I Only Tame Dragons

After five intense days of relentless effort, Horizon had finally grasped the intricate arts of forging, crafting, and alchemy.

He wasn't a master yet, but his skills had surged from [Beginner] to [Intermediate], fueled by the sheer volume of equipment and weapons he'd forged during those grueling hours.

It wasn't supposed to be that easy. But something clicked—he guessed it had everything to do with the fact that he'd been working with rare Drakhan equipment rather than the typical Eternian gear.

The more he worked with those equipment, the faster his proficiency seemed to climb, as if the very essence of Drakhan craftsmanship was seeping into his bones, sharpening his skills at an unnatural pace.

Not that he was complaining. This newfound speed was a blessing, and he intended to ride the wave of progress until his hands could shape the very best gear the world had ever seen.

Though Horizon knew that advancing from [Intermediate] to [Master] would be a far more difficult journey.

The leap from [Master] to [Grandmaster] was another mountain entirely. Each level required more than just effort; it demanded an understanding that went beyond the materials, beyond the hammer and anvil.

It was about mastering the very essence of creation, something he wasn't quite ready to grasp yet.

But he wasn't daunted. Horizon understood that every step forward, no matter how small, brought him closer to that elusive peak.

For now, he would push his [Intermediate] skills to their limit, perfecting his craft one forge at a time, knowing that mastery awaited him—someday.

Now, standing amidst his array of tools and rare materials, Horizon felt the surge of newfound confidence. He could feel it in his bones—he was no longer bound to the basic gear of the past. He was ready for something greater.

Silver-tier equipment was within his reach, and not just the standard kind. He could now craft high-tier silver gear, the kind that could turn the tide of a battle, legendary in both form and function.

And the best part? This was only the beginning.

Nyx gave a slow nod of approval. "So where are you headed?" she asked as Horizon stood up and slung his bag over his shoulder.

"To the forest, like you suggested. I'll see what materials I can forage, and maybe stumble upon materials that let me forge Silphie's equipment."

Nyx fluttered up, circling above him. "Good. I'll come with you. A little sightseeing never hurt anyone."

Horizon smiled a little. He had suspected that was her true motive all along, but he didn't mind. "Frigid, you coming?" he called out, glancing at the corner of the room where the massive Frost Giant was snoring softly.

"Guess not," Horizon murmured, shaking his head with a chuckle. He scribbled a quick note for Frigid and placed it on the table before heading out.

As he stepped into the bustling streets of the capital, something caught his eye—a towering building with a green roof and elegant white walls, standing like a beacon amidst the sea of shops and vendors.

The sign read [Eldrasil Main Auction House], its grand facade exuding prestige and power.

Horizon paused, curiosity piqued.

He knew Eldrasil was renowned for its auctions, where rare and legendary items exchanged hands for outrageous sums of gil.

And if it was the capital's auction house, there were bound to be incredible items up for bidding.

Without thinking, Horizon made his way toward the entrance. Just as he was about to step inside, two tall Elven guards blocked his path with crossed halberds.

"Halt. The auction is not open at the moment," one guard said, his voice sharp but respectful. "Return in four days."

Horizon raised an eyebrow. "There's an auction in four days?"

The guard nodded. "It's the customary auction event held before the start of the competition. Only invited guests may enter."

Horizon let out a breath. He had no intention of bidding—he was practically broke. But an idea sparked in his mind.

"I'm not here to buy," he said with a grin. "I'm here to sell."

The guards exchanged a look before their eyes landed on Horizon's bronze badge. He was a player, so there was level of trust in Horizon's name.

One of them stepped aside. "If that's the case, follow me. I'll take you to Master Bartholomew."

The name resonated with Horizon—Bartholomew was a well-known appraiser in Eldrasil, famous for his sharp eye and discerning taste. If anyone could assess the value of rare equipment like what he had forge, it would be him.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

As they entered the auction house, the lavish interior took Horizon by surprise. The polished marble floors gleamed beneath his boots, and intricate tapestries depicting ancient elven battles hung from the walls. The air was thick with the scent of incense and wealth.

The guard led him to a side chamber where a stout, elderly elf with a monocle sat behind a massive desk. His eyes were sharp, and though his face was weathered with age, there was an undeniable keenness in his gaze.

"This is Master Bartholomew," the guard introduced. "He will evaluate your items if it's up for an auction."

The guard left without so much as a backward glance, not even bothering to stand watch.

Horizon understood why. The old man sitting behind the desk wasn't ordinary by any means.

Bartholomew's calm demeanor might have fooled most, but Horizon could feel it—an immense, almost suffocating presence hidden just beneath the surface.

His stat power was easily in the thousands, an achievement few could boast about in the entire Eternia.

This man was more than just an appraiser; he was a force in his own right, likely one of the elite few who had ascended to such overwhelming power.

On the other hand, Nyx only yawned over Horizon's head.

"Hello," Horizon began, trying to maintain his composure. "My name is Horizon."

Bartholomew barely glanced up from his papers. "I don't have all the time in the world. Lay what you wish to sell on the magic circle over there, and I'll appraise it."