The morning after the battle was somber. Kaelmont's square lay in ruins, the once-bustling town reduced to an eerie silence. The trio stood near the crumbled fountain, surveying the aftermath. The crystal in Kaida's hands was dull, its light faint after the night's exertion.
"We need to keep moving," Tenzai said, breaking the silence. He leaned on the hilt of his broken sword, exhaustion etched on his face. "Kaelmont is gone, but the Abyss isn't stopping."
Kaida nodded, though her expression was pained. "There might still be survivors in the outskirts. We should search, but we can't linger. The crystal needs to recharge, and we'll be vulnerable if they attack again."
Rai tightened his grip on his bow, his mind replaying the battle. His arrows, though effective, had barely scratched the armored man or the alpha. They needed more than strategy and resilience to face the Abyss.
"We need better weapons," Rai said, his voice firm.
Tenzai raised an eyebrow. "You think a new blade will stop the Abyss?"
Rai turned to him. "You saw it too. My arrows couldn't pierce that man's armor, and your sword—" He gestured to the broken weapon. "—was shattered. If we're going to stand a chance, we need weapons that can match their power."
Kaida tilted her head thoughtfully. "There is someone," she said after a moment. "A blacksmith unlike any other. They're rumored to craft weapons capable of rivaling the Abyss's creations."
Tenzai straightened. "Rumored? We don't have time for rumors, Kaida."
"It's not just a rumor," she insisted. "The stories say they live in the mountains east of here, in a hidden forge. If anyone can forge what we need, it's them."
Rai nodded. "Then we'll find them."
The Journey to the Forge
The journey to the eastern mountains was grueling. The forest gave way to rocky paths and steep inclines, the air growing colder with each step. As they climbed, Kaida explained what little she knew about the mysterious blacksmith.
"They're called the Artisan," she said. "No one knows their real name. Some say they're immortal, others claim they're a former warrior who gave up the sword. All I know is that their creations are said to be unmatched."
Rai glanced at her. "Do they work for anyone?"
Kaida hesitated. "No. They choose their clients. If they deem you unworthy, they won't even let you into the forge."
Tenzai scoffed. "Great. So we're climbing all this way for a maybe?"
Kaida shot him a look. "If you'd rather face the Abyss with a broken sword, be my guest."
The banter eased the tension, but as the trio reached the summit, their mood grew serious. The entrance to the forge was carved into the mountain itself, flanked by two enormous statues of warriors holding weapons. A faint glow emanated from within, accompanied by the rhythmic sound of hammering.
"This is it," Kaida said, her voice barely above a whisper.
They stepped inside, the air thick with heat and the smell of molten metal. The forge was unlike anything Rai had ever seen. Walls of glowing stone reflected the light of a massive central furnace, and countless weapons—swords, spears, bows—lined the walls, each more intricate than the last.
At the center of it all stood the Artisan. They were tall and broad-shouldered, their face obscured by a hood and mask. Sparks flew as they hammered away at a blade, their movements precise and deliberate.
The Artisan paused, setting the blade aside, and turned to the trio. "You seek weapons," they said, their voice deep and resonant.
Kaida stepped forward, holding the crystal. "We're fighting the Abyss. We need something strong enough to match their power."
The Artisan studied her for a moment before turning their gaze to Rai and Tenzai. Their eyes lingered on Rai's bow and Tenzai's broken sword. "Your need is great," they said, "but need alone does not forge strength."
"What do you mean?" Rai asked, stepping forward.
The Artisan gestured to the forge. "A weapon is only as strong as the one who wields it. Show me your resolve, and I will decide if you are worthy."
The Test
The Artisan led them to a circular arena carved into the forge's floor. "You must face the guardians of this place," they said. "Prove your will to fight, and you may claim what you seek."
Before Rai could ask what they meant, the ground trembled. From the shadows emerged three figures—metallic constructs shaped like knights, their movements smooth yet unnervingly mechanical. Each wielded a weapon: a sword, an axe, and a spear.
"No turning back now," Tenzai muttered, gripping the hilt of his broken sword.
Rai readied his bow, his heart pounding. "Let's do this."
The constructs attacked in unison, their strikes precise and unrelenting. Tenzai took on the one with the axe, dodging its heavy swings and landing calculated blows. Rai used his speed to stay ahead of the spear-wielding construct, firing arrows to slow it down.
Kaida stayed back, using the crystal to shield them from the sword-wielding knight's attacks. "Rai, focus on disabling their weapons!" she called out.
Rai nodded, aiming for the joints of the spear construct. His arrows found their mark, and the construct staggered, its movements faltering. Tenzai, seeing an opening, delivered a final blow to the axe knight, shattering it into pieces.
The battle was fierce, but the trio's teamwork prevailed. As the last construct fell, the Artisan stepped forward, their expression unreadable.
"You have passed," they said simply. "Now, let us forge your weapon."
The Nameless Blade
The Artisan led Rai to the central forge, gesturing for him to step forward. "What do you seek in a weapon?" they asked.
Rai thought for a moment before speaking. "Something that can adapt. A weapon that can be used for any situation, but also something... unique. A blade with no limits."
The Artisan nodded. "Then we will create something extraordinary. A blade without a name, for it will gain its identity through your journey."
For hours, the Artisan worked, shaping molten metal with unmatched precision. The crystal in Kaida's possession was used as the core, infusing the weapon with radiant energy. When the process was complete, they handed the blade to Rai.
It was unlike anything he had ever seen. The blade shimmered with an otherworldly light, its edges razor-sharp and its hilt intricately carved with flowing patterns. Despite its size, it felt weightless in his hand.
"This blade has no name," the Artisan said. "Its true power will only awaken when you prove yourself worthy. For now, it will be your companion in the battles to come."
Rai stared at the blade, feeling a surge of determination. "Thank you," he said, his voice steady. "I'll make sure it lives up to its potential."
As the trio left the forge, the blade strapped to Rai's back, they knew the road ahead would only grow more perilous. But with their newfound strength, they were ready to face whatever the Abyss had in store.