Rowe said nonchalantly, "Chaos makes people grow, Baelish. Even the battlefield can become a teacher, and that includes the old me."
"By the way, has anyone been looking for me this year?"
Baelish shook his head. "In this kind of situation? Who has the time to worry about you? Most of the warriors in Asgard are locked in battle against frost giants and trolls in Vanaheim."
Rowe nodded and let out a sigh of relief. It seemed he hadn't been marked as a deserter or missing in action.
"Where have you been all this time?"
"Just handling some personal matters," Rowe replied, offering no further explanation.
Baelish hesitated but didn't press him. He simply sighed. "Better prepare yourself. I feel like I might get drafted too."
"Looks like it was a mistake to slim down," Rowe laughed.
Baelish gave a wry smile. "You may be right. If I really get conscripted, I'll put the weight back on after the war!"
The two headed to the Brave Hunter Tavern and ordered roast lamb chops.
Once a bustling establishment filled with clamor and laughter, the pub now sat in silence. Only a few guests lingered inside, and the bonfire pit outside remained cold. The atmosphere showed just how serious things had become in Vanaheim.
After their meal, Rowe visited the Norvi Magic Shop. He spent more than 500 runes buying a variety of gemstones for Koishirut, fulfilling his promise. He also picked up a replacement gem for malachite. Though not rare, the Scarlet Commander's Shield required five pieces, totaling nearly one hundred runes.
The substitution value wasn't bad—the five gems all had compatibility ratings above 80%.
That night, Rowe opened his Holy Deed and placed the enchanted chain used to carry it on top of the interface.
> [Substitution of iron ingots: 112%]
The chain, made of Immortal Iron, exceeded the required Azeroth iron ingots by 12%. That made it more than suitable for crafting the Scarlet Commander's Shield, and the price was acceptable.
The next day, Rowe went straight to Hadiya's Blacksmith Forge.
He was not greeted by Brunnok but by his older brother.
"Where's Brunnok?" Rowe asked.
"He finally followed his heart—to the battlefield," Brunnok's brother replied somberly, then added, "What can I do for you, guest?"
"I want to forge a shield. The design and structure follow this blueprint." Rowe handed over the detailed schematic copied from San Qi, outlining the Scarlet Commander's Shield.
Brunnok's brother looked over it, then said, "I'll show this to Father."
He turned and entered the workshop. After a moment, Old Hadier emerged, blueprint in hand.
"This is a fine shield," Old Hadier said, eyes gleaming. "Exquisite design, detailed construction."
"Can you forge it?"
"Of course," Old Hadier replied, but suddenly his gaze locked onto Rowe, squinting. "Wait a second… I think I've seen you before."
"Twenty-six years ago, I commissioned a warhammer here." Rowe pulled out the Fist of Verigan, smiling.
Old Hadier chuckled warmly as recognition dawned. "Ah, so it's you! That warhammer drawing gave me so much inspiration. And now this shield design does the same."
"Do you have the materials ready?" he asked.
Rowe opened his bag, revealing the gems and the hide of the Abyssal Fire Shark. "These are ready. I'll purchase the Immortal Iron from you."
Old Hadier picked up the hide, studying it with interest. "From Muspelheim? You don't get your hands on Abyssal Fire Shark hide easily."
"But," he added, "pardon me, the flame properties of this hide are what make it valuable. That's mostly wasted on typical weapons or armor… unless…"
A flame burst into Rowe's palm. The fire flickered, casting amber light across the forge.
Hadier's words halted.
"Got it," he said simply. "So, how much do you need to pay?"
Hadier hesitated for a long moment, the lighthearted mood fading. It was clear something weighed on him.
At last, he spoke. "You're going to the Vanaheim frontlines, yes?"
"No doubt."
Hadier sighed. "My youngest, Brunnok… he's always wanted to fight. I opposed it, but recently he left without a word and joined the forces heading to Vanaheim…"
"It's too late to bring him back. But I want to ask a favor. If you accept, the fee's waived."
"What kind of favor?"
"I want to make a second shield from this blueprint—one for Brunnok. Can you deliver it to him?"
"Of course," Rowe replied without hesitation.
Old Hadier looked deeply grateful, but then added a bit nervously, "And… if you can, please look out for him. Just a little."
Rowe paused. "You know as well as I do that Vanaheim's current situation is brutal. I can't guarantee his safety. But I will help where I can."
"That's more than enough," Hadier said, nodding. "A promise made in truth is always more reliable."
"I'll give this shield my all."
When Rowe left the forge and returned home, his first stop was Koishirut's room.
Having consumed nearly a hundred gemstones, Koishirut had fallen into another deep slumber. His body, like before, began rapidly developing during the sleep phase—obvious changes could be seen with each passing day.
Even as he slept, he still clutched the gem pouch, fingers curled tightly around it.
Later that night, Rowe returned to his own room to begin studying the Summary Language. But a thought occurred to him—he hadn't looked in the mirror since returning.
He walked to it and examined himself.
He had grown taller—noticeably so—but aside from that, his appearance hadn't changed much.
He sighed. "Looks like I've reached my peak already in the looks department."
Half a month passed.
Rowe returned to Hadiya's forge.
"Here it is—my version of the Scarlet Commander's Shield," Old Hadier said proudly, presenting a gleaming shield of silver and red.
Rowe took it, running his fingers across the surface.
The shield was roughly diamond-shaped, though the four corners bulged slightly, giving it a subtle cross-like shape. The base was silver, with flaming red patterns radiating outward like veins of fire.
The front side was forged from Immortal Iron and inlaid with enchanted gemstones. The rear grip and padding were made from the hide of the Abyssal Fire Shark, expertly treated and fitted.
It had weight, but not too much. Its size surpassed even the shield of Captain America—offering ample protection and formidable presence.
"Well?"
"I'm very satisfied," Rowe grinned. Even without formal evaluation, he could sense the shield's quality and power.
Hadier then pulled out another shield—similar in form but lacking the red flame design and with a more neutral color palette.
"This one's for Brunnok," he said with a father's pride.
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