The Cuckmaker's System: Netori fromm the First Day-Chapter 10: The Blacksmith

Kai woke up early the next morning. The cart to Eldor Village left at dawn, and he needed a weapon. Bare hands worked against wolves, but bandits might have swords, bows, or numbers. He didn’t want to risk it.

He checked the system quickly.

[Level: 14]

[EXP: 350/400]

[Coins: 4 silver]

[Aura of Trust (Lv.1): Active]

Four silver might buy something basic. He hoped the blacksmith would cut a deal.

Elara was already in the kitchen when he came down. She handed him a small bundle—bread, dried meat, a waterskin.

"For the road," she said. She kissed him quick and deep while no one was around. "Be safe. Come back to me."

"I will," Kai said. He squeezed her hand. "Tell Lira I said goodbye if she wakes up."

Elara nodded. Her eyes lingered on him. "She’ll miss you too. She talks about you more now."

Kai left the house. The village was still waking up—smoke from chimneys, a few early risers feeding animals.

The blacksmith shop was easy to find. Smoke came from the chimney, hammer sounds rang out. Finn was already working—Lira’s boyfriend. Young, broad shoulders, short brown hair, sleeves rolled up. He was shaping a horseshoe on the anvil.

Kai walked in. The heat hit him immediately.

Finn looked up. "Morning. You’re Kai, right? The wolf-killer. Lira talks about you."

Kai nodded. "Yeah. I need a weapon. Heading out on a guard job tomorrow. Bandits on the road."

Finn wiped sweat from his brow. "Bandits? Tomas’s cart?"

"Yes."

Finn thought for a second. "You’ll want a sword. Or maybe a mace if you like smashing. Swords are better for reach."

He walked to a rack on the wall. Pulled down a few blades.

"This one’s basic steel. Sharp, balanced. Five silver."

Kai looked at it. Solid, but plain. He had only four.

Finn noticed. "You short?"

"Four silver right now," Kai said. "But I’ll have ten when I get back from the job."

Finn rubbed his chin. "Normally I don’t do credit. But... Lira likes you. Says you’re strong, helped Dad with the wolf. And Mom’s been smiling more lately—says the house feels safer with you around."

He shrugged. "Tell you what. I’ll give it to you for three silver. You pay the rest when you get back. Deal?"

Kai smiled. "Deal. Thanks."

Finn handed him the sword. Simple hilt, leather grip, single-edged blade about three feet long. Kai tested the weight—good balance, sharp edge.

"Fits you," Finn said. "You look like you know how to use it."

Kai paid three silver. One left in his pocket.

"Anything else?" Finn asked.

"Know any tricks for bandits?" Kai said.

Finn grinned. "Hit first. Hit hard. Don’t let them surround you. And if they have bows, close the distance fast."

Kai nodded. "Got it."

Finn clapped him on the shoulder. "Come back safe. Lira would kill me if something happened to you."

Kai left the shop. Sword at his side. Felt good.

He walked back toward the house. Elara was outside hanging laundry. She saw the sword and her eyes widened a little.

"Looks dangerous," she said quietly when he got close.

"It is," Kai replied. "But it’s for protection."

She stepped closer. Brushed his arm. "I like seeing you armed. Makes me feel... safe. And excited."

Kai glanced around—no one nearby.

He pulled her behind the house quickly. Kissed her hard.

She moaned into his mouth. "We have time before Lira comes back."

They went inside. Upstairs to the guest room.

She undressed fast. Lay back on the bed.

Kai took off his clothes. Sword on the floor.

He climbed on top. Pushed inside her slow this time.

Elara wrapped her legs around him. "Yes... I love this. Love you inside me."

Kai thrust steady. Deep. She moaned with every movement.

"Harder," she whispered. "I want to feel it when you’re gone."

Kai sped up. The bed creaked. She came first—shaking, holding him tight.

He kept going. Came deep inside her.

They lay together after.

Elara touched the sword on the floor. "Be careful tomorrow. Come back to me."

Kai kissed her. "I will."

She smiled. "And when you do... I’ll be waiting. Ready for more."

Lira came home later. Saw the sword.

"Wow," she said. "You got a weapon?"

"Yeah," Kai said. "For the guard job."

Lira looked impressed. "Finn helped you?"

"He gave me a discount. Good guy."

Lira smiled. "He is. He said you’re strong. Said it’s good you’re here."

Kai nodded. "Glad to help."

Dinner was quiet. Elara cooked stew. Lira talked about the market.

After, Lira went to bed early.

Elara came to Kai’s room later. Slipped under the blanket naked.

"One more time," she whispered. "Before you go."

Kai fucked her slow and deep. She came twice. He filled her again.

She fell asleep in his arms.

Kai stared at the ceiling.

Tomorrow—bandits, road, money.

And when he came back—more power. More corruption.

Lira was next.

He looked toward her room down the hall.

Soon.

[System: Weapon acquisition & pre-departure breeding success]

[+70 EXP]

[EXP: 420/400]

[Level Up → Level 15]

[New Skill Unlocked: Enhanced Reflexes (Lv.1) – Faster reactions in combat. +20% dodge/speed.]

Kai smiled in the dark.