The silence that followed the Royal Guard's departure was heavier than the mana suppression field they had left behind. Ark stood amidst the wreckage of his workshop, his breath hitching as he looked at the shattered fragments of the mana crystal on the floor—a grim reminder of how close he had come to a public execution.
He turned his gaze toward the flickering Rusty Interface, which seemed to pulse with a renewed, defiant energy.
[System Note: Your existence has been noted by the 'Eye of the Crown'. Stealth is no longer an option.]
A cold resolve settled in Ark's chest. He knew the Commander hadn't fully believed his lie; they would return, and next time, a broken mana stone wouldn't save him. He reached into the scrap pile and pulled out the Whispering Bronze Dagger. Its starlight glow was gone, masked by the system's mist, but Ark could feel the raw power humming beneath the dull brown surface.
"If they think the Bronze God is dead, let them," Ark whispered, his eyes reflecting the dying embers of the forge. "But from the ashes of a dead god, I will forge an empire they cannot burn."
He gripped his hammer, the weight of it feeling different now—heavier, more purposeful. He threw a fresh shovel of coal into the furnace. It was time to stop hiding and start outperforming the destiny they tried to force upon him. Author's Note:
"The forge is heating up! If you're enjoying The Bronze God's System, please Add to Library and leave a review. Your support helps me reach the 4,000-word milestone faster!" "Enjoying the story? Please Add to Library and leave a review! Your support helps this book reach more readers. Thank you for being part of this journey!"