The group exchanged exhausted but determined glances before stepping forward toward the newly revealed staircase. Each step seemed to pulse with energy, as if the forge itself was aware of their movements. The air grew heavier with every descent, and the hum of dormant machinery grew louder, resonating through the walls like the heartbeat of a sleeping giant.
The staircase ended at an immense chamber, its walls lined with towering shelves filled with ancient tomes, blueprints, and glowing crystals. At the center of the room stood a grand forge, unlike anything they had seen before. It was an intricate masterpiece of craftsmanship, with golden gears and pipes twisting into infinity, feeding a core of pulsating energy. Above it, a massive crystal hovered, casting an iridescent light that filled the room with an otherworldly glow.
Rick let out a low whistle. "This… this isn't just a forge. It's a masterpiece."
