The next days passed quickly as Noah took the opportunity to rest and make his presence known throughout the town. As Julie had predicted, there were pockets of unrest and frustration amongst the people, but their anger faded as the reality of their situation was explained to them. Noah had been quite pleased with the bleak picture that Julie had portrayed, her speech eventually leading the single pinprick of hope that was the growth of Noah’s kingdom. She effectively rallied the troops, and there was an electric buzz in the air as people ran through the town on their various tasks. Prospects of a convoy up the mountain had been an additional kick in the pants for many who, despite the news, wanted to move on from their elven neighbors and the town where they had been mentally ensnared. Recter had made a speech to all prospective participants, making it clear that only the top 100 would have a place on the trip. He also shared the minimum requirements for joining, namely that they needed to have reached the second Gate prior to the trip and attain at least level 75.

  Some, like Jergin and the elven captain, Gerald, already met those qualifications, but they would be joining Noah and Kyle on the initial trip. Others had asked to join as well, but Noah refused anyone who didn’t meet those standards. While Noah and Recter knew that another trip would be made when Ta’Ku was ready to return from his envoy to the other orc village, they decided to keep that information hidden for now. It would be best if the people believed there were limited slots and no second chances. Kyle had been hesitant to leave Julie when they first spoke, but Julie quickly swayed him with her explanation and he had become quite excited for their journey. Noah had seen him and Jergin training each morning as well as trying out new gear for their trip. It was this sight that led Noah to visit Matt in his workshop.

  The crafted items were practically overflowing into the street, a clear sign of the crafter’s presence. Noah waded through the clutter and came to the forge deep within the workshop. Just as the time before, Matt was busy with a project, and Noah contented himself to watch as the young man finished his task. It was perhaps an hour or two before the hammering stopped and Matt looked up with a smile, nodding to Noah as he racked his newest creation.

  “You’re back already. I’m glad I started on your new gear as soon as I did. Come over here.” Matt said, leading him to a side room. Noah smiled at the familiar interaction, appreciating the consistent nature of his young friend. The room held neatly organized racks of weapons and armor, with several mannequins covered in full sets of armor. Matt gestured at the central figure. Its armor was covered in jet-black scales, and not a hint of leather or wood showed through the dark plates.

  “This is yours. One of the hunting parties collected scales from a high-level reptillian beast before the elves took over, and their durability is astounding. I used leather from the same beast’s hide and managed to secure the scales like overlapping shingles. It also enchanted with durability, so it ought to hold up against any beast you face for some time. You should also be able to move freely in it, and the weight shouldn’t be an issue,” he stated before moving to a nearby rack. Noah’s eyes grew wide as he saw the weapon situated on the rack. Beautiful.

  “I call this beauty, Hammerfall.” Matt said with a grin as he hefted the hammer. Unlike others that Noah had used, this one had two blunt sides and looked more like a beefy sledgehammer than anything else. It was a polished onyx with golden rings around its haft, and as Noah picked it up, he was pleasantly surprised by its mass. It was far heavier than any other weapon he had held, and he could picture the devastating force that his blows would carry.

  “It is beautiful.” Noah replied as he examined his new companion.

  “It is. It is also enchanted with durability and a gravity enhancement. When the hammer connects with another surface, it will strike as its mass has been multiplied by two to three times. You will not actually feel the extra weight, but your enemy will.” Matt said with a wild grin. Noah gaped at the hammer and then at Matt.

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  “Truly? Can I convince you to join my on the trip?” Noah probed. Matt shook his head emphatically.

  “No. I managed to reach the first Gate, but the next is beyond me, at least for now. In time I may join you, but not until there is a secure forge waiting for me and I have advanced sufficiently.” Matt responded. Noah nodded, feeling disappointed but understanding. He began trying on the armor and found that it fit perfectly; from boots to helm, every piece hugged his body comfortably. The weight was a reassuring presence as well, and as he looked in a mirror, he grinned at the terrifying visage that his enemies would grow to fear. He also felt that the scales were familiar and couldn’t help but wonder if the wyrm from the orc village had been the source for his new wardrobe. It would certainly be fitting if that were the case.

  “Thank you, Matt. I imagine that these items will have a significant impact in the coming battles. The hammer especially,” he grinned. Matt groaned but returned the embrace that Noah offered, albeit for only a moment before ushering Noah from his warehouse. Feeling like a new man, Noah stalked through the streets in his new armor, catching the eyes of every passing townsman. He grinned at their looks of terror but opted to remove the helmet so as to avoid any serious trouble. They were set to leave within the hour so he decided to pay a final visit to Julie before their departure.

  He found her outside the town hall, sitting with Saban and Melody in public view—an intentional choice, no doubt. He greeted them all and joined, opting to sit on the steps when the chair creaked in protest when he attempted to sit in it.

  “I’ll be leaving soon. Is there anything you need from me?” He asked the trio.

  “Actually, there is something,” Saban commented. “Given our timeline we are unsure if we will be able to secure enough citizens to push you to Bronze in our lower realm, as you call it. Are there people in the upper realms that would come to our side?” Noah considered that. He had seen Jeline’s methods of securing every new beast that came through the barrier into her territory, but the only selected race individual he had seen in her city was Recter. Oh. There was a moment of realization at that memory. A beast had forced a selected race to join their kingdom. If that was possible, then surely it went both ways.

  “I believe there may be, though I haven’t confirmed my suspicions yet.” Noah replied. Saban nodded thoughtfully.

  “In that case, we will work to join you above as soon as possible. We will need to expand our efforts upwards before long. I doubt we will be ready by the time Ta’Ku returns, but perhaps you could send a few of your tribe down to us after Ta’Ku arrives. That should give us suitable leeway to advance.” Saban suggested.

  “We will do exactly that. Anything else?” Noah asked. The others shook their heads. With that, Noah exchanged embraces with the three and wished them well before leaving to find his travel companions. Gerald was waiting for him near the gates, decked out in studded leather armor and carrying both a longsword and a bow in addition to his pack.

  “Gerald! Eager for the trip?” Noah teased. The elf nodded.

  “Indeed. I was no fan of Balkendar and have long wanted to scale the mountain. I only hope that I will not slow you down,” he replied. Noah laughed good naturedly.

  “You will slow me down! But so will the others, and it will be worth it to have you three in the upper realm. I have been needing a good leader with a mind of strategy, and I was hoping that you might fit that role.” Noah said. Gerald chuckled, though not as freely as Noah had.

  “I suppose that makes sense. Also, I would be glad to serve where I am most useful. I am trying to decide whether to favor ranged or close combat and will be stuck with my decision before we reach the higher realm. Do you have any suggestions?” Gerald asked. Noah thought about it.

  “Are you equally competent in both?” he asked. Gerald nodded.

  “In that case, I would recommend ranged combat. We have plenty of warriors who will lead from the front; what we lack are leaders at the back who can support through range and oversight.” Noah replied.

  “Very well then, that makes the choice easy,” he confirmed. They were soon joined by the others, similarly clad in fresh gear and packs. With wide smiles and fire in their eyes, they stepped through the northern gate.