The mist clung to Kael's skin as he strode away from Whispering Falls. Every step felt lighter, yet more purposeful than the last. The Vast Ethereal Core pulsing within him throbbed like a new heartbeat—one attuned to a rhythm he was only just starting to grasp. His encounter at the falls revealed not only his potential but the dangers that were sure to come along with it. Whoever had sent the assassin wouldn't rest until Kael lay dead. And Kael needed to be ready.
The system's voice hummed quietly in his mind—detached, yet guiding.
[Directive: Progress combat proficiency. Recommend sparring or field combat to enhance synchronization.]
Kael clenched his fists, feeling the energy coursing through his veins like liquid fire. "I'll get there," he muttered. "But not blindly. I need strategy, not just strength."
He paused at the edge of the forest, scanning the horizon. In the distance, barely visible through the haze of dawn, the towering spires of the royal palace loomed—reminders of a past he would rather forget. A pang of bitterness twisted in his chest as the memories of his stepbrothers rose to mind: their cruel mockery, their firm belief that he was destined for nothing more than to be a servant. Kael's jaw tightened. He wasn't that boy anymore, the one they had tormented.
Ahead lay a small village nestled at the base of the mountains. Smoke curled lazily from chimneys, and the faint sounds of bustling life reached his ears. It was an unassuming place, but Kael knew better than to underestimate such settlements. Villages like these often harbored wanderers, mercenaries, and perhaps even knowledge that could aid him in his journey.
"System," he said softly, speaking low so as not to draw attention. "Can you scan for potential threats in the village?"
The translucent screen flickered before his eyes.
[Scanning…]
A moment passed before the system's response appeared.
[Threats detected: Low. Anomalies detected: Moderate. Potential points of interest: Three.]
Kael raised an eyebrow. "Anomalies?"
The system responded, its voice cool and precise.
[Presence of unregistered energy signatures. Recommend investigation.]
A flicker of curiosity mixed with caution. "Take me to the nearest one," he directed.
The computer illuminated a course, superimposing a subtle glowing line upon his view, winding through the village. Kael followed the course, holding his hood well down to attract less attention. The villagers scurried off to their morning routines and barely gave him a second look. He had perfected the art of becoming invisible within crowds long before this.
He led her down a pathway to a simple blacksmith forge. Hammer ringing out in steady cadence upon metal echoed in the air. A thick, sweaty man was pounding away over the red blade that was hot in his hands, making sparks dance before him as his movements cast shadows. He worked with precision: each strike meant, after so many years.
Kael went closer to this furnace heat when the voice came to his head again.
[Energy anomaly detected. Source: Forged blade. Material composition: Meteoric iron, infused with residual celestial energy.]
Kael's breath hitched. "Celestial energy? Like the star?"
[Affirmative. Blade may enhance host's combat efficiency. Recommend acquisition.]
Before Kael could decide how to approach, the blacksmith looked up. His piercing gray eyes locked onto Kael's. The man's gaze lingered, as if he saw more than just Kael's weathered cloak and youthful frame.
"You've got the look of someone searching for something," the blacksmith said, his voice deep and gravelly. He set the blade aside, wiping his hands on a rag. "Well? What is it?"
Kael hesitated. Honesty could be dangerous, but evasion might close the door to opportunity. He chose a careful blend. "I'm looking for a weapon," he said. "Something… unique."
The blacksmith's lips curled up into a small smile. "Unique, eh? That's not exactly a word I hear much from vagabonds. Most just want something sharp enough to kill.
Kael's eyes met his own levelly. "I need something more than just sharp. Something that can grow with me.
The blacksmith's smile died away to be replaced with a thoughtful look. He examined Kael for a long time before nodding slowly. "Wait here."
Without another word, he vanished into the back of the forge, leaving Kael alone with the glowing embers and the faint hum of energy that seemed to emanate from the half-forged blade on the anvil. Kael couldn't resist. He reached out, his fingers brushing the metal.
A jolt of power shot through him—sharp and exhilarating. The system reacted instantly.
[Energy synchronization initiated. Blade compatibility: High.]
Kael jerked his hand away, his heartbeat increasing. System's voice in his mind.
[synchronized. host may use the Starforged Steel with precision.]
It didn't wait for Kael to respond even more before bringing out the wooden box, of rather long height, which placed down and he opened it - there, in such sheath like form, his sword was stuck in it.
Hilt simply, dark-leather-wrapped; but an unearthly glowing shine, by partial unsheathing, lay at the core of the sword.
"This," said the blacksmith, "is Starforged Steel. Rare, dangerous and so far past most men as to be unreachable. But you… you just might be different."
Kael's heart skipped a beat. "What do you want for it?"
Strength, conviction. And the promise you'll do better than for yourself.
"Okay," said Kael, smiling back at the blacksmith, who nodded toward his forge and he went toward it.
The blacksmith's grin returned, though it carried a hint of something darker. "Then take it. But be warned—the blade has a will of its own. If you're not careful, it will break you before you master it.
Kael's hand closed around the hilt. The instant his fingers grasped it, a wave of energy burst through him, merging perfectly with the energy of his core. For a fleeting instant, the world went fuzzy—colors brightened, sounds intensified.
[System Alert: Weapon synchronization complete. Starforged Blade linked into host's energy conduits.]
Kael carefully sheathed the sword, his hands steady despite the rush of power. He bowed his head slightly to the blacksmith. "Thank you."
The blacksmith waved him off. "Don't thank me yet, boy. The blade might be yours, but proving yourself worthy of it? That's another matter entirely."
As Kael stepped out of the forge, the weight of the sword at his side felt grounding and electrifying. His journey had only just begun, but now, he had a weapon that matched the vast potential of his core.
And he intended to wield it to reshape his destiny—no matter what challenges lay ahead.