It was technically necessary to go from the low-realm city of Gleamwatch to the far-off capital of Aethelheim. Ethan a low level player going alone was a huge, obvious risk in the capital which served as a hub for the richest players and most powerful guilds.
Ethan started traveling quickly to finish the first distance but the last lengthy journey required walking through three intermediate zones areas full with hostile guild scouts and Level 60 to 80 monsters.
"The greatest asset we have now is invisibility and speed" Ethan said to himself. "To avoid every fight we must employ agility and sneak. Any interaction runs the risk of attracting attention that will follow us into the city".
Nestled safely in his jacket Anchor pulsed silently in agreement.
Ethan moved over the terrain like a whisper. With no effort he was able to cover ground at an almost supernatural pace thanks to his increased speed. He was always protected by his M1 True Sight and excellent Perception. Before they turned corners, he could see the shimmering heat tracks left by monster patrols. Beneath the dense grass he could see the faint magical remnants of low-level player traps. He could go throughout the world with ease since it was a transparent web of threats.
The most hazardous area was the final one the Whispering Forest, where strong Shadow Beasts patrolled the old roots and trees were said to have awareness. Ethan's muscles had to move with painful precision as he navigated the area for five anxious hours never once abandoning his Sneak stance.
Vulcan was traveling directly and openly across the busy trade roads his path steadily while Ethan moved silently. In his armored hand Vulcan's Artificer's Resonance Compass vibrated softly.
"The signature is growing stronger" Vulcan noted. "The Ember Spike Fragment is currently traveling through the dangerous borders at a high speed. This is a forced journey not an accidental one.
Vulcan was a formidable presence a stronghold of specially crafted armor. The lower-realm creatures foolishly engaged him but he disregarded them the impacts just bounced off his Energetic Deflection plates.
Vulcan noted, "The signal is fluctuating" pausing close to an ancient waystone to adjust the compass. It doesn't move like a basic runner. It is moving as quickly and precisely as someone who specializes in survival and stealth. They are fleeing rather than fighting.
Vulcan was aware that the distinct nature of the Fragment would soon dissipate leaving him to rely only on tracking. For now, though the source was a brilliant pulsating signal that took him straight to Aethelheim's Artisan District. The last phase of the chase was about to begin.
"They are coming to the capital to sell or commission" Vulcan concluded. "The greatest concentration of artisans will be reached by a player with such a potent resource. Before they sell the shard to a less skilled artisan, I have to stop them".
When Ethan eventually arrived to Aethelheim's imposing gates he immediately blended in with the crowds of merchants and players. He headed to the Artisan District which was a disorganized collection of forges, noisy vendors and the lingering metallic smell of cooling iron.
He navigated through the noise and filtered the overpowering sensory input for thirty grueling minutes. He was searching for a forge that not only smelled but also purified the genuine high-elemental aroma of specialized fire.
He discovered a business known as "The Grand Crucible." The owner a huge sweaty man named Gideon was surrounded by two strong-looking high-level guards and a number of nervous lower-level customers. He was noisy and arrogant. Gideon raised a brilliant elaborately crafted sword.
Gideon claimed "This is the Blade of Solar Fire" above the sound of a nearby hammer. "Made from the spirit of a Sun Wyrm that was captured. It will undoubtedly burn through any ward of shadow magic. A unique masterpiece".
The sword's aggressive magical shimmer captivated a blind inexperienced gamer who was counting out a sizable sum of gold coins.
Ethan moved in closer using his True Sight. He was able to see through Gideon's shimmering deception. The magical output was faint and the metal was dull.
"The Blade of Solar Fire," Ethan said in a low cutting voice that was only meant for the inexperienced player. "A basic pyre-dust wash was applied to the low-grade iron core. The heat of a typical cooking fire would cause it to fail. It's an amazing scam".
With the gold coins hanging in his palms the inexperienced player froze. In an instant Gideon's expression changed from greed to fury.
"Who are you? You dare to enter my masterwork display?" Gideon pointed a fat oily finger at Ethan and commanded. "I'm building armor for a Lord of the Mountain! I'm a Certified Artisan."
Disregarding the threat Ethan concentrated on the inexpensive supplies stacked behind Gideon. "The 'Sun Wyrm essence' is an unstable form of common alchemy. Slag and filler metal make up the majority of the "Dwarf-Iron Alloy" used to make those shields. You are a con artist that feeds gullible people worthless garbage in order to make money." Ethan prepared the camera by reaching into his jacket. A straightforward narrative-driven PV incentive was to document the exposure of a well-known scammer.
A strong, deep voice blasted through the market noise like a fallen anvil from the street behind Ethan just as he was ready to start the capture.
"Stop this right instant you fraud"
Ethan turned. Vulcan was standing right behind him framed by the sheer amount of people walking by. With the eerie calm of a dormant volcano the armored figure moved. Vulcan was holding an Artificer's Resonance Compass that was vibrating wildly and aiming directly toward Ethan's jacket.
Vulcan said "The young player speaks the absolute truth" in a tone that exuded genuine authority. "The substance is unstable slag. The instant the "Masterwork" sword comes into contact with actual elemental magic, it will shatter.
At the sight of Vulcan's frightening custom gear and obvious high-tier magical strength the con artist Gideon recoiled his confidence crumbling.
"Who is this brute in armor? I am a skilled blacksmith". Gideon let out a scream. "The Blacksmith Guild is my boss! You can't compete with my ability here."
"I am the Blacksmith and Artificer who honors the integrity of the Forge," Vulcan interrupted the growing fear. "And you you disgrace the craft by selling illusions."
Gideon instantly regained his fake bravado because he was desperate to keep his existing income stream and reputation intact. "Prove it! Are you testing my abilities? I'll challenge you to a Forge Duel! Let the market choose which artisan is the best".
With the heavy, customized hammer off his belt Vulcan moved ahead. The commotion of the market was broken by the sound of the hammer striking the stone street.
Vulcan replied "I accept the challenge" never taking his eyes off Gideon. "A Resistance Test. I name the compound, and you name the magical agent. One item will be forged and we'll see it shatter."
Ethan's face lit up with a broad smile. With haste he positioned his camera and adjusted the lens for a Dynamic Capture.
"Yes" Ethan exhaled. "High-level content has found me."
Although he was unaware that the armored craftsman was pursuing him he was aware that this was an S-Rank cinematic opportunity a showdown between a con artist and a master.