{DING}

{NAMED WEAPON ACQUIRED}

The system notification blazed across Akhil's vision, more prominent and detailed than usual weapon notifications.

{BLOOD FANG}

{Grade: Legendary}

{Battle Power: +70}

{Special Attribute: River Serpent Venom - All strikes carry paralytic poison. Effective against enemies up to Level 45.}

{Weapon Ability Unlocked: Crimson Cascade - Channel blood essence through the embedded cores to launch ranged cutting projectiles}

{Weapon Ability Unlocked: Fang Separation - Detach blade sections via internal chain mechanism for extended reach combat}

{Warning: Weapon is attuned to wielder's blood. Unauthorized users will suffer immediate poisoning}

{Compatibility: 98% - Weapon resonates strongly with wielder's abilities}

Akhil's eyes widened as he processed the information. Battle power of seventy was extraordinary—most advanced weapons granted twenty to thirty at best. And the compatibility rating...

He felt it immediately. The weapon responded to him—to his blood, his essence, his power. It wasn't rejection or resistance. It was... acknowledgment. Like the weapon had been waiting specifically for him. The glaive felt perfectly balanced in his hands, the weight distributed exactly right, as if it had been made for his body specifically.

The name "Blood Fang" seemed to pulse in his mind, appropriate for a weapon forged from a serpent and designed to work with blood manipulation.

"Thank you," Akhil said sincerely, looking at Jerry. "I know this wasn't easy. I know you risked a lot creating something this complex. Thank you for taking that risk."

Jerry's weathered face softened slightly. "Just don't die using it. Would be a waste of my best work."

Akhil turned to the others, the Blood Fang resting comfortably in his grip. "They still need weapons forged. I hope we're not stressing you too much with all these requests."

"Stress?" Jerry laughed—a deep, booming sound. "Boy, this is what we LIVE for! Do you know how boring it is forging the same swords and axes over and over? Standard designs, standard materials, standard everything?" He gestured enthusiastically at the Blood Fang. "But THIS? This was a challenge! Something intricate, unique, pushing the boundaries of what's possible? I haven't been this excited about a project in YEARS!"

"We still appreciate the hard work," Nyla said diplomatically.

"As you should!" Jerry agreed with a grin. "Now, what are the rest of you looking for? And please, PLEASE tell me at least one of you wants something interesting."

They began discussing weapon specifications—Nyla's dual blades with ice channeling, Aria's enhanced longsword. Jerry listened intently, already planning designs in his head, occasionally asking questions or suggesting modifications.

Akhil was about to follow the others as they moved deeper into the workshop when Jerry's voice stopped him.

"Hold on a moment."

Everyone paused, turning back.

Jerry's expression had shifted from enthusiastic craftsman to serious instructor. "There's one more thing I need to be sure of before you leave with that weapon."

"What's that?" Akhil asked.

"I need to see you fight with it."

The request hung in the air. Akhil blinked, processing.

"You want to see me use it? Now?"

"Now," Jerry confirmed. "I've told you how it works, explained the mechanisms and the dangers. But theory and practice are very different things. I need to see that you can actually handle it, that you understand how to move with it, that you won't immediately kill yourself the moment you swing it in actual combat."

"That makes sense," Akhil admitted. "I'd like to test it too, get a feel for the weight and balance. But..." He gestured to his companions. "The others don't have their weapons yet. I can't exactly ask them to spar with me when they're not properly equipped."

"Then we'll wait until—" Jerry started.

"You can test it with me."

Ryan's voice cut through the conversation like a blade—stern, serious, brooking no argument.

Everyone turned to stare at him.

Ryan stood with his arms crossed, that dangerous aura from earlier intensifying around him. His eyes were fixed on Akhil with an intensity that made several people take an unconscious step back.

"Ryan—" Akhil started.

"I don't need a weapon to spar with you," Ryan interrupted. His fists clenched, red energy beginning to flicker around them. "You want to test your new blade? Fine. Test it against me."

"Are you serious?" Seth asked, concern evident in his voice. "That thing is poisonous! One cut and—"

"I'll be fine," Ryan said flatly. "I can take it."

"No, you can't," Nyla argued. "Jerry just explained how toxic it is. Even a shallow cut could—"

"I. Said. I'll. Be. Fine." Each word was punctuated, definitive.

The workshop had gone quiet. Even the other dwarven smiths had paused in their work, sensing the tension in the air.

Akhil studied his friend carefully. This wasn't just about testing a weapon. There was something else here—something in Ryan's posture, his tone, his barely restrained intensity.

'He wants to see how strong I've become,' Akhil realized. 'And maybe... test how strong he's become too.'

The changes from two days of hunting had affected them all. But Ryan's transformation seemed the most dramatic—that compressed power, that titan-like aura. Maybe he needed to know what he could do now. Needed to measure himself against someone he respected.

Jerry looked between them, then at the Blood Fang, then back at Ryan's determined expression.

"Well," the dwarf said slowly. "I did say I wanted to see it tested."

Akhil's hand tightened on the weapon's handle. The blades seemed to pulse with anticipation, the system notification still lingering at the edge of his vision. Battle Power +70. He could feel it—the raw potential waiting to be unleashed.

A proper fight. A real test. Not against mindless beasts, but against a skilled warrior who wouldn't hold back.

"Alright," Akhil said quietly. "If you're sure."

Ryan's expression didn't change. "I'm sure."

The air in the workshop grew heavy with anticipation.

Everyone stood frozen, shocked by the sudden challenge, uncertain what would happen next.

And in the silence, the only sound was the steady pulse of the Blood Fang's cores, beating like a second heartbeat.

Waiting to be unleashed.

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