[Congratulations! New Skill Acquired: Basic Forging Technique]
Adrian's heart quickened at the new notification and he focused on the description of the skill.
[Basic Forging Technique]
>> Your understanding of fundamental forging methods has significantly deepened.
As Adrian read the description, he realized that he felt a sense of clarity within him. Everything Eli had demonstrated suddenly became much clearer, as though the information had already settled comfortably into his mind.
Adrian was amazed. He had understood Eli's lessons before, but now, it felt as though he had already mastered the foundational skills needed to forge.
Still, he patiently waited until Eli completed the final touches on his projects.
Eli wiped his forehead with his sleeve and smiled warmly at Adrian.
"I'm done with most of my projects for morning. Should I help you with your parts before we break for lunch?"
Adrian smiled politely. "Don't worry, sir. I think I've learned enough."
Eli stared at Adrian in disbelief. He had patiently explained everything, but never expected the young boy to grasp anything at all.
He had just been explaining to him for the sake of impressing him, but the confidence in Adrian's eyes, however, made Eli believe that he might have gotten a thing or two from his lesson.
"Are you sure, Adrian?" Eli asked carefully, trying to gauge the boy's seriousness. "I'll ask you a few questions first, alright?"
Adrian nodded calmly. "Go ahead, sir."
Eli began with straightforward questions about the tools and temperature management. Adrian answered effortlessly, prompting Eli to gradually increase the difficulty.
Eli asked about material hardness, ideal forging temperatures for various metals, and shaping methods for intricate components. Adrian responded confidently each time, surprising Eli even more.
By the time Eli finished throwing at him every question that had to do with what he did, his mouth hung open, and his eyes were wide with shock.
"You're a genius!" Eli finally said, his voice filled with awe. "A GENIUS!"
Adrian chuckled lightly and scratched his head in denial. "Not really. I've just been paying close attention."
"No, Adrian, this is incredible," Eli insisted seriously. "You don't understand. What you're doing right now shouldn't even be possible at your age. You're going places, kid."
Adrian gave a humble nod. "Thank you, Eli. But can I make my parts now?"
Eli hesitated briefly. "Forging isn't just about theory. The practical aspects can be dangerous. Are you absolutely sure you're ready?"
"Just trust me," Adrian replied firmly, determination blazing in his eyes.
After a moment of contemplation, Eli nodded slowly. "Alright, but I'll keep an eye on you to ensure you don't get hurt."
A grin found its way to Adrian's face as he quickly approached the forge. Carefully, he gathered his selected materials — brass, iron, copper, and mithril alloy — arranging them neatly beside the forge. He took a deep breath to steady himself, recalling every step Eli had shown him.
He began with the brass, heating it carefully until it glowed a soft red. Using tongs, he placed it onto the anvil and started hammering delicately, shaping small gears with practiced precision.
He repeated this several times, each gear more refined than the last, each carefully cooled in water to solidify the shape.
Next, Adrian tackled the iron, forming the sturdy structural frame for his clock. He worked patiently, hammering methodically to create the precise shapes and sturdy joints needed to hold the clock together.
Eli watched silently, utterly stunned as Adrian moved with the confidence and skill of someone who had been forging for years.
Even though he didn't have enough strength to hammer the metals quickly and with purpose, he made up for it with his continuous efforts.
Then came the mithril alloy. Adrian knew this metal was more delicate, ideal for parts requiring finesse, like springs and intricate mechanisms.
His hands moved with incredible precision, forming the delicate components needed to regulate the clock's internal movements.
As he worked, Adrian quietly explained each step to himself, reinforcing his understanding and ensuring accuracy.
Finally, Adrian used the copper to craft decorative yet functional elements for the clock's dial and casing, adding a polished, refined finish. Each part was carefully inspected and set aside, ensuring they met his high standards.
Hours passed unnoticed as Adrian worked meticulously, completely immersed in his creation. Eli stood motionless, his mouth agape as he watched the ten-year-old boy display skills far beyond his years.
After completing the final component, Adrian carefully cooled each piece, placing them gently on a clean cloth beside the forge.
He exhaled slowly, feeling satisfaction wash over him. As he stepped back to admire his work, another soft chime echoed within his mind.
[Your proficiency with Basic Forging Technique has increased significantly!]
Eli stood frozen in astonishment, his eyes wide and unblinking as he stared at the neatly arranged, expertly crafted components.
He couldn't quite grasp what Adrian was making, yet each piece radiated a precision that surpassed most experienced blacksmiths. Unable to contain himself, Eli rushed forward and hoisted Adrian into the air, laughing heartily.
"Boy, you're amazing! Simply amazing!" Eli exclaimed enthusiastically.
Adrian felt a strange embarrassment at being lifted but was too exhausted to respond. He was utterly drained and the night sky outside revealed just how much time he had spent working on this.
His stomach soon growled loudly, reminding Eli of how long he had been working without pause.
"Oh, Adrian, I'm so sorry," Eli apologized, quickly setting him down. "Here, let's have the food Mara packed for us. You must be starving."
The two sat together and quickly ate their fill, enjoying the warmth and silence of the forge after hours of continuous labor. After a restful moment, Eli turned to Adrian and said:
"Are you ready to go home now? You can finish tomorrow."
But unlike what Eli expected, Adrian shook his head firmly. "Please, I'm almost done. Just give me some more time."
Eli sighed deeply, imagining how Mara would scold him for allowing Adrian to exhaust himself, but eventually nodded as even him too was excited to see what Adrian would create.
"Alright. Just a bit longer."