Kuruso deserves to be a place called the Dwarven Blacksmiths’ paradise.
*Ttung-ttang-ttung-ttang.*
In the distance, it was easy to see a number of Dwarves holding hammers and pounding away at something.
Minerals were scattered everywhere, while finished goods were stacked up.
In comparison to Iron Hand Village, the secluded Dwarf village was sweltering hot and less populated.
“Exper, do you already know how to make a spear?”
“I know. Its base damage isn’t more than 90, now watch this Chain.”
“There are fire spirit and wind spirit gems, if you add these you get a fiery tornado effect.”
“Then how much additional damage would be added?”
“For each attempt, up to 23 additional damage could be added. Needless to say, it is a stunning weapon.”
“This proves your ability, Exper. The kind of weapons that you make must have great durability.”
“So I also tried making a spear. For my first time, I wanted to see if I could make a spear with over 100 attack damage.”
The Dwarves whispered numerous stories of weapon production.
When Weed passed by, they ignored him and continued their discussion.
“Fabio-sunbae, I heard that you’re very familiar with making armors.”
“He is very good at making armors, enough to be called a master of the art. If you have enough money, then he can upgrade your armor, better than any sword.”
“Damn. If I had the money, I wouldn’t be doing this.”
“Don’t even say that. Do you think Fabio-sunbae uses his skills only for making money? He is not picky with the work he choses.”
“Everyone knows that.”
Even Weed’s ears have heard and imprinted the name “Fabio”.
The Dwarf Fabio, Thor’s chosen Blacksmith, was extremely famous among users.
From the time Weed acquired the Death Knight’s armor in City of Heaven, Lavias, Fabio was already widely known.
It was said that the moment Fabio lays a hand on old derelict armor, it would become as good as new.
Fabio is a master with his hands.
The elite guilds, and the so-called “rankers” of the Versailles continent, would gather bags of money to request for his services.
People wanted stronger armor, but refused to have armor reinforced, since it becomes bulkier and somewhat heavier. Also at a higher level, the death penalty increases.
Besides Weed, there are very few people who have the patience to endure the hardship of raising their skill levels.
However, many people prefered to have better armor in comparison to an excellent weapon, therefore they did not spared no money to upgrade their armor.
During that time, Fabio acquired a great fortune.
He had become the first ever accomplished Blacksmith.
When CTS Media broadcasted about Weed, along with 8 other users, Fabio was also one of the chosen players.
After the program, users with intermediate Blacksmith started to emerge.
With trying to raise their skill levels, more mithril mines were developed and better Blacksmithing materials appeared, which made it easier to raise Blacksmithing.
As time passed, more users have raised their skill enough to reinforce armor and Fabio disappeared from the Versailles continent.
Weed wondered if Fabio was last seen in Kuruso, and whether he has been trying to raise his Blacksmithing skill.
Weed started to slow down his pace.
On the side of the road, Weed spotted many Dwarven Blacksmiths crafting goods, while others were packing up the finished products.
The Dwarves were making their own goods, and didn’t care that weed was was watching them.
They were making goods in case someone wanted to make a purchase, but it didn’t look like anyone was going to buy anything.
“Is Herman-sunbae busy these days? I haven’t seen him in a while.”
“I do not know. Now that humans have returned, maybe he’s crafting some swords?”
“Tsk tsk. Herman-sunbae is cautious to a fault. Blacksmiths don’t follow his style of workmanship anymore.”
“Long ago, around 4 or 5 months ago, I followed the same cautious style. Back then, Herman-sunbae’s skill was superior to the rest of us artisans.”
“Even if you’re stubborn and try to create a sword with all your heart and soul…. at most, it’ll take you 1 week. But if you’re going to take more than a month, no one will want to buy a sword from you.”
“Yeah. That’s right.”
“You can sell it in the auction house for a higher price, but it takes time. And Blacksmithing is all about the money.”
Up until recently, Herman was with Weed.
On the Versailles Continent, it is not unusual for one or two people with the same name to run into each other. However it was unlikely for another Dwarven Blacksmith near Kuruso, with the same profession as Herman.
‘Who knows, I might see them here again.’
Weed did not focus much on his relationship with others.
However, it is a fact that he had spent a lot of time hunting with Pale and his party. And as a Dark Gamer, he is unable to refuse dangerous hunting tasks when he is asked.
Except for sleeping and going to school, he invested all of his free time playing Royal Road, and it would be difficult to do so if he hunted with others.
‘We shall see if this relationship is destined.’
Weed headed towards Kuruso’s administrative agency.
***
Unlike other Dwarven villages in the Kingdom of Thor, the administrative agency held great power and governed over Kuruso.
In other Kingdoms, the King and other nobles govern the land, therefore it was unusual for the administrative agency to making all decisions for the Dwarven Kingdom.
Dwarven Elders are appointed during the first week of every new year. The Elders then agree upon all the decisions and establish policies.
3 Strong Dwarves with excellent swordsmanship, and 7 Elders were chosen to lead the administrative agency, a total of 10 Dwarves are elected. Dwarves who just reached their adulthood are considered too young, and therefore not eligible for election.
However, it is said that the Elder seat is open to anyone, including players.
Each of the Elders will work at the administrative agency alternatively.
“You’re a new Dwarf here in Kuruso. Would you like to register?”
“Yes. I would like to register.”
“What is your profession?”
“I am a Sculptor.”
In Kuruso, you do not have to pay taxes to Akryong Kaybern. You will not be hassled by the Dwarven Liberation Corps for money. Everything was governed in accordance to the Dwarves.
Coming to Kuruso was free!
However, there was a requirement if you want to leave Kuruso.
They must contribute a piece to the great city. The work must be created with devotion, and when completed, must be better than their average product.
For a Sculptor, he would have to create a sculpture.
There is no alternative but to create something good, you cannot create something poor. Thus, to leave Kuruso, you must contribute something decent.
That was the minimum condition in entering Kuruso.
Unlike other places in the Kingdom, there is no taxes because of special restrictions.
The Dwarven Elder ask Weed.
“What is your name?”
“My name is Art Hand.”
“That’s a good name.”
“The registration process is now complete. Before leaving Kuruso, you are required to leave something created by you, in your case, a sculpture.”
Just when Weed was about to leave the administrative agency.
“I have a question for you.”
“Let me ask you. Do you want some information about Kuruso? If you’re not busy, will you listen to my request?”
A Request from the Dwarven Elder!
However the offer didn’t seem appealing to Weed.