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The Crimson Drake Guild's forge hall buzzed with energy. Flames roared in the giant smithing furnaces as blacksmiths and rune-crafters rushed to test the Molten-Core Rune that AshenZero had provided. Riven stood in the center, uneasily observing the chaos.
An apprentice placed a slab of steel onto a scalding anvil. With a hum, the rune embedded itself into the metal, sealing with molten runic lines. As the heat dissipated, the newly forged shield glowed softly.
The apprentice raised it to the light. "I… I can't feel the heat. Nor any cracks!"
Several guild members crowded around, astonished. Rumors flew like wildfire: "They say it auto-repairs damage"… "Some call it 'Flameborne Regeneration.'" Riven cleared his throat.
AshenZero, leaning against a stone pillar, nodded. "It works because I disrupted the core vein. If you replicate it, you can forge anything—armor, weapons, even runic tools—with heat immunity and self-healing."
A hush fell. One by one, smiths placed molten shards into their work. Sparks blossomed. Tools, helmets, and blades took the same rune-patterns, each forging with eerie precision.
Riven stepped toward AshenZero. "With runes like this, Crimson Drake can lead Meras in dungeon clearance. We could form alliances, sell runes, sponsor eco-rebuild in Ember Town…" His voice lowered. "We need resources."
AshenZero shrugged. "Find me more veins. I'll teach you to harvest them. You stick to secrecy."
Riven paused. "And no guild fees?"
"None."
Riven nodded, sealing their understanding. Their agreement felt tangible—like embers solidifying into metal.
That night, Riven called a quiet meeting with the senior officers, including Lady Seraphine. She eyed AshenZero with suspicion from across the table.
"This changes everything," Riven began, laying the new Rune-Shield on the table. "With this tech, we can finally clear Flamevault and establish dominance."
Seraphine's gaze remained fixed on AshenZero. "Or become a target."
AshenZero calmly set another rune piece beside the shield—this one glowing cold-white despite the heat in the hall. "Spread these secrets prematurely, and the projection system will erase my last trace here."
The room fell silent. Even Seraphine swallowed her objection. She nodded slowly. "Anonymity… accepted."
As they dispersed, Riven stayed behind. "Thank you, AshenZero," he whispered.
AshenZero simply nodded, then turned and walked away.
That night, far from the forge, AshenZero slipped into shadowed alleys of Emberspire. He didn't stay long—only long enough to recruit a few discreet rune-workers—then was gone again.
The next morning, when Riven inspected the first batch of rune-equipped gear, he noticed something strange: each shield had a tiny inscription etched near the rim:
"By Flame and Forged in Secrecy"
He smiled quietly. The code was not just runes—it was a philosophy.
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