Chapter 530 - Flames of Destruction (I) (1/2)
CHAPTER 530
FLAMES OF DESTRUCTION (I)
Lino held onto the hammer tightly, his breathing even and calm. Incandescent fire churned and boiled inside the furnace, its golden sheen cascading along the ridges of the stoned walls. The heat it exuded was nigh impossible to bear for anyone except Lino since it was the fire he himself had created – [Divine Flames]. The flames were so strong they escaped the framework of Noterra's levels and reached the so-called Cosmic Frame. Though weakest still there, the concept of mythical flames was far more corrupt, making the [Divine Flames] unparalleled in a way. Being Tier 0, far from the potential height of Tier 9, was more than enough for current Lino.
They could melt and purify every material that Lino was aware of, and as Ion's campaign was slowly coming to a close, the number of materials that were being sent back to the Empyrion was beyond measure. The Empire's treasury was expanded at least ten times in the past month, yet it was still inadequate in size to contain everything. Lino plundered only the best, ready to create the best.
He grabbed the blazing steel beneath his fingers tightly; the fires that could melt through the reality itself sizzled and wept underneath his pressure. One strike. Two strikes. Three. Four. The hammer in his hands descended time and again, perfectly aiming at the precise points of pressure, slowly molding the strongest steel possible on Noterra – [Divine Steel]. The nigh-indestructible steel slowly bent under his will, each strike of the hammer shaping it into a stainless blade.
The Edge and the Slayer were both indispensable tools, but that was only within the confines of Noterra. Beyond, they carried little weight. He would never leave them; rather, both always remained either in his void world or at his person, but the sentimentality couldn't blind him. He needed something bigger, something better, something that transcended the limits of this small world.
Pouring the heated blade into the barrel of water, he began heating it up again. He had already been at it for nearly five days, but the progress was visible. It shouldn't be too long before the first part was done.
Unlike before, where he mixed all kinds and sorts of supportive materials, he didn't add anything to the [Divine Steel]. While the options will probably be limited, the raw strength of the sword born of its pure origins would overwhelm the shortcomings.
He settled on a simple design, extending the blade to be roughly a meter and a half in length, no wider than three fingers, three and a half centimeters thick. At first glance, it would seem no more extraordinary than the common swords found in every army in the world. It was fine; the blade was meant to kill, rather than to be an ornament. Eggor's teachings never left him, though his instinct still wished he would decorate the blade at least a bit. Uhm, there's… right, there's nothing wrong with adding a tiny bit of a personal touch. I'll make the guard slightly eye-catchy…
The sounds of the hammering echoed throughout the small smithy. Sweat gripped tightly at Lino's skin, dripping like a river. His black eyes glistened in the momentum of joy, of the rekindled fire in his heart. Each time he took a swing with his hammer, his muscles tensed and relaxed, bulging, as though reborn with new vigor.
You will be a protector…
His mind whispered to the blade yet to be born, the blood in his veins trailing from his heart to his fingertips, embodying the blade with the will of its maker.
Yet you will shed blood beyond measure…
Each strike hummed, forming a melodic symphony that echoed against the awoken walls, the song that would never be heard outside this small room.
The burden will be great…
As though responding to his will, the blade cried out with each strike; it wasn't a cry of pain, but the cry of resonance.
So great even I can't imagine it…
The fire raged stronger, the elements combining beneath the might of the hammer. It was a completely ordinary hammer, made out of purified iron, yet, at the moment, it seemed to have the capacity to craft the world itself.
But you won't crumble…
The sparks flew out like fireflies, crackling and chuckling during their flash-in-the-pan existence.
Because you are a protector…
The pieces started coming together as the blade, the guard and the handle slowly became one beneath the gaze of their maker.
You are bigger than pain…
The resolute cry shook the room as the [Divine Flames] swept over it, seemingly baptizing the newly-born creature.