After catching their breath on the cliffside, Kazuki, Serena, Leo, Lyra, and their new ally, Arlen, began the journey to the nearby town of Elmora. The narrow, rocky paths winding through the cliffs gradually gave way to smoother trails, bordered by dense, emerald forests that blanketed the hills.
As they walked, Arlen shared more details about Malakar, the dark mage who had stolen the orb. "Malakar is a dangerous adversary, and he won't be easy to track. He's spent years in the shadows, evading both human and elven forces. But he has a weakness—he can't resist showing off his power. He'll make himself known soon, and when he does, we'll be ready."
Kazuki nodded, his gaze forward, the weight of their mission heavy on his shoulders. "Then we'll have to make sure we're prepared."
They continued in silence, each lost in thought. Soon, the forest began to thin, and the outline of the town came into view, with small, rustic houses clustered around a bustling marketplace. People milled about, some loading carts with goods, while others hawked their wares, calling out to potential buyers. The scent of freshly baked bread and smoked meats filled the air, mingling with the sounds of merchants and travelers.
Arlen led them down the winding path into the heart of town. Kazuki, catching sight of a group of local guards on patrol, approached one of them.
"Excuse me," Kazuki asked, catching the guard's attention. "Can you point us toward the best blacksmith around here?"
The guard, a burly man with a weathered face and a kind smile, chuckled. "Looking for weapons, are ye? There's no better place than Torvald's Forge. Just follow the main road, and you'll see a large stone building with smoke pouring out the chimney. Can't miss it."
Kazuki thanked him, and the team made their way through the market, following the guard's directions until they reached the shop. True to the guard's description, Torvald's Forge was impossible to miss. The building was larger than the surrounding shops, with thick stone walls that bore the marks of heat and soot. Smoke poured from a tall chimney, filling the air with the smell of burning coal and hot metal.
Kazuki pushed open the heavy wooden door, and they stepped inside, greeted by the intense heat of the forge and the loud clanging of metal against metal. Weapons of all shapes and sizes hung from the walls—swords, axes, maces, and an assortment of strange, exotic weapons. Armor sets were displayed on mannequins, their polished surfaces gleaming in the firelight.
A gruff voice rang out from the back of the shop. "Who in tarnation has come to disturb me work?"
A short, stocky figure appeared, stomping toward them. He was a dwarf with wild, wiry hair that stuck out in all directions and a bushy beard streaked with ash. His face was a mix of irritation and curiosity, his eyes gleaming with an intense, almost manic energy. He wore a thick leather apron, scorched and blackened from years of work at the forge.
"Are you Torvald?" Serena asked, glancing around the shop with interest.
"Aye, that I am," he grumbled, wiping his hands on a rag. "And who might ye be, waltzing into me forge like you own the place?"
Kazuki stepped forward, offering a polite nod. "We're travelers, in need of weapons and equipment. We were told you're the best blacksmith around."
Torvald snorted, crossing his arms as he eyed them skeptically. "Aye, that's what they all say. But the best doesn't come cheap, and I don't deal with amateurs. If you lot can't afford me prices, you best be on yer way."
Lyra smirked, stepping up beside Kazuki. "We're not amateurs, and we can handle the price. We're here for quality, not to haggle."
Torvald's eyes narrowed, a spark of interest lighting in his gaze. "Oh, a feisty one, are ya? I like that." He turned and gestured for them to follow. "Fine, I'll show ye what I got. But don't go whining about the cost later."
They followed him deeper into the shop, past racks of gleaming weapons and rows of armor pieces. Torvald led them to a set of glass cases at the back of the forge, where his finest work was displayed. Each weapon was unique, crafted with exquisite detail and etched with intricate runes.
"This here," Torvald said, pointing to a massive, gleaming broadsword, "is Steel Fang. Tempered in dragonfire and forged from the rarest metals. Cuts through armor like it's butter."
Leo's eyes widened, admiring the craftsmanship. "It's incredible…"
Torvald grunted in approval, then moved on to a pair of twin daggers with sapphire-encrusted hilts. "These beauties are called Shadow's Kiss. Light as a feather and perfectly balanced. Ideal for someone with a quick hand and a steady aim."
Lyra leaned closer, her gaze fixed on the daggers. "Those are perfect."
Torvald nodded, clearly pleased. "Aye, they'd suit ya well, lass. But they don't come cheap."
Kazuki examined the selection, noting a variety of weapons and gear suited for all kinds of fighting styles. "Do you have anything enchanted? We're up against some… unique enemies."
The dwarf raised an eyebrow, glancing up at Kazuki with a knowing look. "Ah, so yer dealing with more than just bandits, eh? Well, I might have something special in the back. Not just any weapon, mind ye—only a few of me pieces are truly enchanted."
He turned and disappeared into a storage room behind the forge, the sound of clinking metal and muttered curses floating out as he rummaged around. Moments later, he emerged, holding a gleaming spear and a pair of bracers etched with runes that pulsed faintly.
"This here," he said, holding up the spear, "is Wyrm's Bane. Made from a wyvern's fang, enchanted to pierce through any magical barrier." He handed it to Kazuki, who could feel a strange energy pulsing through the weapon.
"And these bracers," Torvald continued, passing them to Serena, "are enchanted with a defensive spell. They'll absorb a portion of any magical attack and convert it into energy ye can use in battle. But be warned, they're a bit temperamental."
Serena examined the bracers, impressed. "These are incredible… how much?"
Torvald rubbed his beard thoughtfully, then named a price that made both Kazuki and Leo's eyes widen. But Lyra, without missing a beat, reached into her pouch and handed over the necessary coins, counting them with an air of determination.
The dwarf's eyes sparkled with approval. "Now that's what I like to see! None of that penny-pinching nonsense."
They spent the next hour inspecting the weapons and discussing options, with Torvald offering advice and making minor adjustments to ensure each piece fit perfectly. As they were finalizing their purchases, he turned to Arlen, who had been quietly observing the entire time.
"And you, mage?" Torvald asked, eyeing him curiously. "Not interested in a weapon of yer own?"
Arlen smiled faintly, shaking his head. "I'm more of a defensive sort. But… perhaps a ring with a minor enchantment, if you have one?"
The dwarf grinned, pulling out a small box filled with enchanted rings. "Take yer pick, lad. These'll give ye a little boost in whatever field ye fancy—protection, agility, even luck if that's what you're after."
Arlen chose a simple silver band etched with runes for protection, paying the dwarf before slipping it onto his finger.
Torvald's expression softened, his gruff exterior fading for a moment. "You lot look like you've got a tough road ahead. Keep yer wits about ya, and don't go getting yerselves killed. I don't make refunds for dead customers, ye hear?"
Kazuki chuckled, nodding. "We'll keep that in mind. Thank you, Torvald. Your work is… exceptional."
Torvald huffed, scratching his beard with a hint of pride. "Just don't go tarnishing it, lad."
As they stepped out of the forge, each of them armed with new gear, they felt a renewed sense of purpose. The town of Elmora bustled around them, but they paused to appreciate the peace while it lasted.