Without waiting for her answer, Logan vanished—teleporting with Silvia's skill. He hadn't fully mastered the spell yet, so his first warp only brought him to the manor gates. He clicked his tongue in annoyance before warping again, this ti arriving just outside the barracks.
The forge was alive with motion.
Mole beasts dug precise trenches and molds into the earth, while raptor-like creatures assisted by heating up tal while large snakes dragged materials between stations. Flas roared from the oversized smithy—built specifically to withstand the insane heat required to forge weapons for heroes, monsters, and everything in between.
Logan stepped through the iron gate, eyes already scanning for one person: Ruben.
He briefly considered asking what the molten molds were for, but figured it was better to wait. He'd let the craftsn explain once they were ready. This wasn't just a forge—it was an orchestra of hamrs, sparks, and molten magic.
He moved past the clanking noise, eventually spotting Ruben at the far end, hamring with precision. The burly smith didn't notice him at first—too focused on shaping whatever blade he was working on. But every few minutes, he'd stop and go from workstation to workstation, checking up on the apprentices and veterans alike.
It was only during one of these rounds that Ruben spotted him.
Unlike the others, who bowed or froze montarily, Ruben's reaction was far more casual.
That's just how it was between them these days, they even fist bumped.
"Hey, Logan. Didn't expect you just yet. What brings you here?" Ruben asked, placing his hamr down with a dull thud as he approached.
Logan waved awkwardly, catching the attention of more than a few smiths. He scratched the back of his head, embarrassed by the way everyone paused just because of his presence.
"Seems I ca at a bad ti, huh?" he laughed, glancing at the frozen workers.
Ruben sighed and motioned for him to follow. "Co on. Before these guys forget how to use a hamr."
He led Logan into a separate section of the smithy—a quieter, cleaner storefront-like area lined with displays. Weapons and armor were arranged on racks, glowing faintly with enchantnts. It was clear this was the stockroom for high-end gear, reserved for either elite soldiers or soone like Logan.
Soone preparing for a real war.
"Actually, I was wondering when you'd show up," Ruben said with a grin. "I've been holding sothing for you. Not sure how well it'll serve once you evolve again, but for now—when you're constantly fighting while hunting beasts—I think it'll be a huge help."
He guided Logan to a large glass case, where a suit of armor rested on display. Logan's eyes widened.
Inside was a scaled black armor that shone under the weapon and armor store's lights. The design was sleek and deadly—vital areas protected by dragon-like plating, while the joints remained mobile under layers of reinforced leather. A compact shield protruded near the arm, and the whole thing was accented with small, curved horns and spikes. It looked like it had been forged with the image of a dragon in mind.
"Now that is cool. And it's black. Please tell this is for sale," Logan said with rising excitent.
"Sell it? Why would I?" Ruben scoffed. "You gave us a place to live, materials to work with, and even your tad creatures contributed. The scales are from your Rex, your basilisk, even your wyvern. Fur's from a few of your higher-ranked beasts too. I made sure to harvest everything painlessly. They're fine."
Logan stepped closer as Ruben unlocked the case.
"As for the color," Ruben went on, "that's from soaking the plates in both darkness and light mana crystals. Took forever to get them to balance. Exterior ca out black, interior turned white. I think it turned out pretty damn well."
He pulled the armor out carefully, like it was a newborn child, and presented it to Logan.
"It'll grow with you. Mana stones embedded around the collar work like batteries—they're reinforced so they won't shatter or vanish like the older types. But listen: if they start blinking, stop using them. Let them recharge. If you force them past that, they'll crack."
Ruben patted the armor proudly before gesturing to the shield unit.
"And this little beauty?" He tapped it. "With help from the girls, we added a transformation rune. Just inject mana and it'll expand to a full-size shield. Lightweight, too. Now get in the changing room and try it on already. Go!"
Logan chuckled but did as he was told. A few minutes later, after struggling to figure out the buckles and ties, he stepped out.
The mont he walked forward, the sound of the armor filled the room with subtle tallic clinks. He felt like a knight—one ready to face dragons, demons, or even gods. The mana in the armor resonated with his own. It wasn't just armor… it was alive with energy.
He stood tall, his fra wrapped in black and white, shadows and light.
"Truly impressive," he muttered. "If I show up to the unicorn in this, it might just pretend to be dead on the spot."
Ruben snorted. "Glad you like it, bro. But really? A unicorn?"
"Yeah…" Logan sighed. "I've done everything—bait, silence, crystals. Still can't find the damn thing."
"Well, what'd you expect?" Ruben shrugged with a sly grin. "Isn't there so old legend that unicorns avoid... you know..." He gave Logan a not-so-subtle wink.
It took a second, but then Logan's eyes narrowed.
"Oh co on," he groaned. "You're saying it's my fault the unicorn isn't show up?"
Ruben laughed. "Hey, I'm just saying—maybe you scared it off with your... hobbies."
Logan slapped Ruben on the shoulder, and the impact made a thump sound like hitting a tree trunk.
The boy didn't budge.
"Jeez, you got sturdy. You sure you aren't part golem or sothing?" Logan muttered, shaking out his hand.
"Please," Ruben snorted. "You wouldn't last a fight if I entered my golem form."
The two shared a brief laugh before Logan's expression sobered a little.
"Well, jokes aside—I've got a unicorn to find. This armor's going to help, but I think the real fight's just starting."
Ruben nodded and stepped back. "Then go get it. And Logan?"
"Yeah?"
"Try not to seduce the unicorn. So of us still want to believe in fairy tales."
"Look who is saying that..." Logan shook his head while walking out, knowing his friend has a soft spot for warks.
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