Exhaustion lingered on the faces of both the True Depravita and the Dvergar, yet it could not suppress the triumph that burned in their eyes. Wide smiles stretched across their faces, reflecting the light of molten metal still glowing in the grand forge around them. Jormungandr and Horin met each other's gaze, and for a brief moment, the air between them felt as heavy as the birth of a new world. Then both nodded, a silent exchange of acknowledgment passing between two masters who understood each other through the sacred act of creation.
"You are a true master," Horin declared, his deep, gravelly voice echoing across the forge. "A powerhouse of creation. You have my respect, Master Jormungandr—and I will be more than happy to speak of war with you."
The small golden cat's eyes glowed with satisfaction. Beside him, the Grand Marshal Anglius allowed himself a rare smile of happiness. They were moving forward, one more empire drawn toward the growing force of the Xaos Kingdom.
