Denzan gripped his newly reforged katana, turning it under the dim light of the forge. The once-polished steel had deepened into a stormy, near-black hue, faint veins of violet running along its surface like trapped lightning. It wasn't just a weapon anymore—it was a conduit of power, shaped by his own hands.
He exhaled, feeling the energy coursing through the blade. This is different. Unlike before, when his Electro Vision was merely a tool, now it felt… connected. The blade pulsed in sync with his own heartbeat.
But there was only one way to see if it truly lived up to its potential.
—---
The wind howled through the trees as Denzan stepped onto the training grounds outside Mondstadt's walls. The city lights flickered in the distance, but here, away from prying eyes, he could push his new weapon to its limits.
He took a stance, katana in hand, and inhaled deeply. Then— Electricity arced as he swung, the blade cutting through the air with a sharper, almost unnatural speed. The sheer force sent a crackling shockwave rippling outward, splitting a nearby wooden post clean in half. The impact left scorch marks where the energy had discharged.
Denzan grinned. "Now we're talking."
He pressed forward, testing different strikes, slashes, and movements. Every motion felt fluid, as if the weapon wasn't just responding to his commands, but anticipating them. When he funneled more energy into the blade, lightning coiled around the steel like a living thing, waiting to be unleashed.
It was stronger—more dangerous. But that meant one thing: it needed control.
As he prepared for another strike, a familiar voice cut through the night.
"You've been busy."
Denzan turned, spotting Diluc standing at the edge of the field, arms crossed. The tavern owner's sharp gaze drifted to the scorched ground and the smoldering remains of the wooden posts.
Denzan smirked. "Had to test the new edge."
Diluc approached, his eyes briefly narrowing as he examined the katana. "I've seen many blades in my time. But this… this is different."
Denzan nodded. "Forged it myself with that Starbreaker Ore. Whatever it is, it doesn't just conduct Electro—it amplifies it." He turned the blade, watching the way the energy danced along its edge. "It's like the weapon's alive."
Diluc studied him for a moment before speaking. "A weapon is only as strong as its wielder. If you can't control it, it'll consume you."
Denzan let out a dry chuckle. "You sound like someone who's been through this before."
Diluc's expression darkened, but he didn't answer. Instead, he drew his own claymore. "Show me."
Denzan raised an eyebrow. "What, you want to spar?"
Diluc leveled his blade. "Better to test it against a real opponent."
A slow grin spread across Denzan's face. "Don't hold back, Ragnvindr."
Lightning and fire clashed as the two warriors surged forward, blades meeting in a burst of elemental fury.
Denzan's katana met Diluc's claymore in a burst of sparks, the impact sending a sharp tremor up his arm. Fire and lightning crackled against each other, the sheer force of their clash sending dust swirling around them.
Diluc wasted no time, pivoting into a follow-up strike. His claymore cut through the air in a downward arc, flames trailing behind like the tail of a comet. Denzan sidestepped, barely avoiding the searing heat, and retaliated with a quick slash aimed at Diluc's side.
But Diluc's reflexes were just as sharp. He twisted his blade, redirecting the attack with controlled precision before pressing forward again.
Denzan grinned. "Now this is a fight."
He focused his energy, channeling the power within his katana. The moment their blades met again, he released a controlled surge of Electro, sending a shockwave through the steel. Sparks danced up Diluc's arm, forcing him to take a step back.
"Not bad," Diluc muttered, shaking off the residual energy.
Denzan spun his blade, electricity crackling along its length. "Not bad? I'd like to think I'm at least a little impressive."
Diluc didn't humor him with a response. Instead, he tightened his grip and lunged forward, his claymore igniting in a blaze of Pyro energy. Denzan barely had time to parry as the force of the strike sent him skidding backward, boots digging into the dirt.
The heat was overwhelming, but he held firm.
"I can't overpower him head-on. He's got more weight behind his strikes."
But speed? That was Denzan's advantage.
Lightning surged through his legs as he dashed to the side, circling Diluc in an instant. Before Diluc could react, Denzan flicked his pistol from his belt and fired.
The Electro-infused bullet zipped through the air—
*Clang!*
Diluc deflected it mid-air with his claymore, the projectile sparking against the fiery steel before being flung off course.
Denzan whistled. "Alright, that was cool."
Diluc exhaled, lowering his blade slightly. "Enough."
Denzan sheathed his katana, rolling his shoulders. "Calling it quits already?"
Diluc gave him a measured look. "Your technique is strong, but you rely on unpredictability. That won't work against someone who can adapt."
Denzan smirked. "Maybe. But I like to think fighting's a little more fun when it's unpredictable."
Diluc sighed, but there was the faintest trace of amusement in his eyes. "You're reckless."
Denzan shrugged. "And you're predictable. That just means we balance each other out."
Silence stretched between them for a moment before Diluc finally spoke. "Your blade is powerful. But power alone isn't enough."
Denzan glanced down at his katana, feeling the hum of electricity beneath his fingertips. He knew Diluc was right. This weapon was the strongest he'd ever forged—but if he couldn't master it, then what was the point?
His journey wasn't over.