Chapter 159 - The Forge
BOOM! CLANK! CLANK!
Amidst the cacophony of explosions and the oppressive heat that permeated the air, the sharp and rhythmic sounds of metal clashing echoed through the volcanic cavern.
The dungeon, filled with the fiery glow of molten lava and the acrid scent of smoke, provided a surreal backdrop to the intense 'battle' that unfolded.
In the midst of the 'chaos,' a colossal being stood tall, almost reaching three meters in height.
Its massive form, bathed in the crimson glow of the lava, exuded an aura of raw power. Long, twisted horns adorned its head, and a flowing beard of the same fiery tone cascaded down its chest.
Its mustache was curly as if to compliment the beard, the tips being burned from the scorching heat.
The being's eyes glowed with an otherworldly intensity, reflecting the heat and violence that surrounded it.
CLANK!
With the arm holding the hammer raised and hitting the metal once more, sparks flew into the environment, creating a display of art.
"Hmm?"
Just as the tensed arm with huge muscles was raised once more, suddenly, the figure came to abrupt with a deep hum.
"I sense a presence."
A deep voice filled with experience and pride echoed in the workshop, voicing the thoughts of the huge figure.
"A thin, but a presence nonetheless."
BOOM! CLANK!
The rhythmic clashing of metal ceased as the colossal being slowly lowered its hammer, allowing the vibrations in the air to settle. The cavern seemed to hold its breath, awaiting the next words from the enigmatic blacksmith.
The figure turned back, its glowing eyes piercing through the smoky atmosphere. The workshop, bathed in the eerie glow of molten lava, revealed the intricate details of the being's crimson beard and twisted horns.
"It has been a while since someone has ventured to this secluded place, away from anyone's watchful eyes. Here I thought, I had hidden my traces well."
The words resonated in the cavern, spoken in a slightly cryptic tone. The blacksmith's gaze shifted towards the entrance as if peering into the shadows where the presence had been detected.
"Coming into the place away from the eyes of many…..the land hidden in the heart of the volcano, only stepped by a few….What brings you here, oh the lost soul?"
The shadows at the entrance remained still, and for a moment, the cavern seemed to hold its breath.
"Haaaah..."
Then, with a voice filled with ancient wisdom, the blacksmith continued after sighing tiredly.
"To think this old man here would see such a young'un in this place…..The fate is indeed different. Though, young'un, the fire in your heart is like an open book to my eyes. I see the weight of your footsteps, the whispers of your intentions. You carry a story, one etched in the fabric of your very soul."
The figure's words resonated as if the blacksmith could perceive something nobody else could as if its glowing red eyes contained a pearl of different wisdom.
"….It is indeed hard to escape from the eyes of a being like you…"
In the heart of the volcanic cavern, where the molten glow painted the surroundings in shades of red and orange, a sudden movement stirred in the shadows. From the concealed darkness, a presence made itself known—a young man, his purple eyes shining with an intensity that mirrored the glow of the lava.
His silhouette emerged, revealing a demeanor that carried both determination and uncertainty.
The young man stepped forward, acknowledging the ancient blacksmith with a nod. His expressionless face showed as if he expected to be revealed.
"To think a young'un like you were able to come all the way from the entrance, I guess my senses had become dull."
The figure's eyes fetched into the very being of the unknown visitor, his senses squinting the strength of the young man.
"Something...I can sense something from you."
The young man stood there without saying anything as the huge figure looked at him. Even in the presence of such an intimidating figure, he seemed rather relaxed, as if he was sure he was safe.
"I see…."
He grabbed his beard, caressing it as if he finally understood.
"To think I can sense the presence of the eldest one inside…..Now, everything makes sense."
From the eyes of the figure, the small shadows were fluctuating over the young man, and it was a familiar presence.
However, at that second, as if his interest was diminished, the blacksmith turned back to his forge, dismissing the young man as if his presence was inconsequential.
"It doesn't matter who you are or who you carry within. I don't wish to be bothered," the figure declared in a deep, resonant voice.
CLANK! CLANK!
The rhythmic clanging of metal resumed, signaling the blacksmith's return to his craft. The young man, now acknowledged and dismissed, was left standing in the flickering glow of the volcanic cavern, pondering the mysteries that surrounded both the ancient blacksmith and the presence within him.
However, the young man remained undeterred, as if he knew this would happen as well. He stepped forward, his voice cutting through the rhythmic clanging of metal.
"How long are you going to run away?" he asked, his face unchanged.
The blacksmith continued working, ignoring the question as if the words were carried away by the billowing smoke of the forge.
CLANK! CLANK!
"Is it how you are trying to redeem yourself? Closing yourself from the outside world?"
Undeterred, the young man continued to approach the workshop. The sparks flying from the workshop continued to rain down, and with each step he had taken, the temperature rose, reaching dangerous levels.
But the blacksmith remained engrossed in his work, the fiery glow of the molten metal reflecting in his impassive eyes.
"Escaping from the responsibilities of the past…Consequences of your actions…..Is it the way of the Great Vorgvir?"
THUD!
However, at that second, with the last words of the young man, the hammer came to an abrupt halt once again.
"….You know me…."
The blacksmith spoke with a tone different than before.
"I do." The young man answered. "The ancient demon of fire, the Legendary Blacksmith of Netheria."
The cavern seemed to hold its breath as Vorgvir turned back, his eyes gleaming with a different intensity. The crimson glow of the lava bathed the legendary blacksmith in an ethereal light, emphasizing the lines etched into his weathered face.
"You do know a lot….But don't you think it is not wise to reveal such things in the presence of an ancient demon you speak of?"
The young man met the blacksmith's gaze with unwavering determination. "I know the risks, but I also know that you won't kill me."
A hint of amusement flickered in Vorgvir's eyes. "And what makes you so sure?"
The young man took a step forward. "You, the one who saw the destruction his weapons brought upon the world….The one who wished for the cruelty to end….You are not someone to kill the weak…."
Vorgvir's expression remained inscrutable, but the flames in his eyes seemed to soften. "You speak as if you know my heart."
"Actions speak louder than words….And one's past shows one's own nature. This is what I do believe." The young man said as he took one last step. Standing in front of the forge. The heat got so hot that the young man could no longer resist as if it was nothing and was sweating from the hotness.
Vorgvir observed the young man in silence, his massive frame towering over the forge. After a moment, he spoke with a gruff yet contemplative tone, "If you know the reason why I am here, why seek my presence for another weapon? A tool for destruction. What makes you think I will make a weapon for thee which will bring the same destiny to the world?"
At his words, the young man stopped for a second, his purple eyes meeting with the blacksmith's. His eyes were now filled with an intense flame….
The aura oozing from the young man slowly made itself known. It wasn't strong, wasn't huge…But it was intense.
As if to display his own feelings, as if to show how intense those feelings were.
"Because, in the behind of the façade of redemption, I know it is nothing but anger and sorrow.
Behind the feelings you have portrayed in the legends, underneath how it was displayed in the murals….
There lies the guilt that is overwhelming you."
The young man's words hung in the air, carrying a weight that seemed to cut through the fiery atmosphere of the cavern. Vorgvir's eyes, still locked onto the young man's, flickered with a mixture of surprise and deep sadness.
The young man continued, "It is the guilt of wielding a power that took away someone you held dear—the weight of the one lost in the wake of your creations.
And it is the anger towards this cruel world and yourself. The unforgiving feeling of sadness, the memories flooding back every second….
It is not the noble cause of ending the cruelty in this world."
The young man stopped at that one little world.
"It is the feeling of hatred towards the one who took your loved ones, but not being able to achieve the vengeance you seek….."
As the young man spoke, Vorgvir's mind became a canvas painted with memories long buried beneath the layers of time. His stoic exterior cracked, revealing the pain etched into the lines of his weathered face.
In that exact second, the forge's fiery glow seemed to dim as Vorgvir was transported to the times of the past—the memories he had tried so hard to bury.
He saw the smile of a young boy, his eyes filled with admiration, holding a tiny hammer, trying to mimic the great blacksmith.
Another image flashed—the same boy, now a bit older, sweating profusely as he forged his first piece, determined to earn acknowledgment.
And then, the vivid image of the same kid, face pale and covered in blood, behind him was the being he hated the most. The memories assaulted Vorgvir's consciousness, each frame a dagger thrust into the recesses of his soul.
The blacksmith's massive frame trembled slightly as the memories of the past awakened once again.
The emotions he had sealed started flowing down….
But at that exact moment, his experienced eyes met with the young boy before him.
And there he saw something…Something similar….
The fire burning in those eyes, the hatred, the anger….
It was the same…
This young man before him was here because of the same thing.
Before Vorgvir could voice the storm of emotions within him, the young man spoke his voice cold and filled with hatred, "I am not the hero who deserves the holy weapon you aspire to create. I am here not to save the world but to bring destruction to those who took something precious from me."
"…."
"Thus I seek your abilities one last time…..The abilities of the legendary blacksmith…."
Vorgvir's gaze remained locked with the young man's as he absorbed the weight of those words. The cavern seemed to hold its breath, awaiting the blacksmith's response.
"Very well…."
Chapter 160 - The forge (2)
"Very well," Vorgvir said, finally accepting the young man's words. "I will do what you wish." As he said, he slowly turned to his own workshop, looking at the metal he was working on.
However….." He stopped for a second, turning back. "You came here seeking the forge of a legend," Vorgvir spoke, his voice carrying the weight of centuries. "But forging a weapon is not a mere craft. It requires understanding, sacrifice, and a journey into the depths of one's soul. Are you ready to tread such a path, young one?"
The young man nodded resolutely. "No matter how painful, how agonizing the path, I won't sway. I have not once forgotten the past. I carry the weight of my purpose with every step, and I am ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead."
The Vorgvir nodded his head as he averted his gaze. He couldn't keep looking at the young man's burning eyes.
Never in his long life had he seen such intense hatred oozing from a person before. Even he himself, who had possibly experienced the same situation in his life, didn't feel this much.
'Or, maybe I had suppressed it.'
It might have been him having no choice at that time….It might have been the feeling of exhaustion coming after the long run.
But in the end, he did what a coward would do….Escaping from the pain itself.
'But this child….'
Vorgvir was sure….This young man before him didn't even have one-tenth of his life experiences…Neither did he have the strength….
He could see with his eyes that the child before him couldn't even be called a warrior compared to those he had seen in the past.
But even then, he was standing right before him. Coming to such a place, enduring all the agony instead of giving up….
'What a resilience.'
He was looking right into his eyes without backing off. Even under the scorching heat, even though he was tired, he didn't even care.
'He reminds me of that kid.'
The boy before him probably didn't know, but now that Vorgvir had checked him, he was sure.
'Would he smile like him if such a thing hadn't happened? What a pitiful kid…'
Vorgvir was not stupid. From the words spoken by the young man alone, he could easily understand who his enemy was.
After all, otherwise, the young man wouldn't come to this place suggesting revenge. Even then, he came into the place of his possible enemy.
'Each second must be incredibly itchy for him.'
Vorgvir knew how it felt to be in the presence of the ones you hated the most. Even those resembling them would become something to hate.
"Young man," Vorgvir said as he reached the shelves in his workshop. His large hand carefully selected a vial containing a mysterious liquid. The flames flickered, casting an arcane glow on the ancient blacksmith's face.
"Do you know what makes the weapon powerful?"
The young man met Vorgvir's intense gaze and replied, "The strength of the owner. The weapon is a reflection of the one who wields it. Its power is not solely in its craftsmanship but in the connection between the owner's essence and the essence of the weapon."
Vorgvir nodded in approval. "Precisely. The journey into forging a legendary weapon is not only about the materials and techniques but also about understanding the purpose behind it. The weapon needs to be the reflection of the one who wields it, and even the materials need to be in this harmony." At that point, he stopped.
"And you want to see my essence."
"Indeed. That is what this vial is for." Vorgvir nodded his head, looking at the kid. "Are you ready?"
"I am."
Vorgvir handed the young man the vial, its contents shimmering with an otherworldly glow.
"Haaah….."
The young man took a deep breath, his determination shining in his eyes. Without hesitation, he lifted the vial to his lips and drank its mysterious essence.
GULP!
The moment the liquid touched his tongue, a surge of energy coursed through his veins. The mana around the environment started curling all around, and it slowly gathered into the young man.
THUD!
As the mana coursed through the young man, the intensity of the energy caused him to fall to his knees. His eyes closed, and the surroundings were enveloped in an ethereal glow. The forge's flames responded to the shift in energy, curling and dancing in an intricate display.
Suddenly, a mysterious smoke began to rise from the young man, shrouding him in a veil of the ancient energy contained in the vial itself.
The smoke expanded, filling the cavern with an otherworldly ambiance.
The air seemed charged with magic as the essence of the vial intertwined with the young man's being, revealing what was intended to be seen.
As the smoke finally settled itself, slowly, the mana started taking its shape. The surroundings started to change.
"Moon?"
The scenery slowly turned into something surreal. The moon cast an ethereal glow on the sky, covering everything.
"Huh?"
Underneath lay a barren land, filled with nothing but grass bathed underneath the light of the moon.
And in the midst of it stood a figure as if the moon was his sanctuary.
The moon cast a green-colored light upon the surroundings, creating an otherworldly ambiance.
As the figure came into focus, it held a long and distinct-looking weapon in its hand. The weapon seemed to resonate with the moon's glow, emitting a faint luminosity of its own.
The figure's features were obscured, yet an air of power and purpose emanated from its presence.
In a mesmerizing display, the figure condensed the green-colored light from the moon into a radiant projectile. The energy formed at the tip of the weapon, and with a swift motion, it shot forth, traversing the barren landscape with incredible speed. The projectile left a trail of shimmering light in its wake, illuminating the moonlit night.
The young man hadn't witnessed what it was, but Vorgvir did.
'Don't tell me?'
That was the purpose of the vial itself, called the Pathfinder. The vial would show what would be the most suitable weapon, the blacksmith itself, and one of the most sought-after materials in the world.
'He is one of them.'
The moon….It was something he hadn't seen for a while.
'Old friend…to think I would see one of your descendants here.'
Memories came crashing, but his focus remained on the kid.
At that exact second, Vorgvir had already realized what kind of weapon would be needed and what he needed to do. He was the legendary blacksmith for a reason.
"Huh?"
However, something different happened. Initially, he had assumed the display would be over, but it didn't.
Suddenly, the light covering the sky changed from green to blue.
The moon, which was glowing green, turned blue/gold as if it were on fire. It shone brightly, burning the grass field underneath.
And amidst the burning field, the same figure stood. This time, holding a different type of long weapon in his hand.
The weapon now looked like a wide bow. A wide bow filled with energy.
As the figure knocked the weapon and stretched the string, suddenly, an arrow materialized in the midst of the bow out of thin air, shining brightly.
BOOM!
As the arrow flew, it crashed on the ground, creating a loud explosion from the place it knocked.
"How?"
Vorgvir could only watch in silence and awe.
"How can he use both?"
Remembering the words of his old friend, he couldn't help but be surprised. Of course, the path to creating such a weapon also immediately formed in his prodigal head, but even then, the essential surprise was there.
However, it wasn't the end.
After the display of the explosion, the sky changed once more, turning into something eerie.
The moon cast a crimson-colored light on the ground….Underneath, the grass seemed to deteriorate.
As if the blood needed to be spilled as if the madness itself occurred in the place.
There stood the figure once again, this time holding two daggers in his hands. The daggers shone bright red as, once again the moonlight condensed upon them.
SLASH!
As the figure moved, he slashed the open air. Following the blades, the condensed crimson energy shot right from the blades, cutting down the grass.
On their path, each piece of grass they touched slowly deteriorated, losing their source of life.
'…..'
At this point, Vorgvir didn't even say anything and only looked at the scene with an immense amount of focus, his brain capturing every detail that was needed.
After the red one came the silver-colored sky. This time, the figure held a weapon he hadn't seen in a while.
The chakrams glowed in the faint silver color. The figure shot forward at a rapid speed as he fired the blades constantly.
SWOOSH!
The blades first shot forward, and as they hit the target they returned like a thread of silver energy was connecting them to the silhouette.
And after that, as the last one, the sky turned into the color of purple/black.
A different pressure seemed to descend upon the world as the moon cast a dark, gloomy light.
The grass was crushed underneath the light as the silhouette simply stood still. In his hands, only a small bunch of rings could be seen on each of his fingers.
The rings directed the purple right into the middle of the figure's hand, forming a sphere of dark purple.
And the figure moved his hands as he wished, with each of his hand movements the crushing force on the grass increasing.
FUSH!
As the showdown met its end and the smoke rising from the ground disappeared, Vorgvir looked at the young boy before him kneeling.
"Oh my…..This will take a while…."
At the end of the day, he couldn't help but shake his head.
Chapter 161 - The forge (3)
"Oh my…..This will take a while…."
As those words spilled from the mouth of Vorgvir, he couldn't help but shake his head. Even for him, who had been one of the best legendary blacksmiths in the entire universe, the things he had seen in the vision were hard to make.
'A weapon that contains different forms?'
When one thought about making weapons, the first important element would be the blacksmith that would make it.
But the other one would be materials.
'How can I find the materials to make such an item?'
Knowing that he had been away from the eyes of the world, it was clear that he didn't have enough materials in his inventory.
"What is the problem?" At that moment, the young man opened his eyes, standing up. His gaze met with Vorgvir's.
"Sigh…." A hearty sigh left Vorgvir's mouth as he proceeded to explain the things about the weapon he had seen.
"The weapon I had seen in your essence….It will be very hard to make." He said, turning back to the workshop.
"Is it because there isn't actually one weapon, but many were there?" the young man probed, his eyes darting around the place, looking for the remnants of the vial.
"Indeed. In a sense, one can only hold one weapon connected to their essence, and it is almost unseen for one to connect with more than one weapon."
"And I am not one of them."
"Yes. And because of that, the vision I had seen simply means the weapon you will connect with needs to contain many forms, not one."
"Hmm….."
"Creating such a weapon is no simple task. The essence you've witnessed requires rare and powerful materials, some of which are not easily found in this realm. We'll need to embark on a journey to gather these components from various corners of the world."
"What kind of materials will you need?" However, the young man seemed rather relaxed even against this revelation.
"..." Hearing this, Vorgvir fell into silence for a second, sorting his thoughts. His mind had already formed a clear direction to follow in his mind for the weapon that needed to be made. "First and foremost, your powers…."
Before he could continue, the young man nodded his head. "Moonstone."
Hearing this, Vorgvir's eyes widened for a second.
'This kid…Does he know his origins?'
He looked at the young man talking.
'No, he probably doesn't.'
Looking at him, it was evident that he was just a cheeky and a bit edgy young kid who didn't know much about the world, but it also seemed he researched about himself.
"We will need [Moonstone]."
"Yes. We will need [Moonstone] as the conductor of your source of powers." Vorgvir replied, nodding his head.
'It is sad that I can't tell you about anything…..Tch, that contract.' Inwardly, Vorgvir clicked his tongue. Even though the kid had the right to know, there were things out of his control here.
Vorgvir gestured toward the array of weapons displayed in the workshop, each possessing distinctive forms derived from the inherent qualities of the materials used. A small flame danced in his hand as he illustrated the interplay between material and form.
"All of the weapons we made tend to have at least a special form," Vorgvir explained. "Every material has specific characteristics that contribute to the final shape and function of the weapon. However, there are instances when the desired result won't take a special form due to constraints, much like the weapon you seek."
The young man nodded in understanding, prompting him to pose a crucial question. "So, we need a suitable material for this characteristic, is that correct?"
"Indeed, it is," Vorgvir affirmed. "A material that defies a specific form—a rarity so profound that discovering it is nearly impossible due to its elusive nature—[Morphium]. This substance harmonizes with the ebb and flow of your essence, granting the weapon the ability to shift and adapt."
As Vorgvir concluded his explanation, he fixed a discerning gaze on the young man. "However, acquiring both [Moonstone] and [Morphium] will be an arduous task. These materials are exceptionally scarce, and their unique characteristics make them challenging to locate. The journey ahead is bound to be fraught with trials and dangers. Of course, from-"
TAK!
Just as he was about to continue, a sudden and unexpected sound interrupted him.
"Are you talking about these?"
Vorgvir turned, his eyes widening at the sight before him. There, on the ground just before the kid, lay the two materials he had just described—[Moonstone] and [Morphium].
"….."
Vorgvir was momentarily taken aback, not anticipating to see these elusive materials appear before them at that exact moment. The air in the cavern seemed charged with an unexpected energy as the blacksmith processed the uncanny turn of events.
"….You…." He was speechless.
'How does he have those materials?'
The young man whom he took as a kid suddenly brought up one of the rarest materials in the world.
"How do you have these?"
At the end of the day, he couldn't help but ask. How did this kid have both of them? He didn't look particularly strong either.
"Does it matter?" However, the young man simply shrugged it off.
"…..Well, it doesn't."
"Right."
Vorgvir's eyes shifted to the materials on the ground, examining them with a mix of astonishment and curiosity. The [Moonstone] emitted a soft, ethereal glow, casting a gentle luminescence that seemed to dance along its surface. Its translucent nature revealed intricate patterns within, reminiscent of the moon's mesmerizing play of shadows.
Besides it, the [Morphium] presented an entirely different appearance. Its form was elusive, a liquid-like substance encapsulated within a crystalline container. The substance shimmered, taking on ever-changing hues as if adapting to the ambient energies surrounding it. The essence of adaptability and transformation was vividly captured within its enigmatic structure.
But the weirdest thing is both of these materials were covered with a weird type of container. It was a design he had never seen before.
'Is this what human blacksmiths do nowadays? It works quite well.'
As if an old man who had met with the technology for the first time he looked at the container, analyzing it.
"It's quite an interesting way of using mana fields. Is this the work of some contemporary blacksmiths?" Vorgvir asked, expecting the answer to reveal the ingenuity of a fellow blacksmith.
The young man shook his head. "Not blacksmiths, but magic engineers. They've found a way to enhance and protect these materials using advanced mana fields. It's a blend of craftsmanship and magic, creating containers that not only preserve but augment the properties of the materials within."
"Magic engineers? What is that?" However, Vorgvir, not aware of the change in the outside world, didn't know about the term.
The young man explained, "Magic engineers are individuals who specialize in combining traditional craftsmanship with magical principles. They integrate mana manipulation techniques into their creations, producing items that possess both physical and magical attributes. These containers are a testament to their ability to harmonize the two disciplines."
Vorgvir scratched his beard, intrigued by the advancements in craftsmanship. "Times have indeed changed. I was unaware of such developments during my seclusion."
The young man nodded. "The world has evolved, and new methods have emerged. These containers not only protect the materials but also enhance their properties, making them more effective for forging."
"Interesting….Rather than relying on the skills of the creator, they are more likely to rely on methods, it seems..."
"Yes. That's right."
The young man leaned forward, his eyes focusing on the materials. "Vorgvir, when can we start the forging process?"
Vorgvir, however, shook his head as he looked at the materials. "There is one thing we are missing from your weapon." He said as he approached the Morphium.
The young man frowned at the response. "I thought we had everything we needed here; what else do we need?"
Vorgvir shook his head solemnly. "There's a vital component."
"The essence of purpose?" the young man questioned.
Vorgvir nodded, "Indeed, it is an important one, but there's another crucial factor. The missing component is the energy supply."
The young man's confusion deepened. "Energy supply? What do you mean?"
Vorgvir sighed, "Morphium, despite its incredible potential, has a drawback that's kept it from widespread use. To control and confine Morphium into the desired material form in the free space where the mana is rampant, a substantial and sustained energy supply is required.
It's not just about forging it into a shape but maintaining that shape and manipulating it as needed during the forging process. That's the challenge with Morphium."
He signaled the container and the Morphium there.
"The container is making use of the mana fields inside it to make sure the Morphium is subjected to a special type of mana continuously, and because of that, we can see it in a special form, but that won't be the case in the real world where you will need to use the mana around."
Understanding dawned on the young man's face as if, this time, he wasn't expecting such a conclusion to be drawn.
"So, we need a considerable energy source to wield Morphium effectively in crafting the weapon."
Vorgvir nodded, "Precisely. This energy supply is what will allow us to harness the transformative abilities of Morphium and mold it into the weapon you seek. Without it, our efforts would be in vain, and Morphium's potential would remain untapped."
As those words sank, the young man fell into contemplation, thinking about the words that left Vorgvir's mouth.
Vorgvir gazed at the young man, understanding the weight of his concern. "Such a power supply is not a common commodity. However, there is a solution."
The young man's eyes sparked with curiosity. "What solution?"
Vorgvir began explaining, "In the depths of high-ranking monsters lies a potent source of energy called Mana Cores. These cores are concentrated manifestations of a creature's magical essence. If we can obtain the Mana Core of a powerful monster, I can fashion a special compressed mana cube from it. This cube will serve as the energy supply needed to wield Morphium effectively."
The moment he said those words, young man's eyes widened as if a realization dawned upon him.
"For a power supply, would this suffice…."
With those words, he grabbed something from the spatial space under his control.
"This!"
Widening Vorgvir's eyes…..
Chapter 162 - The forge (4)
"For a power supply, would this suffice…."
The moment the young man dropped the thing he took out from his spatial storage, immense amounts of energy started spreading to the environment.
"This….."
In this scene, Vorgvir's eyes widened in sheer surprise.
"Don't tell me…This is?"
His widened eyes turned from surprise to horror in a very second as he immediately understood what this was.
For a being who had seen countless things in his whole long life, if one asked what was the most disgusting memory he could ever forget, the thing in front of him would be one of them.
"Kid." Vorgvir's voice dropped, taking on a grave tone. The once-goofy blacksmith revealed the essence of a seasoned warrior and elder. The flames flickering around him mirrored the turbulent emotions stirring within.
"You have three seconds to explain how you possess this thing." The demand cut through the air like a blade, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. The cavern seemed to hold its breath, awaiting the young man's response amidst the ominous revelation.
The young man maintained his stoic expression even though he knew the weight of what he had just unveiled.
He met the eyes of the demon elder before him without backing off. In front of the overwhelming intent of the hundreds of years old being, he simply stood still.
"I stole it."
And spoke three words.
Three simple words hung in the air, carrying a weight that resonated through the cavern. Vorgvir's eyes, bearing the weight of centuries, pierced through the young man before him.
"You stole it." Vorgvir's voice echoed with a mixture of disbelief and scrutiny. He knew the severity of what the young man had just confessed to, and he also knew it was very unlikely.
However, he was experienced in terms of reading people, and he instinctively knew the young man wasn't lying.
"How? Whom did you steal it from?" The questions flowed from Vorgvir's lips, each one a demand for answers that could unravel the mysterious circumstances surrounding the object.
"And do you even know what this is?" Vorgvir's gaze intensified, seeking the truth in the eyes of the young man. The flames in the cavern flickered as if echoing the tension that had gripped the once seemingly routine forging session.
"Even if I told you whom I stole this from, would you even know it, old man?" The young man didn't back off as he spoke. Vorgvir could see he was getting irritated….Possibly from the pressure he was emitting.
'Sigh…What am I doing?'
Realizing the tension he had created, Vorgvir took a deep breath, allowing the flames around him to subside. The ancient blacksmith eased the intensity in his eyes, acknowledging the youthful defiance before him.
"Kid, just tell me. Do you know what this is?" He asked once more, looking at the boy's eyes.
"It is a Mana Nucleus." The boy replied, looking at the thing on the ground. His eyes didn't feel any emotion neither did they feel any remorse.
'Does he now know what this thing is made from?'
Vorgvir thought to himself, looking at his reaction.
"It seems you know what this is. Then, do you know what this was made from?" Vorgvir continued with his questions as he looked into the young man's eyes.
The young man met Vorgvir's gaze, his expression unwavering. "Yes, I know what it's made from. A Mana Nucleus is essentially crafted from the bodies of humans with special mana characteristics. It's an inhumane act, a perversion of life turned into a source of power."
Vorgvir's eyes narrowed as he processed the admission while watching the kid's reaction at the mention of such an inhumane act.
However, contrary to what he was expecting, the kid didn't seem bothered by what he was saying.
"Then, even though you knew the origin of this thing, why are you proposing it to use as a material for your weapon?"
The young man's gaze remained steadfast, unyielding under the scrutiny. "I know its origin, and I won't deny the darkness it carries, as well as how inhumane it is. If I were given the chance, I would never create such a thing."
The boy said as he lowered his gaze, looking at his hands.
The young man's words cut through the air, each syllable a declaration of his unwavering purpose. "But, I won't simply ignore the opportunity presented to me. I am neither an angel nor a hero, just as I said before. My weapon is not something I want to use out of kindness for others; it is a tool for my revenge."
Raising his head defiantly, he locked eyes with Vorgvir. "If I had the values a hero held, do you think I would come to this place seeking for you? Did you forget the words I just spoke here? Even if I hold the most cursed weapon in this world, even if it is the most disgusting thing, if I can achieve my vengeance, it won't matter in the end. I will do whatever it takes to do it."
Vorgvir's gaze lingered on the young man, a mixture of understanding and contemplation in his ancient eyes. The air in the cavern felt charged, the conflicting energies of vengeance and the eerie workshop's ambiance creating an atmosphere heavy with purpose.
"Very well," Vorgvir spoke, his voice carrying the weight of acknowledgment. "I won't question your motives any further. If this is the path you choose, then we shall proceed. However, kid, remember this. Playing with the souls and the dead won't ever bring you any good."
The young man's response was delivered with a cold resolve. "It is even better if it does that. I had never been delusional enough to think I deserve anything good in this world."
The eyes of the kid speaking those words seemed to contain intense emotions and self-hatred that even Vorgvir was taken aback.
'Now, I see.'
At that second, he understood what this kid was doing.
'You are punishing yourself, aren't you, kid? Trying to put out the fire inside you by hating yourself…..'
At that exact moment, in his eyes, the young man became a kid, even for a second.
"If that is what you wish." Vorgvir nodded solemnly, recognizing the depth of the young man's conviction, even if it led down a dark and perilous path.
He grabbed the Mana Nucleus in the ground, as well as the other two materials.
Of course, there were other materials that he would need to use, but he didn't bother telling him since he had all those other three in any case.
"Then, young man." He reached his workshop as he called the young man. "This will take a while, so make yourself comfortable around here if you can even do that."
At this point, he could no longer afford to lose his concentration even for a second; neither could he be disturbed since the weapon he was going to make might not be the strongest or highest rank, but it was certainly going to be the most complex one he had ever made.
"Understood, I will be waiting for you."
The young man nodded his head respectfully as he slowly started walking out of the place. There were no signs of prior anger he had in his eyes as the same emotionless expression returned to his eyes.
TAK!
As the door of the workshop closed, Vorgvir was left alone with the occupation he had his whole life.
His hands slowly reached the hammer he held as he leaned on the stall.
"Old friend…..Are you ready?"
The dim light in Vorgvir's workshop flickered as he spoke to the inanimate companion of his solitude—the hammer that had been his steadfast companion through countless creations.
"What a pitiful kid, wasn't he?" Vorgvir mused aloud, his eyes fixed on the materials spread across his workbench. The hammer, with its worn handle and battle-tested head, seemed to echo the weight of his words in the silent workshop.
The blacksmith's hands gripped the handle of the hammer, its familiarity offering a comforting reassurance. For a moment, he allowed the memories to wash over him—centuries of forging, stories etched into every strike of the hammer against the anvil.
CLANK!
"He carries the burden of revenge," Vorgvir continued, his voice a low murmur. "A path filled with darkness and anguish. But who am I to judge? I've seen the world crumble under the weight of its own sins."
CLANK!
As if in response, the hammer seemed to resonate with the weight of untold tales. The cavern embraced their conversation, the only witnesses to the silent exchange between the legendary blacksmith and his faithful tool.
CLANK!
"His weapon will be a reflection of his turmoil," Vorgvir stated a hint of both resignation and acceptance in his tone. "A manifestation of vengeance and a journey into the depths of his soul. I wonder, old friend, what tales will this forge unfold?"
CLANK!
The hammer, silent yet deeply understood, bore the marks of countless conversations. In the quietude of the workshop, Vorgvir's hands began their intricate dance—the dance of creation and redemption, a dance that echoed through the annals of time.
SWOOSH!
The forge roared to life, its flames casting dancing shadows on the walls.
CLANK!
Vorgvir, lost in the rhythm of his craft, poured centuries of skill and emotion into every strike. The workshop became a sanctuary where steel and magic entwined, and the past and future converged in the creation of a weapon that defied conventional boundaries.
CLANK!
Time seemed to lose its grip as Vorgvir delved into the heart of the forging process. Hours turned into moments, and the weapon gradually took shape under the master blacksmith's skilled hands.
From time to time, he breathed fire from his mouth, reigniting the forge.
And continued his rhythmic strikes on the glowing metal, a low, melodic chant escaped his lips—a whisper carried by the flames and woven into the very fabric of the forge's song.
"By the anvil's hymn, the steel shall sing,
In shadows danced, creation takes wing.
Through the fire's breath and hammer's grace,
Crafted divine, a weapon to embrace."
❰ The Divinity of Forgery❱
「 Call of the Forge God. 」
CLANK!
The chant echoed in the cavern, a mystical undertone to the relentless cadence of the hammer's blows. Vorgvir's voice, weathered by time, carried the weight of centuries as he invoked the Divinity of Forgery—a prayer to the forge god, a plea for guidance in the creation of a weapon that transcended mortal understanding.
CLANK!
The flames responded to the enchanting cadence, dancing with renewed vigor. The very air seemed to hum with ethereal energy as if the forge itself acknowledged the call of its devoted blacksmith.
CLANK!
As Vorgvir mumbled the sacred words, his movements became more fluid, more instinctual. The Divinity of Forgery, a legacy he created on his own, resonated in every stroke. Each strike brought the weapon closer to completion, an instrument of both creation and destiny.
CLANK!
As the last strike echoed through the cavern, Vorgvir stood back, his chest heaving from exertion.
Before him lay a weapon of enigmatic beauty and ominous power—an embodiment of the young man's journey into darkness.
With a weary yet satisfied smile, Vorgvir whispered to his hammer, "Another tale etched into the forge of time."
The weapon, gleaming with an aura as if it was alive, awaited the young man's return—a conduit for his vengeance and a testament to the enduring artistry of the legendary blacksmith.
"Countless souls…..Living inside the weapon itself…."
Vorgvir mumbled.
"Will it be a cursed weapon…Or will it be a weapon devoted on its owner…"
Chapter 163 - The forge (5)
TOK! TOK! TOK!
No matter where you are, if you ever want to get a specialized product for yourself, you will need to wait.
That is the basic procedure.
This is especially true when the thing you are getting is something that is not common.
"Sigh…It is taking a lot longer than I had expected."
That was the reason why I was waiting in this place, spending time looking for the crafts that were made or training.
'The Great Vorgvir, huh?'
The game [Legacy of Shadows: The Hunter's Destiny] contained quite a lot of twists. That was especially the case with this dungeon.
In the slightly later parts of the game, when Ethan was on the verge of finishing the academy and graduating, he would come to this place for a mission.
At that point, the internship and the field lessons would take a huge proportion of the student's curriculum, and the assignments would also start becoming more like real Hunters.
As one of the assignments, Ethan would come to this place to investigate a report.
In that report, it would be said the environment and the mountains observed a clear change, where there were parts of the ground erupted from time to time.
When the player came here, we would start an investigation, and soon, it would be discovered that a sealed dungeon underneath the mountains was leaking its mana.
It was a pretty normal thing since even if it is a legendary blacksmith, no product can function eternally.
And because the seal was not functioning, the dungeon would start affecting the outside world.
After that would come the dungeon exploration, fighting in the field of fire and eruptions. However, in the end, rather than finding a boss monster to fight, we would find a disturbed and regretful elder demon who had fled from his past.
The player would fight with the old man first since he was a demon. But then, we would lose the fight since the strength he held wasn't only limited to physicality.
But, there, Vorgvir's experienced eyes would notice Ethan's identity and the secret he held that even he himself didn't know.
From that point on, we would get our weapon…The weapon we would use to bring the world piece – Holy Weapon.
In any case, because of this, Vorgvir actually held quite a value in the game, and his position as a character was really important.
However, that doesn't matter much. For the weapon I would use, I knew only a handful of blacksmiths in this whole universe would satisfy the conditions, and the easiest one to approach was Vorgvir because I completed the game %100 and also finished the small side-quest related to him.
Since I knew the seal had already started malfunctioning, I looked for the changes related to mana around the mountain.
To predict the tsunami, we could look for the tremors underneath the sea, or to predict future weather; we can look for the positions of the clouds, etc.
The same applies to mana since, in a sense, it is also one of the fundamental pillars related to the environment.
This property was precisely what I had used to track the location of the dungeon. The mountain range is wide, and this place is quite a high level for a game. Therefore, it was nearly impossible for me to look for every nook and cranny to find the entrance.
And now I was here, waiting for my weapon to complete.
CLANK! FUSH!
From time to time, I could hear the sounds of the hammer clashing with metal and flames rising. The reason why Vorgvir is the legendary blacksmith is because he is the Ancient Demon of Fire.
The fire basically commands his will, and he has chosen to use it for forging.
FUSH!
'Was that the right thing to do?'
I asked myself. Remembering how the Mana Nucleus was created, I knew countless people died in anguish.
BOOM!
Looking at the fire continuously rising, a scene came into my eyes suddenly.
"Astron, look, look…Fireflies….They are beautiful, right?"
The scene of the past, a small place we made after mother and father passed away.
'At that time, I wanted to be like those fireflies….'
"Yeah, they are beautiful."
"What happened? Why are you looking like that?"
"I want to be like them."
"Like them?"
"Yes, like them. They can go wherever they want, unrestricted by anything."
"Freedom, huh? They might have wings, but we have our own kind of freedom, Astron. We can help others, making our world better…We can learn and dream."
"But they can fly."
"….."
"Imagine soaring through the sky, visiting places no one has ever been."
"True, they have the sky, but we have each other, and that's a unique kind of freedom. Besides, who knows, maybe one day we'll find our own wings."
"Can we really find our wings?"
"Why? Do you want to leave me alone and explore the world? This sister is hurt."
"You know, I will never leave you alone in this world."
"I know."
'At that time, you, who were illuminating my world, looked more pure than anything else under the moon.'
For some reason, thoughts and memories came crashing here.
'But, you couldn't find your wings at the end.'
CLENCH!
Clenching my fists, I looked at the small shiny mana particles around my hand.
'They were taken from you.'
And once again, with the memories that crashed back, I stood up and took out the training materials I brought with me.
'And, I swear, I will take them back.'
*******
Inside the forge, Vorgvir's hands, calloused from centuries of forging, gently traced the contours of the weapon.
It pulsed with a latent power, a reflection of the young man's vengeance and the blacksmith's commitment to his craft.
"Old friend," Vorgvir whispered to the hammer at his side, "we have birthed something unique today."
With a profound sigh, he placed the weapon on the cooling rack. The workshop, once ablaze with the fervor of creation, now settled into a reverent silence.
Vorgvir turned towards the door, his steps resonating with the weight of his centuries-long journey.
As he pushed the door open, immediately, a wave of air hit his head. The workshop was closed for a long time, and the refreshing air of the cave entered his lungs.
At first, he couldn't find any traces of the young man around.
"I thought he would be waiting for me here."
He mumbled.
"Hmm?"
His senses picked up a presence on the side.
PISH!
Turning his head to the side, he noticed a very unusual scene.
The young man stood right before the lava flow, his posture serene, as if in a deep meditative state. The scorching heat from the molten rock seemed to have no effect on him.
"Hmm, not the usual place for meditation," Vorgvir muttered to himself, intrigued by the peculiar sight. As he approached, he realized the young man's skin was continuously burning, yet he remained unperturbed as if drawing strength from the intense heat.
The pale skin was already showing signs of getting wounded, and the scene seemed disturbing.
"Kid, what in the realms are you doing?" Vorgvir asked, a mix of confusion and concern in his voice. The young man slowly opened his eyes.
"I am waiting for you."
The young man replied as he took a small potion from his spatial bracelet.
GULP!
And gulped.
In an instant, the wounds of scorching disappeared from his body as if it was trying to fight against the scorching heat.
The young man stood up, his movements fluid despite the ordeal he had just subjected himself to. The wounds that once marked his pale skin were now gone, the healing potion having worked its magic. He turned to face Vorgvir, his purple eyes steady and determined.
"The weapon is ready," Vorgvir stated, gauging the young man's reaction.
"Good." The young man's response was curt, his gaze fixed on the legendary blacksmith. "What's next?"
Vorgvir nodded, recognizing the impatience in the young man's demeanor. "The weapon needs to be tempered in the essence of the divine forge, and it needs to be connected to your very being. Follow me."
As they entered the workshop, Vorgvir carefully placed the weapon into the forge's flames. The air crackled with the mingling of magic and steel, and the weapon started to glow with an otherworldly radiance.
"Now, this is the final step," Vorgvir explained. "The divine essence will infuse the weapon, and it will become a true extension of your being. But be warned, this process will never be easy as the weapon contains Mana Nucleus. The forge god demands respect."
The final touch is yours," Vorgvir said, his eyes fixed on the young man. "To forge a true connection with the weapon, you must offer a part of yourself. Your blood will bind the divine essence to your very being."
The young man didn't even hesitate for a second. Without uttering a word, he drew a small blade from his belt and made a deliberate cut on his palm. Blood welled up, and he held his hand over the weapon.
"Let your essence flow into the weapon," Vorgvir instructed, his voice carrying the weight of centuries of wisdom. "Forge the connection that will make it an extension of your soul."
As the young man's blood dripped onto the weapon, the divine essence reacted, enveloping the crimson droplets in a mesmerizing dance of light. The cavern seemed to respond to the sacred act, the flames flickering with a newfound intensity.
"Now, prepare yourself," Vorgvir warned. "The infusion begins."
As the divine essence fused with the young man's blood and the weapon, an otherworldly symphony of screams erupted within the forge.
"You promised..." A voice filled with betrayal and despair whispered, seeking a pledge unfulfilled.
"Why did you abandon us?" Another voice, laden with bitterness, accused and lamented a forsaken companionship.
"Vengeance... endless vengeance..." A spectral murmur yearned for a purpose, a thirst for retribution that seemed unquenchable.
The chorus of souls became a tragic narrative, each voice a tale of unfulfilled promises, broken bonds, and insatiable yearning.
The words, saturated with pain and regret, painted a vivid tapestry of the lives once intertwined within the Mana Nucleus project, those who had a clear future ahead of them taken.
They were now seeking the life they had missed, becoming a being fed from souls.
The young man stood in the midst of this scene, accepting everything thrown at him.
"Grr..."
He clenched his fists.
The energy from the Mana Nucleus was slowly overwhelming him, and with each passing second, the voices of the anguish got louder and louder.
The energy emanating from the Mana Nucleus surged through the young man's veins like a torrential storm. His body convulsed involuntarily, wracked by the burning intensity of the divine infusion. The anguished voices of the trapped souls reverberated through the cavern, creating an oppressive symphony of suffering.
With gritted teeth, the young man endured the searing pain, feeling as though every fiber of his being was on the brink of unraveling. The air around him shimmered with the glow of the divine essence, casting shadows that danced in tandem with his silent struggle.
-PAT!
Blood dripped from his bitten lips, a testament to the silent endurance he imposed upon himself.
The forge god's infusion demanded not only a connection to the divine weapon but also a toll on the very essence of the one who sought its power.
Vorgvir observed with a stoic expression, recognizing the profound sacrifice the young man willingly embraced. The process was relentless, an unyielding trial that merged steel, magic, and the essence of countless lost souls.
"Why?"
"Why it was me?"
"What did you want from me?"
As the pain reached its zenith, the voices crescendoed into an almost unbearable cacophony, pushing the limits of the young man's endurance.
THUD!
However, even with his strong willpower, in the end, the young man was weak. His body could no longer handle the pressure bestowed.
With a silent thud, he fell to the ground.
"Arghk!"
His eyes became blurry as both him and Vorgvir could sense the connection holding him to life was weaking.
Just at that exact second, a small, ethereal mist emerged from the necklace around his neck.
The mist coalesced into the delicate silhouette of a girl; her features shrouded in a comforting aura.
"Brother, I am with you, I am with you, I am with you, I am with you."
The ethereal whispers reverberated through the cavern, a comforting mantra that seemed to permeate the very air.
"Gurghk-!"
The young man, still on the ground, listened to the words while groaning in pain.
In his eyes, the silhouette of the girl was the manifestation of the thing he regretted the most.
As the misty figure continued her reassurances, a gentle warmth emanated from her presence as she caressed the cheek of the young man.
"Remember," she whispered, "even in the darkest moments, you are not alone. The echoes are your strength, and I am your guide."
With those words, the misty figure began to dissipate, merging back into the small necklace she came from.
SHINE!
As the young man started shining under the cavern, the weapon, which didn't hold any form, slowly moved towards him.
And with one last movement, the weapon entered the young man's chest.
Chapter 164 - The Forge (6)
"Interesting,"
Vorgvir, standing nearby, observed the ethereal encounter with a seasoned eye.
The ancient blacksmith had witnessed many extraordinary events in his long life, but the communion between the young man and the spectral figure was a sight even he found intriguing.
"To think such a bond exists," Vorgvir remarked, his gruff voice carrying a note of respect.
"Two young kids, one is a guide and the other one carrying the burden, huh?" He slowly approached the young man lying on the ground after passing out.
His breath was small, as if he was on the verge of being no longer alive….The shiny aura covering his skin had long disappeared, leaving his original color.
"Sigh…..What a pain…" It had been a long time since he had taken any person under his wing.
In the dimly lit chamber adjacent to the forge, Vorgvir carefully laid the young man on a makeshift bed.
The ancient blacksmith's expression, usually stern and weathered, softened as he looked upon the unconscious figure.
'He really resembles him.'
In the end, he couldn't shake this suffocating feeling in his heart. Looking at the young man made him remember his son.
"Kids and their recklessness," he muttered to himself, shaking his head.
Vorgvir gathered a few herbs and potions, remnants of his past dealings with injuries, both mundane and magical. It had been a while since he used those over someone, but his skillful hands remembered the muscle memory.
Carefully, he spilled the contents of the small mixture over the burns on the young man's skin, the remnants of the intense forging ritual.
The young man's upper body was already half naked since the forging process required it to do so.
"Hmm?" At that second, his attention was drawn to the small armor on the corner. As a blacksmith who couldn't control his curiosity, he slowly approached the armor, and the moment he took it into his hands, he could tell it was something extraordinary.
"Black armor, huh?" he murmured, feeling the cool touch of the dark material. The craftsmanship was meticulous, and the black hue seemed to absorb the very essence of light around it. "You got yourself quite a piece here, kid."
Vorgvir examined the armor, his experienced hands exploring the intricate details. The surface bore subtle engravings, a testament to the skill and artistry that went into its creation and something that no ordinary people could see.
"This isn't your ordinary gear. The quality suggests a masterful blacksmith worked on it. Must have cost a fortune."
Vorgvir continued his examination of the armor, his fingers tracing over the fine engravings.
As he delved deeper into the craftsmanship, his keen eyes discerned the armor's intended purpose.
"Hmm, stealth gear, I see," Vorgvir muttered, nodding in acknowledgment. The material choices and meticulous design indicated that the armor prioritized agility and concealment. However, as a seasoned blacksmith, he couldn't help but notice a crucial flaw.
"The defense properties are commendable, but it lacks practicality," he commented, a critical edge to his tone. "You can't wear this without drawing attention. It's like shouting, 'I'm a warrior!' in the middle of a crowded market."
He mulled over the armor's design, his mind already formulating improvements. "What this needs is a touch of Morphium."
After using the Morphium the young man brought, there were still some leftovers. However, one thing was missing. "Using Morphium on armor, huh?"
He caressed his beard, thinking of a way to activate the Morphium.
"I can do that…" Then, he mumbled as if he had already found the way. "Different from the weapon, the armor doesn't need to contain the properties of the changed form. A Rune should suffice."
Approaching his armory, his hands reached a small button hidden behind the crafts. As he pushed it, a small space was embedded in the wall.
The chamber held an array of small, radiant objects, each adorned with ancient symbols that seemed to whisper forgotten secrets.
Vorgvir's fingers navigated through the assortment until he found the one he sought—a small, intricately carved energy rune.
The energy rune shimmered with a small glow, resonating with the latent power waiting to be harnessed.
Vorgvir carefully extracted the rune, cradling it in his hands. The design on the rune seemed to dance with a soft luminescence, an indication of the energy it contained while taking the mana from the space around.
"Perfect," Vorgvir muttered to himself. Holding the energy rune, he made his way back to the armor.
"This should be enough for a gift," Vorgvir muttered, a gruff tenderness in his voice.
"Cough…Cough…." Just as he was about to raise his hammer, suddenly, a hearty cough left his mouth from deep inside his lungs.
Putting his hand on his mouth, he breathed deeply for a second.
"Did I push myself?" He mumbled, looking at his body. Creating a weapon with such a potent energy and soul wasn't easy. Using Divinity of Forge and one of the highest ranks [Calls] was now taking its toll on his body.
"Tch….I am getting old." But in the end, being the stubborn man he was, he grabbed his hammer once again after composing himself.
CLANK!
The cavern echoed with a quiet ambiance as Vorgvir worked, the flames in the forge casting a flickering light that danced on the walls.
The young man, now resting in the dim glow, bore the marks of his journey—the weapon, now dormant inside him.
*******
"Ah…." A short groan left my mouth as I opened my eyes. The familiar scorching heat I had been subjected to was immediately captured by my senses, as well as the tiredness and aching of my body.
"You are awake." Vorgvir's gruff voice cut through the air, revealing his presence nearby. I attempted to sit up, only to feel a momentary dizziness that forced me to lie back down.
'What is this?'
This feeling was foreign, as if something unnatural was inside my body.
"Easy there," Vorgvir advised, his tone as blunt as ever. "You went through quite the ordeal. The forging process is no walk in the park, especially with the likes of Morphium involved."
As I adjusted to my surroundings, Vorgvir continued, "But, I must say, the results are impressive. The weapon you wished for was created successfully. It awaits your inspection."
Hearing his words, the events before I had lost my consciousness came crashing down. The voices of those anguished and the amounts of energy I had felt in my body.
'Brother, I am with you, I am with you.'
I even saw her while coping with the pain. It was a weird feeling, as if I had regained the strength to resist the pain when I heard her voice.
'I guess this was how the characters of the shows felt when they saw flashbacks of their past.'
In any case, just as Vorgvir mentioned, the weapon's forgery was successful since before I closed my eyes, I felt the foreign energy entering my body.
"Take a look at your weapon," Vorgvir grunted, pointing towards my body where a small engraving appeared. Looking there, I could see a small, shiny, crescent moon tattoo on my chest, right in the middle.
"This…." I knew what it was, and I was expecting this result already. Even then, seeing it firsthand and feeling it felt certainly weird.
"It's not your usual weapon. This one is bonded to your essence. You'll need to call it for it to manifest properly. Just focus on it."
Hearing his remarks, I closed my eyes. The bonded weapon, by essence, meant the same thing as learning an [Art].
You would instinctually know the path you needed to take if you wanted to use the weapon, but at the same time, you would also have room to improve.
With my eyes closed, I focused on the weapon, contemplating the image I wanted it to take.
It was an intriguing process, akin to shaping a mental sculpture. As I delved into my mind, a series of images flashed before my closed eyes. They were like glimpses into alternate forms, each representing a different aspect of the weapon's potential.
As I continued my mental exploration, the images became clearer, as if the path to each form unfolded before me. I could sense the distinct essence of each weapon waiting to be harnessed.
The first image that surfaced was the Green Moon.
With a conscious thought, the cavern around me seemed to shift. The moon cast a green glow, and the energy rifle emerged. I could almost feel the weight of the weapon in my hands, the cool touch of its metallic surface.
Transitioning to the second form, the scene shifted again. Now, the moon burned with a blue-gold flame, illuminating a vast landscape. I stood holding a bow of Blue Moon, each shot creating explosive bursts upon impact.
The intricate details of the bow materialized vividly, a testament to the clarity of the mental image.
The third form took shape, with the moon casting a crimson light. This time, I wielded Twin Blades of Red Moon, and as the blades slashed through the air, the crimson energy left a trail of withering destruction. The precision and deadliness of the blades felt palpable in my mind.
The fourth image revealed a silver-colored sky, and in my hands were the Chakrams of Silver Moon. As the chakrams spun and danced through the air, connected by threads of silver energy, their graceful movement was mesmerizing.
Finally, the scene transformed into a dark purple-black sky. I now held a series of Rings of Black Moon, manipulating dark forces to crush the very ground beneath. The overwhelming power of gravitational control resonated in the intricate design of the rings.
The moment everything in my head was finished, I instinctively knew the name of the weapon in my head.
It wasn't something I decided, nor something I talked about with Vorgvir.
"Celestalith, the Transcendent Eclipse."
Was the name of the weapon itself.
I was pulled back to the reality of the cavern when Vorgvir's voice echoed through the space. "Done figuring out your masterpiece?" he grumbled with a hint of curiosity.
"Yeah, I think so," I responded, still grappling with the awe-inspiring experience.
"Then, I suggest you open your eyes." Vorgvir then instructed me to look in front of myself.
As I opened my eyes, I was met with the surreal sight of Celestalith, the weapon I had just envisioned, materialized right before me.
The intricate details, the ethereal glow, and the weight in my hands were not mere figments of imagination; they were tangible, real.
It was an overwhelming realization that the weapon that was bonded to one's very essence could be this different.
The energy I could feel from the weapon and the feeling I got the moment I touched it felt as if it was another limb of mine.
Vorgvir observed my reaction with a stoic expression, the grizzled features of his face betraying little emotion. "Well, it seems you've got what you wanted. If there's nothing else, you better leave. The cavern isn't a place for lingering."
Even then, I could easily tell his gruff words carried a subtle undertone of acknowledgment. That was expected since we made one of the most dangerous things in the world in this place.
But, before leaving, I needed to check one other thing.
'Status.'
It was the changes in my body and my skills since I knew something definitely had changed.
Chapter 165 - The Forge [Interlude] (7)
'Status.'
------------------------------------------
▶Name: Astron Natusalune
▶Occupation: Weapon Master (level 1)
▶Talent Limit: 6
▶Passives:
- Vengeful Bane
▶Attributes:
Variable Attributes:
- Strength: 2.36 --> 2.80
- Dexterity: 2.85 --> 3.45
- Agility: 2.89 --> 3.76
- Constitution: 2.12 --> 2.75
- Intuition: 3.01 --> 3.95
- Magical Power: 3.15 --> 4.2
- Mana Capacity: 2.79 --> 3.13
▶Traits:
- Perceptive Insight (Unique)(Unchanging)
- Lunar Enigma (????) (Growth Type) (Stage 1)
- Shadowborne (Legendary) (Growth Type)(Stage 1)
▶Arts:
- Lethal Arsenal Ascendancy (????)(%13 --> 20)
▶Skills:
- Dash
- Eyes of Hourglass
▶Body Imprints:
▶Bonds:
- Aurora Raven (Rare)(Growth Type)
- Celestalith, the Transcendent Eclipse (????)(Growth Type)(Stage 1)
--------------------------------
Looking at the panel shown right before my eyes, I nodded my head.
'As expected, my stats increased quite a lot.'
It wasn't for only one reason that I came to this place and went through this process. One reason was to get a weapon, but the other one was to improve my stats.
Generally speaking, the moment the player finds their bonded weapon, their stats will increase. This was how it was in the game, and seeing the results in front of my eyes, I knew that was true for the general case as well.
'But, there are a lot of changes other than stats.'
There were countless changes and messages coming from the status window with explanations. I wanted to explore everything, but Vorgvir's impatient cough broke my concentration. "Enough staring at your reflection, kid. If you've got what you need, leave. The cavern isn't a place to admire your newfound powers."
He had a point. With Celestalith in hand and a transformed status, I nodded in acknowledgment. But of course, that didn't mean it wasn't annoying.
'Sigh….Stubborn old man.'
I knew why he was doing this. He was a guy who disliked showing weakness to others, and that seemed to include me. After all, I could easily see the signs of tiredness on his body. His shoulders, his posture, and most importantly, his mana circulation were a mess.
"Thank you, Vorgvir. I won't forget what you've done for me." But that didn't mean I wasn't grateful. Even if I had stimulated his feelings and opened the past wounds he buried, at the end of the day, it was his choice to create such a weapon using his own divinity.
He was the giver, and I was the receiver.
Standing up, I locked my eyes with him.
"Your revenge….I will get it for you with the weapon you made."
Vorgvir met my gaze with a gruff nod. "Do as you will," then averted his gaze, a silent acknowledgment of my resolve. With a gesture, he urged me to leave the workshop, and I decided to leave as well.
The time I had spent in this place was already long, and the week had already passed. Today was Sunday, and I needed to be in the academy before it was too late.
As I turned to leave, the echoes of my footsteps resonating in the cavern, a sudden voice broke the silence.
"Wait, kid. What is your name?"
Surprised, I pivoted to find Vorgvir addressing me. I hadn't realized he didn't know my name.
'I guess I forgot to introduce myself.'
It was weird, knowing I had spent a week in this place, but never once he asked my name.
"It is Astron."
Vorgvir grunted in acknowledgment. "Astron, huh? Well, take care of that weapon. It's a reflection of your choices."
With those words, I left, masking my presence once again. At that moment, suddenly, I felt a weird feeling.
The moment I activated [Shadowborne] to mask my presence, something unexpected happened.
As if something inside the [Unknown's Armor] changed, it sucked mana from me for a second, and following that it merged with my clothes.
I would normally wear the armor underneath my clothes, but it was quite uncomfortable. However, now it seemed different as if the armor blended within my clothes.
'The heat disappeared?'
Turning my eyes to my clothes to check the armor, I saw it had disappeared.
'Hmm?'
No, my Perceptive Insight picked the small traces of mana around. Then I realized the armor didn't disappear but changed its form. From the looks of it, the armor was enchanted, and some daily life easers to itself.
'Old man.'
It was evident whose work this was, and I couldn't shake my head in the response.
'I guess I need to use it well.'
With those thoughts, I left the dungeon.
*******
WOOO!
In the slowly moving train, I was sitting in my seat.
'It is fairly empty.'
Since it was fairly late and the Hikama Mountain range wasn't a place for frequent visitors, not many people were there.
And that worked for me better as well since I needed some time to look at my stats and the changes in other things. There were many things that needed to be looked at, but one thing came before others.
'The bond section.'
The weapon appeared in the bond section defining.
----------------------------------------
▶Bonds:
- Aurora Raven (Rare)(Growth Type)
- Celestalith, the Transcendent Eclipse (????)(Growth Type)(Stage 1)
--------------------------------------------
'The grade part is missing, again.'
It was the same as my trait [Lunar Enigma]. The part where the grades normally showed up was now filled with question marks.
'As if they are related.'
Opening the description of the weapon, I started reading its contents.
-----------------------------
▶ Celestalith, the Transcendent Eclipse ◀
Type: Weapon
Grade: ????? (Growth Type - Stage 1)
Description: Celestalith is a unique, ethereal weapon created through the masterful craftsmanship of Vorgvir, the legendary blacksmith. It is a manifestation of the bond between the wielder, Astron Natusalune, and the essence, infused with the essence of Forbidden Mana Nucleus.
The weapon has five different forms, each form containing a different ability, outline, and type of mana that is used by Astron Natusalune.
Each mana type has its corresponding weapon outline specialized in the form of utilizing the effects to the maximum.
Celestalith is the epitome of the weapons precisely crafted for Astron Natusalune, and it is highly related to the user's traits.
Properties:
Nocturnis, the Twilight Gaze (Green Moon): A ranged form that condenses energy into bullets, allowing precise and powerful long-range attacks.
Solstice, the Solar Ignition (Blue Moon): Transforms into a bow, creating explosive bursts with each arrow shot, suitable for versatile mid-range combat.
Lunaris, the Moon's Embrace (Red Moon): Dual blades that slash through the air, leaving a trail of crimson energy capable of withering anything in its path.
Astra, the Celestial Discs (Silver Moon): A pair of spinning discs connected by threads of silver energy, displaying graceful and mesmerizing movements for both offense and defense.
Umbralith, the Darkened Nebula (Black Moon): Utilizes a set of rings to control dark forces and crush the surroundings, demonstrating overwhelming gravitational power.
Celestalith is the epitome of the weapons precisely crafted for Astron Natusalune, and it is highly related to his trait [Lunar Enigma]. Since it is the manifestation of the user's inner essence, the growth of the weapon is linked to the growth of the user to a large extent.
Every time user experiences growth related to their traits, the weapon Celestalith will also experience growth.
Current Stage: Stage 1
-------------------------------------------
As I delved into the detailed properties of Celestalith, the Transcendent Eclipse, a sense of fulfillment washed over me.
'It is not a bonded weapon for a reason.'
Each form of the weapon seemed intricately connected to a specific aspect of my being, and the description unveiled a depth of connection between the weapon and my traits.
This was what I was expecting while making the weapon itself since bonded weapons were directly connected to the player's essence, the route, and the stats allocated; everything would affect the weapon manifesting.
Of course, I needed to test the weapon first to see its effects, but that would need to wait for a while.
'Aside from that…..'
Aside from the weapon, there was one other major change in my stats.
'My trait's stage has increased.'
---------------------------------------
▶Traits:
- Perceptive Insight (Unique)(Unchanging)
- Lunar Enigma (????) (Growth Type) (Stage 1)
- Shadowborne (Legendary) (Growth Type)(Stage 1)
----------------------------------------
Finally, after all this time, I saw a change in my traits.
'Is it related to moonstone?'
I pondered. Aside from that, I couldn't see any other thing I did differently. I trained with mana and tried to master it as much as I could, but I had never seen any changes inside me.
However, now it was different, as if I had passed a certain milestone.
'Even without looking at the changes, I can feel them.'
SHINE!
As I slowly drew mana into my hands, I felt the energy compressing over there. It looked the same as before, but there was one thing that was significantly different.
If before I could only cover my hands, now the energy felt as if it could manifest around me.
'As if it is materializing.'
If it was before, I could only cover the projectiles with my mana and enhance them in the process, but now things seemed to be different.
'Let's see the effects.'
SWOOSH!
The moment I threw the mana to the seat before me, as if like a small needle, the mana pierced through the seat.
'Indeed it is as I felt.'
Opening the panel, I started reading the changes on my trait.
---------------------------------
Trait: Lunar Enigma
Description: Lunar Enigma gives the user the ability to harness the powers of the moon, granting the user enhanced lunar-themed abilities and effects.
It is a growth type of trait, and with each stage it develops, the trait will unlock more abilities.
Requires a medium to use lunar skills and lunar enhancement.
Stage 0
Gives the user the ability to enhance the projectiles and imbue them with the power of the moon.
Stage 1
The enhancement capabilities of Lunar Enigma have evolved, allowing the user to go beyond mere augmentation of projectiles.
Now, the trait offers the ability to materialize and control lunar energy more tangibly. The moon's influence extends beyond mere enhancement, enabling the user to manifest lunar-themed constructs.
-----------------------------------
It was just as it was explained in the panel, and I knew I had finally reached the point for the start.
'It now begins.'
Finally, I obtained the strength I needed for the sake of my revenge.
"It is time to start."
This brings us to the end of volume 1.