No one was brave—or stupid—enough to test it. ... A few hours later, Aiden pushed open the doors of the forge. Inside, Dahl looked like death warmed over. His face was pale, his eyes swollen, and he had the hollow look of a man who had spent the entire night working himself half to death. "Sir," Dahl croaked, forcing a tired smile. "What can I do for you?" He quickly put down the gear in his hands, trying to straighten his posture even as exhaustion dragged him down. Aiden's tone was calm. "I've got a few more items for you to appraise." He reached into his inventory and set eight newly dropped pieces of epic gear on the counter. Dahl froze in place. He knew it. He had known this was coming."Sir," he said, voice shaking. "That's… that's a lot of equipment. Can I get a short break first?" "Take your time," Aiden said, tilting his head slightly. His tone carried a hint of amusement. "I already told you. The gold gear isn't urgent. Why do you look at me like I'm running you into the ground?" Aiden shot Dahl a puzzled look. "I thought I said the gold gear wasn't urgent? You can take your time. Why do you look like I've been working you to death?" "Uh…" Dahl rubbed the back of his neck, his face awkward. "Yeah, you did say that. I just couldn't help myself. There's too much gold gear lying around." He let out a sheepish laugh. This was the kind of wealth he had only dreamed about. Every appraisal he did sent his experience shooting up like fireworks. For an appraiser, seeing this much gold-tier gear was like walking into a luxury casino where every table was free to play. No sane man could resist that. "Forget the rest for now," Aiden said. "The epic gear too. Just focus on upgrading my medal first." He pulled out the Medal of Dominion and a powerup rune, sliding them across the counter. "Yes, sir," Dahl said quickly, taking both items with trembling hands. A few moments later, a wave of golden light flooded the forge. The enhancement succeeded. 'Medal of Dominion (Mythic-tier). Description: A badge of valor granted only to those who conquer the Inferno-level trial. The Dominion's highest symbol of honor. Strengthened repeatedly through the Stone of Dominion, it now holds even greater power. Core Attributes: +300. All-Element Resistance: +5%. Charisma: +3. Courage Surge (Passive): When Health drops below 30%, Strength and Energy increase by 15%.' "Perfect," Aiden said, scanning the details with satisfaction.The rank hadn't changed, but the improvements were clear. His core stats had doubled, and even the passive bonus had grown stronger. The only thing that didn't move was the Charisma—still at +3. It just showed how rare and stubborn that stat was to raise. Even a mythic-tier item, reinforced several times, could barely budge it. He slipped the Medal of Dominion around his neck and pulled up his stats panel. Player: Nighthale. Class: Wealthlord (Unique), Divine Beastmaster (Unique). Level: 40 (0.00%). Current Status: Health: 5940, Mana: 43960, Hunger: 100. Core Attributes: Strength: 1186, Physique: 594, Energy: 4396, Agility: 495. Advanced Attributes: Crit Rate: 25%, Crit Damage: 205%, Damage Increase: 5%, Damage Reduction: 3%, All-Element Resistance: 5%, Dark Resistance: 10%. Rare Attributes: Luck: 65, Charisma: 68.'Compared to when he was level 30, the boost was enormous. His energy had shattered the 4000 mark. Gray's stats had climbed even higher. But before Aiden could open Gray's panel, his communicator started flashing wildly. The light pulsed again and again, filling the forge with a sharp, urgent glow. Aiden glanced down at his communicator. A message from Alan flashed across the screen. Nighthale, come to my estate at once. I've found a lead on what you asked me to investigate.' "That's fast." Aiden's brow lifted. His expression tightened in surprise. He had sent Alan to look into the lost race. He'd expected the search to take weeks, even with players and NPCs spreading word across the city. At worst, he figured they might find nothing at all. But not even a full day had passed."This is too convenient. Something about this feels off," he muttered, frowning slightly. He didn't buy it. This was too easy. Still, he wasn't about to waste time guessing. "Whatever it is, I'll find out myself." He turned and headed straight for Alan's mansion. Minutes later, he stepped into the drawing room. Alan was there, as calm and composed as always, standing beside a man clad in polished silver armor. When Aiden entered, Alan gave a small smile and nodded in greeting. Then he gestured toward the armored guard. "Mr. Nighthale," the guard said, bowing respectfully. Aiden studied him, his tone even but sharp. "You've seen the lost race?" The guard straightened, his nerves showing beneath the formal tone. "You're quick, sir. I do have something to report. But I can't say with certainty that they were the lost race. I hope you won't hold that against me."