The blacksmith's shop in the bustling town of Ironholt smelled of smoke, metal, and sweat. The clang of hammer on anvil rang through the open windows, blending with the chatter of merchants outside.
Riven bounced on his heels, eyeing the displayed weapons. "We need to get you something better than a stick," he quipped, poking Ash's side.
Ash gave a half-smile, scanning the racks of swords, axes, and spears. None of them felt right. His eyes lingered on a blade shaped like a curved saber, but it was too heavy. Another weapon, a straight longsword, was too stiff.
"Nothing catching your eye?" Riven asked.
Ash shrugged. "Feels off. I need something… lighter. Faster."
The blacksmith, a burly dwarf with a beard singed at the tips, wiped his hands and approached. "You look like a fella who's seen some trouble. Lookin' for somethin' special?"
Ash hesitated. "Yeah. Something quick. Durable. Balanced."
The dwarf grunted. "Fancy talk. Most folks just ask for 'big and sharp.'" He scratched his chin, eyeing Ash thoughtfully. "Got somethin' odd in the back. Found it in a raid on an orc warband. Nasty piece, but curious. Ain't sold it 'cause it… moves."
Ash and Riven exchanged glances. "Moves?" Riven echoed.
The dwarf waved them over to a cluttered workbench. He pulled aside a thick leather tarp, revealing a weapon wrapped in faded cloth. Unfurling it carefully, he exposed a long, bone-white blade with a curved shape—like a katana. The hilt was wrapped in dark leather, and the blade seemed to pulse faintly, almost as if breathing.
Ash's eyes widened. The weapon almost called to him, like it had been waiting.
The system chimed in.
> [Item Detected: Boneblade of the Orc Warlord]
Type: Cursed Weapon
Material: Orc Bone (Regenerative)
Effect: +5 Strength, +3 Agility
Special: Self-Repair using Mana (1 Mana per 10% of blade)
Warning: Excessive use may attract hostile orc spirits.
Ash picked up the blade. It was lighter than it looked—perfectly balanced. When he gave it a small swing, it hummed, resonating through his bones.
"It's like a kat—" Ash cut himself off, catching Riven's curious look. "A… bone saber?"
The dwarf grunted. "Aye, never seen a sword like it. Orc shaman must've shaped it with dark magic. It's tough—won't break easy. But if it does, just pour some mana in, and it'll mend itself."
Ash couldn't hide his satisfaction. It was exactly what he needed—quick, light, and powerful. He looked at the dwarf. "How much?"
The dwarf shrugged. "Most folks don't want it. Orc gear's bad luck. If you got twenty silvers, it's yours."
Riven nudged Ash's side. "It suits you. Almost like it picked you instead of the other way around."
Ash handed over the coins, strapping the sword to his side. As they walked out, he couldn't help but grin. The weapon felt like an extension of himself—sharp, resilient, and a little bit cursed.
Riven glanced at him. "You sure that thing's safe?"
Ash gave a noncommittal shrug. "Nothing I have is safe."
They continued through the crowded street, but Ash couldn't shake the feeling that the sword had been waiting for him. Just like his arrival in this world, it felt like fate.
> [Item Acquired: Boneblade of the Orc Warlord]
Status Update:
Strength: +5
Agility: +3
Durability: 100% (Self-Repair Available)
Warning: Orc Spirit Interference: Minimal
For the first time since arriving, Ash felt prepared—like a part of him had finally clicked into place.
---
The inn room was small but clean—a single bed, a cracked mirror, and a wooden chair by the window. Ash closed the door behind him, the creak of old hinges echoing in the quiet. Riven had gone to the guild to report their arrival, leaving Ash alone for the first time in days.
He set the Boneblade against the wall. The weapon seemed to pulse faintly, almost like it was breathing. Ash ran a hand over his face, still trying to process everything. A system, a new world, and now a cursed weapon that felt like it was part of him.
He sat on the bed, feeling the weight of exhaustion settle in. Just as his muscles began to relax, a familiar chime rang in his head.
> [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
Synchronization Complete
Updating Status…
A blue screen materialized in front of him, floating at eye level. Ash straightened, curiosity piqued.
---
[SYSTEM UPDATE: STATUS SYNCHRONIZATION]
Name: Ash
Level: 10
Race: Human
Class: None (Unassigned)
Title: None
---
[Base Stats:]
Strength: 32 (+5)
Agility: 28 (+3)
Stamina: 24
Intelligence: 22
Endurance: 24
Mana: 18
---
[Current Equipment:]
Weapon: Boneblade of the Orc Warlord
Type: Cursed Weapon (Orc Bone)
Effect: +5 Strength, +3 Agility
Special Ability:
Self-Repair: Uses 1 Mana per 10% durability recovered
Bloodthirst (Minor): +2 Strength after defeating a beast (Duration: 5 minutes)
Durability: 100%
Warning: Excessive use may attract hostile orc spirits
Armor: Basic Adventurer's Tunic
Accessory: None
---
[Skills:]
Passive Skill: Stat Leech
Effect: Absorbs 50% of opponent's stats during combat
Risk: Overload (High strain on the body)
Basic Swordsmanship (Novice)
Proficiency: 10%
Effect: +2 Strength, +1 Agility when using one-handed swords
---
[System Notifications:]
Status Boost Active: Boneblade equipped (+5 Strength, +3 Agility)
Skill Upgrade Available: Unlock at Level 10
Warning: Boneblade's Bloodthirst effect can influence user's mindset (temporary aggression)
Save Points Available: 6 (Unassigned)
---
Ash stared at the floating screen, his mind racing. The Boneblade had really made a difference, boosting his stats and even adding a new skill effect. But the warning about aggression worried him.
He let out a slow breath. "So this is what power feels like."
The weapon seemed to vibrate lightly, as if acknowledging his thought. Ash couldn't help but grin. "Alright, buddy. Let's see what you can really do tomorrow."
He dismissed the screen, leaned back, and closed his eyes. The night outside grew darker, but his resolve only grew stronger.