The return to Blackridge was slow.
Wounded soldiers were carried on stretchers.
Rynor leaned on Jaren's shoulder.
Lyra walked silently, exhausted.
But morale was high.
They had slain a boss monster.
No one in Blackridge had done that in years.
When they arrived, cheers erupted.
Villagers gathered.
Guards saluted.
Children stared in awe.
"You're heroes!"
"We're safe now!"
Arin raised his hand.
"Rest first."
The Redstone Core was placed in a sealed box.
Kelsin examined it carefully.
"This can power furnaces… weapons… even barriers."
Doran, the blacksmith, trembled.
"With this… I can forge masterpieces."
Arin nodded.
"Build a special forge."
"Use it wisely."
Construction began immediately.
Stone was transported.
Runes were carved.
Lyra helped stabilize mana flow.
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Special Facility Construction Initiated]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Advanced Forge – In Progress]
Within two weeks—
A new building rose.
Reinforced walls.
Mana channels.
Crystal-powered furnace.
The Advanced Forge was complete.
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Facility Completed]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Weapon Quality +25%]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Production Speed +15%]
Doran worked like a possessed man.
Hammer rang day and night.
Sparks filled the air.
The first batch emerged.
Steel swords.
Balanced.
Sharp.
Mana-conductive.
Rynor tested one.
He swung.
A wooden post split cleanly.
Eyes widened.
"Incredible."
Jaren lifted a heavy axe.
"It feels… alive."
Arin observed the weapons.
"These will change everything."
Soon, traders spread the news.
"Blackridge weapons are superior."
Orders arrived.
Coins flowed.
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Trade Expansion Detected]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Income +20%]
Meanwhile, Lyra focused on research.
She studied Redstone residue.
Tested enchantments.
Recorded results.
One night, she approached Arin.
"I think I can create mana batteries."
His eyes widened.
"That would solve energy problems."
She smiled shyly.
"With your support… yes."
Their bond deepened quietly.
Trust.
Respect.
Something warmer growing.
That evening, Arin checked his status.
[PLAYER PROFILE – ARIN ELDORIA
STR: 7
MAG: 5
SPD: 7
END: 6
INT: 10
CHA: 10
Growth Potential: SSS
System Authority: Level 2
Territory Authority: Level 1
Economic Influence: Rising
]
Blackridge transformed.
From outpost…
To workshop.
From ruin…
To opportunity.
But success attracts attention.
In the capital—
Duke Ravenholt read reports.
"Advanced forge… monster core… rising income…"
He crushed the paper.
"This is unacceptable."
He turned to his aide.
"Send my nephew."
"With troops."
"Under inspection orders."
In the shadows, schemes moved.
Toward Blackridge.
Toward Arin.
Toward war.