Chapter 21

I put the bronze ingot, synthesized from copper and tin in the portable furnace, and watched as its shape changed.

When making ingots, all you need to do is hammer with all your might, but when making accessories, that’s not enough. You have to follow the procedures that come to mind one after another, and if you fail, the evaluation of the accessory will keep dropping.

To be honest, I messed up the first bronze ingot this way.

"Hmm. Enchanting should be the same as ingot making. Then, I just need to select the item I want to make on the system screen—"

From that moment, a process like a rhythm game begins. Hammer, put it back in the furnace. Hammer, put it back in the furnace.

Sometimes, bend it to form a ring, and then put it back in the furnace.

Without a single break, continue processing it in the heat of the furnace. Even for the simplest accessory, it takes time now. I have to concentrate on the unfamiliar work, which is quite tiring.

As a result, I failed a few times, and the evaluation dropped, but I managed to create the first accessory without a fatal mistake.

Bronze Ring [Equipment]

DEF +1

I made the lowest level of equipment.

"I have a sense of accomplishment. But, is this sellable?"

It took quite a bit of time, and I don’t have any more bronze ingots. All that’s left is iron. My crafting level is now 11, but I don’t feel confident using iron.

"Well, it’s okay to fail."

Thinking too much about it is pointless, so I put the iron ingot into the furnace.

Hammer, put it back, bend, connect, heat...

Even though it’s just a game, I wipe the sweat from my forehead. The heat gradually makes me drowsy, and my thinking ability declines. Still, I keep hammering endlessly. Just like polishing, I do it mindlessly, and even if I fail, I don’t stop to rest and immediately put in the next ingot. My MP gradually depletes due to the balance between MP recovery and enchanting, but I focus only on the ingot in front of me.

Mindlessly, unconsciously, the process continues. My arm feels heavy, and my throat is parched, but I don’t stop. The fourth one. After a few minutes of examining the accessory made from the last iron ingot, I finally let out a breath.

Ring [Equipment]

DEF +2

I still have a lot of room for improvement. Before that, there’s a huge difference between the accessories made by Mugi as a side job and mine. Mine is a simple, unadorned ring with no engravings. Mugi’s, on the other hand, is intricately crafted with a beautifully cut gemstone set in the base.

"Really, there are so many types of accessories like bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. I can’t afford to stumble at this point."

After rolling the two rings in my hand and examining them, I equipped them on my fingers. I put the iron ring on my left middle finger and the bronze ring on my left ring finger.

I gazed at my left hand thoughtfully. The sense of accomplishment from actually making something to wear is different from just synthesizing or combining items. And my slender, white fingers. There’s still a sense of discomfort, as if they belong to a woman’s hand, which can be described as delicate and white like a fish.

"Phew, well, not bad for a first try. I have more time than I thought."

I don’t have time to make more ingots or go hunting now, but I somehow have some free time.

At that moment, a chat from Taku came in.

"What’s up?"

"Yeah, just a heads-up for tomorrow. We’re meeting at noon and then hunting Sandmen to level up. Are you ready?"

"I made two rings. The total defense is the same as the initial equipment."

"Good job. Double the defense. That’s almost a cheat."

"Double the initial equipment’s defense isn’t a cheat. Cut it out. Rather, do you know the general market price for accessories?"

"Varies widely. Since there are no jewelers yet, it’s purely auxiliary abilities, but a DEF +8 bracelet was going for ten thousand the other day."

"Whoa, what about a ring with a gemstone?"

"Rings, huh? Sure. DEF +5. They’re quite popular with women."

"Why?"

"Well, they’re shiny. Some guys even give them as gifts."

"Oh, shiny. For some reason, I’m craving seafood now."

"Not that kind of food. You’re really laid-back, aren’t you?"

I don’t think panicking will help.

"Alright. Don’t be late tomorrow."

"You too."

Somehow, time passed while I was having a trivial conversation with Taku. Come to think of it, we always have such conversations at school, but we’ve been taking separate actions more often since the break started. I couldn’t help but think about it.

Revised and completed.