Gorrik stared at Ashura, his thick brows furrowing in disbelief. He let out a short, gruff laugh, shaking his head as if he had misheard.
"A scythe? You sure, lad?" The dwarf folded his arms, his tone shifting from amusement to something more serious. "That ain't exactly a conventional weapon for a warrior."
Ashura remained still, his gaze unwavering. "I'm sure."
The blacksmith huffed. "Scythes ain't made for combat, boy. They're meant for harvestin' crops, not takin' down opponents. A sword, a spear hell, even daggers would serve you better."
Valerie leaned against a nearby weapon rack, watching the exchange with mild amusement. She wasn't surprised by Ashura's choice. He was always unpredictable.
"But," Gorrik continued, rubbing his beard, "if a scythe's what ya want, ya better have a damn good reason."
Ashura closed his eyes for a brief moment, inhaling deeply before speaking. His voice was quiet but carried weight, each word deliberate.
"A sword cuts, swift and decisive. A spear pierces, driving forward with unrelenting force. An axe cleaves, crushing and breaking with raw power. But a scythe… a scythe reaps." His black-clear eyes met Gorrik's, sharp and unyielding.
"It is not a weapon of struggle but of inevitability, moving in a single motion to take all that stands before it. True strength is not about the loudest roar or the heaviest strike it is about certainty, patience, and unwavering resolve. The scythe does not clash or hesitate; it simply fulfills its purpose.
"When the storm rages, be the scythe. When doubt creeps in, stand firm. A scythe does not fear, nor does it question it reaps. Strength lies in commitment, in the ability to carve your path without hesitation. Those who waver are cut down, but those who move forward without fear will harvest their destiny.
"So I want to be relentless, I want to be patient, and when the moment comes, I shall swing without hesitation."
The forge fell silent.
Gorrik's expression shifted from one of skepticism to something far more intrigued. He studied Ashura for a long moment before letting out a deep, throaty chuckle.
"Tch. Damn brat got a way with words." He turned, waving them over. "Fine. Let's see what I got."
He led them deeper into the forge, past the polished swords and spears displayed for common buyers. The weapons here were different raw, powerful, crafted for those who truly understood the art of combat.
Stopping at a heavy chest, Gorrik unlocked it and pulled out a long, cloth-wrapped object. Dust scattered as he unraveled the fabric, revealing a dark, curved blade. The scythe's handle was long and reinforced with intricate metalwork, built sturdier than any farming tool. The blade itself gleamed, wickedly sharp, carrying an ominous presence.
"This here's a battle scythe," Gorrik said, handing it to Ashura. "Not many use these, so I don't make 'em often. It's a bit heavier than what you're probably used to, but if ya got the skill to wield it, you'll find it deadly."
Ashura grasped the weapon, testing its weight. It was heavier than expected, but that was fine. He adjusted his grip, feeling the balance. Something about it felt… right.
"Try a few swings," Gorrik instructed.
Ashura nodded and stepped back. He exhaled slowly and moved.
The blade cut through the air in smooth, fluid arcs. His motions weren't yet refined, but the potential was there. The way he shifted his weight, the way his hands adjusted their grip he was already adapting.
Valerie raised an eyebrow. "Not bad."
Gorrik grunted. "Hmph. Kid's a natural."
Ashura stopped and looked at the dwarf. "How much?"
The blacksmith smirked. "For a little brat like you? Hah, I should charge ya double for the trouble!" He scratched his beard before sighing. "But since I'm curious to see how ya use it, I'll give it to ya for a fair price."
The deal was struck, and Ashura left the forge with his new weapon strapped to his back. As they stepped onto the bustling streets of Terraverde, Valerie glanced at him.
"A scythe, huh? You really are something else, Ashura."
Ashura looked down at his hand, gripping the handle tightly. He didn't know why, but something told him… this was only the beginning.
To be Continued