The day was just beginning, and a Rank D team waited impatiently outside the Sungley mansion. They were eager to see their new equipment so they could start progressing. They had arrived early, almost overflowing with excitement, glancing every few moments toward the entrance as if they were about to receive the best news of their lives.

  Then Guardian Ken came out to greet them, walking with a relaxed but firm posture.

  — Hello, kids. Good morning. I was asked to come receive you.

  The team greeted him with enthusiasm, though also with some confusion. It wasn’t normal for a guardian to personally come for them… something was happening inside the mansion, and their curiosity started growing.

  Elira couldn’t hold back. As they walked beside the guardian, she asked what everyone had been thinking since they arrived.

  — Excuse me, Guardian Ken… I notice there’s a lot of movement in the mansion. Did something happen? Is that why you came to get us?

  Ken scratched the back of his head.

  — More or less. A big conflict happened between the young master and his parents. It was about his project.

  The five of them swallowed at the same time, shocked by that unexpected revelation.

  Bezal immediately raised his hands, like he was standing in front of a judge.

  — Excuse me… I don’t know what we did. Did something bad happen to the young master?

  Ken let out a short laugh.

  — Nothing serious happened. You didn’t do anything… the young master did. He got too excited and wouldn’t stop working in his workshop. He was sneaking out at night to keep working… Enta found out, and then the arguments with his parents started.

  Lyris widened her eyes, alarmed.

  — Why would the young master do that?!

  Ken shrugged.

  — I don’t know. But I guess we’ll find out now.

  When they reached the workshop, the atmosphere was more tense than they expected. The Grand Lord was waiting there, along with two clearly upset parents. The other guardians stood nearby, murmuring among themselves, watching carefully to see what would happen.

  The five adventurers introduced themselves with some nervousness. As soon as they finished, the workshop door opened.

  Kael stepped out.

  He was covered in soot and burn marks, with dark circles under his eyes… but smiling like nothing in the world could bother him.

  — Ah, guys! Good thing you’re here! Your equipment is ready!

  Lyris ran toward him with a worried expression and stopped him immediately.

  — Young master, they told us you pushed yourself too hard to finish this… You shouldn’t have done that! It’s dangerous!

  Kael slowly turned around, clearly remembering the problems he had with his parents over the past few days.

  — Well… there were many things I wanted to do, and everything piled up before the delivery… I’m sorry, everyone… I know that’s not enough… but I had my reasons…

  Garbard snorted with the strength of a tired bear.

  — Boy, no matter your reasons, you can’t push yourself like that. You’re still very small… you’re barely about to turn four.

  Caria crossed her arms, visibly frustrated.

  — I still don’t know who you inherited that stubbornness and rebelliousness from…

  The three guardians slowly looked at her at the exact same time… as if the answer was obvious.

  Kael, activating his survival instinct, changed the subject immediately.

  — Well, let’s get to what matters. There was a change of plans. I didn’t use bronze to make your equipment…

  The adventurers, who had been tense for another reason, were now confused.

  Bezal tilted his head.

  — If you didn’t use bronze… did you use something cheaper?

  Kael shook his head.

  — No. I used steel. For better strength and flexibility.

  The five adventurers almost lost their balance when they heard that.

  Bezal raised his hands, panicking.

  — That’s too much! W-we can’t pay for that!

  Arán opened his eyes wide.

  — Steel equipment is used by Rank A adventurers and above!

  Kael shrugged casually.

  — Exactly. But if you’re going to model my weapons and equipment, I need good publicity. So you have to carry the best.

  Adriel placed a hand over her chest dramatically.

  — Even so… I can’t imagine walking through the city with equipment this expensive…

  Kael smiled with a mischievous expression.

  — You’ll get used to it.

  He went back inside the workshop and returned carrying the first set he had prepared for Adriel. He placed it on the table: several adjustable refined steel plates to cover chest, shoulders, and thighs; a padded helmet lined with leather and cotton; a light mace; and a round shield the size of her torso, made of treated steel.

  Adriel opened her eyes as if she were looking at a sacred relic.

  Kael pointed at each piece proudly.

  — With this, you’ll protect all your vital areas while you get used to real combat. When you become a Rank A warrior, you can wear full armor. But for now, you need mobility.

  He lifted the shield and turned it to show the front.

  — Your shield is made of purified steel. It’s lighter than normal steel but just as resistant. These three conical spikes in the center are not decoration. If a beast charges at you, you can receive it with the shield, and these spikes will concentrate the force of the impact, damaging it without you suffering as much. They’re also useful for close-range strikes.

  Then he pointed at the reinforced handle.

  — The grip is wrapped in hardened leather to absorb impacts better. A shield isn’t just for defense… it intimidates and creates openings.

  Finally, he picked up the mace.

  — This mace has the right weight so you can handle it without losing speed. You already have two sword warriors in the team. But a group without blunt damage is incomplete. Enemies with shells, thick bones, or improvised armor… fall more easily with this.

  Adriel held the shield with shining eyes, pressing it against her chest as if it were the most valuable thing she had received in years.

  The next one to receive his equipment was Arán.

  Kael placed a finely crafted chainmail shirt on the table, along with a polished wooden staff with metallic details and several steel plates adapted to the young mage’s size.

  Arán blinked, confused.

  — For me? Really? But I’m a mage… it wasn’t necessary. I use my magic to defend myself and attack…

  Kael shook his head with energy, as if Arán had just said the biggest nonsense of the year.

  — No. As a mage, you are the team’s highest source of massive damage. Against monsters, maybe you can manage. But against bandits, the situation is different. For any intelligent enemy, you are the first target. Everyone will try to eliminate you first. So you need to endure more.

  He lifted the chainmail shirt.

  — The chainmail goes directly against your body. It’s your first layer of defense. On top of that go these plates on the arms and shoulders to block direct blows. And most importantly: all this metal is worked to conduct your magic better.

  Arán, intrigued, put on the chainmail first and then the plates. After that, he took the staff with both hands and closed his eyes, letting his mana flow.

  A second later, he opened his eyes, surprised.

  — The magic flows extremely fast… it’s like the rings of the chainmail and the plates form a direct path for the mana… and the staff concentrates everything into one point. My spells feel more stable… and I use less energy.

  Kael smiled proudly.

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  — That’s why I worked without rest. My forging master, Drakum, taught me how to guide magic through equipment. Your armor doesn’t just protect your body… it also organizes your power. All of your armors have better magical flow.

  Arán looked at his steel-covered arms and the chainmail underneath with a mix of respect, excitement, and slight fear.

  — With this… I’ll really be able to stay on the front line.

  The next turn was for Bezal.

  Kael placed his equipment on the table: several robust plates designed for a frontline warrior and a long, wide, heavy sword, far superior to the worn-out dull blade Bezal had used until now.

  Bezal opened his eyes as if he had just seen a newborn dragon on the table.

  Kael pointed at the sword.

  — For you, I prepared the essentials. You are a strength-type warrior, someone who in the future will carry full armor and massive swords… but for now you need something you can handle without hurting yourself.

  With visible effort, Kael lifted the sword with both hands.

  — This sword is made of purified steel. It’s heavy, yes, but it’s well balanced. With practice, you’ll be able to use it for wide, powerful strikes. It’s not designed for fast movements. It’s made to split things apart.

  Bezal swallowed, imagining himself cutting through logs.

  Kael then pointed at the plates.

  — These pieces are thicker than the others’. You are the team’s wall, Bezal. You’ll receive blows, pushes, beasts on top of you… so you need protection before mobility. These plates don’t cover you completely yet, but they reinforce critical areas: shoulders, chest, forearms, and thighs. Enough so you don’t die.

  Bezal touched the armor with clear respect.

  Kael looked at him seriously.

  — When you’re ready for full armor, I’ll forge it for you. But first, you need to learn how to move your body with real weight… without losing balance. That’s why this set is basic, but solid. What you need to start without injuring yourself.

  Bezal lowered his head, emotional.

  — Thank you, Kael. Really.

  Kael smiled in his usual way.

  — You’re welcome. Just be careful handling the sword. Don’t sprain yourself or hurt someone by accident.

  The whole group burst into laughter, and Bezal tightened his grip on the new sword with a smile he couldn’t hide.

  The next one to receive her equipment was Elira.

  Kael placed on the table a one-handed sword, light and perfectly balanced; a fine chainmail shirt; several reinforced steel plates; gloves; boots; and a leather belt with straps connecting everything, as if it were one single system.

  Elira opened her mouth in surprise. There were too many pieces, too many details… like a complex puzzle.

  Kael smiled.

  — Elira, your equipment is different from the others’. You’re a hybrid warrior: you combine physical strength and magic. You can’t dress like Bezal… but you also can’t go as light as Arán.

  Elira swallowed.

  Kael lifted one of the plates and tapped it gently with his knuckles.

  — The chainmail gives you base defense, but these plates are made of steel that conducts magical flow. Each piece is connected through these leather straps —he pointed at the belt—. They don’t just hold the armor together… they channel your magic through the entire structure.

  Elira’s eyes widened even more.

  — My magic will circulate through the armor?

  — Exactly. Your energy will distribute evenly, quickly, and precisely, reinforcing your muscles, your speed, and especially your sword.

  Kael picked up the light sword and handed it to her with both hands.

  — This blade is tempered to withstand direct magic. It won’t break even if you channel a full spell through it. When you learn to use it properly… your attacks will be half steel, half magical current.

  Elira covered her mouth with both hands. Her eyes filled with tears.

  — Thank you… Kael… this is too much…

  Kael scratched the back of his head, uncomfortable.

  — You better use it well, because I’m not making that sword twice.

  The others laughed while Elira held her new equipment like an invaluable treasure.

  There was only one member left.

  Kael took a deep breath and looked directly at Lyris.

  — And finally… we have the indecisive one of the group.

  Lyris gave a small jump, surprised, though she couldn’t hide her anxiety and excitement. She wanted to know what Kael had prepared for her.

  Kael placed a set on the table that softly shone under the light. It was similar to Elira’s, but much lighter: fine chainmail, minimal plates on vital points, hardened leather to maintain mobility, and a belt with straps connecting the entire structure.

  Lyris looked at the set like it was a work of art.

  Kael cleared his throat.

  — This equipment is designed especially for you. You need mobility, agility… and your wind magic must flow without interruption. The plates are light and connected by internal channels that allow wind to circulate through the armor. When you use your magic, the whole structure will help you move faster and with better control.

  Lyris pressed her hands against her chest, her eyes slightly wet.

  Kael then picked up a perfectly forged dagger.

  Lyris tilted her head.

  — So my weapon will be… a dagger?

  Kael opened his eyes, offended.

  — What?! No, no!

  The dagger is only for personal defense if you’re cornered. Your main weapons are…

  Everyone held their breath.

  Kael reached under the table and pulled out a bow completely different from anything that world had ever seen.

  Lyris’s eyes opened as wide as possible.

  Pulleys, double strings, reinforcements, an elegant and deadly design.

  The group stood frozen.

  Kael smiled.

  — This is a compound bow. More powerful, more precise, and above all… more lethal.

  Lyris stepped forward, as if afraid the bow would disappear.

  The air around it vibrated the moment she touched it. It was like the weapon recognized her magic.

  — It feels like… it’s floating… —she whispered.

  — Exactly —Kael replied—. Your wind magic reduces the bow’s real weight and stabilizes all vibrations. When you release the string, your wind can push it even further… and that multiplies the speed of the shot.

  But Kael still had another surprise.

  He leaned under the table again and pulled out a metal device full of fine gears, tight strings, and a small folded mechanical arm.

  Everyone went completely still.

  Kael held it proudly.

  — Before I forget… this is your last weapon, Lyris.

  He placed it on the table.

  It was a wrist crossbow.

  Lyris opened her eyes as if she were standing in front of a forbidden treasure.

  Kael strapped it onto her forearm.

  — It works like this: this piece —he touched a hidden side trigger—, when it receives a pulse from your wind magic, releases the internal mechanism. The crossbow arms deploy automatically. And this guide fires short bolts with enough force to pierce hardened leather.

  The gears made a soft click. The crossbow opened by itself like a metal fan.

  Lyris held her breath, trembling.

  — Short range, fast impact —Kael continued—. It’s perfect for enemies who get too close. And thanks to your wind magic, you can reload it without using your hands. Just push compressed air into the mechanism… and that’s it.

  The crossbow folded back on its own when Lyris moved her arm.

  Elira gasped.

  — That’s… too useful. Isn’t it too dangerous?

  — Yes —Kael answered with total seriousness—. That’s why I only gave it to her. If I gave it to, for example, Ken… he would shoot himself in the foot in less than a minute.

  — What did you say?! —Ken protested from behind.

  Everyone laughed.

  Lyris gently touched the mechanism with respect and caution.

  — I can’t believe this is mine…

  Kael smiled.

  — It’s yours because you’ll know how to use it properly.

  After equipping all the weapons and armor, the team went to the training yard to test what Kael had prepared. They were excited, talking among themselves, trying movements, feeling the weight, the firmness, and the impressive quality of each piece.

  The only insecure one was Lyris. She still didn’t fully control her magic when applied to weapons. Her equipment was perfect for her, but she needed to understand how her wind flowed through the bow and the crossbow.

  Kael, noticing her expression, approached Enta.

  — Uncle Enta, you weren’t good with bows, right?

  — No, my lord —Enta replied, making a gesture with his hand—. Jacki could help us in this case.

  Kael’s eyes lit up instantly.

  — Of course! Aunt Jacki hunts a lot in the Indomitable Forest. I should also forge her a bow and a crossbow.

  Before he could get excited about new projects, Caria appeared behind him with a speed that made Kael jump slightly.

  — Don’t even think about sneaking out to work at night again —she said, with a look that seemed to pierce the soul—. I’ll lock the workshop myself and put guards there so you don’t do something stupid.

  Kael lowered his head in resignation.

  — Okay…

  Shortly after, Jacki arrived, informed by Enta. She walked confidently, though she wasn’t expecting to see such a strange bow in the young master’s hands.

  — Why did you call me, young master?

  Kael lifted Lyris’s compound bow.

  — Could you try this bow I forged for Lyris and show her how to use it?

  Jacki was instantly shocked.

  She took the bow with both hands, turned it, examined it from every angle. Her expression was like someone staring at an impossible creature.

  — Young master… is this really a bow? How does it work?

  Kael smiled, like he had waited for that question his whole life.

  — Come here, Jacki. I’ll explain.

  Look at this part —he touched the central body of the bow—. It’s called the riser. It’s the skeleton of the bow. You always hold it here.

  Jacki nodded, still confused.

  — Now look at the ends —Kael continued—. Do you see these big wheels? They’re called pulleys or cams. They’re not decoration. They’re the most important part.

  Jacki opened her mouth, unable to hide her surprise.

  Kael moved his hands excitedly while explaining.

  — In a normal bow, the more you pull the string, the more force you need. But in this bow, the opposite happens.

  Jacki narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

  — When you pull the string —Kael continued—, these pulleys rotate, and the additional string winds here —he pointed to another string connected to the pulley—.

  That creates a lever system. The advantage?

  There comes a point where holding the tension requires almost no effort.

  Jacki’s eyes widened even more.

  — Then how does it shoot with so much force?

  Kael tapped one of the pulleys with his finger.

  — Because the pulleys store energy. All the initial force stays trapped here. And when you release…

  it’s unleashed all at once. Much stronger than a normal bow.

  Jacki took a deep breath.

  — So… if I draw it with my usual strength… I can shoot as if it were a war bow?

  — Exactly. This bow gives more power with less effort. That’s why it’s called a compound bow. It’s made of several parts working together to increase your strength.

  Jacki lifted it and gently drew the string…

  and almost lost her balance when she felt how surprisingly light the final stretch became.

  — This feels like cheating…

  Kael shrugged.

  — It’s not cheating. It’s technology.

  Lyris watched the explanation with complete concentration, memorizing every detail.

  Kael added:

  — And that’s not even the best part. Lyris can channel wind magic through these pulleys and these limbs —he touched the bow’s arms—… which reduces the weight even more. And when she releases the arrow, the wind increases its speed.

  Jacki whistled, impressed.

  — Young master… if you make me one of these, I promise to bring you a whole boar every week.

  Kael raised his thumb.

  — Deal.

  Jacki inhaled deeply.

  — Then I can apply magic…

  — That’s right —Kael replied—. Apply wind magic to the bow and fill the arrow with energy. Wind magic alters weight, but keeps the object’s strength and solidity. So its power multiplies significantly.

  Jacki drew the bow.

  She applied magic.

  And she fired.

  What happened next left everyone frozen.

  The arrow, charged with magic and force, broke the sound barrier when it launched.

  The air exploded around it, lifting dust and shaking everyone nearby with a shockwave.

  The projectile pierced the target with absolute precision, continued forward, and slammed into the training wall with so much power that it left a deep crater, cracking much of the structure.

  Silence.

  Total.

  Absolute.

  Jacki lowered the bow, stunned.

  — My arrows always come out strong… but I never imagined that with this bow they would be so monstrous… I’m sorry, my lady…

  Kael jumped in happiness.

  He looked like a child watching his invention work even better than he had imagined.

  Lyris, meanwhile, didn’t know whether to cry, faint, or start training twelve hours a day.

  A weapon like that… was too much.

  And it was hers.

  After that short training session, the five adventurers approached Kael to say goodbye.

  They were deeply grateful, moved, and impressed by all the effort and dedication the small genius had put into every piece of their equipment. They hadn’t just received extraordinary weapons and armor… they had received confidence.

  Adriel was the first to approach.

  She hugged him warmly and kissed his cheek.

  Elira also hugged him tightly, lifting him slightly off the ground as if he weighed nothing.

  Lyris, nervous but radiant, wrapped her arms around him from behind, almost hiding her face against his still slightly burned shoulder.

  Kael was trapped in the middle of that sudden affection, barely visible between arms, steel, and laughter.

  Of course, the scene did not go unnoticed by Tana and Caria.

  Both of them immediately walked forward with looks that could be considered dangerous.

  Without warning, the two guardians gave Kael a simultaneous knock on the head.

  — Don’t let them hug you so much —Tana complained.

  — Exactly! We’re not sharing our little soot-face kid with anyone —Caria added.

  The tone wasn’t truly furious… but it was clearly possessive.

  The adventurers laughed naturally before starting their journey back.

  They left carrying not only exceptional equipment, but also the memory of having been part of the first great forging project of the young master Sungley.

  A project that would, without a doubt, mark their lives forever.

  Because I truly appreciate you all, and because I’m already at Chapter 105 and still incredibly excited while writing (*0*)!!

  Take care, and enjoy your weekend.