!!!!! Pr Credits To Draconis & Tembulon who not only both pred it but improved this ch's quality greatly please rep them. Also Full Credits to Askard who maintains the Information Doc where a majority of spectral regalia information is written please Rep him to ^^!!!
Announcement
So i need a favor from anyone interested in covers. as you all know i have an artist for both es and sr. that bieng said es has a proper cover while sr does not. the issue is i dont have any ideas on what sort of cover sr should have.
and this is a good oppurtunity to let you guys be more involved with sr. bassically what i need your help with is what do you think the cover of sr should include? just a heads up please do not mega pm me as i allready get a flood of pms a day XD i would prefer if you guys post here with your ideas as i read all the comments for my chs whether i reply or not i still read them.
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Feeling something was wrong considering his reaction of joy turn to nervousness; Avrin spoke “What's wrong? Is a Legendary ore discovery not that big?” Even Avrin was excited at the discovery. Although not as much as Eitri, considering he knew Sky Metal was a top tier ore. But he was at least happy he hadn't lost a limb for something worthless.
Eitri shook his head. “It's not like I’m not happy, but you don't understand… The dwarven council of smiths... They moderate all the high tier ores to be crafted by the best. When I was cast out they disowned me, but with this they may make a move for it… Damnit, I should've thought this through.”
Eitri seemed to be panicking and Avrin was starting to feel it, so he wanted to calm him down “Eitri, relax… First, please explain things to me. Maybe I can help you? Why were you cast out?” At that moment, Eitri put a makeshift tarp over the ore before he chuckled quietly.
“Well I guess I owe you for going through with this all… Let me explain. From the beginning.” From there, Eitri started to summarize everything to Avrin. It was something very personal, but he trusted Avrin for helping him with such a find.
“My father was a great smith and part of the Dwarven council. He was regarded as a prodigy, and this allowed me to live happily. But in my own ignorance and my father’s position of power, I went to the forbidden archives where all our knowledge bestowed upon us by Fafnir as well as the gods of creation stays. I used these ancient texts to cross reference blacksmithing methods… But this…”
Avrin figured as much. A young boy, drunk on his father’s power, like a spoiled rich kid. He went on to listen to its explanation. “This was forbidden... And is punishable by death… Even my discovery of Arcane Smithing was looked down upon.
And when I was in trial, my father gave up his position and power, as well as his life...for my own. They executed him with regret; considering he was someone highly looked upon. But this was dwarven law.
I had been forgiven with only a slap on the wrist, but my father’s supporters looked down on me, as well as his friends in the council. They agreed this wasn't enough, and exiled me from the dwarven land. From then on, I took it upon myself to try and master this new Arcane Smithing.
It is part of the reason my father gave his life. He was proud of me for having created such a method, and knew that I would one day become someone great. I won't let him down… It has been 14 years since then, but now I have a feeling they may act.”
Avrin was quietly thinking about the story. There was no doubt Eitri was important, he was loyal to his own goals and also mastered this new smithing. Avrin also found that he wasn't such a bad person and had his own dreams. He didn't treat Avrin as someone untrustworthy even though they barely knew each other.
“Eitri, I have a plan… I'm not sure if it will work though” Eitri looked up at Avrin as he sat on a stool “What do you mean? There's no way to avoid this… Exiled or not, I'm still subject to dwarven law, and the council has a right to this ore. The most I'll get is to be allowed back into the dwarven lands as well as popularity. But there's no way I'll forgive those bastards! “
Taking a deep breath, Avrin nodded. “-Asura, are you there? How is your training?-” Asura quickly responded. “-Master! Haha, I knew you would want to see me again. I am training hard. I’ve had a few breakthroughs and developed a bit-”
Eitri saw that Avrin was silent, but knew that he was focusing on something, so he didn't interfere “-Asura, come to where I am. I need your assistance-” Asura made a “Uuu” sound before telling Avrin he would get there as soon as he can.
Gazing at Eitri, Avrin spoke. “Eitri, you are worrying too much. Such a thing shouldn't be trouble at all” Chuckling softly, Avrin walked over to the chunk of red fiery ore. “What are you going to name it?” Eitri was a little dumbfounded at Avrin’s carefree reaction, and spoke “Well, I guess I'll name it Infernium, because of its color and fiery appearance”
Avrin nodded. It was a fitting name. Avrin pulled up a nearby stool and sat on it as he moved both his hands near each other before he began to gather a sphere of dense nebula mist. “W...What are you doing?” Eitri was a little worried. He got a weird feeling while looking at the misty sphere in Avrin’s hand.
“There's probably a 10% chance this will work, but with so much of it it's trial and error. Trust me, if this works, there won't be a need to worry if they get it or not. I think it's better if you stand outside. You may not like what you're going to see.
“What do you mean? Are you going to destroy it?!” Eitri panicked a little more. If he was hiding the Infernium from them, they had a right to jail him. “Don't worry. I said trust me” Avrin had condensed the nebula mist into a ball of energy. The reason was because this ore was much more durable than he had expected, so he would need a mining laser to even chip it. And he didn't have that, or the knowledge to create one.
Willing the sphere of condensed energy that had been formed by nebula mist, it touched the surface of the Infernium and immediately began to eat away at it. Avrin had condensed it too much, and instead of absorbing it, the sphere was crunching away at it, only devouring the energy and not the form.
“Tsk… Such a hassle…” He was focused on the task as he knew trial and error would be needed before he got the method right, as well as the ratio of nebula mist that was condensed. Eitri, who saw this, nearly fainted. His stomach churned, but he felt he should trust Avrin, so he stood outside his workshop like Avrin said, knowing he would be unable to bare looking at it.
10 minutes had passed before Eitri called out “Damnit boy, how long left?” Avrin was beginning to sweat a bit. The concentration he had found he needed was quite significant. He didn't respond. The Infernium had 65% of its mass left. 35% had been eaten away and destroyed, but with each 1% gone, Avrin’s success increased.
“-Master, I'm here-” After Asura spoke, Eitri responded “W...What the hell are you? Get lost!” A growl then followed “You stubby insect, how dare you!” A vein appeared on Avrin’s forehead as the two began arguing, with Eitri telling Asura to get lost and that he can't enter, and Asura just roaring out. It was certain to bring attention.
“Both of you shut up and wait” Avrin’s voice echoed with frustration. Asura quickly pursed his lips, and Eitri shook his head before staying quiet.
An hour passed with Avrin being more cautious, as he was feeling a bit exhausted. He had begun to borrow mana from the surrounding area and then converting it “-I can't believe it… 6% of its mass left….-”
The condensed sphere of energy had changed from a purple to a black as it softly pulsed out. Every time a fragment of the Infernium entered the center of that void, it pulsed, and then disintegrated, sending a bit of information to Avrin.
This continued on till 4% was left, when he had a breakthrough. From 10%, he had figured the proper ratio and method, and had gathered enough information and data, so to speak. “Got it…” Dispersing the sphere, he felt for the knowledge inside his mind.
An image of the Infernium, as well the energy, durability, how it’s formed, all the minor details to major ones, formed inside his mind. Although what it could be forged into was something he couldn't discover.
“Eitri, it was a success. But…” Eitri came in with a look of joy at the word success, but as he saw the leftover ore that was only a few inches wide he became teary. “So… So much of it is gone…” Avrin stood up; taking a deep breath, almost as if was a trait of his now. “Don't worry. Although it will take a while, as well quite a bit of energy, I can create Infernium now.
I didn't expect it would be so hard. Thankfully, after absorbing so many things, the breakthrough I had was enough to create a method for it. As for the council, I'm sure they don't know how much you have of it, right?”
Eitri nodded before Asura came in “Master, I'm here!” Avrin adjusted his mask before speaking “Eitri, this is Asura. He is my companion…” Eitri, who was holding the leftover Infernium, glared at Asura “This loud beast? He acts as bad as he looks” Asura clenched his fist as he glared at Eitri.
“Master, this half thing pisses me off. Why can't I kill him...?” Avrin responded. “Asura, Eitri has helped me a lot and has taught me quite a bit these past 2 and a half days. Asura, you're here for extra manpower. Just in case something goes wrong”
Asura’s eyes lit up “Is there going to be a fight Master? Hah! This is going to be fun! Who is it we are fighting?” Asura was quick to jump to violence and looked around. A voice then called out “Eitri, are you lurking about here? I'm here on the council's behalf...”
A deep yet calm voice called out. “I can't believe they sent him…” Eitri mumbled. “I'm here Brokkr… I know why you're here...” Brokkr made his way inside, his hands behind his back with two guards at his side. “I can't believe you found such an ore…. “
Brokkr cared not for Eitri, and had a look of disdain on his face as he looked around the blacksmith. “Such a dirty place. And you dare forge ores here…” Eitri walked over as he clutched the Infernium. “Do you have the seal...or not” Eitri spoke firmly.
Brokkr glanced at Eitri, raising a brow before looking at his hand. Seeing the Infernium, he gulped as he looked at it “A legendary ore… Magnificent… With this, they will be able to craft something for certainty now. And yes, I do. Here it is, they sent me this via the Archmage tower “
Eitri’s eyes twitched as he saw Brokkr’s look. He really didn't want to part with this ore. Even though Avrin had destroyed most of it, he had no idea if Avrin was telling the truth or not. The only thing keeping him in belief was the fact that Avrin showed great power, as well as didn't seem to benefit by lying to Eitri.
Brokkr showed a metallic seal in the shape of a dragon curled around and anvil with a hammer that was glowing blue. “Very well… “Eitri mustered all the will he could before he handed the Infernium to Brokkr, who then snatched it quite quickly.
“Such a waste that filth like you who breaks the dwarven laws has this ore… You think you are a blacksmith? Hah! Keep dreaming you burned beard” (A.N dwarven insult) While Eitri was quiet, Avrin made his way forward and patted his shoulder. “Now that you have your ore, please piss off” Avrin spoke out.
The guards beside Brokkr glared as they responded “You bastard. How dare you speak to Master Brokkr like that!” While the other wasted no time slashing towards Avrin with his halberd like weapon.
Asura, who had been quiet until now, saw this killing intent. A smile curled on his face before he appeared with such speed the guard hadn't even noticed him directly in front of his eyes. Moving upward, Asura grabbed the halberds bladed edge without effort and grabbed the guard's throat as he raised him in the air.
“You dare raise your weapon at my Master? I should rip your head off!!” Asura bared his teeth ferociously. Avrin quickly spoke, knowing Asura wouldn't wait long before he would “Asura, put him down.”
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Avrin knew of Brokkr’s importance to the king, as well as this city right now. His reputation was quite high. Brokkr gazed at Avrin “Oh I know you… The one with the fake recommendation? Eitri, why are you hiring such a buffoon?”
Asura was barely containing himself at Brokkr’s words, then dropped the guard, who quickly crawled back to Brokkr’s side with fright. “You may seem him as useless, but without his strength I would have never found that Infernium. And I'll tell you now you old bastard… I know my right. Dwarven law states that those who find any new ore may receive one wish within reason.
Tell the council this. I renounce my dwarven ways and renounce all of you. I am no longer a citizen of the race”
Brokkr’s eyes widened. A dwarf that is imprisoned or exiled was still part of the race. This was a link they would not be able to lose, as they saw it as too inhumane. “A...Are you crazy!! You would be excluding yourself from the support you had left over… You would even lose your right to use the codex!”
Although Brokkr hated Eitri, he still knew this was quite crazy. Eitri responded. “I will not be a part of a race that steals the belongings of those who find something valuable. And besides, hehehe, I know the location of several other Legendary ores! I will not let them be taken”
Brokkr’s face reddened with fury. He knew he couldn't go against Eitri’s demand, and he had no choice but to believe Eitri when he said he knew where other Legendary ores were. “Hear me Eitri… You can't go against the council and our race for long… Those ores deserve to be crafted by the best! We will have them… They are ours by right!”
Eitri laughed, but Avrin had a feeling it was only adding fuel to the fire. Brokkr would have attacked Eitri long ago, but it is against dwarven law to attack each other, even if Eitri’s demand was to no longer be part of it all, he was still a dwarf and the law applied to Brokkr. So unless Eitri attacked him, he couldn’t touch him.
That being said, Brokkr left with his face full of anger, leaving Eitri gazing blankly. It was then Avrin spoke “Do you really know where there is more Legendary ore?” Even Avrin had found it hard to believe. Eitri then shrugged “Not a clue. But hey, it pissed him off” Eitri then began to laugh as he went over to a broken cupboard and got a bottle of alcohol before drinking straight from it.
“It's over for me boy. Best you leave. I'm sure the council will hire assassins to extract that false information. They show they care on the outside, but they’re a greedy bunch…” Avrin was looking around curiously before he smiled. Although a little exhausted, he opened his palm out in front of Eitri.
He began to condense a large amount of nebula mist, using 10% of his remaining energy before a one inch fragment of a red crystal substance was formed. Eitri was a little surprised at Avrin’s actions, but as soon as that crystal ore formed, his face showed delight. “T...This is...” He took the fragment from Avrin’s hand and looked at it.
“I told you to trust me. Now then, with you renouncing your race and their ways, I feel I can trust you. This is also the second reason why Asura is here.”
Asura was sitting in the corner, eating some of the dried meat Eitri had placed on reserve. He looked over, a confused look on his face, but didn't speak, as his mouth was full. “What do you mean?” Eitri responded.
Avrin used his sense before speaking, confirming no one was around. He then gazed seriously at Eitri before removing his hood, as well as his mask, showing him his true appearance.
Even Eitri was stunned at Avrin’s appearance, thinking him some angel, then demon. But gazing into his eyes, seeing his pupils, he began to feel something more mysterious.
It was then that Avrin began to explain the Spectral race and what it had done for him and even Asura and how he used to be a Leophat. Explaining this all had taken a steady hour. He even explained his travel here and how he was supposed to meet with Gregson.
Eitri was even more shocked at the connection Avrin had, but annoyed considering he lied about his power. But Avrin was careful to not mention all his abilities, only his potential. He saved the best for last as he explained how Astaroth was made out of Sky Metal. It was then that his heart tugged.
“Hearing all this. Avrin…. It's too much to take in…” Eitri rubbed his forehead as the bottle of alcohol had all but been finished. Avrin spoke “Everything I have told you is the truth. Blacksmithing, to me, is something I find interesting. And seeing that you have discovered Arcane Smithing, I'm sure you can discover something more with my help”
Eitri laughed “Boy, are you saying that you want to assimilate me into this race of yours?” Avrin responded. “There is nothing to lose. At most, it will be painful. But I promise you this will not be anything negative”
Eitri gazed carefully at Avrin. “It sounds...tempting… You told me Asura may one day rival or surpass dragons? If a wild beast can do that, the possibilities for a dwarf that crafts is immense…. This…. I wonder what my father would say“Eitri began to ponder carefully.
“Eitri, I will not be able to stay here for long. I don't plan to spend all my time smithing, and when I leave, I won't be able to protect you. This is another reason I offer this. Like this you can journey with me and Asura. With your help, I can better myself as well as discover the ores of this world and beyond.
As King Leo Zircus has Brokkr to smith for him, I also need a smith capable of creating things as I grow.” Eitri laughed as he rubbed his beard “You're no king yet boy….” Eitri had already decided on what he wanted to choose. His father was born a dwarf, as well as his mother. He was quite reluctant.
“I guess if I change, I would have to call you Lord or Master or some crazy title. Spectral King or something, right?” Avrin softly laughed “Spectral King? It does have a nice ring to it, but if you don't want to then you don't have to” Eitri stood up and tensed as the muscles on his dwarven body appeared a little, as well as the scars on them, showing the trial and error of his methods.
“Being able to forge Sky Metal, living for as long as I like, One day exploring the great void of space, becoming something greater than destiny itself had planned for me. Hahaha, why the hell not!! How do we do this, oh mighty king?”
Avrin snickered a little as he pointed his right index finger towards Eitri’s chest where his heart was located. “Oh yeah, above you is a few pieces of Infernium” Avrin spoke to get Eitri distracted. Eitri showed a surprised expression before looking up.
Avrin thrust his finger inside of Eitri’s chest. His index finger jammed into his heart. Avrin was sure to quickly emit the purest energy he could from his finger and let it rest in Eitri’s heart.
Eitri coughed out blood before gazing down, looking at Avrin in shock and anger.
“T...This?” Avrin spoke as Eitri was losing consciousness. “Don't worry... This will soon go away. Just rest” The dark matter in Eitri’s body wouldn't waste time before it began to emit itself and spread around.
Asura was a little curious as he looked at Eitri. “Poor stubby creature. He had it worse I say…” Asura spoke, having eaten all Eitri’s food. “Asura, take Eitri to where you are training and keep him safe till he is done with the transformation. He is very important to me as well as our race. I have large plans in store for him”
Asura frowned before gazing at the limp dwarf “I believe you Master... What will you do now?” Asura asked as he picked Eitri up, moving him onto his shoulder. “There is still some time left. After I absorb all the tools here, I'm going to go train. If anything occurs, alert me right away.”
Having said what he needed, Avrin began to absorb all the important tools left behind, as well as the ores. The mana that made them would begin to empower him a little, until he would need to recreate them and reuse the converted dark matter to remake them.
Asura then left under the cover of darkness, as it would look to suspicious if a robed individual was carrying a limp dwarf. Avrin had spent an hour absorbing everything, having spent the most time on the rune covered tools.
All that was left was the remaining blacksmith shack. This made Avrin laughs “What a shame. I didn't even get to sell anything. Hopefully one day I will. I'm curious to see how these people kill each other for a powerful weapon” Avrin spoke as he was starting to see the greed of this world.
Moving his hood back up, as well as re-equipping his mask, Avrin made his way out to the street. He hadn't really booked an inn, considering he was staying at Eitri’s, and he didn't feel the need to visit any of the magical stores at the moment. Right now, the most important thing for him was to gather information.
He truly wanted to spend more time learning from Eitri, but it seems circumstances had changed it. The most important object he felt he should have absorbed was the dwarven codex. But right as he was getting to it the codex burst into flames. This had infuriated Avrin, as he knew he could have obtained much knowledge from it.
Avrin was feeling a little down regarding it, but he was still weakened from absorbing and concentrating on the Infernium, so he had decided to head to a tavern to go eat. “-I knew I should've absorbed it sooner. That Brokkr bastard talks fast, I'm sure it has to do with Eitri’s wish of renouncing his race-”
As soon as Avrin entered the tavern, he felt the atmosphere was quite tense and quiet. Several adventurers equipped with armor, ranging from dull to detailed. Several eyes followed him, wondering who this mysterious stranger was. Mainly because the majority of individuals here only took quests close to the city borders, so they knew each other.
Avrin, as always, sat in the empty corner seat as he waited for someone to come take his order. He was pondering things and his future plans. “-Entering the army is a good opportunity for me to find talented individuals.
If I can keep this pace up, my race will only be filled with people who are capable. If I can establish rule over a portion of the northern continent, I can begin to plan ahead. I'm sure that by then, I'll be more than capable of dealing with a dragon. Let alone a god.
Hopefully Eitri won't be too pissed off and will feel the change quickly. And hopefully him and Asura don't kill each other…-” Avrin couldn't help but smile as he pondered this, before the voice of the waitress snapped him out of it.
He took his order and waited. But he couldn't help but feel something was wrong. His heart was tugging a little, as if he had a terrible feeling. The door to the tavern shot open as several cloaked individuals entered.
They wasted no time waiting at the front as they walked over towards the counter. They gave off a powerful aura, and no one dared give them any strange looks. As the 3 sat on the counter the one in the middle ordered drinks, his voice coarse and heavy.
One of the other cloaked individuals pulled out a small dagger and began to chip away at a piece of wood that was being carved into a figure. The other individual was gazing around the tavern. That was, until they spotted Avrin.
Avrin, wearing his mask, looked from the corner of his eyes through his mask as he watched the individuals. “-Are you kidding me… This can't be right…-” The individual gazing at Avrin tilted their head a bit as purple pupils that were glowing revealed themselves softly as they looked at Avrin.
Avrin’s body tensed out of confusion as well as a shiver. “-Why do I feel dark matter emanating from them….-?”
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