blacksmith of a Thousand tales

Chapter 53: Kael's Ambition

Reyn, Alarcus, and Kael sat around a sturdy wooden table in Reyn's secret base. The warm glow of enchanted lanterns illuminated the room, casting long shadows on the walls. Kael looked around, clearly impressed, but said nothing. Reyn stood up, moving toward a small cabinet in the corner.

"You know," Reyn said as he pulled out a glass jug, "if we're going to have a serious conversation, we might as well enjoy something good." He poured a clear, golden liquid into three sturdy mugs.

"What's this?" Kael asked, sniffing the drink.

"Hard lemonade," Reyn replied with a smirk. "Brewed it myself. Try it."

Kael took a swig, his eyes widening. "Damn, that's good. Didn't know blacksmiths doubled as brewers."

Reyn chuckled, sliding a mug to Alarcus, who took a more cautious sip. "Let's just say I have a knack for making things. Now, what was it you wanted to talk about?"

Kael leaned back, his mug resting in one hand. "Tell me, do you know about the demons from the other continent?"

Reyn glanced at Alarcus before replying. "We've heard rumors. The royal family tries to keep it a secret, but the older records mention a war against them long ago."

Alarcus nodded, his expression serious. "It's not common knowledge, but some adventurers and scholars know bits and pieces."

Kael's grin faltered, replaced by a look of grim determination. "Well, according to my older brother, who raised me, things were very different before that war. A long time ago, there were many beastman clans. Each had its own unique martial arts, and we lived as proud warriors, equals, no matter what bloodline we came from. But all of that changed when the Divine Beasts got involved."

Reyn leaned forward, intrigued. "Divine Beasts?"

Kael nodded. "During the war, the Divine Beasts came down to help fight against the demons. They were powerful beyond belief—gods among beasts. After the war, they stuck around and mated, leaving behind descendants. Those descendants became the leaders of four ridiculously powerful clans: the Dragon Clan, the White Tiger Clan, the Fenrir Wolf Clan, and the Phoenix Clan."

He set his mug down, his claws lightly scratching the table. "Nowadays, those clans sit at the top, lording over everyone else. The other clans? They just work for them. The Lion and Cat Clans serve the White Tiger Clan. The once brotherly Wolf and Dog Clans? Torn apart. Now, the Wolf Clan looks down on us 'lesser' Dog Clan beastmen, treating us like servants. Bird Beastmen serve the Phoenix Clan, and Snake Beastmen are under the Dragon Clan. It's disgusting."

Kael paused, his voice turning bitter. "It's not just us. Everyone else has been reduced to lackeys while those four act like kings and queens."

Reyn tilted his head, processing Kael's words. "So, is your goal to take over and make things go back to the way they were?"

Kael barked a laugh, shaking his head. "Hell no! Do you know how boring ruling would be? All that paperwork? No thanks!" He leaned forward, his grin returning. "I just want to beat the shit out of those so-called elites. Show everyone that just because they've got Divine Beast blood, it doesn't make them invincible. There's more to strength than bloodlines."

Reyn raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "So, where are the Divine Beasts today?"

Kael's grin faded slightly. "From what my brother told me, they each went to some kind of sacred land to sleep and wait for the demons' return. Guess they'll only wake up when the big fight starts again."

Reyn tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Interesting. What made you come to the human empire for training, then?"

Kael leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "For most of my life, it was just me and my brother. We traveled the beastman territories, living free and wild. But one day, I got into a fight with this White Tiger Clan young master. He thought his Divine Beast blood made him untouchable. I proved him wrong."

Reyn smirked, sensing where this story was headed. "I take it that didn't go over well?"

Kael snorted. "Not exactly. The moment I beat him, I became a wanted criminal. Those clans don't like being shown up, especially not by someone without Divine Beast blood. My brother told me to run while I could, said the human empire was the best place to get stronger and keep a low profile. So here I am."

Reyn nodded slowly. "So you want to challenge the system? Show them that bloodlines don't define strength?"

Kael's grin returned, sharp and full of fire. "Exactly. Strength isn't about who your ancestors were. It's about what you can do. And I'll make damn sure everyone knows it."

Reyn smirked, pouring himself another glass of lemonade. "That's a bold goal. Maybe my 'master' would approve. But before I commit to anything, I need to know more about how you fight. If I help, it's got to be the perfect weapon."

Kael raised an eyebrow. "You offering to make me something?"

Reyn leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Maybe. But let's get one thing clear: if I do, my 'master' might expect a few favors in return. You up for that?"

Kael's grin widened, his sharp teeth glinting in the lantern light. "If those favors involve me knocking some sense into people, then yeah, I'm in."

Reyn chuckled, already imagining the design for a weapon that could channel Kael's ferocious spirit.

The secret base buzzed with energy, the weight of purpose hanging in the air as Reyn leaned against his workbench, arms crossed. Kael and Alarcus sat across from him, their mugs of Reyn's signature hard lemonade nearly empty.

Reyn broke the silence. "Alright, here's how it's going to go. First, my master and I are going to finish Zetsuei's second and third forms. Alarcus, the wind beast core and mithril you brought are the perfect materials to make it happen."

Alarcus straightened in his chair, curiosity lighting his eyes. "What exactly are these new forms going to do?"

Reyn smirked. "The second form will enhance Zetsuei's range and speed, making it a weapon that can attack multiple enemies with pinpoint precision. The wind beast core will amplify its control over air currents, turning it into a nightmare for both armored opponents and mages. As for the third form…"

Kael leaned forward, his grin growing. "What about it?"

Reyn's smirk deepened. "That's a secret for now, but let's just say it will allow Zetsuei to channel elemental energy in ways that'll blow your mind. The mithril will keep it light and strong enough to handle the strain. When it's done, it'll be a weapon worthy of a legend."

Alarcus nodded, his anticipation evident. "I can't wait to see it in action."

Kael chuckled, taking a swig from his mug. "Sounds like you're pulling out all the stops for Alarcus. What about me? Or am I getting second-best here?"

Reyn turned his sharp gaze to Kael, his smirk unwavering. "Second-best? Hardly. Your gauntlet, Grand Fist, is going to be Zetsuei's rival in every way."

Kael's grin faltered for a moment before returning. "Rival, huh? Sounds like you've got big plans."

Reyn nodded. "I do. Grand Fist will be designed to match your fighting style—raw power, adaptability, and precision. But to make it perfect, I need to see you in a real fight. I need to understand how you move, how you strike, and how you handle pressure."

Kael leaned back, his grin sharpening. "Fair enough. So, you want me to punch some trees, or are we talking something serious?"

Reyn chuckled, pushing off the workbench. "Something serious. Come on."

Reyn led Alarcus and Kael out of the base into the open training yard. The air was crisp, and the faint glow of magical lanterns cast a soft light over the area. Kael cracked his knuckles, grinning as he surveyed the space.

"So, you're going to show me what this Zetsuei can do?" Kael asked, already brimming with excitement.

"Not just show you," Reyn said with a smirk. "You're going to fight it. Alarcus, it's all yours."

Alarcus stepped forward, raising a hand. A faint blue glow surrounded him as he connected to Zetsuei, the golem materializing in the center of the yard. Its sleek metallic frame gleamed under the moonlight, its sharp, jointed limbs moving fluidly, almost unnaturally.

"As Alarcus extended his spiritual connection, he could feel Zetsuei's form like a second body. Every movement was fluid, responsive, and precise—an extension of his will. Controlling it wasn't easy; the strain of maintaining such a complex link was something only a handful of mages could handle. But for Alarcus, it felt natural.

He smirked, his confidence showing. "Ready when you are, Kael."

Kael rolled his shoulders, cracking his neck as he took his stance. His muscles tensed, ready to launch. "Let's see if this golem of yours can keep up!"

The fight began in a flash. Kael charged forward, his claws gleaming under the lantern light. Each strike was a calculated explosion of force, meant to overwhelm and crush any defense. His footwork, though powerful, was linear—a straightforward aggression that had bested countless opponents. But against Zetsuei's fluid unpredictability, it left him one step behind.

Zetsuei sidestepped Kael's opening strike with ease, its joints twisting unnaturally to dodge the next flurry of attacks. It retaliated with sharp, sweeping motions that forced Kael to backpedal.

Reyn observed from the sidelines, his arms crossed. "Kael's raw power is impressive, but he's too direct. Zetsuei's design thrives on adaptability and speed. If Kael learned to temper his strength with strategy, he'd be unstoppable. Right now, though, he's like raw iron—unforged and untamed."

Kael growled, lunging forward again, but Zetsuei leaped above him, landing gracefully behind. Kael spun, claws slashing at the air where the golem had just been. "Stop dancing around and fight me!"

Alarcus smirked from his spot, barely moving as he directed the golem. "Don't feel too bad, Kael. Zetsuei's not just a golem—it's art in motion. You can't outfight art."

Kael snarled, his eyes narrowing. "Art, huh? Let's see how your 'art' holds up when I've got Grand Fist. I'll turn your masterpiece into scrap metal."

Alarcus laughed. "Talk is cheap. Maybe get a hit in first?"

Reyn chuckled at their banter, his mind already buzzing with ideas. He could see the potential in both Kael and Zetsuei—a rivalry in the making. "This is going to be interesting," he muttered to himself, already imagining Grand Fist's design coming to life.

The fight continued, with Kael giving it his all, but Zetsuei remained one step ahead, its speed and flexibility proving too much for Kael's raw strength. By the time the match ended, Kael was on one knee, breathing heavily, while Zetsuei stood tall and unscathed.

Kael wiped the sweat from his brow, a grin spreading across his face despite his defeat. "Damn, that thing's fast. But next time, I'll be ready."

Reyn stepped forward, clapping Kael on the shoulder. "You've got potential, Kael. Once I finish Grand Fist, you'll have a weapon that can rival Zetsuei. Until then, you've got some work to do."

Kael nodded, his grin widening. "Bring it on. I'll make sure your weapon gets the fight it deserves."

Alarcus smirked, recalling Zetsuei into its resting state. "We'll see if Grand Fist can live up to its name. For now, though, it looks like Zetsuei wins round one."

The three of them laughed as they walked back toward the base, the night air filled with the promise of greater battles to come.