Proposal of the Covenant and Encounter with the Lord

1. At the forge with Lila

The hammer came down hard on the anvil, sending sparks flying around the workshop. Lila, still slightly shaken by the explosion earlier, was trying as best she could to get back to work. Erd, leaning against the wall, watched the young blacksmith with curiosity.

- So, are you going to tell me what happened?" he finally asked.

Lila wiped the sweat from her brow and sighed before answering:

- A prototype... A new technique for infusing mana into metal. I wanted to condense the energy of a monster core, but... obviously I underestimated the reaction.

- And you're still alive. Either you're incredibly lucky, or you're tougher than you look," remarked Erd, crossing his arms.

- Hehe... Maybe both," she replied with a smile.

They chatted for a few moments. Erd learned that Lila dreamt of creating revolutionary weapons, but that the scarcity of materials prevented her from progressing.

- If I had access to better ores... I could work miracles," she murmured, gazing at an unfinished blade.

Erd smiled inwardly. He'd just found a potential asset.

- Interesting," he said, rising to his feet. But I've got an important appointment now.

Lila raised an eyebrow.

- And where's that?

- With the lord of this town.

2. On the way to the Lord's domain

Erd made his way through the busy streets of Drakenvall, a fortified city renowned for its military craftsmanship. Merchants' signs gleamed in the sunlight, and the smell of hot metal filled the air.

When he arrived at the lord's estate, two guards in imposing armour blocked his entrance.

- Halt! Halt! What's your business?

- I'm an adventurer and master of an independent territory. I have a business proposition for Lord Aldric Von Helgard.

The guards exchanged glances. One of them left to find an officer. After a few minutes, a knight in a blue cloak stepped forward.

- I am Sire Edwyn, Captain of the Guard. And your name?

- Erd.

- And your guild?

- I work alone.

The knight squinted but finally nodded.

- Follow me.

3. Meeting with Lord Aldric Von Helgard

Erd was led into a large audience chamber where Aldric Von Helgard sat, a man with greying hair and piercing eyes. Beside him, several councillors and officers watched the stranger warily.

- An adventurer without a guild claiming to own a hidden territory? That's a bold move," said Aldric, turning his gaze on Erd.

- Bold, perhaps. But true," replied Erd calmly.

He briefly explained his situation: his kingdom located in an alternate dimension, its resources of rare minerals and the presence of exceptional blacksmiths.

- In exchange for a trade agreement, I can supply Drakenvall with superior weapons.

A murmur ran through the assembly. A councillor shook his head.

- You're asking us to believe fables.

Erd sighed.

- Very well, let's see if this convinces you.

4. The demonstration of the legendary sword

He held out his hand in front of him. The air distorted slightly as a rift opened up, revealing a dark, unfathomable space. Before the stunned eyes of the nobles, Erd withdrew a finely carved sword with a scarlet sheen.

- A blade forged by Torvald, a dwarf master, and Lyssia, a talented elf.

Lord Aldric stood up, fascinated. He took the weapon in his hand and turned it slightly. From the very first movement, the sheen of the metal suggested exceptional cutting power.

- Incredible...

Suddenly, he made a quick movement. A stone pillar supporting a torch split in two in perfect silence.

A heavy silence settled over the room.

- This blade is beyond anything we have here..." murmured an adviser.

Aldric turned a penetrating gaze on Erd.

- You're a man full of surprises.

5. The Lord's decision

After a long discussion, Aldric finally smiled.

- Drakenvall has always sought to improve its weaponry. If you can provide us with this kind of weapon... then we have a deal.

He held out his hand, and Erd shook it.

A pact had been sealed.

6. Back to Lila's forge

Before leaving the estate, Erd headed back to Lila's forge.

The young blacksmith looked up as he entered.

- Back so soon?

Erd placed a leather satchel on his workbench.

- Here. Rare minerals. Something to test your ideas without blowing everything up...

Lila opened the bag and widened her eyes at the quality of the materials.

- Where did you get this stuff?

- Let's just say I have my sources.

She remained silent for a moment, then looked up at him, intrigued.

- Why are you helping me?

- Because I need talented blacksmiths. And I think you're one.

A smile stretched Lila's lips.

- So... you want to recruit me?

- Let's say I'm offering you an opportunity. It's up to you whether you take it.

She looked at the ores once more, then said with a glint of defiance in her eyes:

- Very well. I'll show you what I can do.

Erd smiled in satisfaction.