Artificial Fantasy

Chapter 98: First Step to Creation

I sigh in exhaustion after I put my tools down on the altar. It took me a while to break these [Mana Stones] to dust with a hammer first, then a mortar and pestle. But after a while of mixing, the products are finished and are shining right in front of me.

[Sparking Mana Ink]

[A magic ink made of crushed [Sparking Gemstones] that was enchanted by magic. Writing with this ink will give off a jolting recoil from the sparks of the ink.

Quality: 14]

[Gale Mana Ink]

[A magic ink made of crushed [Gale Gemstones] that was enchanted by magic. Writing with this ink will create a small breeze from the ink.

Quality: 15]

I have to admit, the inkwells look very cool shining like the stones they were made from. Though the quality needs some improving. Regardless, I'm happy with the results and it should be enough for the [Sign Creation Ceremony]. Best of all, neither of them exploded in my face during my crafts! I did everything I can with my pens and hopefully, I can ace this [Hidden Quest] with no problem!

[Well, it seems that you have made quite a bundle of items we never expect you to make, young Kazu.]

My eyes widen and I turn around as soon as I hear that familiar voice. "Sentio! Ah, is that time already? Sorry, I kinda got too focused on my crafts lately."

[No worries, young mage. We've been observing your progress lately and honestly, the other [Sign Sages] were shocked to see such a young child like you managed to make these magical stationary tools in a few hours.]

Huh? Do they already know these items I crafted? "Uh, thanks? Honestly, I have zero experience with making these magical items you've spoken of and I never read any books about it. I just came up with them on the fly."

[Ah, a self-taught magic crafter and scribe. You really do possess a lot of talents, young child.] I watch the older [Sign Sage] walk to the altar and stare at the quills and inks I made so far. [And you did it all using everything you have in person along with the materials you gathered from the book's worlds. You are a special child. You never cease to amaze us with your wits and creativity alone.]

"Really?" I ask in confusion while rubbing the back of my head. I've never thought my crazy experiments and builds were enough to impress the [Sign Sages] here.

[Yes. In fact, you are on par with Yur1 in vying for the second phase of the ceremony. While he did follow the instructions and gathered the necessary items and recipes he learned from his studies, he still amazed us with how he created his tools just like you,] Sentio explains. [However, none compared to your greatest achievement of defeating the great [Tempest Frigate] alone.]

Wait, seriously?! Is that really a big deal here?! "But I just defeated it in the book's world. It's not like I defeated it because it was on a rampage near the town or something."

[That is true. But your strength alone proves that you have the potential to become the strongest mage of <Volo>. Maybe even succeeding the mages who shaped the world's history through their inventions and ingenuity alone. You might even succeed the [Master of Magicians] himself.]

"Master...of Magicians?"

Sentio just responds with a chuckle and says, [You will find out in due time. Right now, you should focus on the ceremony first. Since you already made your quill, or rather, two of them, I consider the first phase of your ceremony completed!]