Hero of Darkness

A red-skinned fireborne with an elegant outfit that was a combination of white and purple stood in the middle of the arena as both the challengers faced each other with eyes filled with competitiveness. 

Soon, the fireborne announcer spoke in front of an indigo colored gem-like artifact that transmitted his voice to more than a hundred thousand spectators as well as the organizers. 

"To our esteemed audience and the people looking through the projection screens throughout the empire… I would like to take a moment to explain the rules of the duel." he said in a calm and gentle tone. 

In the past, not a single blacksmithing duel was broadcasted throughout the whole empire and only the people related to the craft and some big names knew about the rules. So the announcer took the liberty to explain them in simple words to the common populace. 

"The duel will have 5 rounds in total.

Each round will have a fixed time limit set by our judges. This time limit will be different for each round based on the type of object to be forged. 

At the same time… both the challengers will get the same set of materials for that particular round. Both of them will have to forge that equipment or a weapon and it should have the rank already decided on. The designs will vary based on the ability of the blacksmith and what shape they want to give it." he declared to the audience. 

"Since not everyone is familiar with the blacksmithing craft and the grade or rank of the weapons and armors… let me enlighten you all." he iterated with a benign smile. 

"Following are the ranks based on quality and their overall performance. Each one is better than the former. 

Normal, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Rare, Epic, Legendary, Ancient and Divine.

The last three being the hardest to forge and even in our empire, there is only one Ancient Rank weapon." explained the announcer. 

In reality, Axel had a Divine Weapon but this wasn't information people were supposed to know about Heroes no matter which empire it was. 

To many, this was also the first time they heard about it because not everyone in the world was a warrior or could use mana and had invoked a fighting class. 

Even the majority of the soldiers in any empire's army only had military training while those who could use the mana were treated differently as long as they were at least an Intermediate Rank in their respective profession. 

Thus, this information was obscure and irrelevant to 95% of the population. 

"In the end, the winner of that round will be decided on the quality of the finished weapon or armor. 

The one who wins 3 out of 5 rounds will win the duel." he announced. 

"In the first round, both the challengers have to forge a Silver rank shield. And the time limit is 2 hours." he revealed to the audience and came in between Kahn and Helsi

He raised a white handkerchief in his right hand and instantly threw it on the floor as he loudly shouted… 

"Begin the Blacksmithing Duel!" 

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Rumblings noises filled the entire colosseum as people screamed in excitement. Meanwhile, Kahn and Helsi looked at each other, uncaring towards the ear deafening cheers. 

"Give it your best. I don't want to win by default just because you're incompetent." said Helsi with a look of disdain. 

He trained for more than 3 decades at this point and now… he was forced to challenge a human who wasn't even worthy to be an apprentice in Throk's company... All because of the bet made by two saint blacksmiths. 

For Helsi, it was like a tiger forced to face a small chicken. Everyone knew who was the stronger among the two. And there was no glory in winning such a fight. 

That's why he urged Kahn to at least make some effort before losing miserably. 

Kahn, who was now wearing a white cotton shirt with his forearms exposed and brown leather pants, had his arms folded. 

"What a coincidence…" said Kahn with a smile and continued in a hushed voice. 

"I was about to say the same to you." 

Shock! 

Helsi was surprised to hear these words from Kahn. An ant was telling a giant to be careful of him. What a joke! 

But instead of responding, Helsi scoffed scornfully and headed towards his side of the arena as he quickly started forging while Kahn walked towards his end. 

The metal provided for this round was Abysmithium. A metal that had high ductile properties and could also absorb the shock of higher momentum and power. 

This metal was very popular because if a skilled blacksmith made a shield out of it… it could be a lifesaving piece of gear in an all-out war or in a dungeon raid for Tanks and Knights. 

Both sides quickly started their forges and took out the tools. The first procedure was melting the metal and casting a thick sheet that they would use to make the design outlines which would decide the final shape of the shield. 

While they started their procedures, the audience went into chattering mode like a default setting. 

"Who do you think will win? Maayhh!!" asked a white goatkin to a purple orc sitting beside him. 

"Isn't it obvious? The dwarf for certain. 

I heard rumors that this human named Kahn hadn't even held a hammer in his life before the duel was agreed upon." he said in a carefree tone. 

"Yeah, I heard the same. Maayyhhh! 

I wish there was some sort of better system like those warrior battle arenas. I would've made some good harlen. Mmaayyhh!!" said the goatkin with two red horns as he bleated. 

"As if! The money would depend upon how many people bet on the other side. In this case…" spoke the orc and snickered… 

"Everyone would've bet on the same guy. Ha ha!" he laughed. 

"Damn it! Ha ha! You're right. Mmaayyhhh!!" 

Similar scenarios occurred where people started discussing things and expressed their opinions about the duel.

Soon, dozens of new remarks landed on Kahn's ears. His expression turned ugly and full of rage while he was smelting the materials. 

The petty comments from spectators didn't bother him in the slightest but rather a different matter. He looked at the metal ingots being melted in the furnace as he cursed inwardly… 

[These motherfuckers gave me low-quality materials!]