A satisfied smirk tugged at my lips as I examined my updated Charism rankings on the translucent screen before me.

  [Life (Anima)] – Vital Bloom LV.1 (B-Rank)

  [Death (Mortis)] – Necrotic Veil LV.8 (B-Rank)

  [Chaos (Pandemonium)] – Fractured Reality LV.1 (A-Rank)

  [Order (Harmonia)] – Absolute Edict LV.1 (A-Rank)

  [Light (Lux)] – Luminous Ward LV.1 (B-Rank)

  [Darkness (Umbra)] – Phantom Rewrite LV.1 (A-Rank)

  [Wisdom (Sophia)] – Truth Sense LV.1 (B-Rank)

  [War (Bellum)] – Wrath of the Warlord LV.10 (SS-Rank)

  [Peace (Pax)] – Calming Aura LV.1 (B-Rank)

  [Dreams (Somnium)] – Slumber's Grasp LV.1 (B-Rank)

  [Time (Chronos)] – Fleeting Step LV.12 (A-Rank)

  [Fate (Moirai)] – Threads of Chance LV.1 (B-Rank)

  I had finally pushed each one to at least B-Rank and saved the rest of my Essence Fragments for later.

  What intrigued me most, however, was the potential of Ascended Essence Fragments. They could increase an S-Rank Charism to SS-Rank or even higher. Just boosting War (Bellum) to SS-Rank had already devoured 1,200 fragments.

  "Worth it."

  I clenched my fists, feeling the anticipation bubbling in my chest.

  "I can't wait to test these Charisms in action."

  Shaking off my excitement, I muttered to myself, "Everything's smooth… Now, I just need to visit the weapons shop."

  The only problem? It was already late. Hopefully, they'd still be open.

  Closing the floating screens, I stretched briefly before striding out into the dimly lit streets. The cool night air greeted me as I walked, mentally strategizing my next move.

  Tonight, I planned to enter a C-Rank Rend—a test of my growth.

  But before I could get too lost in thought, the sound of cheering reached my ears.

  I turned my head and spotted a team of four Eternals standing outside a nearby Rend portal. Their matching insignias marked them as members of a guild.

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  "A guild, huh?"

  For a brief moment, the thought tempted me.

  Guilds provided resources, allies, and support. But they also meant obligations, expectations, and—most importantly—restrictions.

  I scoffed, shaking my head.

  "Nah. I'm better off alone. No one breathing down my neck, no one slowing me down."

  Still, I chuckled to myself as I resumed walking.

  "Damn, I just sounded like one of those edgy WebNovel protagonists. Maybe joining a guild wouldn't be that bad? Look at Fairy Tail."

  Before long, I spotted my destination ahead.

  A large black-brick building with red outlines, glowing with inviting warmth.

  [The Forge of Eternity]

  Where craftsmanship meets divinity

  "Open 24 hours? Not bad." I mused aloud, stepping up to the entrance.

  As soon as I crossed the threshold, a booming, enthusiastic voice greeted me.

  "Welcome to the Forge of Eternity! I am Veylan Dravus! How may I help you, young lad?!"

  I turned toward the voice and was met with the sight of a towering, muscular man with scarlet-red hair. His armor-clad body gleamed under the shop's warm light, and a prosthetic Aethersteel arm replaced his missing limb.

  His grin was infectious, brimming with the confidence of a retired warrior who had seen it all.

  Matching his energy, I stepped forward with a small smile. First impressions mattered.

  "Nice to meet you, Veylan. I'm Tyros Celestorn. I'm looking to craft a new weapon—preferably a sword."

  The older man paused, his sharp eyes sweeping over me with keen assessment.

  I met his gaze calmly, unfazed by the scrutiny.

  Then, his lips curled into a wide grin.

  "I can already tell you're going to be one of my favorite customers, Tyros! Now, what kind of sword are we talking about?"

  I smirked and summoned my Blue Crystal Chaos Sword into my hand, watching as flickers of chaotic energy danced along its blade.

  "I want to dual-wield—with this."

  The moment the sword appeared, Veylan's eyes lit up like a kid in a candy store. He strode toward me eagerly, hands itching to inspect the weapon.

  "Do you mind if I hold it for a second?"

  I tossed it to him without hesitation.

  He caught it effortlessly, gripping it with the expertise of a seasoned veteran.

  Then, without missing a beat, he swung it with precision, unleashing controlled arcs of chaotic energy that crackled through the air.

  My jaw nearly dropped.

  For a solid minute, I watched in awed silence as he effortlessly wielded my own weapon better than I could.

  Finally, he stopped, spinning the sword in his palm before tossing it back to me. I caught it instinctively, still processing what I had just witnessed.

  With a knowing grin, he asked, "You've got a hell of a weapon there, lad. And that's a lot coming from me. What's her name?"

  I glanced down at the sword, running my fingers along its cool, glowing edge.

  "…Haven't given her one yet," I admitted. "I will soon."

  Veylan nodded approvingly. "Good. Naming a weapon forges a deeper connection between warrior and steel."

  Then, his expression turned business-like as he walked behind the front counter.

  "Now, let's talk trade. What do you have to offer? Aethersteel? Nightshade Essence? Essence Fragments? Shards? Hell, I take it all."

  A slow smirk spread across my lips.

  This was the moment I was waiting for.

  Lifting my hands, I summoned a handful of Ascended Essence Fragments—large, golden like diamonds that pulsed with a radiant glow.

  The second Veylan's eyes landed on them, his expression twisted into pure astonishment.

  I chuckled.

  "Yeah… I thought you'd like these."