"This is it!" Raymond exclaimed, instantly recognizing the significance of the stone.
As a skilled craftsman, he could tell immediately that this was no ordinary rock. He quickly set his sword aside and crouched down, picking up the smooth, jet-black stone with both hands.
The stone was about the size of a human head. While it wasn't cold to the touch, it gave off a slightly chilling sensation when held. Its surface was uneven, and it looked rough at first glance, but as Raymond rubbed his hands over it, he noticed how surprisingly smooth it was. The stone also emitted a deep, metallic sheen that drew the eye.
Raymond had seen this kind of gleam before, from a dwarf craftsman. This was "Black Iron," a rare magic-conducting material often used in crafting powerful items like the "Death Gloves" he had once heard about.