Ruins of Salt and Llama
The story opens in a devastated countryside, where the stronghold of a minor mafia allied with Edenfall once stood. Now, only a wasteland of ash and salt remains. Akihiko and Lirea walk among the ruins, observing burned symbols on the walls: they were wiped out by the new enemy, leaving no survivors. The scene conveys a new level of brutality.
The Messenger Without a Pulse
A metallic crow falls from the sky. It bears a message carved in obsidian: "Iron does not succumb, iron does not die." It is the signature of the Black Anvil Clan, a faction never before recorded in mafia archives. Akihiko suspects it is part of the legendary mafia that has remained hidden.
III. The Meeting at the Dead Forge
Following the coordinates hidden in the message, they arrive at an underground forge hidden beneath a mountain. There, Argheir , a monstrous blacksmith who has fused his skin with dark steel, awaits them. He tells them of the "Path of Absolute Iron," a doctrine that believes bodies must overcome their flesh through forging pain. He challenges them to a merciless duel.
Combat of Armored Wills
Argheir unleashes his ability, "Forged Seal ," which allows him to harden his will until his blows pierce through even mental abilities. Akihiko uses his Void power to create a zone without sound or echo, but Argheir breaks through it with brute force. It's a battle of technique and absolute physical endurance.
Lirea and the Cut Breath
Lirea, overcome by the emotional impact of the battlefield, accesses an ancient, forgotten technique: "Severed Breath ," a form of energy released by suppressing emotions until they implode. This ability severely wounds Argheir, revealing that his body is held together by ritual nails.
The Judgment of the Anvil
Before dying, Argheir drops a hammer inscribed with ancient inscriptions. It's a symbolic key: only those who survive the Trial of the Anvil will be able to open the next chamber, where the true leaders of the hidden mafia are hidden. The key recognizes Lirea, branding her with fire.
VII. Echoes of the Fallen Battleships
The hammer's fire echoes through the mountain. Soulless spirits—defeated warriors who failed the Trial—emerge to test the intruders. Akihiko and Lirea must confront them as the mountain trembles.
VIII. The Lament of the Unbreakable Iron
Amid the echoes, a deep-voiced figure recites the "Iron Lament": a litany of forgotten warriors who failed to merge with eternity. It is a chant that weakens the will, forcing the living to remember their failures. Lirea falls to her knees, but Akihiko lifts her up.
The Counter-Song of the Void
Akihiko responds with a never-before-used technique: "Void Counter-Song ," a form of silent resonance that erases the wailing without denying its existence. This neutralizes the emotional effect of the chant and frees the souls trapped within the mountain.
A Door Without Hinges
Deep within the forge, they discover a hingeless, lockless door made of petrified blood. Argheir's key fuses with it, transforming it into mist. As they pass through, they feel time stand still.