Overgeared: Babylon

Chapter 19: Grinding 2



[Your understanding of the Nightedge has increased to 100%]

[The production method of the Nightedge has been acquired.]

"Few~ finally finished," Gilgamesh said, letting out a sigh of relief. He wiped the sweat from his brow and stretched, his muscles aching from the hours of intense focus.

Gilgamesh was satisfied with his work, although he still hadn't made a new sword just yet and only raised his understanding of his battle gear to get the production method.

The other blacksmiths in the smithy, who had been watching Gilgamesh work since the previous day, murmured among themselves in awe.

"Ohh! It's still amazing as always," one of them said, his voice filled with admiration.

"A talent that can't be replicated," another added, shaking his head in disbelief. "Are we witnessing the second coming of Pagma?"

The atmosphere in the smithy was electric, the air thick with respect and wonder. It wasn't every day that they saw such raw talent and skill, and they were willing to stay for hours just to watch Gilgamesh work.

Gilgamesh, not minding if there is a spectator, is lost in thought of what he will do next.

"What I will do....?" 

He already had everything he needed—top-tier weapons, durable armor, and a fortune in gold thanks to Kaela's craftsmanship and his own knack for stumbling upon treasure, he lacked nothing.

Except...

"Stats.." Gilgamesh realized that what he lacked now was stats, especially after his level was reset.

"Yeah, let's make weapons good enough to increase my stats." He opened the skills window and confirmed the 'Blacksmith Craftsmanship Skill.'

[Blacksmith Craftsmanship Skill]

Lv: Master

Produce equipment items that you know how to make.

There is a certain probability of creating Rare rated items.

There is a low probability of creating Epic rated items.

There is a rare probability of creating Unique rated items.

* Due to the effect of mastering the skill, the attributes of all items are increased by 10%.

* When Rare rated items are produced, all stats will permanently rise by +2.

Reputation throughout the continent will rise by +30. 

* When Epic rated items are produced, all stats will permanently rise by +4.

Reputation throughout the continent will rise by +80.

* When Unique rated items are produced, all stats will permanently rise by +12.

Reputation throughout the continent will rise by +300.

Gilgamesh's eyes gleamed as he read the details. Previously, when his blacksmithing was only at the intermediate level, the probability of producing higher-rated items was much lower. But now, as a Master Blacksmith, he had a much better chance of creating Rare, Epic, and even Unique items.

But that wasn't all. As Pagma's Successor, Gilgamesh also had access to the Legendary Blacksmith's Craftsmanship Skill, which took his abilities to an entirely new level.

[Legendary Blacksmith's Craftsmanship Skill]

Lv. 1

Produce equipment items that you know how to make.

You can create the production methods for a new item with the 'Legendary Blacksmith's Creation' skill.

There is a certain probability of producing Rare~Epic rated items.

There is a rare probability of creating Unique rated items.

There is a very rare probability of creating Legendary rated items.

*All stats of a production item will increase by 10%.

* When Rare rated items are produced, all stats will permanently rise by +2 and reputation throughout the continent will rise by +30.

* When Epic rated items are produced, all stats will permanently rise by +4 and reputation throughout the continent will rise by +80.

* When Unique rated items are produced, all stats will permanently rise by +12 and reputation throughout the continent will rise by +300.

* When Legendary rated items are produced, all stats will permanently rise by +25 and reputation throughout the continent will rise by +1,000.

* Something special will occur with every five legendary items created.

"Whistle that is something," Gilgamesh said, his admiration evident as he read through the skill's effects.

While the possibility of creating Legendary items was enticing, Gilgamesh knew that the real prize lay in the Epic and Unique items. The stat bonuses from these items were substantial, and the probabilities of creating them were much higher.

He knew that the stat rewards for creating Legendary items would decrease after the first five and ten, so he wasn't in a rush to produce them. Instead, he would milk the Epic and Unique items for all they were worth, steadily increasing his stats and reputation with every creation.

After finalizing his decision, Gilgamesh then took a large quantity of black iron from the warehouse. He chose this mineral not only because it's relatively easy to get from the market, but it's also because of the characteristics of black iron itself which were two times harder and three times lighter than ordinary iron.

The furnace roared to life as Gilgamesh poured the black iron, coke, and limestone into its fiery maw. The flames danced wildly, casting flickering shadows across the workshop. He positioned himself at the bellows, his feet pressing down rhythmically to stoke the fire. At that moment, a translucent arrow materialized before his eyes, glowing faintly in the dim light. It pointed to one side of the bellows, blinking in a steady, almost musical tempo. This was one of the many perks of being Pagma's Successor—the system's guidance, which streamlined even the most complex processes.

Gilgamesh followed the arrow's rhythm, his movements precise and deliberate. The furnace's temperature soared, and within three minutes, the interior glowed a fierce orange. It was a stark contrast to the ten minutes it used to take him before inheriting Pagma's legacy. A satisfied grin spread across his face as he wiped the sweat from his brow. The heat was intense, but it was a familiar discomfort, one that came with the territory of being a blacksmith.

As the coke burned and the limestone began to react, the black iron ore gradually transformed. Its dark surface softened, turning a molten yellow-orange as the impurities separated from the metal. Gilgamesh worked tirelessly, alternating between filtering out the slag and maintaining the furnace's heat. His hands moved with practiced ease, each motion a testament to his growing mastery of the craft.

[You are extremely concentrated and the Legendary Blacksmith's Breath skill has been activated.]

[The Legendary Blacksmith's Breath has increased the effectiveness of your production items]

[Legendary Blacksmith's Breath]

Lv. 1

When you are concentrating on making an item, the will of Pagma's Successor will fill the production item.

All stats of a production item will increase by 5%.

There is a rare chance of giving special features to your production items.

[The Legendary Blacksmith's Patience skill has been activated. Concentration, stamina, and defense will rise to the extremes for one hour.]

Not minding the notification that appeared, Gilgamesh's eyes took strange light as his concentration reached its peak.

Finally, the time came to shape the weapon. Gilgamesh carefully extracted the glowing slab of black iron, its radiant heat washing over him like a wave. He placed it on the anvil, the surface hissing as it made contact. Gripping his hammer tightly, he began to strike the metal, each blow ringing out like a bell. The rhythmic clang of hammer against iron filled the workshop, a symphony of creation.

[Your dexterity has risen.]

[Your persistence has risen.]

As he worked, the greatsword began to take shape. The blade grew longer and broader, its edges sharp and precise. Gilgamesh's vision for the weapon was clear—a greatsword that embodied both power and elegance, a weapon worthy of a legend. He poured his focus into every strike, every adjustment until the blade gleamed with a dark, almost otherworldly sheen.

[A unique rated item was produced, so all stats have permanently risen by +12, and reputation throughout the continent has risen by +300]

[The title 'First Unique Item Maker' has been acquired.]

By the time he was finished, the greatsword lay before him, its form both imposing and refined. The black iron gave it a menacing, predatory appearance, despite its simple design. It was almost crude in its construction, resembling a giant cleaver or a jagged chunk of metal rather than a meticulously crafted weapon. Yet, there was an undeniable aura of power emanating from it, as if the blade itself was alive and thirsting for battle.

Gilgamesh wiped the sweat from his brow, his chest heaving from the exertion. He reached out and grasped the hilt of the greatsword, lifting it with ease despite its considerable weight. The blade felt perfectly balanced in his hands, as though it had been forged specifically for him. A faint hum seemed to resonate from the metal, as if it was responding to his touch.

[Black Greatsword]

Rating: Unique

Durability: 589/589

Attack Power: 350~890

Defense: 50

* Agility +5

* There is a low probability of blocking the enemy's attacks.

* There is a high probability of activating the 'Tectonic Cleave' skill.

* The skill 'Earthbind' will be created.

This greatsword was created by a legendary blacksmith whose will created a sword that crushed his enemy.

User Restrictions: Level 120 or higher, more than 300 strength, Intermediate Sword Mastery Lv.3

Weight: 600

Gilgamesh's eyes widened as he read through the details. A Unique-grade weapon on his first attempt? This was beyond his expectations. The stats were impressive, and the added skills—Tectonic Cleave and Earthbind—were nothing to scoff at. He could already imagine the devastation this blade would wreak on the battlefield.

"Fufufu... Hahahaha!" Gilgamesh's laughter echoed through the workshop, a mix of pride and exhilaration. He couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction. This was proof of his growth, a tangible result of his efforts to master Pagma's legacy.

"Good~ with this, my stats will rise in no time," he murmured, his voice tinged with excitement. He swung the greatsword experimentally, the blade cutting through the air with a low, resonant hum. The weight felt perfect, and the added agility bonus would make him even more formidable in combat. He could already envision himself cleaving through hordes of enemies, the Black Greatsword shining like a beacon of destruction.

After a moment of admiration, Gilgamesh stored the greatsword in his inventory. The weapon would serve him well, but he wasn't done yet. There was still more to create, more to achieve. His workshop was filled with materials waiting to be transformed, and his mind buzzed with ideas for his next project.

He turned back to the furnace, the flames still roaring fiercely. The heat washed over him, but he barely noticed. His focus was absolute, his determination unshakable. He reached for another chunk of black iron, his hands moving with practiced precision. The rhythmic clang of hammer against metal soon filled the workshop once more, a symphony of creation that echoed his relentless drive.

As he worked, Gilgamesh's mind wandered. He thought of the battles to come, the enemies he would face, the Saharan Empire, Great Demon, God and Dragon also the legacy he would leave behind. The Black Greatsword was just the beginning. With each strike of the hammer, he felt himself growing stronger, more capable. He was no longer just a blacksmith or a warrior—he was a creator, a force of nature shaping his own destiny.

And he wouldn't stop until he reached the pinnacle.

***

"Hmm~~ hmmm~"

While Gilgamesh was busy honing his blacksmithing skills in Patrian, Kaela was working on her task in Bairan Village, a small but bustling settlement near the border of the Reinhardt Kingdom. Her mission was clear: secure a plot of land and lay the groundwork for their future home and smithy.

Unlike in Patrian, where they had simply purchased an existing house, Gilgamesh had decided to build their new home from the ground up. He wanted a space that was tailored to their needs—a place where they could work, live, and grow together.

Kaela walked through the village, her sharp eyes scanning the available plots of land. She had a clear idea of what Gilgamesh wanted: a large space with plenty of room for a smithy, multiple chimneys to prevent heat from getting trapped, and easy access to resources like ore and wood.

"This one," she said to herself, stopping in front of a spacious plot on the outskirts of the village. The area was surrounded by trees, providing both privacy and a ready supply of materials. The ground was flat and solid, perfect for building a sturdy foundation.

Kaela nodded in satisfaction. "This will do."

As she walked around the plot, Kaela began to visualize the layout of their future home. The smithy would be the centerpiece, of course—a large, open space with multiple forges and workstations. She imagined the sound of hammers striking metal, the glow of the fires, and the smell of molten ore filling the air.

"We'll need at least three chimneys," she muttered, sketching a rough layout in her notebook. "One for each forge, and maybe an extra one for ventilation. And the living quarters should be close enough to the smithy for convenience, but far enough to avoid the noise and heat."

Her mind raced with ideas, each one more detailed than the last. She knew that Gilgamesh would appreciate her attention to detail, and she was determined to create a space that would meet his high standards.

As Kaela continued to plan, her thoughts turned to Gilgamesh. She had grown accustomed to his presence, his constant chatter, and his infectious enthusiasm. Working alongside him in the smithy had become second nature, and she couldn't imagine doing it with anyone else.

"He'd better appreciate this," she said with a faint smile, "I'm not just building a smithy—I'm building a home." After living together for more than eight months, Kaela naturally becomes very close to Gilgamesh. Maybe at first, she reversed him as savior and his master to repay his deed for her, but now they are more than that, they can even be considered a close family at this point.

"Time to get to work," she said, her voice filled with resolve.


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