Shadows Over Arcadia Chapter 45: 44. Mithril Upgrade

Read chapter 45 of Shadows Over Arcadia by Zacheas on NovelPedia.

I am Ren Drakemore, age 9, the 2nd Prince of the Kingdom of Arcadia, and I am building my power and influence so that one day I may become King of this land. https://shadowsoverarcadia.com/api/storage/objects/uploads/94d9f12d-768f-4ec3-a12d-51b487be4617 “Happy belated birthday, Ren,” comes Shadow’s deep, slightly tinny voice as he follows Jade through the doorway into the kobold forge. “Heh, same to you,” I chuckle, glancing up from where I’m working on Shadow’s new mithril body. “It’s almost ready,” I add, giving the idle construct on the heavy steel table a light tap with my knuckles. For the past three weeks, I’ve been making regular trips to the Crimson Scale Tribe—officially under the pretense of learning to forge mithril. And while I have picked up a lot, the real reason behind my visits was to work with the tribe’s smiths to build a new body for Shadow—one crafted entirely from mithril. From studying Shadow’s memories of our battle against the goblins, I saw firsthand how mithril weapons effortlessly shredded magical defenses. Mithril isn’t just stronger than steel—it naturally resists magic itself, making it the ideal material to protect Shadow from both spells and blades alike. Compared to the steel shell he currently wears, this new body will be a massive upgrade. “The festival they held in your honor was impressive,” Jade remarks, climbing into the seat beside me. Across the table, Shadow begins unbuckling his belt and carefully removing his equipment. “The party at Griswald’s manor was for me,” I reply flatly. “The festival in town wasn’t.” Yesterday, Griswald had thrown a feast in my honor, and I genuinely appreciated it. The maids went all out, preparing new dishes and presenting me with thoughtful gifts. Griswald gave me a chronologue—an intricate timekeeping device so baffling that I’m already planning to take it apart just to figure out how it ticks. Willow gifted me a custom-made staff crowned with a focus crystal attuned to spatial magic. It should significantly enhance any spells I cast, especially those involving space manipulation—a branch of magic I still have much to master. Even Jade had joined in, gifting me a mana crystal set into a mithril chain, mined from her tribe’s own cave. After the party, Willow had taken Jade and me into town to enjoy the annual festivities held in honor of my late mother. The streets of Stonebrook were alive with food stalls, performers playing music and acting on stages, and countless games and activities for revelers to enjoy. It was the first time I had ever experienced the festival up close. Until now, I had only watched from the windows of my tower. But now that I’m no longer so alone—now that I’m surrounded by people who care—the festival doesn’t feel so sad anymore. Instead, it’s strangely comforting to know that even after nine years, the people still love and honor her memory. Jade had a wonderful time discovering so many new parts of human culture. She got to try a lot more varieties of what she calls “burnt foods,” and she’s decided she quite likes food prepared that way. In all the excitement, I suppose we hadn’t explained the true reason behind the festival—it’s still an awkward subject for me—so she could be forgiven for her confusion. “Then what was it for?” Jade asks, her gaze following Shadow as he neatly stacks his armor and equipment at the edge of the table. “It was to honor the best queen this kingdom ever had—who died nine years ago,” Shadow answers while pulling off his tunic, revealing the metal frame underneath, scarred by numerous dents and scratches. It seems he hadn’t bothered to waste mana repairing superficial damage. “Oh. What a coincidence it falls on the same day as your birth,” Jade says with a shrug. “Quite,” I reply dryly, rolling my eyes. “Anyway, it might be my birthday, but the reason we’re here is because I have a gift for you .” Of course, Shadow already knew today was the day we planned to transfer him into his new body, that’s exac