Cultivation Through Artifacts

Bazz just smiled and took out the item from the box, that was no bigger than a human palm.

"This is called the Star Token, an item that qualifies you to participate in the upcoming Star Forging Competition!"

"Star Forging Competition?" Khal appeared confused and couldn't help ask the question out aloud.

Bazz nodded and handed the token that had the shape of a star with a silver color while talking, "It is a well-known competition among all blacksmiths on the Southern Continents which is held every single year!"

"And that Star Token will allow you to partake in the Beginners Event the next week in Heaven City!"

When Khal heard the city's name he almost choked on his own saliva as that was exactly where Seila was! Just the thought alone he could meet with that crazy girl again made Khal feel a slight shiver sweep through his body.

"Beginners Event? Then it seems there will be other Events too, right?" asked Khal as he took away the Star Token.

"Yes," nodded Bazz and then said, "The whole competition will be divided into four major events such as Beginners, Advanced, Professional, and Mastery Events. The Beginners Event is for rookies such as yourself, while the Mastery Event is only for those that strive to obtain their 9th Golden Star, earning the title of Star Forger!"

"And so far how many individuals were able to obtain that title?" asked Khal, his interest piqued abruptly.

Bazz hearing the question began to ponder and after counting on his finger he raised his right hand, showing the number of 3.

"What? Only three?" 

"Yes, and out of the three, 1 is already dead, 1 is unknown if alive or not while the third is already in the Third Realm," replied Bazz, shocking Khal deeply.

"Wait, then currently the best blacksmith only has..." asked Khal and Bazz continued, "7 Golden Star."

"7? There is no one with 8?"

"There is none. In case, obtaining your 8th Golden Star is way harder than getting your 9th as the requirements for it are harsher too." sighed Bazz helplessly, as if he just thought about a faraway dream of his.

Khal naturally noticed this and his eyes immediately flashed with interest thus asked, "Master, if I can, how many stars do you have?"

Bazz kind of expected this question, hence pushed his chest out with pride and said, "5! Out of the many blacksmiths in this world, only less than 100 have 5 Golden Star so I am pretty proud about it."

"Less than 100? Including the remaining 3 continents too?"

"Yep!" nodded Bazz and then said, "And that is why I told you I will definitely make an exceptional forger out of you! Maybe you won't obtain your 9th Golden Star, but I am pretty sure with your talent 7 Golden Stars won't be a dream at all!"

Khal was seemingly surprised by how confident Bazz was about his future and even kind of felt touched, as he was the first-ever to tell him such a thing right before him without any type of lying!

Bazz noticed the change in Khal's gaze and complexion but just merely laughed and said, "Haha, don't get so emotional now, that is the truth! You have talent kid, way bigger than you think and that is why..."

BAM!

Taking out a huge piece of metal that was even bigger than the Oak Iron and putting it onto the table only to make Khal's complexion stiffen, Bazz grinned and said, "Until the start of the competition, you will practice day and night without rest!"

"So try and don't die at me, okay?"

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Days passed in a blink, or at least for everyone except for Khal, and after an entire week of straight hell, Bazz patted Khal on the shoulder and said, "Go and sleep well, tomorrow we will leave. As for Jas or the others, you don't need to worry as I have already informed them."

Khal who was sitting on a chair with thick sweat drops flowing down his forehead nodded and stood up, his whole body trembling every time he took a step forward.

When Bazz saw this he couldn't help but grin wider, recalling the previous days as Khal gave his best to improve his skills.

Once on the street, Khal was about to go back to Blade Mountain, but to his great surprise suddenly Alde appeared on his side, halting his movements completely.

"I heard you will compete in the upcoming Star Forging Competition and as I can see you practiced for it real hard. Good job!" smiled Alde, ignoring the fact that Khal was struggling to remain on his feet.

Khal glanced at Alde and after pondering for a while, forced a smile and said, "You are just as kind as ever, but who told you this?"

"Huh? What do you mean who? Everyone was informed about this a week ago through our badge. The only reason I come to find you now was that you were inside the Blacksmith Department for 7 straight days without stepping a single foot out!" said Alde, surprised by Khal's abrupt question.

'...' Khal remained silent as he didn't want to tell the reason why, so instead he just sighed and waved his hand.

"I see, so that's how it is..." mumbled Khal and took out his key, ready to go back to Blade Mountain.

"Where are you going? I was about to invite you fo-"

"Sorry, I'm going to sleep now... I didn't have a proper rest for a week so next time." waved Khal his hand and vanished into the space crack, leaving the stupified Alde behind all alone.

Once inside his cave, Khal closed his eyes and without any care in the world fell forward, even hitting his head powerfully right into the ground.

-

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-

Inside this area where everything was gray with a mixture of silver, Khal stood up and looked around.

"I'm back here again? Now that I think about it, how can I even get into this place." thought Khal as he watched he was again inside this so call Soul Prison.

[Both your mind and biological body must be on or below the critical level, so your Soul will be transported here to help faster recovery.]

As the voice sounded inside his head Khal seemed a bit surprised as he didn't expect an answer, but soon realized from now on this will be the norm, thanks to him feeding his bracelet with his Body Essence from time to time.

"You are back." from behind him Khal heard a familiar voice so turned around and glanced at Neo, who sat in a lotus position, seemingly calm.