blacksmith of a Thousand tales

Chapter 55: Zetsuei and Grand Fist Revealed

Reyn emerged from the teleportation circle in Greyhold, the magical energy still crackling faintly in the air around him. He took a steadying breath, his exhaustion evident in the droop of his shoulders and the faint soot smudges on his face. Behind him, Zetsuei walked with smooth precision, its sleek, humanoid form glinting in the afternoon light. Even in its base form, it radiated a quiet, deadly grace that turned heads as Reyn made his way through the bustling city streets.

His first stop was to find Alarcus, Zetsuei's rightful master. Reyn had spent days perfecting the Alter's second and third forms, but now it was time to hand it back and see what Alarcus could do with it.

He found Alarcus in a quiet training field near the city outskirts, practicing his magic. Tendrils of arcane energy swirled around him as he focused on refining his control. When Reyn approached, Zetsuei trailing silently behind him, Alarcus immediately paused, his eyes lighting up with recognition.

"About time," Alarcus said with a smirk. "I take it Zetsuei's ready?"

Reyn nodded. "It's ready. But first—where's Kael? I thought he'd be here with you."

Alarcus let out an exasperated sigh, brushing a hand through his hair. "He got bored waiting and went on a monster subjugation quest. Something about a stone monster terrorizing a mining village. You know how he is—he couldn't sit still."

Reyn chuckled softly. "That sounds like Kael. Well, I'll track him down later. Right now, I've got something to show you."

He gestured to Zetsuei, and the golem stepped forward. Reyn placed a hand on its shoulder. "It's still in its base form, but give the command and it'll shift to its second form. Let's see how you handle it."

Alarcus nodded, his expression turning serious. He stepped forward, placing his hand over Zetsuei's chest. "Zetsuei—Second Form: Wind Reaver."

The transformation was instantaneous. Zetsuei's body began to shimmer, its sleek lines shifting as its limbs elongated and angular blades extended from its shoulders and arms. The vents along its torso hissed softly, exhaling bursts of air as the Alter adjusted to its new form. It moved with a grace and speed that took Alarcus a moment to match, but within minutes, they were in perfect sync.

Alarcus launched into a series of combat maneuvers, testing Zetsuei's enhanced speed and precision. Each slash of its blades sent ripples through the air, cutting cleanly through the training dummies set up nearby.

"Not bad," Alarcus said, a grin tugging at his lips as he sheathed Zetsuei's blades. "The wind core's power is incredible."

Reyn crossed his arms, nodding in approval. "You're adapting quickly. That's good because the third form will demand even more from you. It's not just about strength—it requires focus, willpower, and absolute synchronization with Zetsuei. If you're not ready, it could overwhelm you."

Alarcus's expression sobered slightly, but there was a gleam of determination in his eyes. "I'll be ready."

Reyn leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "One more thing. I've been sending my crow golem on surveillance missions across the empire. It's been picking up some unsettling patterns—events similar to what destroyed your village. The last sighting was in the northeastern dukedom. If that black monster you're hunting is anywhere, it's likely there."

Alarcus stiffened, his jaw tightening. "I see. So it's starting to spread."

Reyn nodded gravely. "It's why I need you to keep your end of our deal. Once you've had your revenge, I expect you to work for me as my bodyguard—and help test my creations. Agreed?"

Alarcus hesitated for only a moment before nodding firmly. "dont worry i already agreed when you fist gave me Zetsuei."

Reyn clapped him on the shoulder. "Good. Now, let's go get my friends. I want them to see this."

Reyn made his way back into the heart of Greyhold, collecting his friends one by one. He found Garret at the adventurers' guild, where he was regaling a group of rookies with tales of his latest exploits.

"Garret, I need you to come with me," Reyn said, cutting through the crowd.

Garret raised an eyebrow but stood without question. "This about one of your projects?"

"You'll see."

Next, Reyn located Liora at her usual spot near the herbalist's shop, meticulously cataloging a new batch of rare ingredients.

"Liora, I've got something to show you. Bring Alsitor, too."

Liora looked up, intrigued. "This sounds important."

"It is," Reyn replied with a faint smile. "You won't want to miss it."

With the group assembled, Reyn led them back to the training field, where Alarcus and Zetsuei were still practicing. The sight of Zetsuei in its second form drew murmurs of amazement from the group.

Garret let out a low whistle. "You've outdone yourself this time, Reyn."

Liora's eyes gleamed with fascination. "It's… alive. Almost like it's thinking for itself."

Reyn nodded. "Zetsuei is more than a weapon—it's Alarcus's partner. And this is only the beginning. You'll want to see what comes next."

After Reyn showed Alarcus Zetsuei and his friends, Alarcus set off toward the northeastern dukedom to continue his journey. Meanwhile, Reyn sought out Kael, eager to deliver the Grand Fist. He made his way to the Adventurers' Guild, checking the available quests for Kael's most recent mission. According to the quest board, Kael was heading into the forest, following a trail Reyn knew well.

As Reyn walked deeper into the forest, he heard the unmistakable sound of clashing stone and grunts of effort. The trees thinned, revealing a clearing where Kael was locked in combat with three hulking stone monsters. Each creature stood at least twice his height, their jagged bodies glinting in the dappled sunlight.

Kael was drenched in sweat, his fists slamming into the stone beasts. The blows pushed them back, leaving shallow dents, but it was clear that his attacks lacked the power to truly damage them. One monster roared, swinging a massive arm toward him. Kael ducked just in time, the strike tearing through a nearby tree, which fell with a deafening crash.

"Kael!" Reyn called, stepping into the fray.

Kael glanced at him, his expression a mixture of relief and frustration. "A little help here?"

Reyn raised his hand, summoning a translucent barrier between them and the monsters. The creatures pounded against the shimmering shield, but it held firm. "I've got something that might even the odds," Reyn said, pulling a bracelet from his satchel. "Put this on."

Kael gave him a skeptical look. "You think a bracelet's going to help against them?"

"Trust me," Reyn said, tossing it to him. "You'll see."

Kael caught it and slipped it onto his wrist. The moment he did, a surge of energy coursed through him. He staggered back, blinking in surprise, as the first form of Kazuma's Alter from S-cry-ed began to materialize around his right arm. A glowing, energy-infused gauntlet took shape, its intricate patterns pulsing with a golden light. Three sharp spikes sprouted from his back, humming with latent energy.

"What the—? And what's with the spikes?" Kael asked, flexing his arm experimentally.

"They're packed with explosive energy," Reyn explained. "You can use them to propel yourself forward or deliver a powerful burst attack. Just think of them as your secret weapon."

Kael smirked, his earlier doubts melting away. "Alright, let's test this thing."

The barrier flickered and dropped as Kael stepped forward, facing the stone monsters. One of them lunged, its massive arm crashing down toward him. Kael sidestepped with new agility, the spikes on his back flaring as he activated their energy. In an instant, he shot forward like a cannonball, his fist slamming into the creature's chest.

The impact was devastating. Cracks spider-webbed across the monster's torso, chunks of stone flying in all directions. The beast staggered back, roaring in pain.

Kael grinned. "Now this is power!"

The other two monsters charged, their heavy footsteps shaking the ground. Kael turned to face them, raising his gauntleted arm. The spikes on his back glowed brighter as he braced himself. As the first monster swung its arm at him, Kael ducked low and punched upward, the gauntlet releasing a shockwave of energy that shattered the monster's arm into rubble.

Before the second monster could attack, Kael activated all three spikes simultaneously. The explosive force launched him into the air, allowing him to deliver a crushing downward punch to its head. The creature crumbled beneath him, collapsing into a pile of broken stone.

The final monster, now wary, stepped back, its glowing eyes flickering. Kael didn't give it a chance to retreat. He charged forward, using the spikes to propel himself with blinding speed. His gauntlet slammed into the creature's core, a surge of golden energy erupting on impact. The monster shattered, pieces raining down around him.

Kael stood in the center of the carnage, his chest heaving. The gauntlet faded slightly as the energy stabilized, but the spikes were used up.

"Well?" Reyn asked, stepping into the clearing.

Kael turned to him, a wide grin on his face. "Alright, you were right. This thing's amazing."

Reyn smiled, though his eyes were thoughtful. "You've barely scratched the surface of its potential. Come on, let's head back. There's more I need to explain."

In the secret workshop/ base, Kael leaned back in his chair, looking at the bracelet on his wrist. "So, what's the deal with this thing anyway? Did your master make it?"

Reyn hesitated, avoiding Kael's gaze. Finally, he let out a deep breath. "Kael, there's something I need to tell you. I lied about having a master. There is no 'Blacksmith of a Thousand Tales' teaching me."

Kael frowned, his confusion evident. "What do you mean?"

Reyn met his eyes, his expression serious. "I am the Blacksmith of a Thousand Tales."

Kael stared at him in stunned silence, his mind racing to process the revelation. "You're joking. You—how is that even possible? You're bar younger than me!"

"I lied to protect myself," Reyn admitted. "Think about it. If people knew I was the one making these weapons, I'd be a target. There are powerful people out there who would do anything to control me—or worse."

Kael ran a hand through his hair, letting out a low whistle. "Damn. So all this time, the weapons, the reputation—it was all you?"

Reyn nodded. "Every piece. Every rumor. I let the myth grow because it kept me safe."

Kael leaned back, still processing. "I can't believe it. You don't look like a legendary anything, let alone a blacksmith."

Reyn chuckled, some of the tension easing. "I'll take that as a compliment. But now you know the truth—and I need your help."

Kael's gaze sharpened. "What kind of help?"

"There are monsters with unique powers scattered across the land," Reyn explained. "I want you to track them down, kill them, and bring back their remains. I can use their essence to forge even greater weapons. It'll be dangerous, but with the Grand Fist, you've got a good chance."

Kael smirked, standing and flexing his gauntleted arm. "Dangerous, huh? Sounds like my kind of job. But you owe me big for keeping this secret. Don't think I'm letting you off easy."

Reyn grinned, feeling the weight of the moment lift slightly. "Deal."