Chapter 54

The 22nd day of summer.

After eating the breakfast made by Evangelin (Anne ate with us), I did some morning work.

This so-called “work” was nothing but farming as always.

After finishing the work, I headed to the mine to gather materials.

In order to leave Suri behind to go to the mine, which made her a little uneasy, I managed to convince her and left her at home.

With Jack and Evangelin also at home, Suri seemed somewhat reassured.

I briefly returned in the evening for dinner, then went back to the mine and devoted myself entirely to mining.

It was the first time in a while that I had spent an entire day at the mine.

When I returned, Suri greeted me despite being on the verge of dozing off.

Struggling to keep her heavy eyelids open, she clung to me.

How could anyone not love this child?

Gently stroking her, I lay down with Suri on the bed.

—

The 23rd day of summer.

Yesterday’s routine repeated itself today.

After eating the meal prepared by Evangelin, I calmed Suri and headed to the mine.

While gathering materials, I reviewed magic during my breaks.

—

I couldn’t help but feel regret buying Orichalcum ingots for 15,000 gold each, which pushed me to study magic more diligently.

Currently, the only thing I can’t obtain is Ether-infused ingots.

Thus ended another day, no different from the 22nd.

—

[Advanced Mining Level 1 Achieved! Select your Advanced Effect!]

[1. Increase ingot production efficiency by 20%.]

[2. Random additional minerals appear when mining.]

Mining has reached the advanced level!

The joy of growth greeted me first.

Soon after, the familiar pain caused my head to slightly spin.

Thankfully, it’s all within the system—a dream—so that’s fortunate.

I checked my bag for painkillers and defensive buff food before exhaling the breath I’d been holding.

This was important to me.

The memory of the first time I experienced such pain without preparation is unforgettable.

Selecting options reflexively became second nature whenever I saw the word “advanced.”

Taking a deep breath, I reviewed the choices calmly: a 20% increase in production efficiency or random mineral drops.

Consulting the encyclopedia for more details…

A 20% increase in the abilities of the ingots themselves.

This means any crafted item made from those ingots would have its effectiveness boosted by 20%.

For example, creating a level 50 equipment might result in a level 60 instead due to the 20% boost.

On the other hand, option two offers random additional minerals upon mining based purely on luck.

If fortune favors you, you might get Eterized ores or special metals found only in distant, extreme terrains like Infernal Fire from hell, Frost Iron from polar regions, or Eternal Metal from ruins.

Considering future possibilities, option one seems better overall.

Waiting around for uncertain outcomes isn’t as appealing as seeing a level 100 weapon turn into a level 120.

My finger naturally gravitated toward option one.

Even for the upcoming exploration of the Ruins of the Dragon, option one was the more efficient choice.

After finalizing my selection, I browsed the shop a bit before drifting off into a deep sleep.

—

The 24th day of summer.

Magic Beginner Level 4.

Mining finally reached Advanced Level 1.

“Ugh…”

That familiar sharp pain after a long absence.

Mining delivered a dull, heavy ache, as if cracks were forming all over my body.

My arms tingled, and certain parts of my body felt like they were about to shatter.

Every touch felt like glass breaking.

The backlash of experience and knowledge gained upon reaching the advanced level was immense.

I endured the pain by consuming defensive buff food and drinking painkillers.

My head felt numb and tingly.

Sweat drenched my back as I leaned against the chair, waiting quietly for the pain to pass.

Farming.

Fishing.

Mining.

Already three skills have reached the advanced level.

It feels rewarding knowing how hard I’ve worked.

Sitting in the chair, I groaned faintly as Evangelin arrived home.

Hiding my pain, I ate breakfast as usual and headed out for work.

Thanks to the effects of the buffs and painkillers, my mind gradually cleared as the pain lessened.

Morning work was routine as always.

Finishing tasks mechanically until lunch.

Since Evangelin came, this routine solidified into a fixed daily schedule.

Breakfast, lunch, and the work in between.

As natural as an office worker heading to the office.

Only after lunch does my personal work truly begin.

Mostly fishing, mining, logging, crafting, combat, and magic—all within the same skill categories.

Though varied, it’s essentially the same grind.

Day after day, I’ve been repeating this cyclical life like turning a wheel.

But it’s neither boring nor unpleasant.

Occasionally, adventures or trades bring some variation.

Today’s task was crafting.

Ores collected through diligent work had long been smelted into ingots, neatly stacked in my bag.

Looking at them brought a quiet satisfaction.

Building steady internal strength feels like this, doesn’t it?

At the crafting table, I opened the equipment menu.

Empty four slots of gear.

Low-level treasures used thus far.

I planned to replace at least seven minimum slots.

That’s why I went mining.

—

Glancing through the available crafting options, a rare item caught my eye.

An equipment requiring [Dark Flame] as material.

Type: Long Sword.

Depending on the materials added, it could become either a Dark Flame Iron Sword or a Dark Flame Mithril Sword.

—

Curiosity piqued, I invested the materials.

Basic framework: Mithril.

Added sharpness with Obsidian.

Compensated for reduced durability with Orichalcum.

Finished by dropping the Dark Flame onto the sword.

The resulting form of the sword, darkly glowing with flames, was quite impressive.

Instead of Mithril’s usual silver hue, it resembled the color of twilight skies.

—

Indeed.

The blade’s color mirrored Suri’s eyes.

—

[Dark Flame Mithril Sword]

Lv.68

Combat +2

Pain Reduction +1

Anti-Magic Resistance +1

“Romantic Flame” – Dark flames are generated along the path the sword swings.

—

Despite the high material cost, the sword was worth it.

Level 68, Dark Flame Mithril Sword.

Not just the level but the attached description pleased me.

—

“Romantic Flame”

The phrase promising flames trailing every swing was heart-stirring.

—

I paused my equipment crafting to take the sword outside and test it.

Upon gripping the hilt, a calm settled over me, sharpening my senses.

This must be the activation of the Combat skill and the sword’s additional 2 levels.

—

Nodding, I slowly swung the sword.

—

Slash!

—

“Wow.”

—

A circular trail of fire followed the cut through the air.

The dark flame lingered briefly before dissipating into black smoke and ash.

Without further movement, the fiery glow evaporated into thin air.

—

Fun.

I immediately understood why it was called “Romantic Flame.”

—

I drew the sword again, carving arcs and lines.

The dark flames persisted for about a second.

Eventually, the glowing darkness faded into obscurity, leaving behind fleeting wisps of black smoke.

—

Its practicality in battle remains unclear.

There may be inconveniences for me, but there are definite advantages too.

The heat, slightly mitigated by Anti-Magic Resistance, still affected me.

—

Though excellent for attack power, adapting to its vision-obscuring effects will require practice.

—

Still, the romance factor is undeniable.

I swung the sword a few more times in the air.

The flames igniting with a whoosh looked splendid.

—

Thankfully, Suri wasn’t around to startle or feel uncomfortable from the heat.

—

Returning to the crafting table, I resumed making accessories.

No rare items were available, so I aimed to fill empty slots.

Golden Orichalcum.

Silver Mithril.

Both materials stood ready.

—

I refrained from using the Eterized ingots, saving them for the Warp Device.

—

Crafting a necklace.

Appearance wasn’t a priority.

Performance mattered most.

—

A golden necklace, its surface occasionally reflecting moonlight in silvery hues.

—

[Orichalcum Necklace]

Lv.64

Curse Resistance +2

Recovery +1

Action Speed +1

—

Using similar materials as a previous 55-level ring, yet the results differ significantly.

This is the effect of the 20% increased efficiency from upgraded ingots.

Each crafted item meets my expectations.

—

Glancing at my bag, materials were plentiful.

I proceeded to the next piece.

—

[Mithril Earring]

Lv.48

Status Maintenance +1

Happiness +1

—

[Mithril Earring]

Lv.51

Physical Protection +1

Dark Vision +1

Defense +1

—

“Hmm…”

A slight sigh of dissatisfaction escaped me.

Effects expand beyond two at level 50.

The earring stopping at level 48 felt slightly disappointing.

Status Maintenance maintaining constant condition is useful, but adding one more effect would have been nice.

—

Even with similar materials and methods, results vary widely.

—

Ultimately, it comes down to luck and material handling skills.

—

Once again, I appreciate the impact of the 20% efficiency boost.

Rather than remaking, I focused on replacing existing pieces methodically.

Level 48 isn’t insignificant.

—

Balancing Mithril as the base with small additions of Orichalcum.

—

Level 52 Mithril Ring.

Level 49 Mithril Gloves.

Level 50 Mithril Top.

Level 51 Mithril Bottom.

Level 54 Mithril Shoes.

—

Maximizing material usage led to these results.

Old equipment, unable to be dismantled, will be sold later.

—

Feels like equipping new gear in an RPG.

Though not actually playing such a game or primarily focusing on combat, new equipment always brings thrilling excitement.

—

Lastly, upgrading frequently-used tools.

Visiting the enchanting table, I enhanced Mithril-based gear with Orichalcum upgrades.

First upgraded were the pickaxe and axe.

Other enhancements were limited by insufficient materials.

—

“Phew.”

Exhaling deeply.

All resources gathered from mining and purchased gold were nearly depleted, but no regrets.

—

“Are you still working?”

—

Dust-covered crafting table.

Darkened surroundings unnoticed during intense focus.

Evangelin’s approach went unnoticed amidst my crafting.

—

“I’m done now.”

“You have so much dirt on your face. Let me clean you up…”

—

Evangelin gently wiped my face with a towel.

Her careful movements conveyed deep concern.

Even though the dirt would wash away easily, her care warmed my heart.

—

“Dinner is ready.”

“Already?”

“Yes.”

—

Had so much time passed already?

Completely absorbed in work, I hadn’t noticed the passing hours.

Following Evangelin inside, we enjoyed dinner together.

—

Suri fluttered down to perch on my shoulder.

Somehow missing her presence throughout the day made things feel empty.

Now, her talons pressing lightly against me brought comfort.

—

Enjoying a delicious dinner, we rested afterward.

The fatigue ignored during concentration now weighed heavily on my body.

After bidding farewell to Evangelin as she returned home, I washed up and went to bed early.

Thus concluded the day, a little earlier than usual.

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