Hero of Darkness

Unbeknownst to Kahn… many ploys and hidden schemes were being orchestrated that he had no idea about in the slightest. He had no ties with the church or the imperial clan and even his contact with their official representatives was minimal as Throk was the figurehead of this company. 

So sticking to his usual routine… Kahn had now developed into a completely different person. He was calmer, more patient during the forging and had mastered utilizing his skills. 

The Mineral Transmutation skill he got from the mountain titan greatly helped him in advancing his skills and in the past few days alone, he could feel that he was about to have a breakthrough in the Blacksmithing craft in upcoming days. 

And like promised, Throk started teaching both his students about Artificing. A branch of the Blacksmithing profession that he had heard about since the time he lived in Flavot city but never had the chance to learn much about it. 

Because he had to hide his identity as Hero of Darkness, he couldn't inquire much about it from the old man Albestros either. 

But now, his new master named Throk Oakenshield was finally going to teach him this intriguing part of the trade that only the most experienced elves and the extremely talented blacksmiths like Albestros Winston, the top blacksmith of Rakos Empire as well as the top 5 Saint rank blacksmiths of Vulcan empire could master. 

"Listen brats… forget whatever you learned till this point. 

Although this is half the part of becoming a saint blacksmith… it has no relation with the skills you've acquired and mastered previously." spoke Throk. 

Then he took out few books out of his space ring and placed them on a stone table placed at the western end of his private forge where he was making Kahn's weapons and armors using the Guardian Dragon's body from months since their deal was agreed upon. 

But today, he stopped the work just to teach them the basics of this field. 

"Artificing is also an integral part of the study of magic. Something only an individual of a mage class can master while learning and perfecting their control over mana and world energy." he revealed and continued in a somber tone. 

"But even among the mages, you'll find that not even 10% know how to make proper magic formations or use the runes. 

Unlike the Enchanter class that creates objects and constructs by infusing mana and world energy… Artificers use magic formations to bypass the restrictions of their class and mana reserves." he iterated and handed down two both to Kahn and Blackwall respectively. 

"In reality, these magic formations are just a conduit to impart mana and world energy to enhance the object such as a weapon, an armor or even an artifact to perform a specific function or an ability. 

And those magic formations, no matter how small or big they are… they're categorized as Runes." explained Throk. 

"I see. So they're completely different from the magic formations cast by mages to use a skill or a spell?" queried Kahn. 

"Correct. The normal magic formations by mages are often cast in order to convert their mana and world energy into a particular force associated by an elemental skill. 

Some can use it to protect themselves by casting a barrier or even use it as an offensive skill while adding an element their bodies are compatible with." said Throk like he was imparting a great wisdom of the world. 

"But then how does one use that energy on a weapon or an armor? If the caster has stopped using their skill and thus closing the supply of mana… without it, the object or the artifact should no longer be able to hold it. 

There's no medium to store that world energy and mana at all." queried Blackwall as he folded his arms. 

To his thoughtful question, Throk nodded in approval and answered… 

"That is what makes it completely different than normal magic formations. 

They are cast to instantly attack or protect the caster for a prolonged period. 

But Runes… they're not cast to use for either of the purposes but rather storing and circulating the caster's mana and world energy. 

As if they're embedded on the targeted objects while functioning like a part of it." he explained. 

"How? There's no source to sustain them after being drawn on the objects." queried Kahn with a perplexed expression. 

But to his question, Throk opened the books books he gave to them and opened the first pages with each of his hands. 

"Your answer lies here." he said with a content expression. 

He was already impressed by their queries because it attested to their thirst for knowledge as well as their mindset to seriously learn Artificing. 

Kahn and Blackwall started reading the first few paragraphs of the information written on the pages and soon, their eyes were wide open. 

"This… this shouldn't be possible. How can it function like this?" asked Blackwall. 

"That's what makes it really hard. And even the most talented among the magician class fail to master it because of the same reason. 

This practice of magic in itself takes years and lot of resources. 

Even though we don't have that much time… I will use the secret dwarven methods that our ancestors have been using to help you greatly improve those skills in short time." he said with a coy smile. 

"But know this… it will need your undivided attention as well as full focus and commitment. 

You will need to master every single rune and understand how to imbued your own mana and magic in them. 

Otherwise the battle is already lost." spoke Throk as he forewarned his disciples. 

Kahn and Blackwall nodded in response, their eyes full of battle intent as if they were ready to face in millions of adversities thrown at them. 

To them, Artificing was a hurdle they wanted to pass with their skills after coming so long in this journey. 

Thus, both of them were now fully prepared for mastering this new technique. 

"Alright then… let's make some graffitis."