Upon arriving in Nidavellir, Orion felt the excitement growing in his chest. He knew that Nor, the legendary dwarven blacksmith, was preparing something special for him. As he passed through the imposing gates of the underground kingdom, the amber glow of the forges reflected on the carved stone walls, giving the place a mystical aura. The metallic sounds of hammers echoed through the corridors, and the scent of molten iron filled the air.

Nor, a direct descendant of Norik, awaited him in his workshop, a satisfied smile etched on a face aged by the heat of the flames.

— “I’ve finished, Orion.” The dwarf’s voice carried pride. “These weapons were forged for a legendary warrior like you.”

Orion stepped forward, his golden eyes gleaming as he caught sight of what awaited him. Resting on a reinforced black stone table were Nor’s creations. The flickering glow of the embers made the blades shimmer, and the energy emanating from them was almost tangible.

Nor began handing them over one by one. The first was an impressive katana.

The golden blade radiated a brilliant glow, reflecting the firelight like a river of liquid gold. The hilt and guard were a deep, pitch black, absorbing the light around them like a black hole. Orion had never seen a sword like it. It was mesmerizing, almost alive.

— “This sword is my masterpiece,” Nor explained, pride sparkling in his eyes. “The ingots you brought me were exceptional. It’s as sharp as the gold you wield. I named it Aurum. Worthy of your power.”

Orion gripped the sword, feeling its perfect weight and flawless balance. The blade seemed to respond to his touch, as though it recognized its true master. He slid it into its sheath, sensing the pulsating connection between them.

But Nor wasn’t finished yet.

The dwarf picked up something else, and Orion frowned in curiosity. Nor then revealed two golden pistols. Their design was elegant, detailed with engraved runes that pulsed faintly. They looked deadly just by appearance alone.

— “These pistols… don’t need bullets,” Nor said, catching the confusion in Orion’s gaze. “They fire mana projectiles. With your power, you can channel your energy into them and unleash devastating blasts. Think of them as a modern bow, only much faster and more destructive.”

Orion took the pistols, feeling the cold texture of the metal against his skin. He had never handled weapons like these, but he could feel the lethality built into them. He spun one around his finger, testing its weight. Perfect.

— “They may not be traditional, but with your power, they’ll become an extension of you,” Nor finished, a satisfied smile on his face.

Orion nodded, holstering the pistols at his belt. Then, with genuine respect, he looked at Nor.

— “You’ve done magnificent work. How can I repay you?”

Nor crossed his arms, studying the warrior before him.

— “Nothing, Orion. I only hope they fulfill their purpose.”

Orion pulled a pouch of gold from his Item Box and handed it to the dwarf.

— “For your effort. And if you ever need anything, just call for me.”

Nor stared at the pouch, surprised, before bowing deeply.

— “You’re more generous than many kings I’ve known. Truly… thank you.”

With the weapons in hand, Orion gave one last nod before departing. The golden gleam of the katana and pistols was a reminder of the next chapter in his journey.

Back at Chloe’s apartment, Orion felt the pieces were finally falling into place. The weapons he carried symbolized more than power. They were a warning.

As he opened the door, he found Chloe and Ellie waiting for him. Both stared at him with expectation. Without a word, Orion drew the pistols and katana, placing them on the table. The blade reflected the apartment’s light, while the pistols rested with imposing presence.

— “The work was well done.” He smiled with satisfaction. “Now we’re ready to move forward.”

Chloe and Ellie approached, examining the weapons in awe. Chloe ran her fingers along the katana, feeling the chill of the metal.

— “You truly have good allies, Orion,” Ellie murmured, her eyes shining with admiration.

Orion nodded, his gaze firm and resolute.

The soft sound of the bathroom door opening drew his attention. Asuna stepped out wrapped in a towel, her damp hair cascading down her shoulders. Warm steam escaped through the doorway, slowly dispersing into the room.

Her eyes wandered across the room until they stopped on the katana resting on the table. Without hesitation, she walked toward it, her steps light, almost silent.

She extended her hand, fingers brushing softly against the black hilt before lifting it. The apartment light reflected on the golden blade, casting a hypnotic gleam.

— “This katana…” her voice came out low, almost reverent. Her blue eyes traced every detail of the weapon with genuine admiration. “I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s… perfect.”

Orion watched in silence, a faint smile curving his lips. He could recognize a warrior when he saw one, and Asuna held that katana as if it were already part of her.

She returned the sword to the table carefully, almost as if handling something sacred. Orion then extended his hand, and in the blink of an eye, both the katana and pistols vanished, stored inside his ring.

Asuna raised a brow, surprised.

— “Convenient.”

Orion only smiled, satisfied.

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