The Ultimate Skill System: Absorb, Upgrade, Create, Transfer-Chapter 36 - : Blacksmith

Days turned into weeks, and the once humble Lionkin village had transformed under Keiran's rule.

The changes were not just physical but also deeply rooted in the spirit of the people. The villagers, once struggling to survive, now stood taller, stronger, and more confident.

The air buzzed with activity as the village expanded, its boundaries pushing further into the dense forest of Fiora.

The weak, crumbling huts of the past were replaced by sturdy structures of wood and stone.

The new buildings stood tall and proud, their walls reinforced with timber and stone, their roofs thatched with fresh reeds.

The village square, once a patchy clearing, had been widened into a vast open space, surrounded by newly constructed workshops and storage sheds.

The sound of hammers and saws filled the air, mingling with the chatter of villagers working together in harmony.

Keiran sat under the shade of a large tree, a wooden cup of fruit juice in his hand. The tree's branches spread wide, their leaves forming a canopy that filtered the sunlight into dappled patterns on the ground.

The cool breeze carried the scent of fresh timber and blooming flowers, a pleasant contrast to the heat of the midday sun.

Beside him, a Lionkin woman gently waved a massive leaf, fanning him with a rhythm that matched the rustling of the leaves above.

Her golden hair shimmered in the sunlight, a reflection of the changes that had swept through the village. Her movements were graceful, her expression serene as she performed her task with quiet dedication.

Keiran observed the villagers as they worked. The effects of his Oathbound Dominion were evident in every corner.

The men, once lean and weary, now moved with a powerful grace, their muscles rippling as they lifted heavy logs and stones. Their golden fur gleamed in the sunlight, their eyes bright with determination.

The women, already graceful, had grown taller and more elegant, their movements fluid and confident. Their golden hair seemed to glow, catching the light like strands of sunlight.

Even the children, who once played quietly in the shadows, now ran through the village with boundless energy, their laughter echoing through the air. The village was alive with energy, a stark contrast to the quiet, struggling community it had been just a week ago.

But the most striking change was in Pio. The once frail, trembling old man now walked with the vigor of someone half his age.

His back was straight, his arms strong, and his face bore the confidence of a man in his prime. His golden mane, now thick and lustrous, framed a face that had lost its wrinkles and gained a newfound determination.

His hands, once gnarled and weak, now looked capable of shaping metal and stone with ease. He approached Keiran with a steady gait, his eyes filled with respect and gratitude.

Pio knelt before Keiran, his head bowed. "My lord," he said, his voice steady and clear.

Keiran nodded, acknowledging him. "What news do you bring, Pio?"

Pio rose slightly, still kneeling but meeting Keiran's gaze. "Greon has reported that the demons are on the move again. They've been spotted near the boundary of the Fiora Forest. An army is expected to enter the forest within a few days."

Keiran's expression remained calm, his eyes thoughtful. He took a sip of his juice, the sweet tang of the fruit lingering on his tongue. The wooden cup felt smooth in his hand, its surface polished to a fine sheen.

He set it down on a small table beside him, his movements deliberate and unhurried. "I see," he said simply. His mind was already working, calculating the next steps.

The forest of Fiora stretched out before him, its towering trees and dense undergrowth hiding both danger and opportunity. He knew the demons would not be an easy foe, but he also knew that his people were stronger now, more prepared than they had ever been.

After a moment of silence, Keiran turned his attention back to Pio. "I've heard that you were the one who crafted all of our clothes," he said, gesturing to the finely made pelts that the villagers now wore.

The pelts were soft and supple, their edges neatly stitched and adorned with simple but elegant patterns. Though they were made from animal hides, they had been treated with care and skill, making them durable and comfortable.

"Though they are simple, the quality is exceptional."

Pio smiled, a hint of pride in his eyes. "I once served as the blacksmith for the former leader of the Lionkin stronghold. I was never the best, but I learned how to make durable and functional gear. Age and lack of materials eventually forced me to stop, but I've always held onto those skills."

Keiran nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "And now, with your youth restored and resources at hand, those skills are needed once more."

Pio looked confused, his brow furrowing slightly. "My lord?"

Keiran leaned forward, his tone serious but kind. "Pio, we are preparing for war. The demons are a threat we cannot ignore, but we lack the proper gear to face them. I need someone to lead the effort in crafting weapons and armor for our people. I need a blacksmith—my blacksmith."

Pio's eyes widened, and he immediately knelt lower, his head nearly touching the ground. "My lord, that is an honor I do not deserve."

Keiran stood, his presence commanding yet reassuring.

He placed a hand on Pio's shoulder. "This is not about deserving, Pio. This is about necessity. I am asking you to take on this role because I believe in your abilities. Will you accept?"

Pio's voice trembled with emotion as he replied, "I will gladly accept, my lord. I am at your service."

Keiran slightly smiled, a rare expression that softened his usually stern features. "Thank you, Pio. Your skills will be invaluable to us."

With that, Keiran stepped back and raised his hand. The air around him shimmered as runes began to float in the air, glowing with a soft, otherworldly light.

The runes were intricate, their shapes twisting and turning like living things.

They pulsed with energy, casting a faint glow on Keiran's face as he focused on the task at hand.

He activated Arcane Creation, his mind focused as he wove together the threads of magic and skill. The runes danced around him, forming intricate patterns before coalescing into a single, glowing orb.

[Congratulations! You have created an uncommon skill.]

[Arcane Gearcraft (Passive): The user forges gears imbued with powerful enchantments, surpassing ordinary equipment in both strength and utility. These creations provide superior attribute bonuses, elemental properties, and unique effects that enhance performance in various ways. Each crafted piece is highly durable and resists wear over time. The potency and rarity of the gears depend on the user's skill and materials used.]

Keiran extended his hand toward Pio, the glowing orb of energy floating toward the kneeling Lionkin. "With this, you will become more than a blacksmith. You will become a highly valuable pillar."

Pio's eyes widened as the orb touched his chest, the energy surging through him.

He gasped, his body trembling as the power coursed through his veins. For a moment, he rolled on the grassy ground, overwhelmed by the sensation.

Then, as quickly as it had begun, the surge subsided, leaving him lying still, his chest rising and falling with deep breaths.

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Keiran's voice broke the silence. "Rise, my blacksmith."

Pio slowly stood, his body feeling stronger, his mind sharper. He looked at Keiran with a mixture of awe and gratitude. "My lord, I... I don't know how to thank you."

Keiran shook his head. "Your gratitude is enough. Now, go and prepare. We have much work to do."

[Uncommon: Forgemane — Level 30.]