"From Healing to Hammering"
The lingering scent of scorched earth and hastily-applied healing balms still clung to the air, a testament to the chaotic aftermath of their ogre encounter. The mission hall, usually a hub of organized activity, felt strangely subdued, the aftermath of the healer's dramatic exit leaving a palpable tension in its wake. Asher, Nick, and Ethan, amidst the scattered remnants of their interrupted breakfast, were only just beginning to recover their breath.
"Well, that was… something," Asher finally said, his usual boisterous tone subdued by a lingering sense of disbelief. He stared at the three ogre corpses, still lying sprawled on the floor, a grim reminder of their recent battle.
"Something intense," Nick agreed, his gaze fixed on the gruesome scene. "And surprisingly lucrative, if that healer's offer is anything to go by."
Ethan, however, remained silent, his usual calm demeanor replaced by an unsettling stillness. His hand instinctively went to the bandage still wrapped around his arm, a stark reminder of his injury and the near-miss that had forced them to cut their victory short.
Their quiet contemplation was interrupted by the heavy thud of boots echoing from the entrance of the mission hall. All heads in the vicinity turned, curiosity and anticipation hanging heavy in the air.
A colossal figure filled the doorway. He was a mountain of a man, his sleeveless blacksmith's robe, emblazoned with the Academy's Forge Department crest – a crossed hammer and flame – barely containing his immense frame. His arms, thick as tree trunks, were crisscrossed with faded burn scars, a roadmap of a life spent wrestling with fire and steel. Slung across his broad back was a greatsword, crafted from dark metal that hummed with an almost palpable energy, a weapon that seemed to possess a life of its own.
The students parted before him like a sea, instinctively making way for his imposing presence. Even Elina, usually unflappable, seemed to subtly stiffen at his approach. He possessed an aura of raw power, of untamed force, that was both intimidating and strangely captivating.
"Elina," the man rumbled, his voice a deep, resonant growl that echoed through the hall. "I heard a rumor. Dead ogres. Four of them." His words were devoid of unnecessary pleasantries, direct and to the point.
Elina blinked, surprised by the unexpected arrival. "You're late. One already got claimed by the healing department."
"Tch," the man grunted, his gaze sweeping over the remaining three corpses. "Still. These will do."
He crouched beside the bodies, his movements surprisingly agile despite his size. He tapped the skin, sniffed the air, and examined each corpse with the dispassionate expertise of a seasoned butcher assessing his next project.
"I can use the bones, the sinew. That hide is thick – perfect for reinforcement layering. And this one's tusks... still intact." He paused, then looked directly at the three boys, his gaze assessing, almost predatory. "Which one of you brought these in?" His words were a challenge, a subtle test of their mettle.
"We all did," Nick replied, stepping forward with a calm confidence that belied his youth. His voice was steady, his bearing resolute.
"Impressive," the Forge Master said, rising to his feet. He crossed his arms, his massive frame conveying an unshakeable confidence. "You lot don't look like much. But I know what it takes to fell one of these brutes. And it's not just brawn and bluster."
His gaze sharpened, hardening into something almost clinical.
"Don't mistake me for that sentimental healer. I don't cry over corpses. I craft power from them." His words were blunt, a stark contrast to the healer's effusive sentimentality.
"Great, another corpse-enthusiast," Asher muttered under his breath, his usual bravado slightly muted by the imposing presence of the Forge Master.
The Forge Master ignored him, his attention remaining fixed on the grisly remains of the ogres. "I'll be taking these three."
"Wait—" Nick attempted to interject.
The man raised a hand, silencing him. "In return, you'll be compensated... properly."
With a sharp snap of his fingers, a metallic scroll shimmered into existence, unfurling in mid-air, displaying intricate runes that glowed with an inner light.
"This is a black-tier forge requisition scroll. Worth thirty points per ogre corpse. I'm issuing it personally, under the Forge Department's authority." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.
Elina's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "That's... exceedingly generous."
"Don't say I'm not," he grunted.
His gaze returned to the boys, lingering on Ethan for a moment longer than on the others. "You three – what's your focus? What kind of weapons do you envision yourselves wielding?"
Ethan, still slightly shaken, but recovering his composure, replied, "Still deciding."
The man nodded, a flicker of something akin to respect in his eyes. "If any of you are interested in crafting, weaponsmithing, armor enchantment, or anything to do with the forge, come find me in the forge yard. Mention my name – Instructor Kael. I remember those who show me their worth." He paused, then added with a hint of genuine interest, "You three... you showed a certain... ruthlessness in this mission. That is valuable."
He summoned a floating platform with a stomp of his foot, effortlessly hoisting two of the ogre corpses onto it. He then turned, and with an impressive display of strength, casually dragged the remaining ogre body behind him as he left the hall, leaving a trail of almost tangible power in his wake.
A silence descended, broken only by the hushed whispers of the surrounding students.
"Okay... that guy was terrifyingly awesome," Asher finally said, a grudging respect coloring his voice.
"But at least he paid," Nick pointed out, a hint of satisfaction in his tone. The thirty points per corpse was a substantial sum.
"I still can't believe we're just casually handing over ogre corpses to legendary figures," Ethan muttered, still somewhat awestruck.
"Welcome to academy life," Elina commented, her voice barely a murmur, her gaze focused on her work.
Just as they thought he was gone, Instructor Kael stopped at the doorway, his back still turned.
"...One more thing."
He turned slightly, allowing a glimpse of the steel glint in his eyes.
"You three showed guts. You didn't just survive – you brought back *value*. That's rare. I don't usually offer this, but..." He took a deliberate step forward, his gaze sweeping over each of them, assessing, evaluating. "If you're interested... I'll forge a weapon for each of you."
Asher's jaw dropped. "Wait... for real?"
"A personalized weapon," Kael continued, ignoring the interruption. "One tailored to your strengths, your potential, your path. Not some mass-produced garbage the others use."
He approached slowly, stopping a few feet away. "I see untapped potential in all three of you. Even you, loudmouth," he said, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips as he addressed Asher.
Nick raised an eyebrow, his expression cautious. "What's the catch?"
"You'll come to the forge yard tomorrow," Kael stated simply. "I'll test your compatibility, your essence flow, your combat style. If you pass my standards… the deal stands."
"And if we fail?" Ethan asked, his tone betraying a hint of apprehension.
Kael grinned, a flash of white against the grim backdrop of his scarred face. "Then I won't waste my forge time. Simple as that."
He turned on his heel, his words echoing in the stunned silence. "Come prepared. And bring your resolve. I don't forge toys. I forge legacies."
The doors swung shut with a resounding clang.
The boys stood, momentarily stunned, the weight of the moment pressing down on them.
"...Okay, that was epic," Asher finally breathed, a wide grin spreading across his face.
"Yeah," Nick agreed, a rare smile gracing his lips. "Looks like this mission wasn't such a detour after all."
Ethan, however, remained silent for a long moment, his fingers tightening into fists. The image of Kael, the legendary forge master, the promise of a truly personalized weapon, settled deep within him. "A weapon forged by a legend…" he murmured, his voice barely audible.
Their journey had only just begun – and the fires of their future were about to be forged in the heart of the forge itself.