As the last echo of the forge's heartbeat faded behind him, the molten gates rumbled open, spilling a gust of cool air into the corridor. Rhys stepped out, cloak still trailing faint wisps of black-and-gold embers. His armor was cracked, half-melted—yet the glow in his eyes burned steady.
The waiting hall was mostly empty, save for one figure leaning casually against the registry pillar—a man in light ash-gray armor marked with blue streaks of lightning. His nameplate flickered faintly above him: [Rendir – Thunderforge Guild | LV. 112]
Rendir let out a low whistle as Rhys appeared. "You're still in one piece. Didn't think anyone walked out of the Dead Forge solo after it ramped into red-tier."
Rhys gave him a sidelong glance, voice even. "Just another run."
"Another run, huh?" Rendir chuckled, pushing off the pillar. "Right. The forge went quiet for the first time in months, the system threw a Clear Alert, and you're telling me it was 'just another run.' Sure."