The ridge still smoldered when Leonidas stepped into the heart of the smelters. The furnaces coughed weakly, their glow dulled now that the bellows had been cut. The air reeked of smoke and sweat, but beneath it a different scent clung—something sharp, metallic, alive.
The overlay pulsed: [Bonus Objective Discovered: Forgeheart] [Investigate the smelters to claim reward.]
Theron and Kyros flanked him as he climbed the last stair into the forge hall. The place was carved into the mountain itself, walls blackened with soot, iron tools hanging like trophies. In the center burned a furnace unlike the others, its coals glowing pale blue instead of red. Lyra pushed past the guards who had surrendered, her eyes wide. "That's not charcoal," she whispered. "That's… something else." Phokas frowned, tapping the stone around the furnace. "Ore richer than I've ever seen. It sings hotter, cleaner. The mountain's heart."
The overlay confirmed: [Forgeheart Vein Discovered – Mythic Resource] Effect: Weapons and armor forged here gain +25% durability and +20% penetration. Special chance to unlock unique item traits.]
Leonidas felt the weight of it. A gift, but also a burden. Such a forge would draw eyes, not just from Sparta, but from every rival who watched the skies for signs of strength. Kyros whistled. "With this, we could carve through even Evelyne's knights." Lyra's hands trembled as she touched the blue-lit furnace. "Give me time, and I'll make spears that pierce gods."
Leonidas raised his spear and planted it into the earth before the glowing forge. "This is ours now. Not Sparta's. Not the council's. Ours." The system responded immediately: [Forgeheart Claimed – Faction Upgrade Activated.] [Weapons of the Iron Cohort will now carry +25% durability and +20% armor penetration.] [Artisan Synergy Bonus: Lyra – Weaponsmith | Phokas – Blacksmith | Combined Output Efficiency: 35% higher.]
The veterans roared their approval, shields hammering against shields. Even the recruits shouted, pride sparking in their voices. But Leonidas's overlay flickered with warning: [Council Awareness Increased: +15%. Hostility 91%]. He clenched his jaw. Another reason for the council to sharpen their knives.
By morning the forge-town lay in Spartan hands. Defenders who had not fled were disarmed and gathered in the central square. Their leader, a thick-armed forge master named Brontes, stepped forward. His face was set in iron, pride unbroken even in defeat. "You've taken our fire," he growled. "But you won't hold it. This forge has burned longer than your line has walked. The mountain itself will spit you out."
Leonidas looked him in the eye, then at the men and women standing behind him—miners, smiths, children smeared with soot. He spoke loud enough for all to hear. "I do not come to snuff your fire. I come to make it burn brighter. Fight me, and your children starve. Stand with me, and their bellies will be full, their blades sharper than any in the world. The council would take your pride and grind it to dust. I will give it purpose."
The overlay shimmered: [Recruitment Potential: High – Artisan Class. Loyalty: 42% (Skeptical).] Brontes studied him for a long moment. Then, slowly, he bowed his head. "Feed my people. Guard them as you guard your soldiers. Do this, and the fire will be yours." Leonidas extended his hand. "Done."
That evening, as the Cohort celebrated with bread and wine among the slag heaps, Leonidas sat apart with his captains. Theron traced the map again. "We've grown stronger, but the council will not ignore this. You humiliated them in Sparta, now you've claimed a forge they've coveted for years." Doros spat into the fire. "Let them choke on their jealousy." Eryx shook his head. "They won't choke. They'll bite."
The overlay agreed: [Council Hostility: 91% – Critical. Direct retaliation likely within 12 months.] Leonidas leaned back, eyes on the Forgeheart's glow. His wall had grown taller, stronger. But walls invited siege. "Then let them bite," he murmured. "Iron doesn't bend."