Cosmic Ruler - Chapter 411

Chapter 411: Artifact IV

The group exchanged exhausted but determined glances before stepping forward toward the newly revealed staircase. Each step seemed to pulse with energy, as if the forge itself was aware of their movements. The air grew heavier with every descent, and the hum of dormant machinery grew louder, resonating through the walls like the heartbeat of a sleeping giant.

The staircase ended at an immense chamber, its walls lined with towering shelves filled with ancient tomes, blueprints, and glowing crystals. At the center of the room stood a grand forge, unlike anything they had seen before. It was an intricate masterpiece of craftsmanship, with golden gears and pipes twisting into infinity, feeding a core of pulsating energy. Above it, a massive crystal hovered, casting an iridescent light that filled the room with an otherworldly glow.

Rick let out a low whistle. “This… this isn’t just a forge. It’s a masterpiece.”

“It’s alive,” Myne murmured, her gaze locked on the floating crystal. “I can feel it. The forge is… watching us.”

Aiden stepped closer, the Crystalline Orb reacting to the forge’s presence. The orb’s glow intensified, and faint whispers echoed in his mind. The knowledge of the Forge Masters was flowing into him, fragmented yet vast. He could feel their legacy—centuries of craftsmanship, innovation, and power—within his grasp.

“This is it,” Aiden said, his voice filled with reverence. “The Forge Masters’ legacy. With this, we can craft weapons, armor, and tools that can stand against the Abyss.”

Before anyone could respond, the hovering crystal flared brightly, and a projection of a figure appeared above the forge. It was an imposing figure clad in heavy armor, its face obscured by a mask resembling a blacksmith’s visor. The projection spoke in a deep, resonant voice.

“I am the Keeper of the Eternal Forge, bound to protect its secrets and ensure they are used wisely. State your intent, mortal, and know that deceit will not be tolerated.”

Aiden stepped forward, meeting the Keeper’s gaze. “We seek to use the forge to fight the Abyss, to protect our world from being consumed. We’re not here to exploit or destroy. Only to save.”

The Keeper remained silent for a moment, its gaze piercing. Then, it spoke. “Your resolve is commendable, but intent alone is not enough. The Eternal Forge does not yield its power to the unworthy. You must undergo the Trial of Creation. Succeed, and the forge will be yours to command. Fail, and you will be consumed by its fire.”

Thalric grunted, gripping his axe. “Of course there’s a trial. There’s always a trial.”

“What does the trial entail?” Myne asked, her tone cautious.

“You must craft an artifact worthy of the Forge Masters. The materials you require are within this chamber. But be warned: the forge demands perfection. Any flaw, no matter how small, will result in failure.”

The group exchanged uneasy glances. Crafting an artifact worthy of the Forge Masters was no small feat, even with the resources available. Aiden tightened his grip on the orb, feeling its warmth as if reassuring him.

“I’ll do it,” he said firmly. “This is my trial to face.”

The Keeper nodded. “So be it. The trial begins now.”

The shelves around the chamber shifted, revealing an array of rare and exotic materials—metals that shimmered with rainbow hues, crystals that pulsed like heartbeats, and threads of pure energy that danced in the air. Aiden approached the forge, his mind racing as the orb fed him fragments of knowledge.

He selected his materials carefully: a metal known as Starsteel, famed for its indestructibility; a crystal called Etherium, known for amplifying energy; and threads of Aetherweave, said to bind the soul of the wielder to the artifact.

“Are you sure about this, Aiden?” Myne asked, her concern evident. “This isn’t just crafting. It’s a Forge Masters’ standard. One mistake…”

“I know,” Aiden replied, his voice steady. “But if we’re going to stand against the Abyss, we need more than strength. We need hope. And this artifact will be that hope.”

He began working, his hands guided by the orb’s knowledge. The forge roared to life, its flames changing color with every strike of the hammer. Sparks flew as Aiden shaped the Starsteel, each blow precise and deliberate. The Etherium crystal was carefully inlaid, its energy resonating with the forge’s core. The Aetherweave threads were woven into the artifact, binding its essence together.

Hours passed, or perhaps days—time seemed meaningless in the forge’s presence. The others watched in silence, their tension growing with each passing moment. Finally, Aiden stepped back, holding the completed artifact.

It was a sword, but unlike any they had seen before. Its blade shimmered with a galaxy-like pattern, as if the night sky had been forged into steel. The hilt was wrapped in Aetherweave, glowing faintly with each pulse of energy. The Etherium crystal was embedded at the crossguard, radiating power.

The Keeper loomed over Aiden, inspecting the sword. The silence was deafening as the projection reached out, its hand passing through the blade as if testing its essence.

“You have succeeded,” the Keeper declared. “The artifact is flawless. You are now the Master of the Eternal Forge. Use its power wisely.”

The forge’s light dimmed, and the projection vanished. Aiden felt the forge’s energy flow into him, binding itself to his soul. He turned to the group, holding the sword aloft.

“This is just the beginning,” he said. “With the forge, we’ll create what we need to fight the Abyss—and win.”

As Aiden stood with the newly forged sword in hand, a sense of unity and determination swept through the group. The chamber, now quieter but still humming with latent energy, seemed to acknowledge their victory. The forge’s golden glow faded to a steady, warm light, as though it were resting after its monumental effort.

Thalric approached, his eyes scanning the blade with a mixture of awe and curiosity. “That blade… it’s more than a weapon, isn’t it?”

Aiden nodded. “It’s imbued with the essence of the forge itself. It can channel the wielder’s energy and amplify it, making it a perfect tool against the Abyss. But it’s also more—it’s a symbol. A reminder of what we’re fighting for.”