[The formidable Vine Horror Treant, Level 200, has merged with the legendary Moonvine Knuckles, evolving into an impressive Guardian Treant, Level 200.]
[This isn’t just a simple transformation. The soul of the monster is now bound to the
knuckle,s turning the once inanimate weapon into a living entity that can grow stronger over time.]
[Such is the incredible power of the Moonvine Knuckles, capable of breathing new life into an ancient creature.]
[The Moonvine Knuckles – Guardian Treant Lv. 200]
[Grade: Legendary]
[…]
[Summon the Guardian: Call upon the soul hidden within the legendary knuckles to awaken and fight for you. This guardian will have its own Strength, Intelligence, and other basic attributes. It will also be able to use the knuckles’ special abilities. The guardian will be a loyal and steadfast ally in battle, pledging its allegiance to you.
Mana Cost: 1000
Duration: 15 Minutes
Cooldown: 30 Minutes]
Broken tilted his head as he observed the transformation his knuckles had undergone. He had barely finished marveling at the set of skills the knuckles possessed, and now he had another upgrade to consider. This new skill seemed to summon something to wield the knuckles, and the weapon itself had become a Growth Type Artifact.
The difference between normal artifacts and growth-type artifacts is that growth-type artifacts have levels shown in their names. These levels indicate that the artifact can level up as it’s used for battles and hunting monsters. This type of artifact is usually more valuable because it can grow and improve alongside the player’s level. Additionally, the skills these artifacts possess may also become more powerful over time.
“I’ve gained another extraordinary skill with the knuckles,” Broken said hesitantly, trying to contain his excitement. “The fourth skill lets me call upon the creature inside the knuckles to fight alongside me.”
“So, another minion to summon then?” Freya asked quietly as she also examined the skill’s description. “With a 15-minute duration and a 30-minute cooldown, that’s a pretty generous timeframe. You could complete an entire battle and let the summon do most of the work,” she chuckled.
“Let me try the skill,” Broken said enthusiastically.
Taking a deep breath, he tried to silence his thoughts and focus on the knuckles. His senses grew acute as a mysterious voice began permeating his mind – deep, resonant tones of an adult man emanating from within.
“Master, I devote my soul to you,” the voice declared. “I will assist you in battle whenever you need me.”
A wide smile appeared on his face as he nodded in acknowledgment. This would surely be a powerful ally at his side when battling against fierce foes.
[Summon the Guardian (Active Skill)]
His hands trembled with excitement as he raised the knuckles into the air. The blades began to hum and vibrate, sending strange energy rippling through his muscles. Suddenly, vines sprouted and wrapped around his wrist like living tendrils.
The plant life grew thicker and more abundant, entwining itself around the knuckles. With a swift motion, Broken launched the knuckles across the clearing. The weapon soared gracefully, landing with a solid thud on the ground below.
Then, something incredible happened: where there had only been two knuckles on the floor with random, intertwining vines, now stood a creature made entirely of plants. The creature already had the knuckles on its hands. This warrior-like figure towered over them, standing at least 2.1 meters (6.8 feet) tall with a slender body. Its plant armor and flowing robe gleamed in the sunlight, streaming through the broken glass window.
The Plant Creature bowed deeply and knelt as Broken approached it.
“I am ready to fight for you, Master.”
“Do you have any name?”
“No, Master, but I would be very happy if you gave me a name.”
Freya stepped up beside Broken. “You don’t intend to give this creature a strange name, do you?”
“Don’t worry, I have a good sense of naming,” he replied warmly.
“I don’t trust you.”
“Okay, I’ll give you the name Dendros, based on ‘dendro,’ Greek for tree,” Broken declared confidently.
The Plant Creature seemed pleased with its new name and rose from its kneeling position, ready and willing to serve its master.
[Name: Dendros]
[Level: 200]
[Race: Guardian Treant]
[Health: 3,120 | Mana: 2,520]
[Strength: 455 | Agility: 790 | Intelligence: 210 | Constitution: 312 | Stamina: 328]
Broken read over Dendros’s overall stats and couldn’t help but feel amazed. “This skill really feels overpowered when I can summon a creature of such a high level. Even though I’m just a level 80 player, its total stats are so high that I’m certain it can take down a member of The Ass Guild with the Legendary Knuckles in its hands!”
Freya shook her head in disbelief. “I was about to comment on the name you chose for it, but it’s too late. And honestly, I can’t believe you got all these upgrades today. It’s like you bought out an entire store, Broken.”
Broken had previously acquired a contract with Queen Gaia, which had already significantly upgraded his arsenal. Now, with the addition of another Legendary weapon, his potential in combat had multiplied dramatically in such a short time.
He walked over to a seat in the center of the room, his head spinning with all the responsibilities and newfound power he had to manage. He took a deep breath and said, “I’ve got too many things on my plate. I hope this is the last major update for a while.”
He then proceeded to check the description of the one ticket he had received after successfully crafting a Legendary Item, eager to see what further opportunities it might unlock.
[Blueprint Creative Creation Ticket]
[This ticket allows you to design your own blueprint-be it your strongest weapon or the equipment you take into battle. Just remember, you have to balance between materials, item level, requirements, and the skills you desire. Otherwise, you might end up with something like a flamethrower that only shoots marshmallows-not very effective in battle! But don’t worry if you get it right, you’ll have a blueprint that’s sure to be a winner.] Broken closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to sift through the jumble of information swirling in his head.
Freya and Ivana approached and seated themselves close to him.
“I acquired a ticket that allows me to design my own blueprint,” he muttered, “for either a weapon or equipment.”
“Excellent,” Freya whispered approvingly. “I think you should hold onto that ticket until you determine exactly what kind of blueprint you want to design, right?”
Broken smiled weakly. He leaned back on the couch, letting his weary body relax as he tried to
calm his mind.
“Alright,” he began slowly, “First, I must undertake a quest to craft another four Legendary Items to become a Legendary Blacksmith. Second, I’ve acquired a Legendary Knuckles that allows me to control vines from afar and summon a Guardian Treant to fight for me. Third, I have acquired a ticket that enables me to design my own blueprint.”
“I think everything is looking good,” Freya commented. “But you need to take some rest for a while. Elincia and the others seem eager to meet with you soon,” she added reassuringly.
“Elincia?” Broken inquired.
“They mentioned they have good news for you. I hope it’s really something positive, given they’ve been pondering over this situation for the past few days,” she remarked. Broken then stood up and glanced at the Guardian Treant still standing in the room. “Can I unsummon you?” he asked, lifting his hand. The Guardian Treant dissolved into green energy, and the Knuckles floated back toward him. He stored the knuckles in his inventory. “It’s okay. I don’t really need to rest. Can we meet them now?” he stated with resolve. (Author’s Note: Thank you to everyone who has followed along this far. Volume 1 – Crafting The Legendary Path concludes here.)