In the grand halls of an Ethereal forge, where the boundaries of magic and metallurgy blend into an art of unparalleled craftsmanship, Forgemasters Argust and Malron stand at the heart of creation. The forge, a vision of celestial engineering and arcane enchantments, is a space where the air itself thrums with potential. Its vastness is filled with the harmonious clang of hammers and the whisper of runes being woven into existence. Argust was specialized in multiple techniques of forging, but his favorite was Runeforging, While Malron leaned more towards Magic forging.

Argust's Method: Runeforging

Argust, a master of runeforging, works with the precision of a skilled artisan. His process begins with the selection of the finest metals, materials birthed from the core of Elorin and blessed by its latent magic. He heats the metals in a flame that is both physical and mystical, a fire stoked by dragon's breath and a phoenix's rebirth.

As the metal glows, ready for shaping, Argust embosses it with runes, each a conduit for elemental forces. The runes are more than mere symbols; they are ancient words of power, each carefully chosen for the weapon's intended wielder. He imbues the runes with different abilities:

* Vitality Rune: Enhances the weapon to bolster the health of its user, allowing them to sustain more damage in battle.

* Wisdom Rune: Augments intelligence, allowing the wielder to better understand and counter their opponent's strategies.

* Agility Rune: Makes the weapon lighter and more responsive, perfect for a Blade Maiden who relies on speed and precision.

While Argust specialized in these techniques, he was one of the few Forgemasters who was proficient in every single style of Forging.

Malron's Technique: Magic Forging

Malron's technique is an intricate dance of arcane manipulation and metallurgical expertise. He begins by infusing the raw material with arcane magic, saturating the metal until it hums with power. This infusing process is delicate, requiring a balance between the metal's natural properties and the magic's intensity. His enhancements include:

* Arcane Aura: A shimmering aura that wraps around the weapon, increasing the wielder's magical affinity and potency.

* Strength Infusion: A process that aligns the metal's grain on a molecular level, exponentially increasing its durability and the force it can exert.

In the background, the Blade Maidens Aliyena and Shailen engage in a dance of combat, their movements a blur of grace and lethal intent. They spar with the weapons created by their Forgemasters, each seeking the perfect extension of their own abilities. The weapons they test are marvels of the forge:

* Aliyena's Starblade: A sword that channels the cosmic energy of the stars, its edge capable of cutting through the fabric of reality itself. It is an embodiment of her lineage and the celestial power she commands.

* Shailen's Windpiercer: A pair of gauntlets with blades that whistle with the sound of the gales, each strike mimicking the relentless force of a storm.

As they spar, the Maidens feel the weapons responding to their touch, each rune and magical infusion resonating with their movements and intentions. Aliyena's Starblade feels like an extension of her will, while Shailen's Windpiercer gauntlets move with the fury of the tempest she commands.

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In this sanctum of creation, where the celestial and the earthly intermingle, the Forgemasters Argust and Malron craft not mere weapons, but legacies. Each blade, each gauntlet, is a testament to the power of Elorin, the legacy of the Fiona Sector, and the unbreakable bond between Blade Maiden and Forgemaster.

Argust placed a blade into a machine infusing it with his magic and turned to Malron “Are you ready for the Legacy of Swords. I hear this year is going to have others from the Alona System competing. They are quite known for their advanced technology woven in with their magic; however, their skills are not up to standard in my honest opinion.”

Malron handed the blade gauntlets he was working on to his wife Shailen, he glanced over and met eyes with Argust, “Are you saying we might finally have some competition this year. It had been worrisome that it always ends with just us in the finals. It shames me that Elorin just isn’t what it used to be. Our Forgemasters are dwindling, and it is hard to find young generations who wish to pursue the path.

“I just wish they would see what we see in the Legacy of Swords. They have forgotten our place in this world and because of that we are growing weak. I am afraid Fiona’s legacy will fizzle out if we don’t figure out how to inspire the younger generations again. ­

Malron looked over at the empty stations flowing with mana around them, the vibrant energy in the Forge illuminated the room, he sighed, “Do you think she will ever come back?”

“Fiona,” questioned Argust. “I just don’t know, it has been over 10 millennia, if she is still out there somewhere we haven’t even heard anything about her in what, 5 millennia. We used to hear stories from those who reached the edge of the galaxy but were too afraid to explore further. Now there has been nothing though.”

The doors to the Forge sudden burst open as a young blacksmith came tumbling in nearly falling over himself, “Master Argust we need your Blades’ service, there is a problem, and the Elders have requested your assistance. Please come quick.” The novice blacksmith noticed Malron was eyeing him questioningly, he was not of the Forgemasters himself and realized his disrespect towards the other Master present,” My apologies Master Malron, I did not realize you were here as well, if I may, your Blades’ presence is also requested.”

Malron stood up and raised his eyebrows towards Argust, intrigued by what might warrant the request of the presence of not just one, but the two highest ranked Bonded Blades on Elorin, they were both considered B rank, well on their way to A rank. The only other Bonded Blades to ever achieve a rank higher were a few of the elders of the past and Fiona herself.

“Very well, we shall both accompany you to the Elder’s Mansion,” Argust motioned for Malron to follow him as he left the Forge.

Aliyena and Shailen slowly got up and followed the Masters and young apprentice out of the hall. Even though it was the presence of the two Blade Maidens that was requested, it was considered very rude to directly address the Maidens. It was tradition for only those of higher class to ever address a Maiden directly, so if you ever wished to speak to them it was done through their Forgemasters. Most of the Maidens did not enjoy this treatment, but it was a tradition of the original Bonded Blades established at the beginning and was considered blasphemy to go against the old ways.