The mutated Steel Fang Alpha slammed its claws into the ground, cracking concrete. It moved faster than its size suggested—its armor clanking like a living tank.
The other Hunters panicked.
"Fall back!"
"It's too strong!"
Jin didn't move.
His \[Phantom Learner] had already begun scanning.
---
**\[Analyzing Target...]**
**Name: Steel Fang Alpha (Mutated)**
**Threat Level: Mid B-Class**
**Armor: Reinforced Metallic Hide – High Slash Resistance**
**Weakness: Blunt Force, Heat Exposure, Joint Damage**
---
His sword wouldn't cut deep enough. Piercing Edge or not, the thing's hide was like plated iron.
He needed a counter.
Jin ducked behind a pillar, opened his inventory, and mentally summoned his Maker interface.
---
**\[The Maker – Onsite Forge Mode Initiated]**
**Available Materials:**
* Steel Fang Bone Fragments
* Monster Core (Low-Grade)
* Mana-Fused Scrap
* Common Iron x3
* Reinforced Handle (Spare)
**Blueprint Selected:** *Impact Crusher – Blunt-Type Weapon*
**Forge Tier: Rare**
---
Sparks flickered in the air. Mana threads looped between his fingers. Metal reshaped in silence behind the pillar while the others distracted the beast.
In less than a minute—
---
**\[Item Created: Bonehammer Mk.1 (Rare)]**
**ATK: +16**
**Effect:** +15% Bonus Damage vs Armored Enemies
**Special Trait:** "Shock Impact" – Chance to Stun on heavy strike
---
He emerged just as the mutated fang charged the squad's tank. The shield was buckling.
Jin sprinted forward, leapt—and brought the hammer down.
**CRACK!**
A direct hit to the back knee joint. The monster roared, stumbling.
"Who the hell is that?!"
Another swing—this time to the side of the jaw. The impact echoed.
**\[Shock Impact Activated – Stun Successful]**
The beast froze for half a second—and Jin used that moment to flip behind it.
He didn't need to show off.
He needed to end this.
One more swing to the spine joint.
**CRUNCH.**
The beast toppled.
Dead silence followed.
Then a message appeared:
---
**\[Sub-Elite Target Eliminated – Dungeon Boss Awakened]**
**Boss Room Unlocked**
**Warning: Power Surge Detected – Estimated Threat Level: A-Class]**
---
Jin breathed heavily, gripping the hammer.
Time to forge something stronger.
Something... *Unique.*