The flames of the forge roared like a dragon's breath, bathing the interior of Kaijin's new workshop in a fiery glow. Enchanted metals shimmered, runes pulsed with life, and the clang of the dwarf's hammer rang with purpose. For days he toiled without rest working by firelight, sweat pouring from his brow as he poured his soul into every strike.
Now, his masterpieces were complete.
Riser stood at the threshold of the forge alongside his peerage Thalia, Artoria, and Merlin his golden eyes alight with wonder.
Kaijin stepped forward, wiping soot from his beard with pride. "They're finished," he said, his voice grave and triumphant. "Weapons worthy of killing gods, kings and anything willing challenge you."
He unveiled the first.
A long spear rested in his hands sleek and Blue, with veins of lightning etched runes dancing down its shaft. The blade at its tip glowed faintly with divine static, crackling even in still air.
"Astrapí," Kaijin said. "Forged with sky iron gathered from Olympus itself. This spear will resonate with Thalia's divine heritage and awaken the storm within her."
Thalia stepped forward, reverently taking the weapon. As soon as her hands gripped it, lightning crackled down her arms. Her hair flared with power, and the ground beneath her feet trembled.
"Let's give it a try," she grinned.
They stepped into the training field outside. With a mighty cry, Thalia thrust Astrapí into the sky summoning a flash of thunder that cracked the clouds overhead. The air hissed and shimmered.
Kaijin nodded. "She'll be able to summon storms, ride lightning, and pierce even divine defenses."
Next came Artoria's blade.
Excalibur Morgan lay upon a dark silk cloth its black steel surface gleaming with eerie light. Violet mist flowed off the blade in wisps, and the weapon hummed with dormant malice.
"This," Kaijin said, "is the reflection of who she has become. A noble knight reborn in darkness. Her past is behind her. This is her crown."
Artoria approached slowly, her fingers trembling as she touched the hilt. The blade pulsed once, and her aura expanded with power.
She swung it once.
A wave of dark energy exploded forward, ripping through enchanted steel targets and dissolving them into dust.
The forge workers cheered.
"I never thought I'd wield something that felt like me," she said softly. "Thank you, Riser."
Riser only smiled. "Your power will lead my armies."
Now it was Riser's turn.
Kaijin motioned for several workers to assist. A massive weapon was revealed golden edged and adorned with fire runes, its presence oppressive and glorious.
"Rita Ignis Regum," Kaijin declared. "Based on the Divine Axe Rita, modified for your flame affinity. It will grow stronger the brighter your fire burns."
Riser stepped forward and placed both hands on the weapon's hilt. Immediately, golden flames erupted around him. The weight of the axe was tremendous more than any ten men could lift but he held it aloft for a moment before his knees gave out.
"Still too young," Kaijin grunted. "But one day, when your flames truly awaken everyone will tremble to your might."
Riser breathed heavily, looking up at the weapon in awe. "It's beautiful something that will have my opponents trembling in fear."
Merlin stepped forward next, arms crossed with a smirk.
"And what about me?" she teased. "I did ask for something stylish and sparkly."
Kaijin grunted and produced a staff made of deep blue crystal and silver. Its head resembled a crescent moon adorned with floating gems that shifted with magical gravity.
"This is Arcanum Astra," Kaijin said. "A conduit for high level spellcraft. With this, you'll rewrite the laws of magic themselves maybe even the universe."
Merlin took it and immediately channeled a small spell turning a nearby stone into a swarm of butterflies. She giggled.
"Perfect," she purred. "I might kiss you're cheek, dwarf."
Kaijin turned beet red and marched away, grumbling.
Back at the Phoenix estate, Riser stood before his family with his peerage and their new weapons.
Lord Phoenix observed each weapon with awe and concern. "Kaijin has outdone himself. These aren't just weapons they're artifacts. Relics of an age not yet written."
Lady Phoenix nodded, especially focused on Artoria's grace and Thalia's presence. "You've recruited beings of immense power. You are creating something truly special, my son."
Ravel ran up to hug her brother, then paused in awe as she saw Rita Ignis Regum.
"You're going to be the strongest Devil ever," she said, eyes wide. "Even stronger than the Satans Big Brother!"
Riser laughed. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves just yet, i'm not even in my prime."
In the days that followed, news spread across the Underworld.
Rumors of Riser Phoenix's weapons crafted for a demigod, a Pendragon knight, a grand witch, and himself reached every noble family. The elders of the underworld whispered of a coming age of fire.
Among the Four Satans, murmurs of a "new super devil will soon arrive" arose.
Sirzechs Lucifer himself smiled upon hearing of Riser's progress.
"What a Interesting little guy, he may indeed one day rival us."
From Olympus, Zeus observed his daughter wielding a weapon worthy of his own arsenal. Though his pride bristled, a sense of peace came over him.
"Remember She has chosen her path, And I as god king, but a father shall watch where it leads."
Far away in the estate of the Pendragons, the Pendragon family looked on with anger and impotence. But they could do nothing. Their once weapon of a daughter had found a new King to follow and her sword now cut in his name.
The forge's fire had ignited more than weapons it had sparked a revolution.
And Riser Phoenix stood at its center, ready to rise above all.