checking peak performance? Huge edge. Dragon Eye's cheat-level reaffirmed.

- Ahem. Rely too much, and ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠your artisan growth stalls...

"Thanks, I'll use it well!"

Ignoring Tud's lecture, Vulcan grabbed hammer, remade gear without hesitation.

Finishing equipped gear mods, message arrived—from Gremori's side. Homunculi transfer destination pinpointed.