In the last chapter, Ember and Mister Ryu, known for hunting many goblins, are summoned by Citadel's High Manager, Greg Shermon. Shermon reveals that Grandmaster Blacksmith from the upper Skies wants to contact Mister Ryu. Despite Ember's curiosity, Mister Ryu stays mysterious about the message he sent. Shermon gives a communication crystal and sponsorship token from Grandmaster Blacksmith. As they leave, Ember asks about the urgency, but Mister Ryu keeps things cryptic, promising answers will come with time.
After receiving the gift from the Citadel's High Manager, the duo arrives at their lodgings within the Citadel. Following a much-needed rest after their exhausting day, the two decide to convene in the late evening to discuss and plan their future travels. Ember's curiosity peaks, as she is eager to learn about the message Mister Ryu sent to Grandmaster Blacksmith and what prompted his noteworthy response with apparent intentions in mind.
"Hey Mister Ryu, I'm really curious about the message you sent to Grandmaster Blacksmith. Mister Shermon mentioned he was eager to talk to you, and he even said there was a recording involved. Mind sharing the details with me?" Ember inquired.
"Miss Ember, be patient. Everything will unfold in due time. For now, let's engage in a conversation with the esteemed Grandmaster Blacksmith," Mister Ryu suggested.
Mister Ryu organized the surroundings neatly and began establishing a connection with Grandmaster Blacksmith using the communication crystal. In the process, he handed a mask to Miss Ember, keeping one for himself, and advised them to wear it during their conversation with Grandmaster Blacksmith.
"Alright, what's the deal with the mysterious mask?" Ember questioned with a hint of curiosity in her voice.
"Ember, as we communicate with someone from the upper Skies, we, being beginners, could attract unwanted attention. There might be prying eyes trying to spy on our conversation with Grandmaster Blacksmith. It's crucial that what we discuss remains confidential; otherwise, it could pose challenges for our ascent through the Skies in the future," Mister Ryu explained.
Mister Ryu added that while wearing the masks, it was essential not to address each other by their real names but instead use aliases to conceal their identities. The aliases they chose were Miss Summer and Mister Winter.
With the masks securely in place and aliases adopted, Miss Summer and Mister Winter focused on connecting with Grandmaster Blacksmith. The communication crystal glowed softly, indicating a successful connection. A holographic projection of Grandmaster Blacksmith materialized before them.
The room was engulfed in the holographic projection of Grandmaster Blacksmith, a formidable figure with a robust physique. As a Drawes, his muscular build emanated strength, and his sharp, fiery claws were poised to shred anything in their path. His intense gaze fixated on both of them, exuding an air of power and authority.
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"You're the individual who sent me the recording. It was quite audacious of you to opt for such a method to get in touch," remarked Grandmaster Blacksmith.
"I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience we may have caused you, but judging by your prompt response, it seems our approach wasn't as problematic as initially thought," Mister Winter conveyed.
"Let's keep the greetings brief. I am Draxis Von Hudd, one of the Grandmaster Blacksmiths in the Mighty Skies. What names do you go by?" inquired Sir Draxis.
"As newcomers to the First Sky, we prefer to keep our identities confidential. However, feel free to address us as Miss Summer and Mister Winter," stated Mister Winter.
"Let's dive into the primary purpose of our meeting. Do you still possess the item which’s recording you sent to me?" inquired Sir Draxis.
"It's securely in my possession. This, I believe, is the information you were particularly interested in, Sir Draxis. I understand that wealth and influence don't sway the heart of a Blacksmith of your Caliber," expressed Mister Winter.
Addressing the Grandmaster Blacksmith, Mister Winter retrieved the lengthy wooden box that had been presented to Miss Summer upon successfully completing the trial of the Three Seasons, known as the Trinity Temple. Encased within the box was a substantial piece of Black Obsidian, a material ranked among the top 10 in terms of rarity and durability. Weapons crafted from this material are rumoured to possess the strength to cleave mountains and part rivers.
Observing the Black Obsidian, Master Draxis couldn't contain his excitement and anticipation to wield his hammer on this precious metal. His eyes gleamed with the sight of the Black Obsidian, like any avid blacksmith captivated by such a remarkable material.
Observing the unfolding situation from her vantage point behind, Miss Summer gleaned insights into the message and comprehended the underlying reasons behind Master Draxis's prompt and enthusiastic response.
"What terms do you propose for me to unleash the force of my hammer upon that exquisite piece?" inquired Master Draxis, seeking the conditions for engaging with the beautiful material.
"The terms are straightforward: we request the crafting of a sword from this Black Obsidian, tailored for my partner here. Additionally, with the remaining material, fashion anything that might suit our needs in the future. How does that proposition resonate with you? You lay your hands on this material, and we acquire the resulting weaponry," conveyed Mister Winter.
"I am prepared to undertake the task. Encountering such a rare material in this era is a rarity itself. However, there's a challenge—your partner, at her current level, may not be able to wield the sword. She needs to become stronger and prove herself worthy of such a weapon. My suggestion is for you to continue ascending the Skies, and once you reach the Fiftieth Sky, utilize this Ticket. It will grant you access to my workshop, and we can fulfill the order. This timeframe will also afford me the opportunity to gather additional materials required for the crafting process," advised Master Draxis.
"Consider it a deal. We'll ascend the Skies and rendezvous with you at the Fiftieth Sky. Until then, we look forward to cultivating a positive and mutually beneficial relationship," expressed Mister Winter.
Saying so Mister Ryu ended the meeting.
"Why did you conclude the meeting so abruptly, Mister Ryu?" Ember inquired…..
……. To be Continued