Born in Blood

Liam's nickname in the peasantry and underground was 'The Young Butcher'.

He was named this because of all the magical beasts he would bring to various establishments, such as restaurants, pill stores, and even forgemasters.

As it turned out, forging had its own entire branch of knowledge, similar to cultivation and alchemy. They used their own techniques and methods of forgery, but mastery of such a rigorous art depended only on hardwork and sheer persistence.

Still, the weapons made by the underground forgemasters weren't as good as store-bought inscribed weapons, which is why Liam opted for the latter.

Liam had made more than a few connections with the rich businessmen underground, and he headed there as soon as the sun rose.

However, before he left, he made sure to reassure Eve of his well-being and update her on his achievements.

Liam was headed to a particular pill shop, donning a hood over his usual clothing.

The store owner was one he was on the best terms with.

He was a lanky, rosy-skinned old man by the name of Rudolph, with a vibrant beard that covered his chin, an air of experience and tempered knowledge surrounding him.

Liam entered his small store, a pair of female servants wearing dark blue outfits stood to the sides of the entrance.

Pills were sealed and stacked on wooden shelves covering the walls of the store, and a pharmaceutical smell covered the air.

Liam gazed at the various kinds of medicine being displayed, differing in size and color. Under the displays, were a metal plate describing them, along with their rank.

Pills that increased the user's speed, pills that increased strength; there were tablets virtually of any kind.

However, most of the pills there were weak and lasted for mere moments — as stated by their Rank. This was to be expected, since Rudolph's shop wasn't too developed compared to other stores.

This was one of the reasons Liam had chosen to do business with him, since he could sell him Rank-1 magical beasts for a decent price.

Rudolph spotted the young man entering his store and instantly beamed. He waved his hand, and the servants closed the store off and entered the backrooms.

"Young Butcher! I reckon you've gotten another load of magical beasts you want to sell?" The shopkeeper questioned joyously.

Liam nodded. "It depends. I've got a few favors to ask."

Rudolph raised his brows. "Well, by all means. If it's in my power, I'll try to fulfill your request."

Liam took out two pills from his space-ring, one silver and one purple.

"Do you know what these are for?"

Rudolph accepted the pills and inspected them for a moment, before nodding his head.

"This one here can restore mental energy to full capacity when used." He pointed at the silver pill, before moving to the purple pill.

His eyes widened as he inspected it thoroughly.

"If this is what I think it is, it's worth more than 750 'Ora' Stones!" Rudolph said with shock in his tone.

750 'Ora' Stones were no small amount. It could even fund an entire village for a full five years.

"It's a bone strengthening pill. It can help you reach the peak of a stage body wise, as long as it's below the third and fourth rank." Rudolph revealed.

"Not only that, but the strengthening remains permanent. I'd love to buy this from you. I'll even add 200 Stones extra."

Liam was entirely satisfied.

'I'll instantly use those pills and do a lengthy session with the Psionic Rune. The bone strengthening pill can wait after I reach the upper-stage of Rank-2.'

He instantly denied Rudolph's offer before asking him for instructions on how to use it.

The shop owner obviously didn't explain the process for free, but Liam didn't mind.

After the transactions were over, Liam took out a few Rank-1 magical beast corpses for Rudolph to freely use.

"One more thing. Do you know any knowledgeable forgemasters in the underground? I need to have my blades fixed."

Rudolph turned pensive, but it looked as though someone had come into mind.

"Well, yes… but you might find his personality a bit difficult. He may or may not like you, and he only offers his services to people he likes."

Liam took his offer and was given a green token with Rudolph's shop insignia, as well as directions.

Shortly after those words, he arrived at said place.

It was a large square hut, a chimney bellowing out smog from above. The smell of coal and steel warmed the surrounding air.

Loud 'clang' and 'bang' noises resonated from within it.

Forgemasters usually worked in such a place, but with other facilities for customers. This location, on the other hand, worked only for the blacksmith himself — and didn't even have a banner or logo.

Liam took a step inside and assessed his surroundings, when a deep and heavy voice shouted.

"Hold up!"

A tall and stout man walked out of a metal door — extreme heat wafting from that room — his arms and face darkened black, while his face looked naturally stern.

He wore black clothing with no sleeves, exposing his broad shoulders, and a plain apron that covered his chest and extended past his abdomen to his knees.

His eyes were a deep brown, and his spiked hair tinted dark red with few strands of white. A thick, manly beard covered his jaw.

The man towered over Liam with his giant frame, a menacing air surrounding him.

"You lost?"