New Pieces

After several minutes they approached the heart of Asgard's forges. The grand structure of Asgard's armory loomed before them. It was an imposing building crafted from dark stone and reinforced with runes. Right beside it stood the blacksmith's building, its tall chimneys still belching thick plumes of smoke into the sky and they can smell the scent of molten metal and burning coal heavy.

As they drew closer, the group could see the blacksmiths and dwarves hard at work on their anvils. The sound of hammers striking metal rang out in a steady rhythm. When the blacksmiths and dwarves noticed the approaching group, they paused and turning to scrutinize the trio with skeptical eyes.

Erik, Mia, and Liam felt the weight of their stares but said nothing. These artisans were some of the finest in all the realms and it was clear they were not easily impressed by them for now. They just human, and moreover they just kids.

Yet, despite their obvious skepticism none of them dared question the trio because they were chosen by Thor himself.

Bjorn stepped forward, addressing the gathered blacksmiths and dwarves with a nod of respect. "We've come for their weapons and armor."

The lead blacksmith, a burly dwarf with a beard as red as molten iron, stepped forward. His sharp eyes studied the trio for a moment before he turned and gestured for them to follow.

"This way," he grunted, his voice deep and rough.

The trio followed him into the armory where racks upon racks of weapons and armor lined the walls. Each piece finely crafted. The room was filled with the faint hum of enchantments, a subtle sign of the power imbued into each item.

As they reached the center of the room the blacksmiths and dwarves began to present their work. The armor they offered was unlike anything the trio had seen before, lightweight yet incredibly strong. Runes were etched into every piece, their patterns intricate and almost mesmerizing. Bjorn helped each of them don the armor, securing it with practiced hands.

Erik flexed his arms, testing the fit. Despite its lightness the armor felt solid, almost like his second skin. Mia ran her fingers over the runes on her gauntlets, feeling a subtle pulse of energy beneath the surface. Liam adjusted the straps on his chest piece, marveling at how perfectly it fit.

"This is freaking awesome, man. Maybe I'll actually become a hero now," Liam said, a wide grin spreading across his face.

Erik looked at him and gave a wry smile. "You remember how you were complaining about how tough and annoying this job was?"

"Hey, that was a few days ago. I'm a new person now."

Mia flexed her fingers and tried writing something in the air. As she channeled her Aether into her gauntlets, she felt she could now write runes much faster and easier

"Yeah," Mia nodded, satisfied. "This piece of armor is great."

The blacksmiths watching them exchanged glances, their faces beaming with pride.

The lead dwarf grunted in approval as he stepped back to observe them.

"That armor will serve you well. Strong enough to withstand the claws of a dragon, light enough to let you move as if you were wearing nothing at all."

Then, with a nod to his fellow dwarves the lead blacksmith gestured to a covered table at the far end of the room. With a flourish, the cloth was removed revealing three gleaming weapons.

The trio's eyes widened as they saw their weapons— the Bǫltr —resting on the table. The shotguns had been transformed, their sleek Midgard design enhanced by the craftsmanship of Asgard's finest. The barrels were engraved with glowing runes, and the metal gleamed with a strange golden sheen.

Erik stepped forward first, his hand reaching out to grasp the weapon.

Mia and Liam followed suit, each taking hold of their own Bǫltr. They could feel the weight of the weapon in their hands but it was a reassuring weight. This is the power they now wielded. The magic shotgun.

"We've combined the Midgard's weaponry and Asgard in these. They're deadlier than what you've used before. And with the runes we've imbued, they'll cut through the forces of darkness like a hot knife through butter. Though, I still prefer sword and spears," the lead dwarf said while shrugging his shoulder.

The weapon and armor they received is truly amazing. However, Erik held the *Bǫltr* in his hands, he could feel a subtle tremor coursing through his body.

His gaze lingered on the runes etched into the metal that glow and pulsating faintly. But even with this powerful weapon in his grasp the uncertainty gnawed at him.

"What are we really up against? I don't know."

The words echoed in his mind. The unknown loomed ahead of them. Erik knew they were stepping into something far beyond their understanding. And no matter how strong or well-armed they were the thought of what awaited them sent a chill down his spine.

Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder. Erik looked up to see Liam standing beside him with his calm expression. Liam's eyes met Erik's with understanding look as if he could sense the turmoil within his friend.

"It's going to be alright, bro," Liam said, his voice filled with a confidence that Erik desperately needed. A small smile tugged at the corners of Liam's lips. But Erik could also see the flicker of uncertainty in his friend's eyes. It was clear that Liam was grappling with his own fears but he was doing his best to keep them away.

Erik swallowed and nodding in response. Liam's words brought a little bit of comfort in him.

"We're in this together, just like always, don't we?" Mia said, her voice gentle yet firm. "We've got each other's backs."

Another word from his friend brought Erik the relief he desperately needed.

He took a deep breath, feeling some of the tension in his chest begin to ease. Erik managed a small smile, the anxiety still present but no longer overwhelming.

"Yeah," he said, his voice steadier now.

"If you're ready, we can leave now," Bjorn said, bringing their focus back to the tasks at hand.

The trio nodded, then followed Bjorn out of the blacksmith's building.

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