Leo felt a thrill course through him as he read the updated Status Window. [Golem Maker]. It was real. He held the potential to command power unheard of in this world. But power came with responsibility, and Elias' journal hinted at a far deeper history, a dark secret surrounding the art of golem crafting.
He took a deep breath, steeling himself. He wasn't just surviving anymore; he was embarking on a path, following in Elias' footsteps, perhaps even surpassing him. First, he needed a golem. He reviewed the scroll's instructions for a basic clay golem. The materials weren't particularly rare: clay, readily available near the river; straw or dried grass for binding; and a spark of elemental energy, which the scroll suggested could be drawn from a specific type of quartz crystal found in rocky outcrops.
He exited the cave, the Golem Crafting knowledge swirling in his mind. He decided to start with the clay. He followed the Whispering River back the way he came, searching for a suitable clay deposit. After a short while, he found a muddy bank where the river had eroded the soil. The clay was rich and dark, perfect for his needs.
He spent the next few hours digging and gathering the clay, shaping it into manageable lumps. It was hard work, especially with his limited strength, but the promise of a loyal companion spurred him on. He also collected a bundle of dried grass, carefully selecting the strongest and longest pieces.
Next, he needed the quartz crystal. He remembered seeing a rocky outcrop not far from the three-stone cairn. He carefully retraced his steps, wary of any lurking dangers. The forest seemed quieter now, perhaps aware of his newfound power.
He reached the outcrop and began to search for the quartz crystal. He examined each rock carefully, looking for a specific kind of clear quartz with a faint inner luminescence. It was a tedious process, and the afternoon sun beat down on him relentlessly. Just as he was about to give up, he spotted it. Tucked inside a crevice was a small, clear crystal. It pulsed with a faint, ethereal light.
He carefully pried the crystal loose and held it in his hand. It felt strangely warm, as if it were alive. This was it, the spark of elemental energy. He hurried back to the cave, his heart pounding with anticipation.
Inside the cave, he laid out the clay, straw, and crystal. He consulted the scroll one last time, carefully reviewing the instructions. He had to be precise. One wrong step could have disastrous consequences.
He began to shape the clay, meticulously following the diagrams in the scroll. He formed the body, head, arms, and legs, carefully smoothing the surfaces. He added the straw to the clay, binding it together and reinforcing the structure. It was slow, painstaking work, but he felt a sense of growing satisfaction.
After several hours, he had a rough humanoid figure made of clay and straw. It was crude and imperfect, but it was a beginning. Now came the crucial part: imbuing it with life.
He carefully placed the quartz crystal in the golem's chest, right over the heart. He closed his eyes and focused his mind, reciting the incantation from the scroll. The ancient words resonated in the small cave, filling the air with a strange energy.
He could feel the power flowing through him, drawn from the crystal and channeled into the golem. The clay figure began to tremble, and a faint blue light emanated from the crystal.
He continued the incantation, pouring all his concentration into the process. The golem trembled more violently, its clay skin cracking and reforming. The blue light intensified, engulfing the entire figure.
Finally, the golem stopped trembling. The blue light faded, leaving behind a faint glow in the golem's eyes. It slowly rose to its feet, its clay limbs stiff and awkward.
It was alive.
A notification popped up:
Golem Created! [Clay Golem]
He had done it. He had successfully crafted a golem. He had taken his first step on the path of the Golem Maker.
He looked at the golem, a sense of awe washing over him. It was clumsy and rudimentary, but it was his creation. He had breathed life into inanimate matter.
He reached out and touched the golem's clay hand. It was cool and rough to the touch. The golem turned its head and looked at him, its glowing eyes unblinking.
He knew he had a lot to learn about commanding and controlling his golem, but he had taken the first, crucial step.
As he was basking in the glow of his accomplishment, another notification flashed before his eyes:
Main Quest Updated!
Find the last Ancient Golem and Learn why Golem Makers disappeared from history.
Description: The secrets of golem crafting are shrouded in mystery. Legends speak of Ancient Golems, beings of immense power and intelligence. Discover their fate and unravel the truth behind the disappearance of the Golem Makers.
Objective: Locate clues about the Ancient Golems. Investigate the history of the Golem Makers.
Reward: Skill Point x 3, Blueprint: [Improved Golem Frame], Knowledge of Ancient Golem Materials
Leo's breath hitched. This was it. This wasn't just about crafting golems; it was about uncovering a hidden history, a lost legacy. This quest was far more ambitious than simply surviving the night. He studied his stats.
Name: Leo Makjin
Race: Human
Class: Unspecified
Title: Golem Maker
Level: 1
HP: 100/100
MP: 50/50
Strength: 11
Agility: 8
Intelligence: 14
Vitality: 10
Luck: ?
Skill: Survival Instinct, Golem Crafting (lvl 3)
He reviewed the descriptions of his skills.
Survival Instinct: Increases your chance of evading danger and finding resources in the wilderness.
Golem Crafting (lvl 3): Allows you to craft basic golems. Higher levels unlock more complex designs and materials.
He glanced at his clay golem, standing silently in the cave. He needed to learn how to control it, how to use it effectively. Golem Crafting at even level 3 does not give him that much power.
"Golem," he said tentatively, "follow me."
The golem lumbered after him as he exited the cave. Now where to start. He had to find the Ancient Golems and learn about the fall of the Golem makers. He had no idea where to begin, It was now time for him to start his journey to become more stronger and to learn more about the truth.