The Rise of the God of Death
Chapter 47: Manmand (2)
Under the burning volcano, the four descended the long spiral stairs alongside Manmand.
"Ugh… when are we going to arrive?" Lucy groaned, her steps sluggish.
"Why are you whining so much?" Darren replied, rolling his eyes.
"Can't blame her," Nil said, breathing heavily. "We've been going down for almost fifteen minutes."
Manmand chuckled, resting his crimson spear on his shoulder.
"Don't worry, kids. We're almost there."
Another five minutes passed before they finally reached the bottom.
"Whoa!" The three gasped in unison as their eyes widened.
Before them stretched a medium-sized forge, dimly lit by the fiery glow of molten metal. The air was hot and heavy, filled with the scent of iron and smoke. Weapons and armor of all kinds lined the walls — each radiating a faint divine aura. A massive furnace burned near the corner, its flames roaring softly.
"Do you like the place?" Manmand asked, a grin curling at the edge of his lips.
"It's amazing!" Lucy exclaimed, spinning around to take it all in.
"You made all of this equipment yourself?" Nil asked, stepping closer to inspect a massive greatsword resting on a rack.
"Yes, I did," Manmand said proudly. "Did your master forget to introduce me?"
At that, the three immediately turned toward Daimon, eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"Alright, alright," Daimon sighed. "This is Manmand — the best blacksmith known in the past. But he's been hiding for a long time."
"Why?" Nil asked.
Daimon's tone dropped cold. "Because… he was one of the Ten who fought alongside me."
The air turned heavy.
Darren blinked, stunned. "Whoa…"
Lucy's eyes sparkled. "Mister, how strong are you?"
"I'm an absolute God-leveled existence," Manmand said, smirking.
"Leveled?" Darren tilted his head.
"Yes. I'm not ranked since I'm not mainly a warrior," Manmand explained. "I spent seventy percent of my life inside the Divine Sect."
"Ohh, I see," Darren said, nodding.
"I also used to be the main blacksmith of the Cur—" Manmand suddenly stopped mid-sentence.
The group froze. He quickly cleared his throat and forced a chuckle. "Never mind that."
They exchanged confused looks, but Manmand swiftly changed the topic. "Anyway, I forgot why you came here."
"Oh right!"
"Yes, please!"
"Show us!" The three answered in unison, excitement bubbling up again.
Manmand led them toward his forge, but instead of stopping, he walked straight into a wall.
"Wait, what—" Nil started, only for the wall to shimmer and part open.
Manmand smirked. "Don't get too amazed, kids."
A hidden passage revealed itself, glowing faintly with runes. The group followed him quietly until they stepped into an enormous chamber — lined with legendary weapons. The air itself buzzed with divine power.
"DAMN!" Darren shouted.
"Holy unexpected!" Nil added.
"So nice!" Lucy's eyes sparkled like stars.
Manmand crossed his arms proudly. "Go ahead. Do your thing."
"What?" Nil blinked.
"Choose whatever weapon you like," Manmand said casually.
"Really?!" Darren's jaw dropped.
"Mister, you're the best!" Lucy cheered.
"Heh. As long as you can handle it," Manmand replied, his tone teasing.
The three immediately scattered across the room, searching eagerly for weapons that called to them.
---
Meanwhile, back in the main room, Daimon sat cross-legged before an ancient rune — the one he'd obtained from the Ancient Dragon. Cursed energy poured from his hands, weaving into the rune's glowing surface.
"How's it going?" Manmand asked, leaning against the doorframe.
"I've only completed ten percent," Daimon said tiredly, his crimson eye flickering.
"How are the kids?" he asked.
"They're overjoyed," Manmand said. "Like children seeing snow for the first time."
Daimon's lips curled faintly. "Do you think they can make it?"
"The blonde boy and the girl," Manmand replied after a moment of thought.
"What about the third one?" Daimon asked, glancing up.
"He's… not suited for a weapon." Manmand paused, then smirked. "I might make something special for him."
Daimon nodded slowly. "Then let's get to why you came here."
Manmand's eyes narrowed. "Oh right. Why did you stop me earlier?"
Daimon looked directly at him, voice calm but firm.
"They know about the Cur— about what they did. I don't want them to know i was part of it."
Manmand went silent for a few seconds before sighing softly. "I see…"
He straightened his back, forcing a small smile.
"Well, let's go check out what they've picked."
"Alright," Daimon said, standing up beside him.
The two walked toward the forge — unaware that destiny was already reshaping itself within the fires below.