The two key pieces of the Forgemastering process welcomed each other like lovers, craving to become one.
There was no resistance, no imperfection arose, and no intervention from Salaark was needed. Once the fusion was completed, the Overlord clenched her fist and sealed the power core with a slightly bigger sphere that was actually comprised of countless mana pathways.
"See it for yourself." Salaark handed the reborn battle claw to the Sekhmet. "Your Life Maelstrom isn’t just meant to kick your power up a few notches but to become an integral part of your Forgemastered creations.
"Whoever uses that weapon can now boost its powers tenfold at will thanks to the Life Maelstrom I’ve trapped within it. The mana pathways keep the silver lightning from leaking out and with time and world energy the elemental crystals can restore the consumed Life Maelstrom to its initial amount."
"This is amazing." Scarlett could now tell the difference between an Awakened masterpiece and Guardian-level equipment.
Even without testing the battle claw, she could tell that a mere swing of her weapon would tear the palace’s walls apart and endanger the inhabitants of the Heavenly Plume Tribe.
"Can I really conjure something like that for my Forgemastery?" Balkor asked in amazement.
"Just a spark but yes." Salaark shook her head. "Your body is battered and your life force is running out. Even if you were to discover how to do it, I wouldn’t recommend it. You are a mortal and far from your prime.
"Your cracked life force can’t handle this kind of energy without exploding. You need to restore your body and build yourself a tower. Then, you might use the equivalent of a candle’s flame."
"If a Magus like me is a candle even after obtaining a mage tower, what are you, My Liege?"
"A raging volcano." Salaark replied.
"Wait, that’s it?" Scarlett was flabbergasted. "One lesson and you send me away? What about Creation Magic? You taught it to both Balkor and Lith!"
"Don’t be greedy, cat." The Overlord scoffed. "You are a Guardian now and have infinite life whereas they can’t afford the luxury of time. You have learned Light Mastery and figured out one branch of Void Magic on your own.
"You are the youngest Guardian ever. I trust you to learn Creation Magic just like Yaga and I did, by yourself. If you don’t, that’s too bad. Bye!" A snap of Salaark’s fingers brought Scarlett and her battle claw to Lutia.
Inside the nursery in Lith’s house, to be precise.
"Welcome, dear Scarlett, and congratulations." Tyris welcomed the Sekhmet by handing her Valeron the Second. "I didn’t expect you so soon but you come at the right moment. I can use some help."
Judging by the baby boy’s stern look, Valeron was more suspicious than impressed by the sudden appearance of the newcomer. Judging by the stench, he also needed a fresh diaper.
"What is this? Why am I here?" Scarlett asked in confusion when she found herself in human form against her will and with no magical power.
"This is a person." Tyris glared at the Sekhmet. "Valeron the Second, this is Scarlett, a grumpy but well-meaning Guardian. Scarlett, this is Valeron, my grandchild."
"Hi." The baby boy waved his small hand.
"Nice to meet you too, little one." Scarlett sighed as she unfolded the cloth diaper.
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