Forging the second fragment proved more difficult.
The metal resisted shaping more aggressively this time, as though aware of the hammer's intention.
Kendo adjusted his approach, striking with patience instead of force.
Rollo observed the process, unease creeping into his expression.
"You're different," he said quietly.
"How?"
"You don't hesitate anymore."
Kendo did not answer.
By afternoon, he had completed two upgraded blades and reinforced the spine of a third.
Word spread quickly after another patrol used one of his weapons to dispatch an E-tier lizard near the riverbank with unusual ease.
Hunters began visiting the forge again.
Not many.
But enough.
One of them leaned across the counter and lowered his voice. "Guild's asking questions."
"About what?"
"Your steel."
Kendo kept his expression neutral. "It's improved."
"Too improved."
The hunter straightened and left without purchasing anything.
Rollo stepped beside him once the door closed. "You said you wanted to fix your steel. You didn't say you wanted to challenge the guild."
"I'm not challenging anyone."
"It won't matter if they think you are."
Kendo looked at the newly forged blades resting on the rack.
They felt like stepping stones.
Incomplete.
Temporary.
The second fragment had yielded more metal than the first.
Enough for something larger.
Something bolder.
He imagined a full-length sword forged entirely from the ancient ore.
Not reinforced.
Not blended.
Pure.
His pulse quickened.
He had never attempted anything that ambitious.
Rollo studied him carefully. "You're going back tonight, aren't you?"
"Yes."
Rollo exhaled slowly. "Then I'm coming."
Kendo shook his head. "No."
"You fell through the ground last time."
"And I survived."
"That's not the point."
Kendo's jaw tightened. "If the guild discovers it, they'll claim everything."
"And if whatever's down there isn't just ore?"
Kendo did not respond immediately.
He turned toward the northern ridge again.
Whatever was beneath the earth had given him steel that cut like elite weapons.
That was real.
Everything else was fear.