Chapter 4: To The Dwarven City
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The forest grew denser with each passing hour, the towering trees casting long shadows that danced in the faint light filtering through the canopy. Nexus pushed forward, his hand tightly gripping the hilt of Retro's broken sword. The blade was a reminder of their struggles, their separation, and the weight he now carried.
He paused at the edge of a clearing, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon. In the distance, nestled against the base of a jagged mountain range, was a city carved into the stone itself. Massive gates of reinforced steel glinted faintly, flanked by enormous statues of dwarven warriors. Nexus exhaled in relief. The city was closer than he thought. He found his way down to the city gates.
The gates loomed high above as Nexus approached. Two dwarven guards, their beards braided and armor polished, stepped forward, crossing their axes to block his path.
"Halt! State yer business!" one of them barked, his tone rough but commanding.
Nexus straightened, holding up the broken sword. "I need to speak with a smith. This sword-it needs repairs."
The guards exchanged a look before stepping aside. "Ye'll find the smithing district straight ahead," the first guard said. "But mind yerself. We don't take kindly to outsiders causin' trouble."
Nexus nodded and entered the city. The interior was breathtaking-a labyrinth of stone streets, glowing lanterns, and the rhythmic sound of hammers echoing from the forges. The air smelled of molten metal and burning coal, a testament to the city's pride in its craft.
He followed the directions to the smithing district and entered a large forge adorned with intricate carvings of flames and hammers. Behind the counter stood a burly dwarf with a soot-streaked face and arms as thick as tree trunks. He looked up from his work as Nexus approached.
"What can I do for ye, lad?" the dwarf asked, his voice gruff but curious.
Nexus placed the broken sword on the counter. "This sword... it's important. It needs to be repaired."
The dwarf picked up the blade, examining it closely. His bushy eyebrows furrowed, and he let out a low whistle. " By thy gods " "This ain't just any sword," he muttered. "It's got Divine magic runnin' through it. And that's not somethin' ye fix with a hammer and anvil."
Nexus's heart sank. "Can you repair it?"
The dwarf shook his head. "Not the usual way, no. The damage is too great. To fix this, ye'll need more than steel and fire. Ye'll need mithril, orichalcum, adamantine... and divine steel."
"Divine steel?" Nexus asked, his brow furrowed. "What's that?"
The dwarf set the sword down, his expression grim. "A rare metal, lad. Said to be forged by the gods themselves. It's tougher than any material on this earth, and it's the only thing that can rebind the magic in this blade."
"Where can I find it?" Nexus asked, determination flickering in his eyes.
The dwarf scratched his beard. "Not here, that's for certain. Divine steel doesn't exist in this city. But there's an old mine deep below the surface-The Abyssal Vein. If there's any divine steel left in this world, it's there. Problem is, it's not just a mine anymore. It's a cursed place, filled with dangers most folk wouldn't dare face."
Nexus tightened his grip on the sword's hilt. "I'll go."
The dwarf raised an eyebrow. "Ye're serious?"
"I don't have a choice," Nexus replied. "This sword isn't just a weapon. It's... it's part of someone. Someone important. I have to fix it."
The dwarf studied him for a moment, then nodded. "All right, lad. I'll mark the mine's location on yer map. But be warned-whatever's down there ain't gonna give up the steel easily."
Heading out of the smithy nexus found himself walking back to the gates. The guards gave him a nod as he continued to move towards the mine.
The entrance to the mine was a gaping maw in the earth, its edges jagged and worn with age. Nexus stood at the threshold, the faint sound of dripping water echoing from within. The air was heavy and cold, carrying a sense of foreboding that sent shivers down his spine.
With a deep breath, he stepped inside. The darkness swallowed him immediately, broken only by the faint glow of luminescent crystals embedded in the walls. The deeper he went, the more oppressive the atmosphere became. The tunnels twisted and branched, a maze that seemed designed to confuse people.
As he ventured further, strange noises began to echo through the mine-scratches, distant growls, and whispers that seemed to come from nowhere. Nexus gripped the broken sword tightly, his pulse quickening.
Eventually, he reached a cavern where the walls sparkled with veins of mithril, orichalcum, and adamantine. At the center of the cavern stood a massive chunk of divine steel, its surface gleaming with an otherworldly light.
But he wasn't alone. Nexus stood at the edge of the cavern, his eyes locked on the massive chunk of divine steel. Its ethereal glow pulsed faintly, casting long shadows across the shimmering walls. But as he took a step closer, the ground trembled beneath his feet.
A low growl echoed through the chamber, followed by the grinding sound of stone against metal. From the darkness, a towering golem emerged, its body a patchwork of the cavern's precious metals-mithril, orichalcum, and adamantine glinting in the faint light. Its eyes burned with an unnatural glow, and the ground shook with every step it took.
"Of course, it wouldn't be that easy," Nexus muttered, gripping the broken sword tightly.
The golem roared, a deafening sound that reverberated through the cavern, and lunged with surprising speed. Its massive arm came crashing down, forcing Nexus to roll out of the way just as the impact left a crater where he had been standing. Dust and debris filled the air, stinging his eyes as he scrambled to his feet.
The golem swung again, its movements slow but calculated, each strike more powerful than the last. Nexus dodged and weaved, but the sheer force of the blows sent shockwaves through the ground, nearly knocking him off balance.
"You're not making this easy," Nexus growled, darting forward to slash at its leg. The broken blade struck true, but instead of cutting through, it merely left a shallow scratch in the adamantine plating. The golem didn't even flinch, retaliating with a backhanded swing that sent Nexus flying into the cavern wall.
Pain shot through his body as he crumpled to the ground, gasping for breath. The broken sword trembled in his hand, the magic within it faint and unsteady. He pushed himself up, his vision blurred but his resolve unshaken.
The golem roared again, advancing with heavy, deliberate steps. Nexus ducked under another swing, this time slashing at the joints of its arm. Sparks flew as the blade connected, but the golem barely slowed.
"Think, Nexus, think," he muttered to himself, dodging another devastating blow. He needed a plan-blind attacks weren't going to work.
The relic in his pocket pulsed faintly, as if urging him forward. Nexus pulled it out, the glow intensifying as he held it up. The golem hesitated for the first time, its burning eyes narrowing as if recognizing the relic's power.
Taking advantage of the moment, Nexus lunged, plunging the broken blade into the joint of the golem's arm. The creature roared in pain, swinging wildly as its arm seized up. Nexus barely managed to dodge the counterattack, the wind from the swing whipping past him.
"You don't like this, do you?" he said, holding up the relic again. The golem roared in response, charging with reckless abandon. Nexus waited until the last second before diving to the side, causing the golem to crash into the cavern wall.
The impact shook the chamber, and large chunks of stone fell from the ceiling. Nexus didn't let up, darting forward to strike at the golem's exposed core-a faintly glowing orb embedded in its chest. The broken blade cracked against the adamantine, but it wasn't enough.
The golem grabbed him mid-strike, its massive hand crushing the air from his lungs. Nexus struggled, the relic falling from his grip and landing on the ground below. The glow intensified, its energy seeping into the blade still clutched in his hand.
With a desperate cry, Nexus swung the sword, the relic's magic coursing through him. The blade struck the golem's core, this time piercing through the adamantine shell. The creature let out a guttural roar, its grip loosening as its body began to crack and shatter.
Nexus fell to the ground, gasping for air, as the golem crumbled into a pile of lifeless metal. The chamber fell silent once more, save for the sound of Nexus's ragged breathing.
He crawled over to the relic, picking it up with trembling hands. Its glow had dimmed, but its power was still present, steady and reassuring. Slowly, he stood, his body battered and exhausted, but his determination unbroken.
He approached the divine steel, his hand brushing against its surface. The power within it resonated with the relic, filling him with a renewed sense of purpose.
"This is for all of us," he whispered, carving a chunk of the steel and securing it in his pack. With one last glance at the fallen golem, Nexus began the long climb back to the surface, every step a testament to his resolve.
Nexus emerged from the mine hours later, the first rays of sunlight breaking through the thick canopy of clouds above. He staggered forward, each step heavier than the last, his body battered and sore from the grueling fight with the golem. Dirt and blood streaked his face and clothes, and the weight of the divine steel in his pack seemed to grow heavier with every movement.
As he climbed the winding path back toward the dwarven city, the relic in his pocket pulsed faintly, its rhythm almost like a heartbeat. It had guided him this far, and for that, he was grateful. But his mind was clouded with questions. Why had the golem guarded the steel so fiercely? And why did the relic resonate so powerfully with it?
The massive gates of the city finally came into view, their intricate carvings gleaming in the morning light. The guards from before watched his approach, their brows furrowing as they noticed his disheveled state.
"By the gods, lad, what happened to ye?" one of them called out, stepping forward.
"Don't ask," Nexus muttered, his voice hoarse. "Just... let me through."
The guards exchanged a look before opening the gates, their curiosity evident but unspoken. Nexus didn't have the energy to explain. He pushed forward, heading straight for the smithing district. The familiar clang of hammers on anvils greeted him, a stark contrast to the eerie silence of the mine.
He stumbled into the forge, his arrival announced by the creak of the heavy door. The burly dwarf behind the counter looked up, his expression shifting from surprise to disbelief.
"Ye're back," the smith said, setting down his tools. His eyes widened as Nexus reached into his pack and pulled out the chunk of divine steel, its surface shimmering with an otherworldly glow. "And ye've brought it."
Nexus dropped the steel onto the counter with a heavy thud, collapsing onto the nearest stool. "It wasn't easy," he muttered, his voice laced with exhaustion.
The smith approached the steel, running his hands over its surface with a reverence usually reserved for holy relics. "This is it," he said, awe in his voice. "Divine steel. I never thought I'd see it with me own eyes."
"Can you repair the sword now?" Nexus asked, his tone edged with desperation. "Can you fix it?"
The dwarf straightened, his expression serious. "Aye, I can. But it won't be quick, lad. Workin' with divine steel requires time, precision, and patience. If I rush it, the magic in the sword might not hold."
"How long?" Nexus asked, leaning forward.
"Three days," the smith replied. "Four if ye want it perfect. I'll need to combine it with the mithril, orichalcum, and adamantine from the vein as well. But when I'm done, it'll be a blade unlike any other."
Nexus nodded, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "Do whatever it takes. Just... make sure it's right."
The smith grinned, picking up the divine steel. "Ye've got me word, lad. This blade'll be worth every ounce of effort ye put into gettin' this steel."
With the sword in the hands of the smith, Nexus finally allowed himself a moment to breathe. He left the forge and wandered the streets of the dwarven city, the bustling activity around him a stark contrast to the stillness of the mine. Merchants hawked their wares, children played in the streets, and the smell of roasted meat wafted through the air.
He found himself drawn to a quiet corner of the city, where a small stone bench sat beneath a carved statue of a dwarven warrior. Sitting down, Nexus rested his head in his hands, his mind racing.
The image of the golem flashed through his thoughts-the way it had fought, relentless and determined, as if guarding the steel was its sole purpose. He thought of Retro, of the sword's importance, and of the others he had been separated from. Atlas. Lilly. Were they safe? Were they even alive?
He clutched the relic in his pocket, its pulse steady and reassuring. It had guided him this far, and it gave him hope that he would find them again.
As Nexus sat in silence, a shadow fell over him. He looked up to see a young dwarf standing nearby, her hands on her hips and a curious expression on her face.
"Ye look like ye've been through hell," she said bluntly, her braided auburn hair swinging as she tilted her head.
"You could say that," Nexus replied, his tone weary.
The dwarf sat down beside him, her eyes scanning his battered form. "So, what brings a surface dweller like yerself to our city? Don't see many like ye 'round here."
"I'm here for the forge," Nexus said simply. "The sword I'm carrying... it's important."
She raised an eyebrow. "Important enough to dive into the Abyssal Vein, eh? Heard talk of a lad who came back with divine steel. That's no small feat."
Nexus gave a small nod. "It wasn't easy."
The dwarf studied him for a moment before offering a hand. "Name's Gava. If ye need anythin' while ye're here, just ask. Not every day we get someone willin' to take on the Abyss."
"Nexus," he replied, shaking her hand. "And thanks."
Gava smirked. "Don't mention it. But if ye're stickin' around, might wanna find a good drink. Ye look like ye could use one."
Over the next few days, Nexus lingered in the dwarven city, watching as the smith worked tirelessly to repair the sword. The process was painstaking, every strike of the hammer deliberate and precise. The divine steel seemed to hum with energy, its glow intensifying as it bonded with the other metals.
Nexus spent his time exploring the city, getting to know its people and their customs. Gava proved to be a helpful guide, introducing him to local foods and even teaching him a few dwarven phrases. For a brief moment, he allowed himself to feel something he hadn't in a long time-normalcy.
But the weight of the journey ahead never left him. The repaired sword would be only the beginning. He still had to find Retro, Atlas, and Lilly. He still had to uncover the truth behind Phantom and the events that had scattered them across the world.
As the third day came to a close, the smith finally emerged from his forge, the sword gleaming in his hands.
"It's done," he said, pride evident in his voice. "Come see what ye've fought so hard for."
Nexus approached, his heart pounding as he took the sword in his hands. The blade was flawless, its surface etched with intricate runes that seemed to glow faintly. It felt alive, resonating with the relic in his pocket.
"This is it," Nexus murmured, his grip tightening on the hilt. "This is what we needed."
The smith grinned. "A blade worthy of a legend, lad. Now go. Finish what ye started."
Nexus nodded, sheathing the sword with a renewed sense of purpose. The next step of his journey awaited, and this time, he wouldn't stop until he found his way back to those he had lost.
Nexus stared at the gleaming sword in his hands, the weight of its craftsmanship and the divine steel coursing with latent power. He turned to the smith, his brow furrowed with curiosity.
"Is there somewhere I can test this?" he asked, his tone cautious.
The smith stroked his beard thoughtfully before nodding. "Aye, there's an old training ground outside the city walls. It's where we test new weapons. Should be perfect for a blade like that-though I doubt it's ever seen anything close to what ye're holdin' now."
Nexus nodded, gripping the hilt firmly as he followed the smith and Gava toward the testing ground. The area was a flat expanse of stone and dirt, with wooden dummies and shattered targets scattered across it. The mountains loomed in the distance, their jagged peaks cutting into the sky.
As they arrived, Nexus couldn't help but glance down at the blade again. It hummed faintly in his hand, resonating with the magic he could barely control. "I just need to get a feel for it," he said to himself, stepping forward.
"Careful, lad," the smith warned. "A blade like that, forged with divine steel, ain't no ordinary weapon. Even a small spark of magic could make it do things ye don't expect."
Nexus nodded, his eyes narrowing as he lifted the sword. He could feel the magic within it, a raw, untamed energy waiting to be unleashed. Tentatively, he let a small trickle of magic flow from his hand into the blade.
The runes along the sword's edge began to glow faintly, the divine steel reacting immediately. Nexus swung the sword in a wide arc, intending to simply test its weight and balance.
The result was anything but simple.
As the blade moved through the air, it unleashed a wave of energy that tore through the ground beneath him. The land split open in a jagged line, the force traveling far beyond the testing ground. The sky above them seemed to shimmer, as if the very fabric of reality had been disturbed, and in the distance, a mountain peak crumbled, sending debris cascading down its slopes.
The sound of the impact was deafening, a thunderous crack that echoed across the valley. Nexus froze, his eyes wide with shock as he realized what had just happened.
"What the...?" he muttered, his voice barely audible over the ringing in his ears.
The smith and Gava stood rooted to the spot, their mouths agape. Orla was the first to recover, letting out a low whistle. "By the gods, lad. Ye weren't kiddin' when ye said that sword was important."
The smith stepped forward, his expression a mix of awe and unease. "That... that was only a little magic, wasn't it?" he asked, his voice trembling.
Nexus nodded slowly, his grip tightening on the hilt. "I barely put anything into it."
"Then that blade's even more powerful than I thought," the smith said, stroking his beard. "Yer friend, the one who owns it... he must be somethin' else to wield it properly."
Nexus stared at the sword, his mind racing. The raw power it had unleashed was overwhelming, and he knew he'd barely scratched the surface of its potential. This was more than just a weapon-it was a force of nature, one that could reshape the world if wielded recklessly.
"I need to get this back to Retro," Nexus said finally, sheathing the sword with care. "He's the only one who can control it."
Gava clapped him on the shoulder, a grin spreading across her face. "If that's the case, ye'd better get movin'. Something tells me ye're in for quite the journey."
Nexus nodded, his resolve strengthening. The sword was ready, but the path ahead was still uncertain. With one last glance at the smith and Gava, he turned toward the horizon, determined to reunite with Retro and the others-no matter what it took.
Before Nexus could leave, his stomach let out a loud growl, breaking the tense silence. He froze mid-step, his face turning a shade of crimson as Gava and the smith burst into laughter.
"Well, seems like yer sword ain't the only thing powerful 'round here," Gava teased, slapping him on the back. "Come on, lad. Ye've earned a meal before headin' off."
Reluctantly, Nexus allowed himself to be dragged back into the city. They headed to the nearest tavern, a lively, dimly lit establishment filled with the sounds of laughter, clinking mugs, and the occasional burst of dwarven song. The air was thick with the scent of roasted meats and freshly baked bread, making Nexus's stomach growl again.
Seated at a sturdy wooden table near the hearth, Nexus dug into a plate piled high with roasted boar, potatoes, and thick slices of bread. The smith and Gava raised their mugs, clinking them together with loud cheers as they downed their ale.
"Come on, lad," Gava said, sliding a frothy mug toward Nexus. "Ye've earned yerself a drink after what ye pulled off today."
Nexus hesitated, glancing at the mug before pushing it back. "I... can't."
"Why not?" Gava asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I'm fourteen," Nexus replied flatly, taking another bite of his bread.
The table fell silent as Gava and the smith stared at him, their jaws dropping.
"Fourteen?" Gava finally sputtered. "You're tellin' me you're barely out of yer childhood, and ye've already taken on the Abyssal Vein and brought back divine steel?!"
The smith shook his head in disbelief. "By the gods, lad. I thought ye were at least sixteen, maybe seventeen. Fourteen?!"
Nexus shrugged, swallowing a mouthful of food. "My father put me through a lot after he adopted me. Fighting courses, survival training, you name it. He wasn't easy on me, but he wanted me to be strong."
The smith leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "Yer father, huh? Must've been one hell of a man."
"He is," Nexus said with a faint smile. "Atlas isn't just my father-he's a force of nature. He's half Red Wood Fox and half Hellhound. When he's serious, nothing can stand in his way. He made sure I learned what it means to fight for what matters."
Gava whistled. "A Hellhound bloodline, eh? No wonder ye turned out tougher than nails."
Nexus chuckled. "It wasn't just him, though. Retro... he taught me a lot too. When I was old enough, my father introduced me to him. Retro's the one who taught me how to think on my feet, how to use strategy instead of just brute force. Between the two of them, I didn't have much of a choice but to get stronger."
The smith stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Sounds like ye've had some mighty fine teachers, lad. Makes sense, considerin' the company yer keepin'."
"Yeah," Nexus said, his gaze growing distant. "They're the reason I'm here. And the reason I need to get back."
The mood at the table shifted slightly, the laughter giving way to quiet understanding. Gava raised her mug, breaking the silence.
"Well, here's to ye, Nexus. A lad like ye's got a future brighter than any blade. May ye find yer family and see this through to the end."
Nexus nodded, lifting his water glass in return. "To seeing it through."
As they drank and shared stories, the weight of the journey ahead felt a little lighter. Nexus knew he couldn't stay long, but for the first time in what felt like ages, he allowed himself a moment to simply be-a boy among friends, before the world demanded more of him.