Chapter 30 — The Forge of Iron and Blood

The royal blacksmith was tucked deep within the castle walls, a furnace roaring bright enough to dye the stone in shades of gold and red. By now, everyone in Noctis knew who Kai was—the human boy, the Vampire Slayer. But he wasn’t here to bask in reputation. He was here to work.

Not wanting to wait for anyone to forge his ninjatō, Kai preferred to craft it himself, along with his attire.

As he entered the forge, the rhythmic clang, clang, clang of a hammer against steel filled the chamber. A figure stood by the anvil, hammering with a strength that echoed through the hall. Kai called out:

“Hey—mind if I work on something in here?”

The figure stopped, wiping sweat from his forehead. Kai blinked. A vampire doesn’t sweat… Which meant this wasn’t a vampire at all.

A dwarf? What’s a dwarf doing in Noctis? Other races rarely got along with vampires, but Kai didn’t pry.

The old dwarf stood firm, his short frame radiating a presence that dwarfed the room. “Boy, you’ve got balls, walking into my forge and demanding to use it. I’ll give you that.”

“My apologies,” Kai said with a slight bow. “I didn’t mean to demand anything. I merely request permission to craft my attire and weapons.”

“Oh? So you do know how to speak with respect.”

“Only to those who deserve it,” Kai shot back calmly. “I may be a novice, but I craft my own weapons and attire with pride.”

The dwarf squinted. “So you crafted those weapons? And that attire you’re wearing?”

“The weapons, yes. The attire, no—my grandfather made this mithral armor. We’re not related by blood, but he raised me like family.”

The dwarf’s eyes widened. “And his name?”

“Ray. Ray Ironheart.”

The old dwarf broke into a rare smile. “That brat… he became a great blacksmith after all.”

Kai tilted his head. “You knew him?”

“Knew him? Hah! I trained him. That boy was my apprentice.” The dwarf’s voice was tinged with pride.

Kai smiled faintly. “Then if you were Ray’s master, I’ll take your word as law. May I?”

The dwarf chuckled, shaking his head. “If Ray taught you, then I suppose you’ve earned it. The forge is yours.”

“Thank you.”

Kai set down his book of metallurgy, flipping it open as he began to sketch and plan.

“Hey, brat,” the dwarf called, picking up one of Kai’s older blades. “Did you craft this yourself?”

“Yes.”

“This is a strange blade. Looks fragile, but it’s sturdy and sharp.”

Kai explained his process—how he had studied ancient tomes, experimented with techniques most humans never dared, and blended practicality with creativity.

The dwarf listened, then laughed. “You’re just like Ray when he first started. Stubborn, reckless, but talented.”

Kai smirked, then began his work.

For seven days, Kai forged without rest. He worked on everything:

A new ninjatō, sharper, lighter, reinforced with adamantine dust so it could withstand his Black Light.Shuriken and kunai, balanced for perfect throws.His new attire, black with subtle dark blue accents—stitched with mithral and adamantine threads, reinforced not by magic but by sheer craftsmanship.A hood and mask, fitted to hide his features but allow fluid movement.Metal forearm guards, etched with careful detail.Fingerless gloves, durable but light.Silent boots, designed for speed and stealth.

Every stitch, every fold, every blade was deliberate. On his shoulder he stitched a small insignia—a wolf, carved also into the handle of his ninjatō, painted blue. A symbol only he understood.

The dwarf—whose name was Brom Steelvein, master of Ray Ironheart—watched with pride.

Meanwhile, in her office, Selene faced her father.

“My daughter,” Marius said softly, “you look just like your mother.”

Selene’s crimson eyes narrowed. “Why are you here, Father? Now that I’m queen, now you decide to speak to me?” Her voice cracked, tears threatening to fall. “You neglected me all my life, never stood for me. Why now?”

Marius lowered his head. “I know I failed you. But I came not only to apologize… I want to serve as your advisor. To stand by you, this time.”

“Oh, would you now?” Selene’s voice was bitter. “Fine. I’ll think about it. Now leave.”

Marius hesitated, then bowed and exited. Selene turned away, wiping her tears, before heading to her chambers. She hoped Kai would be there. But the room was empty.

She lay down on the bed, whispering into the silence. “I wish you were here, Kai… oh, where are you?”

Kai was still at the forge, putting the final touches on his new gear. His ninjatō gleamed under the firelight, fitted with a dragon-bone handle Brom had given him. When he was finished, exhaustion overtook him.

Seven days later, Kai collapsed onto his bed, finally done. Selene found him there, fast asleep.

She stood silently, watching him breathe, then lay down beside him. For the first time in days, a smile touched her lips.