Forged in Harmony

Facility Event: Flames of Reflection

Episode 8

Forged in Harmony

Previous Quest

A Deadly Drill

Summary

Guided by the prince's shapeshifting, Rena learns a new way to infuse mana into weapons. With all three sisters having grown, they end up winning the Golden Anvil competition—but they vow to improve even more so they can compete with Lazry in all the tournaments to come.

Dialogue

Graaaorgh! Oh man, that's huge! Better make with the shapeshiftin', Euden! Dragon, I invoke thee! Oh my gosh... He really shapeshifted! Haaaah! Guraaghh... Looks like that's the last of them. Nice job, Euden! You're up now, Rena! Time to learn from Euden's example! So shapeshifting is my hint, is it? Wait, you figured his cryptic hint out ALREADY? That is soooo not fair! Yep! See, when the prince shapeshifted, the dragon's mana flowed through him. That is clearly connected to me honing my own ability to infuse weapons with mana. Well shoot, that's a heckuva home run! I can't believe you figured it out so quick! There's nothin' left for ol' Coach to teach you now. Good luck in the future, my pupils! You're hard-nosed vets with great work ethics who are gonna explode onto the scene and come together as a team! Woo! Thanks for everything, Coach! That guy was seriously out-there. Still, I can't help but love him. And thanks to him, we're gonna win the Golden Anvil for sure! Say, if you have a minute, might I ask you some questions about shapeshifting? Sure, although I should warn you that I'm not exactly an expert on mana. That's fine. I'm more interested in your mindset—and your feelings—when you're going through the process. My...mindset? For example, what is the most important thing for a successful shapeshift? Hmm... Probably my bond with the dragon. If I'm going to borrow its power, we need to speak with and understand one another. Hee hee! That is the PERFECT answer. Thank you, Euden. Really? I actually didn't think I was being all that helpful. I mean, you don't really speak to weapons, so I don't know how this relates to your particular industry. ...Ah! You just gave me an idea! ...So, uh, this is happening now, I guess. Yes... Yes, I see... I hear you loud and clear. Heh. It seems like she's talking to the weapon to find out what method of mana infusion will match the materials. Looks to me like she's just talkin' to herself. I suppose that's just like her, though. Aaaand finished! Ramona, if you would be so kind, please strike this sword as hard as you can with your hammer. Uh, ain't that gonna break it? Don't worry! I filled it full of the PERFECT mana for it! Okay, but don't come cryin' to me when I shatter this puppy. HYAAAAAAH! ...The hell? Forget crackin' it, I didn't even SCRATCH it! You've never strengthened a weapon that much before! Yaaaay, YOU! Then let's get busy and make us the strongest sword we've ever done! (Thank you, Arctos. And you, Euden. You helped me realize something important... I can overcome any limitation so long as my sisters are at my side!) Arise, O flame! Burn hot and hotter still! Burn with the fire of a thousand suns! (My dream has always been to become the greatest blacksmith ever... But for now, I just need to focus on the work in front of me. Because this time I spend smithing with my sisters is just as precious as my dream!) All right, the cooling is complete! Do your thing, Rena! (I understand now... Weapons have their own feelings... And they're also full of the feelings of their makers, Ramona and Renee. Leave it to me! I'll make those feelings shine all the brighter!) ...I hear you. I understand what you— what all of you—want to become. All right... Time to drink your mana! With the fiery heat of the furnace, the optimum method of cooling, and perfect finishing touches, the three sisters create a new sword that is nothing less than a masterpiece. And on the day of the Golden Anvil competition... I am pleased to announce the winners of this year's Golden Anvil! We truly had a stellar crop of entrants this year, and my job as judge was terrifically difficult... But our winner is... This sword, crafted by the three sisters of Regis's former workshop! Holy crap, that's US! We won! We wooooon! We certainly did! Congratulations! Aye, lassies, 'twas a fine job ye did. I've been beaten fair'n true, so I have. Your weapon was also amazing, Lazry. Honestly, we wouldn't be here now if your work didn't push us to get better. I'm always glad to help a fellow smith, even if it works out poorly for me. But ye better watch your backs, lassies, because now I see what you're made of... and I never lose twice! You're sweet, Lazry, but I'm afraid we're gonna win next year—and every year after that, until our house is crammed full of Golden Anvil trophies! So if you think you can beat us, bring it on. Aye, lass. That's a promise. And so, the blacksmith sisters were victorious in the Golden Anvil competition. Some time later...

The Halidom

Ramona, do you have a second? I'd like to request a new weapon. ...... Uh, Ramona? Oh! Heya, Euden! Sorry, I was just looking at our weapon from the Golden Anvil and gettin' lost in all the memories. You remember, don't you? Heh. How could I forget? It feels like we just made it yesterday. I sure hope Coach and Lazry are doing well! Aye, lass, I'm doin' just fine. Well, that's good to... Whoa, hold up! Lazry?! 'Tis a fine castle ye have here. Um, thanks? What brings you to it? Just droppin' off a wee challenge to the owners of this here shop. A challenge? You're not lookin' to go another round already, are you? Nay, lass! This be more of an...invitation, like. Reckon I should've led with that, heh. 'Tis the application form for next year's Golden Anvil. I've already submitted me own application, and I'm hopin' to see you there as well. Oh, you KNOW we'll be entering! We're going to give you nothing but our best, Lazry! And look out, buster, because I'm even MORE skilled than I was back then! Aye, lass, but I ain't been restin' on me laurels either, so consider this fair warnin'. Ta then, lassies. I'm lookin' forward to it! Well, whatever you end up entering, you know we have your backs. Thanks, bud. ...Well then, ladies? I think we better get busy. On three. Ready? One...two... Blacksmith sisters, goooo!