Frostbound

Jumping down from the wall, I took my time approaching the beast. [Identify] was unhelpful and came back with something I hadn't seen before.

[??: Level 25]

Question marks were a new feature. The power disparity along with the rank disparity made it so that I couldn't even see what the thing was called. I got its level, though, which seemed backward. You'd think it would tell me what it was and not its level if I was only going to get one of them.

When I originally assessed the likelihood of my axe failing, taking into account fighting this thing wasn't considered. The rock armor covered what had to be just as hard scales underneath and hitting them wouldn't be good for the longevity of my axe.

Jesus, I might as well start making hammers, it's what they end up as anyway.

I had nothing against hammers, it's just that I was more familiar with an axe. I could make it a lot bigger. If I didn't have to worry about the balance of the blade, I could create a hammer heavy enough to match my strength.

Creating an axe that heavy was getting increasingly difficult. I didn't want to swing around some light toothpick of a weapon when I had the strength to spare. I would have to forgo the spike and make it double-headed for stability.

I could make it thicker so it would last and I could use more metal for increased damage.

Thinking about it made me excited to start making it. Plans swirled around in my head and I started envisioning a massive Warhammer. I wouldn't have to stick to human standards like people in the medieval ages did, I could make it match my inhuman strength.

If I made the face of the hammer too big it would lessen the impact of my blows. I would have to find the sweet spot through testing.

Ending the thoughts on my next weapon, I centered my attention entirely on the boss. Seeing how it manhandled Austin, I activated [Barbarian's Rage] before even crossing blades with it.

Underestimating it wouldn't be a good way to start the fight.