79 - Forge Twins
Nexha took a deep breath, inhaling the metallic, slightly burnt scent that lingered in the air around the furnace. The embers roared, sending out small flames along with black smoke that dissipated into the air.
He ran his hand over the blade of his new copper knife and smiled.
The hammer was solidifying. The thought of finally having a tool that would allow him to shape metal with precision filled him with excitement. Without it, he wouldn’t be able to advance his forge.
Carefully, he picked up the molds where the metal had been poured earlier that morning and began to remove them. The copper was still warm to the touch but had already taken on the desired rectangular shape, with a hole in the center for the handle.
Holding it firmly, he took the piece to the whetstone and began working. The rough sound of metal against stone echoed through the air, blending with the crashing waves against the platform. The rhythms aligned as if they were a single melody—the pulse of the ocean and the forge in perfect harmony.
Despite being just a newborn, Jasper was absolutely fascinated. Lying on his stomach, his tiny hands splayed on the ground, he watched Nexha’s every move with shining eyes.
Lilay, who had initially been just supervising, noticed something curious. The baby wasn’t just watching—he was reacting. His eyes followed Nexha’s every movement with precision, as if absorbing every detail. His tail swayed slightly, keeping pace with the work, as if his mind somehow understood what was happening before him.
— Nexha… are you seeing this? — Lilay murmured, frowning.
Nexha paused and looked at Jasper. The baby didn’t blink, completely fixated on the metal.
That was strange.
A shiver ran down Nexha’s spine. He resumed working, but now his mind couldn’t stop questioning.
Finally, the hammer took its final shape. He fitted the moray algae bamboo handle into the metal head, tapping it into place.
— Damn… the fit is loose. — He grumbled, testing the handle’s stability. — Can’t have it wobbling like this.
Grabbing another piece of bamboo, he reinforced the connection, hammering again until the structure was solid.
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— There… perfect!
Jasper let out an excited sound, almost as if celebrating alongside Nexha.
Lilay observed the baby, then looked at his brother, crossing his arms.
— Told you… This little brat is just like you. Weird and small like a sardine.
— I am not small like a sardine! — Nexha snapped, frowning.
— Yes, you are. — Lilay laughed, teasing.
The two locked eyes for a moment until Jasper, not understanding the conversation, started laughing as well. His giggle was loud, pure, and unexpected.
Nexha and Lilay froze, surprised.
— Still not used to hearing him laugh… — Nexha murmured.
— Me neither… — Lilay blinked, stunned.
The hammer was finished, but Nexha still had work to do. He picked up the second, smaller mold, where he had poured copper to create pliers.
He needed something to hold hot pieces without burning himself, and this would be an important step forward.
Carefully, he removed the mold and began sanding the edges against the whetstone. It was far from perfect, but it was the best he could do for now.
The pliers were simple—two metal parts that would be joined by a bone pin in the center. He adjusted the fittings with precision, feeling more immersed in the process with each step.
Jasper kept watching, completely captivated, like a princess enamored with a rare jewel.
After a long time, the pliers were ready. Nexha tested their strength by gripping a hot stone from the furnace. They worked perfectly.
He let out a satisfied sigh.
Now, with a proper hammer and pliers, he could forge his creations with more precision.
When he looked up, he saw Jasper standing beside his newly crafted tools, with that same curious, shining gaze.
Something inside Nexha told him that this baby had a special connection to all of this. He couldn’t explain it, but it felt like the system had sent another skilled being to his village.
Smiling, Nexha placed the hammer in front of Jasper. The little one moved closer, fascinated, carefully examining the metallic sheen. His tiny fingers traced every part of the hammer, gliding over the metal as if it were truly a precious jewel.
— Hehe, you like my work, huh, little guy?
Jasper didn’t even seem to hear him.
— Are you sure it’s safe to leave that with him? — Lilay asked, skeptical.
— Relax, Lilay. He doesn’t even have the strength to lift it.
— But what if he bites it?
— Nothing a baby does is gonna damage— I think… let’s just keep an eye on him.
The two watched Jasper play around the hammer until Krahs appeared, bringing fresh fish for dinner.
Only then did Nexha realize it was already nighttime.
— Time went by too fast…
He looked at the tools beside him and checked their status, wanting to see before Krahs dragged him off to eat.
[Copper Hammer]
Name: None
Quality: Normal
Status: Normal
Attack: 20
Ability: Increased Precision
This hammer was forged alongside pliers. It needs its forging twin for its ability to be activated.
[Copper Pliers]
Name: None
Quality: Normal
Status: Normal
Attack: 20
Ability: Increased Precision
These pliers were forged alongside a hammer. They need their forging twin for their ability to be activated.
— What a surprise… looks like I have twin tools.
He smiled, left the two tools together, and went to have dinner with the rest of the family.
