Chapter 167 As the Heavens Roll Onward (1/2)
CHAPTER 167
AS THE HEAVENS ROLL ONWARD
Lino was currently holding onto the Defensive Artifact gently, occasionally stroking its surface. The actual shape of the Artifact was that of a flat, smooth mirror with tinges of crimson-dyed liquid dancing within it. Though the Artifact appeared rather weak and quick to break beneath his fingers, Lino knew that even if he exerted all of his strength he wouldn't even be able to leave a crack let alone actually destroy it.
He had many things to consider beyond just how to help the Artifact evolve; he alone couldn't control the [Lunar Scorch]. If he attempted it he knew it would devour him whole. Although the Writ had said that it would help him, Lino wouldn't easily use it because on the off chance someone discovered the traces of Chaos around him... he'd be screwed.
Valkyria wasn't his friend, and neither was she his ally. She was a passerby with whom he got accidentally acquainted and made a deal. As a Matriarch of a rather old Clan, there was no doubt that she was informed of at least what the Empyrean Writ is and how to detect it should she come across it. Even if she swore an Oath of Soul like he did, it would be rather easy for someone experienced in Soul Arts to absolve it -- and the Holy Continent hardly lacked such personnel.
He had initially planned on using his Level 85 Flame to only do some minor modifications as casting a whole new layer onto the Defensive Artifact was simply impossible even for Eggor let alone him. However, now that the Artifact has discovered the slumbering Flame within him it was certain he would be unable to use any other except the [Lunar Scorch]. He was even tempted to go back on his promise, or even simply return the Divine Stone to Valkyria.
Yet, how often would he get a chance to actually work with a Defensive Artifact as a blacksmith? He'd long since hit a bottleneck -- especially when it came to arrays and runes -- that couldn't easily be broken. If he had the opportunity to tinker with the wonder of Nature itself he had absolute certainty of crossing over the massive gorge.
”... how is it?” Valkyria asked after she watched Lino inspect the Artifact for nearly half an hour.
”Hmm... it's possible.” Lino replied absentmindedly. He, naturally, couldn't ask Valkyria to leave; there was a higher chance of world ending right this very second than that happening. ”I'm, however, baffled by a problem.”
”What is it?” Valkyria asked, curious.
”... I'm afraid rather unpleasant ending awaits me if I unveil my secrets in front of you.” Lino smiled bitterly as he glanced at her for a moment. ”I won't ask for much, just a promise.”
”... a promise?” Valkyria was growing even more curious.
”Do and say what you wish about me,” Lino said. ”But don't mention or do anything to those who followed me here.”
”I don't understand?”
”You will. Just promise me.”
”I promise.” though confused, Valkyria still nodded.
”I'll hold you onto that word.”
Lino took in a deep breath as he held the Artifact in his left hand, extending the other further out. A somewhat improvised smithy suddenly appeared before him with several tools that he'd need. He placed the Artifact onto the anvil and took out the piece of the Divine Stone before using Qi to shave away a small portion. That alone took him nearly an hour and by the end of it he found himself doused in sweat.