The guild's underground workshop smelled of molten iron and fire.
Ryujin followed Elara into the massive forge, the heat intense enough to make even Kai sweat. At the center stood a towering man with arms like steel cables, hammering on an unfinished blade.
"Kael Ironheart," Elara introduced, "our guild's master blacksmith. If anyone can fix your weapon, it's him."
Kael turned, wiping soot from his face, and studied the broken katana Ryujin carried. He ran a gloved hand along its cracked edge. A shard snapped off, clinking onto the floor.
"This isn't normal steel…" Kael muttered. "There's Abyssal essence infused in this blade. Repairing it is impossible… unless…"
Ryujin's cold eyes narrowed.
"Unless what?"
Kael placed the blade on his anvil and looked straight at him.
"Unless you bring me the four Abyssal Core Shards this blade was forged from. When it broke, its soul scattered. Each shard is locked inside different dungeons."
He slammed his hammer onto the anvil. Sparks exploded like fireflies.
"Bring me those shards, and I'll forge you a weapon that can cut gods themselves. Fail… and you'll never wield this blade again."
Ryujin didn't hesitate.
"Where do I start?"
Kael smirked.
"The first shard lies inside a volcanic dungeon… and trust me, it's hell on earth."
Ryujin turned to Kai and Ariana, his eyes gleaming.
"Then we go now. I don't plan on fighting my next battle unarmed."