Hero of Darkness

Deities of Blacksmithing suddenly talked about a final test, that Kahn and Blackwall were oblivious to. The latter side had their ears perked up and asked… 

"But didn't you already say we were going to be your Apostle?" 

"A white lie. To make you think that you were already going to be chosen." responded Eitri in an unapologetic tone. 

"You don't treat Blacksmithing as just some craft but a part of existence. 

You don't wish to master some skills for the sake of your pride or achievements to create a future. 

But you think of it as an integral part of reality. That kind of mindset… even many of the most legendary blacksmiths in the world failed to achieve that in the past. 

Just by that outlook you both have on this craft shows the premise of your future potential." said Eitri. 

The furnace in the middle of the room then dimmed down as if receiving some sort of instruction. 

This time, Brokkr continued with a somber expression. 

"On top of it… you both have Mineral Transmutation skill. We can sense it. 

This is something only the primordial titans were blessed with but none of them ever chose this profession. 

Means the future prospects you two have… it's simply unimaginable." he said in his rustic voice. 

"The more your abilities rank up and the more wisdom you two gain… it's something worth investing in. 

Taking all things into account… both of you are the best choices for us to represent our will in the real world." revealed Eitri in his sharp voice. 

"Even those who spent hundreds of years fail to understand this. That it's not about increasing your grasp or mastery of the skill. But understanding the intent behind it while making the best product with what you have on hand. 

This law is also shared in the study of many other things in the world. 

Receiving enlightenment is just an eye-opener for a being to come close to the truth of the world." spoke Brokkr as he was completely firm on his decision about making the two candidates their Apostles now. 

"But I've received enlightenment in Magic and Space Law before. 

And yet, I didn't meet any deity." just then, Kahn spoke out of the blue as he queried about one of his doubts. 

"That depends on the deities and gods. 

How many enlightenments do you need before that Deity or a God acknowledges you… it's a matter of their choice." informed Eitri. 

"Other than that, some deities need only one or two enlightenments at most while some Gods demand three to four before one becomes worthy of their acknowledgement." revealed Brokkr as they both always talked in turns. 

"But gaining the acknowledgement of a True God is the hardest. We both needed over 2 thousand years ourselves even though blacksmithing was in our blood. 

And the last one to naturally earn an acknowledgement of a God was the War Deity. 

After him, no new deity has been born in recent history." revealed Eitri. 

Again… Kahn heard about Kravel. The man whose blessings he received but had very superficial knowledge about. Someone who even Rathnaar worshipped as his idol. 

"I see. Then can you tell me how one can become a Demi-God or a Deity?" asked Kahn. 

"Daring today, aren't we?" 

Brokkr replied and shook his head in refusal. 

"That is something you need to figure out by yourself. We deities are prohibited to reveal that information even to our Apostles." said Eitri. 

[Well, at least I tried.] thought Kahn. 

Suddenly, his eyes gave a look of conflict and asked the two deities in front of him… 

"But still… wouldn't choosing us become problematic for you? Don't you both serve the God Hetrax? 

Technically… we're from the rival group." queried Kahn. 

Ever since both the deities introduced themselves, Kahn didn't show too much of a surprise after knowing their identities. 

And the main reason being he was already somewhat informed about their existence. 

Because among the 9 Deities who served Hetrax and were titled as the Nine Eternal Flames in the Vulcan empire… Brokkr and Eitri were indeed in the list and had many monasteries spread across the empire, especially worshipped by the dwarven race. 

To his query about this delicate topic… 

"Our will and the God we are associated with aren't related. 

Maybe if you become a Deity one day like us… you'll understand how matters of the deities and gods are unrelated to beings of the living world." replied Brokkr in a stern tone. 

[I see. No wonder the Sky Deity still gave his gifts to Oliver despite him being my creation… a subordinate of a chosen Hero of another God than the one it served.] spoke Kahn inwardly. 

"Alright… we don't have all day. We need to get back to forging this divine weapon for another deity. 

It's already been a few decades and we're working around the clock." said Brokkr. 

"We will give each of you 3 gifts related to blacksmithing craft since you're both our Apostles now. 

Make good use of it." said Eitri and soon, 3 massive orbs shrouded under formations, runes and signs of a language even Kahn couldn't understand or read came to be in his right palm. 

Brokkr also summoned three orbs in his right palm, matching the appearance and colors of the ones summoned by his brother. 

These three orbs had Blue, Yellow and Red colors and for someone like Kahn, they were as big as a mountain. 

"Do mind that these are only Gifts. 

Maybe if you achieve another enlightenment along your journey one day as you learn new things and exceed yourself… 

We will see each other again and might offer you our Blessings. 

For now, this is as far as we will go." revealed Eitri and soon, the orbs reduced their size and quickly entered Kahn's body. 

Same happened to Blackwall who absorbed the gifts offered by Brokkr. 

A sudden feeling of fulfillment and elation appeared on both of their faces as if a surge of energy had run across their entire bodies. 

"These gifts…" spoke Kahn as if he had some sort of epiphany and continued with a perplexed expression… 

"They're too precious!"