The morning was just breaking when Samuel, Kai, and Helydia stepped once again over the threshold of the forge. The acrid smell of burnt metal and coal filled the air, and the sound of the hammer striking the anvil resonated in an almost soothing way. The blacksmith, his forehead covered in sweat, straightened his broad figure upon seeing them enter.
"Ah, there you are !" he said with a tired smile, wiping his soiled hands on his apron. Helydia was ready to translate, but Samuel was only waiting for one thing: to get his sword back.
The blacksmith walked towards a solid wooden table where the freshly forged weapon lay. As he lifted the sword, Samuel felt his heart beat a little faster. The blade shimmered under the first light of day, a cold and sharp gleam like frost.
Samuel's sword had nothing in common with the rusty weapon he had carried until then. The blacksmith had clearly put all his skill into his creation. The blade, made of polished and reinforced steel, was wider at the base before tapering slightly towards the tip, giving it a perfect balance between strength and finesse. Elegant lines, almost invisible to the naked eye, ran along the metal, a sign of the carefully engraved protection rune. This rune, anchored near the guard, glowed with a faint bluish light, a symbol of the enchantments that made the weapon more resistant to breaks and shocks.
The guard itself was simple yet sturdy, made of a reinforced dark alloy, and it perfectly protected the hand of its bearer without adding weight to the weapon.
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When Samuel grasped the handle, covered in finely woven leather, he immediately felt the perfect weight of the weapon in his hands. He made a quick test movement, slicing through the air with fluidity, and nodded, satisfied. The sword responded to his movements like a natural extension of his body.
Helydia translated Samuel's reaction to the blacksmith, who, clearly proud of his work, exclaimed something enthusiastic while showing the blade. "He says that this sword will withstand everything, even the most brutal blows " Helydia explained.
Samuel, without saying a word, sheathed the sword, which had also been perfectly fitted to the new blade. He felt ready, armed with a true sword, carefully forged and strengthened by an ancient rune. A part of him felt more complete, stronger, even though the true test ahead would depend on much more than his weapon.
Next to him, Kai retrieved his new bow, a longbow made of dark wood, carved with an unusual finesse for a village as modest as Altium. He lifted it carefully, his eyes shining with admiration for the lightweight and well-balanced weapon in his hands.
They were now ready, well-equipped and armed. Samuel ran a hand over the hilt of his sword, getting accustomed to its weight, while Kai tightened his grip on his new bow, a subtle smile on his lips. As they left the forge, the sun slowly rising on the horizon, an atmosphere of temporary calm surrounded them.
Helydia broke the silence by turning to Samuel, a curious glint in her eyes. "And now, where are we going, boss ?"