The warning window remained suspended before Renzo.
WARNING
Forge Trial II Initiating.
The Flame Tyrant has awakened.
Survive.
The cavern shook again.
Dust and fragments of stone rained from the ceiling.
Far in the depths of the Forgotten Forge, something roared.
The sound alone sent a wave of heat rushing through the chamber.
Even from this distance, Renzo could feel it.
Whatever this Flame Tyrant was...
It was strong.
Very strong.
Ignis tightened his grip on his colossal hammer.
Golden flames flickered within the guardian's eyes.
But instead of preparing for battle, the giant suddenly turned toward Renzo.
"MASTER."
"THERE IS INSUFFICIENT TIME."
Renzo frowned.
"What do you mean?"
Another roar echoed through the cavern.
Louder this time.
Closer.
The temperature around them continued to rise.
Ignis pointed deeper into the forge.
Toward a massive stone wall covered in ancient runes.
"BEFORE THE TYRANT ARRIVES..."
"YOU MUST CLAIM THE LEGACY."
Kensei-Ryu immediately spoke.
"The Legacy?"
Vulcanos remained silent.
But Renzo could feel intense emotions coming from the forge god.
Memories.
Regret.
Longing.
Ignis began walking.
Each step shook the ground.
Renzo quickly followed.
As they moved deeper into the forge, countless dormant furnaces lit up around them.
Ancient machinery began operating once more.
Massive gears turned.
Molten rivers flowed brighter.
The Forgotten Forge was awakening.
Soon, they arrived before the giant wall.
Up close, it was enormous.
Nearly twenty meters tall.
Ancient symbols covered every inch of its surface.
At its center was a circular indentation.
Exactly the size of a human hand.
Ignis stopped.
Then looked at Renzo.
"ONLY THE CHOSEN MAY ENTER."
Renzo understood immediately.
He stepped forward and placed his hand against the indentation.
The moment he did—
Golden flames erupted across the entire wall.
The ancient runes blazed brilliantly.
A deep rumbling echoed throughout the chamber.
Slowly...
The massive stone wall split apart.
Revealing a hidden chamber beyond.
Renzo's eyes widened.
The room was beautiful.
Unlike the ruined forge outside, this chamber remained perfectly preserved.
Golden light illuminated everything.
Ancient weapons rested upon elegant displays.
Armor sets stood silently like sleeping guardians.
Shelves filled with countless books lined the walls.
At the very center of the room stood a single pedestal.
And upon that pedestal rested...
A hammer.
A simple blacksmith's hammer.
It wasn't ornate.
It wasn't decorated with jewels.
It looked ordinary.
Yet the moment Renzo saw it—
His heart began pounding.
Vulcanos finally spoke.
His normally calm voice was soft.
Almost emotional.
"...Starbreaker."
Kensei-Ryu sounded shocked.
"Wait."
"That is the Starbreaker?"
Renzo approached slowly.
"What's special about it?"
Vulcanos remained silent for several moments.
Then he answered.
"Starbreaker was the first hammer I ever forged."
Renzo froze.
The first weapon forged by a god.
Suddenly, a blue system window appeared.
Divine Artifact Detected
Name: Starbreaker
Rank: Sealed
Description:
The first creation of the Star-Forge Sovereign.
Current Compatibility: Compatible
Would you like to claim this artifact?
Yes / No
Renzo didn't hesitate.
"Yes."
The moment he spoke—
The hammer floated into the air.
Golden flames engulfed the chamber.
Ancient runes appeared around Renzo.
The hammer slowly descended.
Then touched his hand.
BOOM.
Power exploded throughout his body.
Renzo nearly collapsed.
Heat surged through every vein.
Countless images flashed through his mind.
A young Vulcanos forging beneath dying stars.
Worlds being created.
Weapons capable of slaying gods.
The rise of the Divine Forge.
And its eventual destruction.
The visions vanished.
Renzo fell to one knee, breathing heavily.
A new system window appeared.
Divine Artifact Acquired
Name: Starbreaker
Rank: Sealed Divine Artifact
Current Effects:
• Increases forging success rate by 50%.
• Increases quality of crafted equipment.
• Allows storage of forge flames.
Artifact Ability Locked.
Requirements to Unseal:
Restore all Three Ancient Anvils.
Kensei-Ryu whistled.
"That's ridiculous."
Even Renzo had to agree.
A Divine Artifact.
And this was only its sealed form.
But before he could examine it further—
The entire chamber shook violently.
CRACK.
A massive claw tore through the entrance wall.
Molten rock exploded everywhere.
A roar unlike anything Renzo had ever heard filled the chamber.
Ignis immediately stepped in front of Renzo.
Hammer raised.
Golden flames erupted around the giant guardian.
The system window appeared.
Boss Monster Detected
Name: Flame Tyrant
Rank: D+
Title: Guardian of the Second Trial
A gigantic beast forced its way into the chamber.
It resembled a lion.
But its body was covered entirely in molten armor.
Golden flames poured from its mane.
Its eyes burned like miniature suns.
And with every step—
The floor melted.
The beast stared directly at Renzo.
Then it roared.
The battle for the Second Trial had begun.