Level Four!
The item level had been upgraded by one, but the degree of completion had not changed. It seemed that enchantments could enhance a weapon's strength, but they did not affect the craftsmanship rating of the forging itself.
Rowe nodded in understanding. He was eager to test the power of Verrigan's Fist and quickly turned to his Book of Holy Deeds.
Over the past few weeks, he had obtained various materials through the Gift of Destiny, including some Experience Books—though most were first- and second-level.
His first attempt with a first-level experience book had been disappointing. The monsters had been little more than wild boars, mottled boars, mangy wolves, and giant pincers—all of them falling easily, yet yielding no significant rewards.
However, he had deliberately saved one of his second-level experience books for this very moment, wanting to see just how much stronger he had become now that Verrigan's Fist was complete.
> [Experience Book: Shining Gold Town Infantry]
[Experience Level: Level 2]
As Rowe activated the book, his surroundings shifted. He was transported into the experience space, which appeared as a vast open training ground.
A single human warrior stood opposite him, clad in armor and gripping a long sword.
"Prepare for battle!" the Shining Gold Town Infantry declared. He raised his sword and charged forward.
Rowe stood his ground, gripping Verrigan's Fist tightly as a flicker of holy light ignited between his fingers.
Over the past two months, he had collected a hundred Holy Light Strike spell fragments, allowing him to finally master the Holy Light Strike ability. Now, it was time to test just how powerful it had become when paired with his newly forged weapon.
As the infantryman closed the distance, Rowe roared and leapt into the air.
Holy Light Strike!
A radiant glow burst forth from his warhammer, the entire weapon engulfed in golden holy light. The sheer brilliance was dazzling, emanating a divine aura.
At the same time, sparks erupted from the hammer's head as flames ignited, wrapping around the weapon in a fierce, dancing blaze.
The intertwining light and fire flowed over Verrigan's Fist like the surface of the sun.
Seeing this, the infantryman instinctively raised his sword in defense.
Crack!
A sharp, shattering sound rang out as Verrigan's Fist crashed down with unstoppable force—splitting the sword in two.
Boom!
The impact sent a shockwave through the air. The infantryman's armor crumpled as his entire form exploded into ethereal smoke, instantly vanishing from existence.
A one-hit kill.
Rowe stared at his hammer, its glow slowly fading as the holy light and flames dissipated. He couldn't help but smile in satisfaction.
"As expected of a paladin's novice divine hammer," he muttered. "Its power is truly extraordinary."
He took a few more practice swings, watching as the golden flames flickered before settling once more. Then, his gaze shifted toward the loot left behind by his fallen opponent.
Experience books rarely yielded rewards, so he hadn't expected much. Maybe a little piety if he was lucky.
However, as soon as he picked up the drop list, he froze.
> [Piety +6.99]
[Disguise: Shining Gold Town Infantry]
"Disguise?" Rowe blinked.
Curious, he flipped through his Book of Holy Deeds and found the item's description.
> [Disguise: Shining Gold Town Infantry]
Allows the user to assume the appearance of a Shining Gold Town Infantry. The disguise automatically expires after one day.
Rowe's eyes gleamed with interest.
"This could be useful… Maybe even a lifesaver in the future," he mused.
Leaving the experience space, he glanced down at Verrigan's Fist with a mixture of pride and concern.
The warhammer was a masterpiece, but there was a problem—where would he store it?
His storage space was only one cubic decimeter, nowhere near large enough to hold a full-sized warhammer. Carrying it around openly would definitely draw attention—especially from El and his uncle, both of whom would worry, scold, and question him endlessly.
After thinking it over, Rowe made a decision.
He would leave it with Skorche for safekeeping.
---
Rowe soon arrived at Skorche's house.
Since Skorche's father was a stonemason, the house was filled with rocks and stone fragments, giving the place the appearance of ancient ruins.
At that moment, Skorche was helping his father move a large slab of stone.
"Skorche!" Rowe called out.
Skorche spoke a few words to his father before jogging out of the yard. His eyes immediately locked onto the warhammer in Rowe's hands.
His face lit up. "Whoa! What's that? Your weapon?"
Rowe handed him the hammer, smiling. "Yeah."
Skorche took the weapon and gave it a few experimental swings. "It looks incredible! But it's a little small, isn't it? Where did you get it?"
"Bought it, of course." Rowe didn't explain further. Instead, he cut to the point. "I can't let El or my uncle see this thing, or I'll be in trouble. I need you to keep it safe for me."
Skorche didn't hesitate. "No problem."
Then he grinned. "By the way, when are you leaving? I'm joining the Boy Scouts soon."
"I'm signing up tomorrow," Rowe replied.
---
The next day, Rowe headed to the military recruitment center, accompanied by his cousin El.
With El handling most of the paperwork and procedures, Rowe simply stood by and watched.
Finally, the old administrator, an elderly man with a kind yet weary face, looked up and spoke.
"There are two available medical posts," he said. "One is at the Jotunheim Outpost, where the enemy is the Frost Giants."
He paused before continuing.
"The other is at the Third Camp in Vanaheim, a joint military outpost between the Aesir and the Vanir. The primary enemies there are the Skrinthians."
Rowe already knew about the Frost Giants—Asgard's ancient and most feared foes.
The Skrinthians, on the other hand, were humanoid creatures native to Vanaheim. Though physically stronger than humans, they were feral and dim-witted, driven solely by hunger and reproduction. Despite their limited intelligence, their rapid reproduction rates made them a persistent threat, constantly overwhelming the Vanir with their sheer numbers.
Asgard, being an ally of the Vanir, had been sending troops to Vanaheim for years to help fight off the Skrinthians.
Before Rowe could make a choice, El spoke for him.
"Vanaheim," she said firmly.
Rowe considered arguing but ultimately remained silent. The Frost Giants were far more dangerous. It made sense to start in Vanaheim before attempting Jotunheim.
Once the paperwork was completed, the old man closed the records.
"In three days, report to the Bifrost Bridge," he instructed. "Don't be late."
Rowe nodded. "Understood."
---
Three days later.
El stood at the Bifrost departure point, fussing over Rowe.
"When you get there, be careful," she reminded him. "Focus on your medical duties, get along with your squad, and don't—"
"I know, I know," Rowe interrupted with a grin. "I'm not going to pick fights."
He then reached into his pack and pulled out a small ornate box, offering it to her.
El blinked. "What's this?"
"Open it and see."
El hesitated, then unlatched the box.
Inside was a glistening gemstone necklace, its blue light shimmering beautifully.
Her eyes widened. "Rowe…!"
Rowe chuckled. "Just a little gift before I go."