The Artisan District's joyous noise vanished leaving Ethan surrounded by a tense silence. Vulcan the master blacksmith towered over him like an armored mountain of unwavering skill. The master's palm held the Artificer's Resonance Compass and the orange light that pulsed from it was a visible admission that he knew exactly what Ethan was carrying.
Ethan's smile disappeared as he lowered his camera. He realized this was a hunter who had traced his target across the city and wide, not a fan looking for an autograph.
Ethan calmly said, "I have no interest in gold," showing no signs of the adrenaline rushing through him. "And you don't care about me. You are only interested in the Fragment".
The feverish celebration surrounding them was reflected in the master Blacksmith helmet-like eyes which narrowed.
"A high-tier commission requires that fragment. It is irreplaceable due to its special resistance. The source is you. We must have a private conversation".
Ethan looked around at the commotion. Being spotted in a back alley with Vulcan Lord Valerius's verified blacksmith, would immediately associate him with a strong authority figure which is dangerous in and of itself.
"Not in this location. There are too many rumors and too many eyes".
The skilled blacksmith glanced up at the fortification that dominated the area before turning back to Ethan.
"Come with me. A quiet safe forge is close by. You won't suffer any harm."
Ethan didn't think twice. A high-level partnership was necessary given his current circumstances. More than Vulcan needed him he needed Vulcan. He moved to follow the enormous armored figure and gently nudged Anchor to indicate that he was ready.
Vulcan guided them to a heavy unmarked iron door after leading them through a number of dim narrow alleyways. When Vulcan touched the metal, the door softly opened to expose a tiny glaringly functional workshop. It was spotless soundproof and only had the necessities: a massive stone worktable, a small specialized crucible and a variety of focused equipment.
After entering, Vulcan took off his helmet to expose the face of an older fierce man whose eyes had the same concentrated heat as his forge.
"I'm called Vulcan. Now, the Ember spike fragment."
Ethan maintained his position while concealing his possession and keeping his jacket closed.
"My name doesn't matter. The Fragment is not for sale. It serves as a negotiating tool".
With a position that suggested patience rather than danger Vulcan leaned on the stone table.
"It is possible to trace the fragment. The mystical residue it emits is screaming which is how I found you. That fragment is proof of an amazing achievement. You obviously place a high value on it indicating that you are aware of its actual purpose. When a straightforward transaction would be sufficient, why haggle?".
"A deal yields gold". Using the icy calculated reasoning of his class Ethan retorted, "Gold attracts attention, but not protection." "I need protection. The level of chaotic magic required for my line of work can only be forged by you, a Master Artisan and blacksmith".
This served as the opening. Without bringing up dragons or mythic cameras Ethan was quietly establishing his credentials as a high-risk operator by requesting a service that only Vulcan could offer.
"You mention defensive requirements that go beyond accepted norms. You need durability against tremendous force and anti-elemental resistance. The Fragment is the ideal core for Masterwork protection since it is a fragment of crystallized heat and magic".
"That's right". Based on Vulcan's condition and the Fragment's characteristics Ethan deduced, "The Fragment is the bottleneck resource for your current high-level commission." "That high-level commission remains unfinished until I deliver it to you. Using the most challenging material you will ever forge, I am requesting a portion of your time and talent. The cost of my request is much less than the cost of your commission failing".
Vulcan exhaled slowly and deliberately. The player was correct at the moment, the Fragment was Aethelgard's most valuable and unique item.
"The material is mine, then," Vulcan said. However a complete set of Masterwork equipment is excessive. I shall build three things: The Energy boots specialized boots for unmatched stability; The Shadow-Weave Mantle a cloak intended to improve evasion; and The Core Aegis a primary piece of armor to shield the wearer from tremendous sudden magical pressure."
Ethan experienced a rush of victory. The three things were flawless. They met his needs for stealth, speed and defense.
"All three of the things are appropriate. They have to make use of the Fragment's qualities which provide strong defense against fire and chaotic elements forged to my particular dimensions."
"They will be Masterwork, unlike anything else in this area" Vulcan said. "The fragment is going to be split. The mantle and anchors will be made from the leftover dust while the aegis will be made from the core essence."
Vulcan drew preliminary sketches on the stone table with a bit of charcoal as the two worked out the details.
"The Aegis will require the largest portion," Vulcan clarified. "I need to know your limitations because it will be heavy. In order to properly match the resistances, I require precise measurements for the fit as well as information about the actual risks you face."
Ethan continued to be cryptic. "The threats are high-elemental, large-scale, and often involve unexpected bursts of raw power" he said. "In terms of fit, the Aegis must be lightweight and not hinder my speed. Right now my main defense is my agility".
Vulcan accepted the challenge even though he was doubtful about the need for a lightweight Aegis made of such robust dense material.
"The forging will be detailed and unique. It will take time to complete the task. Forging and purification will take at least ten days. You'll have to wait at Aethelheim".
Ethan thought about the risk. The prize for spending ten days in the capital was protection but the risk was enormous.
Ethan said, "I will wait," taking the Legendary Ember Spike Fragment out of his jacket. A rush of focused latent fire energy filled the little space as the obsidian fragment pulsed softly.
The raw force of the substance caused Vulcan's eyes to briefly enlarge. With respect he extended his hand and took the Fragment from Ethan.
"Your payment will be the three Masterwork pieces," Vulcan affirmed. "Now, I need your measurements and your current Energy Limit to ensure the Aegis doesn't shatter your bones during impact."
Vulcan could employ Ethan's exact formula which was predicated on his current Vitality and Agility.
Vulcan took the numbers obviously fascinated by the player's special expertise. Already engrossed in the forging process he turned to face the crucible.
"The commission has been approved. Come back within 10 days. Additionally, avoid drawing attention at all costs. I don't put up with distractions because you are now my client."
Already on his way to the door, Ethan stopped. This was his chance to use his actual class which was why he was here.
"One final term" Ethan remarked as he turned around. "Using a legendary resource to create a Masterwork item is an unprecedented method. It has a great deal of narrative value".
Vulcan gazed at him understanding beginning to emerge in his eyes.
"I am a content creator" Ethan said plainly. "I need complete free access to film the entire forging process in exchange for my silence about your commission and any additional payment. It will be the best content ever produced in Aethelgard".