The forge continued to burn, the heat intensifying, yet the barrier held firm. The elders' expressions darkened and a silence fell over the group as they observed the stalemate.
The Fireforge elder maintained control, pushing the forge further, increasing the intensity step by step.
Still, the husk remained unchanged.
The barrier did not break.
It did not weaken and continued to endure.
After several more moments, the elder finally reduced the heat.
The forge dimmed slightly, though its presence remained overwhelming.
The husk was removed.
It looked exactly as it had before.
Untouched and unchanged.
The Fireforge elder frowned deeply.
"It seems…" he said slowly, "…this will not be simple."
The other elders nodded in agreement, their expressions heavy with thought.
Lin Mu remained silent for a moment, his mind already working through what he had just witnessed.
This was no ordinary material.
