23 Chapter 16

Chapter 23: Forge of Power

Odin's sleep that night was not consumed by visions of battles and darkness but rather by memories of another world, another time. As he drifted through the realms of dreams, he found himself revisiting the days he had spent alongside Mei and Kiana, fighting the relentless Honkai infestation in that distant universe. Their friendship had been brief but profound, formed in the crucible of trust and grueling battles against the enemies of humanity.

In his dream, Odin relived the moments when they had stood together, united in purpose, their weapons cutting through the darkness. Mei's agile movements and Kiana's fierce determination had left an indelible mark on his heart. Together, they had been like a dying star, burning brilliantly and briefly, their light outshining the vast expanse of the cosmos.

But the harsh reality of life was that such brilliant stars often burned out too soon, leaving only memories in their wake. As the dream began to fade, Odin felt a deep sense of loss, as though he had glimpsed a universe of possibilities that would forever remain unrealized.

With a heavy sigh, Odin awoke to the gentle hum of his ship's systems. The warmth of the dream still lingered in his heart, a testament to the enduring impact of those memories. Mei and Kiana were gone, their universe a distant speck in the cosmic expanse, but the lessons he had learned from them would forever guide his path.

Freya's presence gently permeated Odin's consciousness as he opened his eyes to the Last City's radiant morning. She was ready for the day's agenda, and her digital voice conveyed a sense of purpose.

"Good morning, Odin. Our plans for today include several objectives. We'll pick up your new Hand Cannons from Banshee-44, accept bounties that are available in the Cosmodrome, field-test your new weapons, explore uncharted areas around the Cosmodrome, and, of course, continue strengthening our Guardian abilities."

Odin nodded in agreement, fully awake now and eager to embark on the day's tasks. His new Hand Cannons were a source of anticipation, and he could hardly wait to wield them in battle.

The journey to the Tower's Hangar was brisk, and the duo soon arrived at Banshee-44's workshop. The Exo Gunsmith was waiting, and he greeted Odin with a nod of approval. The anticipation was palpable as Banshee-44 opened a large, heavy-duty weapons case, revealing the two Hand Cannons within.

The first Hand Cannon was a testament to their earlier discussion. It was Vanta Black with sleek silver accents, exuding an aura of refined lethality. Banshee-44's voice rumbled with pride as he explained its craftsmanship. "This one here, Guardian, was built using your Omertosa as a base. It now boasts greater range, impact, and an expanded magazine. Its Solar-infused rounds will incinerate your foes."

Odin took the Vanta Black Hand Cannon into his gloved hand, testing its heft and admiring the craftsmanship. He had already decided on a name for it—Virtuosa, a tribute to its exceptional capabilities.

The second Hand Cannon was equally stunning, gleaming with silvery white and gold accents. Like its twin, it was a masterpiece of engineering. Banshee-44 continued his explanation, "This one shares its sister's capabilities but fires heavy-duty penetrating kinetic rounds. It's designed to punch through the toughest armor you might encounter. Think of it as your 'Hammer of Justice.'"

Odin accepted the Silvery White Hand Cannon, admiring its elegant design and powerful construction. He chose the name "iL' Virtuosa" for the Vanta Black Hand Cannon and "iL' Carnifex" for the Silvery White one, aptly named for their extreme capabilities in what they were made for—death-dealing.

[Hand Cannon Images]

With gratitude in his heart, Odin thanked Banshee-44 for his exceptional work. The Exo Gunsmith inclined his head, acknowledging Odin's appreciation. "May those Hand Cannons serve you well, Guardian."

After the exchange of gratitude, Banshee-44 reached into his workbench and retrieved the gauntlets that Odin had brought to him earlier. The gauntlets were a testament to his resourcefulness and craftsmanship. Though they still bore traces of the Hive's taint in wispy shadows emanating from their clawed fingertips, they were a formidable piece of armor.

Inspecting the gauntlets, Odin noted the dark steel-like vambraces that covered the forearms until just below the elbow, armored handguards that offered protection, and sleek yet formidable shoulder guards. The clawed fingertips, though tainted, were extremely sharp, and wounds inflicted by them had some sort of necrotic effect. Odin had already decided on a name for this piece of gear—Shadowsong Gauntlets.

[Gauntlets Image]

Banshee-44 explained, "Guardian, these gauntlets may still bear the Hive's taint, but their craftsmanship is undeniable. If the clawed fingertips find their mark, you'll find your enemies weakened and wounded by the lingering darkness."

With the gauntlets now firmly secured on Odin's hands, he felt a sense of empowerment. This newfound gear, tainted as it was, held the potential for great strength.

Once again, Odin expressed his thanks to Banshee-44 for his hard work,