Chapter 19: Foundations 9

Yolani focused intently on the unfamiliar alloy before her, determined to prove her skill to Forgemaster Soren.

Sweat trickled down her brow as she adjusted the mana shard pressure, the heat of the forge enveloping her. With practiced precision, she brought her hammer down upon the ingot, each strike reverberating through her arm.

This wasn’t a job for a wand.

The hammer sent resonations throughout the piece, forcing the reagents to integrate into the metal properly. It was the type of work she seldom had cause to do personally. In Neftasu, most of this type of thing was regulated to apprentices or purchased in bulk.

The high level of Contia’s artificers, though, meant that it was carefully produced by masters.

The difference in quality was profound.

The metal began to take shape under her relentless efforts, scales forming across its surface as impurities were driven out. Her arm started to burn. An auto-hammer would have been nice, but she couldn’t trust its accuracy.

Her forge mask highlighted the key points on the metal, guiding her strikes to the brightest areas. Fatigue crept into her muscles as she pounded the metal without rest for what felt like forever.

When she was on the brink of exhaustion, a sudden cool breeze caressed her skin, carrying with it a fleeting thought of Elania.

The connection between them, though distant, remained strong. A surge of [Divine Power] coursed through her body, rejuvenating her tired limbs and reigniting her determination. The once pure white metal transformed into a mesmerizing swirl of white and purple hues as the last impurities were expelled.

A green mark appeared on her forging mask, signaling the alloy’s readiness for the next stage. With a nod of satisfaction, Yolani lowered the pressure on the artifice forge and turned to Soren.

“It’s ready for annealing,” she announced, voice steady despite the exhaustion tugging at her limbs.

Soren grunted in acknowledgment, eyes narrowing as he approached the forge. With a critical eye, he examined the alloy, turning it over with a pair of tongs.

“Well done. You’ve alloyed it correctly,” he praised. “I can hardly believe that this is the first time. You live up to your title, priestess.”

Yolani felt a surge of pride. She stepped back, allowing Soren to take over the annealing process.

As Soren began his work, the sound of footsteps echoed through the forge. Yolani turned to see Ember striding towards them, a smug grin plastered across her face. The Crimson Aegis radiated an aura of confidence as she approached, eyes locked on Yolani.

“Yolani,” Ember greeted, voice smooth as silk. “I need to talk to you.”

Without waiting for a response, Ember looped her arm through Yolani’s and guided her away from the forge.

Yolani glanced back at Soren, who continued his work, before allowing herself to be led away. A wave of discomfort washed over her as Ember draped an arm around her shoulder and squeezed her closer, the proximity setting her nerves on edge. She tried to maintain a neutral expression as they walked towards the main floor, but the unease refused to dissipate.

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“So, Yolani,” Ember began, voice dripping with sweetness, “I heard Elania purchased two airships recently. How are they operating, considering the shape they were in when you bought them?”

Yolani swallowed, throat suddenly dry. “They’re fine,” she replied steadily despite her discomfort. “I repaired them myself.”

Ember’s grin widened, eyes glinting with a predatory gleam. “Of course you did,” she purred, grip on Yolani’s shoulder tightening. “That’s wonderful.”

As they reached the railing overlooking the workshop, Ember finally released her so she could lean against the metal barrier with casual grace. Yolani fought the urge to rub her shoulder, the ghost of Ember’s touch lingering on her skin.

“I have a proposition for you,” Ember said, tone shifting to one of business. “I’d like to hire both of your ships for a special shipment, something that requires discretion.”

Yolani frowned, unease bubbling in the pit of her stomach. “Will it cause us any issues?” she asked cautiously. “Is it dangerous?”

Ember laughed, the sound harsh and grating. “Of course it’s dangerous,” she replied, eyes narrowing. “And it could definitely cause you problems.”

Yolani’s frown deepened. She took a second to think of a response.

“I’m sorry, Ember,” Yolani said firmly. “We’re trying to keep things legitimate so we can operate our new district in the slums before the month runs out. We can’t risk getting involved in anything that could jeopardize that.”

Ember hummed thoughtfully, eyes glinting with a calculated gleam. The Crimson Aegis leaned closer, voice low and conspiratorial.

“You still have three weeks,” Ember purred, breath ghosting across Yolani’s skin. “And if you do this for me, not only will I pay you two thousand crit, but I’ll also offer Elania the favor of my vote in the council when she needs it, as long as it doesn’t go against my own interests.”

Yolani released a tense breath, mind whirling with the implications of Ember’s offer. The money was tempting, and having Ember’s support in the council could prove invaluable, but the risks were still unknown.

“I can’t say for sure,” Yolani said. “I have to talk it over with Elania first. But I’m willing to hear the specific details on the danger, cargo, and mission.”

Ember’s grin turned predatory as she moved closer, invading Yolani’s personal space again. Discomfort grew as Ember’s hand reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair behind Yolani's ear.

“That’s excellent,” Ember purred, fingers lingering on Yolani’s skin. “But we don’t have to go over the specifics here. I’ll send a messenger with the details for you to look over later. For now, I’d just like to get to know such an interesting Priestess of Artifice a little better.”

Yolani swallowed hard, trapped by Ember’s proximity and the weight of her gaze. She took a step back.

“Ember, please give me some space,” Yolani said firmly.

Ember’s smile turned sly, but she acquiesced, taking a step back and holding her hands up in a placating gesture. “Of course,” she said, voice dripping with false sincerity.

Yolani shifted uncomfortably as Ember’s gaze bore into her. Were they done? Could she go?

“About Elania’s [Regalia],” Ember said, tone deceptively casual, “or rather, her seeming lack of one. Why is that?”

Confusion washed over Yolani, brows furrowing as she met Ember’s gaze. “What do you mean?”

Ember chuckled, sending a chill down Yolani’s spine. “I understand keeping it a secret is understandable to a point, but really, there’s no reason to hide it from me. What type of [Regalia] is it? Perhaps we could work together more closely, an alliance of sorts. And in return, Soren and I could assist with improving it.”

Yolani shook her head, confusion growing. “I don’t know what [Regalia] is,” she admitted, voice hesitant. “And I don’t know that Elania has any.”

Ember’s smile faltered, eyes narrowing as she stared intently. “It’s impossible to miss,” she said. “Elania’s sword.”

Yolani’s mind whirled. Eziel wasn’t really a [Regalia]. Was he? No, he wasn’t. That meant Elania didn’t have one? Hadn’t made it yet? “Oh, the sword.” Wouldn’t Arlois have explained the presence of the Arch Sera—here mind went blank for a moment—the sword?

“The sword,” Ember repeated, voice dripping with satisfaction.

Yolani swallowed hard, curiosity warring with unease. “We don’t know much about [Regalia],” she admitted cautiously. “Could you explain it to me?”

A smirk tugged at the corners of Ember’s lips, eyes glinting. “Only if we can find a comfortable place to sit.”

Tension rose in Yolani’s body, instincts screaming to run. But the desire to learn more for Elania’s sake won out.