Absolute Craft-Chapter 82: Anonymous House (1)

Chapter 82: Anonymous House (1)

Upon opening her eyes, the first thing Beatrix heard was the rhythmic clang of a hammer striking something solid. Shortly after, soft whimpers from the sleeping elemental reached her ears. The little apple lay dozing on her stomach, keeping her comfortably warm. His presence regulated the smithy’s temperature, making it easy for anyone to sleep inside.

All these clues told Beatrix that Blake must have carried her back through the blizzard. The mere thought of burdening him weighed on her, prompting her to rise. However, before she could swing her legs off the table, Blake spotted her attempt to get up and told her to lie still.

Removing his gloves, Blake washed his hands and pulled a chair closer to Beatrix. He sat down, placing his palm on her forehead—a gesture his mother used to do whenever he showed worrying symptoms. As a child, he’d brushed it off as childish or pointless. Now, he no longer knew how to act around people outside of combat or outside the game world.

"I’m glad you’re feeling better, Beatrix," Blake said.

His words calmed her. Reclining on her back, she stared at the ceiling, feeling at ease in his presence. Blake’s concern allowed her to dwell on what had happened. Again, she recalled that male voice labeling her as "Imperfection." Yet this time, Blake’s warmth and support seemed to smother it, as though his hand were holding it down.

Given what she remembered of her origins, the man likely was the 12th Lost King. Though his scream seemed directed at her, she couldn’t accept being called an imperfection; she couldn’t fathom being anything less than perfect.

Blake also mulled over the incident. He gathered clues like he would in the game world and concluded that his desire to learn more about Beatrix must have provoked her hidden origins to lash out. Her level had been lowered to match the initial quest’s requirements, then once more to match Blake’s. There must have been a reason her identity lay so deeply buried. Frankly, he’d never expected her to harbor so many secrets.

"Early on, people often replace their first familiars and pets with higher-level ones," Blake said, "but there’s so much to you and Sol that I doubt that’ll ever happen. By the time you reach the limit of your Steel Body, I’ll be able to forge soldiers on my own. Your spirit can live on in my first soldier, Beatrix. Because we’re Cerberus."

A sudden burst of emotion flared in Beatrix’s soul. She bolted upright, saluting Blake with a hand over her chest. Poor Sol rolled off her stomach, startled from his nap.

"Bubu," he murmured, breaking the solemn air.

Beatrix glanced downward, exasperated.

"Beatrix has a nickname... I want one, too," Blake murmured, turning to Sol with expectant eyes.

"Blake... eat!" Sol cried, remembering a promised feast.

Blake hung his head in mild despair.

Caught between the two, Sol flicked his gaze back and forth, puzzled by their moods.

What’s wrong with them?

Blake exhaled, straightening. "I got a new title."

Immediately, he had both companions’ undivided attention. Sol’s eyes lit up, while Beatrix moved in quietly to stand at his side and await the news. She suspected it was the Forged In The 11th Lost King’s Chamber title, which, although labeled Common, clearly mattered.

Blake smiled. "Only those vying for the throne can be ’forged’ in a previous king’s chambers and trials, meaning I’m now higher in the Lost Kingdom’s hierarchy. It’s like being nobility in their lands."

Nobles always held more rights than commoners. For players, "nobility" meant you could claim land if you contributed enough to a chosen house or kingdom. It was unclear how the Lost Kingdom’s noble system worked since that realm had fallen eons ago.

Still, Blake sensed he’d drawn a step closer to claiming his tutorial zone. At the very least, he felt he was on the right track. Ever since GrayClouds’ CEO hinted there was more to these zones, Blake hadn’t been able to let it go.

He also had many memories tied to this place.

"It’s late, Sol. Eat your snacks and let me log out," Blake said.

Sol pretended not to hear.

Blake’s small grin showed he found the little apple’s behavior adorable.

For reasons unknown, Beatrix chose not to intervene.

In the real world, Blake rolled out of his gaming capsule and headed to the bathroom. While brushing his teeth, he switched on his phone and called Joel. At night, they usually chatted about their gaming experiences, grumbled about tomorrow’s work, or just talked like real friends.

"We’re joining Anonymous House tomorrow," Blake said.

"Aye, bro!" Joel replied. "Rumor says the Tutorial Alliance’s got a few arrogant guilds! They’ll get a reality check soon enough! They haven’t met real talent yet!"

Just from his voice, Blake imagined Joel’s smirk. But everything hinged on Kyria’s approach. Blake also intended to think twice before going all out for Anonymous House’s sake.

After all, Kyria’s main reason for recruiting him was the Resurrection Event. Whatever happened before that was none of his business.

"I guess we’ll see. I’m not in the game to slap reality into everyone," Blake said.

"Oh, that’d take too long anyway!" Joel joked with a laugh. "By the way, I remember you talking about getting in shape. Wanna hit the sports park with me this weekend?"

"The sports park?" Blake repeated.

"Yeah, it’s a big place with basketball and volleyball courts—lots of ways to get active. Plenty of adults hang out there, so it’s chill. The park’s free for everyone this weekend, and rumor has it a bunch of hot girls will be there, some in their mid-thirties! I want to be spoiled! I’ll definitely score with one or two of them!"

Last time Joel said he was the "chosen one" and would land a legendary title, Blake ended up with two legendary titles. The coincidence made Blake hesitate about going to the sports park.

"Come on, bro! It’s more fun with a friend!" Joel wheedled.

Joel clearly didn’t want to go alone.

Spitting into the sink, Blake sighed. "Fine, I’ll come."

He had promised himself to be more social, after all.