The Silver Courts representative rode away with calm steps but the moment he passed through the outpost gate the entire atmosphere inside Brinn changed. Soldiers whispered nervously. Some gripped their weapons tighter. Others looked at Logan with a mixture of pride and fear. Rhea stood still for a moment then exhaled slowly and motioned her men to resume patrol positions. But she kept her gaze fixed on the direction the representative had gone.

Logan watched her. They will be back he said quietly.

Rhea nodded. They will return with authority next time. And they will not bring a white banner.

Mira muttered. They want to lock you in a lab forever Logan. A royal artificer title is just a chain with polish on it.

Renn agreed. They do not want cooperation. They want ownership.

Logan set the Guardian Set back into the chest. We need to strengthen Brinn. Not just weapons. The entire outpost. They will test defenses. They will test resolve. We need to be ready.

Rhea crossed her arms. I am not afraid of a fight. But I am afraid of a fight we cannot win.

Logan looked around the outpost. The walls were still patched with rope. The gate creaked with each gust of wind. The barracks roof had holes. The training yard had broken targets. This place was held together with faith and stubbornness. But not strength.

He turned to Rhea. I want to see the full state of Brinn. Every weak point. Every repair you need.

Rhea blinked surprised. You want to do an inspection

Yes Logan said. If the Silver Courts want to threaten this place then we prepare to meet them.

Rhea hesitated then nodded firmly. Then follow me. You should know what you are trying to protect.

The tour revealed more damage than Logan expected. The inner walls had rotting planks that barely held up. Several watchtowers leaned dangerously. The northern corner had a hole large enough for a grown man to slip through. The armory was half empty and half broken. Shields cracked. Spears bent. Armor worn thin.

Logan felt a growing ache in his chest. These people stood guard every night with equipment that should have been discarded years ago.

Rhea finally spoke. This is the reality Logan. Before you came we were losing ground every month. Monsters. Raiders. Mercenaries. Storms. Sometimes I wondered if Brinn would last another year.

Logan placed his hand on a broken tower beam. Then we rebuild.

Rhea frowned. With what resources

Logan turned to her with calm certainty. With me.

Mira raised her eyebrows. Logan you want to fix an entire outpost That is more than weapons.

Logan nodded. I know. That is why the Guardian Set is only the start.

He began listing steps. Reinforced crossbows for every guard. Beastbone armor plates for the gate barracks defenders and patrol units. Strengthened wall supports using bone metal hybrids. Early warning systems with core sensors. And heat resistant shields for close combat.

Rhea stared at him with disbelief and something like hope. Logan this is more than what any blacksmith could offer.

Logan shrugged. Good thing I am not a blacksmith.

Renn coughed. But we cannot do this here. Not with the limited tools at Brinn. The Coalition facility can build all this.

Rhea froze. The Coalition. Logan would you bring Brinn under their protection

Logan considered the idea. Maybe. But their influence spreads slowly. And Brinn is far from the trade roads. It will take time.

Mira leaned closer. Time we may not have. The Silver Courts could strike within days.

Logan nodded. Then we start with what we can build right now.

They headed back to the wagon. Logan opened the Guardian chest and lifted the short blade. He studied it then placed it into Rhea’s hand.

Captain. This is yours.

Rhea stared at it like it was a relic of a forgotten age. Logan I cannot accept this. This belongs to your production line.

Logan shook his head. You are the first person I trust in this world. And Brinn is the first place that sheltered me. You take this. It belongs here.

Rhea swallowed hard. Then she whispered. I will guard it with my life.

Logan nodded. And I will guard you.

Before the moment settled a scout shouted from the wall. Movement on the northeast plain

Everyone rushed to the gate. A lone rider approached waving a torn cloth. He looked exhausted. His horse stumbled as he reached the gate.

Rhea called out. Identify yourself

The rider gasped. Coalition messenger Please Brinn is in danger

Logan rushed forward. What happened

The messenger pointed behind him. The Silver Courts They split forces One group came here but another went after the Coalition compound They think Logan is still there

Mira’s blood went cold. They attacked the Coalition

The messenger nodded. They brought mages siege constructs and elite riders The Coalition is holding but they need you They need Logan Mercer

Renn whispered. They want to burn the workshop They want your designs They want everything you built

Logan clenched his fist. They think they can take my forge by force

Rhea grabbed his arm. Logan if you go back you walk into a war

Logan met her eyes. I know.

Renn stammered. The Coalition compound is strong but not strong enough to hold off a full Silver Courts assault

Mira took a step forward. Logan if you go we go

Rhea shook her head. Logan your decisions start shaping the realm already. You cannot let them take your forge or your team. But Brinn needs you too.

Logan exhaled deeply. The weight of two worlds pressed on him.

Rhea said quietly. Choose Logan. Protect your new forge or protect the outpost that saved you.

Logan closed his eyes for a moment. The Guardian Set reflected sunlight on the ground. People waited. The realm held its breath.

Then he opened his eyes with resolve.

I am going back to the Coalition compound. If the Silver Courts want my forge they have to fight me for it.

Mira nodded immediately. Then we ride.

Renn looked terrified but stepped forward. I am coming too.

Rhea stood still then slowly placed a hand on Logan’s shoulder. Promise me you return.

Logan answered softly. I will.

As he mounted the Coalition beast and the caravan prepared to turn back west Logan looked once more at Brinn.

These people needed him. But so did the future he was building.

He whispered. I will protect both. One way or another.