The Mithril cone was a rare magical tool, prized among Enchanters for its ability to intricately engrave magical matrices onto enchanted items. When wielded correctly, the Mithril would seep into the surface, forming delicate, shimmering silver patterns that signified enchantment—a testament to skill and artistry.

  As Martin gripped the Mithril cone and hammer for the first time, he focused intently on a simple iron piece before him. With each precise motion, he etched a flame-like pattern into the metal. When he finished, he stepped back, his heart racing. Had he truly succeeded? The fiery design glimmered in the dim light, but uncertainty gnawed at him.

  Dorf, a sturdy dwarf with a keen eye for detail, rushed over, snatching the iron piece from Martin’s hands. He scrutinized it closely, his brow furrowing as he compared the pattern with something in his mind. His gaze darted back and forth between the iron and a nearby leaf, as if searching for something that eluded him.

  Outside the shed, Kara and Debbie exchanged concerned glances.

  "What’s wrong, Dorf?" Kara asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

  "Is everything okay, Martin?" Debbie chimed in, her tone more anxious.

  Martin’s excitement bubbled up as he caught Dorf's expression. Could it be that his first attempt at enchantment had actually worked? Despite being recognized as a master in his studies, the thrill of this moment was unlike anything he had ever experienced.

  Suddenly, Dorf clapped Martin on the shoulder, his eyes wide with astonishment. "Boy, do you have dwarf blood in you?"

  Martin stumbled back, caught off guard. "What? My height? I’m a mage, not a dwarf!"

  In this world, only those of human lineage could awaken as mages, while dwarves were known for their unique form of enchantment. If there were any dwarf blood in him, it would have prevented him from tapping into his magical abilities.

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  Dorf realized his mistake and released Martin, still holding the iron piece with newfound respect. "This is incredible! I've never seen a human enchantment succeed on the first try. Kid, your talent rivals that of any dwarf!"

  With that affirmation, Martin felt a rush of confidence surge through him. Perhaps he truly had a gift for enchantment—something that could propel his skills in ways he had never imagined. The key to enchantment lay in understanding the magic matrix, a concept that eluded many skilled mages. It was about seeing the connections, the whole picture, much like how a master musician hears harmony in a complex symphony.

  Debbie, standing outside the shed, felt her heart race. Could Martin really have enchanting talent comparable to that of a dwarf? She dropped her massive sword onto the ground and dashed into the shed, her excitement palpable. Without hesitation, she threw her arms around Martin in a tight embrace.

  “Wow, you really did it!” she exclaimed, her voice muffled against his shoulder.

  Martin laughed, though he felt a little cramped. “Okay, okay! I’m happy too, but maybe not so tight?”

  When she finally released him, Martin rubbed his sore arms and looked at her, puzzled. "Why are you so happy?"

  "Because this means you could make us rich!" Debbie beamed, her eyes sparkling with dreams of gold.

  Martin raised an eyebrow. "Really? Is that all you think about?"

  Suddenly, a thought struck him. He glanced nervously at the silver cone and hammer he had just set down. If enchanted items like these were sold at the Mage Guild, they would fetch a steep price—much more than he could afford. Yet, Dorf had promised these tools to him if he succeeded in his first enchantment.

  “Wait, Dorf,” Martin said, a grin creeping onto his face. “Remember when you said if I succeeded, you’d give me the Mithril cone and hammer?”

  Dorf’s expression shifted as realization dawned on him. He had been joking, never truly expecting a human to enchant successfully on their first attempt. The tools were invaluable, crafted by dwarven artisans. Surely, they were worth more than he could part with.

  But dwarves were known for their honor and generosity. After a moment of hesitation, Dorf sighed, his decision made. “Alright, lad. They’re yours. Use them well.”

  Martin’s heart soared with gratitude. “Thank you, Master Dorf!”

  “Ha! It’s not every day a dwarf meets a mage with such potential. You must visit my kingdom someday; the dwarves will celebrate your talent!” Dorf clapped Martin on the back, nearly knocking him over.

  In that moment, Martin felt as though he had leveled up in a game, receiving a new title: Apprentice Enchanter.

  Kara, who had been observing from the entrance, finally stepped inside. “I’m impressed, Martin. I didn’t expect you to have such talent in enchantment.”

  Debbie, finally recovering from her initial excitement, chimed in with a grin, “And these five gold coins were definitely worth it!”

  Kara chuckled. “Actually, it’s two gold coins. Here, Debbie.” She produced three gold coins from her pouch and handed them to Debbie. “Two for Dorf’s fee, and the rest is on me for the next time we do business.”

  With that, the atmosphere in the shed transformed into one of camaraderie, excitement, and the promise of new adventures yet to come.