"Thorns" [Part 13] Tengu Origins - An Infinity Kingdom Story

🔷 Introduction

Welcome to part 13 of my new Tengu series. This will be inspired by the new release of Tengu in our game and incorporating his legend within the realm of Norheim. His story will be roughly based on his historical legend with a twist from within the game we know and love. 

I will be bringing 1 or 2 new episodes per week so stay tuned for more!

🔷 Recap Part 12: “Whispers in the Dark”

As night falls, Tengu senses a mysterious presence lurking beyond the village, one unlike any enemy he has faced before. The unseen entity probes his doubts and demonstrates terrifying control over the world around it, forcing Tengu to realize that strength alone may not be enough to defeat what is coming.

🔷 Part 13: “Thorns”

Night gave way to a gray morning, but the unease remained.

Tengu stood alone near the shoreline, watching the waves roll against the sand. The presence from the forest had withdrawn, yet its memory lingered. He could still feel the cold certainty behind its words. It had not threatened him. It had judged him.

That troubled him more than any enemy ever had.

The wind gathered softly around his feet as he closed his eyes.

For the first time in many years, he questioned whether his strength alone would be enough.

A familiar warmth brushed against his senses.

Tengu opened his eyes.

A faint silver light drifted across the beach.

Nine small wisps floated above the sand, moving together like leaves carried by a gentle breeze. They circled him once before heading toward the forest.

A small smile touched his face.

"Ninetails."

The spirit did not appear fully, but he could feel her presence within the lights. She was calling him somewhere.

Without hesitation, he followed.

The journey carried him far beyond the familiar hunting paths. Through ancient forests and over steep ridges he traveled, guided by the silver wisps that never strayed far ahead. Days passed beneath shifting skies. The deeper he ventured, the quieter the world became.

Even the wind seemed cautious.

At last they reached a mountain unlike any Tengu had seen before.

Its black stone cliffs rose into the clouds. Rivers of glowing red lava traced its slopes like veins of fire beneath the earth.

The silver lights stopped at the entrance of a massive cavern.

Then they vanished.

Tengu stepped inside.

The air was heavy with heat.

Far below, molten rock flowed through channels carved into the stone floor. Great pillars supported a cavern so vast it felt like a world hidden beneath the mountain.

At its center stood a giant.

The figure towered over everything around him.

His skin resembled weathered granite. Long white hair fell across broad shoulders. A heavy hammer rested beside an anvil large enough to flatten a wagon.

One eye remained closed beneath a scar that stretched across his face.

The giant did not look up.

"I wondered when the fox spirit would send someone."

Tengu approached carefully.

"You know Ninetails?"

The giant let out a deep laugh.

"I knew her long before your village existed."

At last he raised his head.

His single eye studied Tengu in silence.

"You carry doubt."

Tengu did not deny it.

"There is something coming," he said. "Something I cannot understand."

The giant nodded slowly.

"Then you have finally met a true threat."

He rose from his seat, the cavern trembling beneath his weight.

"Most warriors seek me after victory. Few come after realizing they are not ready."

The giant stepped closer.

"What do you want forged?"

Tengu looked down at the armor covering his arms and shoulders.

"Not a weapon."

That answer seemed to surprise the giant.

Tengu continued.

"I want armor that turns an enemy's strength against them."

The giant's eye brightened.

"A counter fighter."

"Yes."

For several moments the giant remained silent.

Then he smiled.

"I can make such armor."

He led Tengu deeper into the forge where strange materials rested upon stone shelves. Black crystal. Silver metal that shimmered like moonlight. Bones from creatures long forgotten by the world.

The giant placed a massive hand upon a cluster of dark metallic vines covered in razor sharp thorns.

"These were taken from the Briar Titan," he said. "A beast that fought armies and grew stronger with every wound."

The thorns gleamed in the firelight.

The giant's smile widened.

"With these, I will forge armor that remembers every strike."

Tengu stared at the twisted metal as the forge fires roared higher.

For the first time since the presence appeared beyond the forest, he felt something other than uncertainty.

Hope.

📄 Recap Questions

1. Why did Tengu decide to leave the village and seek out the legendary giant forger?
2. What special material did the giant choose to use in Tengu's new armor, and what made it unique?

🔷 Conclusion

Guided by the lingering spirit of Ninetails, Tengu journeys beyond the known world in search of a way to face the mysterious threat haunting the forest. Deep within a volcanic mountain, he finds a banished giant forger who agrees to craft powerful thorn armor from the remains of the Briar Titan, giving Tengu renewed hope that he may one day stand against the darkness that now watches from the shadows.

See you next week!

🔷 Hades, Press Officer.

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