The Iron Bell

A sharp tick-tick-tick caught my ears. Loud! Steady! I charged straight across the cold counter tile, chain rattling at my hip. A silver beast stood square in my path, humming with heat. No retreat! I rammed the steel tip of my blade right into its side lever. Clack! Down it plunged. Gears groaned inside the metal belly, chattering rhythmic fury! I planted my boots, waiting for the beast to snap. Then—BAM! The lever leaped up, firing two charred crusts into the air, chiming like a war gong! Good steel. Worthy opponent.