After going into the sea, I met the witch.

After a few seconds of silence, Ryan nodded vigorously: "I will be careful."

After saying that, he turned and walked out of the cave.

Freyne pulled down the brim of her hat, the flickering campfire reflected in her bright eyes.

Last night, or more accurately, early this morning, the [view] yielded a result that surprised Freya quite a bit.

She hadn't expected that the "traveler" would become so helpful after just one day apart.

Although the battle caused her to experience emotional ups and downs, whenever she was in danger, the "Wanderer" was able to use secret techniques or take out secret treasures to turn the tide and ultimately defeat the [High Rank] Unicorn Dragon, who was a whole major rank higher than her.

An investment of 800 Spirit Essences, with a return ratio of 8.3, becomes 6640. Adding the remaining 492, the total is 7132 Spirit Essences!

Unfortunately, there are gains and losses.

When the traveler later encountered the [high-ranking] Bloodclaw Dragon, her investment of 1000 Spirit Essence went down the drain.

After defeating the [High-Rank] Unicorn Dragon, the "Wanderer's" combat power increased to 40 points, officially entering the 40-point mark. The [High-Rank] Bloodclaw Dragon's combat power was 43 points. The two were of the same rank, and the difference in combat power was only 3 points. According to Freyne's thinking, the "Wanderer" had already defeated the [High-Rank] Unicorn Dragon across ranks. Now that they were of the same rank, although there was a 3-point difference in combat power, the chances of winning were still quite good, right?

To her surprise, the battle lasted much shorter than expected, from contact to its end, less than a minute.

Seeing the message displayed on the screen, "Friendly reminder: Investment involves risk, please be cautious when betting, please come back tomorrow," Freni felt a little numb.

Is a 4-point difference in combat power between players of the same rank really that significant?

Unable to see the specific battle scenes, Freya was unable to make an accurate judgment and could only sigh helplessly in the end.

Fortunately, even though she lost 1000 spirit essences, she still had 6132 spirit essences left, so overall, it was quite a fruitful harvest.

Before leaving the viewing area, Freya exchanged 10 [Tier 1 Physique Enhancement Crystals], 1 [Tier 1 Healing Crystal], and 2 [Tier 2 Spiritual Enhancement Crystals], consuming a total of 3100 Spirit Essence.

She planned to use the remaining 3032 Spirit Essence as seed money for her next visit.

The amount of spirit essence required to exchange for second-tier items is far too much; Freya is planning to go for a big one next time.

The [Tier 1 Physique Enhancement Crystal] and [Tier 1 Healing Crystal] were prepared for Mr. Ryan. Although Mr. Ryan's combat power is ridiculously strong, his rank is still within the Tier 1 range, so he cannot use Tier 2 crystals.

In terms of physique, Freya wasn't too concerned, as her fighting style didn't require much physical strength. However, Mr. Ryan primarily engaged in melee combat, so physique was a rather useful attribute. She exchanged for the [Tier 1 Healing Crystal] for the sake of quick healing should she be injured.

As for the two [Second-Tier Spiritual Enhancement Crystals], they were prepared by Freyne for herself. Cecilia had just received the Moon Wolf's inheritance and was still digesting it. Her spirituality was undergoing drastic changes every day, so it was not suitable to use enhancement resources under these circumstances.

There are undercurrents in the city of Saint Tos right now. If the underground labyrinth really opens, the island will inevitably attract a large number of sea adventurers and pirates. In such a chaotic situation, if you want to get enough from the underground labyrinth, you must improve your strength as much as possible.

As captain, she carries a heavy responsibility on her shoulders and must work even harder.

Inside the cave, the girl faced the rising sun, her gaze growing ever more determined.

……

On the beach, Ryan walked alone toward the city of Santos.

He looked at the lustrous crystal in his hand, his expression somewhat complicated.

He was quite uncomfortable with the feeling of being "fed" like this, but... the [Tier 1 Physique Enhancement Crystal] was just too tempting and suitable for him. It was a magical item that could directly enhance his [Physique] attribute. How could he say no?

Is the Augustus family's legacy really that rich?

Ryan was filled with emotion, thinking, "If only someone could marry me..."

cough cough.

Ryan shook his head, then tossed the [Tier 1 Physique Enhancement Crystals] into his mouth one by one.

The thumb-sized crystal melts instantly in the mouth, transforming into a warm current that nourishes the limbs and the entire body.

The sensation gradually disappeared after about ten seconds.

Once the last crystal was swallowed and fully digested, Ryan looked at his main body panel.

-

[Spirituality]: 5.3 ([Gluttony Hunter (Tier 1)] compatibility increased by +0.5)

[Physical Strength]: 17.44 → 18.44

-

Ryan raised his right hand, curling each finger into a fist, feeling the powerful force surging within him, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.

Now, if he were to encounter a Tier 3 Hero professional, his chances of success would be even greater.

He strode off toward the city of Santos.

The effect of the [Number 7 Overturning Mask] was indeed excellent. Ryan did not encounter any further pursuit from the Libra Holy Church as he traveled. However, along the way, he did discover many figures heading towards Saint Tos City, just like him. Although these people had undergone simple disguises, Ryan still recognized their true nature at a glance—pirates.

It seems these "sea hyenas" have smelled some kind of blood and have come to the island.

Ryan secretly became wary of this.

Due to the distance, he could not sense the spiritual fluctuations of these pirates, but the pirate groups that could survive in the Inner Sea area had captains whose strength was at least at the second-tier elite level.

Some time later, Ryan arrived in the city of Saint Tos.

Contrary to his expectations, with the "Day of Abundant Stars" approaching and the ceremony imminent, the security at the city gates of Saint Tos was not tightened much; anyone could enter as long as they paid the "entry fee."

Even Ryan could detect the infiltration of many ill-intentioned individuals, so it was impossible for the local city of Saint Tos to be completely unaware. However, despite this, they did not take many measures, only increasing the number of patrol teams on the streets to maintain order.

This calm before the storm is quite unsettling.

Ryan blended into the crowd, presenting an extremely ordinary middle-aged face, the kind that would be easily lost in a sea of ​​people.

This is the "Simulated Face" feature of the [7 Overturned Mask].

Before long, Ryan stopped in front of a blacksmith's shop.

This is the best blacksmith shop in Saint Tos City that he found based on the map provided by the Beast Witch, Meloyer.

However, looking at the five large characters "Golden Hammer Blacksmith Shop" hanging above, Ryan couldn't help but show a strange expression.

Golden hammer... silver hammer... bronze hammer... could it be...?

With some suspicion in mind, Ryan pushed open the door and walked into the "Golden Hammer Blacksmith Shop".

The scorching heat hit him in the face. As soon as he stepped inside, what first caught Ryan's eye was that thick back, as thick as a wall, with muscle lines as clearly defined as steel bars and locks, giving people the feeling that he could lift mountains.

"So high!"

Ryan tilted his head slightly.

Even sitting cross-legged, the man with his back to him was nearly three meters tall; if he stood up, he would definitely be over six meters tall.

Such height and build are beyond the reach of most humans.

And at that moment, the prompts on the panel appeared before our eyes.

[Master Golden Hammer Oruron: A giant, whose apparent strength is at the third tier, but whose true strength is unknown (his spirituality is concealed by a special secret technique). He enjoys traveling to the islands of the ocean, settling in each place for a period of time to forge rare and powerful equipment and comprehend the true meaning of forging.]

"Giants?!"

Ryan's pupils contracted slightly.

Although he had long known that there were other races in this world besides humans, this was the first time he had ever seen them.

"However, the Golden Hammer Master is a giant, but the Silver Hammer Master and the Bronze Hammer Master are human. Isn't that a bit too much of a difference?"

While shocked, Ryan couldn't help but think to himself, "What's wrong with me?"

Just as Ryan stopped at the door, Master Golden Hammer slowly turned his head.

His bare upper body was covered with muscles like granite, and his brown hair was tied into small braids and casually draped down his back.

He did not get up, remaining seated cross-legged on the ground, his deep voice echoing throughout the room: "Take out your materials, and if you are interested, I will forge them for you."

Master Golden Hammer's voice carried a detached indifference, neither too close nor too distant. At that moment, Ryan noticed the sign stuck in the ground nearby, which read:

"Our shop's rule is: anyone who wants to commission a crafting service must provide materials that interest them. These materials don't need to be extremely valuable, as long as they are unique and rare. If they don't meet the requirements, please turn left after leaving the shop and walk to the end of the street. There is another blacksmith shop there."

Tsk!

Upon seeing the words above, Ryan couldn't help but gasp in astonishment.

As expected of the Golden Hammer Master, his "prestige" is much higher than that of the Silver Hammer Master and the Bronze Hammer Master.

You can use money to make requests to the Silver Hammer Master and Bronze Hammer Master, but when it comes to the Gold Hammer Master, he simply won't accept any requests that don't contain rare or precious materials.

Perhaps at the level of a master hammer wielder, there's no longer a need to rely on daily forging to maintain the feel for the hammer...

Ryan sighed inwardly.

In addition, the description of the Golden Hammer Master on the panel also made him feel a little uneasy.

Superficially at the third tier, but with unknown true strength...

This is definitely a "reclusive master"!

With this thought in mind, Ryan stepped forward and bowed slightly to the tall Master Golden Hammer: "Master Golden Hammer, greetings. I would like to commission you to forge a greatsword. As for the forging materials, please take a look."

As he spoke, Ryan waved his right hand forward, and the space ring flashed with light. Then, a crimson spiral horn several meters long appeared on the ground.

It is the single horn on the forehead of the [superior] unicorn dragon, "proof of bravery".

Ryan smiled confidently yet reservedly: "What do you think of this material?"

As soon as the Crimson Horn appeared, an extremely dense and domineering aura spread out, and vaguely, a terrifying behemoth that was more than ten meters tall and more than twenty meters long let out a deafening roar.

In an instant, fine lines appeared on the four walls of the blacksmith's shop, along with the closed door, forming a special spiritual space that firmly locked this domineering aura inside the room, preventing it from leaking out in the slightest.

"Such a fierce and domineering aura."

Master Golden Hammer stood up from the ground, a full six meters tall. Ryan was only slightly taller than his knees. Only the extremely high ceiling of this blacksmith shop could accommodate such a huge figure.

Master Golden Hammer walked to the Crimson Horn, squatted down, and ran his hand over the rough surface of the horn, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

"Fourth-tier transcendent level demonic material, and not just any ordinary fourth-tier transcendent... This unique structure has never been seen before..."

Master Golden Hammer's eyes gleamed with the excitement of seeing a prey. After scrutinizing him for a long time, he finally raised his head and looked at Ryan:

"Excellent forging material, its natural texture and structure are very suitable for forging weapons, especially heavy weapons."

"Guest, you just mentioned you wanted a greatsword crafted. What are your specific requirements?"

At this moment, the Golden Hammer Master's tone was no longer "indifferent" as before, but full of enthusiasm. While asking the question, he also kept one hand firmly on the Crimson Horn, as if afraid that Ryan would take it away.

"I still prefer your 'rebellious' side from just now, and I hope you can come back to that..."

Ryan recalled scenes from movies and TV shows he had seen in his past life, and smiled inwardly, but he didn't show it on his face.

He coughed lightly: "I don't have any special requirements. As long as it's hard and sharp enough, that's fine. By the way, if possible, please make it as heavy as possible. It's perfectly fine to forge it according to the weight standards of your giant race."