Immortal Mythos Awakening-Chapter 67: Echoes of Soulsteel

The chamber lit with radiant energy as each of them stood holding their newly forged weapons, still stunned at how naturally the tools felt in their grip. Ashir, the forgemaster, leaned against the molten anvil with a faint smirk.

Yuki twirled Kuragari, the obsidian scythe trailing faint distortions behind its blade. "It feels... like it's breathing."

Kai grinned, swinging Gokaijin and accidentally sending a fireball into the wall. "Oops. Uh... Ashir, you got fire insurance in here?"

Ashir didn't even flinch. "I built this place inside a volcano, kid."

Ren stepped forward and sliced the air with Jinrai. A thunderclap cracked through the forge. The others winced.

"Showoff," Haru muttered, clenching his fists as Raiken lit up with a deep glow. He punched the floor to test it... sending a mini shockwave that knocked Kai backward into a barrel of glowing coals.

"Ow! My pride!"

Aiko gently waved Seikou in front of her like a dance, creating shimmering aura patterns that formed a reflective shield. With a flick of Yami, the shield turned dark and rippled like water. "These... they're beautiful."

Himari smiled faintly as Tsukihana slithered around her like a sentient ribbon, wrapping itself into her hand like it belonged there all along. "It's alive in a way... like it remembers more than I do."

Ashir stepped forward. "Alright. You've all got new toys, but this ain't a parade. These weapons are forged from your soul fire, your essence. They'll grow stronger as you grow. But if you lose yourself..."

"Will they turn on us?" Yuki asked, staring at Kuragari's shimmering edge.

Ashir nodded. "Or worse... they'll break."

Just then, a sudden pulse shook the forge.

Kairo, slurping ramen in the corner, paused and narrowed his eyes. "Something's coming."

Yuki tensed, his grip tightening. "Is it...?"

"No," Kairo muttered. "Not yet. But something shifted. And I don't think it's done echoing."

Yuki looked toward the others... his allies, his friends. All wielding new power, all standing stronger than ever before. For the first time in what felt like an eternity... they were ready.

And from deep within Yuki's soul, a quiet voice whispered:

"Soon."

Null and Ashir – The Vault Guardians

Once the dust settles and the Kingdom Arc reaches its close, Null doesn't fade into obscurity. Instead, he takes up residence alongside Ashir at the heart of the kingdom's ancient forge... a place now known as The Crucible Vault. Together, they become its protectors.

Ashir, the stoic forgemaster, guards the craft and secrets of weapon-making.

Null, the eccentric, ghostly guide, guards the balance and flow of mythic energy tied to those weapons.

The two are constantly bickering like old men... Null calling Ashir "spark beard," and Ashir grumbling about "whispers from a talking blanket." But deep down, they respect each other. Their dynamic adds some light humor in future arcs too.

And anytime the crew needs advice, a tune-up, or spiritual clarity... they'll return to the Crucible Vault, where Null and Ashir will be waiting with wisdom, snark, and maybe ramen.

---

The great hall of the Kingdom of Lareth was alive with warmth. Lanterns floated gently through the air, casting a golden hue across ancient banners and the polished stone floor. The feast had begun... not as a celebration of victory, but as a quiet acknowledgment of change.

At the head table, Yuki sat flanked by his closest allies. He poked at his food absently while watching Ren challenge a few armored knights to a drinking contest... and losing spectacularly. Haru, already halfway through a bowl of fire-roasted boar, laughed so hard he nearly choked.

Kai, of course, was behind the spread. "Don't get used to this level of perfection," he smirked, placing down a spicy stew. "Cooking in royal kitchens is cheating. The ingredients practically cook themselves."

"Lies," Aiko said, sipping gently from a floral cup of tea. "You'd make sand taste like heaven if you wanted to."

Yuki smiled softly at her, his earlier tension melting slightly. Himari noticed and nudged Aiko with a knowing grin. "You two are getting sappy," she teased.

Aiko turned red. "H-Himari!"

Yuki chuckled, shaking his head. "Let's just enjoy tonight, yeah?"

Meanwhile, Ashir leaned beside the grand forge's entrance, arms crossed. Null sat beside him, quietly watching the group with unreadable eyes.

"They've grown," Ashir muttered.

"They've only just begun," Null replied.

A beat of silence. Then Null turned to Ashir. "Do you still think Yuki is the one?"

Ashir didn't answer immediately. "He's not the one. He's something else entirely."

Back in the hall, Ren stumbled toward the group, cheeks flushed. "Y-you... all... all of you! I want a rematch!"

"Against who?" Haru asked, amused.

Ren pointed at a loaf of bread. "That. That beat me. Somehow."

The whole table burst into laughter.

Even Yuki relaxed. But as the laughter faded, he found his eyes drifting upward... to the highest balcony, where a single shadow stood for just a moment... watching.

Gone in a blink.

Was it real? Or a sign?

That night, under the soft lantern lights and in the glow of connection, a Chapter closed quietly.

But beyond the walls of the kingdom, something began to stir.

A wind without source.

A pulse without heart.

The void remembering its voice.