378

The Legend of Kinlunga

Upon hearing this, Forseti couldn't help but ask, "What does it do?"

Eitri glanced at him and said slowly, "Dwarves have always held a strong fascination for powerful metals... In ancient prophecies, it is said to be the unrivaled metal that will save us from annihilation."

"We've always aimed to create the strongest alloy, even stronger than ultimate Uru, but progress has been hindered—not just due to the rarity of strong metals, but also the limitations of our furnaces."

Forseti inquired, "But your furnace draws energy from neutron star, isn't that heat sufficient?"

"It's not that the heat isn't enough, but rather that it's too intense," Eitri explained. "The neutron star's heat is immense, and even with the furnace's concentration, the best Uru can barely withstand it, causing strain on the furnace itself."

"Throughout millennia, Nidavellir's central furnace design has been refined countless times. Yet, prolonged smelting still poses a risk of destruction."

"The finest Uru represents the furnace's limit. One smelting operation with the best Uru can significantly damage it, necessitating substantial resources and energy to build anew."

After a pause, Eitri continued, "An anti-metal furnace, however, utilizing anti-metal's vibrational power, would greatly accelerate metal smelting compared to conventional furnaces."

"...This would reduce or even prevent furnace damage, naturally increasing our chances of creating the strongest alloy."

Eitri caressed the Antarctic Vibranium once more. "I hope to lay eyes on that metal myself someday."

After a brief silence, he added, "By the way, now that you possess five pieces of the finest Uru, what would you like me to forge for you?"

Forseti replied, "I intend to craft a weapon, but I'm still lacking some materials."

Eitri inquired, "What materials do you need? Do you have a blueprint for me to examine?"

Forseti presented the forged blueprint of the Sulfuron Warhammer, with modifications where he had replaced all materials except for Sulfuron Iron Ingot and Blazing Core, for which he had yet to find substitutes.

Otherwise, the blueprint was filled with unfamiliar materials, which would certainly raise suspicions if Eitri examined it.

"This blueprint came into my possession by chance. I'm unfamiliar with the Sulfuron Iron Ingot and Blazing Core—do you know if Nidavellir can procure these?" Forseti asked.

Eitri studied the blueprint intently. "There's an issue with this warhammer—"

"What's wrong?" Forseti inquired.

Eitri scrutinized it further and remarked, "The warhammer design seems flawed, conspicuously so... However, this flaw appears deliberate, as if leaving a space for something."

Forseti paused, then realized that the "vacant spot" mentioned by Eitri was likely reserved for an upgrade to the Orange Hammer.

Eitri asked, "Are you certain you wish to forge this warhammer? If unsure about the empty space's purpose, I'd advise against using this blueprint. Why not allow me to design a new one for you?"

"Agreed," Forseti nodded. He didn't wish to reveal the potential Orange Hammer upgrade uncertainty to Eitri. "According to the blueprint's description, the Sulfuron Warhammer likely refers to Scarborough Iron from Muspelheim. As for the Blazing Core, I'm uncertain, though it shouldn't be difficult to locate within Muspelheim."

Forseti queried, "So I'll need to journey to Muspelheim?"

"Yes, or more accurately, to Kinlunga," Eitri corrected.

"Kinlunga!"

Kinlunga lay within the depths of Muspelheim's magma sea, reputedly where the Fire Giant Surtur was born. It was also considered the birthplace of the Nine Realms. Asgardians, Frost Giants, and the very realm's ancestors all originated there. Eventually, Kinlunga fractured and dispersed throughout the universe, the remaining portion becoming what was now known as Muspelheim.

These events from ages past remained largely speculative, lacking solid evidence. Not even Surtur himself had confirmed these tales.

Nevertheless, this did little to diminish Kinlunga's enigmatic allure.

To many, it was the most mysterious locale in the Nine Realms, said to harbor countless treasures.

Among them was the fiery metal, Scarborough Iron, a specialty of Muspelheim and particularly of Kinlunga.

"But beyond Surtur and his close circle, no one knows Kinlunga's precise whereabouts. The magma sea's depths, governed by Surtur's daughter—the Queen of Ashes—are said to conceal it," Eitri disclosed.

Forseti nodded, understanding. "When Surtur was vanquished, Scarborough Iron could still be found outside of Kinlunga. Yet, if we seek Scarborough Iron today, Kinlunga is our only viable destination."

"But who could know the exact location of this accursed place? Even Heimdallr lacks such knowledge," Forseti mused.

Eitri fell silent briefly before questioning, "Forseti, your fire abilities awakened for the second time, correct?"

"Yes, why do you ask?"

"That's good," Eitri replied with a hint of confidence. "I believe we stand a chance of locating the legendary Kinlunga!"

Surprised by Eitri's assurance, Forseti inquired, "You know the location of Kinlunga?"

"Of course not," Eitri clarified. "It's merely a lead suggesting we could potentially locate it."

He lowered his voice, drawing closer. "But you must promise me... keep this to yourself."

"I promise," Forseti agreed. "When will we depart for Muspelheim?"

Eitri pondered briefly before asking, "Do you urgently require the Sulfuron Warhammer? I'm eager to complete the anti-metal forge first, utilizing it for your warhammer as the initial anti-metal piece. What do you think?"

"Very well," Forseti consented. He saw the advantage of utilizing the more potent anti-metal furnace, which would enhance weapon quality beyond standard furnaces.

After conversing further, Eitri transported the Antarctic Vibranium to Nidavellir's central furnace, employing the neutron star's heat to halve its size.

The robust and anti-metallic properties of Antarctic Vibranium made cutting such a substantial piece extremely challenging, requiring neutron star assistance to blast apart.

As Eitri had cautioned, the neutron star's extreme heat prolonged the process, taxing the furnace's limits.

Antarctic Vibranium possessed an unusually high melting point akin to the furnace itself.

Fortunately, this was not forging but rather division; it did not require shaping or complete melting, enabling intermittent heating. Otherwise, the process of halving Antarctic Vibranium would have rendered Nidavellir's furnace irreparable.