~February 21st, Afternoon~
It is freezing outside. As always, at this time of the year, people won't be surprised about blizzards rampaging over Cherith. Also, this is the final week of February. Which means the afternoon snowstorm will be a lot worse, and a lot colder. The last cold flicker of the winter ember.
To the four people inside Brokkr’s workshop right now, they are kinda thankful for the weather. If not for the bone chilling cold sneaking in, it would be really unbearable to stay here. Regardless of your elements.
This is a crucial moment. The weapon, forged from the steel of the falling star, has gotten its shape. Now comes the hard part. The final stage. The stage that separates good blacksmiths from mediocre ones.
“Urghh, fuckkk! You are one hungry bastard, aren't cha? Hahahaha!”
The sword no longer glowed from the heat, but the energy from Brokkr's core. That's a dwarf's specialty. Able to connect with metal and fuse their core energy. After all, if one forms a core, one would need a core energy.
That's right. A dwarf's weapon possessed its own core. They can produce their own energy. Further transformed by the elemental power of its master's core, it will be a hundred times sharper. More powerful. More deadly.
“Shit! It's draining my core! I need to call for help!”
Suddenly, someone appeared on Brokkr's right side. “Allow me to help you, Village Head.”
Brokkr turned around, and grinned. “It would be my honor, Duke General. Just put on your gauntlet and grab the blade.”
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Aelius nodded. He was already wearing his gauntlet. As soon as he grabbed the blade, he was shocked. “My, your masterpiece drains energy fast.”
“Hehehe, I don't know if masterpiece is the correct word for it. Felt more like a beast to me. Urghhh.”
Brokkr gritted his teeth. Aelius's expression suggested that he wasn't doing too good either. Who knows how strong the sword will be. Since just to form its core required a lot of energy.
“I don't think us two are enough, Aelius!” Brokkr began to panic.
At this point, another hand grabbed the blade. This hand, is covered by ice. “Thankfully he married me, right?”
“Hahahaha, indeed!” Brokkr was jubilant. “A weapon forged by Ice and Fire. I'm excited!”
Loina's hand eased the burden a lot. They can steadily channel their energy a lot better. Stabilizing the process of forming the sword's core.
As the core was nearing its completion…
“Errr, master blacksmith? Is there something wrong?” Loina asked.
Brokkr was stunned for a moment. He had never face this kind of thing before. “How can this be?” He said. His excited face returned. “A sword who reforged itself. Or perhaps…its core reforged the sword itself. What the hell is this phenomenon?”
Loina and Aelius exchanged slightly worried looks. An excited dwarf is a very risky gamble. You either survive and win big, or it'll all explode in your face. Leaving you with nothing. Not even your life.
Thankfully, the sword calmed down. Soon, the core finished forming. The sword's glow died down. And the transformed sword was left in Brokkr's grasp.
Aelius and Loina let go of the blade. Brokkr raised it high. Inspecting every nook and cranny.
The blade was…unique. To say the least. It's like a marriage between a cleaver and a short sword. And the energy it gave off…it felt chillingly hot.
“Hahahahaha! I've done it! The greatest sword of my existence. The pinnacle of my blacksmithing career.” Brokkr burst out laughing.
Loina smiled bitterly, while Aelius had a guilty look on his face. “Erm, Village Head? Will your client be okay with that? It isn't supposed to contain any other power but its master, right?” Aelius asked.
“Pfft, that's alright. I just made it because I want to know what it's like making a sword out of Sky Steel. You could have it if you want.” Brokkr casually threw it to Aelius.
Aelius managed to catch it by its handle. But as soon as he grabbed it, his hand was covered with frost. And it burns.
“Dear!” Loina broke the ice, and pushed the sword away. “Are you okay?”
Aelius nodded. “I'm fin…WATCH OUT!” Aelius tackled Loina to the ground.
The sword came flying back. Luckily Aelius's reaction was fast. It just misses them by a hair.
Unfortunately, it flew towards Jet.
“Son, WATCH OUT!”
Aelius was too far away from Jet. He could only watched, as the sword burrowed into Jet's chest.
Right where his heart is.
Immediately, frost and fire began to envelop him.
Jet was encased in a block of ice fire.