System Made Me a Tank [LitRPG-Evolution]

Boran raised his right hand, gripping his shield tightly. The crystal formation before him presented a magnificent sight with purple and blue tones dancing within. "This will be the fifth and final one," he said, keeping his eyes fixed on the crystal.

Noemi nodded. "Be careful. Like the others, this one looks very solid too."

The shield drew an arc in the air and when it struck the crystal, a metallic ring echoed. Boran's arm trembled but he held firm. The second strike was stronger. With the third strike, the crystal finally cracked and a bright Crystal Shard fell from within.

"There it is!" Boran shouted joyfully as he picked up the Crystal Shard from the ground. "We have the fifth piece too."

At that moment, an invisible wave of energy surrounded them. Golden numbers began dancing in the air:

[Quest completed!] [Gained 10000 XP] [Reached Level 30!] [Gained 1000 Gold]

Boran and Noemi looked at each other with broad smiles on their faces. "Level thirty," Noemi said in amazement. "We've really become strong now."

"Yes," Boran confirmed. "Since the quest is complete, how about heading back?"

They wandered around Wyvern Valley a bit longer as the sun cast golden rays on the horizon. Leaving the dangerous beauty of the valley behind, they transferred to the Hub.

The Hub was filled with adventurers as usual. Boran and Noemi sat down on an empty bench.

"We defeated the Valley Reaper," said Boran. "We collected the Crystal Shards. We reached level thirty. These aren't small achievements."

"Not at all. But this is just the beginning. I reached level 30 in just a week... But there are still people with hundreds of levels. I honestly don't understand how they level up so fast."

"Absolutely," Boran agreed. "We'll be like them someday too!"

"You said you wanted to get some materials? Do you still want to, or was it just a passing thought?"

"Ah, yes!" Boran smacked his forehead. "I'd forgotten. Can you take me to the stall area? Let's do some shopping."

Noemi nodded and stood up. "Sure, come with me."

They walked to the eastern part of the Hub. When they passed through a large arched gateway, they found themselves in a massive marketplace. Hundreds of stalls, shops stacked side by side and on top of each other, magical lamps floating in the air, and streets covered with colorful awnings...

"This place... is incredible," said Boran, his eyes wide open. When he looked up, he saw shops extending as high as he could see. Some were set up on floating platforms, and adventurers were teleporting from one platform to another.

"Merchant District," Noemi explained with a smile. "The Hub's largest trading area. You can find almost anything you're looking for here. Armorers, weaponsmiths, magic shops, alchemists, jewelers..."

As they passed through the crowd, different voices came from all around:

"Magic Scrolls! Newly arrived Enhancement Scrolls here!"

"Legendary level weapons! Special discounted prices today!"

"Rare Crystals, Essences! Bargaining accepted!"

Boran stopped at a stall. An old man was arranging colorful potion bottles in front of him. "How much is this?" asked Boran, pointing to a blue bottle.

"Ah, you have a good eye, young man," said the old man, his eyes gleaming. "This is a Magic Resistance Potion. Temporarily increases magic resistance. Normally 500 Gold, but I'll let you have it for 450."

Noemi nudged Boran's arm. "Isn't that a bit expensive? We can find it cheaper."

"But this is quality!" the old man protested. "Okay, okay... 400, final price!"

Boran shook his head and continued walking. Noemi leaned in and whispered: "First rule: Always bargain. Second rule: Never shop at the first place you see."

"I wasn't going to buy it anyway, just curious what it was. I know how to bargain well."

They turned into a narrow street. The signs of shops lining both sides glowed with magical lights. "Enchanted Armors", "Rare Weapons", "Magic Scrolls & Potions", "Crystal Crafting"...

"Here!" Noemi said, suddenly stopping. "This is exactly the place we're looking for."

They were in front of a small but elegant-looking shop. The sign read "Master Alchemist Lyra's Shop". When they entered, pleasant scents reached their noses — lavender, chamomile, and a hint of burnt wood.

"Welcome!" called out a young woman from behind the counter. She stood out with her purple hair and bright green eyes. "I'm Lyra. How can I help you?"

"Actually," said Boran, approaching the counter. "I'm looking for an alchemist set. What equipment do I need to start making potions?"

Lyra's eyes lit up. "Ah, an aspiring alchemist! This is very exciting. For a basic set, you'll need these:"

"First, a quality Basic Alchemist's Workbench — you can't do anything without this. It provides a temperature-controlled area where you can work."

"For the basic set, you need glass distillation flasks in different sizes, calibrated measuring cups for precise measurements, glass droppers and pipettes, both glass and metal stirring rods, mortar and pestle, filtration apparatus, heat-resistant gloves, protective goggles, special alchemy bottles, and a cooling stand."

Lyra walked through the shelves, showing some of the tools. "With this set, you can make beginner-level potions. But be careful, these tools are delicate and expensive."

"How will I learn to use these?" asked Boran.

Lyra smiled. "I'm also an alchemy instructor. If you'd like, I can give you basic alchemy lessons for a reasonable fee. How to use each tool, safety precautions, basic techniques..."

"I'll just take the equipment for now," said Boran. "For training... maybe later."

"For the complete set... 1200 Gold," said Lyra. "At this price, I'll include a basic alchemy handbook. It contains information about tool maintenance and safe usage."

"It's much more expensive than I thought... I'll pass for now then. I'll come back later."

"We're looking for a Magic Resistance Potion," Noemi interjected. "The highest quality would be best."

Lyra smiled and pulled out several bottles from the shelves behind her. "Here they are—my special formula, 300 gold."

Boran raised his eyebrows. "Why were they asking 400 at another shop earlier?"

"Because they're middlemen," Lyra explained. "Since I make my own, I can offer better prices. Also, while others have to follow a standard, I don't! I can make them in any size and duration I want."

"Why's that?"

"Because my class is Alchemist! Most people don't take the Alchemist class, they find it boring, but I love it! While others do it for profit, I do it for both profit and pleasure."

Boran looked at Noemi. Noemi nodded.

"Then I'll take one," said Boran, transferring the gold.

"Here you go," said Lyra, carefully extending the blue crystal bottle.

Boran took the bottle and held it up to the light. The liquid inside shimmered like a rolling ocean. "Take care!" said Boran, waving to Lyra. They both headed for the door.

Two more adventurers entered. A fully equipped warrior and a mage beside them...

"Goodbye!" Lyra called out as Boran and Noemi left the shop. "Come again!"

"What else would you like to buy?" asked Noemi.

"I need to get my armor repaired," said Boran, pointing to the burn mark on his chest. "It took some damage after the fight with the Valley Reaper. If I find more durable armor, I'll get that. Plus I have some equipment I can upgrade."

"I saw a place while walking around. We can check it out."

After passing through a narrow street, they emerged into a square. Noemi pointed to the largest building in the square. The sign read "Forge of the Mad Smith - Repairs & Upgrades". No matter how large the building was, it looked old and seemed like it could collapse at any moment.

"Mad Smith?" Boran asked nervously.

Noemi shrugged.

When they entered, they saw a young man singing while keeping rhythm with his hammer on a massive anvil.

"🎵 BANG BANG! I forge the steel! CLASH CLASH! I bend the armor! DING DING! I sharpen the sword! And I never get tiiiired! 🎵"

Noemi cleared her throat. The man looked up, his eyes sparkling.

"Welcome, welcome! I'm Thorin! But everyone calls me Mad Smith because..." He threw his hammer in the air, made it do three flips, and caught it. "...I'm a bit crazy! HAHAHAHA!"

Boran and Noemi looked at each other in bewilderment. Thorin continued: "Just kidding, actually the reason I'm called Mad Smith is because of my experimental enchantments. Sometimes... there are small accidents."

"Um... I want to get my armor repaired," said Boran nervously.

Thorin suddenly turned serious. His eyes examined Boran's armor with a sharp gaze. "Hmm... Yes, your armor looks in terrible condition."

"Look here, young man," said Thorin, his eyes gleaming. "This armor is nice, yes, but it's a bit... how should I say... ordinary. I can add a special alloy to this. It will increase its durability, and..." He lowered his voice and whispered: "...I'll add a little surprise."

"What kind of surprise?"

"It's a surprise... You don't tell what a surprise is."

"No need for surprises... How much for the repair?"

"Ah, the fee?" Thorin scratched his beard. "Normal repair is 200 Gold. But with my special craftsmanship... 500 Gold. AND!" He raised his finger. "If you accept now, I'll throw in a weapon maintenance for free! What do you say?"

"I don't have a weapon, but could you look at my shield instead?"

"WONDERFUL!" Thorin jumped with joy. "Let's start right away! Take off your armor. And give me your shield."

"Do you sell armor?"