Chapter 95: The First Dungeon (1)
"Yer current bow is a temporary and simple one, ye?" Aaron asked. He already knew the answer, so he explained his train of thought, "Yer need to take a good look at other bows and inspire yourself more. The bow we will pass yer is of the best quality for yer current level."
Viktor nodded.
It was surprising to see him standing beside the old master. Because of what Jake had learned about them, he thought these two wouldn't cooperate to teach him.
Jake believed Aaron's rekindled passion had brought him to Viktor's workplace.
The truth, however, was much different.
These two wouldn't talk about it with Jake yet.
Viktor held the bow wrapped in a white blanket. He put it on one of many workbenches and slowly unwrapped the cover, unveiling a medium-sized bow. It was around Jake's upper body height and would look bigger on him if he were to hold it close to his side.
The bow was wooden and black. Jake couldn't tell whether it was painted black or the wood had such a natural color.
The design made it seem like a weapon of a Dullahan.
It was a recurve bow, so the limbs curved away from him. The ends of the bow's limbs bent forward like the heads of horses, ready to pounce at anyone.
The bowstring was red as though soaked in raw blood and enhanced to shine even in the darkness.
Once Jake grasped the smooth handle, he raised the bow up. He was enthralled by it.
It weighed so little that Jake could see himself performing his Joker Form with it. The size was like a perfect common ground for all his styles, so Viktor must have spent some time choosing the bow for him.
Perfect match aside, the impression the black bow induced on Jake was what he had never felt before. He could tell that this weapon was amazing and well done.
His first-ever crafted bow only had a strong name that he had come up with.
This black bow, however, was compelling in name and its build.
After the initial impression, Jake checked the black bow's description.
[The Headless Hunter(A Recurve Bow)(Epic)(Attack: 514~~786)(Durability: 1000/1000]
[Epic Passive: Any arrow released has a higher chance to inflict a severe critical strike on the heads(The damage is increased based on the archery proficiency—Currently(100% additional damage upon inflicting a severe critical strike)]
[Unique Passive: Increases the user's strength and dexterity by 20%.]
[Common Passive: The Headless Hunter's attack damage is increased by 10%, and the user has a higher chance to inflict a critical strike while on a steed.]
[Requirements: Lv. 20 or Advanced I Archery Proficiency]
[Description—The Headless Hunter is the first prototype bow for The Headless Series. Lucian Asta Bow has instructed his craftsmen to craft the bow with the intent to sever heads with a single arrow. Upon receiving The Headless Hunter, Lucian Asta Bow spent a year hunting various monsters and beasts, killing them with a single headshot and carving the bow's purpose into its black wood.]
In combination with his legendary class, Jake's Woodman Subclass had passed him additional information.
[The Headless Hunter—Wood(Burnt and Steamed Northern Acacia)(100% Mana)(Can endure up to 2000 STR and DEX Stat)
'I don't have to worry about my high stats! And so much mana inside the bow means I can borrow so much of it into my special arrows! If I combine that with mana from the arrows, I'll deal so much more damage!' Jake's eyes shone as he realized the power of this bow.
Mana within weapons allowed them to be much stronger. In fact, all resources had mana within them, and not wasting any of it was one of the skills that separated good blacksmiths and artisans from truly excellent ones.
People could borrow mana dwelling within their weapons and other items, but not without a cost. If Jake were to take one hundred percent mana in one go, the bow would lose a lot of its damage and durability.
Of course, like in human hearts, mana in items naturally regenerated.
Various crafting masters proudly said their items 'breathe' just like nature.
Jake could bypass that rule by sacrificing his arrows' mana and telling his summons to do the same!
It was one of the rare advantages of an archer.
"Awesome bow," Jake whispered.
Aaron and Viktor warmly smiled at him. It had been such a while since they heard such heartfelt praise toward a bow, so emotions took over them all the same.
After a while, Aaron returned to his comfort zone and stroked his long beard with pride, "Yer have a good eye. Good, good!"
Viktor scoffed and turned around. He quickly returned with a few leather quivers.
His following words shocked Jake.
He said, "Take those arrows."
Jake didn't know how to react. He didn't know Aaron well, but he had spent some time with Viktor and could tell that this was unnatural for him. He shouldn't have helped him this much…
Jake stared at the man.
Viktor's face grew pissed.
Jake chuckled, "That's more like you. Has something happened? Has my master done something again?"
"She could have left you with me because of a favor," Viktor automatically replied. That was when Ingrid's words rang out in his head, causing him to scowl at Jake.
Jake narrowed his eyes at Viktor.
Viktor clicked his tongue and waved his hand, "Anyway! She's done nothing. Take those arrows. There are four-bladed arrows, blunt arrows, and chisel-pointed arrows. Get to know them and have your summons learn about them! You need to inspire yourself about arrows, too."
Aaron laughed aloud, "Buahahaha! I heard the term for it from players! Tsundere! It's from the eastern region! It came to us because a lot of players like their culture! Oh, you also like sushi!
Buahahaha!"
"The hell you talking about, old geezer?!" Viktor hissed at Aaron, which only caused the old man to laugh more at him.
Jake smiled at them, "Thank you."
Aaron nodded at Jake while Viktor only shifted his eyes to him.
Jake promised them one thing, "I'll return from the dungeon with lots of experience!"