Upon entering the room, a sudden blast of hot air greeted them. A red-hot forge illuminated the space, revealing metal rods inside. An anvil for shaping the metal stood near the forge, accompanied by neatly arranged crafting tools. The smithy showcased numerous finished and in-progress metalworks, along with raw materials.
Alan, fascinated, observed the surroundings when he heard, "Kid, I can replace the hilt, but it will create an imbalance. I need to extend the hilt by another half of its length and make it a bit thicker. At that point, it might feel more like a long blade than a sword. What do you want me to do?" Steve asked.
After some thought, Alan shook his head, "It was a gift from my grandfather, Master Steve. I don't want to modify the blade." Steve noticed the determination in Alan's eyes and warmly smiled, "Come back in three days, kid. It will be ready."
Alan bowed in response, asking about payment. Steve replied, "We'll discuss that later, boy. For now, both of you can leave." As Steve turned away, Alan spoke up, "Master Steve, can I come to watch the process, if you don't mind, please?"
Steve seriously looked at Alan, noting his resolute expression, and nodded in agreement.
"Al, are you planning to learn blacksmithing?" Williams asked Alan as they made their way home.
"Yes, Will, I find the smithy fascinating. It might help me understand my weapons better," Alan replied. Williams shook his head in disbelief. "Man, leave something for someone else to learn. Why are you so obsessed with wanting to learn everything?"
"Because knowledge is power, my brother," Alan patted Williams on the back, and they continued toward the mansion.
Alan and Williams both started sending letters to their family in Green Town every week and received replies promptly. This kept them energetic, pushing their limits.
Alan started visiting the smithy every day, even after his hilt was fixed. Soon, everyone in the mansion learned about Alan's new obsession, but they didn't discourage him. Meanwhile, William began practicing weapons and, like Alan, experimented with different types. Lilly, fascinated, pestered Williams to teach her. After discussing it with Elena and Andrew, he decided to teach her archery and sword skills.
Alan began helping Steven in the smithy, maintaining the furnace, providing raw materials, and handing tools to Steve as needed. He even started hammering the hot iron. Within a couple of weeks, Steve saw significant progress in Alan's work and started instructing him on making basic objects like nails, horseshoes, and kitchen knives. In a month, Alan was assisting in weapon creation.
Meanwhile, Alan and Williams received news about the Adventurer's Guild entrance test, scheduled for a month. The academy would start a month after the entrance test. Both continued their preparations, with Williams having the entire day to practice and study subjects.
Alan studied in the evening and practiced his combat skills in the early morning, spending the whole day in the smithy. The weeks passed like lightning, and the entrance test drew closer.
Alan my boy, when is your entrance test for Acadamy, Steve asked Alan. It's in another 3 days master Steve. After that there is a month left for the classes to began.
Good then. Take rest for next couple of days. Come back after the entrance with the good news and I will help forge you a sword. You can choose the raw material. Steve grinned. Alan was extatic, bowed his head in gratitude.
"It was a rather depressing way to get selected, isn't it, Al?" Williams expressed his frustration. Alan nodded helplessly.
"Who knew Zain would be the examiner! And the guild master would permit us to enter the Academy without taking the exams," Williams said, shaking his head and aiming a kick at a nearby small rock.
Alan sighed, "We need to report in six months. Wil, what's happening?" William shook his head, replying, "No idea. I am practicing different weapons for the next six months. Had to catch up to you, you freak, Williams smiled nudging Alan in his ribs. What about you?" Aah Dont bother I know, willian replied before Alan could even open his mouth. Alan smiled, "Smithy."
They planned to resume their daily sparring sessions, lasting an hour, an hour before dinner, maintaining the rest of their routine as it was a week ago.
Next day both wrote the letter about their selection and their disappointment about not being able to take exam to GreenTown. Then Alan went to the smithy.
He met Steve and explained him about the entrance selection. Seve smiled nodding. He knew about Alan's strength so he was not surprised about his direct selection.