Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended [Part Two]

CHAPTER 208: Dark Upheaval & The Valendor Mountains

Conditions of Use: Lvl 50+ | Strength 150+ | Stamina 100+]

Daisuke's exuberant smile didn't fade. That's fine, he thought, resigning himself to the light penalty that would be lifted upon achieving the next three levels. Just a few hours ago, both of my daggers barely hit 150 damage—now, they're nearly at 1000. And with Magical Attack on the table, I've gained a whole new edge against specific types of mobs.

"By the way," Tiphanna said, breaking the comfortable silence. "Before I started on the daggers, I took a closer look at the femur bone."

Daisuke stored the blades in his inventory and met her gaze. "And?"

She hesitated, her fingers drifting to scratch her cheek. "Well... it's unlike anything I've worked with before—denser than Volturax fangs, tougher than anything short of wyvernbone. I won't be able to smelt it with what I have on hand."

The excitement in Daisuke's eyes dimmed slightly. "So, you can't do anything with it?"

Tiphanna shrugged, but there was a glint in her eye. "Not yet. But if I can get my hands on a Frost Treant, I might be able to work something out."

Daisuke frowned. "Frost Treant? Never heard of it. What's so special about this monster?"

"The Frost Treant evolved in a harsh, frozen environment," she explained, her voice slipping into the cadence of someone lost in her craft. "To survive, it produces a dense, energy-rich resin—similar to fatwood. This resin ignites at lower temperatures and burns with intense heat. Its wood is also compact, storing more energy per unit of mass than ordinary fuel sources."

Daisuke raised a brow. "Right... I knew that."

Tiphanna chuckled at his unconvincing reply. "Sorry, I get carried away sometimes."

Josephine, now leaning against the doorframe, rolled her eyes. Sometimes?

"In simpler terms," the blacksmith continued, "Glacium Heartwood, which comes from Frost Treants, burns hot enough to smelt the femur. It's the only thing I know that'll do the job."

Daisuke crossed his arms. "Alright. Where do we find them?"

The elf hesitated, lips pressing into a thin line. "...The mountains north of the city," she admitted, her voice quieter, as if reluctant to lead him astray. "But, Haxks... I don't want to pull you away from whatever you're handling with the princess right now."

Daisuke shook his head. "This is just as important. Words mean nothing without the strength to back them up. And with a weapon forged by your hands, our words won't just be heard—they'll demand respect."

Both Tiphanna and Josephine flushed at the unexpected praise.

Clearing her throat, the elf turned away swiftly, feigning nonchalance as she reached for her cloak. "If you're up for it, we can leave now and get it done before sunset."

"Sounds good to me," Daisuke agreed. Then, as if just remembering, he asked, "By the way, how much do I owe you for the job?"

Tiphanna slid her arm into the thick garment, glancing over her shoulder with an incredulous look. "What kind of question is that? After everything you've done for us, you think I'd take your coin?"

Daisuke ran a hand through his hair sheepishly. "Thanks."

"Right back at you," she said with a small smile before slipping past Josephine. "You hold down the fort while we're gone."

The girl bowed politely. "Of course. Please be careful."

Daisuke had nearly passed her when he stopped, offering a sidelong glance. Lowering his voice, he asked, "What happened to the few weapons and equipment that were left in the store? Especially the ones in the workshop?"