Deep within the mountain range.
There stood a gigantic furnace that drew upon the earth-veins' God Fire. An elderly man in a gray robe sat silently before it with his back to them, gazing at the dancing divine flames within.
His aura was perfectly natural, as though he had already fused with this world itself—vast and profound, impossible to read, impossible to gauge the depth of his rank.
"Clan Chief, the guests have been brought," a dwarf reported respectfully.
The old man did not turn around. He continued watching the God Fire, his voice aged yet calm.
"A weapon that surpasses a Chaotic Artifact… could be a dominion-grade divine weapon, a world-class wonder, or even an origin relic."
"Which one do you seek?"
As someone of the Crossbridge Empire, Natasha showed no fear. Composed and unhurried, she countered smoothly,
"That depends on how far your forging arts can truly reach, doesn't it?"
The two dwarves frowned slightly, displeased by words that bordered on provocation.
