Hunter Academy: Revenge of the Weakest novel Chapter 159

Chapter 159 Chapter 36.1 - The Forge

BOOM! CLANK! CLANK!

Amidst the cacophony of explosions and the oppressive heat that permeated the air, the sharp and rhythmic sounds of metal clashing echoed through the volcanic cavern.

The dungeon, filled with the fiery glow of molten lava and the acrid scent of smoke, provided a surreal backdrop to the intense 'battle' that unfolded.

In the midst of the 'chaos,' a colossal being stood tall, almost reaching three meters in height.

Its massive form, bathed in the crimson glow of the lava, exuded an aura of raw power. Long, twisted horns adorned its head, and a flowing beard of the same fiery tone cascaded down its chest.

Its mustache was curly as if to compliment the beard, the tips being burned from the scorching heat.

The being's eyes glowed with an otherworldly intensity, reflecting the heat and violence that surrounded it.

CLANK!

With the arm holding the hammer raised and hitting the metal once more, sparks flew into the environment, creating a display of art.

"Hmm?"

Just as the tensed arm with huge muscles was raised once more, suddenly, the figure came to abrupt with a deep hum.

"I sense a presence."

A deep voice filled with experience and pride echoed in the workshop, voicing the thoughts of the huge figure.

"A thin, but a presence nonetheless."

BOOM! CLANK!

The rhythmic clashing of metal ceased as the colossal being slowly lowered its hammer, allowing the vibrations in the air to settle. The cavern seemed to hold its breath, awaiting the next words from the enigmatic blacksmith.

The figure turned back, its glowing eyes piercing through the smoky atmosphere. The workshop, bathed in the eerie glow of molten lava, revealed the intricate details of the being's crimson beard and twisted horns.

"It has been a while since someone has ventured to this secluded place, away from anyone's watchful eyes. Here I thought, I had hidden my traces well."

The words resonated in the cavern, spoken in a slightly cryptic tone. The blacksmith's gaze shifted towards the entrance as if peering into the shadows where the presence had been detected.

"Coming into the place away from the eyes of many…..the land hidden in the heart of the volcano, only stepped by a few….What brings you here, oh the lost soul?"

The shadows at the entrance remained still, and for a moment, the cavern seemed to hold its breath.

"Haaaah..."

Then, with a voice filled with ancient wisdom, the blacksmith continued after sighing tiredly.

"To think this old man here would see such a young'un in this place…..The fate is indeed different. Though, young'un, the fire in your heart is like an open book to my eyes. I see the weight of your footsteps, the whispers of your intentions. You carry a story, one etched in the fabric of your very soul."

The figure's words resonated as if the blacksmith could perceive something nobody else could as if its glowing red eyes contained a pearl of different wisdom.

"….It is indeed hard to escape from the eyes of a being like you…"

In the heart of the volcanic cavern, where the molten glow painted the surroundings in shades of red and orange, a sudden movement stirred in the shadows. From the concealed darkness, a presence made itself known—a young man, his purple eyes shining with an intensity that mirrored the glow of the lava.

His silhouette emerged, revealing a demeanor that carried both determination and uncertainty.

The young man stepped forward, acknowledging the ancient blacksmith with a nod. His expressionless face showed as if he expected to be revealed.

"To think a young'un like you were able to come all the way from the entrance, I guess my senses had become dull."

The figure's eyes fetched into the very being of the unknown visitor, his senses squinting the strength of the young man.

"Something...I can sense something from you."

The young man stood there without saying anything as the huge figure looked at him. Even in the presence of such an intimidating figure, he seemed rather relaxed, as if he was sure he was safe.

"I see…."

He grabbed his beard, caressing it as if he finally understood.

"To think I can sense the presence of the eldest one inside…..Now, everything makes sense."

From the eyes of the figure, the small shadows were fluctuating over the young man, and it was a familiar presence.

However, at that second, as if his interest was diminished, the blacksmith turned back to his forge, dismissing the young man as if his presence was inconsequential.

"It doesn't matter who you are or who you carry within. I don't wish to be bothered," the figure declared in a deep, resonant voice.

CLANK! CLANK!

The rhythmic clanging of metal resumed, signaling the blacksmith's return to his craft. The young man, now acknowledged and dismissed, was left standing in the flickering glow of the volcanic cavern, pondering the mysteries that surrounded both the ancient blacksmith and the presence within him.

However, the young man remained undeterred, as if he knew this would happen as well. He stepped forward, his voice cutting through the rhythmic clanging of metal.

"How long are you going to run away?" he asked, his face unchanged.

The blacksmith continued working, ignoring the question as if the words were carried away by the billowing smoke of the forge.

CLANK! CLANK!