Above them, Mount Olympus loomed closer, its t peaks shrouded in swirling clouds. Skuld held tightly to Helios’ arm, her knuckles white. “Are you sure this thing is safe?” she asked, her voice a mix of wonder and unease as the cloud gently soared through the skies.

  Helios smirked, his grip steady on Aqua’s Keybde armor, still ed securely in a b. “Zeus doesn’t strike me as the type to hand out faulty rides. Rex we’ll be fine.”

  The cloud tis smooth ast, guided by golden light. Soon, the dense mist of the clouds gave way to a massive open space. A sprawling pteau rested high above the mountain peaks, glowing faintly under aernal twilight sky. At its ter stood a grand fe carved into the mountais architecture a yet alive with energy. Rivers of molteal glowed bright e, their heat palpable even from a dista anvils and colossal hammers were scattered throughout the area, moving autonomously as if trolled by unseen hands.

  Skuld’s eyes wide the sight. “This is incredible. Is that… Hephaestus’ Fe?”

  Helios nodded, stepping off the cloud as it gently came to a halt he entrahis is where the gods craft their tools. And now, it’s our turn.”

  As they approached the fe, the faint sound of rhythmic hammering echoed through the air. The ground vibrated faintly with each strike, the reverberations carrying a deep, primal power.

  Standing at the ter of the fe was Hephaestus himself. The god of fire and craftsmanship was an imposing figure, his muscur frame covered in soot and his fiery purple-red beard glowing faintly in the fe’s light. His right leg was encased in a silver brace that looked like a n pilr, but it didn’t slow him down as he raised a massive hammer and brought it down on the glowing bolt of lightning before him. Sparks flew in all dires, briefly illuminating his intense, focused expression.

  “Hey!” Helios called, his voice carrying across the fe.

  Hephaestus paused, his hammer stilling mid-swing. He turo face them, his sharp eyes narrowing as he took in the sight of the two visitors. His voice was deep and gruff. “Mortals? Haven’t had one of your kind visit in a while.”

  Helios stepped forward, holding up Aqua’s armor. “We’re not here fhtseeing. Zeus sent me. I have a request.”

  The mention of Zeus made Hephaestus raise an eyebrow. He set his hammer aside and crossed his massive arms. “Zeus sent you, huh? Must be important if the big guy’s getting involved. Speak your piece.”

  Helios uned the b, revealing the active form of Aqua’s Keybde armor. Its intricate design shimmered faintly, the metallic surface refleg the fe’s light.

  “This armor,” Helios began, “was created to protect its wearer from the darkness in the Lanes Between. But we need something more. I want two sets crafted—one for myself, and one for my friend here.” He gestured toward Skuld.

  Hephaestus stepped closer, his eyes narrowing as he examihe armor. “This is well-made but its craftmanship is not of this world,” he muttered, running a hand over its surface. “Whoever crafted this knew what they were doing. But you’re asking for more than just a replica, aren’t you?”

  Helios nodded. “I he armor to do more than just protect us from darkness. It o increase our defense, self-repair if it’s damaged, and ie seamlessly into our clothing like this one does.”

  Hephaestus let out a low whistle, his expression thoughtful. “You’re asking for a lot, mortal. This isn’t something I whip up in a day. It’ll take time, and I’ll need a certain material—a special one.”

  “What kind of material?” Helios asked.

  Hephaestus poioward the distant molten rivers flowing through the fe. “First, I’ll need Celestial Ore, found only in the caverns below Mount Olympus. It’s rare, tough, and infused with equal part divine and underworld energy. Perfect for what you’re asking.”

  He turned back to Helios, his eyes gleaming with a mix of challenge and curiosity. “But there’s a catch. The caverns arely friendly. You’ll have to deal with whatever’s lurking down there. Think you’re up for it?”

  Helios smirked, his fidenwavering. “I didn’t e all this way to back down.”

  Skuld g him, her expression a mix of aermination. “We’ll ha. Just tell us where to go.”

  Hephaestus grinned, a deep, rumbling ugh esg him. “I like your spirit. The entrao the caverns is he base of the fe. You’ll o fight your way through and bring baough ore for me to work with. Do that, and I’ll craft the armor you’re asking for.”

  He stepped back, retrieving his hammer aurning to his work. “Now, off you go. The fe waits for no one. I’ll get the other stuff ready and make a mold while I wait.”

  Helios and Skuld exged a gnce before heading toward the caverrahe path was steep and winding, lit by faintly glowing crystals embedded in the rock walls. The air grew colder as they desded, and the distant sound of growling hi the dangers awaiting them.

  “Any idea what we’re walking into?” Skuld asked, her haing on the hilt of her on.

  Helios shrugged. “Monsters, traps, maybe a test or two from the gods. You know, the usual iypes of situations.”

  Skuld rolled her eyes. “Great. Why do I feel like this is going to be more plicated than you’re letting on?”

  Helios chuckled, his tone light. “Because it probably will be. Now are you ready?”

  Skuld drew her on, her resolve firm. “Let’s get this over with.”

  As they ehe caverns, the walls seemed to close in around them, the dim light casting eerie shadows. The ground was uneven, and the faint sound of dripping water echoed through the tunnels.

  It didn’t take long for the first challeo appear. A low growl echoed from the darkness ahead, followed by the sound of heavy footsteps. A massive creature emerged—a stone golem, its body glowing faintly with molten cracks.

  Helios smirked, raising his Keybde. “Looks like Hephaestus wasn’t kidding about this pce being unfriendly.”

  Skuld stepped forward, her staeady. “Let’s take it down. I don’t want to waste too much time here. We’ve got a fe to get to.”