Success

Zale stood downrange holding the original Crest of Ra, still unsure of the safety of being fired on with just the accessory. He wished he had his gear stored back in Elvash in the USA. He dreaded the idea of being shot but didn't find it much worse than going into a dungeon. "Whenever you are ready, sir!" Kahmil called out to him.

He sighed and made a mental note to get Shai back for this. Being the only blessed person meant he could use the enchanted gear, but they could have gotten another test dummy for it, he was sure. He activated the Crest of Ra with his blessings and created a crystalline silver bubble around himself. "Ready!"

The scientist Zale had spoken to lined up the shot. He said something Zale didn't hear, and, moments later, a bullet from the pistol bounced off the shield harmlessly. Despite being fired on, Zale didn't twitch a muscle. "When did I get so comfortable with someone shooting at me?" he wondered.

"Next round!"

Another bullet for Zale to shrug off.

This repeated a few more times before they moved to a higher caliber firearm, then another. Each time Zale felt the impact's vibrations a little stronger, but it was hardly anything to worry about. When they brought out the grenade, Zale felt a little more nervous. "Are you sure this one is sa-"

"Fire in the hole!"

The man lobbed the explosive at Zale, and it blew up just after hitting the ground. "Status report!"

"My ears are ringing, but I'm fine otherwise," Zale yelled, a little miffed at being ignored.

They concluded the first test, and Zale returned to the recording station. Shai was smiling ear to ear. "Why are you so happy? We haven't even done the important part yet."

Shai solemnly placed his hand on Zale's shoulder. " I must admit, there is something quite amusing watching you be shot at over and over. The grenade was a nice touch."

"I'll make note of that," Zale replied with a rueful smile, "Let's just do the second one, okay?��

He switched the pendants and trudged back to the scorched patch of earth. "Ready when you are, sir!"

"Moment of truth," Zale whispered with a deep breath.

He used his blessing one more time, and the area around him shone with silver light. His eyes widened, and a broad smile spread. In the distance, he saw the team also cheering over the success. "We are going to start now! Make sure not to move!"

Zale indicated his understanding with a wave, and they began, starting with the pistol. Again, they aimed not to hit Zale should the barrier fail, but it didn't matter. The bullet bounced off the energy field, just like the first time. They took the tests slowly, being careful not to injure Zale. However, even the grenade test proved no different. "Well, it looks like we have successfully revived the forge," Shai beamed as Zale sauntered up, feeling equally accomplished.

"Indeed. So far as I can see, there is no difference in the interactions. I would like to carefully review the footage, still, but I am quite satisfied," Kahmil said, both excited and thoughtful.

Their celebration was interrupted by an approaching Obelisk staff member. Shai held up his hand to urge everyone to calm down. Zale prepared for more trouble. The woman, though, seemed disinterested in their group as she reported. "I have been instructed to inform all citizens on the premise to evacuate immediately. There is a city-wide orange alert. Please return to your homes and wait for further news," she briefed, then quickly trotted on.