Online game: Basic attacks increase strength; the greater the power, the more powerful it is!

Jun Heng's gaze lingered on the apprentice with an extraordinary air for a few seconds.

He was intently polishing the blade of a short sword, his movements skillful and elegant, meticulously performing each step.

He did not rush into action, but continued to observe.

About half an hour later, the hammering stopped inside the blacksmith's shop.

The apprentice, with an extraordinary air about him, put down his tools, walked to the water vat in the backyard, scooped up a ladle of water, and washed the sweat and dust off his face.

Just as he bent over, Junheng noticed a dark red tattoo protruding from the back of his neck.

The tattoo design resembled a pair of outstretched wings, or a burning eye.

Junheng's pupils contracted slightly.

Mark of the Abyss!

This is the mark of the followers of the Abyss!

In his previous life, he had seen this mark countless times in his battles against the otherworldly demons.

Those are special runes used by the Abyss forces to mark their own people.

Once branded, it can never be removed for life.

"I've found you, Lost."

Jun Heng's lips curled into a cold smile as he got up and walked towards the blacksmith's shop.

He didn't directly expose Lost, after all, he had been the most outstanding trial participant of the dragon race.

Now, with the added power of the abyss, they're definitely not easy to deal with.

Although Junheng currently has super-powerful attributes, he is not entirely confident in his abilities.

Therefore, he planned to repair the Demon God Ring first, and then take the opportunity to deal with this traitor of the dragon race.

As soon as Jun Heng approached, the burly middle-aged man raised his head.

He wiped the sweat from his forehead and asked in a rough voice:

"Young man, would you like some equipment crafted? Or repaired?"

"You must be Master Hawke?" Jun Heng asked, clasping his hands in greeting.

"It's me." Hawke put down the hammer and looked Jun Heng up and down.

"You look unfamiliar; you just came from the starting village, right?"

"Yes." Jun Heng nodded, took the damaged Demon God Ring from his equipment inventory, and handed it over.

"Master Hogan sent me to find you, saying that you will understand once you see this ring."

The moment Hawke took the ring, he was jolted.

"This, this is the teacher's ring..."

"That old man actually entrusted it to you?"

He raised his head, his gaze sweeping over Jun Heng as if he wanted to get to know this young man again.

"Master Hogan said he no longer had the energy to repair the equipment, so he entrusted it to me."

Junheng spoke calmly, his gaze seemingly casually sweeping over the backyard where the apprentice was cleaning tools.

Hawke was silent for a moment before finally speaking softly.

"Well... since the old man has made his choice, he must have his reasons."

"So, tell me, what materials have you collected so far?"

Jun Heng glanced at his backpack; currently, he only had three Lava Iron Butts, which he had purchased from the auction house.

Although other materials have been advertised for acquisition, there aren't many level 10 players yet, so there's not much news.

"Right now, all I have is the Lava Iron Butt," Junheng answered truthfully.

"That's right. You've only just arrived in Dawn City, so it's normal that you can't collect those materials yet."

Hawke didn't seem too surprised and continued.

"Magic Crystal, this stuff comes from the Misty Swamp north of Dawn City."

"Deep in the swamp there is a monster called the 'Crystal Core Demon Frog,' which has a chance to drop magic crystals when killed."

"That stuff is highly poisonous; you'd better prepare some antidote."

"Star Sand, produced in Falling Star Canyon to the south."

"Killing the 'Starry Mantis' in the Rift will drop this item."

"The final Soul Stone..." Hawk paused, then glanced at Jun Heng.

"This material is the hardest to obtain. There is an abandoned old cemetery to the west of Dawn City."

"Deep within the graveyard roams a monster called a 'vengeful spirit'."

"This monster is immune to 80% of physical attacks, so you'd better find a magic-wielding companion to go with you."

After listening to Hawke's introduction, Jun Heng quickly made a mental calculation.

These three materials are from different regions.

Besides fighting monsters, the round trip also takes a lot of time.

However, there was no other way, as the transportation system was not yet in operation, so he had to walk there.

"Master Hawke, I understand."

Jun Heng solemnly clasped his hands in a fist and said, "I will collect all these materials as soon as possible."

"Wait, young man."

Hawke called out to Jun Heng, who was about to turn and leave, wiping his rough hands on his apron with a scrutinizing look in his eyes.

"The fact that the old man entrusted that ring to you shows that he trusts you completely."

"Alright, I'll give you a chance."

"If you can obtain the Shadow Stone, plus two pieces of silver-grade equipment."

"I can restore this ring to gold level in one go."

Jun Heng's eyes lit up.

Gold grade!

Although there is still a long way to go to reach the Crimson class.

However, a demon ring of this level is already sufficient to play a significant role at the current stage.

"Master Hawke, where can I obtain the Shadow Stone you mentioned?"

Hawke smiled slightly and then spoke.

"In the Falling Star Canyon south of Dawn City, there is an abandoned mine."

"You can collect stardust there and then complete this task."

[Ding! Hidden quest triggered: Hawke's Request!]

[Mission Objective: Go to the abandoned mine, defeat the level 20 Green Bronze BOSS Shadow Slime, and bring back the Shadow Stone]

[Mission Rewards: 30000 Experience Points, 200 Silver Coins, Hawke's Favorability +50, Repair the Demon God Ring to Gold Level]

[Failure Penalty: Level -1, Hawke's Affection -30]

【Whether to accept? 】

As Hawke finished speaking, a notification appeared in his notification bar.

Jun Heng accepted without hesitation.

For ordinary players, the level 20 green bronze BOSS might be a challenge that requires a team to complete.

But for him now, it's just a matter of throwing a few more punches.

"Master Hawke, I'm off now."

Jun Heng clasped his hands in farewell and then turned to leave the blacksmith shop.

As he walked out the door, he glanced once more at the apprentice in the backyard who was cleaning tools.

The apprentice seemed to sense something, raised his head, and his gaze briefly met Jun Heng's in the air.

Those were deep, almost hollow eyes, as if they held endless darkness.

Jun Heng felt a slight chill in his heart, but remained outwardly calm, simply nodding slightly before striding away.

Following Hawke's advice, Junheng went to the item shop and bought some antidotes and return scrolls.

His extremely high health points, while making him immune to continuous blood loss from poisoning, will ultimately have some impact on him.

So it's better to be prepared, since he's already quite wealthy and doesn't need that much money.

Outside the south gate, there is a wide official road.

On both sides are rolling hills covered with lush vegetation.

He walked briskly for about half an hour, and the terrain began to become rugged.

The vegetation gradually thinned out, replaced by exposed rocks and dried-up riverbeds.

[Ding! You have entered Falling Star Canyon]

A system notification sound suddenly rang out, and Jun Heng looked around.

Ahead lay a narrow valley, flanked by towering cliffs.

The cliff face is covered with holes formed by weathering, resembling a honeycomb.

On these cliffs, the figures of many wild monsters can be vaguely seen.

At the deepest part of the canyon lies a huge, dark cave.

That must be the location of his mission.