Kaleb's boots crunched against the rocky path leading to the secluded forge. The memory of its roaring flames and the precision of its craftsmanship filled his mind as the dark crystals weighed heavily in his pocket.
The Raiden System pulsed faintly:
[Objective Updated: Refine Dark Crystals for Weapon Enhancement.]
Kaleb tightened his grip on Denkoujin, his resolve unwavering. "This better work," he muttered.
The forge appeared ahead, tucked into the base of a jagged cliff. Its ancient structure still emanated faint warmth, and as Kaleb approached, he could feel the air buzzing with dormant energy.
Sliding open the heavy iron door, Kaleb was greeted by the forge's familiar hum. The great anvil stood in the center, surrounded by tools etched with runes. "Let's get started," he said, pulling the crystals from his ring and placing them on the worktable.
The Raiden System shimmered to life:
[Procedure: Utilize elemental focus to cleanse instability. Warning: Failure may corrupt the weapon.]
Kaleb smirked. "No pressure, right?" He activated Storm Shield to create a controlled field of lightning, setting the crystals within. Sparks danced around the stones as Kaleb concentrated, channeling precise bursts of lightning through them.
The dark energy fought back, coiling like snakes in protest, but Kaleb's control held steady. Sweat beaded on his brow as the crystals began to glow brighter, their crimson streaks fading into pure, shimmering black.
One by one, he cleansed the crystals, their unstable energy replaced by a refined, harmonious pulse. "That's five," he said, wiping his brow and holding up the finished shards. "Now for the real test."
Kaleb placed Denkoujin on the anvil, aligning the crystals along its blade. He activated Infernal Step, summoning searing heat to bond the shards into the katana. Flames roared around the weapon, merging with bolts of lightning as the crystals fused seamlessly into the steel.
When the flames died, Denkoujin gleamed with renewed brilliance. Dark streaks pulsed faintly along its edge, a testament to its enhanced power. The Raiden System flared:
[Weapon Upgrade Complete. New Techniques Available: Shadowflare Strike, Midnight Arc.]
Kaleb sheathed the blade, a satisfied smile on his face. "Let's see how you handle this, Zephyra."
…Kaleb stepped into the dense forest, the air heavy with tension. The Raiden System guided him toward the clearing where Zephyra Gale's presence was strongest.
As he neared, a soft, mocking laugh echoed through the trees. "Back for more, little spark?" Zephyra's voice called, her tone dripping with amusement.
Kaleb drew Denkoujin, its edge humming with power. "This time, I'm ready."
Zephyra emerged from the shadows, her silver hair glinting under the faint moonlight. Her twin Spirit Steel fans twirled in her hands, exuding an aura of sharp, cutting wind. "Bold of you to think that," she said, crimson eyes narrowing. "You barely survived our last encounter."
Kaleb smirked. "That was then. Let's see how you handle this." Without another word, he activated Lightning Surge, closing the distance in a flash.
Zephyra's fans moved with blinding speed, deflecting his first strike as she leapt back, summoning a whirlwind infused with dark energy. "You think you've grown stronger? I'll cut you down all the same."
Kaleb activated Infernal Step, flames trailing behind him as he darted around the whirlwind. Sparks erupted as Denkoujin clashed against her fans, each strike faster and more precise than the last.
Zephyra grinned, her aura flaring. "Impressive, but you still lack control!" She unleashed a Cyclone Snare, tendrils of wind wrapping around Kaleb's legs and pinning him in place.
Kaleb gritted his teeth, summoning Storm's Eye. The concentrated burst of lightning shattered the snare, freeing him as he countered with Shadowflare Strike. Denkoujin's blade erupted with dark flames, forcing Zephyra to retreat.
Her crimson eyes widened as the flames scorched her arm. "What—what is this power?" she hissed, clutching her injury.
Kaleb pressed the advantage, his strikes relentless. He unleashed Midnight Arc, a sweeping slash of shadow-infused lightning that tore through Zephyra's defenses, sending her crashing into a tree.
She struggled to rise, her strength waning. "How… how did you—?"
Kaleb stood over her, his blade glowing faintly. "You underestimated the storm," he said, his voice calm. "And now, it's over."
With a final slash, he chopped off her hands, the fans and her hands holding the fans fell to the side. Dissipating the dark energy around her. Zephyra fell to the ground as she bled out, her aura flickering out. The Raiden System pulsed faintly:
[Victory Achieved. Target Neutralized.]
…As Kaleb wiped the sweat from his brow, the forest grew unnervingly quiet. The faint crunch of footsteps reached his ears, soft but deliberate. He turned sharply, Denkoujin raised, ready to face another foe.
Emerging from the shadows was an elderly man, hunched slightly as he leaned on a gnarled wooden cane. The cane's handle was intricately carved into the shape of a dragon's head, its eyes glinting faintly in the moonlight. His robes were simple but bore faint golden embroidery of dragons coiling down the sleeves. Despite his frail appearance, his sharp, piercing eyes seemed to cut straight through Kaleb.
The old man stopped a few paces away, his gaze unwavering. "Impressive," he said, his voice carrying the weight of decades. "But not enough."
Kaleb frowned, his grip tightening on Denkoujin. "Who are you?"
The man chuckled softly, the sound dry but not unkind. "I am Master Kang," he said, tapping the dragon's head on his cane for emphasis. "Some call me the Dragon Master. And I've been watching you."
Kaleb's brow furrowed. "Watching me? Why?"
Master Kang tilted his head, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Because Floki convinced me to. That trickster has been busy, hasn't he? He prefers to delegate the hard work."
Kaleb's chest tightened at the mention of Floki. "You know Floki?" he asked, his tone cautious.
Kang smirked, resting both hands on his cane. "Of course. He's a god who's far too lazy for his own good. But even he knows you need proper training."
Kaleb straightened, pride sparking in his chest. "I've been training," he said firmly. "I just defeated Maelkris and Zephyra. Isn't that proof enough?"
The old master laughed, a dry, raspy sound that carried a note of mockery. "Proof of what? That you know how to flail a blade and give your attacks fancy names? 'Shadowflare Strike'? 'Midnight Arc'? What nonsense!" He shook his head, his tone tinged with disappointment. "Throwing flashy moves around might dazzle weaklings, but against real threats, you'll be dead before your first swing is finished."
Kaleb's jaw clenched, his grip on Denkoujin tightening. "Those moves worked," he shot back. "I won, didn't I?"
Master Kang's cane tapped sharply against the ground, the sound echoing in the stillness. "Barely," he said, his voice turning stern. "And if you think barely scraping by is enough, you're a fool. Maelkris and Zephyra were the bottom of the barrel, boy. The enemies you'll face next won't give you the luxury of time to name your moves or recover from sloppy strikes."
Kaleb's pride stung at the words, but he held his ground. "Then what do you suggest?"
Kang's smirk returned, but his eyes softened ever so slightly. "Discipline. Precision. The instincts of a true warrior. A real fighter doesn't rely on gimmicks—he becomes the storm, swift and overwhelming."
Kaleb hesitated, his frustration warring with curiosity. "Are you saying you can teach me?"
The old man leaned heavily on his cane, his gaze sharp. "Teach you? Maybe. But only if you're ready to put aside your arrogance and listen."
Kaleb's expression hardened, his determination flaring. "I'll do whatever it takes."
Master Kang chuckled, nodding approvingly. "Good," he said, stepping closer. "Then let's see if that resolve of yours can survive the training." He tapped his cane against the ground, the sound carrying an ominous finality.
Kaleb followed as the old master turned and began walking deeper into the forest. The path ahead was dark and uncertain…