The forge at the far edge of Torren Hollow never slept.
Even before sunrise, the clanging of metal rang out across the fields like war drums. Smoke coiled above the old stone building, and the scent of charred steel and sweat hung thick in the air.
Kai stepped inside, ducking under the low doorway, the ember mark on his palm still faintly glowing.
Inside, Master Yoru, the village's sole blacksmith, stood over an anvil, shirtless, muscles like iron cables wrapped in soot. His right arm had been replaced long ago—an old brass prosthetic that hissed steam with every hammer blow.
"You're late," Yoru growled without looking up. "The flame in you won't wait forever."
Kai held out a folded paper stamped by Elder Ren.
"Travel permit. He said you'd forge something for me."
Yoru snorted. "I forge for warriors. You still look like a boy."
Kai ignited his palm without a word. A clean, controlled burst of flame.
Yoru raised an eyebrow. "Hmph. So it's true. The shrine answered."
He tossed down his hammer and wiped his face with a rag.
"Follow me."
At the back of the forge, behind barred doors, lay a vault. Inside, wrapped in cloth and sealed in a cooled stone case, sat a short blade. Slightly curved. Dark steel with crimson veins like lightning frozen in metal.
[Item Identified: Embersteel Sidearm – Class D+ | Bound on equip]Forged with flame-infused ore. Syncs with fire-based Ki. Adaptive edge.+2 Strength / +1 Ki Control while wielded.
"This sword was meant for the Flame Clan's chosen heir," Yoru said. "Before they were all wiped out."
Kai's breath caught.
"My father was from the Flame Clan," he said quietly.
"Then maybe this thing's waited for you longer than we thought."
Kai reached out and touched the hilt.
The blade pulsed.
[Weapon Bound: Embersteel Sidearm][Stats increased temporarily while wielded.][Hidden Passive Unlocked: Flame Echo – Light attacks have a 10% chance to burn.]
It fit perfectly in his hand.
Yoru nodded once. "The world's waking up, boy. And it doesn't care about your age, or your fears. Once you leave this village, there's no protection. Only the path ahead. Only what you can carve yourself."
Kai sheathed the blade.
"I'm ready."
That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the village bell tolled once.
Kai stood at the gate, pack slung over his back, sword on his hip, eyes on the road.
[Quest Complete: Prepare for Departure]Reward Gained: Embersteel Sidearm | Travel Permit][XP Gained: +200] – Level Up: 5 → 6Stat Points Gained: 3]
[Perception Unlocked: Lv.3 – You can now scan Basic Class enemies.]
He stepped onto the road. Past the fields. Past the forest.
Toward a future that had once been closed to him.
The System pinged softly in his ear.
[New Main Quest: Into Verdane]Objective: Reach the martial city of Verdane. Survive the journey.Danger Level: Moderate.Recommended Level: 6+