The days following Yuuto's training in elemental magic passed quickly, and his body ached from the constant practice. Under Thalia's strict but effective guidance, he had begun to unlock a deeper understanding of magic, learning to control the elements and manipulate mana with precision. But there was another aspect of his journey that Yuuto hadn't yet explored—one that required more than just magic.
It was early morning when Yuuto returned to Ravenwood, his mind still buzzing with everything he had learned. As much as he was progressing in his magical abilities, Thalia had made it clear that magic alone wasn't enough to survive in Aetheria. He needed to understand the physical aspects of combat as well—how to defend himself when his mana ran dry, how to craft weapons and armor that could withstand the brutal forces he might face.
And for that, he needed a different kind of teacher.
Brann had mentioned Juno, the village blacksmith, a few times during their conversations. Juno wasn't just a simple smith; she was renowned for her craftsmanship, her ability to infuse weapons with magic, and her knowledge of ancient forging techniques. If anyone could teach Yuuto how to wield both magic and steel, it was her.
As Yuuto approached Juno's forge, the sound of hammering echoed through the air. The blacksmith's workshop stood at the far end of the village, a large, open structure with a blazing forge at its center. Sparks flew from the anvil as Juno worked, her powerful swings sending waves of heat through the air. Despite her rough, muscular exterior, there was something almost graceful about the way she handled the heavy hammer, as if she and the metal were in perfect harmony.
Yuuto paused at the edge of the forge, watching her work for a moment before stepping forward.
"Excuse me, are you Juno?" Yuuto called over the clanging noise.
Juno paused mid-swing, glancing up from the glowing blade she was working on. Her sharp, dark eyes flicked over Yuuto, taking in his appearance. She was tall and imposing, with strong arms and a face lined with years of hard labor. A single braid of jet-black hair hung over her shoulder, and her leather apron was stained with soot and metal shavings.
"Aye, I'm Juno," she said, her voice low and commanding. "What brings you to my forge?"
Yuuto straightened up, feeling a little nervous under her intense gaze. "I'm Yuuto, the one Brann mentioned. I've been training with Thalia, learning magic, but I want to be stronger in other ways too. Brann said you could teach me how to craft weapons, maybe even how to fight with them."
Juno's eyes narrowed slightly, but a hint of a smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "Ah, so you're the one who's been causing all the commotion lately. The village's 'Honorary Protector,' is it?" She wiped her hands on a rag and stepped closer, studying him with the sharp gaze of someone who could measure a person's worth in a single glance. "Magic's a fine tool, but if you want to survive in this world, you'll need more than spells. Steel and skill are just as important."
Yuuto nodded. "That's what I'm hoping to learn from you."
Juno considered him for a moment before letting out a low chuckle. "Well, you've got some guts, I'll give you that. Most mages wouldn't think twice about picking up a sword or hammer. They think magic is the only answer." She turned back to her forge, grabbing a pair of tongs to lift the glowing blade from the anvil. "But if you're serious, I'll teach you. Just know it won't be easy."
Yuuto smiled, grateful for the opportunity. "I'm ready for whatever you throw at me."
Juno raised an eyebrow, a spark of amusement in her eyes. "We'll see about that."
The first lesson began almost immediately. Juno didn't waste time with pleasantries or long explanations. She handed Yuuto a hammer and pointed him toward the anvil. "If you're going to learn to fight, you need to understand your weapon first. Start by helping me with this blade."
Yuuto stared at the hammer in his hand, its weight unfamiliar but not entirely uncomfortable. He stepped up to the anvil where Juno had laid a half-formed sword, the metal glowing a dull red from the heat of the forge.
"First, you strike," Juno said, her tone firm. "Watch the metal. Feel the way it moves. Every strike shapes it, but too much force, and you'll ruin it. Too little, and it won't hold its edge. It's the same with magic—control is everything."
Yuuto nodded, lifting the hammer and bringing it down on the blade. The clang of metal on metal rang through the forge, sending sparks flying. Juno watched closely as he worked, her sharp eyes tracking every movement.
"Good," she said after a few strikes. "You've got a steady hand, at least. Now, let's talk about something more interesting."
Juno set her tongs aside and picked up a finished sword from a rack nearby. The blade gleamed in the sunlight, but there was something unusual about it—a faint, shimmering light ran along its edge, almost like mana infused into the steel.
"Have you ever heard of Magical Forging?" Juno asked, holding the sword out for Yuuto to examine.
Yuuto shook his head, intrigued by the sword's glow. "No, what is it?"
Juno smirked, clearly enjoying the opportunity to teach. "Magical Forging is the art of combining mana with metal during the forging process. It's not just about making a sword or shield stronger—it's about creating weapons that can channel magic themselves. A mage like you could infuse your own spells into a blade like this, using it to amplify your attacks or even store spells for later use."
Yuuto's eyes widened as he took in the possibilities. "You can do that? Forge weapons with magic?"
Juno nodded. "It's not easy, but with the right materials and the proper technique, you can create some truly powerful tools. This sword, for example, can absorb and release elemental energy—fire, lightning, even ice—depending on the user's affinity."
She handed the sword to Yuuto, who carefully took it in his hands. As he held it, he could feel the faint pulse of mana running through the blade, almost like the sword itself was alive with magic. It was both thrilling and intimidating.
"I'll teach you how to do this," Juno said, her voice steady. "But first, you need to learn the basics. Forging a magical weapon takes patience, precision, and an understanding of both mana and metal. It's not just about brute force. You have to shape the metal the same way you shape your spells—with control and purpose."
Yuuto nodded, his mind racing with possibilities. The idea of creating weapons infused with magic was something he hadn't even considered before, but now he realized how valuable it could be. Not only would it give him an edge in battle, but it would also allow him to combine his growing magical abilities with physical strength.
"Show me," Yuuto said, his voice filled with determination. "I want to learn everything you can teach me."
Juno smiled, clearly pleased with his enthusiasm. "Good. We'll start simple, with a dagger. By the end of today, you'll have your first weapon—one you've made with your own hands."
The next few hours were a blur of heat, sweat, and metal. Juno guided Yuuto through every step of the process, from heating the raw steel in the forge to hammering it into shape on the anvil. The work was hard, and Yuuto's arms ached from the effort, but he could feel himself improving with each strike of the hammer.
Once the dagger's shape had been forged, Juno introduced him to the concept of Magical Infusion. Using a small crystal as a focus, Yuuto channeled his mana into the blade, carefully infusing the steel with magical energy. It was a delicate process, one that required intense concentration, but Yuuto felt a deep sense of satisfaction as the dagger began to glow faintly with elemental power.
By the time the sun had begun to set, Yuuto held the finished dagger in his hands. It wasn't perfect—the blade had a few rough edges, and the glow of the magical infusion was faint—but it was his. A weapon he had forged with his own hands, infused with his own magic.
Juno looked at him, her face unreadable for a moment before she nodded. "Not bad for your first try. It's rough, but it'll serve you well in a fight."
Yuuto grinned, feeling a surge of pride. "Thanks, Juno. I never thought I'd be able to do something like this."
Juno crossed her arms, a smirk playing on her lips. "Don't get too comfortable. You've still got a long way to go if you want to master Magical Forging. But you've got potential, Yuuto. With enough training, you could create weapons powerful enough to take on anything Aetheria throws at you."
Yuuto nodded, his heart racing with excitement. The path ahead was long, but he was ready for it. With Thalia teaching him magic and Juno teaching him the art of forging, he was becoming stronger in ways he was only beginning to understand.
Juno placed a hand on Yuuto's shoulder, her voice carrying a tone of respect he hadn't heard from her earlier. "You've done well today, Yuuto. Not many can forge a blade with both steel and magic on their first try. Remember, it's not just the weapon that makes a warrior—it's how you wield it. You'll need to learn discipline, balance, and control, both with your magic and your weapon. But I think you're on the right path."
Yuuto looked down at the dagger in his hand, the blade glowing softly with the mana he had infused into it. He could feel the weight of his journey ahead, but this was more than just a weapon—it was a symbol of his growth. He had started as a boy struggling to survive in a strange world, and now, he was learning to shape that world with his own hands.
"Thank you, Juno," Yuuto said, his voice filled with determination. "I won't let you down. I'll keep training and get stronger."
Juno gave him a sharp nod, the corner of her mouth lifting into a grin. "I expect nothing less. Now, go get some rest. We'll start again tomorrow, and trust me—you'll need all your strength for what comes next."
Yuuto nodded, slipping the dagger into his belt as he turned to leave the forge. His body was sore, his muscles ached, and his mana reserves were nearly depleted, but he felt more energized than ever. He was learning, growing, and becoming the person he needed to be to protect Ravenwood—and eventually, to face the greater dangers that loomed in Aetheria.
As he walked through the village toward his small room in the tavern, Yuuto's mind raced with thoughts of the future. He now had two teachers—Thalia, who was guiding him in the ways of magic, and Juno, who was teaching him the art of crafting weapons and infusing them with mana. Both skills were essential, and both would be tested in the battles to come.
The path ahead would be difficult, but Yuuto was ready.
With the sun setting behind him, casting long shadows over the village, Yuuto felt a sense of calm and purpose. He had taken the first steps toward mastering both magic and steel, and with each new lesson, he was getting closer to unlocking the full potential of his power.