Madlock's Fine Forges

Saad was looking at the character interphase and the silver mark on his armor caught his attention. Intrigued, he clicked on it, revealing a new upgrade option. The interface displayed the message:

[Armor Upgrade Available]

Use Shadow-Web Arachnid Queen Core to upgrade your armor.

Visit a blacksmith to proceed.

Saad's excitement grew. He unequipped the Shadow-web Arachnid Queen Armor and carefully stored it back in his inventory. This upgrade could potentially make him even more powerful, and he couldn't wait to see the results. He decided to go see the blacksmith right away as he put his earlier clothes back on. They had no impressive specs but at least he was wearing something. Saad got out of his room and went downstairs to get out of the house but saw Lavinia standing near the Kitchen, giving instructions to maids and Saad could feel that everyone was a lot more busy today. Before he could decide that he should ask or just leave.

Lavinia smiled at him warmly, "Kael, My lovely son. You didn't join us for breakfast. Did you get back home late again?" she had walked up to him. Her clothing spoke of sophistication without extravagance. Her gown, sewn from a rich plum-colored fabric, cascaded gracefully to the floor. The fabric was adorned with intricate patterns and subtle embroidery that caught the light in a way that added depth and texture to the ensemble. The neckline, modest and demure, was accentuated with a delicate ruffle of lace that framed her face.

Saad smiled up at her involuntarily and quickly activated the suggestion box, "Yes mother. As you know that I am trying my best to uphold your expectations of me." He had come forward and held Lavinia's hands that were so soft and Saad almost felt shy.

"You shouldn't work so hard. Your constitution is also weak. I just want you to live a comfortable." It seemed like Lavinia had given him those conditions so he would be unable to fulfil them and thus give on becoming an adventurer.

"Mother. I am always thinking of you and taking care of myself. Please don't worry so much." 'Kael' had given Lavinia a gentle hug and she held him, smiling gently and nodded.

"Alright. But you need to be early home. Your father and grandfather are coming back home." She said and before Saad could say anything, the quest popped up.

[Dinner Time]

Your father and grandfather are returning home after a long trading trip. Your mother wishes for you to be present at tonight's dinner.

-Quest Details-

Present at family dinner: Incomplete

Difficulty: None

Reward: None

Penalty: Your familiarity with your family decreases.

Taint Karma: +2

Time remaining: 10:00:00

Saad sighed at the seemingly mundane quest with no rewards but a penalty for failure. There was no way he could fail this quest now. Seeing the penalty really made him want to curse the developers.

"I will be there on time." He was glad that he had activated automated response since he was really feeling blue seeing the absurdly realistic penalty. He bid her farewell and got out of the house. By now, he just shook off the slight bitterness and focused on the tasks.

Saad's heart raced with excitement as he stepped into the bustling streets of Seraphia. The city was alive with activity, NPCs going about their daily routines, players conversing, and vendors peddling their wares. He felt the newfound agility from his equipment upgrades, his movement's fluid and his senses heightened.

His first destination was the blacksmith's shop. Saad first marked the location of the nearest blacksmith's shop and then made his way through the maze-like streets of the city, skillfully maneuvering through the crowd.

The streets were a lot more crowded at this time, but with his enhanced agility allowed him to navigate through the winding paths with ease. He arrived at the blacksmith's shop, a sturdy building adorned with various weapons and armor on display. A sign above the entrance read "Madlock's Fine Forges."

As he entered, the sound of clanging metal greeted him. The shop was bustling with activity, both players and NPCs working together. Saad's eyes fell on a burly, middle-aged blacksmith with bulging muscles, hammering away at a piece of metal with remarkable precision. This had to be Madlock.

Approaching the blacksmith's workbench, Saad cleared his throat to get Madlock's attention. The blacksmith paused his work and turned to face him, wiping sweat from his brow with the back of his hand.

"Ah, a new customer?" Madlock said with a hearty chuckle. "What can I do for you, lad?"

Saad took a deep breath, gathering his words. "I have an upgrade to make. This armor," he said, holding out the Shadow-web Arachnid Queen Armor and the core. "I've got a core from the queen, and I'm hoping to upgrade the armor."

Madlock's eyes lit up as he examined the items. "Aye, a formidable piece of equipment you've got here. The core will give it the edge it needs. And since you have this core, you are the one who slayed that monster and cleaned up the mess?"

[Your familiarity with Madlock has increased.]

[Due to your achievement, The NPC Madlock sees you in positive light. Any negotiations made will be 40% more effective with Madlock.]

Saad felt thrilled as saw the message window. Madlock took the armor and the core from Saad and placed them on the workbench. "Tell you what, lad. I can upgrade your armor, but it's going to require some materials. We are running low since the arachnids really hindered the work flow. Flame stones and iron ignots, to be precise. 200 of each."

Saad's excitement was tempered by the realization that this wouldn't be an easy task. Gathering materials would be time-consuming, but the potential payoff was worth it.

"Consider it a quest," Madlock said with a wink. "Bring me those materials, and I'll enhance your armor beyond its current limits. You'll need all the strength you can get in the world beyond these walls. Oh and the payment, we can discuss once you get me the materials."

Saad nodded, his determination burning anew. He accepted the quest from Madlock, the details appearing in his quest log.

[Forge of Power]

Madlock is impressed by your achievement and is entrusting you with brining him the materials.

-Quest Details-

Flame stone: 0/200

Iron ingots: 0/200

Difficulty: D

Reward:

Enhanced Shadow-web Arachnid Queen Armor (Upgrade)

Madlock's Gratitude.

"Can I have a look at the armor?"He asked and Madlock nodded, "Go ahead and take a look." But as Saad started to go through them, he realized something.

'It's so expensive!'

Saad had gathered 48 spheres and 85 quills but the cheapest armor set at Madlock's shop was 400 spheres. It was a huge amount and Saad seriously couldn't think of any way he could buy it.

"You can always come back later." The NPC apprentice of Madlock tried to cheer him up but Saad knew that he wouldn't be able to do so for a long time.

"Yeah. I also need to get my whip maintained and get a pickaxe as well."

"You can get a pickaxe here but we don't deal with whip maintenance, you will find a leather worker's shop nearby. Oh and, since you helped out with the arachnids, I have a little suggestion for you. You should check the shop of [Rosarie], you might be able to find something you like." The apprentice named, Saleb smiled and Saad thanked him for the valuable advice.

He bought the pickaxe for 85 quills even with his negotiation skills and left for the next shop.

Saad left the blacksmith's shop, his excitement and determination still burning within him. He knew he had a long journey ahead to gather the required materials for the armor upgrade, but he was ready for the challenge.

As he walked through the bustling streets of Seraphia, his thoughts turned to [Rosarie], the mysterious shop mentioned by Madlock's apprentice. He couldn't find her shop on the map, which frustrated him, but he also understood that this was likely a clue to her being a hidden master NPC. Determined to find her, he decided to ask around for directions.

After some inquiries and a bit of searching, Saad finally stumbled upon a small, tucked-away nook where [Rosarie]'s shop was located. The entrance was unassuming, blending in with the surrounding buildings. He pushed open the door and was greeted by the melodious jingle of a bell, signaling his arrival.

The interior of the shop was cozy and inviting. Bolts of colorful fabrics lined the walls, and intricate designs and patterns adorned the space. At the center of it all stood a young girl, her brown hair cascading down to her feet in a long braid. She had a slim and graceful frame, and her simple dress was accompanied by an apron, hinting at her craft.

Saad's eyes met hers, and he could see surprise and curiosity in her gaze. "Welcome," she said warmly, her voice carrying a gentle and friendly tone. "It's not often that we have a customer here. How can I assist you today?"

Saad couldn't help but feel a sense of intrigue. He decided to be direct, as he had learned to be in the world of Seraphia. "I heard about your shop from Madlock's apprentice. He mentioned that you might have something for me."