The rain had ceased by the time the trio descended the forest trail.The air was cool and heavy with the scent of wet earth.Droplets fell from the leaves, echoing softly in the silence that followed them.
Ren Tianyi walked in front, the Living Iron Core wrapped carefully in a linen cloth.Each of his steps was measured—steady, deliberate—as if the path itself was unfolding beneath his will.
Behind him, Draven kicked stones along the way, restless.Lyra followed quietly, her bow slung across her back, her sharp eyes never leaving them.
It was strange. Only weeks ago, they were just children.Now, they moved like bearers of something sacred.
Ren's expression didn't change.They're beginning to understand fear, he thought. Now they must learn what to do with it.
🔥 POV – Draven
How does he stay like that?Draven stared at the boy ahead of him.Even after fighting a golem, Ren's face remained calm, untouchable—like the surface of a still lake.
Draven didn't know whether to admire him… or hate him a little.Nine years old, and he acted older than the world itself.
Lyra noticed his glare and smirked.— "Planning to challenge him again?"Draven grunted.— "One day he'll mess up."— "And then what?"— "Then I'll be ready to say 'I told you so.'"
Before she could respond, Ren raised a hand.Both froze instinctively.
— "We're here," he said simply.
⚒️ Borin's Forge
The stone cabin hissed with steam.The scent of iron and coal hung thick in the air, and the rhythmic clang of metal filled the space.The dwarf Borin Ironhammer worked tirelessly, beard gray and thick, arms like iron roots.
He looked up as they entered.— "Huh. The little mage returns. And with hatchlings, no less."
Ren bowed slightly.— "I've done as promised."
He unwrapped the cloth, revealing the glowing Living Iron Core.The bluish light reflected across the forge walls.
Borin fell silent. The glow danced in his eyes.— "By the forges of the old gods… it's real."He turned it over in his calloused hands; the metal pulsed faintly, alive.— "Where'd you find it, boy?"— "In the mountains east of the village," Ren replied. "A guardian protected it."
The dwarf let out a gruff chuckle.— "And you walked out holding the mountain's heart? Either you're mad, or the world's gone soft."
Ren said nothing, just met his gaze.The silence was answer enough.
Borin chuckled again.— "So. What's this for?"
Ren replied calmly:— "To build something that doesn't exist."
The dwarf frowned.— "Doesn't exist? Speak plain, boy."— "A Guild," Ren said.
The word hung in the air like a foreign sound—something that didn't belong to this world.Borin blinked.— "A what?"— "A union of people from different paths."— "So… a sect?"— "No," Ren shook his head. "Sects have masters and servants. Clans have blood and debt."— "And this 'guild'?"Ren's voice stayed calm but firm:— "Will have trust. Strength born from choice, not obligation."
Borin stared for a long time. Then, quietly, he laughed.— "A fine dream for a cruel world."Ren didn't flinch.— "Dreams shape worlds, Master Borin."
⚙️ The Trial of the Forge
The dwarf dropped his hammer onto the anvil.— "Hah! Then show me if your dream can stand the heat."
He placed the Living Iron Core inside the furnace.The flames shifted—blue, alive, humming like a spirit.
Ren raised his staff, tracing runes in the air.Lyra summoned wind to steady the fire.Draven poured his mana into the forge, his body wreathed in embers.
Borin hammered.Each strike echoed like a heartbeat. The metal pulsed, reacting to the rhythm of four different souls.
Ren's eyes glowed faint silver as his mana synchronized with theirs.Lyra felt the wind dance to the same pulse.Draven felt his flames follow Ren's tempo.
For that fleeting moment, they moved as one.
When the final strike landed, the core shattered into three radiant fragments that hovered above the anvil.
[Quest "Forge of the Future" completed.][Reward: Recruitment of Borin Ironhammer.][New Function Unlocked: Spiritual Workshop – Lv.1]
Silence filled the forge.Borin looked down at his hands, then at the boy before him.— "You've spoken a word this world doesn't understand… and you still mean to make it real."— "Every idea begins that way," Ren replied.
The dwarf smiled—tired, but bright.— "Then tell me, boy… what's this 'Immortal Guild' of yours?"Ren's gaze was steady.— "I won't tell you, Master Borin. I'll show you."
Borin laughed, slamming a fist against his chest.— "Then put me to the test, founder of what doesn't yet exist."
[New Member Recruited: Borin Ironhammer – Spiritual Blacksmith / Tank][Function "Spiritual Workshop" Activated.]
Draven whooped in triumph.Lyra allowed herself a small, genuine smile.Ren stood quietly, watching the newborn glow of metal and mana.
The first pillar has been forged, he thought. Now the world will learn what it means to trust.
📜 [Status Window – Immortal Guild]
Leader: Ren Tianyi (Human) – Age: 9 – Class: Mage*Members:
Draven Ignis (Half-Dragon) – Age: 10 – Class: Elementalist*
Lyra Sylwen (Elf) – Age: 9 – Class: Spirit Archer*
Borin Ironhammer (Dwarf) – Age: 47 – Class: Spiritual Blacksmith / Tank*
Guild Base: Hidden Forest of TianyuConstruction Progress: 14%Active Functions: Potential Observer, Training Log, Group Synergy (Lv.1), Spiritual Workshop (Lv.1)Current Quest: Strengthen the Base and Train New MembersStatus: In Progress