"Master Steve, I have a few doubts. Is it okay if I ask them before we start our work?" Alan inquired. Steve nodded in response.
"Are these weapons magical? What properties do they have?"
"They are magical, in a way, or let's say they are made using my magical affinity. My affinity is of metal. I can imbue my affinity into a weapon while crafting. These swords, imbued with magical affinity, will be stronger than any other swords. They almost never get stained and will always stay sharp. It's not exactly the sword that helps the wielder, but the stone set on the pommel that can store energy and aid the wielder in using the reserved energy in an emergency situation."
Alan nodded. "Then, are they unbreakable?"
"Not at all, lad. They can break if you face someone with a magical weapon or someone with magical enhancement abilities or a rare magical wild beast."
"Magical wild beasts?" Alan asked in shock, disbelief evident on his face.
"Yes, boy, there are many, in fact. But they usually dwell deep inside the forest and do not come into human contact easily."
"What about that black metal? Why can I sense the magic from it? It is still raw and not imbued with any magic, right?" Alan asked in puzzlement.
"Yes, lad," Steve sighed. "It's a very rare and precious metal. I call it the 'fallen star.' It fell from the sky, which I found in my traveling days more than 30 years ago in the depth of the forest. I was lucky enough to witness the fall and get my hands on this metal.
I estimate that we could make two swords out of the metal I have. Unfortunately, I have not found anyone worthy of it yet."
"That is until today," Steve thought to himself.
Satisfied with Steve's guidance, Alan and he headed towards the smithy to commence crafting swords.
For nearly two months, Alan delved into the basics of forging—collecting raw materials, loading the forge with charcoal, and maintaining the temperature. Once Steve felt confident in Alan's foundational knowledge, he gradually introduced him to more advanced processes, including hammering and shaping.
Initially, Alan struggled, producing only two workable swords out of five. Steve, unsatisfied even with their utility as chimney pokers, meticulously pointed out Alan's mistakes during creation and highlighted even minor issues after the sword reached an acceptable state.
Upon completing 50 swords, Alan could prepare four decent ones out of five. By the time they reached 100 swords, Alan consistently crafted high-quality blades, impressing Steve with his progress.
While immersed in his apprenticeship, Alan remained committed to his training, regularly visited his family, and corresponded with his grandmother. He diligently practiced every early morning, then dedicated himself to the smithy work. On alternate days, he visited his family, enjoying dinner, spending quality time, and sparring with Williams, who was getting better in his skills in various weapons.
He made sure to visit his horse who was turning out to be the best one in the stable.
Alan also took an interest in Lilly's weapon practice, spending time and guiding her. He even received the message from his grandmother that, everyone will be arriving at Winden city a couple of days early before they start their academic classes. Alan was extatic to know this.
After four months of intensive work and learning, all 200 swords were shaped and ready. The final steps—attaching the hilt, sharpening the blades, and conducting the last inspection—consumed almost a month. Steve insisted on Alan learning the entire process before heading to the academy.
During the inspection, Alan demonstrated remarkable judgment. The moment he picked up a sword and swung it a few times, he could identify any issues. Steve was genuinely impressed. Alan rejected nearly 20 swords out of the 200, citing concerns about weight balance or misshapen blades. Together, they addressed these issues, ensuring each sword met the desired standards.
By the end of the fifth month, the heat in the smithy had given Alan a slight tan. His muscles had noticeably developed, and he appeared broader in his shoulders and arms.
Steve gave alan a week of rest once their consignement is ready. Sleep atleast for half a day lad. Don't neglect it. Come back after a week. We have to forge the sword I had promised you, Steve smiled. Alan was extatic, bowed his head to Steve and left for home.
The dinner that night was extra special to celebrate the completion of Alan's Apprenticeship. Everyone enjoyed their meal and Alan bade everyone good night as he felt bone deep weariness, and slept like a log...