The Forge Of Legends

The cold winds of Russia blew harsh across the snowy mountain range, but Riser Phenex walked through it unbothered, flames flickering along his coat like protective wings. Beside him walked Thalia, her demigod blood keeping her just as unaffected by the frigid cold, while Artoria, ever stoic, followed closely behind, her hand resting lightly on the hilt of her sword. Merlin, floating leisurely, had wrapped herself in a shawl of glowing runes, more amused than inconvenienced by the elements.

They had come in search of something rare no, someone rare.

A blacksmith whose reputation had reached even the Underworld. A dwarf who, it was said, could forge weapons that made even divine beings pause in admiration.

His name was Kaijin.

Hidden deep within the icy caverns of Mount Belukha, the forge of Kaijin was known only to a few. But Riser had always believed that a king must prepare not only warriors, but the tools with which they would conquer. His peerage needed more than power it needed arms worthy of gods.

Finally, they reached a massive obsidian door embedded into the icy wall of the mountain. Etched runes glowed faintly across the surface. Riser raised a hand and knocked each strike resounding like a drumbeat through the earth.

A slit opened in the center of the door. Two black eyes glared out.

"Go away," a gravelly voice snapped. "I don't take commissions. Especially not from overgrown fire birds."

Riser smirked. "I'm not here to commission. I'm here to recruit."

There was silence. Then the door groaned open with a rumble, revealing a short but powerfully built dwarf. His gray beard was braided, his arms corded with muscle. The heat from the forge behind him spilled into the cold, washing over the group like a wave.

"I'm Kaijin, and I work for no one."

"Not even yourself?" Riser replied smoothly. "What good is mastery if it dies with you, buried under snow and forgotten by the world?"

Kaijin snorted. "I'm remembered by the weapons I've made."

"For how long?" Riser stepped inside, flames rippling softly beneath his feet. "Decades? A century? I'm offering you eternity. A place among legends. Become the blacksmith whose work forged the greatest peerage the Underworld has ever seen."

Kaijin's eyes narrowed. "Big words from a boy."

"Big future," Riser countered, his golden eyes glowing. "You know my name. Riser Phenex. I don't chase power I build it. And I want you to be part of that foundation."

Kaijin stared at him. Then, reluctantly, he grunted and turned. "Follow me."

They entered a cavernous forge, lit by veins of lava and fueled by elemental furnaces. Weapons of all kinds hung from racks some glowing with enchantment, others humming with raw force. The dwarf picked up a massive hammer and swung it experimentally, his muscles flexing with each motion.

"I've forged for demons. Gods. Even a yokai lord or two," he muttered. "But you're asking for more than a blade."

"I'm asking for history," Riser said. "Help me forge it."

Kaijin paused. His eyes went to Thalia, then to Artoria, and finally to Merlin, who floated with a smile that said she knew he would cave.

"What's in it for me?"

Riser stepped forward and held out a Three glowing flamed Pawn piece.

"This will bind you to my peerage. It will turn you into a devil. And give you power and longevity unlike any other race. I offer you a place not as a servant, but as a legend. Your name will be inscribed in the annals of the Underworld forever."

Kaijin took the piece, examining it. "A Pawn, huh? This'll take three slots you say."

Riser nodded. "Because your worth is three."

The dwarf was silent for a long moment. Then he chuckled. "Damn kid. You talk like a king."

"I plan to be one," Riser replied.

Kaijin closed his fingers around the piece. "Then I suppose I'll make your crown."

As the transformation took place, runes spiraled around Kaijin's body, embedding deep into his skin as the Pawn piece accepted him. He grunted, his body glowing briefly with infernal energy, before the light faded and he dropped to one knee, panting.

"Not bad," he said, grinning. "Feels like I could take on a dragon."

"Good," Riser said. "We may eventually have to."

The group returned to the forge's central chamber, and Kaijin immediately began drawing designs, eager to begin crafting personalized gear for each member. Thalia requested a spear that could channel her divine lightning. Artoria, after much consideration, wanted a blade that could both cleave and defend. Merlin? She only winked. "Surprise me."

Later that evening, Riser stood outside, gazing up at the cold stars above.

Merlin joined him, arms folded behind her back.

"You're building more than a peerage," she said softly. "You're continuing to build you're kingdom."

Riser nodded. "And I need the right pieces for it."

"You're getting them," she said, brushing her hair aside. "But are you ready for the weight they bring?"

He looked at her, the fire in his eyes unwavering. "More than ready. Let Olympus, The Pendragon family, The shinto fraction, and the Underworld all watch. Riser Phenex will rise above them all."