Hero of Darkness

The two deities informed Kahn and Blackwall about what they both underwent to reach this room and stand in front of them. Although they only had vague information about their arrival here even now, finally they felt like they were getting closer to the truth. 

Being tested for their mind, body and soul strength and only those worthy of being able to enter this room… 

This was indeed what happened with Kahn and Blackwall as soon as they entered this realm albeit at different starting points. 

"Only those with a strong soul, an ironclad consciousness and indomitable willpower that can overthrow any adversity they faced whether in a battle or while crafting can reach till this room." iterated Brokkr and then gazed directly at Kahn. 

"Just look at yourself, child." he said. 

Only then did Kahn notice something odd about himself and quickly took a look around. 

Both of his legs were burnt to the point they looked completely charred. 

Many cracks on his skin were leaking blood profusely and it was still dripping from his hands and nails. 

He then remembered that when he saw Blackwall, the latter was the same. Just that his consciousness hadn't recovered enough to register these signals at first and make sense of them. 

And then… Kahn looked behind him, outside of the room. 

Unlike the scene in front of him, the whole path and surroundings till this room were only made up of two colors namely Black and Red. 

Some objects and walls had black as the prominent color with red borders while others had vice-versa. But only the room where they stood had a normal color scheme on everything. 

So in other words… they both had gone through this Trial of Verdr these two deities spoke of. 

"This trial was to differentiate between the worthy ones who had the true potential to become our Apostles rather than just those who only worked hard to master these skills their entire lives.

Those who lacked in any of the sectors we mentioned would be sent back to the real world after their souls and minds lost their way during the journey.

Only the ones who managed to come here would be worth even talking to." explained Eitri as he let out a cheerful smile. 

[Don't tell me… it's because of that…] thought Kahn as another realization struck his mind. 

He just realized that because he was multitasking and carrying his mind while living and bearing the brunt of 16 different consciousnesses and bodies at the same time… 

In a way, it reformed his willpower and completely changed his mental capacity by manyfolds than it already was. 

If it was before he made that hard choice and paid the hefty price to use those doppelgangers… maybe he wouldn't have qualified to even enter this room. 

Kahn didn't even realize how strong his willpower, consciousness and soul had become until the deities mentioned it. 

As for Blackwall… he was just like his species… A titan in willpower. 

Well, even before he ranked up to Legendary rank… Blackwall was someone who never backed down, persevered through every adverse situation when he acted as the tank of the group, and wasn't afraid to die in order to serve his master. 

His mind and heart never wavered even when facing certain death. 

So in terms of tenacity and willpower… he was probably the strongest one among all of Kahn's subordinates. Just that he never had the time to shine and show these qualities openly for an extended period, unlike the others. 

And while Kahn was lost in thoughts again… 

"So let us ask you a few questions before we officially begin the ceremony and turn you into our Apostles." spoke Brokkr. 

"And do give us your honest opinion and truthful answers that come from your heart." said Eitri. 

"Tell me what is Blacksmithing?" asked the former among the two. 

The following moment, Blackwall in his titan form spoke in a vehement tone as an expression of yearning appeared on his face. 

"It isn't just a craft… in my opinion, it's a part of the law of reality. 

Something that deals with the laws of creation." he said in a firm tone, indicating that his resolve was firm while expressing his opinion. 

"Correct!" said Brok and continued in an approving tone… 

"It is based on a branch of the Laws of Creation. 

Law of Transformation to be precise." 

On the Titan's shoulder, Kahn spoke in a thoughtful voice. 

"It's not about just shaping objects or forging them. 

But reforming the creation of nature. Like how water can be turned into ice or steam. 

And then condensed again to return to its initial form. Later, it can be turned into steam again by heating or into ice by cooling." he said and continued. 

"From a small needle to a giantsword… from a living being to an inanimate object… they're all part of the creation." 

To Kahn's firm and elaborated answer, it was Eitri who responded. 

"Bravo!" said the dwarven deity with a brown beard. 

"Anything can be reformed, broken down, undone and yet… it can be rebuilt even if they changed their forms or shape or state of matter. 

Whether it is living beings, inanimate objects, mana, world energy or even the soul of a being… 

You just need to know the correct method to change the state.

Whether you want to build or you want to destroy… Nothing is an exception to this law of creation." he iterated again and shared his profound thoughts. 

Soon, the two deities asked a few more questions to both the candidates like a job interview and were overjoyed after receiving the answers and opinions of the two. 

Compared to Kahn, Blackwall spoke fewer words but someone with wisdom could easily understand the profoundness in them. 

He seemed to have some sort of inkling to the Blacksmithing Craft itself that couldn't be explained with words. 

And finally, the room quieted down and both the deities decided that they had indeed found worthy candidates.

Brokkr then gave a nod to Eitri and declared… 

"Both of you… have passed the final test."