Note: Critical Success tends toward multiple traits, Extreme Failure tends toward only being able to embed special materials
The shop assistant's eyebrows twitched at the sight of the finger claw in the display case, but he began his introduction nonetheless.
"This finger claw, although incomplete, is of impressive quality. It's considered as premium-grade weaponry, not outdated even in the hands of a Third Ascension Legendary Monk or Warrior."
Though equipment and items share the same rating system, the two are entirely different entities.
Just like luxury, a luxurious house, and luxurious clothing might both belong to the same Noble, their objective value is vastly different.
In the end, standards are just for reference.
For Adventurers, weapons and armor are more essential, more expensive, and rarer than items and potions.
Like the Hero, who had high-tier Magic Potions early on but had never touched powerful military equipment—partly due to her profession, it indicates the rarity of such pieces.
Premium-grade may not sound high, but such weapons are a rare sight for many Adventurers.
However, if that's the case, why hasn't this finger claw been sold?
While the girl harbored her doubts, the shop assistant continued to explain.
"It's crafted with a special alloy, featuring the traits 'Indestructible' and 'Unlost'. With a period of Magic Power infusion, it will remember the user's essence and not be easily lost.
"Though I can't guarantee it will never be destroyed, should it sustain damage, it has the ability to self-repair."
The Hero nodded in understanding, clearly taken with the item. Seeing her , the shop assistant's expression grew somewhat awkward, and his voice faltered slightly.
'But what?' The Hero tilted her head inquisitively.
[Incomplete Finger Claw Rank4]
Armor Break +25, Armor +25 upon a successful Block
Indestructible: Self-repairing, can't be destroyed by attacks equivalent to or below LV6 Magic etc.
Unlost: Marks the holder's Magic Power, won't be lost, automatically recovers within a certain range
[Enchantment Requirement—Extreme Failure!]
1. Inorganic Magic Creatures' Magic Stones (Vajra)
2. Elf Gems (Invincible Rabbit)
3. Outer Heaven Meteor Iron (Star)
4. Single creature's Soul Glow (Destiny)
5. Rank6 gemstone (Brilliant)
6. Hero's baby tooth (Growth)(?)
7. Elemental Life Core (Element)
8. Mixed Blood Crystal (Agreement)
9. Legendary Creature's Blood (Transcend)
10. Critical Success♛/Extreme Failure
The shop assistant hesitated for a long time, but still couldn't articulate how the finger claw could be completed.
'But, but what?' The Hero blinked her emerald eyes in confusion.
"Don't keep 'butting'."
Displeased with the assistant's hemming and hawing, a man dressed as a Ranger shopping for light weapons interjected, tossing his dagger and speaking with exasperation.
"This infamous finger claw, even a Ranger like me knows about it—it's probably the only high-profile piece of Equipment in your store. Are you trying to trick this young lady?
"The finger claw requires embedding with—"
[But, the Enchantment Requirement after Extreme Failure followed by Critical Success, bizarre as it may seem, the Hero can figure out a way to handle it]
1. Three or more Elf Gems (Invincible Rabbit)
2. Hero's baby tooth (Growth)
3. Legendary Creature's Blood (Transcend)
4. Royal Blood mixed with the Magic Crystal of a Royal Familiar (Dominance)
9. Fear from being beaten to death by a Humanoid creature (Demon)
10. Critical Success♛/Extreme Failure
"The finger claw requires embedding with—"
The Ranger almost spoke but couldn't help snickering, muffling his laughter with his hand.
"Pfft, what's needed for embedding is—"
"Sir, if you don't wish to say, there's no need!"
Annoyed by the man's reaction, the shop assistant called out, half in anger and half in amusement.
The commotion attracted the attention of many nearby customers, who gathered around and whispered among themselves.
This usually quiet area suddenly became lively, with new customers expressing confusion, and regulars chuckling softly before quietly clarifying for the others.
"Ah, it's about that finger claw."
"Is there something special about it? It looks to be of good quality."
"That thing... pfft."
Only the Hero stood puzzled, not understanding why purchasing a finger claw would cause such a commotion.
In the end, the assistant sighed in resignation and began explaining with a straight face.
"Miss, I have no intention of hiding anything from you, but the situation with this finger claw is quite complex.
"Here's the thing, it—"
[Enchantment Requirement Extreme Failure followed by Critical Success followed by Critical Success, a small Weapon Store harboring such a Crouching Tiger]
1. Five Elf Gems (Eternal Rabbit)
2. Repeatedly beat an egg from a Rank7 or higher creature until this weapon breaks♛
3. Knowledge is Power (Rank6 or higher knowledge)
9. Pure young Hero's first blood(?)
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure
[Enchanted Claw (Rank=Eggshell-1)]
I've had a genius idea.
Do you know what's the hardest material in this world?
Is it the Meteorite Iron from space? Is it the blessed Electrum? Is it the thoroughly hammered and tempered Black Steel?
Maybe alI of them are.
But that's just the objective definition.
For Humankind, for life, what purpose does this so-called hardness serve?