Blacksmith of the Apocalypse

The first thing those monsters did after stripping him, was to cut of his ears and tail, before shaving his hair and fur. Then came the torture, his body was covered in wounds, but he was sure he had not revealed anything... or did he? His memories seemed shambled and incomplete.

At some point and a young handsome man spoke to him, but he could only remember that he spoke to him. He had no memory about what they spoke about or for how long...why did he even speak with him? His memory stooped somewhere in that conversation. His heart raced as he suddenly wasn't as sure anymore, that he had not revealed any secrets.

Guilt tried to settle in his mind, as he pulled himself together. This was not the time to get bogged down and blame himself. He had to get out of here. They had taken his armor, but they couldn't touch the contents of his inventory, was what he thought.

Mike gasped when he found that all spare weapons and armor were missing from his inventory. High-level potions and gadgets like the flashbangs were also gone. His fear, that he had been completely under their control intensified. Why else would all the important stuff be missing from his inventory?

A hypnosis or skill that could even overpower his resistance as a Focus Warrior. The young man must have been a high-ranking member or maybe even the leader himself. Mike could only hope none of the others would meet

Only food, miscellaneous stuff and common potions were left. He had to smile, the common potion would have been just enough to treat his superficial wound, but what he was smiling about was their negligence with the food.

In general, even buff food was less sought after than simple potions. It was easier to quickly drink a potion in battle and potions usually had better effects. Right now, Mike had time to eat and the effects of Link's food, who was close to becoming a master cook, easily outperformed common potions.

<Armored Newt Steak with roasted Sleepbane Root

Epic, Consumable

Doubles Health and Stamina Regeneration for 15 minutes

Low Chance to permanently increase Endurance or Health Regeneration>

This was the standard ration for the field teams of Minas Mar. When eaten during periodic breaks, it made sure their health and stamina were at their peak during dungeon raids As palatable as Alison managed to make potions, a good meal was a lot better to raise the morale.

Still, it was not enough to help him heal his ears or tail. It would need a high-ranking magic or pristine potion to accomplish that. He had also tried using his blessing, but it was blocked, like during his fight.

at the moment.

15:45

After looking through the miscellaneous stuff, he found a box he had forgotten. Seth had given it to While eating he checked his inventory for things he might be able to use. He found a pair of sweatpants he could wear and a white wifebeater. An uncanny combination, but he couldn't choose at the moment.

After looking through the miscellaneous stuff, he found a box he had forgotten. Seth had given it to him a few days ago, but since they were so busy with the raids, he never had the time to look inside. It was a small box, not bigger than the palm of his hand.

Back then Seth had said to give it a try with a grin and come back to him if he had questions. It didn't seem too important, which was probably why Mike forgot it over his busy schedule.

"What the-?" he exclaimed when he saw what was inside. It was a dainty, whimsical ring that looked more like something his sister would wear. Had Seth lost his mind, to give him such a frail ring?

The ring was a thing band that looked like two entwined vines of ivy and grapevine, judging by the intricately worked leaves attacked to the two vines. There were small violets stones inlaid, that looked like single grapes, too.

It really wasn't his style of ring, but currently, this was the only item that could be useful. He had made really really sure before deciding so. He didn't find anything else that could currently help him in his inventory. A flimsy ring was better than nothing, he thought, and put it on his finger.

The cat man froze. He could feel tremendous power flowing through his veins and flooding his brain. His pupils widened to the max and he suddenly saw everything hyper-detailed. His heart rate rose to the point that he felt it beating in his chest and his reason started slipping away. It felt like he was ...drunk?

<Ding! Because of the effect of Demon Alcohol, you are intoxicated.>

<Ding! Because of the effect Wit of the Alcoholic your Intelligence has been capped at 10. Excess points are evenly distributed to Willpower and Endurance>

<Ding! You have been affected <Advance of Madness>!>

<Your strength has risen because of <Advance of Madness>!>

<Ding! You have temporarily gained passive skill <Drunk Strength>!>

<Your strength and endurance have risen because of <Drunk Strength>!>

<Ding! You have temporarily gained active skill <Frenzy of Dionysus>!>

A row of notifications rang through his mind in addition to the rush of power. Although he couldn't appraise the ring, he could see the active effects and skill it granted in his status window. Mike already suspected it had something to do with the new <Ithildin> Seth had gotten his hands on, since <Advance of Madness> was very similar to <Encroachment of Lunacy>.

Because of <Drunk Strength> and the Wit of the Alcoholic his willpower and endurance had risen by almost 100 points each. <Drunk Strength> increased his strength and endurance by 25, but that wasn't the end, as the effect would rise with his level of intoxication.

Intelligence was not his main attribute, but Mike had never neglected it. With 150 points it meant Wit of the Alcoholic added 70 points to strength and endurance respectively. With <Advance of Madness> his strength had risen by 150 just from these skills, but the ring itself seemed to add another 70, making it over 200 additional strength. This was more additional strength than when he wore his original armor. This ring was definitely comparable to a legendary item. Although it came at a cost, Mike could work with this.

He could become even stronger if he drank alcohol. Would potions work too? Mike knew that some of the common potions were made with alcohol as their base, but he would probably have to drink a bunch. He would have to test that later, first, he had to evaluate his situation.

The cell was extremely clean with metal sheets lining the walls. The door was also a steel gate it had a locked window and an opening for food or something. The beastman had no chance to see what was outside his cell. Since he didn't know what was waiting for him, it was best he did everything he could to strengthen himself.

…

25 minor health potion bottles later, Mike had an upset stomach, and his level of intoxication had risen, tripling the effect of <Drunk Strength>

"With this, I should be ready."

With a shout, he was surrounded by a hazy aura and the smell of wine. He had activated <Frenzy of Dionysus>.

<Frenzy of Dionysus, Passive Skill, No Cost, 24h cooldown

Can only be used when Intoxicated

Double Strength and Endurance for 30 minutes.

Your Level of intoxication rises every five minutes until the skill is deactivated or the user loses consciousness.>

Faltering, but with immense strength, Drunk Mike opened the locked cell door, with a punch fueled by drunken rage. The figure of a drunk man in a wifebeater and sweatpants stepped out into the world, ready to wreak havoc.