The Flying Chariot descended into the Underworld, the air growing cold and heavy. The entrance to Tartarus was a gaping maw in the earth, a vortex of shadows and despair. Hephaestus clutched the map Athena had provided, its intricate lines guiding him through the labyrinthine depths.
He checked his "Status" screen:
Status: Hephaestus, God of the Forge
Level: 4 (Experienced)
Experience: 210/400
Attributes:
Strength: 17
Dexterity: 14
Intelligence: 27
Wisdom: 20
Charisma: 11
Luck: 7
Health: 140/140
Mana: 85/85
Skills:
Basic Forging (Level 4)
Material Identification (Level 4)
Divine Resistance (Level 2)
Chariot Piloting (Level 1)
Combat (Level 2)
Inventory: Iron Hammer (Soul-Eater), Amulet of Aphrodite, Healing Potions, Mana Potions, Protective Amulet
Equipment: None
Quest Log:
Return the Amulet to Aphrodite (Completed)
The Titan's Forge (Active)
Shop: (Supplies purchased)
The chariot was useless in the narrow tunnels of Tartarus. He landed it near the entrance and proceeded on foot. The air was thick with the stench of sulfur and decay. The walls of the tunnels were made of black obsidian, reflecting the faint light of his forge.
He encountered the first of Tartarus's guardians: Cerberus, the three-headed dog. The beast was massive, its eyes glowing with malevolent energy. He knew he couldn't defeat Cerberus directly. He had to find a way to bypass it.
He consulted the "Bestiary" for information on Cerberus. He learned that the beast was vulnerable to music and could be lulled into a state of sleep. He remembered that Apollo, the god of music, had given him a lyre as a gift. He retrieved the lyre from his inventory and began to play a soothing melody.
The music seemed to calm Cerberus, its growls softening into whimpers. The beast eventually lay down, its three heads resting on the ground, and fell into a deep sleep.
He cautiously walked past Cerberus, careful not to wake it. He continued his descent, the tunnels growing narrower and more treacherous. He encountered traps, illusions, and other dangers. He used his skills to navigate the treacherous landscape, relying on his intelligence and his divine powers.
He consulted the map, which led him to a chamber where the Titan Essence was said to be located. The chamber was guarded by a monstrous creature: a Chimera, a fire-breathing beast composed of a lion, a goat, and a serpent.
He knew he couldn't defeat the Chimera with brute force. He needed to use his intelligence and his knowledge of the "Bestiary." He remembered that the Chimera was vulnerable to cold. He activated the "Forge" and created a "Frost Bomb," using ice essence and other materials.
He threw the Frost Bomb at the Chimera, and the beast was instantly encased in ice. He then used his enchanted hammer, "The Soul-Eater," to shatter the ice, destroying the Chimera.
He entered the chamber and found the Titan Essence: a pulsating, black substance that radiated immense power. He carefully collected the essence, storing it in a container provided by the Forging System.
As he was about to leave the chamber, he heard a voice. "So, the god of the forge has finally arrived."
He turned to see a shadowy figure emerge from the darkness. It was a Titan, one of the beings who had been imprisoned in Tartarus. The Titan was ancient and powerful, its eyes burning with hatred.
"You seek to harness our power?" the Titan sneered. "You are a fool. You do not understand the consequences."
Hephaestus stood his ground. "I seek to create," he said. "And I believe that even the power of the Titans can be used for good."
"Good?" the Titan laughed. "There is no good in this world. Only power. And you, little god, will never have enough."
The Titan attacked, unleashing a wave of dark energy. Hephaestus barely managed to deflect the attack with his hammer. He knew he was outmatched. He had to find a way to escape.
He activated the "Forge" and created a "Smoke Bomb," using it to create a diversion. He then fled the chamber, the Titan in pursuit.
He navigated the tunnels, using his skills and his knowledge of the map to evade the Titan. He fought off other creatures and overcame traps. He used the Frost Bomb to create a wall of ice, slowing the Titan's pursuit.
Finally, he reached the entrance to Tartarus. He leaped into the Flying Chariot and activated the wings. He soared out of Tartarus, leaving the Titan behind.
He had escaped, but he knew that he had made an enemy. The Titans were not to be trifled with. He had also obtained the Titan Essence, and he was one step closer to forging the Titan-Forged Blade.
Back in his workshop, he checked his "Quest Log":
Quest Log:
The Titan's Forge (Progress: Titan Essence Acquired)
He then opened the "Multi-Mythology" tab in the "Forge" section. He decided to explore the possibilities of crafting weapons from other mythologies. He selected the blueprint for Mjolnir, Thor's hammer from Norse mythology.
The system displayed the required materials:
Uru Metal: A rare metal found in the realm of Asgard.
Starstone: A stone imbued with the power of the stars.
Other rare materials.
He realized that he would need to find a way to travel to Asgard. He consulted the "Encyclopedia" for information on Norse mythology. He learned about the Norse gods, their realms, and their conflicts. He also learned about the Bifrost, the rainbow bridge that connected Asgard to Midgard (Earth).
He was amazed by the scope of the Forging System. He could travel to other realms, forge weapons from other mythologies, and become a master craftsman of the multiverse.
He decided to postpone his journey to Asgard for now. He needed to focus on the Titan-Forged Blade. He was Hephaestus, the god of the forge, and his journey had just begun.