Heavy Metal

"I'm getting used to this. Once I have my new form, defeating this guy might actually be possible."

Rusty stood bruised and battered, facing the illusion of Varkas, the mercenary leader. A deep gash across his opponent's body marked Rusty's first real success after a string of crushing defeats. Despite using a bladed weapon that was weak against Rusty's steel frame, the illusionary fighter had managed to land several clean hits, leaving Rusty's metallic body in pieces. Only the Soul Forge, which provided him with limitless materials for repair, allowed him to continue the fight.

"You've learned his attack pattern."

Alexander said, floating closer.

"But don't think you'll perform this well in a real fight."

The world around them shifted, the grassy field fading away and reforming into the familiar training chamber. Rusty absorbed his guide's words. He knew Varkas was rarely alone, and even one ally at his side would make the real battle far more dangerous.

"If only I could check back once I get my new body…"

Rusty regretted that he would lose access to the training facility after his transformation. Once he evolved, his visits to the Soul Forge would be limited to crafting. For now, he had learned nearly everything this opponent could teach him. If a real battle occurred, he might at least be able to escape.

'I might be able to handle him with Gleam's help, but it would still be risky.'

For the time being, he decided to leave the training room. There was little left to gain here, and time was slipping away. This time, he did not need to learn new enchanting skills, only to refine what he already knew. He had two choices: build up his arsenal or visit his old friend Gwen at Mystwood Academy.

There were several experiments he wanted to try in crafting. His new skill allowed him to handle twilight energies more effectively, but he had not tested it in the forge yet. His understanding of enchantments involving twilight energy, a fusion of light and dark, was still shallow. He would need to do some research in the library before moving forward. The last time he had spent months tinkering in the forge, and this time would likely be no different.

'I think I'll visit her now. It's not like I can use the better weapons and armor parts in the summoning chamber anyway.'

Rusty made his decision. For some reason, he was unable to use newly forged equipment outside the main forge, not even in the testing chamber. The last time he had been offered an item box, he could not use it to store weapons made of the new enchanted steel, so he doubted it would work now. With that in mind, he walked toward the summoning chamber to review the available missions.

"This place hasn't changed at all. Let's see…"

He approached the console, examined the icons, and quickly skimmed through the mission list. As expected, the world where Gwendolin lived appeared at the top, though other options were available as well.