Crowning achievement

Rothwind let the weight of his past achievements linger for a little longer, savouring the shocked looks on Alex's and Mira's faces.

His grin broadened, clearly enjoying the mystique he had built up around himself.

But just as quickly as it appeared, the serious, almost ancient aura around him dissipated, replaced with his familiar, jovial demeanour.

"Ah, but enough of that."

Rothwind spoke, waving his hand dismissively. "No need to go paintin' me as some sort of mysterious figure. I'm just a humble smith who's been around for a few centuries longer than everyone else, that's all."

He chuckled heartily, shaking his head as if brushing off the gravity of his earlier statements.

"However…"

But his voice lowered just slightly, and his eyes gleamed with interred.

"I have to admit, I've never quite achieved a feat as death defyin' as killin' a King class beast like you young'uns have."