The Forge of the Single Fire (2)
The respect and trust Adelia showed me was far too immense to be dismissed as a simple relationship between master and disciple.
Rather than a master and disciple, it felt more like the relationship between a fanatic follower and a cult leader.
Of course, Adelia was always a character with strong loyalty, but...
Even so, this was the first time she had shown such an extreme attitude across all two hundred of my playthroughs.
...Well, whatever.
I suppose my actions in this playthrough had been just that impressive to her.
Overturning seemingly impossible situations one after another, and breaking through desperate crises like a miracle every single time.
Having watched all of those moments by my side, it made sense that Adelia might view me as an omnipotent being.
Whatever the case, it's a good thing.
At first, I thought it would be enough just to get a powerhouse to carry me, but somehow I ended up with a reliable lieutenant.
By declaring her as my disciple to Midtemple, Adelia and I were now inseparably linked.
The stronger she became, the more it helped me. Adelia's growth was directly proportional to my survival rate.
In that sense, this trial would also serve as an important turning point.
With a string of highly dangerous scenarios scheduled ahead, Adelia, equipped with her custom weapon, would become the most reliable shield standing by my side.
Anyway.
Having finished my thoughts, I slowly turned around.
Arwen, Adelia, and the two Sword Masters stared at me, waiting for my next words.
"It's about time we enter the trial."
"...Yes."
Adelia nodded, her expression filled with determination.
I pushed open the firmly shut doors with both hands.
At that moment, a new notification window popped up before my eyes.
You have entered the domain of the 'Master of Flame and Blacksmiths.'
Rumble!
A brilliant radiance that forced my eyes to squint, accompanied by a scorching heat that enveloped my entire body.
Beyond the wide-open doors lay an entirely different world.
It was a colossal forge that looked fit for giants.
The ceiling was so high that its end was invisible, and molten metal flowed like lava in every direction.
"Let's go inside."
"Yes."
As I stepped forward without hesitation, the group slowly followed behind me.
Creak, thud!
The moment the doors shut, the cold air from the outside was instantly cut off.
The interior of the forge was vast beyond imagination.
Colossal anvils and hammers scattered everywhere, along with constantly burning furnaces, proved that this was still a living, breathing workshop.
It's far more overwhelming than seeing it through a monitor.
It wasn't just a matter of visual scale.
The metallic tang piercing the tip of my nose and the suffocating heat directly striking my five senses doubled the sense of intimidation.
Of course, the biggest reason for this overwhelming presence was...
[It has been a long time since we had visitors.]
...none other than that entity.
"..."
"..."
"..."
The moment a deep, dignified voice echoed through the forge, Arwen and Adelia instinctively lowered their postures and knelt on one knee.
Even the fiercely proud Heukgol and Pokryong bowed their heads deeply to show their respect.
I followed their lead, lowering my posture and adopting a polite stance.
After all, the owner of that voice was...
"We pay our respects to the avatar who guards the legacy of the great ones."
...the Guardian left behind by the Master of Flame and Blacksmiths to watch over this domain.
His level was masked with question marks.
Beneath that interface, a white-haired old man floated gently in the air.
A furnace-like red light blazed in his eyes, and his muscular body was covered in distinct burn scars.
[I see several familiar faces.]
"..."
"..."
"..."
The Guardian slowly scanned the group.
Soon, his gaze landed on Pokryong, and a faint smile brushed his lips.
[Ah, yes. The Pokyeomdo. A masterpiece forged hundreds of years ago.]
"..."
[Seeing it in such pristine condition, it seems you have taken diligent care of the reward bestowed by the Great One.]
Pokryong bowed his head deeply without a word. No matter how wild his personality was, he had no choice but to show the utmost respect before a Guardian left behind by a great deity.
[And Heukgol.]
The Guardian stared intently at the blood-red Zweihander and offered a warm smile.
[I see you sought out another blacksmith to forge a new sword.]
"..."
[It is a very well-made masterpiece. I do not know who forged it, but they must have been a highly skilled master craftsman.]
Heukgol also bowed politely.
Yet, his shoulders seemed somewhat slumped.
The reason was simple: Heukgol had challenged this trial in the past and failed.
And Heukgol wasn't the only one who failed.
Aside from Heukgol, there were three other Sword Masters who had failed to pass this trial.
This clearly showed that the Forge of the Single Fire was not a place that simply tested a challenger's strength and skill.
If that were all, there was no way Sword Masters who had reached the pinnacle of the sword would have tasted defeat.
No one knows the clear conditions of this trial.
Ah, of course.
I knew the hidden clear conditions of this trial all too well.
And if it's Adelia...
...she would naturally satisfy those conditions even if I didn't tell her.
It was just as I was thinking this.
[And...]
Trailing off, the Guardian turned his gaze toward Arwen.
[Arwen von Goldheart. You were certainly a boy when I last saw you, but now you have become quite a fine young man.]
"...I am honored that you remember me."
[Have you come to face the trial yourself this time? Or are you visiting the Sanctuary of Flame as an observer again today?]
Arwen placed a hand over his heart and bowed respectfully.
"The depth of my training is still shallow. I have only come here today with a desire to learn. I shall face the trial with a reverent heart when the time is ripe."
The Guardian nodded with a benevolent expression, as if understanding Arwen's intentions.
[Ah, yes. If that is your wish...]
The Guardian's gaze shifted, looking back and forth between Adelia and me.
Meeting his brilliantly blazing eyes, Adelia unconsciously swallowed hard.
[...Which of you is the challenger for today's trial?]
Step.
The moment he finished speaking, Adelia took a step forward.
She placed her hand over her chest and declared in a confident voice:
"It is I. I shall challenge the Forge of the Single Fire."
[Oh...]
The Guardian raised an eyebrow, looking intrigued.
[A child of a Holy Family? Judging by the nature flowing through your bloodline, you are undoubtedly a descendant of the Goldheart family.]
"..."
[Are you prepared, child?]
"Yes."
[Very well. Then we shall begin the trial immediately.]
Rumble!
The Guardian spread his arms wide.
Instantly, the structure of the massive forge began to shift.
The walls curved inward, transforming the space into a circular arena. Molten metal flowed across the floor, carving out an intricate magic circle.
Once all preparations were complete, the Guardian pointed to the center of the arena.
[Enter the trial.]
"...Yes."
Without hesitation, Adelia walked into the center of the circular arena.
[Hidden Message: Party member 'Adelia von Goldheart' has entered the trial prepared by the 'Master of Flame and Blacksmiths.']
[Hidden Message: The trial begins.]
Whew.
Adelia let out a breath.
Standing in the center of the arena, there was not a single trace of hesitation in her eyes.
Outside the arena.
The expressions of the group watching her were varied.
Arwen could not hide his inner worry, while Heukgol and Pokryong watched her every move with serious faces.
Everyone is incredibly focused.
Only I watched Adelia with a relaxed mind.
[I shall explain the contents of the trial.]
Right on cue, the Guardian's voice echoed in all directions.
[Your task is to choose an opponent from among the past challengers who have passed this trial, and engage them in combat.]
"..."
[The Sanctuary of Flame is based on a "mental world." In other words, any injuries sustained here will have no effect on reality, so you may fight with all your might.]
Adelia nodded.
It meant she fully understood the Guardian's explanation.
Since it was a trial that allowed observers, her reaction suggested she already knew the details of the test.
[Now, choose the opponent you desire.]
Adelia slowly closed her eyes.
In the game, the silhouettes of numerous figures would cascade before the player. The success or failure of clearing the trial often depended on which option was chosen.
Right now, those choices were likely appearing before Adelia's eyes as well.
After some time had passed, Adelia slowly opened her eyes and chose her opponent in a clear voice.
"Out of all these challengers... I choose the opponent from whom I have the most to learn by fighting."
A smirk spread across my face.
The Guardian also nodded with a pleased expression.
...As expected, it flows exactly like the original scenario.
It was a choice typical of Adelia.
She didn't try to pass easily by picking the weakest opponent, nor did she recklessly choose the strongest.
She had chosen the opponent who would be of the greatest help to her growth.
[A wise choice.]
Hummmm!
The Guardian raised both hands toward the sky.
At that moment, a change began to occur in the arena.
Rumble!
The molten metal flowing on the floor gathered in one place, gradually taking the shape of a human.
First, the legs were formed.
Then the torso, arms, and head. The final silhouette was that of a slender man.
A bandage was wrapped around his eyes, and his ears were pointed. Even his characteristic mysterious, cynical smile was perfectly replicated.
"Aw, damn it..."
Witnessing this, Pokryong muttered in an annoyed voice.
"...Dammit. Of all the opponents, why did it have to be that boring bastard?"
Indeed.
The one who appeared on the opposite side of the arena was none other than Pean.
His appearance was much younger than it was now.
While the real Pean was a mature young adult, the clone looked young enough to pass for a teenager in his mid-to-late teens.
The sword hanging at his waist was also a long sword, not the Frost Sunset. That was only natural, as he had obtained the Frost Sunset by passing this very trial.
Right then, the Guardian added an explanation.
[The opponent is replicated in the state they were in when they challenged the trial.]
"..."
[In other words, the opponent standing before you now is a clone of the one who visited this place in ancient times... thousands of years ago, even before the Holy City of Midtemple existed.]
Shring!
Pean's clone slowly drew his long sword.
Adelia also stared at him and raised her sword.
Her eyes were filled with awe and determination rather than fear.
In the very next moment.
Tick.
...Even before their swords clashed, Adelia's level rose.
[Hidden Message: Party member 'Adelia von Goldheart' has met a specific condition.]
[Hidden Message: The special skill 'Water Surface of Reflection' has been enhanced.]