Blacksmith of the Apocalypse

"So, this is what Simon said..."

The day after their inspection of Karina's work, Seth didn't directly delve into crafting again. The reason was other people doing their job. He was currently sitting in a meeting, while Evee presented the compilation of the information she got from Simon about the rankings.

As they had expected, the initial ranking was based on the basic skills of these classes and some other factors, with less importance. Simon also confirmed their suspicion that there was another way to rise in rankings.

Namely, challenges and achievements. Lower ranks could challenge higher ranks to direct duels in some cases or competitions in others. The other way was by collecting class-specific achievements and titles.

Of course, to challenge someone, they would first have to find out their names, in case the person didn't publish it. In the case of a challenge, both names and their ranks would be revealed. These options made it quite clear, that the leaderboards with their benefits were just another way of the system god to fan the flames and have the players struggle.

"However, that is not the end. Simon also revealed that the leaderboards are primarily a way for gods to look for champions. Except, that deities could see more than just the higher ranks. This meant that being higher on the list did not only come with direct benefits but could also improve one's chances to be chosen.

Despite Evee's persistent questioning, Simon had not explained more about how the gods perceived the rankings. Whether he didn't know, or just kept mum, Evee couldn't tell.

"I believe I found a problem. Won't people start a lot of random challenges to uncover the hidden names? " Lydia threw in the room.

"Won't people guess that strong people will be higher up on the board? Even if we hide our names on the rankings, we can't hide our names and strength in public, now. It's a little late for that."

Revealing their name made them a target. Not revealing it still meant they were a target. However-

"Yeah, but this only happens once challenges become public knowledge. Don't forget, that Evee specifically asked Simon. So unless someone directly inquires about it, there shouldn't be a problem," Link voiced out.

"We should also contact Al'Zalsar about this. We will need the government if we don't want random challenges " Mary asserted.

"Wait, why would we contact Al for that? What about Leana?" Seth asked confused.

"Ah, yes. I will also contact the princess," Mary added quickly. But not quick enough.

"Mary, you didn't answer my question. Why are we contacting Al about this?" the blacksmith insisted.

"Well, that is... It's your fault. You asked Al to push through with your weird defense system. When she faced opposition, she simply enchanted the opposition... She now has a lot more influence among Delta's leadership than us."

"Oh, so that's how it was. You could have just told me from the start. Don't differentiate. Al's power is our power."

Al was really reliable.

"Wait, you don't have any problem with the fact that Al used her powers to influence people?" Mary asked baffled.

"How is it different from using money to get our way? It's a nice and peaceful solution to deal with people that don't listen to logic and reason. Compared to what she COULD do... Although you might not believe me, Al is not a very nice person. It's great that she only enchanted some of them."

Nobody in the room knew Al as well, as Seth. That the sorceress didn't opt to turn the whole government into a brainwashed puppet council out of convenience was a big plus. Though he didn't know whether she refrained from doing so because of her respect for Seth, or to stay under the radar of Chrona.

Leana and her cronies would probably notice when the whole leadership of Delta turned into mind-controlled puppets. Since the Chrona Empire aimed for leisure reign over free-willed and happy people, they might have acted against them. Or at least give them a strict scolding.

"Okay, okay. I don't want to know. Let's get to the next point. Are you ready for your speech on Friday? I talked with Vladimir and Captain Hesing and introduced them to the new promotional material. They agreed to support our cause the best they can," Mary transitioned to another topic.

Seth had been busy and didn't have the time to meet with the vampire since his return. He also kind of avoided it since he didn't want to. The blacksmith didn't really like Vladimir. The vampire was indebted to him, but Seth didn't find his character very sympathetic.

Especially, when he was hailed as a hero by the people of Sigma, which was in stark contrast to how Seth came to know him. It was a shame that Genevieve had vanished after their transport to Delta. Although there were reports that she arrive in delta, she had not shown up ever since. Not even to bother Vladimir for revenge.

The blacksmith wouldn't have minded if Genevieve joined Minas Mar.

"Seth?"

"Hmm? Oh, yeah. I'm ready. I finished my armor so far. There are still some small things, but they have to wait until after."

Afterward, the meeting quickly came to an end. After some small talk, the blacksmith returned to the workshop. Seth still had some more items he wanted to make or complete to perfect his load out.

For one, he had to work on his rings. He wanted to make a replacement for the Wyvern Ring, which had lost a lot of its use without the rest of the set. His Lucky Trinket and the Feather of the Beast still lacked a fitting soul. Slowly he would also have to think about what to do about his epic necklace, the Eye of Argus.

Once he added a soul and an Olympian enchantment to them, he was sure these rings would rise to at least a relic rating. However, he lacked souls and materials for all of them. The business for high-grade souls was no candy shop, so Seth could only commission Tano Mol to keep his eyes peeled. It was similar to his plan to improve the chances of his friends becoming chosen ones. He lacked the materials. For now, he could only concentrate on making the Faer 2.0.

…

It was cold. So bitter cold and dark. It felt different from being a mere soul, this place felt cramped and cold. He had promised a new chance. A way to make amends, to-

Eerie music started playing. An otherworldly clear flute and the seductive play of strings promised him a way out. As if they tried to lead his steps in the darkness. They were joined by a voice he couldn't understand.

With the voice came a change and he felt the tremors of music penetrate his very core.

"Urgh, why?"

Memories kept pouring in. Memories of a life that had ended long ago. Actions and decisions he came to despise when it was already much too late. His memories, his regrets he had kept clinging to were kept being played over and over.

The times he had bent to other wills. The person he had become because he had tread on paths others had chosen for him. His father pushing him to enter the army. The first time he killed at his superior's command.

Why was this music torturing him? What was it expecting?

For decades these regrets had haunted him, but he was never forced to face them so clearly.

Over and over, he was so tired. He became numb to the faults he put on others. It was not them who had bent him. He had bent to their will. In the end, it did not change what he became in the end.

It was as if something broke. In the darkness before him something took shape. He had not seen anything for a time he couldn't count, but now something appeared before him.

A young man, barely in his twenties. His leather armor and sword were stained in blood. A man drunk on his power. Someone who brought doom to the people he loved because of his own arrogance.

The music kept pouring into his mind. Cold and clear became the strongest memory he had left. Feeling the life waning from his daughter's body in his arms. He could almost feel the small lifeless hand he had held for hours.

He finally became aware of what the tune was expecting of him. The soul faced the image of his past self.

"I know I may end up failing, too. But all I want to do ...Is be more like me and be less like you."

He opened his eyes, facing a man accompanied by a floating Lyre and Panpipes. His body was wet but the warm air of the room made him feel comfortable.

"Phew, this one took a moment. Are you awake yet? Here, take a towel and some clothes. Dry yourself and wait over there," the weird man told him and handed him a bundle of foreign clothes.

As awkward as this man seemed to him, he instinctively knew that he was his benefactor. The man he made a contract with. The man who gave him a second chance.

"Thank you," he said with a deep bow, before following the orders.

"It's okay. Get dressed and sit down with the others," he said friendly and pointed to the room beyond the door where a few others were sitting, staring at their hands and touching their faces.