Forge of Fate

The midday sun hung high over the jagged landscape as Kalem adjusted the straps on his empty ore sack. His supplies had dwindled to nothing, the experiments with the Lynthian Crystal having consumed his stockpile. Now, he needed to venture back into the wilds to replenish his materials.

As he made his way through the main settlement, Kalem noticed a group of blacksmiths assembling near a mining cart. Leading them was an older blacksmith, a man with graying hair, broad shoulders, and hands worn from decades of work. The man's gaze locked onto Kalem.

"Kalem, isn't it?" the blacksmith said, his deep voice carrying an air of authority.

Kalem stopped, his brow furrowed in curiosity. "That's me."

"We're heading out to the southern deposit. You should come along," the older smith said. His tone was friendly enough, but there was a hint of calculation in his eyes. "Strength in numbers, after all."

Kalem hesitated. He had always worked alone, preferring to navigate the dangers of mining expeditions without distractions. But the prospect of company—and the chance to assess the group's skills—intrigued him. Besides, this was the man Vornar had spoken of as a mentor to many of the younger smiths.

"Fine," Kalem said, slinging his sack over his shoulder. "Let's go."

The group set out shortly after, their cart rattling along the uneven path. Kalem noticed the younger smiths exchanging glances, whispering among themselves. Clearly, word of his approval by Vornar had spread, and curiosity burned in their eyes.

The journey to the deposit was uneventful, the group chatting quietly as they crossed rocky outcroppings and narrow trails. When they finally arrived, Kalem was struck by the richness of the vein. The southern deposit was a treasure trove of minerals—glinting shards of Embersteel, jagged veins of Onyx Ore, and even a faint shimmer of Lynthian Crystal.

"Looks like a good haul," Kalem muttered.

The group wasted no time, dividing tasks and setting to work. Kalem picked a spot on the far edge of the deposit, his pickaxe biting into the stone with practiced efficiency. He felt the satisfying give of the rock as he unearthed chunks of valuable ore, adding them to his sack.

Hours passed, the rhythmic sound of pickaxes filling the air. Kalem was focused on his work when he felt a faint tremor beneath his boots. He paused, scanning the area. The others didn't seem to notice, their attention fixed on the ore.

Then came the sound—a low, guttural growl that seemed to vibrate through the rocks themselves.

"Did you hear that?" Kalem called out, dropping his pickaxe.

The older blacksmith frowned, motioning for the group to stop. The clearing fell silent, save for the faint rustling of wind.

And then, with an ear-splitting roar, the ground erupted.

From the rocky terrain emerged a massive creature, its scales shimmering like polished stone. The beast stood nearly twice the height of a man, its serpentine body coiled with raw power. Its jagged claws dug into the earth, and its eyes glowed like molten lava.

"A Rockscale Drake!" one of the younger smiths screamed, dropping his tools and stumbling backward.

The Rockscale Drake lunged forward, its jaws snapping shut inches from one of the miners. The group scattered, scrambling for cover as the beast roared again, its tail lashing out and smashing a pile of ore into dust.

Kalem didn't hesitate. He reached for the polearm strapped to his back, a weapon he'd brought along in case of emergencies. As he took a defensive stance, the older blacksmith shouted, "We've got to drive it off! Everyone, grab your tools!"

The younger smiths hesitated, their fear palpable. Kalem snarled, "If you want to live, you'll fight! Stay behind me and aim for its flanks!"

The drake turned its attention to Kalem, its molten eyes narrowing. With a roar, it charged, claws digging into the earth. Kalem dodged to the side, his polearm slicing across its shoulder. The blade sparked against the beast's rock-hard scales, leaving only a shallow gouge.

"It's too tough!" one of the smiths yelled.

"Then aim for the joints!" Kalem barked, spinning his weapon to deflect a swipe of the drake's tail.

The fight raged on, the group working together under Kalem's direction. The older blacksmith swung a heavy hammer, targeting the creature's legs, while the younger smiths jabbed at its flanks with makeshift spears.

Kalem noticed the glow of the drake's chest—the faint pulse of heat and light that indicated its fiery core. It was vulnerable there, but getting close would be suicide.

"Keep it distracted!" Kalem shouted. He moved swiftly, darting between the beast's legs and avoiding its snapping jaws. With a leap, he drove his polearm into the glowing spot on its chest.

The drake let out a piercing screech, rearing back as cracks spread across its stony hide. The group seized the opportunity, attacking with renewed vigor. Finally, with a thunderous crash, the drake collapsed, its molten eyes dimming.

The clearing was silent once more, save for the labored breaths of the group. The older blacksmith approached Kalem, his expression unreadable.

"You fought well," he said gruffly.

Kalem shrugged, wiping blood and dust from his face. "I didn't have much of a choice."

The older man nodded, his gaze lingering on the fallen drake. "Vornar was right to let you stay. You've got skill, but more than that—you've got guts. That's rare."

The younger smiths murmured their agreement, their earlier skepticism replaced with admiration. Kalem said nothing, simply hefting his sack of ore over his shoulder.

As the group prepared to head back to the settlement, Kalem glanced at the drake's lifeless body. Its scales shimmered faintly, a reminder of its raw power.

"Let's take some of its hide," he said, his mind already racing with ideas. "I think I can use it."

The older blacksmith smirked. "You're not just a fighter, are you? You're a thinker. Good. We'll need both."

With that, the group set to work, harvesting what they could from the drake before beginning the journey home. For Kalem, it was another step forward—a reminder that every challenge, no matter how daunting, was an opportunity to grow.