Eternal Forge: Starting with a SSS Rank talent and a Myth Rank Class

Chapter 39: Chapter 39- Rewards and Class Advancement.

The Starfall Hammer blazed with radiant golden light as its forging reached completion.

[Ding!]

[Starfall Hammer — Divine Forging Artifact (Growth Type)]

Rank: Epic

Quality: Transcendent Grade

Durability: ∞

Soulbound: Leo Stone

The twenty-four-hour time limit had finally expired.

The fifteen exhausted participants stepped back from their forging tables, their faces pale and drawn from the relentless, non-stop labor. Every muscle ached, and their energy reserves were nearly depleted.

King Odin had already returned to the elevated stage, watching the proceedings with a steady, unreadable gaze. The judges—Elder Thrain, Lady Sylva, and Master Kael—stepped forward as a group and began examining the finished items one by one.

All fifteen contestants were among the best of the best. Even the lowest-grade creations were at least Uncommon Rank with Flawless Quality. Most had produced Rare Rank items, each displaying varying levels of mastery.

The judges first approached Kai’s table. A Frost Imbued Shield rested there, gleaming with a beautiful silver-blue hue.

Elder Thrain lifted the shield—which was nearly his own size—with surprising ease. He equipped it on his arm and swung it several times. Frost crackled along its surface with every motion, and a cool, refreshing mist rose from it, calming the mind.

He nodded appreciatively and set the shield back down.

”Perfect balance. Clean work,” he declared.

Lady Sylva ran her fingers along the shield’s edges, inspecting every curve and rune with a critical eye.

”Rare Rank, Master Quality,” she announced.

The other judges examined its functions and stats in turn, nodding in satisfaction. Only then did Kai, who had been watching tensely, finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Next, the judges moved to another table where a sword forged by one of the participants lay. It was a Rare Rank weapon of Normal Quality. They inspected it thoroughly, noted the details, and continued onward.

This time, they reached Gandalf’s table. The dwarf tried to maintain a confident expression, but the beads of sweat on his forehead betrayed his nervousness. On his table, rested a hammer crackling with static electricity.

Elder Thrain lifted the hammer first. He swung it a few times experimentally. Powerful rumbles of thunder echoed on impact, while bright arcs of lightning flashed with each swing.

Lady Sylva observed closely and commented, ”Storm Iron. It conducts lightning energy remarkably well. Good work.”

Master Kael nodded in approval. ”A powerful offensive hammer. It could cause devastating damage in group battles.”

Elder Thrain smiled warmly. ”Rare Rank, Flawless Quality. Solid work by a fellow dwarf.”

The judges then made their way to Lyra’s table.

Lady Sylva immediately picked up the bow Lyra had crafted. It glowed with a pure white light. When she drew back the string, it produced a resonant hum filled with celestial energy.

The other judges took turns examining the weapon, nodding at its exceptional craftsmanship.

After checking two more tables, the judges finally arrived at Leo’s station. Even they could not hide their excitement as they gathered around the table.

The Starfall Hammer rested there, gleaming with a smooth metallic luster and blazing with brilliant golden light.

Elder Thrain reached out and grasped the handle. His eyes widened instantly. The hammer hummed sharply and warmly in his grip, like a living creature awakening. It resisted his hold, then suddenly broke free from his hand and settled back onto the table with a soft thud.

”This... This is...” Elder Thrain’s voice cracked with disbelief. ”This thing is almost sentient. It doesn’t recognize me and refuses to let me wield it. Moreover...”

He paused, swallowing hard.

”Moreover, its rank is...E.... Epic... with... Tran.....Transcendent Quality.”

Elder Thrain finished the sentence, his voice shaky and filled with horror.

Lady Sylva adjusted her spectacles with a wide eye and leaned in closely, inspecting the intricate runes. ”The runes are interacting on their own. Just as we suspected during the forging process. The energy flow is completely self-sustaining. It’s as if the metal itself is the energy source.”

Master Kael, who had recognized the forging technique Leo used, was the most astonished. He had known nothing forged with that method would be ordinary, but even he was unprepared for the revelation of Transcendent Quality.

”Huh? Elder Thrain, don’t joke around,” Master Kael said nervously. ”Transcendent Quality isn’t real. It’s impossible to forge anything with no flaws. Only legendary relics that exist in nature by themselves or created by nature can reach that grade.”

”Look at it yourself,” Elder Thrain grunted, gesturing toward the status panel.

Master Kael inspected it. His eyes widened in shock, mirroring Elder Thrain’s reaction. Then his expression shifted into one of deep reverence.

”As expected of the forging technique of the Goddess of Melody,” he murmured.

The judges left Master Kael standing in reverie and continued checking the remaining items.

Once the full inspection was complete, the judges gathered to discuss and compile the final rankings.

Elder Thrain stepped before the participants, his voice booming across the hall.

”Fifteenth place — Varmen. Shadow Dagger, Uncommon Rank, Flawless Quality.”

He continued announcing each placement in order, his tone measured and professional, until he reached the top five. His voice grew more serious.

”Fourth place — Lyra. Thunder Bow, Rare Rank, Master Quality.

Third place — Kai Stormbreaker. Frost Imbued Shield, Rare Rank, Master Quality.

Second place — Gandalf Ironhand. Thunder Hammer, Rare Rank, Flawless Quality.”

Then he stopped.

A heavy silence fell over the hall. Everyone already knew who had taken first place as Only Leo’s name remained to be announced out of 15.

”First place — Leo Stone. Starfall Hammer, Epic Rank, Flawless Grade.”

Elder Thrain and the other judges had deliberately chosen not to reveal the full Transcendent details publicly—it was for Leo’s own safety.

The hall erupted.

Cheers, thunderous applause, and shouts of disbelief crashed over Leo like a tidal wave. He walked forward on unsteady legs, the weight of every stare pressing down on him. His palms were slick with sweat, and his heart hammered wildly in his chest.

Elder Thrain presented the golden anvil trophy. It felt heavy and warm in Leo’s hands.

”You forged the impossible,” Thrain said solemnly. ”Starfall Iron, shaped with the Rune-First Approach, producing a Transcendent Grade artifact. In all my years... I have never seen anything like it.”

Leo gripped the trophy tightly. His vision blurred with emotion. He blinked hard to clear it.

”Thank you,” he managed, his voice hoarse.

Princess Freya stepped forward with a bright smile.

”Congratulations! Come with me. The King will bestow the rewards upon you himself.”

Freya led the way, and Leo followed. They stopped before King Odin. Both Freya and Leo knelt respectfully.

Odin regarded Leo with a profound, piercing gaze. Suddenly, the King raised an eyebrow, as if he had seen something extraordinary.

Leo, still kneeling, lifted his head to meet the King’s eyes. A shiver ran down his spine. He felt completely exposed—as if the King had seen through every layer of his being, every secret laid bare.

”Rise,” Odin commanded.

Only then did Leo feel the invisible pressure release.

The King waved his hand. A guard stepped forward and presented a pouch to Leo.

”All the promised rewards are inside,” Odin said.

The King’s voice then rang out, magically amplified throughout the entire hall and beyond:

”From this moment onward, with the people and ancestors as witnesses, I, Odin, the All-Father, King of Asgard, bestow upon you the title of Divine Rune Blacksmith of Asgard!”

The crowd erupted into cheers once more. Odin’s declaration echoed across Asgard, ensuring every citizen knew a new legendary blacksmith had been crowned.

”Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty,” Leo said, bowing deeply.

Freya smiled and gently pulled him away from the stage.

As they walked back, she began to explain softly, ”Your name will be carved permanently into the Hall of Fame of Asgard. Future generations will know of your accomplishment today.”

Leo nodded gratefully. ”Thank you, Princess.”

He glanced down at the pouch in his hands.

[Storage Pouch]

Capacity: 10 cubic meters

A simple system description appeared. When he opened it, a mental connection formed, instantly revealing its contents: a pendant, 100 gold coins, and a jade tablet inscribed with ”Class Evolution Ticket.”

[Ding!]

First Place achieved in the Asgard Forging Competition.

Reward: Pendant of Asgard

Reward: 100 Gold Coins

Reward: Class Evolution Ticket

[Achievements Unlocked]

Hall of Fame

Royal Forge Access — 7 Days

Rare Material Vault Access

Rune Stele Study — 1 Day

Mjölnir Study — Unlimited

Title: Divine Rune Blacksmith of Asgard

[Ding! Divine Rune Blacksmith title acquired.]

[Class Advancement Quest Completed.]

[Advancement Available.]

Notifications flooded Leo’s vision, but he set them aside for now.

The King announced once more, ”Everyone must be tired. Please rest for today. Tomorrow, a grand banquet will be held in honor of your achievements.”

With that, King Odin departed to attend to other matters.

The participants were guided to their prepared rooms. Princess Freya personally escorted Leo. She seemed to want to say something, but remained quiet the entire way. When they reached his door, Leo bid her good night.

Finally alone, he checked his status panel.

He opened the Class Advancement tab and selected Advance without hesitation.

[Class Advancement Available]

Choose the branch you wish to awaken:

Three options appeared:

[1. Soul Forging]

Soul-infusion techniques. Infuse souls into creations.

Compatibility: 98.7%

[2. Celestial Forging]

Work with cosmic energy and celestial materials.

Compatibility: 95%

[3. Blood Forging]

Work with the blood of all kinds of beings to forge.

Compatibility: 98%

Leo read each option carefully twice. He felt a strong pull toward Soul Forging.

So without much thought he selected it.

[Soul Forging selected.]

[Advancement Complete!]

[New Branch Unlocked: Soul Forge]

[Soul Forge Rank: Initiate]

Leo flexed his fingers. New power hummed within him, waiting to be used. He could feel it resonating in his very bones.

[Experience Gained]

Forging Trial Complete: +5,000

Starfall Hammer Forged: +10,000

World First: Rune-First Approach: +20,000

6 Emergent Runes Created: +15,000

Transcendent Quality: +12,000

[LEVEL UP!]

Level 10 → Level 15

Stats Increased:

STR: 140 → 165

INT: 41 → 66

CHA: 51 → 76

MFT: 51 → 76

HP: 2,280 → 2,780

MP: 820 → 1,320

Stamina: 560 → 810

Five levels gained in an instant. Leo’s body surged with fresh energy. His muscles felt denser, his senses sharper, and his mind clearer than ever.

He looked at the Starfall Hammer. It pulsed once, as if acknowledging his growth.

With this, I have completed my Class advancement, I should be able to log out.

Leo attempted to log out.

[Log Out: DENIED]

[Outstanding Quest: Repair Mjölnir]

[Cannot leave until the quest is resolved.]

”Fuck...” Leo cursed under his breath for a moment, then sighed heavily.

He finally opened the full attribute panel of the hammer he had yet to examine in detail.

[Starfall Hammer — Divine Forging Artifact (Growth Type)]

Rank: Epic

Quality: Transcendent Grade

Durability: ∞

Soulbound: Leo Stone

Sentience: Learning Stage (Unawakened)

Initial — Responds to heartbeat, pulses with emotions

[Attributes:]

Forging Power: +120

Forging Proficiency: +50%

Mana Conduction: +100%

Stamina: +100

Dexterity: +150

Strength: +70

Agility: +50

Forging Speed: +50%

Stamina Consumption Reduced: 50%

[Passive Effects:]

[Spell Forging Attunement] — Materials forged by this hammer become highly receptive to runes. Rune carving success rate doubled.

[Quality Upgrade] — 50% chance to forge Rare items. 25% chance to forge Epic items. 5% chance to forge Legendary items. Base quality is always at least Uncommon.

[Perfect Strikes] — Every strike lands at the optimal force, angle, and temperature. The hammer corrects your technique in real-time. You cannot make a bad strike—only good ones.

[Enchant] — 30% chance for forged items to gain a random enchantment. Chance increases by 1% per item forged (stacks to 100%).

[Active Effects:]

[Material Transmutation] — Convert one material into another. MP Cost: 1,000. Cooldown: 12 hours.

[Material Synthesis] — Combine incompatible materials. MP Cost: Varies. Cooldown: 24 hours.

[Memory Replay] — Replay any forging technique Leo has ever witnessed. MP Cost: 5 per minute. Cooldown: None.

[Authorities (Locked):]

Authority of Creation

Authority of Perfection

Authority of Binding

Authority of Elements

Authority of Origin

[Artificial Mind (Consciousness):]

Cognitive Stage: Awakening

Emotional Development: ~4% (curious but largely logical)

Independent Will: Absent

Learning Mode: Active

Memory Capacity: Boundless

Dream State: Inactive

Soul Formation: 0%

Personality: Undefined (mirrors Leo’s values: craft, honor, perseverance)

Self-Preservation: Passive

Potential: Unmeasurable

[Rune Network]

6 Runes — Synchronized

Mnemos (Crimson) — Foundation of Memory

Genesis (Multicolor) — Weave of Creation

Logos (White) — Thread of Cognition

Experience (Amber) — Path of Experience

Curiosity (Violet) — Horizon of Seeking

Harmony (Silver-Gold) — Weave of Connection

Network Status: Synchronized

Orchestrator Rune: Locked — Requires 100 items forged or Apprentice+ proficiency. Once it Manifests, The Hammer shall awaken its full sentience.

(Cannot be carved by anyone, It will manifest on its own, when the requirements are fulfilled.)

[Description:]

A hammer forged by a novice blacksmith from metal the world had discarded. Its surface sparkles with constellations, each one a memory of creation. The hammer connects to the stars above, drawing power from celestial resonance. It grows with its wielder—today a simple tool, tomorrow a legend.