Cosmic Ruler - Chapter 412

Chapter 412: Artifact V

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.”

Myne stepped forward, her gaze fixed on Aiden. “You’ve proven yourself, Aiden. But this is only one step. The Abyss isn’t going to stop just because we have a fancy sword.”

“She’s right,” Rick added, his voice steady but concerned. “The Abyss grows stronger every day. We need more than weapons—we need allies, strategies, and a way to stop it at its core.”

Aiden sheathed the sword, its scabbard materializing as if summoned by the forge itself. “Then we’ll build what we need. The forge isn’t just for me—it’s for all of us. We’ll craft weapons, armor, and tools for anyone willing to fight. And we’ll find the allies we need.”

The group began to discuss their next steps, their voices echoing in the vast chamber. They decided to set up a base of operations around the Eternal Forge, transforming the chamber into a sanctuary for warriors, craftsmen, and scholars. The forge would become the heart of their resistance—a beacon of hope in a world overshadowed by darkness.

As they planned, Aiden felt the weight of his new responsibility settle on his shoulders. The forge’s power was immense, but so was the task ahead. The Abyss wasn’t just a mindless force; it was cunning, relentless, and ever-evolving. To defeat it, they would need to outsmart it—and that meant preparing for battles on every front.

Just as they were finalizing their plans, the chamber trembled. The forge flared briefly, casting long shadows across the room. A voice echoed, deep and commanding, not the Keeper’s but something older, more primal.

“You have awakened the Eternal Forge and taken its mantle. But know this, Mortal Master—power draws attention. The Abyss knows of your defiance, and it will come for you. Prepare yourselves, for the true test has only begun.”

The light faded, leaving the group in stunned silence. Myne clenched her fists, her expression grim. “So, the Abyss knows we’re here.”

“And it won’t wait for us to come to it,” Rick added, his usual humor replaced by a hard edge.

Aiden met their gazes, his resolve unshaken. “Then we’ll meet it head-on. Let it come. We’ll be ready.”

The group moved quickly, their plans taking shape. Myne and Rick worked on fortifying the chamber, using materials from the forge to create barriers and defenses. Thalric took inventory of the rare resources, already planning how to forge weapons for the group. Meanwhile, Aiden delved into the forge’s archives, seeking knowledge on crafting and strategies used by the Forge Masters against similar threats in ages past.

As days turned into weeks, the Eternal Forge became a bustling hub of activity. Word spread of their efforts, drawing skilled individuals from across the land—blacksmiths eager to learn, warriors seeking weapons, and even scholars hoping to unravel the mysteries of the Abyss. The resistance was growing, and for the first time, hope flickered in the hearts of those who joined their cause.

But Aiden knew that time was against them. The Abyss would not wait for them to be ready. It was a race against an encroaching darkness, and every second counted.

Standing before the forge one evening, the newly forged sword in his hand, Aiden whispered a silent promise to himself and to the countless lives depending on them.

“We’ll fight. We’ll endure. And we’ll win—no matter what it takes.”

The resistance’s growth brought with it a sense of unity and hope, but also the looming shadow of urgency. Every passing day meant the Abyss was drawing closer, its agents undoubtedly plotting their next move.

Aiden stood at the heart of the Eternal Forge chamber, watching as warriors trained under Rick’s keen supervision and blacksmiths worked tirelessly to create new armaments. The once-empty chamber was now a hive of activity, filled with the clang of hammers, the shouts of training soldiers, and the crackling hum of the forge itself.

Myne approached Aiden, her expression a mix of pride and worry. “The resistance is growing stronger by the day. We’ve already equipped over a hundred fighters with weapons from the forge, and more are arriving by the hour.”

Aiden nodded, his gaze fixed on a group of newcomers sparring with wooden swords. “It’s a good start, but it’s not enough. The Abyss won’t come at us with just brute force. They’ll use every trick they have—subterfuge, fear, and corruption.”

Myne crossed her arms, her shadowmancy flickering around her like an aura. “Let them try. We’ve faced worse odds before.”

“True,” Aiden said, his tone steady. “But we’ve never faced something like this. The Abyss isn’t just a threat—it’s a force of nature. It corrupts everything it touches, twists it into something unrecognizable. We need more than weapons. We need a way to counter its influence.”

At that moment, Rick strode up, wiping sweat from his brow. “Aiden’s right. I’ve been drilling these recruits, and while they’ve got spirit, they’re not ready for what’s coming. We need time—time to train, to prepare.”

“Time we don’t have,” Aiden said grimly. He turned to Myne. “What about the scouts? Any word on Abyssal activity?”

Myne’s expression darkened. “Reports are coming in from the borderlands. Villages are disappearing overnight, swallowed by what survivors are calling ‘The Black Tide.’ And there’s something else—a name that keeps coming up in the reports. Vassago.”

Rick frowned. “Vassago? Sounds like one of their generals.”

“Or worse,” Myne said. “If the Abyss is naming names, it means they’re sending someone—or something—specific to deal with us.”

Aiden clenched his fists. “Then we need to act fast. If this Vassago is coming, we need to be ready. Rick, double the training sessions. Myne, I want the scouts to focus on tracking this Black Tide and any signs of Vassago. And I’ll work with the forge to create something that can give us an edge.”

Rick smirked. “You’ve got it, boss. But don’t forget to get some rest yourself. We’re no use to anyone if you burn out.”

Aiden managed a faint smile. “I’ll rest when this war is over.”