blacksmith of a Thousand tales

Chapter 98: Forging Ahead

Kael stretched his arm, testing its strength as he prepared for his next hunt. The recovery process had been swift, but the experience left him more determined than ever. He gathered his supplies and made his way to Reyn's forge, where the rhythmic clang of hammer on metal resonated.

Reyn, engrossed in his work, barely glanced up as Kael approached. The forge's glow bathed him in light, and the scent of heated steel filled the air.

"You're heading out already?" Reyn asked, his tone casual but tinged with curiosity.

"Yeah," Kael replied. "There's no time to waste."

Reyn nodded, pausing his work to look Kael in the eye. "Before you go, there's something you need to know about Grand Fist."

Kael's brow furrowed. "What is it?"

"The third form," Reyn began, resting his hammer on the anvil. "To unlock it, you have to make its power your own. Never hesitate—hesitation will only hold you back. Trust yourself, Kael. The moment will come when you'll understand."

Kael absorbed Reyn's words, unsure of their full meaning but determined to find out. With a nod, he turned and left the forge, Reyn's advice echoing in his mind.

At the Knight Academy, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement as students tested out the new training equipment designed by Reyn. Weighted clothes that pushed their limits, enchanted dummies that simulated real combat, and gravity-altering arenas were among the innovations.

"These weighted clothes are insane!" a young knight trainee exclaimed, struggling to lift his sword while sparring with a partner.

Another student chuckled. "At least you're not using the gravity chamber—my legs feel like jelly!"

"All thanks to Reyn's designs," their instructor said with a proud nod. "Alistor really outdid himself bringing those blueprints to life. You'd better train hard. I hear the duke himself is watching our progress."

The students grinned nervously but pressed on, each determined to push their limits.

Meanwhile, in the heart of Greyhold, Eleanor's Hearth was bustling with activity. The medium-sized restaurant had quickly become the talk of the town, thanks to its cozy atmosphere and revolutionary menu. The walls were adorned with rustic wood panels, enchanted lanterns that gave off a warm glow, and a beautifully painted mural of a knight slaying a dragon—a tribute to the adventurers who frequented the establishment.

The aroma of freshly cooked meals filled the air as servers rushed between tables, delivering plates of food to eager customers. The menu was unlike anything anyone had ever seen:

Spiced Honey-Glazed Duck served with roasted carrots and potato puree.

Wild Mushroom Risotto with garlic herb sauce.

Braised Lamb Shank with mint-infused gravy and a side of fresh greens.

Orange-Cranberry Tart topped with whipped cream.

Each dish was cooked to perfection, served quickly thanks to the magic cooking equipment Reyn had designed for his mother.

"Have you tried this lamb shank?" one customer asked his friend, wide-eyed. "It's like biting into a piece of heaven!"

"I'm more impressed with the risotto," another patron chimed in. "I don't know how they infuse so much flavor into each bite!"

Behind the counter, Eleanor worked with calm efficiency, overseeing her staff. "Table six needs their desserts," she called, handing off plates.

Alistor, seated at the bar, watched the chaos with a satisfied grin. "Told you these designs would work wonders," he said.

Eleanor smiled back. "And I couldn't have done this without the staff you brought in. They've been a blessing."

The restaurant offered more than just food—it became a hub for entertainment as well. In the corner of the dining room, a small stage had been set up. A professional actor, dressed in a flowing cape, captivated the audience with his performances.

"Tonight," he announced, his voice booming, "we delve into the tales of adventurers! Stories of bravery, cunning, and triumph!"

The audience leaned in, eager to hear about local heroes and legendary quests. One popular tale was about a group of adventurers who defeated a wyvern terrorizing nearby villages. Another detailed the harrowing journey of a lone mage venturing into the cursed Blackstone Forest.

But the most anticipated performances revolved around a newly introduced book written by Reyn himself—The God of War. The actor opened the leather-bound tome with dramatic flair, his voice taking on a deep, gruff tone.

"And thus," he began, "Kratos, a fierce Spartan warrior in the land ruled by the Olympian gods, was once bound in servitude to Ares, the God of War. Tricked into slaughtering his wife and daughter in a moment of blind rage, he became consumed by guilt. Kratos renounced Ares, but breaking an oath to a god was no small thing. The Furies, ruthless enforcers of divine oaths, sought to punish him for his rebellion.

Imprisoned in a nightmarish construct known as the Prison of the Damned, Kratos is tormented by visions of his past. His only hope for freedom lies in defeating the Furies and severing his bond to Ares forever.

"Will he succeed? Or will the gods strike him down for his hubris?" the actor teased, closing the book with a dramatic flourish.

"You can't leave us hanging like that!" a patron exclaimed, causing laughter to ripple through the crowd.

The storyteller chuckled. "Patience. Come back tomorrow, and the saga will continue."

The mix of compelling stories, delicious food, and vibrant atmosphere ensured that Eleanor's Hearth remained the talk of Greyhold.

Back at the forge, Reyn's father Gerald had become the most sought-after blacksmith in town. Armed with the enchanted hammers Reyn had given him, he mass-produced elemental weapons that adventurers clamored to buy. Each weapon gleamed with fiery, icy, electric, or wind-based enchantments.

"Another masterpiece, Gerald," an adventurer said, testing the crackling energy of a lightning-infused blade.

Even the duke and local nobles placed custom orders for Gerald's work, ensuring his reputation grew far and wide.

"Fame hasn't changed him a bit," one customer remarked. "He's still as humble as ever."

Gerald simply smiled. "A good weapon is only as strong as the hand that wields it."

As Kael stood at the outskirts of Greyhold, preparing to track his next target, Reyn's words echoed in his mind.

"Make its power your own. Never hesitate."

The faint roar of a distant beast reached his ears, sending a thrill of anticipation through him. With Grand Fist in hand, Kael steeled himself for the challenges ahead.