Cain and Callum stood at the edge of the winding path that led to the Forge, the hidden heart of Kaer Morhen's ancient mountain. Snow had stopped falling, but the air was sharp with the scent of iron and frost.
"No weapons. No potions," Callum repeated, his voice quiet with anticipation.
Cain nodded, stepping forward.
The trail narrowed quickly into broken stairs carved into the cliffs, winding down into a narrow canyon choked with mist. Every breath steamed in the freezing air, but there was a pulse in the stone itself—a thrum of ancient power.
They walked in silence, the world narrowing to the sound of their boots crunching against the path. As the cavern mouth loomed ahead, the mountain seemed to shift…
Then came the growl.
It wasn't natural.
It echoed through the Forge's entrance—a guttural, scraping sound, as if stone were being chewed from the inside out.
From the shadows emerged a creature of raw magic and corrupted ore. A massive beast with jagged black crystal growing from its shoulders, molten veins pulsing beneath obsidian-plated skin. Its eyes were smoldering orange—blind, yet unerring.
[Emergency Quest Triggered: The Guardian of Flame and Stone]
Type: Legendary Beast (Mutated Guardian Construct)Status: Aggressive – Corrupted by Ambient MagicObjective: Defeat the Guardian
System Override: Inventory Access Granted – Emergency Authorization
Items & Equipment UnlockedShared Access Enabled: Callum
Cain's eyes flared gold as the System Interface flared open mid-stride.
[Select Loadout]
Hunter's Edge equipped
Rare Equipment Chest (x13) opened
Epic Equipment Chest (x2) opened
A flood of runes and gear streamed into Cain's inventory. His fingers moved with precision, selecting two gear sets—one for himself, one for Callum.
He tossed a pair of engraved steel bracers and a short silver dagger to Callum. "Take these. Quen-link runes. Use the dagger if it closes."
Callum strapped them on quickly, catching the flask Cain handed him. "What's this?"
Cain grinned. "My best guess? Fireproofing."
The beast roared and charged.
They split.
Cain rolled right, activating Quen just as a claw of burning stone smashed into the ground beside him. The shield absorbed the impact, but barely. The force cracked the wall behind him.
Callum came in fast, casting Yrden to trap the creature's leg. The glowing purple runes slowed its motion, buying Cain just enough time to slide beneath its guard and slash a joint with Hunter's Edge.
Sparks flew.
"Armor's thick," Cain growled. "We need to crack the core."
Callum used Aard, angled upward—dislodging a crystal from its rib. The creature shrieked.
Cain seized the opening, casting Igni, pouring every drop of focus into the flame. The molten crack widened. Steam exploded as the Guardian stumbled.
It retaliated with a roar, stomping down and releasing a shockwave of magical energy. Cain's Quen flickered and shattered. Callum was thrown across the cavern.
Cain's vision blurred.
[Warning: Vitality below 35%]
[Ability Triggered – Cold-Blooded (Intermediate)]Focus stabilized.
He rose. Slowly.
The creature surged again, but this time Cain was ready.
He sprinted forward, signaling Callum with two fingers.
Together they launched—Callum cast Axii mid-air, stunning the beast for half a heartbeat. Long enough.
Cain vaulted over its arm, driving Hunter's Edge into the exposed chest crystal. The dagger shimmered—absorbing the residual energy.
[Hunter's Edge – Upgrade Progress: 38%]
With a final scream, the creature collapsed, magic spilling out like smoke.
Cain landed on one knee, chest heaving.
Callum limped beside him, laughing breathlessly. "That… was the worst welcoming party I've ever seen."
Cain chuckled. "We're not done yet."
[Emergency Quest Complete: Guardian of Flame and Stone]
Rewards: +2 Stat Points | +Rare Mutagen (Core Shard – Flamebound) | +New Trait Unlock Available
Path to the Forge Opened
At the end of the cavern, the great Forge doors began to open.
Heat and light spilled through, ancient as the stones above.
The final steps awaited.