With everything he needed gathered in his item box. Marcus made sure that no one was around before reverting to his ghost form.
He then shot forward, flying towards the Blazegram Forge at full speed.
‘That one should do.’ He though as he found a nearby alley that was currently empty.
Landing down in this alley, Marcus did one last check to make sure he was alone, before becoming solid once again.
After that he finished walking the rest of the way to the forge feeling the anticipation growing inside him.
He not only was feeling very excited to work with amethros for the first time, but to see Thabon’s reaction to his forge skill reaching level seven.
This was the level that was normally attributed to someone that had truly reached the heights of the world of forging, as it allowed them to work with amethros.
Of course, one could always continue to improve their skills, but very few made it to this level and even fewer exceeded it.
Entering into the forge for the first time in many months, Marcus was happy to see that things seemed the same..
He received a warm welcome from the apprentice who was stationed at the reception, and many others greeted him with smiles.
Once he had finished saying hello to the fellow members of the forge, he made his way back to Thabon’s private room.
However, when he did a familiar face was waiting outside. Also, apparently here to see Thabon.
“Gurrom your back!” Marcus said, happy to see his fellow apprentice and first teacher.
Looking at Marcus, Gurrom had a complicated expression on his face.
But he eventually raised his head, and looked Marcus in the eyes, and said, “Irene I am sorry. I felt jealous of your talent and acted selfishly. I forced master Thabon to tell me what powers you have and prepare me to defeat you in the tournament. Then when I lost, I left without giving any consideration to the master or you. Please could you forgive me?”
“Sure, it was not that big of a deal anyway. You just gave yourself the best chance for victory. And it seems that you found your answer on your journey. So, there is no need to apologize to me.” Marcus said, as he clapped his friend on the shoulder.
Smiling, Gurrom was happy that Marcus did not hold any resentment towards him.
“Thank you. Your words mean a lot to me Irene.”
“Well, you are a good friend and mentor, so you would have to do a lot worse to gain my ire. But enough about that.”
“Why are you waiting outside our master’s door?” Marcus asked a bit confused as to what was going on.
“That’s right you just got back. He has been commissioned by the royal family to make a new weapon out of amethros. This is the first time he has been asked to make an entirely new weapon out of the strongest metal in the world, and is taking his due diligence to make it the best he can.” Gurrom said, a look of longing on his face, showing that he wished he could be the one working with amethros.
Of course, seeing this, Marcus decided not go ahead and tell Gurrom about the amethros he had recently obtained.
Gurrom had just gotten over his jealousy of Marcus’ explosive progress. and there was no reason to reason reopen that wound.
Sitting outside of Thabon’s room, Marcus and Gurrom began talking and telling each other about what they had been up to.
Unfortunately, Marcus had to lie about what he had been doing for the most part, since it was a secret.
“I see, dungeon delving for materials. I guess we must have passed by each other at some point since I also did that for a bit. Though mostly I just wandered around aimlessly.” Gurrom said.
After waiting around for six hours, the door to Thabon’s personal workshop opened up, and he said, “Come on in. I have just finished.”
Seeing Thabon, both Marcus and Gurrom could tell he was exhausted, certainly having given everything he had in the production of his greatest work.
Heading inside Thabon’s room, Marcus began frantically looking around for the new weapon Thabon had just made.
And when he spotted it, he saw the fine gleaming purple saber that was faintly glowing.
It was currently being held up on a special rack made only for it.
“Why don’t the two of you go ahead and have a look. It is not every day you get to see a weapon like that up close.” Thabon said, the pride in his voice creeping out.
Rushing over to the sword, naturally both Marcus and Gurrom wanted to look at their master’s greatest work.
Yet, as Marcus got closer and really looked at it, he understood who this sword was for.
‘This is the same type of weapon that Mrazivý uses!’
Realizing this, Marcus felt a bit saddened. Since he always figured that he would one day make Mrazivý her first amethros weapon.
However, it appeared that her family had beaten him to the punch and commissioned his master to do it before he could.
Still, there was no doubt that this weapon was well beyond what Marcus could make now, and Mrazivý’s strength was more important than sentimentality.
Of course, for a few moments Marcus thought maybe it was not meant for his lover, but after looking it over, there was little doubt left in his mind.
The sword’s enchantments that he could understand, were predominately meant to strengthen the power of ice and cold.
And in the middle of the sword’s guard was a magic core that obviously had belonged to a powerful beast or monster that had an affinity for the element of ice.
After looking over this sword, Marcus could not contain his curiosity and had to know for sure.
Pulling out his sending stone, he called up Aria and asked her if this sword was really meant for Mrazivý.
“Yes, it is. Now that she has become much stronger it is only fitting that she have a weapon that can keep up with her power. But you must keep it a secret. It is meant to be a present that will be given to her on her birthday.” Aria said, exasperated by Marcus’ sudden call and discovery of the kingdom’s newest amethros weapon.
She had not yet been informed of Marcus’ return and did not know that he would be heading to see Thabon.
If she had, she would have informed the old dwarf to keep the sword hidden from Marcus to prevent any early leaks.
“Got it. I am pretty good at keeping a secret as you know. Anyway, I do not need what I am about to give her being overshadowed.” Marcus said.
With his suspicion confirmed, Marcus put away his sending stone, and walked back towards Gurrom and Thabon. Who had been looking at Marcus curiously while he was whispering into his sending stone.
“Hm, have you finished up your business there.” Thabon asked to Marcus.
Nodding his head, Marcus said, “Yes, I have. I just wanted to confirm that this sword was indeed made for my friend.”