Absolute Craft-Chapter 56: Inspirations (2)

Chapter 56: Inspirations (2)

After scolding Sol, Blake managed to tame the unruly little apple encased in the dragon’s husk. Now, Sol circled above everyone’s heads, spitting flames alongside his adorable whimpers. He relished his growing prowess and was quickly becoming more adept at flying.

While Beatrix polished her helmet, Blake scraped away the singed marks on his face. Glancing at her steel visage, he couldn’t help but marvel at how gorgeous she was. The previous Lost King had sculpted her so exquisitely that she could pass for a real human.

An impulse stirred in Blake. He still had sixty-three blocks of malleable stone in the chest. He could have used them to shape a human form, but without another elemental to breathe life into it, it would be a waste of both time and resources. He set the idea aside.

Two matters demanded his attention. The first involved the inspiration fragments he had obtained from the Winter General and Kyria. The second was the issue of skill stones and an evolution shard.

Blake wasn’t yet sure how to use the skill stones or the evolution shard. He intended to switch weapons once he reached the mainland, so he needed a second katana that could help him handle bosses solo. In this tutorial zone, his crafting options were limited—the items’ stats and level requirements were random because he hadn’t unlocked any profession yet; those would only become available on the mainland.

Instead of making new items, it seemed better to rework the gatekeepers’ armors into low-level gear for new players on the mainland.

Turning to the second matter, Blake withdrew a block of malleable stone and set it before him. With chisel in hand, he studied the block, imagining what he wanted to create. He intended to see if the inspiration fragment could be embedded within it.

He considered Kyria, although sculpting that man felt odd. Blake also entertained the idea of carving a woman from stone who could rival Beatrix in beauty.

With both notions in mind, he began sculpting a female general. She wore a hat resembling Kyria’s, but without a mask. He gave her flawless features and dressed her in a simple general’s uniform rather than armor.

And being a man, Blake carefully carved a prominent chest on the figurine. After the final touches, he had a striking female general posed with one leg angled outward, hands at her waist, and chin lifted confidently.

Next, he took an inspiration fragment from his inventory. A black lightning bolt swirled in his palm, looking like raw energy he could hurl at a foe. Rather than throwing it, he pressed the fragment against the figurine. Instantly, the stone absorbed it. The figurine’s eyes glowed red momentarily before reverting to their original stony hue.

<You have created The Woman General Figurine (Epic) (Durability: 100/100)>

<The Woman General Figurine (Epic) has absorbed The Black Stormweaver Spirit Inspiration Fragment (Epic)>

<The Woman General Figurine has acquired a new skill—Black Storm—which only you can use within ten meters, as you’re bonded to the item>

<Black Storm (Epic)—conjures a twenty-meter storm around The Woman General Figurine, striking everyone except the bonded player with black lightning. Each hit applies Black Sparks (Epic)>

<Black Sparks (Epic)—reduces healing received by 30%. Upon three stacks, healing reduction increases to 70%, and any hit calls forth black lightning that deals 300% of Superbia’s main weapon damage.>

<The Woman General Figurine (Epic) (Durability: 100/100) (Black Storm: 10/10)>

When the status window updated, Blake realized the inspiration fragment had limited uses. That was disappointing, but the skill was powerful enough that he’d surely make use of it in the Eternal Winter Graveyard. He imagined hunting down other players with Joel amid a raging storm. The thought excited him—also, if the black lightning also struck and debuffed him, it would only heighten the thrill.

"You’ll like it, too," Blake said, holding up the figurine and offering it to Beatrix.

She squinted at the exaggerated bust he had sculpted, rolled her eyes, then examined the skill. Pleased with how Black Sparks could trigger on any hit, she concluded it would likely come in handy for her and Sol. Still, the figurine’s exaggerated bosom left her unimpressed. She placed it back onto the workbench before slipping into her master’s shadow.

Sensing her departure, Sol seized the chance to escape. He darted out of the smithy, only to find Beatrix already on his tail. She scooped him back inside.

Blake settled Sol on his lap and rested a hand on the little dragon’s back, thinking aloud. "I’ll hold off on using the Winter General’s inspiration for now. I’d hate to waste it prematurely, especially since we still have his prized possessions that might gain new powers from that fragment. I should figure that out first."

Neither companion answered—Beatrix remained out of sight, and Sol was too busy whimpering and trying to wriggle free. He clearly hadn’t learned his lesson.

Blake smiled. "We’ll head to a new tutorial zone tomorrow, Sol. I’ll help you level up. Just be patient."

Sol, however, wanted nothing more than to roam free.

"I’ll give you a skill stone," Blake relented.

Two emerald eyes blinked at him from within his shadow, wide with disbelief.

The mention of the skill stone delighted Sol. He nodded and curled up contentedly on Blake’s lap. Though the dragon’s body was carved from stone, Sol’s presence radiated warmth, making it pleasant for Blake to hold him.

That evening, Blake set aside his work to bond with his companions. He needed this respite after so many eventful battles and adventures, and he believed Sol and Beatrix needed it too, each having new experiences to absorb. More than anything, he wanted to grow closer to them. He’d learned a great deal about Joel from one genuine conversation, so it made sense to be more open with those he held dear.

In his current life, the only two dear companions with him in the smithy were Sol and Beatrix.