Shields, armor, even houses, all exist to protect the frail human body.
Then, for those other beings who lack shields and armor and are not born from wombs, what is the hardest protection?
The answer is simple.
During the period when life has yet to take form, it protects them, isolating the world and malice with great defense.
A common bird egg, though unable to withstand a light strike from a stone, can bear several hundred, even thousands of times its own weight.
This is not some intricate magic, but a miracle created by life.
Although mothers will erupt with great strength to protect their children,
Humans born from wombs cannot gain this powerful protection.
So, I had a genius idea.
Why not apply this strength to weapons?
Indestructible, to ensure that this finger claw wouldn't completely break under its own counterforce and to absorb and fuse with some of the eggshell's materials during self-repair.
Unlost, to absorb magic power from powerful living beings during the beating process.
By replacing the final step of forging with striking, once the cracked finger claw self-repairs, it will possess the perfect trait of being absolutely unbreakable!
Yes, just one step away, just the final step!
As long as I use this finger claw to strike the eggs of those super magic creatures, then I can forge a weapon that could truly be called a miracle!!!
Forge Master Association's evaluation of this graduation project: Fail.
Under the shocked gazes of the crowd, the Hero pulled out the Count's black card and took this seemingly absurd finger claw into their possession.
[Price of the Enchanted Claw]
1. Much more expensive than usual
2. Discounted, cheap ♛
"Th-thank you for your patronage..."
Exhausted from the customers' laughter, the clerk bowed deeply to the Hero, relieved.
This item had been in the store as a joke for quite a long time, and the clerk sincerely thanked the Hero, relieved to not have to introduce it anymore.
"There really are people buying it, such a bizarre item," someone in the crowd murmured in disbelief.
"Well, its quality as a regular weapon passes, and it does sound quite fun, doesn't it," another laughed.
"Considering they are nobles, they probably all like these unusual items."
"That card seems to be from the Count's Mansion—" an experienced customer speculated.
"Alright, alright, disperse everyone. Don't you have work to do? If the young lady likes it she's bought it, if you're buying, please check out, and if not, you're welcome to visit again."
Finally, even the shop owner came over, silently dispersing the crowd gathered around the Hero.
"Miss, thank you for your patronage. If you need maintenance for your weapon in the future, you can also come here, and we'll offer you the maximum discount."
Glancing inconspicuously at the black card, the shop owner spoke respectfully.
"Also, if you can manage to complete this weapon..."
He looked at the Hero curiously trying on the finger claw, exhibiting a somewhat emotional smile, and added without much hope,
"At that time, please make sure to visit our store again. We will refund the cost of this finger claw and provide you with a lifetime VIP treatment."
"So, thank you again for your patronage and welcome back anytime."
[Actions of the Hero next—]
7. Life Profession Alliance
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure
[Going to the Church is because—]
1. For reference for Second-transfer Profession
2. To inquire about Goblins
3. Simply feel it's right to learn more about the Church
4. Whose call is it? ♛
9. Today is my best friend's birthday
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure
After purchasing the Enchanted Claw, the Hero left the Weapon Store and walked on the large street of the commercial area under the afternoon sun, her steps especially light.
The architectural style of the Border city greatly differs from that of inland cities.
The sky seen from the street is—
1. Narrow (to resist Airstrikes)
2. Broad (for military passage) ♛
The most evident aspect is the width of the street; although there are not few pedestrians in this commercial area, it doesn't feel crowded, and might even seem overly broad.
The Hero could nearly imagine the sight of a fully prepared army moving through this street like a torrent of steel when the war starts.
Most of the buildings on either side of the street are made of stone. The exteriors of most buildings lack intricate decorations or carvings, presenting a rugged heaviness, a completely different world from the exquisite Count Mansion.
Although the Hero isn't well-versed in architectural planning, she could discern that the city was designed this way to protect itself from the Arcane Surge.
To establish such a vast and magnificent manor in a city that emphasizes practicality would not only be a drain on financial resources, but the attitudes of the citizens themselves would pose a significant barrier.
This also shows that the Count's reputation here is truly extraordinary, being a well-loved Lord.
It is said that the courtyard of the Count Mansion is periodically opened to the public for visits.
However, these matters have little to do with the Hero who has just arrived. She simply walked happily, holding the newly bought, reasonably-priced Finger Claw, preparing to head to her next destination.
For others, the forging requirement of this equipment might indeed seem laughable, but for a Hero possessing a Phoenix Avatar and truly capable of transforming into an egg, this Finger Claw could be said to be tailor-made.
However, even though all conditions were met, after transforming into an egg, the Hero couldn't knock on it herself from the inside.
[So has the Hero thought about what to do?]
1. No, bought them just because they were on sale.
2. Yes, ready to seek help ♛
[Who is the Hero preparing to seek help from?]
9. Prepare to feed the Gleaming Scale Serpent after making a potion
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure
After continuing along the road for some time, the Hero slightly looked up and in her emerald eyes was reflected the spire of the church in the nearby district.
Although the Count's family's black cat is quite remarkable, it likely couldn't put on a Finger Claw and use the Cat Cat Fist on itself.
And the Border Count himself isn't a Combat profession; asking the guards seemed inappropriate.
After all, having them beat up a guest of the Count who has turned into an egg seems too bizarre.
So in the Church, which houses the Martial Monk profession and is known for aiding others, there should be a suitable candidate.
Although this is what the Hero thought, before she even reached the front of the church, a calling voice carried by the wind made her subconsciously stop in her tracks.
4. Calling mages and magicians with Healing Magic!
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure