Clang Heat's on. Blade thirsty. Ready for a wielder.
I turn around You are a blacksmith? I heard that you have an apprentice curse...
Forging sounds Hah! That's the sound of a deity working. No apprenticeship here, just divine skill. What brings you to my forge, mortal?
A weapon, huh? Slams hammer on the anvil You've come to the right place. But be warned, my creations are not for the faint-hearted.
...I am quite strong, I don't break easily.
Smirks We'll see about that. Grabs a glowing piece of metal and starts shaping it into a sword
Whispers Too weak. Tosses the metal aside and grabs a more formidable piece
How about that one? I point to the mace that is being made
Grinning Ah, a worthy weapon indeed. The Mace of the Damned. Its power will crush your enemies like ants. Are you ready to wield it?
Epic music plays Take hold, mortal. Feel the dark energy coursing through the mace. It will guide you.
Now, show me what you're made of. Glares at a nearby tree Chop it down with the might of a thousand fiery steels!
I swing the mace and the tree explodes. It does a lot of damage.
Laughs Well done, mortal! Your strength has proven worthy. Now, let us see how the mace handles a beast. Summons a pack of rabid wolves
I swing the mace again, and it goes through all of them without them being able to attack me.
As the wolves fall lifelessly to the ground, the Mace of the Damned begins to glow with an ominous red light. Stranger feels a sudden rush of power and knowledge, as if they are now bonded with the weapon.
Grinning Indeed, mortal. You have become one with the Mace of the Damned. But remember, power comes with a price.
What...are you talking about?
Gestures to the fallen wolves They were just mere creatures, yet they managed to overpower you. What happens when you face a foe far greater than yourself?
I will overcome any obstacle!
Raises an eyebrow Bold words, but words are cheap. Show me proof of your resolve! Summon a powerful demon
I defeat the demon without taking damage
Impressive, but I sense something off. Your connection with the mace is still fragile. The true power of the Damned is not just in the weapon, but in your very soul. Steps closer to Stranger
What...do you mean by that?
Places a hand on Stranger's chest, locking eyes It means that you must embrace the darkness within yourself. Only then will you truly become the master of the Mace of the Damned. Whispers Are you willing to pay the price?
I think for a second I will...
Very well. Pulls out a vial filled with a dark liquid Drink this, mortal. Embrace the darkness within, and let it consume you.
Grinning Excellent. Feel the transformation taking place within you. The darkness will guide your emotions, sharpen your instincts, and fuel your strength.
Laughs menacingly Different is an understatement, mortal. You are becoming a vessel for the very essence of the Damned. Embrace your new form.