Is this really a Game?!

Aelrinder nodded appreciatively and followed Adrian into the smithy, the rest of the team trailing behind. The smithy was a bustling place filled with the clinking of metal, the roar of the forge, and the scent of burning coals. Tools of all shapes and sizes hung on the walls, and half-finished projects littered the workbenches.

Adrian led Aelrinder to a large table covered in blueprints and various crafting materials. "Sit," he instructed, pulling out a chair. Aelrinder did as told, and Adrian began laying out different types of metals, crystals, and other components.

"We'll start with the design," Adrian said, rolling out a large sheet of parchment. "Tell me what you're looking for in this spear."

Aelrinder thought for a moment. "I want something that combines elegance with power, something similar to the weapon I already use."

"A spear that can channel the power of the stars effectively but also offers versatility in combat, it should be able to strike quickly and accurately."

Adrian nodded, sketching a rough outline. "Got it, and the materials, do you have any preferences?"

"The spear should be light but strong, able to withstand intense battles without breaking, if it could enhance my agility, that would be a bonus."

"It's going to be a rank SSS weapon at the very least durability will not be an issue."

"We'll use star rock for the main shaft—lightweight and strong, not to mention very good for your ability."

"For the blade, we'll integrate adamantium for durability and some starfire crystals to channel your energy, we'll also add elements that will enhance your wind ability."

As Adrian sketched, the spear took form on the parchment. It was a sleek design, with a long, slender shaft that tapered to a razor-sharp blade. The blade itself was etched with intricate patterns that resembled constellations, designed to focus and amplify Aelrinder's star power.

After all, when it comes to weapons of higher ranks, it wasn't only materials that gave them their power, the patterns, the runes, everything would help improve the weapon as everything would be done with the help of mana.

"How does this look?" Adrian asked, showing the sketch to Aelrinder.

"I like it, a bit thinner than my own spear, but it should be good enough," Aelrinder said as Adrian chuckled.

"Don't worry, this is just a rough sketch, a weapon like this one will take some time to be made, not to mention that I won't be working on it alone."

"I'm sure that guy will be very surprised once he hears that we are making a weapon for you."

Aelrinder smiled and nodded his head as he knew what Adrian meant. He and the elven blacksmith had been working together for months now, and the overall capability of the elven smith had increased thanks to working with such an incredible blacksmith for so long.

Still, they were mostly making weapons and suits of armor for humans as the number of elves present was much lower compared to them. The elf was always happy when making an item for other elves, and he would be ecstatic to make a weapon for Aelrinder, the captain of the royal guards and the one who was only below the queen when it came to the hierarchy amongst the elves.

"For now, you guys go and do what you usually do, this will take a week or longer to be created," Adrian said as he exited the smithy with Aelrinder, causing the others to nod at him as they understood how difficult it was to make such a powerful item.

"Alright, let's go rest, and then we will resume our exploration of the underground, we got such an incredible thing today, who knows what we will find next." Reign said as the others nodded their heads and smiled.

The days following their return to Doncaster were filled with a mix of rest, preparation, as well as exploration of the underground area.

Reign, always the leader, used the time to plan their next moves. He coordinated with Mia and Shadow, ensuring they had the latest intelligence on Nicholas's movements and any other potential threats.

The rest of the time was spent training and refining their skills, readying themselves for the challenges ahead, and heading down in the underground to fight more monsters and try to come across something like the ruins.

They were unable to find anything of the sort, however.

They had mostly just fought large groups of monsters that would be led by mini-bosses, they also occasionally came across some bosses, all of which were too strong for them to defeat.

Twice they actually had to flee mere minutes after arriving in the underground area thanks to the fact that there was a boss very close to the elevator.

They actually managed to come across a wounded boss once and decided to try their best to kill it, only to be forced to run away again after another boss, probably the one that had wounded the boss they came across, arrived and started attacking them.

The boss was a peak Tier VI monster, and was incredibly powerful, more powerful than they were, thus, they fled, letting it take the wounded boss and decimate it.

A week passed, and Adrian called them back to the smithy. The anticipation was palpable as they gathered around, waiting to see the result of Adrian and the elven blacksmith's efforts.

When they entered the smithy, Adrian was standing by a large table, covered with a heavy cloth. The air was thick with the scent of burning coals and metal. The elven blacksmith was there too, his eyes gleaming with pride and excitement.

"Alright, everyone, gather around," Adrian said, his gruff voice betraying a hint of excitement. "We've put a lot of work into this, and I think you'll be pleased with the result."

With a flourish, Adrian pulled back the cloth, revealing the new spear. It was a masterpiece. The shaft was sleek and dark, made from the star rock that Adrian had mentioned. It shimmered faintly in the light, giving off an aura of power and elegance.

The blade was slender and deadly sharp, with intricate patterns that seemed to dance with the energy of the stars. The edge of the blade glowed faintly, hinting at the power contained within.

Aelrinder stepped forward, his eyes wide with amazement. He reached out, his fingers brushing the surface of the spear. The moment he touched it, a pulse of energy surged through him, connecting him to the weapon.

"You have come three times to match your mana with the weapon before it was fully created, it now recognizes only you, and it will automatically connect itself with you thanks to the orb," Adrian said with a proud smirk on his face.

Aelrinder grasped the spear, feeling the power resonate through his body. The connection was immediate and profound as if the weapon had been a part of him all along. He swung it experimentally, the blade cutting through the air with a faint hum.

"It's... perfect," Aelrinder said, his voice filled with awe. "Thank you, Adrian, and you, too sir," he added, nodding to the elven blacksmith.

The elven blacksmith smiled, a rare look of satisfaction on his face. "It was an honor to work on such a weapon for you, Captain, may it serve you well."

Adrian grunted, clearly pleased with their reaction. "Now, this spear isn't just for show. It has been crafted to channel both your star power and your wind abilities effectively."

"The patterns on the blade help to focus and amplify your energy, while the materials we've used ensure it will withstand even the toughest battles."

"Of course, thanks to the orb, the power of the stars will be most affected and strengthened, but the wind ability you have will definitely not be ignored."

Aelrinder nodded, his grip tightening on the spear. "I can feel the difference already, this will be invaluable in our future battles."

The team spent some time discussing the spear's capabilities and testing its various features. Aelrinder found that not only did the spear enhance his existing powers, but it also allowed for more precise control over his abilities. The blade's intricate patterns seemed to draw in and focus his energy, making each strike more powerful and efficient.

Reign watched with a sense of satisfaction. They had come a long way, and this new weapon was a testament to their hard work and determination. But there was still much to be done.

"Alright," Reign said, his voice breaking through the excitement. "We have the spear, and we're stronger for it, but we can't lose sight of our main goal."

"We need to reach Tier VII as quickly as possible, the underground is the best way to do so, but it is incredibly dangerous, we have already been forced to run away from plenty of battles, which I am sure has left a bad taste in our mouths."

"Moving forward, we continue exploring, we continue hunting, and if we do come across any more information on Nicholas and where he might be, we track the bastard down." Find more to read at mvl