The sun hung high above Korvath as Omina and Yoshiya weaved through the bustling streets, the noise of merchants and hammering metal echoing all around them. The city, known for its combat and forging culture, was alive with activity—blacksmiths shaping glowing blades, adventurers haggling for rare gear, and magical vendors demonstrating enchanted trinkets that shimmered in the afternoon light.
They had spent hours checking equipment shops, weapon stalls, and armor forges, hoping to find a piece worth their hard-earned coins. But after their tenth stop, both were starting to look less hopeful.
"This one's good…" Omina murmured, tapping a steel chestplate that gleamed under the forge light. "But the price is ridiculous."
Yoshiya leaned over, peeking at the price tag. "That's enough to feed us for two months," he muttered. "And honestly, the defensive stats aren't that much better than what you're already wearing."
They visited a few more stalls, but the story was the same everywhere: decent upgrades, but nothing game-changing for their current budget. Most high-quality gear was either commissioned in advance or forged by adventurers themselves.
As they exited another smithy, Omina sighed. "We can't keep relying on quest rewards forever. At this rate, our equipment will fall behind."
"Yeah," Yoshiya replied, rubbing the back of his neck. "And we can't keep depending on shops either. Everything good is either sold out, expensive, or reserved for guild elites."
Omina gave a crooked smile. "What if we just made our own?"
Yoshiya blinked, surprised—but then slowly grinned. "...Actually, that's not a bad idea."
---
As they turned a corner, a large building caught their eye. Thick chimneys billowed with smoke, hammers clanged rhythmically inside, and the scent of heated metal and charcoal filled the air. A massive wooden sign hung above the entrance:
> ARTISAN HALL – For Those Who Forge Their Own Path
Adventurers in aprons and work clothes streamed in and out. Some carried half-finished weapons; others lugged bundles of raw ore or enchanted fabrics. Several crafters worked outside under awnings—one hammering a sword's edge to a fine gleam, another carefully inscribing runes along a breastplate.
Omina and Yoshiya exchanged a glance, then walked in.
Inside, the hall buzzed with energy. Dozens of workstations were arranged in sections—weapon forging, tailoring, rune inscription, jewelry crafting, pottery. The rhythmic sounds of chisels, hammers, and spinning wheels blended like a strange industrial symphony.
A friendly clerk approached them from behind a counter. "Welcome to the Artisan Hall! Looking to commission something, or… perhaps register?"
"Register?" Yoshiya echoed.
The clerk smiled knowingly. "You're both Tier 2 adventurers, right? Once you reach Tier 2, you're eligible to take a Crafter sub-class. It's the foundation of all crafting professions—weapon forging, armor crafting, tailoring, jewelry work, ceramics. Once you master the basics, you can specialize further at Tier 3."
Omina's eyes lit up. "So this is where people learn to make their own gear?"
"Exactly," the clerk replied. "Crafter is the starting point. From there, some go on to become Blacksmiths, Apothecaries, Beast Tamers—you name it. It's a long road, but well worth it if you want to shape your own future… and your weapons."
---
They spent the next hour asking questions, and the clerk patiently explained the structure of the Crafter exam.
> "The exam isn't a one-day ordeal," the clerk said. "Crafting isn't about brute force. It's patience, knowledge, and precision. The process takes several days and involves five main parts:
1. Material Analysis – Learn to examine ores, fabrics, wood, or magical stones. Understand their grade, properties, and how they respond to mana.
2. Material Gathering – Learn where to find or harvest materials. Some require foraging, mining, or hunting monsters for rare drops.
3. Material Handling – Smelting, refining, or preparing materials properly without ruining them.
4. Crafting – Turning the refined materials into actual gear or tools, using correct techniques and mana control.
5. Item Appraisal – Identifying the stats, durability, and any special effects of the crafted item. Crafters must understand what they've made, not just shape it blindly."
Yoshiya's brow rose. "That's… surprisingly structured."
"Of course it is," the clerk replied with a chuckle. "Crafters shape the backbone of every adventurer's journey. You'll need focus and patience. If you pass, you'll receive an official Crafter's license, and be recognized as apprentice artisans."
Omina and Yoshiya shared a look—half excitement, half determination.
"When's the next batch for the exam?" Omina asked.
"Tomorrow morning," the clerk answered. "Today's session has already started, but I can register both of you for the next one."
---
They filled out the forms and received slips with their names, class, and exam schedule. Before leaving, they lingered inside the hall, watching apprentices at work.
A dwarf hammered away at a glowing sword, each strike sending sparks like fireflies into the air. Nearby, a young woman carefully stitched runic embroidery into a robe, her mana threads glowing faint blue. At another station, a pair of apprentices discussed how to combine alloys to strengthen armor plates.
Omina's gaze lingered on the weapon forgers—her hands itching to try the hammer herself. Yoshiya, on the other hand, found himself drawn to the jewelry makers and rune engravers, intrigued by how they infused magic into tiny details.
---
As the sun dipped low, they finally stepped out of the Artisan Hall, exam slips tucked safely in their bags.
Yoshiya looked down at his slip and then at Omina. "If we pass this, we won't have to rely on overpriced shops anymore. We can make gear that fits us perfectly."
Omina grinned, eyes alight with the spark of a new challenge. "Then let's forge our own path."
They walked back toward the inn, the sound of hammers echoing faintly behind them—like the heartbeat of a new journey beginning.