"Master Steve, I don't know if I'm worthy of it," Alan asked for the tenth time.
"Lad, if I say you are, then you are. Don't try to argue with me on this matter. The guild master deems the swords made by you fit for use even by B-Class Adventurers. Now, tell me, why should I not select the best possible metal for the best apprentice I ever had?" Steve stated firmly.
"But, Master Steve, it's so pre..." "That's enough, my son. The star metal is not as precious to me as you are," Steve interrupted Alan.
Feeling a lump in his throat, Alan fell silent. Steve went to Alan and gave him a bear hug. "If everything was well, I would have had a grandson of your age, my boy," Steve said. Alan hugged back, tears streaming down his eyes. "Thank you, Master..." he choked, unable to continue. Steve patted his back soothingly.
After a few moments, Alan began feeding charcoal to the furnace. "Lad, forging this metal might be challenging without magic and higher temperatures, so add more charcoal," Steve instructed. Alan complied with a nod of his head.
"There's another reason for choosing this metal for you. Can you guess?" Steve asked.
Alan pondered for a moment. "Because I feel that tugging sensation. Was that it?"
"Precisely," Steve affirmed. "I've never seen anyone feel that connection with this metal. I usually showcase it at the Winden City festival, but no one has shown interest, let alone felt a connection."
"Now, you will forge this metal on your own. I'll guide and instruct you as needed, so be prepared," Steve declared, taking a crucible and placing the lump of Star metal inside, instructing Alan to put it in the furnace.
"But, Master, what if I make a mistake? The entire metal will be wasted," Alan protested.
"If that happens, we'll remelt the metal, lad. But don't worry; I believe in your skills," Steve reassured.
"One more thing, keep that feeling of tugging and longing for the metal throughout the sword-making process. Understand?" Alan nodded at Steve's instruction. Although he always felt that connection near the metal, he soon realized concentrating on it during the forging process was more challenging than he thought.
As soon as Alan began pumping the bellows to intensify the flame, the tugging sensation he felt grew stronger. Focused on it, he pumped harder, and Steve noticed a subtle change in the surroundings. Steve smiled, realizing that Alan's magical abilities were emerging earlier than expected. It seemed the metal was eagerly drawing energy from Alan, and he was supplying it generously.
Observing Alan sweating, Steve realized he might be exerting more energy than ever before. He went outside and asked Lucy to bring food for four and a couple of jugs of water. Though confused by the request, Lucy complied.
Entering the smithy with the food tray, Lucy felt an almost unbearable blast of hot air. She placed the food on the side table and turned to see Alan pumping the bellows, covered in sweat, with a golden glow emanating from his body. Astonished, she watched in wonder.
Steve noted her reaction and asked, "Do you sense something different about Alan?"
"He is... he is glowing, Master Steve. He is..." Lucy was left dumbfounded.
"It's fine, Lucy. Don't panic. Go to the stores and continue your work," Steve said. "And Lucy, don't talk about what you saw here. Understand? Not even to Linda." His tone was serious. Lucy nodded and left in a daze.
Alan's hands and shoulders throbbed with fatigue, causing his movements to slow. Sensing this, Steve called out, "Lad, take a break and grab a meal. I'll handle the work for a while." Alan nodded, and Steve stepped in.
Surveying the crucible, Alan noticed the metal glowing red but not yet fully melted. He retreated to a table, where he started having a meal. Oddly, as Alan ate, he felt a revitalizing surge in his strength.
In the meantime, Steve infused the metal with his energy. As expected, the metal eagerly absorbed his metal affinity magic, astonishing him with its voracious appetite for energy. Steve couldn't help but acknowledge that Alan was anything but an ordinary kid. Despite Alan having pumped the bellows for over an hour, Steve estimated he could continue for at most another 15 minutes.
To Alan's surprise, he devoured 3/4ths of the food Lucy brought and emptied the water. After a brief rest, Alan took back control from Steve. Now visibly drained and drenched in sweat, Steve eagerly finished the remaining food.