The Ether-infused cave loomed in the distance as Lukas and Zane prepared to depart with the precious materials they had gathered. But before they left, Lukas's mind wandered to the beast core and liquid Ether he had collected in the previous battle against the creature that guarded the deeper part of another cave.
As the memory returned, Lukas quickly opened the system interface, summoning his inventory.
[Inventory: Beast Core, Ether Liquid (Vial), Ether Surge Pills, Moonstone Petals, Thunderberry Extracts, Various Ether-infused Herbs, Ether Crystals, Dark Steel Ore, Silverwood Bark, Stormstone]
Both items had been stored in his system for some time, and now it was clear why. The system hummed in the back of his mind, calculating the significance of these materials.
[System Notification: The Beast Core can be used as a primary material for weapon forging. The core's growth-type properties will enhance the weapon's abilities over time, increasing in strength alongside its wielder.]
Lukas exhaled slowly, realization dawning. This wasn't just an ordinary weapon—this was a growth-type weapon that could evolve alongside its user, becoming more powerful with each battle. He would need to be careful and deliberate in how he forged it. He planned on gifting it to Zane as it would serve him—a warrior whose loyalty had never wavered.
"Zane," Lukas said, turning to his friend, "I've been holding onto something since our battle with that beast. I didn't realize its true potential until now."
Zane frowned. "What are you talking about?"
Lukas gestured to the system interface, summoning the glowing image of the Beast Core. "This is no ordinary core. It has the ability to create a weapon that will grow with its user, increasing in strength and skill with time."
Zane's eyes widened in disbelief. "And you're thinking of using it?"
Lukas smiled slightly. "Not for me. For you. A weapon like this deserves to be wielded by someone who has the dedication to grow alongside it."
Zane blinked, clearly surprised. "You're giving it to me?"
Lukas nodded. "You've always had my back, Zane. This is your weapon. One that will change as you do, becoming stronger with each battle."
---
Back at the estate, Lukas and Zane set up the forge in the secluded training yard. The rare materials gathered from the Ether-infused cave, including Darksteel Ore and Silverwood Bark, were laid out carefully. But the centerpiece of this forging process was the Beast Core and the vial of Ether Liquid Lukas had saved.
The system pinged again, this time offering insights on the forging process.
[System Notification: Beast Core and Ether Liquid will serve as the foundation for the growth-type weapon.]
[Suggested blueprint: Short Sword infused with Ether.]
[Warning: The forging process will require careful infusion of Ether into the weapon to ensure the core's properties are retained.]
The forge blazed with intensity as Lukas began the intricate process of shaping the Darksteel Ore into the form of a short sword. Every strike of his hammer was precise, each movement calculated. As the metal began to take shape, Lukas poured the Ether Liquid over the blade, watching as the liquid was absorbed into the metal, giving the weapon an otherworldly sheen.
The final step was the most critical. Lukas placed the Beast Core into the hilt of the sword, feeling the core's energy pulse through the weapon as it fused with the blade. The core hummed, its power weaving through the blade, setting the foundation for the weapon's growth.
As the last spark of the forge dimmed, the weapon lay before them—a sleek, dangerous-looking short sword with an ethereal glow emanating from the blade.
[Weapon Created: Beast-Core Infused Short Sword (Growth-Type)]
Properties:
- Growth-Type: Increases in power and abilities as the user grows.
- Ether Infusion: Can absorb and channel Ether-based attacks.
- Beast Core Integration: The core enhances strength, speed, and durability with each battle, adapting to its wielder.
Zane approached the short sword, his hand hovering just above it. "This is… incredible."
Lukas smiled, wiping the sweat from his brow. "It'll grow with you. As you advance in your cultivation, the sword will advance too."
Zane took the sword, feeling its weight in his hand, the balance perfect. "I won't let you down."
"You never have," Lukas replied.
---
With the short sword completed and safely in Zane's hands, Lukas turned his attention back to his own progress. His breakthrough to Essence Formation had given him strength, but it had also unlocked new challenges.
"We need to keep moving," Lukas said, his voice low. "The Dark Commander is still out there, and he won't stop until he's destroyed everything we've worked for."
Zane nodded, sheathing the short sword on his back. "What's the next step?"
"I need to forge a weapon for myself," Lukas replied. "Something that can stand up to his power. The materials we've gathered should be enough, but I'll need time. I'll also need to reach out to Marcus to ensure the troops are using the Ether Surge Pills effectively. We need them to push their cultivation higher, and quickly."
"Should I return to the frontier after we're done here?" Zane asked.
Lukas shook his head. "No, stay here for now. Marcus can handle the troops. I need you here for the next phase. We'll face the Dark Commander soon, and when we do, I want you at my side."