Hero of Darkness

Kahn and Blackwall were stupefied again as soon as both the deities spoke their true intentions and declared that they wanted the two of them to become their Apostles of Blacksmithing. 

"What kind of nonsense is that? Why? And what qualifications do we have?" asked Kahn with an ashen expression. 

Instead of becoming glad or feeling lucky… he was getting a sense of the approaching storm based on his past experiences. 

"Because you both received enlightenment about the Blacksmithing Craft. 

This isn't something that happens every day." informed Brokkr. 

"You both somehow gained enlightenment at the same time and met one of our prerequisites, making you worthy enough to enter our realm. 

But the main reason why we have made this decision is because you both are actually standing in this room in front of us." revealed Eitri. 

"And does that make us some kind of special case?" asked Kahn in return because he found that reason implausible. 

"Ha ha ha! Don't think too hard, child. 

There were thousands of others from different empires, races, origins and eras in the past thousands of years who came before you after they received enlightenment and entered our realm in the annals of history. 

But there have been less than 10 beings who managed to reach this room. 

This is a form of testament in itself." he simplified. 

"Elaborate. I still understand your logic." said Kahn casually as he looked at these two ginormous dwarves while standing on Blackwall's shoulder. 

Compared to them… he was smaller than an ant's leg. But based on their approachable demeanor… Kahn had already assessed that both of them weren't the usual overbearing kind or expected others to worship them. 

In a way… they embodied the true spirits of blacksmiths who didn't care about prestige, acknowledgement or wealth. They only cared about losing themselves in their craft. 

And so far… they hadn't even leaked the slightest aura of Deities. Even Kahn could tell that if they did so… his soul would be destroyed completely just from the pressure alone. 

"What do you remember before you came to this room and regained your consciousness?" asked Brokkr to both of them. 

"I… I don't remember anything. I was just performing quenching and was about to place the piece under work to cool off in another pot." spoke Kahn. 

"And I was busy finishing a chest plate piece and was about to put the whole set together." replied Blackwall in his voice that sent shockwaves after shockwaves since he was in his true primordial titan form. 

"And what were you both thinking about at that time?" asked Eitri with a coy smile on his face. 

To this question… both Kahn and Blackwall suddenly widened their eyes and spoke at the same time. 

"The true meaning behind the Blacksmithing Craft's existence!" 

To their collective response, both the deities only let out an elated smile and nodded in affirmation. 

Kahn was shocked and completely lost his composure as he asked… 

"How is that enough to qualify? I'm not even a Saint Blacksmith yet and neither is he.

Are you telling me that amateurs like us who didn't even train for 2 months properly, barely have any good skills and don't even have any experience with forging high-quality materials and complicated methods are somehow worthy to be your Apostle? 

What kind of stupid and forced logic is that?" 

Kahn complained since this whole situation still didn't seem realistic to him. 

The next moment, Blackwall also chimed in and spoke in a stern voice. 

"Even our master is extremely knowledgeable. He has spent over a century working in this craft and can tell the material as well as its characteristics and physical composition just by looking at it. 

And there are even more experienced people than him who even exceed him in terms of knowledge, experience and techniques… I'm certain that there are people in the world who even surpass the ones I mentioned. 

Are you saying that those figures… that the whole empire acknowledged and branded as the top of the top are not worthy compared to us? 

I apologize but I too find it hard to believe." rebuked the titan general. 

To their rebuttals, the Deity brothers responded… 

"Ranks, levels, years of experience and mastery over the craft are irrelevant when it comes to enlightenment. 

They only represent the capabilities of the body. The mind and soul work differently." spoke Eitri as he rested his warhammer close to the sweltering furnace. 

Unlike what one would expect… These deities weren't using traditional equipment but weapons that looked no lesser than Ancient Rank. 

Yes, the Ancient Rank weapons that were heard of only in legends and myths in Vantrea were actually used only as hammers and tools for forging by these two deities. 

But after hearing their words… Kahn suddenly remembered something that proved their words to be true. 

So far, he received enlightenment a total of 3 times. One during his magic training while twice when he was studying space law in Verlassen. 

And in case of all three incidents… he was neither skilled, experienced nor had a high level of mastery. Rather… His thought process and mindset were completely out of the box. 

His understanding was simply unconventional and radical. Thus he could unveil some truths and concepts that others failed to see. 

So in a way… the words of these two deities made sense to him. 

"If you're here… means you saw a glimmer of truth about blacksmithing craft. 

This can't be gained or understood even with centuries of experience and knowledge unless it comes from within yourself and your understanding of the craft or a profession." spoke Brokkr as he noticed the changes in Kahn's expression. 

"However… That part was only enough to let you enter this realm. But definitely not the factor that made us think highly of you two." suddenly, Eitri decided to reveal their main reason. 

"Once someone enters our realm… their mind, body and soul are tested first. They're put in a state where they completely lose control over their soul, consciousness and instincts. And at the end… they're called out towards this room." he revealed. 

"And we call it…" spoke Brokkr again but Eitri completed the sentence. 

"Trial of Verdr."