Chapter 14: The Blacksmith Arrives
The clinking of metal echoed through the village as Srabon walked toward the entrance gate. A stranger stood there, a burly man with a thick beard and soot-stained clothes. He carried a massive hammer slung over his shoulder and a cart filled with weapons and armor.
"Who are you?" Srabon asked, eyeing the man cautiously.
"Name's Orin," the man said, his voice deep and rough. "I'm a blacksmith. Heard you folks had a run-in with the Goblin King. Thought you might need some stronger weapons."
Srabon's eyes widened. "You can forge weapons?"
Orin grinned, displaying a row of crooked teeth. "Not just weapons, lad. Armor too. But it'll cost you."
[New Quest: Hire the Blacksmith. Reward: Access to Weapon and Armor Upgrades.]
The Builder stepped forward, studying Orin carefully. "Can you make reinforced clubs for the Barbarians?"
"And longbows for the Archers?" Mira asked, eyes gleaming with excitement.
Orin nodded. "For the right price, I can make anything. But I need gold and elixir — lots of it."
Srabon opened the system interface, checking the village's current resources. They had just enough to cover Orin's fee.
"Alright, Orin," Srabon said, extending his hand. "You're hired. Let's get to work."
Orin shook his hand, his grip firm. "You won't regret it, Chief. The Goblin King won't know what hit him."