Vile Evil Hides Under The Veil



Baelin Stoneforge.

This was the illustrious name of the Grandmaster-ranked dwarf who presided over the smithy that Leon Longblade had entered.

Adorned with the kingdom's prestigious honor of Ironhand, Baelin was a master weaponsmith whose name resonated throughout the land of Anfang. Renowned for his unparalleled skill, unwavering dedication, and the legendary weapons he crafted, he was a sought-after figure among warriors far and wide.

Baelin, a sturdy and stout dwarf, stood just under five feet tall, his presence radiating strength and resilience. His face, weathered and etched with lines, bore the marks of countless hours spent in front of a blazing forge.

A beard, long and intricately braided with metal clasps, cascaded down his broad chest, a testament to his wisdom and experience. Piercing blue eyes sparkled with a combination of determination and a profound love for his craft.

While Baelin stood on the precipice of ascending to the esteemed Sage rank, he had not yet reached that pinnacle. His unwavering focus on his craft had led him to become an exceptional weaponsmith, but it also served as a hindrance on his path as a Ranker.

This habit of devoting himself entirely to his creations had become a roadblock preventing him from attaining the coveted Sage rank. However, Baelin held no qualms about his current rank. At a mere 250 years of age, despite his appearance suggesting otherwise, he believed he had ample time at his disposal. Content in his pursuits, he continued to immerse himself in ambitious weaponsmithing projects, driven by his passion and boundless creativity.

Balin's true mastery lay in the creation of legendary war axes. His unparalleled skill allowed him to infuse these weapons with a flawless balance of weight, razor-sharp edges, and an unrivaled strength capable of cleaving through the most resilient armor.

Baelin the Ironhand was renowned for his gruff demeanor and direct manner of speech. He was a no-nonsense individual, singularly devoted to his craft. Though he often appeared stern and focused, Balin possessed a deep respect for those who recognized and appreciated the artistry and power of his weapons.

He took immense pride in his creations, prioritizing quality over quantity, and sought to leave an indelible mark through his exceptional craftsmanship.

It was no coincidence that this legendary dwarf hailed from the noble House of Lancelot, for his lineage was intertwined with theirs. His maternal connection bore the prestigious Lancelot surname, further solidifying his position as the overseer of the grand weaponsmith castle nestled within the heart of the illustrious City of Lancelot.

Baelin, hailing from the esteemed City of Lancelot, had always been a figure of great interest among the Rankers, not only within Edinburgh but far beyond its borders.

Even before the war between Edinburgh and Layos, Baelin attracted numerous foreign customers, including Rankers from the Asikha Empire, who sought his custom weapon orders. They willingly paid a handsome price, well aware that they would receive exceptional weapons and invaluable support-type artifacts in return. Such was the reputation and acclaim bestowed upon Baelin.

While Baelin had long been renowned, his popularity soared to new heights in the past nine years, coinciding with the ongoing war. The conflict between Edinburgh and Layos persisted relentlessly, showing no signs of abating any time soon.

***

For those who had never experienced war in their lifetime, the state of war was often viewed as a single event with a distinct beginning and end. However, the reality was quite different. War had a defined starting point but lacked a definitive conclusion. It had the potential to endure for years, surpassing the limitations of time and defying resolution.

War encompassed countless skirmishes, both major and minor. It involved the conquest of territories and the triumph over the weak and vulnerable. It bred perpetual disputes, transforming lands into scenes of bloodshed, violence, and carnage. War entailed periods of famine, scarcity of resources, exploitation, corruption, and much more.

Yet, the war also served as a stage for the courageous to showcase their talents. To such heroes, war was an opportunity to demonstrate their camaraderie, bravery, loyalty, and undisputed individual and collective powers.

For exceptional Rankers, war became a whetstone upon which to sharpen their Individualities. Those who dared to face the ravages of war and harness their unique abilities often experienced breakthroughs in their ranking journeys, evolving and transforming themselves.

When a prolonged period of intense conflicts, such as a nine-year war, ensues, it comes as no surprise that the Rankers engaged in battle prioritize investing their wealth in their weapons above all else. This mindset, coupled with the prevailing state of war, further propelled the rise of Baelin's prominence.

He garnered weapon-crafting contracts even from a select few Sage-ranked individuals. One could say that business was thriving for Baelin as his significance and influence within Edinburgh reached unprecedented heights.

***

Today was no exception for Baelin, the renowned Grandmaster-ranked dwarf weaponsmith. Immersed in his work, he focused on crafting a specialized spiritual artifact for a prominent figure within the Edinburgh kingdom. His cluttered on-site smithy table displayed an assortment of tools and objects, with a sturdy mug of potent dwarven ale occupying a corner. Rather than intoxicating him, this brew served as a refreshing elixir, energizing Baelin during his working hours—or so he claimed.

Engrossed in his task, the dwarf meticulously examined a lengthy Smithscroll that detailed the intricacies of a specific weapon. His brows furrowed in occasional frustration and confusion as he delved into the written details spanning three meters in length and one meter in height. Yet, moments of enlightenment graced him, accompanied by widened eyes that revealed a newfound understanding of the concept weapon's design. Previous doubts dissolved as he comprehended the necessity of each preceding step.

The Smithscrolls contained a wealth of information, encompassing various aspects such as comparable weapons, dimensional specifications, runic intricacies, required elemental affinities, raw ingredients, suggested weapon crafting methods, and the delicate balance between raw power and nimble agility.

With the Smithscroll at hand, a skilled weaponsmith could envision the weapon's every minute detail. A master of the craft could even discern its potential power and ascertain its suitability for the Ranker who commissioned it.

Just as Baelin was about to conclude his study and partake in the eagerly awaited dwarven ale, a voice emerged from behind—Ravid, his humble apprentice, announcing the arrival of Leo Longblade, the chosen apprentice designated by the city administration.

"Teacher Balein, your student has arrived."