Chương 172

"A Legend is able to handle even the most legendary of materials," Rudra explained.

"Whereas a Saint is able to bring out the potential of even basic materials by making it rival those legendary materials. But for production, every craftsman gets so obsessed with finding better materials early on. By the time they realize the truth about reaching a Saint class, they have already solidified their path as a Legend." Rudra pointed at the iron tongs on the counter.

"So, stop worrying about those legendary metals," Rudra told him.

"You have a gift for the basics. A Saint takes a rusty piece of iron and folds it, and folds it, and folds it again, until that basic iron is so perfectly crafted it can slice right through adamantium. Focus on that. Become the Blacksmith Saint." The shop was completely silent. Only the crackle of the forge fire could be heard. Seris scoffed, crossing her arms.

"That is a beautiful speech, human. Truly poetic. But it is just a fantasy. Basic iron can never rival advanced minerals." Rudra didn't argue. He just stood up from his stool.

"Do you have any food in the back?" Rudra asked.

"Basic stuff. Potatoes, carrots. Nothing magical." Alex blinked, still completely overwhelmed by the speech.

"Uh, yes. In the pantry."

"Bring it here," Rudra said. A minute later, Alex returned with a wooden basket. Inside were three dirt-covered potatoes, two slightly bruised carrots, and a chunk of cheap rock salt. Literally the most basic, bottom-tier ingredients on the island. Rudra dropped his heavy metal block onto the floor. He tapped it, and the [Protean Crafting Cauldron] unfolded into a sleek cooking station. He didn't use any flashy magic. He washed the vegetables. He activated his [Legendary Sage's Eyes].

He looked at the potatoes and saw the exact spots where the flavor was the densest. He took a basic kitchen knife and chopped the vegetables smoothly, cutting them at the perfect angles. He tossed them into a pot of boiling water. He added a pinch of the rock salt. He controlled the heat perfectly, keeping it at a steady simmer so the vegetables didn't turn to mush. Ten minutes later, a bright, golden light flashed in the dingy blacksmith shop. [You have successfully created 'Perfect Peasant's Stew'!] [Rating: Epic] [An epic-rated dish was produced, so all stats have permanently risen by +4 and reputation throughout the continent has risen by +80.] This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. Rudra poured a bowl of the hot, fragrant stew. Thanks to his [Aesthetic Chef] title, the simple dish looked absolutely mouth-watering. The broth was a rich, clear gold, and the vegetables were vibrant and perfectly shaped. He handed the wooden bowl and a spoon to Alex.

"Try it," Rudra said.

"I'm walking the path of the Cooking Saint. I plan to be the first production Saint in the world. Eat that, and tell me if relying on basic material is stupid" Alex took the bowl with shaking hands. He scooped up a piece of potato and carrot, blew on it softly, and took a bite. Alex froze. The vegetables melted on his tongue. They were perfectly cooked, bursting with a rich, deep, comforting flavor that made him feel like he was sitting by a warm fire in the middle of winter. But it wasn't just the taste.

A massive rush of energy flooded Alex's body. The exhaustion in his muscles completely vanished. He felt lighter, stronger, and more awake than he had in decades. He didn't need a system window to tell him what was happening. His body felt completely reborn. And it was all from three dirty potatoes and a bruised carrot. Tears welled up in Alex's brilliant silver eyes. It was real. Rudra wasn't just talking nonsense. The path to the absolute pinnacle using only basic materials actually existed.

He didn't have to be a failure. He didn't need advanced minerals. Overcome with sheer joy, immense relief, and a century of pent-up frustration finally breaking, Alex dropped the wooden spoon. He lunged forward and threw his arms around Rudra's neck, hugging him tightly.

"Thank you!" Alex cried, burying his face in Rudra's shoulder.

"Thank you so much!" [Affinity with Alex has reached the Maximum!] Rudra completely froze. His arms hovered awkwardly in the air. Alex was hugging him tight. The blacksmith smelled like vanilla and woodsmoke. The pale skin was incredibly soft. The silver eyes looking up at him were stunningly beautiful, filled with grateful tears. Every single biological instinct in Rudra's brain was telling him he was holding a beautiful woman. IT'S A TRAP! Rudra's internal voice screamed in sheer panic. HE'S A DUDE!

REMEMBER THE STATUS WINDOW! DON'T BE WEIRD! Rudra awkwardly patted Alex on the back.

"Uh. You're welcome, buddy. Happy to help." Seris glared daggers at Rudra, her hand resting firmly on the hilt of her sword.

"Unhand him, human." Alex quickly stepped back, wiping his eyes and blushing bright red.

"I'm sorry. I just... I haven't felt this hopeful in a hundred years."

"Glad I could help," Rudra said, clearing his throat and quickly packing up his cooking gear. He wanted to change the subject fast.

"So, Alex. I have a large city. Stormbreak. We have a massive military, and we need a lot of basic iron weapons. How would you like to come work for me?" Alex's face lit up.

"I would love to!"

"Absolutely not," Seris snapped, stepping between them.

"Oh, come on," Rudra sighed.

"Alex is the precious child of the Witches," Seris said strictly.

"He cannot leave this island sector and go to human lands. Not without the direct, explicit permission of the Witch Leader."

"Fine," Rudra said, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Where is this Witch Leader?"

"She is on the main Witches' Island, half a day's sail from here," Seris said, crossing her arms.

"But do not bother. She hates humans. She will never let him go."

"I can be very persuasive," Rudra smiled.

"Pack your bags, Alex. We're going for a ride." They walked out of the town and headed down the dirt path toward the secluded rocky beach where he could summon Vritra and Kratos.