Chapter 5 - Act III: Festival and Follies (Climax/Midpoint)

Chapter 10: Preparations for the Grand Artisans' Festival

Kei stepped out into the morning light of Anderun City and found it transformed. Overnight, the usually orderly guild district had burst into color and activity. Banners in every hue – scarlet, gold, cerulean blue – fluttered from balconies and lampposts, proudly displaying the crests of various artisan guilds. The crisp summer air carried tantalizing scents of fresh bread and sweet fruit from the expanding market stalls on the main street. Everywhere Kei looked, there were smiling faces and a contagious excitement. It was the week of the Grand Artisans' Festival, and Anderun was abuzz with preparation.

In the Woodworkers' Guild Hall where Kei had spent countless hours these past weeks, the pace was frantic but joyful. Apprentices scurried about, arms full of tools and materials, as they put finishing touches on their showcase projects. Laughter and chatter echoed off the workshop's high rafters. Kei could hear two senior apprentices debating how many ribbons to drape over their booth and a group of potters in a nearby stall singing a rhythmic work song as they arranged clay wares for sale. Visiting artisans from outlying villages trickled into the guild yard, adding to the lively mix – strangers exchanging tips, complimenting each other's crafts, and occasionally stealing curious glances at Kei, the rare male apprentice among them.

At his own workbench in the corner of the guild's workshop, Kei Beckett wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand. He and his teammates had been working tirelessly since dawn – not out of obligation, but out of sheer determination to perfect their project before tomorrow's big Apprentice Showcase. Spread out on the bench before them lay the fruit of their collaboration: a magitech forge bellows unlike any Anderun had seen. The device looked like a pair of traditional wooden bellows crossed with a network of engraved copper tubes and small shimmering runestones. It was polished to a warm honey glow, the woodgrain swirling under lacquer, and the metal fittings gleamed with precise etchings. It was beautiful, but more importantly, it was functional – or it would be, once they addressed a few final tweaks.

"Alright, let's test the mana flow one more time," Kei said softly. Despite his quiet tone, his voice carried a hint of emerging confidence that had grown over the past weeks. He placed a hand gently on the side of the bellows where an inset mana crystal pulsed faintly with blue light.

Fiona, the red-haired tinkerer whose boundless energy had been propelling them all forward, bounced on her toes. "Activating mana channel… now!" she chimed, twisting a small crystal knob.

A low hum emanated from the device. Through the network of copper tubes, faint light glowed as mana coursed like glowing veins through the apparatus. The bellows' wooden sides began to move rhythmically on their own, pushing puffs of air in a steady, controlled stream. Kei narrowed his eyes, focusing intently. In his mind's eye – or rather, just at the edge of his vision – a translucent overlay flickered into being. The Crafting & Life System had an Analysis Mode, and Kei had learned to use it well. Now it highlighted sections of the device in soft green or amber hues, showing efficiency and stress points.

"There," Kei murmured, pointing to a rune-etched valve that flickered amber in his view. "The mana flow is bottlenecking at the release valve. It's about twenty percent below optimal pressure."

Nia, a gentle girl with soft features and an even softer voice, gave a concerned frown. As their team's enchanter, the runes were her specialty. "I triple-checked that rune. Perhaps the alignment is off?" she wondered aloud.

Kei nodded thoughtfully. "Maybe not the rune itself, but the seal around it." He grabbed a small carving chisel and, with careful precision, adjusted a groove where the copper met wood. His hands moved with practiced ease – despite the adrenaline fluttering in his chest, working on a craft always steadied him. "Try now."

Fiona re-calibrated the mana input. This time the hum was even smoother. Kei's System overlay glowed green across the board. A grin broke out on his face. "That's it. Optimal flow achieved."

The three apprentices exchanged relieved high-fives. Off to the side, Kara – the fourth member of their team – leaned against a post with arms crossed, a broad smile on her face. Kara was bold and athletic, with sun-bronzed skin and dark hair kept in a practical braid. She had been handling the physical build of the bellows alongside Kei, and her strong hands bore a few fresh nicks and callouses from the week's work.

"Ha! I knew you'd figure it out, Kei," Kara said, clapping him on the shoulder. Though her slap was hearty, her touch lingered a second longer in a warm squeeze that made Kei blush faintly. Kara had a habit of treating him like one of the girls in camaraderie, then remembering he wasn't – an awkwardness often followed for both of them. She coughed and added more gently, "Good job, everyone. This thing's as ready as it'll ever be."

Around them, the bustle of the workshop continued. Fiona carefully closed the panel on their device, humming a cheerful tune as she polished off an imaginary speck of dust. Nia began tidying up stray tools with meticulous care. Kei stepped back and admired the bellows as a whole. He felt a swell of pride. Just a short time ago, he'd awakened in this world, lost and unsure. Now he was about to present an invention at the biggest festival of the year, as part of a team of talented friends.

Still, a tremor of nerves threaded through his excitement. The showcase tomorrow would have a public audience, and from the rumors he'd heard, possibly hundreds of onlookers. The idea of being on stage with so many eyes – especially on him, the sole male – made his stomach flip if he dwelled on it too long. Kei took a slow breath. Focus on the work, he reminded himself. When he kept his mind on the craft, on the problem-solving, he could forget the rest.

"Kei?" Fiona's voice cut into his thoughts. She had tilted her head, green eyes studying him knowingly. "You're doing that thing again – the deep-in-thought face. Everything alright?"

He realized he'd gone quiet, standing still while holding a screwdriver mid-air. Kei lowered it with a sheepish smile. "Sorry. Yeah. Just thinking if there's anything we missed."

Nia wiped her hands on her apron and gave a small shake of her head. Her dark curls bobbed around her gentle face. "We triple-tested every component. The fail-safes, the output, the enchantment stability… It's as good as we can make it."

Fiona piped up enthusiastically, "It's more than good – it's amazing! Wait until everyone sees. We're going to revolutionize small forges!" Her exuberance was infectious; Kei couldn't help but smile. Fiona had a smear of grease on her cheek and a smudge of blue mana-ink on her sleeve from writing runes, but she looked positively radiant with excitement. In Kei's eyes, her bright smile and flushed cheeks only added to her charm – not that he'd ever say such a thing out loud without turning beet red himself.

"We should thank Master Leena for letting us borrow half her workshop for this," Kara noted. She pushed off the post and stretched, the muscles in her arms flexing. She wore a sleeveless tunic today due to the heat, and a few other apprentices across the hall couldn't help sneaking admiring glances at her toned figure. Kei, catching himself inadvertently noticing the same thing, quickly averted his eyes out of respect, cheeks warming. Kara noticed and raised an eyebrow in challenge, a playful smirk tugging her lips. "What's the matter, Kei? See something you like?"

"N-no! I mean, I wasn't—" Kei stammered, utterly flustered. Fiona elbowed Kara sharply, and Nia covered her mouth, hiding a giggle. Kara laughed and clapped Kei's back again.

"I'm just teasing, relax! Goddess' mercy, you're easy to rile up," Kara said warmly. Kei managed a chuckle, though he was sure his face was as pink as a summer rose.

Before their banter could continue, a new voice cut through the workshop hubbub – authoritative and unfamiliar.

"So this is the famous bellows I've been hearing whispers about."

Kei and his friends turned toward the source. A small delegation had entered the Woodworkers' Guild Hall, their attire marking them as members of the Metalworkers' Guild. They wore deep crimson sashes and sturdy leather aprons adorned with metal insignias. At their head was a young woman with a confident stance and keen eyes that immediately honed in on Kei's team and their invention.

The woman approached, flanked by two others. She stood out immediately to Kei. For one, she carried herself with a self-assurance that bordered on haughty, and her outfit – while practical smithing attire – was trimmed with an ornate pattern that suggested she was no ordinary apprentice. Her hair was a lustrous black, pulled into a high ponytail, and a pair of protective goggles rested atop her head like a misplaced tiara. Soot marks dusted her sleeves, evidence that she'd come straight from her own forge work. Despite that, there was a proud sort of beauty to her: high cheekbones, sharp hazel eyes that flickered with intelligence as they sized up everything in sight. Kei found himself momentarily struck – not just by her appearance, but by the fact that here was another person likely around his age radiating a presence that filled the room.

Kara stepped forward, almost protectively, while Fiona and Nia edged closer to Kei's sides. The Woodworkers apprentices around had paused their tasks, sensing potential drama.

The black-haired smith's eyes fell to the magitech bellows on the bench. She circled it slowly, one finger tapping her chin. Her entourage – a burly older smith with arms like tree trunks and a younger freckled girl carrying a notebook – hung back slightly, watching silently.

"So," the young woman said after a moment, "this is what the Woodworkers' Guild is pinning their hopes on for the showcase?" She spoke loudly enough for those nearby to hear, and there was a slight curl to her lip.

Kei felt a flash of defensiveness, but he swallowed it and kept his expression polite. Kara, less inclined to diplomacy, folded her arms and replied, "That's right. And who's asking?"

The stranger met Kara's challenging stare with a cool one of her own. "Dahlia Forgeborne," she announced, chin tilting up. A couple of local guild members nearby murmured recognition of the surname – the Forgebornes were apparently well-known among smiths. "Apprentice representative of the Metalworkers' Guild from Bright Harbor." She nodded towards her companions. "We're here to check out the competition." Dahlia's gaze drifted past Kara and landed squarely on Kei. She assessed him openly, eyes sliding from his face down to his hands which still held the screwdriver. Kei couldn't help but straighten up under that scrutiny, unsure if he was being judged or… something else.

Her eyebrows raised just a fraction. "And you must be Kei, the artisan who's got everyone in a tizzy."

Kei blinked, taken aback at her bluntness. "I, uh… I'm Kei, yes. Kieran Beckett," he offered more formally, giving a slight bow of greeting as Marna – his adoptive aunt figure – had taught him. "Woodworking apprentice."

Dahlia's lips twitched in what might have been amusement. "Not just any woodworking apprentice, if half the rumors are true." She turned her attention back to the bellows. With a slender finger, she traced one of the runic copper tubes. "Magitech forge bellows… an interesting choice. Most woodworkers stick to furniture or carving for showcases. This is borderline smithing equipment." Her tone was casual, but there was an undercurrent of challenge.

Fiona bristled beside Kei. "It's a collaborative project. We worked with enchanters and smiths on the design—"

Dahlia held up a hand. "I'm not accusing you of anything. If anything, I'm… impressed you attempted something so cross-disciplinary."

The older smith behind Dahlia grunted in begrudging acknowledgment, arms crossed. The freckled note-taker scribbled something quickly.

Dahlia leaned down to peer at the mana crystal chamber. She smelled faintly of iron and coal, like a forge – a not unpleasant, honest scent of someone who works with fire and metal. Kei realized with a start that he'd moved slightly in front of Fiona and Nia, as if shielding them and their project from too harsh a critique.

Finally, Dahlia straightened and tapped a finger against her chin. "Not bad…" she pronounced slowly, "for woodworkers."

Kara's eyes flashed. The subtle emphasis on "woodworkers" as if it were second-rate was not lost on any of them. Before Kara could retort, Dahlia added with a faint smirk, "But let's hope it doesn't fall apart in front of the judges."

That did it. "Excuse me?" Kara said, stepping forward. She was nearly of a height with Dahlia, and the two now stood eye to eye, tension crackling. Kei's heart thumped nervously; the last thing they needed was a guild rivalry spat right now.

"How dare you—" Fiona started, clenching her small hands into fists at her sides. Even Nia frowned in disapproval, though she hovered worriedly near Kei's elbow.

Kei quickly placed himself between Kara and Dahlia before the confrontation escalated. He raised his palms in a placating gesture. "There's no need for insults. Our device is quite sturdy, I assure you." His voice was calm but firm. He addressed Dahlia respectfully, determined not to add fuel to the fire. "We've tested it rigorously. The craftsmanship may be wood, but it's reinforced with iron bands and enchanted for durability. It won't be falling apart." He spoke with a quiet confidence that surprised even himself.

Dahlia blinked, clearly not having expected Kei – the one person who hadn't reacted in anger – to respond and so directly. The room had gone hushed; several guild members were watching like spectators at a duel.

Kei continued, "I appreciate any concerns, Miss Forgeborne, but I stand by our work. Of course, we'll see how it fares in the showcase, compared to all the other wonderful projects." He offered a polite smile, hoping to defuse the tension.

A silence, then Dahlia's lips curved into a genuine grin, flashing white teeth. She let out a short laugh, raising her hands in a gesture of surrender. "Fair enough, woodworker. Or should I say inventor? I meant no real offense." She cast a sidelong look at Kara's clenched jaw and Fiona's fiery eyes. "I do apologize if it came off harsh. Consider it… friendly rivalry."

Kara looked ready to argue the "friendly" part of that statement, but Kei subtly touched her arm, and she held her tongue.

Dahlia gave Kei an appraising nod. "I've heard a lot about you, you know. A man in the guilds, the so-called 'lucky charm' of Anderun's artisans..." Her gaze flicked around at the other staring apprentices who quickly pretended to go back to work. "I wanted to see if you were just a mascot or the real deal. It appears you can handle yourself."

Kei wasn't entirely sure how to take that – he felt both relieved that the situation was calming, and a little indignant at being considered possibly a mere "mascot." But he saw no malice in Dahlia's eyes now, only an intrigued spark.

"Well," Dahlia continued, "tomorrow we'll both put our projects to the test. My team from Bright Harbor is presenting an automated hammer press. It's going to make smithing faster and safer – at least, that's the plan." There was pride in her voice. She crossed her arms, and her tone gained a competitive edge. "I'd love to see how our work compares to yours, Kei."

A challenge. Plain and simple. But Dahlia's smirk wasn't cruel; if anything, Kei sensed she was genuinely looking forward to a worthy match.

He found himself smiling back a little. Despite the rough start, he respected her passion for her craft. "Then I look forward to it," he said earnestly. "May the best team win."

Dahlia gave a satisfied nod. "They will." She glanced once more at the bellows, then at Kei. For a split second, her confident mask slipped and she seemed almost surprised – perhaps at her own reaction. Was that a faint blush dusting her cheeks? If it was, it disappeared as quickly as it came.

She pivoted to leave, motioning to her companions. As the metalworkers delegation departed, the murmurs in the hall picked up again. The tension dissipated, leaving behind a buzz of excitement. A rivalry had clearly been established, and people would gossip.

Kara exhaled loudly once Dahlia was out of earshot. "The nerve of her," she muttered, though without real venom. "Who goes around practically hoping someone's project fails?"

"Someone competitive and skilled," Fiona answered, still frowning after the retreating smith. "I've heard of Dahlia Forgeborne. They say she's a prodigy metalsmith in Bright Harbor – already apprenticed under a master weaponsmith. It's said she once forged a sword with runes that could sing."

"A singing sword? Really?" Kei asked, eyebrows raised. The idea was fascinating and frankly a little beyond his current understanding of enchanting.

Nia giggled softly, her earlier worry fading. "It's probably an exaggeration. Maybe it just rang like a tuning fork when struck."

"Well, prodigy or not, she'll see we're no pushovers either," Kara declared. She then grinned and nudged Kei. "You were amazing, by the way. Stepping in like a true gentleman and handling it calmly. I thought you were going to challenge her to arm wrestle or something."

Kei flushed. "I—I just didn't want a fight. We should focus on tomorrow, not get into arguments."

Fiona gave him a proud look. "Still, thank you, Kei. I was about to blow my top at her. If you hadn't spoken up…" She trailed off, then laughed. "Well, probably best you did."

Nia nodded in agreement. "You diffused the situation perfectly."

A familiar chiming sound echoed softly in Kei's head, accompanied by a subtle glow at the periphery of his vision. He tried not to show it outwardly, but he inwardly grimaced. It was the System – presumably rewarding him for something like "keep the peace" or "impress a girl by being mature." The Crafting & Life System had an uncanny way of turning even mundane social interactions into quests or achievements. Kei mentally flicked the notification aside before it could distract him, but he caught a flash of text like [Social Skill: +5 Empathy!] and an emoji that looked like two hearts fluttering. Good grief, he thought, not every positive interaction is romantic, you silly program.

He could almost imagine the System giggling at him, if it had a personality. Which, in some ways, it did.

With Dahlia gone and their bellows ready, there was little to do but clean up and prepare for tomorrow. But before they left the workshop, Guild Master Helena summoned all the apprentices for a short meeting.

Helena, an imposing woman with salt-and-pepper hair and broad shoulders from years of woodwork, stood on a small dais at the front. "As you all know," she boomed kindly, "tomorrow marks the start of the Grand Artisans' Festival. Our guild will play host to many visitors and dignitaries. I expect each of you to be on your best behavior and show the excellence and courtesy the Woodworkers' Guild is known for." Her hawk-like eyes swept over the crowd of apprentices and guild members, and even Kei straightened his back a bit more, feeling like a soldier at inspection.

Helena's gaze softened as it fell upon Kei and his team. "I trust you all have your projects in order, especially those of you in the showcase. Tonight, get some rest. Tomorrow will be a long day."

There were nods and a few murmurs of "Yes, Guild Master."

Helena then smiled. "One more thing. As part of festival tradition, the guild provides special attire for all apprentices representing us." She clapped her hands and, to Kei's surprise, several journeymen emerged from a side room carrying folded clothes. "Consider it a reward for your hard work and a way to show guild pride."

Among the journeymen, Kei recognized Marna's familiar face; she gave him a quick wink. Marna wasn't formally part of the guild, being a village craftswoman, but she had clearly come to help. Kei felt a surge of affection – and relief – at seeing her. Ever since she'd escorted him to the city and entrusted him to Helena's care, Marna had stayed a while in Anderun to ensure he settled in. She must have been busy sewing outfits for the festival.

Indeed, as the journeymen and volunteers distributed attire, Kei saw that each apprentice got a tailored outfit in the guild's colors of deep green and brown, accented with embroideries of leaves and tools. Gasps of delight rippled through the crowd as the young women held up beautiful dresses or smart formal tunics according to their preference.

Marna approached Kei, carrying a particular bundle with great care. "Here we are," she said in her warm voice. "Specially made for our special young man." She unfolded the garment with a flourish.

It was an artisan's coat in rich forest-green, made of fine, breathable wool. The cut was similar to a craftsman's long coat, reaching to mid-thigh, with sleeves that could be rolled up and buttoned for work. But it was clearly ceremonial as well – the collar and cuffs were embroidered with subtle golden thread in patterns of oak leaves and tiny hammers. The guild's emblem, a mighty oak tree crossed by a carpenter's square, was stitched on the back in shimmering thread that caught the light as the fabric moved. Along with the coat came a tailored shirt of cream linen, a pair of dark trousers, and sturdy yet polished boots. There was even a matching half-cape in green brocade that could be attached at the shoulder – more for decoration than function – and a finely crafted leather belt with a silver buckle shaped like a leaf.

Kei's eyes widened. "This is for me?" he breathed. It looked like something meant for a prince or dignitary, not an apprentice.

Marna chuckled. "For you and no one else. Helena insisted our lone lad represent us looking his finest. And I daresay I agreed wholeheartedly." She gently nudged him towards a nearby dressing screen. "Go on, try it on. We want to make sure it fits right. I had to guess a bit at the measurements without you knowing, so a final fitting is wise."

Cheeks warming at the thought of all these people waiting to see him dressed up, Kei slipped behind the wooden screen. He could hear the excited rustle of other apprentices trying on their outfits throughout the hall, accompanied by squeals of excitement or delight as friends complimented one another.

He carefully changed out of his work clothes, hanging his simple tunic and apron over the screen, and donned the new attire piece by piece. The shirt was soft and fit comfortably. The trousers were snug but not tight, well-tailored to his lean frame. When he finally shrugged the green coat over his shoulders, he was surprised by how perfectly it fit. The weight of the fabric felt reassuring, and the scent of fresh linen and a hint of herbal soap (Marna's doing, no doubt) clung to it. Kei smoothed the front down nervously.

"How is it? Do you need help with the cuffs?" came Fiona's voice from beyond the screen.

"I'm alright, I think," Kei replied. He tugged at the collar, which was a tad stiff from newness. Taking a breath, he stepped out from behind the screen.

The reaction was immediate and overwhelming. A collective "aww" and a few cheers rose from the apprentices nearby. Kei found himself the center of attention as dozens of eyes turned to inspect him.

He instinctively reached up to rub the back of his neck – a telltale nervous habit – and offered a timid smile. "Does… does it look okay?"

Nia clasped her hands in front of her chest. "More than okay. Kei, you look… distinguished." There was a faint blush on her cheeks as she said it.

"Like a young master artisan," Fiona agreed brightly. She circled him, taking in the whole outfit. She had changed into her own festival dress – a knee-length number in guild green with puffed sleeves and embroidered gears along the hem, which suited her bubbly personality perfectly. Kei hadn't even had a chance to react to how adorable she looked because she was focused entirely on him. She fussed with his collar, straightening it with gentle fingers. "This embroidery is lovely. And oh! Look at these buttons!" The coat's buttons were bronze, each etched with a tiny chisel and leaf motif. "Marna, you outdid yourself."

Kara let out a low whistle of appreciation. She had swapped her usual trousers for a more formal outfit as well: a tailored waistcoat and slacks in the same green, giving her a dashing look. She walked around Kei once, then teased, "Our Kei's all grown up and ready to steal hearts. If you step out in public like that, half the festival-goers might swoon on the spot!"

"S-stop it," Kei mumbled, face burning now. He wasn't used to such direct compliments on his appearance. Sure, he'd been fawned over a lot just for being male in this society, but that often felt more like a spectacle. This – having people he cared about sincerely praising him – felt different, and it made his heart flutter with both embarrassment and a touch of pride.

Marna beamed, her eyes a bit misty as if she were watching her own son at graduation. "It fits perfectly. And you do the outfit justice, Kei." She patted his cheek affectionately, then turned to address Fiona, Kara, and Nia. "Make sure he doesn't run off without that cape tomorrow. It attaches like so—" She demonstrated hooking the small brocade capelet to hidden buttons on the shoulder. It draped diagonally across Kei's chest, an old-fashioned yet charming accessory. "There. Now he looks every bit an emissary of the guild."

Fiona giggled, and Nia ducked her head shyly, though she kept stealing glances at Kei. Kara just grinned broadly.

Kei felt simultaneously self-conscious and pleased. He gave a little spin at the girls' urging, which earned him another round of cheerful laughter. The festival hadn't even begun, and already it was one of the most lighthearted times he'd had since arriving in this world.

DING! A sudden subtle chime and flash across his vision nearly made Kei jump. He blinked, focusing on the System notification that popped up:

Grand Festival Objectives! (Quest – Multi-part)

Successfully demonstrate your invention at the Apprentice Showcase (Reward: +500 Crafting XP, Unique Skill Unlock)

Spend leisure time at the festival with a girl (Reward: +5 Charm, Special Title)

A little pixelated confetti rained in the periphery of his sight and a grinning festival mask icon winked at him.

Kei internally sighed. Of course the System would turn this into a quest. It had been somewhat quiet during their intense crafting crunch, but now it was rearing its head again with its familiar mischief. The first objective was straightforward and aligned with his own goals – demonstrate the invention successfully. The reward was tempting too; any boost to his crafting skills was welcomed. But the second objective…

He squinted at the text "Spend leisure time at the festival with a girl." Did it really underline with a girl in pink sparkly font? The System's cheekiness never ceased. A special title? He cringed to think what that might be – something like "Festival Romeo" or equally embarrassing, no doubt.

Kei decided to deal with that later. He mentally pressed the little "X" to close the quest window, opting to ignore the social goal entirely. I'm here to craft, not date. Though, as he glanced at Fiona, Kara, and Nia – each of them dear to him in their own ways, each of them beaming as they helped him prepare – he had to admit spending time with them at the festival wouldn't be so bad. It wasn't a date, just friends celebrating. Surely the System's overzealous matchmaking algorithm could count that and leave him alone.

By now, the apprentices were beginning to disperse, many eager to show off their new outfits outside or head to the market district to peek at festival booths. The sun was dipping lower, casting golden light through the workshop's windows.

Helena gave a last call, "Everyone, excellent work today. Remember, dawn tomorrow the festival officially begins. Those in the showcase, be at the pavilion by mid-morning for setup. Dismissed!"

As people filtered out, Marna collected the empty clothing wrappers and gave Kei a final hug. "I'll see you tomorrow, sweet boy. I'll be cheering louder than anyone when you present." She pinched his cheek gently, causing him to blush yet again. Marna had a way of unabashedly mothering him in front of others that was embarrassing and comforting all at once.

After she left, Kei changed back out of the festival coat – carefully, to avoid wrinkling it – and the group decided to walk back to the dormitories together.

Exiting the guild hall, they stepped into the vibrant streets of Anderun at sunset. Kei's breath caught at the sight. The festival transformation was nearly complete: strings of pennant flags crisscrossed above the roads, and glowing orbs of enchanted light were starting to flicker to life in preparation for the night. Stalls lined the way selling everything from spiced pastries to carved trinkets, not quite open yet but ready for tomorrow's crowd. And the people – dozens of women of all trades milling about, laughing, planning for the big day, some already in celebratory spirits. A troupe of street performers practiced a juggling routine at a corner, multi-colored balls dancing in the air.

Kei felt a flutter of excitement. This would be his first festival in this world. It reminded him a bit of fairs back on Earth – the energy, the decorations – yet it was distinctly its own. For one, he spotted at least two tall figures lumbering along that weren't human at all: golems carrying crates to a stage platform, likely setting up some magical demonstration for tomorrow. And overhead, a small drake – a domesticated dragon-like creature – flapped past, trailing ribbons, probably delivering a message or just joining in the festivities in its own way.

As Kei and his friends walked, they drew attention, of course. Or rather, Kei did. Even out of his fancy coat, just in his plain shirt and trousers, his presence turned heads. He had grown somewhat accustomed to the polite waves and flushed smiles women gave him, though it still made him duck his head shyly more often than not. A pair of teenage girls carrying a stack of festival flyers giggled and whispered after he passed; an older baker woman at her stall blew him a kiss and insisted he take a small sample of sweet bread as he walked by (which he tried to decline, but ended up accepting under her and his friends' expectant looks).

The whole city seemed ready to dote on him at the slightest provocation. It was flattering, if overwhelming.

Eventually, the group reached the living quarters where apprentices stayed – a long, dormitory-style building adjacent to the guild hall. Here, other young women were leaning out windows or gathered on the steps, showing off their festival attire to each other and chattering excitedly about tomorrow's events. When Kei came up the path, a hush fell for a split second, followed by a new flurry of whispers.

He tried to ignore it, giving a polite nod and greeting to those he knew by name. Fiona, Kara, and Nia closed ranks subtly around him in a casual, protective way, and he felt grateful. As much as he appreciated everyone's kindness, having a buffer of friends kept him from being mobbed by well-wishers.

They paused at the foot of the stairs leading up to their respective rooms. The sky had turned a deep orange with the sunset, and a warm breeze carried the distant sound of someone testing festival fireworks with a faint pop-pop somewhere across town.

Kara stretched her arms above her head lazily. "Ah, I can smell the excitement… or maybe that's just the roasted nuts vendor down the street. Either way, I'm pumped."

Fiona was practically vibrating with energy. "I don't know how I'll sleep tonight! There's so much I want to see and do. Did you guys see the floating stage near the fountain plaza? I heard they'll have a dance-off tomorrow afternoon and a magic duel demonstration in the evening!"

Nia smiled, calmer but eyes bright. "I'm looking forward to the artisan market. So many exotic materials and designs from other regions... I might find a new enchantment scroll or two to study."

They all looked to Kei. He found himself grinning, the excitement contagious. "I'm… I'm excited for all of it. The showcase most of all." He exhaled, a mix of anticipation and nerves. "It's a bit scary, but also—I mean, this is what I came here for, right? To prove myself as an artisan."

Kara gave a gentle punch to his arm. "You'll do great. We'll all do great."

Fiona nodded firmly. "We've got this. We're a team."

Nia reached out and briefly squeezed Kei's hand, a brave gesture for her shy self. Her palm was soft and a little sweaty; he realized she was probably just as nervous about tomorrow as he was, if not more. "Together," she said quietly.

Kei felt a swell of affection for them. These girls—no, these craftswomen, his peers—had accepted him not as a novelty or a trophy, but as one of their own. The thought filled him with warmth.

Together they watched the last sliver of sun dip below the city's rooftops. Lanterns were being lit down the street, and laughter floated on the air.

"Let's call it an early night," Fiona finally said, though she sounded reluctant. "We'll need our energy."

"Right," Kara agreed. "Big day tomorrow."

They bid each other goodnight, and there was a bit of endearing awkwardness as each of the three girls hesitated, clearly wanting to give Kei a hug but unsure who should go first or if it was too forward. In the end, Kara just went for it, wrapping him in a quick, friendly squeeze, followed by Fiona who hopped in to hug him around the shoulders, and Nia who settled for gently touching his arm and smiling.

Kei said goodnight to each, thanking them for all their hard work.

Climbing the stairs to his small private room (a privilege arranged by Helena for his comfort), Kei felt his heart thudding with excitement. Tomorrow, the festival would begin and he would step into the public eye in a way he never had before.

He entered his room – a modest but cozy space with a narrow bed, a writing desk strewn with his notes and sketches, and a wardrobe where he carefully hung his new festival coat. On the sill of his open window, a little striped mana-fox lifted its head from slumber. Ember, as Kei had named the creature, was curled up like a fluffy orange-and-white ball. At Kei's arrival, the fox familiar uncurled and stretched, then leapt lightly to the floor with a soft thud.

"Hey, Ember," Kei whispered, kneeling down to scratch the fox behind its large tufted ears. Ember chirruped softly, leaning into the affection.

Ember had shown up weeks ago, a stray drawn by Kei's kindness when he offered it food in an alley. Since then, the magical fox had more or less adopted Kei. It came and went as it pleased – sometimes disappearing for days – but always returned to check on him. Lately, it had been sticking around constantly, as if sensing the heightened activity and wanting to keep an eye on him.

Ember sniffed at Kei's hands, which still had a bit of sawdust scent on them, and then it made a delighted sort of purring noise. In a flash of blue ember-like flames, the fox vanished – only to reappear an instant later on Kei's bed, having teleported with its innate magic. It pawed at the pillow expectantly.

Kei chuckled under his breath. "Alright, alright. I know you claimed that spot." He changed into nightclothes and carefully folded the day's attire. Ember watched with its head cocked, eyes glinting intelligently. Kei had a feeling the mana-fox enjoyed the shiny embroidery of his new coat – probably saw it as some sort of treasure.

As Kei settled into bed, Ember curled up at his feet, its bushy tail draped over his legs. Outside the window, he could see the glow of distant lanterns and hear faint music; some people would celebrate all night, he suspected, too excited to wait for dawn.

He closed his eyes. His mind raced over the day's events – the final success of their project, the confrontation with Dahlia, the preparation for tomorrow. He felt a mix of pride and anxiousness swirling in his chest.

From the darkness behind his eyelids, lines of glowing text tried to intrude, the System offering helpful advice like "Tip: A good night's rest boosts focus by 10%!" Kei mentally swatted them away. Give it a rest, please, he thought wryly, and much to his relief, the System fell silent.

In the quiet, Kei murmured a small prayer of thanks – to whatever powers might be listening – for this second chance at life that had led him here. Surrounded by friends, on the eve of something exciting, he felt… happy. Truly happy.

Ember's warm presence by his feet was comforting. The fox gave one last sleepy yawn, and Kei felt a wave of calm emanate from the familiar's slight magical aura.

He would need his wits about him tomorrow. But he wasn't alone. He had his team, his guild, and even a cheeky System that, while embarrassing him with dating quests, had also helped him grow.

With that comforting thought, Kei drifted off to sleep, the distant echo of festival revelry lulling him into pleasant dreams of wood, fire, and the hope of a bright new day.

Chapter 11: The Apprentice Showcase

Festival day dawned bright and clear. By mid-morning, Anderun's central plaza was a whirlwind of activity and color. The Grand Artisans' Festival had officially begun, and the city reveled in it.

Kei navigated through the lively streets with Fiona, Kara, and Nia at his side, all four in their resplendent guild attire. Kei's green artisan coat caught the sunlight, its embroidery glinting as he walked. He quickly discovered Kara's joking prediction held some truth: people openly stopped to stare appreciatively, and a few young women did seem weak in the knees when he passed by. It would have been comical if it didn't make Kei want to shrink into his collar. Still, he kept his posture straight, trying to project confidence (or at least appear less rattled than he felt).

Around them, the festival bustled. Street performers had taken to every corner—there was a troupe of musicians playing a jaunty flute and drum tune near the fountain, and across the way, an illusionist cast flickering images of dancing fairies above the heads of a delighted crowd of children. Stalls were open and doing brisk trade: a baker's stand sent forth puffs of cinnamon scent from fresh apple fritters; next to it, a textile merchant displayed scarves that shimmered with enchanted patterns; and somewhere down the lane, Kei could hear the excited patter of someone running a shell game, punctuated by applause and groans as festival-goers tried their luck.

As they approached the main pavilion where the Apprentice Showcase would soon take place, Kei's stomach fluttered with nerves. The pavilion was a grand temporary structure set up just for the festival, an open-sided tent the size of a barn, with a raised stage at one end. Already, a crowd was gathering—hundreds of people milling about, looking at the posted schedule, seeking seats on benches arranged before the stage. Among them were guildmasters, journeywomen, city folk, and visitors from out of town, all abuzz with anticipation.

"Wow," Fiona breathed, taking in the crowd. "There must be twice as many people as last year."

"Probably because of him," Kara teased, jerking a thumb at Kei, who was currently eyeing the crowd like a startled deer. "Word got out our guild has a special entry this time."

Kei groaned softly. He wished he could believe people were just interested in the projects, but he knew a fair number had likely come simply out of curiosity to see the male artisan. The thought made him want to hide under a workbench. But he steeled himself—if he could work in front of his peers, he could present in front of a crowd. It's for the team, for our project.

Nia offered him a reassuring smile. "They're here to see something new and amazing. We'll show them exactly that."

At that moment, Kei caught the mouthwatering smell of something savory. Off to one side of the plaza, a woman was selling piping hot meat pastries from a cart, and despite his nerves, Kei realized he'd skipped breakfast. His stomach chose that moment to rumble loudly.

Fiona giggled. "Hungry? We have a little time before set-up. Go on, get one! A good craftsman needs fuel."

Encouraged by the others, and truthfully unable to resist the temptation, Kei made a beeline for the pastry vendor. As he approached, the vendor—a plump, cheerful lady with flour on her apron—immediately lit up in recognition.

"Oh my stars, it's the young man everyone's been chirping about!" she exclaimed. "Bless the Goddess, look at you! Handsome as a prince in that coat. First pastry's on the house, sweetheart."

Kei opened his mouth to protest the special treatment, but the vendor was already pressing a flaky, golden pastry wrapped in paper into his hands. It was warm and smelled of spiced beef and onions. His stomach gave another traitorous growl, which made the vendor cackle in delight. "Eat up, dearie, you'll need your strength today!"

Face pink, Kei thanked her earnestly and dug in. The pastry was delicious—rich and buttery, filled with a savory stew-like center that melted on his tongue. He finished it in a few ravenous bites; evidently nerves hadn't entirely killed his appetite.

He was brushing stray crumbs off his coat when a soft voice beside him said, "Um, excuse me, sir—"

Kei turned to see a middle-aged woman offering a kerchief, her eyes warm. "You've a bit on your cheek, love," she said kindly.

"O-oh! Thank you," Kei stuttered. He hastily took the napkin and wiped at his face, cheeks burning at the realization he'd been standing there messy-faced in front of dozens of onlookers. A few people nearby chuckled, not unkindly, at his flustered state.

The woman who gave him the kerchief beamed. "No trouble at all. My, aren't you just the cutest thing," she murmured to a companion as she walked away, leaving Kei both grateful and slightly embarrassed by the attention.

Kei regrouped with his friends, who had watched the whole scene with poorly suppressed laughter.

"I can't take you anywhere," Kara joked, elbowing him. "Already being pampered by strangers, and the day's only started."

Kei sighed, though a smile tugged at his lips. "I didn't mean for that to happen."

Fiona looped her arm with his in a friendly way, giving him a squeeze. "It's okay. That's just how people are here. Better get used to having crumbs wiped off your face by admiring fans." She winked, making him laugh despite himself.

Together, they headed into the pavilion to set up. The stage area was bustling with other apprentice teams from various guilds. There was a textiles group arranging a display of color-changing dresses, a pair of young enchanters carefully laying out a series of glowing crystal orbs, and at the far end, a trio from the Baker's guild were assembling what looked like an elaborate tiered cake (perhaps some kind of self-cooling enchantment demonstration, given the runes iced onto the frosting).

Kei's team found their assigned table on stage and began carefully assembling their magitech forge bellows for demonstration. The device had been partially disassembled for transport – the bellows frame separated from the metal tubing and the mana crystal removed for safety. Kara and Kei worked efficiently to bolt everything back together, while Fiona triple-checked that the calibration was still set from yesterday. Nia knelt to affix the main enchantment rune plate to the base, her hands steady but Kei noticed her lips moving silently as if reciting a checklist to calm herself.

The noise of the gathering crowd was a dull roar beyond the pavilion. An announcer's voice occasionally echoed as she welcomed everyone to the showcase and explained the significance of apprenticeships in the city, but Kei was only half-listening, most of his focus on the task at hand.

He wasn't alone in feeling the pressure. Fiona's hands trembled slightly when she handed him a screwdriver. Nia, usually so composed in her movements, fumbled her first attempt at slotting the mana crystal into its chamber and had to take a calming breath before succeeding on the second try. Even Kara, who normally exuded confidence, was unusually quiet, her jaw set tight as she secured the bellows' output valve and inspected it twice over.

Kei realized that as the only one somewhat distanced from the city's social norms (given his origin from another world), he might actually be the least nervous about public performance, even if crowds spooked him. This thought gave him a strange steadiness. Yes, he was anxious, but he also felt a surge of determination to be strong for his friends.

He placed a hand lightly on Fiona's shoulder as she fussed with a loose strap unnecessarily. "Hey," he said softly, "it's already perfect. We've got this."

Fiona looked up at him, her face half-hidden by a cascade of red curls that had come loose from her ribbon. Her emerald eyes searched his, then she exhaled and nodded, giving him a grateful smile. "Right. Sorry, I… I just really want it to go well."

"It will," Kei assured her.

Moving to where Nia was polishing the already gleaming copper tubes with a cloth, Kei crouched down. "Everything okay?"

Nia met his gaze. She bit her lip, then admitted in a whisper, "All those people… I'm not sure I can speak in front of them."

Kei remembered they had agreed Fiona and Nia would handle the opening explanation of the project, since the concept had partly been theirs from a class assignment originally. Public speaking was not Nia's favorite thing. Kei gently took the cloth from her hands and squeezed them in his. "Just focus on one friendly face in the crowd if you get nervous. Pretend you're explaining it only to them. Or look at me and the girls; we'll be right beside you."

Nia nodded rapidly, clinging to his reassurance. "Okay. Yes. That might work. Thank you, Kei."

When he stood up, Kara was at his side. She bumped her fist lightly to his in a silent gesture of thanks as well. "You're a natural at pep talks, you know that?"

Kei shrugged, feeling a little bashful. "I just… I know what it's like to be scared."

Kara smiled. "Well, you're doing a good job pretending you're not." She threw an arm around his shoulders briefly and shouted to the others, "Alright team, huddle up!"

In a quick huddle, they joined hands. Kara initiated a whispered chant – an old guild habit – "For craft and for kin, together we win!" The words might have been a bit cheesy, but murmured fervently by all four of them, it bound them together and dispelled much of the lingering fear.

A voice amplified by magic rang out through the pavilion: "Next up, representing the Woodworkers' Guild of Anderun, we have Fiona Fairdale, Kara Feldspar, Nia Emris, and Kieran Beckett, presenting their magitech automatic forge bellows!"

"That's us," Fiona squeaked in a half-whisper.

Kei gave her and Nia an encouraging nod. "Let's do it."

They stepped forward as a team, the crowd's applause swelling as they came into view. Sure enough, Kei saw far more faces than he'd anticipated – the pavilion's open space was packed. Lines of spectators stood beyond the seating area, craning for a look. And when they saw him, the lone man of the group, a ripple of murmurs coursed through the audience, followed by an even louder burst of clapping. Kei's cheeks warmed, but he forced himself to focus on their own station.

On stage were several teams' setups, each given a brief window to present in turn. Their own apparatus was center stage now, with fresh logs and an anvil set as props to demonstrate how a forge would be used.

Fiona and Nia stepped slightly ahead, as rehearsed. Each wore an identical nervous smile, but they held steady. Kei and Kara stood by the device, ready to operate it and help field questions.

Fiona cleared her throat and began, her voice projecting surprisingly well for her petite frame. "Good day, everyone! We are apprentices of the Woodworkers' Guild, and today we're excited to present our collaborative invention: a Magitech Automatic Forge Bellows."

Nia followed up, her voice soft but gaining strength as she went. "This project was born from a common problem in many forges. Traditional bellows require constant manual pumping, which is labor-intensive and inefficient, especially for a lone smith. Our device addresses this by providing a steady, controlled airflow with minimal human effort."

As Nia spoke, she relaxed into the familiar explanation they had practiced. Kei stood by, hands clasped behind his back, trying to look professional and not fidget. His eyes scanned the front rows of the audience. He spotted Guild Master Helena among the judges panel, giving him a proud nod. Beside her were other guild masters and mistresses from various fields. There was Mistress Olara of the Smithing Council, arms crossed but looking intrigued beneath her gruff exterior. The Head Enchantress of the city sat leaning forward, eyes on the runes of their device. Off to the side, not officially a judge but certainly a VIP, Lady Seraphine—one of the city's most influential nobles—watched with a small smile on her refined features, a lace fan twirling idly in her fingers. Kei recognized her from descriptions: mid-forties, elegant, with silver-streaked auburn hair piled high in a style of old nobility, and a gown of deep burgundy silk that radiated wealth. She wasn't looking at the bellows at all, he realized with a tiny jolt—she was looking at him, as if appraising something entirely separate from the competition. Kei gulped and quickly directed his attention back to his teammates.

Fiona gestured towards the bellows and continued, "The frame is primarily wood for flexibility and cost efficiency, reinforced with iron bands at stress points. We've incorporated a series of copper tubes inlaid with air-aspect runes, which—when activated by a mana crystal—simulate the push and pull of a traditional bellows."

The crowd murmured appreciatively as they described the concept. Many eyes were drawn to the device; it indeed looked impressive assembled on stage, a melding of rustic craftsmanship and arcane technology.

Nia added, "Safety was a key concern. We integrated a failsafe pressure-release rune—" she pointed at the carved plate on the side, "—to prevent overheating or overpressure. If the forge gets too hot, the bellows will automatically slow its airflow to regulate the temperature."

There was a scattering of applause at the mention of safety features—likely some seasoned smiths relieved to hear it.

Now came the part Kei simultaneously dreaded and knew was crucial: the live demonstration.

Kara stepped forward now, taking the speaking role. "Enough talk—let's show it in action. I will play the role of a smith working alone." She pantomimed wiping sweat from her brow, which elicited a few chuckles from the audience. Kei smiled inwardly; Kara's natural charisma was shining through now that they were into the practical part.

Kara continued loudly, addressing the crowd, "Ordinarily, I'd have to pump the bellows with one arm and manage my metal with the other, constantly back and forth. But with our device, once I start it up, I'm hands-free."

On cue, Kei stepped up and placed a small chunk of mana crystal into the device's inlet chamber and gave Fiona a nod. Fiona flipped the activation lever.

A soft thrum emanated from the bellows as the mana flowed. The wooden plates began to move, pushing air into the small forge set up beside it. Flames which had been flickering low under a crucible sprang to life, stronger and steadier, fed by the rhythmic gusts.

A collective "ooooh" swept the pavilion. Kei heard someone exclaim, "It's moving all by itself!" and another, "Look at that fire roar!"

A grin broke across his face before he could help it. It was working exactly as intended, perhaps even better. The enchantments glowed faintly as the device pumped, giving it a mystical aura. This was the culmination of all their hard work—and people were impressed.

Kara pretended to inspect an iron rod in the forge, now fully free to use both hands while the automated bellows did its job. "As you can see," she called out, "I can tend to my work without worrying about manually pumping the bellows. The airflow is consistent and adjustable." She turned a dial and indeed the bellows slowed its pace, the forge flame shrinking slightly; another turn and it sped up, the fire flaring bright again.

The judges were leaning in. Mistress Olara nodded with a hint of approval, and Helena looked fit to burst with pride. Lady Seraphine raised her eyebrows, clearly impressed by the spectacle.

Everything was going perfectly.

Too perfectly, perhaps.

"Any questions?" Fiona asked the panel, per the usual format.

One of the judges, a silver-haired enchantment scholar, raised a hand. "You mentioned a failsafe for overheating. Can you elaborate how the device handles an excess of mana or backfire from the forge? For example, if a gust of wind or fuel surge causes a sudden flare in flames, how does it respond?"

Nia stepped forward to answer—this was her area. But Kei saw her hesitate, a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. The question was slightly different from the ones they anticipated. She opened her mouth, and only a faint sound came.

Kei smoothly took a step closer and spoke up, voice steady and clear in the hush, "I can answer that, ma'am." All eyes shifted to him. He felt a flash of panic at being the focus of so many, but he pushed through. "We designed the pressure-release rune to detect both heat and mana density. If the forge's temperature spikes or if there's a surge of raw mana—say, from a miscast spell or a volatile ore—the rune triggers automatically. It causes the bellows to slow or even stop momentarily. In essence, it chokes the air supply for a second to prevent feeding the flare, then gradually resumes once conditions normalize. We tested it by tossing handfuls of dried resin into the flame to create sudden flares, and it responded reliably each time."

As Kei explained, he even reached out and tapped the engraved fail-safe rune on the bellows. "Additionally, if that primary system fails for any reason, we have a secondary physical measure: a simple pressure valve here—" he pointed to a release vent, "—that will manually vent some of the air if the internal pressure exceeds safe limits. That's a non-magical fallback to cover all bases."

There was a beat of silence. Many in the audience were wide-eyed; it was likely the first time they'd heard a man give a detailed technical explanation. Some had perhaps assumed Kei's involvement in the project was minor or symbolic. His confident answer shattered that illusion.

Then came the applause – starting with a few judges (Helena most definitely among them) and then spreading through much of the crowd. Kei even heard a whoop of approval from somewhere in the back.

His teammates beamed at him. Nia looked immensely relieved, mouthing "Thank you" under her breath. Fiona nudged him, grinning ear to ear. Kara gave him a subtle thumbs-up.

Kei's heart soared. A quest notification blinked at the corner of his vision – something like "Public Speaking +1! Courage +2!" – but for once he welcomed it. He'd been useful; he hadn't frozen; he'd helped his team shine.

It was in that exact moment of triumph, as the applause lingered and the demonstration was wrapping up, that trouble struck.

Later, Kei would only piece together what happened from fragmented memories and what others told him. As it was, all he knew was one second he was basking in relief and the next, a sudden flash of bright light whizzed toward the stage.

Crack! Something small and fast struck the burning coals of the forge near their bellows. In an instant, the flames erupted—a plume of fire roaring upward as if fed by an invisible gust.

There were screams in the front row. The fire flared dangerously tall. Kei, nearest the device, instinctively threw up an arm to shield his face from the heat, stumbling back.

Time seemed to slow. Kei's mind raced: This isn't normal, what caused that? Amidst the chaos, he noticed a tiny object skitter across the stage floor, still sparking—a spark stone, used like a firecracker to create sudden flames. Who—?

But there was no time to dwell. The fail-safe rune he'd proudly described kicked in almost immediately. The bellows' enchanted glow shifted hue and the pumping slowed to a crawl. Deprived of its air, the raging forge fire coughed and shrank, guttering back down to manageable levels within heartbeats. A bit of ash rained down, but the potential explosion was snuffed out as quickly as it began.

Kei's ears rang with the sudden silence that followed. The audience was frozen, wide-eyed. Kara had leapt toward him, as if to pull him away, and still held his arm in a vice grip. Fiona and Nia were clutching each other, having yelped and stepped back.

For a moment, nobody moved. Then a wave of relieved chatter rippled through the spectators.

"That was close—"

"By the Goddess, the fail-safe worked!"

"Are they alright?"

Kei slowly lowered his arm. His heart hammered against his ribs. That could have gone very badly—without the fail-safe, such a flare might have caused an explosion or at least a dangerous fire, injuring those nearby. He swallowed, trying to calm the adrenaline surge.

On the stage floor by the forge, he spotted Ember. The mana-fox was half-crouched between him and the forge, back arched and fur bristling, a low growl in its throat. It must have been hiding somewhere nearby—likely trailing Kei unseen—and jumped out when the flame burst. Ember sniffed at the discarded spark stone, which fizzled out harmlessly now, then looked up at Kei with intelligent, concerned eyes.

Kei's mind raced. A spark stone thrown into their forge… That was no accident. Someone had attempted to sabotage them. His eyes darted to the crowd. Could he spot the culprit?

As the judges hurried up to check on the team and audience members craned their necks, Kei's gaze met Dahlia's across the pavilion. She was standing with her fellow metalworker apprentices near where her team's demonstration setup had been earlier. One of the girls beside Dahlia looked pale and guilty, her hand still partially raised as if she'd just thrown something. Dahlia, on the other hand, looked absolutely furious. Not at Kei—her eyes were on her teammate. Even at a distance, Kei could tell Dahlia was livid. She grabbed the guilty girl by the arm, hissing something sharply. The girl's shoulders slumped, and she hung her head.

Dahlia's eyes flicked to Kei. Their gazes met for a split second. She gave him the barest nod—an acknowledgement, an apology, and a promise that she hadn't sanctioned this—before the commotion around them drew everyone's attention away.

Guild Master Helena was by Kei's side in moments, her hand firm on his shoulder. "Kei, dear, are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine," he managed, voice a bit unsteady. Kara confirmed none of them were hurt.

The head judge, a portly guildmaster from the Mason's Guild, turned to the crowd and clapped his hands for attention. "All is well, folks! Just an unexpected flare, promptly handled by an excellent safety rune. A round of applause for that smart design!" he bellowed.

Obligingly, the crowd applauded again, though murmurs of speculation were buzzing about what had caused the incident.

Helena threw a glance in Dahlia's direction, her eyes narrowing as she likely deduced the same culprit. But she kept her poise in public. "Let's conclude the demonstration, shall we?" she said, giving Kei's team a subtle wink of reassurance.

Fiona, regaining her composure, stepped forward and spoke loudly, "As you saw, our safety mechanism engaged perfectly under duress, preventing what could have been a nasty accident. Thank you for your attention. We're happy to answer further questions after the showcase."

It was a graceful recovery, and the audience, impressed by the device's performance even under sabotage (though they might not all know that's what it was), gave another enthusiastic ovation as Kei's team bowed and began to clear the stage for the next presenters.

Once off to the side, hidden behind a curtain where staging equipment lay, the four of them took a collective breath.

"Someone threw that stone, right?" Fiona whispered angrily, eyes flashing. "That wasn't just random."

"It was one of Dahlia's teammates, I think," Kei murmured. He felt a complex knot of emotions—anger that someone would stoop to that, relief that their invention passed the test, and oddly, a little guilt, as if perhaps he'd provoked such a reaction just by being there.

Kara scowled. "Figures the metalheads would play dirty when they saw we might outshine them."

Nia looked worried. "We have no proof, and if we accuse them publicly, it could start a guild feud. They might claim it was an accident, and it would be our word against theirs."

Kei shook his head. "Dahlia was furious at her team. I don't think she ordered it. It might've been one rogue member acting out of zeal to secure their win." He took a calming breath. "But let's not dwell on it now. We did what we came to do."

At that, their tense circle slowly broke into smiles. They had done it. The device worked, the crowd loved it, and disaster was averted.

They peeked back into the main area. Another team had taken the stage—a group of alchemy apprentices demonstrating some kind of automated potion mixer. Kei's team quietly moved to join the rest of the audience and watch the remaining presentations.

By the early afternoon, all showcases concluded. The judges withdrew briefly to deliberate on awards while everyone milled about, discussing their favorites. Kei could hardly walk a step without someone stopping to shake his hand or offer compliments. It became a blur: a master tailor gushing about the ingenuity, a pair of elderly smiths praising his "bravery" and skill, a gaggle of younger apprentices from other guilds just wanting to greet him, giggling all the while.

Kara and Fiona eventually formed a sort of flank on either side of him, gently steering him through the throng when necessary, acting as both his protectors and his navigators. Nia valiantly fielded some questions from a particularly nosy enchanter who kept trying to corner Kei about the System's analysis function he had vaguely mentioned to someone.

At one point, a stern-faced woman in the garb of the Metalworkers' Guild—a senior master, by her regalia—strode right up to Kei and glowered. "Have you considered transferring guilds, young man? The Metalworkers could use someone with your knack for gadgetry. Woodworking is fine and all, but you'd be better suited in a real crafting guild of steel and flame."

Helena, who had been a step away greeting a noble, practically materialized at Kei's side. She inserted herself with a polite but firm laugh, "Master Vulma, how gracious of you to offer, but I'm afraid Kei is quite happy where he is. One successful gadget and you'd steal him from us?" Her eyes flashed with amicable challenge.

Master Vulma harrumphed. "Can't blame a woman for trying. The boy's got potential." She gave Kei a curt nod. "If you ever want to see the Bright Harbor forges, look me up." With that, she moved off, leaving Kei a bit wide-eyed at the audacity.

Helena patted his shoulder. "Don't you worry. No one's going to snatch you away on my watch." She winked conspiratorially and then added under her breath, "Besides, you're our lucky charm now, whether you like it or not."

Before he could respond, someone else approached. This time, Kei recognized her: Lady Seraphine glided forward, her burgundy gown trailing elegantly, a small entourage of finely-dressed women and even a couple of guards flanking her. The crowd subtly parted to make way; clearly her status commanded attention.

Helena bowed her head in respect. "Lady Seraphine, what a pleasure that you graced our humble showcase with your presence."

Seraphine smiled, a practiced, graceful smile. "The pleasure is mine, Guild Master. I wouldn't miss seeing the city's rising talents." Her voice was smooth and cultured, with a hint of playfulness. Her eyes landed on Kei and stayed there. "And of course, meeting our most unusual talent."

Kei offered a clumsy bow, which due to a quick glance from Helena he corrected into a more proper one. "My Lady," he said quietly.

Seraphine took a step closer, and to Kei's surprise, she reached out and lifted his chin gently with a single manicured finger, guiding him back to standing upright. It was an oddly intimate gesture, and Kei's face warmed as he found himself looking into her penetrating hazel eyes.

"There's no need to bow so deeply, dear boy. You earned your esteem today," Lady Seraphine said. She let her gaze roam over him assessingly, and Kei felt almost like a piece of art being evaluated. "You cut quite the figure up there, handling that device. Innovative and poised. And charming, to boot."

Kei wasn't sure if he was supposed to respond to that, so he remained respectfully silent, though his cheeks burned. He was keenly aware of Fiona and Kara stiffening slightly beside him, like guard dogs sensing something, while Nia hovered just behind, watching.

Seraphine went on, addressing Helena but keeping her eyes on Kei. "You and Master Helena must be very proud of this project's success. I imagine offers will be pouring in to buy the design, or employ its makers."

Helena chuckled. "Perhaps. But any such arrangements would go through the guild's proper channels, naturally." She placed a subtle emphasis on that, assuring Seraphine that she wouldn't be simply plucking Kei away either.

"Of course, of course," Seraphine conceded lightly. She then focused fully on Kei, a warm smile on her lips. "Young man, I was most impressed not only by your invention but how you handled yourself when things got… heated." Her lips twitched at her own pun. "You have grace under pressure. A quality many twice your age lack."

"Thank you, Lady Seraphine," Kei managed softly. He was not used to interacting with nobility, and certainly not a woman of her stature who seemed to scrutinize him so closely.

Seraphine's fan fluttered as she leaned just an inch closer, lowering her voice intimately. "I'd love a chance to speak with you more about your experiences here, and your ideas. Perhaps you might honor me with your presence at the masquerade ball tomorrow night? I host a private dinner beforehand for a few guests—mostly patrons and talented artisans. I think you would find it… enlightening."

Kei blinked. A masquerade ball? He recalled Fiona mentioning a big dance event, but he hadn't realized it might involve high society gatherings. The idea of attending a noble's dinner made him instinctively uneasy. "I, um—"

Helena smoothly intervened, "We are honored by your invitation, Lady Seraphine. Kei is still growing accustomed to our social scene—"

Seraphine waved her fan dismissively but kindly. "Say no more. I understand completely. The invitation stands, my dear, should you wish to join. No pressure." She took Kei's hand lightly, turning it palm up and to his astonishment, placed a calling card of embossed ivory in it. Her fingers brushed his in a way that felt almost like a caress. "This has the details. I do hope to see you there."

With that, and a courteous nod to the others, Lady Seraphine withdrew with her entourage, leaving a faint scent of jasmine and intrigue in her wake.

Kei stared at the card in his hand as if it were a hot coal. Fiona peeked over his shoulder to read it, and he felt her arm loop through his protectively again.

"A noble's dinner party," Fiona murmured. "Fancy."

Kara let out a low breath. "The way she looked at you… like a cat eyeing cream."

Nia gently took the card from Kei to give it a look. In her quiet, observant way she noted, "It might be good to make connections… but you don't have to go if you're uncomfortable."

Helena, hearing that, gave a small nod. "Indeed. You're under no obligation, Kei. Seraphine is an influential patron of the arts, but how you engage with such invitations is your choice. The guild won't force you either way."

Kei appreciated that. "Thank you. I'll… think about it." Truthfully, the thought of being possibly paraded or wooed by nobles at a ball was daunting. But he didn't want to offend Lady Seraphine either, given her high status. He decided to postpone the decision for later; after all, he was still riding the high of the showcase and had more immediate things to enjoy.

By now, the judges had returned to announce the showcase results. Kei and the girls gathered near the stage again, Ember trotting at Kei's heels now and drawing whispers of its own ("Is that a mana-fox following him? How cute!").

In third place, a team of glassblowers who made enchanted self-repairing glass got called up – they were overjoyed. Second place… "The Woodworkers' Guild team, for their Automatic Forge Bellows!"

Cheers erupted, especially from the contingent of Anderun guild members who had come to support them. Fiona yelped with happiness and hugged Nia tightly. Kara whooped and clapped Kei on the back. Kei himself exhaled a breath he didn't know he'd been holding. Second place, out of perhaps a dozen projects – that was an amazing achievement, especially for an apprentice group and for something so experimental. They walked onstage to receive their ribbon and certificate from the judges. Master Leena, who taught enchanting, pinned a silver ribbon on each of their coats with misty eyes of pride.

"And first place," the announcer declared as they stepped aside, "goes to the Metalworkers' Guild team for their Automated Hammer Press!"

A polite applause followed, somewhat less enthusiastic than what Kei's team had received, but still respectful. Dahlia and her teammates ascended the stage. Dahlia's expression was carefully composed into a smile as they got their gold ribbons. Kei caught her stealing a glance at him and the others. There was no smugness to her look—if anything, it was an odd mix of pride for winning and regret for how things had transpired.

Once the formalities ended, a general celebration ensued. People mingled, offering congratulations all around. A few of Dahlia's team members approached Kei's group. Notably, the freckled girl with the notebook (who hadn't been the saboteur; that was another, who was now conspicuously absent) shyly complimented Nia on her rune work. It was a little strained – clearly the earlier sabotage attempt hung unspoken in the air – but artisans tend to respect good craft, and by all accounts, Kei's team had shown plenty.

At last, Dahlia extricated herself from the cluster of well-wishers around her and strode over to Kei. She had removed her forge apron and goggles, and for the first time, Kei saw her more as a regular young woman rather than a competitive smith. She wore a fitted dark tunic with subtle red embroidery that matched her guild colors, and her cheeks were still flushed from the thrill of competition. She paused a few steps away, seemingly gathering her words.

Kara and Fiona stiffened slightly, ready to be defensive, but Kei stepped forward, giving them a quick look that it was alright.

Dahlia cleared her throat. "Kei." She nodded to the other girls, "Fiona, Kara, Nia." Formal enough.

They nodded back. Kei offered a tentative smile. "Congratulations on first place. Your hammer press sounded impressive."

Dahlia sighed softly, tucking a stray strand of black hair behind her ear. "Thank you. It… performed well." She hesitated, then added honestly, "Though after seeing your device, I suspect it was a close call. And… if not for certain events, the outcome might have been different."

Fiona crossed her arms. "Certain events, huh?"

Dahlia winced and held up a hand. "I came to say I'm sorry. One of my team members—now a former team member, as far as I'm concerned—acted completely out of line by interfering with your demonstration. It was disgraceful and unsportsmanlike. I confronted her and reported the incident to my guild superiors. She won't go unpunished for that stunt."

This earnest apology took some wind out of Fiona's sails. Her stance softened. "Oh. Well… thanks for telling us. It was scary, you know."

Kara nodded. "Someone could've gotten hurt."

"I know," Dahlia said heavily. "I'm grateful your safety measures worked. In a way, it proved the point even more strongly that your team deserved high marks." She looked directly at Kei now. "Anyway, I wanted to be sure you knew I neither condoned nor knew of that plan. And I'm sorry your moment was marred by it."

Kei studied her face, seeing genuine remorse and sincerity. He found himself smiling gently. "Thank you for apologizing. I won't lie, it was terrifying for a second. But all's well that ends well. And congratulations, really. Your project must have been amazing to beat all others."

Dahlia's lips quirked. "It was pretty good," she admitted, then gave a small competitive grin, "We'll show you another time. Maybe at the next festival or competition… If you're up for a rematch."

Kara snorted a laugh. "Already thinking of next time?"

Dahlia shrugged, eyes glinting. "A good rival keeps you sharp. I for one would welcome seeing what new contraptions you all come up with." She then extended her hand to Kei.

He grasped it, giving a firm shake. Dahlia's grip was strong, calloused from work, but it was a handshake of equals. He realized this was the first time since they met she'd treated him fully without any gender preconception—just artisan to artisan. It felt good.

As they released hands, Dahlia leaned in slightly and added in a lower voice, "For what it's worth, Kei, you surprised me up there. In a good way. I underestimated you at first. Not just your skill, but your… presence. Consider me impressed." There was a hint of playfulness as she stepped back. "But next time, I fully plan to win without any controversies attached."

Kei chuckled. "I'd expect nothing less. We'll do our best to give you a challenge."

Dahlia gave a parting two-finger salute, then turned on her heel to rejoin her guildmates, who were calling her for a photo with their device.

As she left, Fiona nudged Kei. "Looks like you made a friend. Or at least, a less hostile rival."

"Dahlia's not so bad," Nia said softly. "She seemed sincere."

Kara tossed an arm around Kei and declared dramatically, "Beware, our Kei's charm is melting even the toughest of smith-hearts! One by one, all shall fall to his accidental harem."

"Kara!" Kei sputtered, while Fiona nearly doubled over laughing and Nia covered her face in embarrassment at Kara's phrasing. Ember yipped in amusement, sensing the positive mood.

Kara winked, thoroughly enjoying Kei's mortification. "Come on, you have to admit you've got a knack, Kei. Rival one minute, and after a handshake and a smile from you, she's basically on your team."

"I- it wasn't like that," Kei insisted, flailing slightly. "I just treated her with respect."

"Which is part of why it works." Fiona patted his shoulder kindly. "Don't mind Kara, she's being dramatic. But she's right that you have a way of winning people over."

Kei wasn't sure how to feel about that. In truth, he often wasn't trying to win anyone over, only trying not to disappoint or offend. Still, hearing this from his friends made him shyly happy.

Before any more teasing could ensue, Fiona clapped her hands. "Alright, team. We deserve a break and some fun. The showcase is done, the results are out, and we did amazing!"

Nia smiled brightly. "We did."

Kei felt warm pride surge anew. "We really did."

Kara pumped a fist. "Woodworkers' Guild, second place! The underdogs came out on top— well near top."

"Close enough," giggled Fiona. She then took a breath, mustering courage for something. "So… the festival's still going strong outside. I was thinking— actually, we all were thinking—" her eyes darted between Kara and Nia conspiratorially, "—that maybe we should go enjoy it? Together?"

"Yes!" Nia blurted out, then blushed at her own enthusiasm. "I—I mean, it would be nice to walk around with everyone. As a celebration."

Kara rolled her eyes affectionately and cut to the chase, grinning at Kei. "Basically, we three ladies are asking if you'd accompany us to the festival tonight. Purely platonically… unless?" She wiggled her eyebrows in exaggerated suggestion.

"Knock it off," Fiona hissed, giving Kara a gentle swat, though she was pink as well.

Kei, still processing that all three of them were indeed asking him out (as a group, but still), felt his brain do a little static buzz. Was this what the System's quest meant by spending leisure time with a girl? It was about to get three for the price of one. He could almost sense that infernal interface perking up in glee somewhere, ready to tick off that objective.

Despite the flurry of flustered thoughts, Kei found himself smiling widely. These girls—no, his dear friends—wanted to celebrate with him. They weren't fawning admirers or opportunists; they were the ones who had worked by his side, who had laughed and struggled with him, who had defended him. The idea of wandering the festival with them sounded perfect.

"I'd love to," he said sincerely. "Spending the evening with the best team I could ask for? There's nothing I'd enjoy more."

He meant it as a wholesome compliment to all of them, and it was—yet he noticed how each girl reacted. Fiona's eyes sparkled as she bit her lip, fighting a grin. Kara gave a little whoop of triumph, but then rubbed the back of her neck, a rare hint of bashfulness creeping into the usually brazen girl's demeanor. And Nia positively glowed, smiling down at her feet for a moment as if to hide how happy she was.

It hit Kei in that moment just how much each of them valued his opinion and his company. The thought made his chest feel tight in a good way. They really care… about me. And he cared about them, deeply. Was it any wonder the System kept misreading things as romantic? Kei shook off that line of thought before it overwhelmed him; no need to complicate this joyous moment.

"Then it's a date— I mean, an outing!" Fiona caught herself, laughing nervously. "Let's go already, I want to try the ring toss booth before it closes."

As they departed the pavilion side by side, the sun dipping toward late afternoon, Kei felt something in him settle contentedly. This was a high point—the highest since he arrived in this world. They had achieved something together, earned respect, and now, arm in arm (literally, as Fiona kept hold of his and Kara flanked his other side), they were stepping into a night of fun and friendship.

Little did he know just how eventful and enchanting that night would turn out to be.

Chapter 12: An Evening of Lanterns and Laughs

As dusk settled over Anderun, the city took on a fairytale glow. Hundreds of floating lanterns drifted above the streets, gentle enchantments causing them to bob and weave like glowing jellyfish in a sea of twilight. Music poured from every direction—fiddles, drums, and lutes playing lively jigs in one square, while a flute and harp ensemble serenaded a quieter alleyway of art stalls. The warm air smelled of sugar and spice and roasting meats, undercut by a tang of arcane fireworks that occasionally whooshed and popped in the distance.

Kei walked amidst it all with Fiona on one side, Nia on the other, and Kara leading the way with energetic strides. Ember the mana-fox trotted just ahead, tail up and wagging as it curiously sniffed at dropped popcorn and darting fireflies of light magic. Kei found himself relaxing for the first time that day—the pressure of the showcase lifted—and let the festival's whimsical atmosphere carry him.

Everywhere, people laughed and chattered. Many still gave Kei friendly waves or curious glances, but now that it was night and everyone was out to enjoy themselves, he didn't feel as singled out. In fact, thanks to Fiona firmly holding his arm and Kara's somewhat intimidating protective aura (she had a wooden practice sword from a game stall slung over her shoulder like a real weapon, which deterred any overly bold strangers), Kei was able to wander the fair with relative peace.

"Look at that one!" Fiona pointed upward. A cluster of lanterns enchanted to resemble tiny dragons were circling around each other, breathing little puffs of illusory flame. They danced above a street where confectioners sold candied apples and spun sugar sculptures.

Nia's eyes shone in the lantern light. "It's so beautiful. I've never seen the city so lively."

Kei marveled at how the light played on Nia's gentle features—her brown eyes reflecting pinpricks of gold from the lanterns, her dark curls glowing softly. Fiona's freckled cheeks were rosy with delight as she tugged him along to the next sight, and even Kara, usually so composed, was grinning ear to ear under the torchlight, her braid swinging behind her as she walked.

They reached a row of carnival game booths, each advertising prizes from plush toys to novelty potions. One booth had a ring toss game, with glass bottles set up in rows. The grand prize on display was an enormous stuffed chimera doll nearly as big as Kei's torso, sewn from colorful patchwork fabric.

"Ohh, that chimera is adorable!" Nia said, clapping her hands together. It was rare to see her so openly excited.

"Step right up, test your skill!" the booth operator called, a young woman in a jester's hat. "Three rings for a copper! Get one on the golden bottle to win a prize of your choice!"

Kara nudged Kei with a grin. "Why don't you give it a shot? Beginner's luck might still be in your favor, Mr. Second Place."

Kei chuckled. "I can try. But I'm not that great at tossing games…"

Fiona smirked playfully. "With those stats of yours? C'mon, maybe the System will lend a hand."

He rolled his eyes, though he did wonder if the System influenced things like aim. Regardless, the thought of possibly winning that chimera for Nia (given her reaction) motivated him. And it looked fun.

He handed over a coin to the operator and received three wooden rings. The operator's eyes widened slightly when she registered Kei's face and the fact he was male, but to her credit, she just gave a friendly smile. "Good luck, young man. Step right up, toss from behind the line."

Kei took his position. The girls watched expectantly at his side. Ember hopped onto a barrel nearby to observe, ears perked.

He tossed the first ring. It sailed cleanly and clinked around a bottle—alas, a regular one, not the golden, but at least it wasn't a complete miss. Encouraged by that, Kei took the second ring, aiming for the single gold-painted bottle among dozens of brown and green ones. He drew a breath, steadied his arm—perhaps the System quietly helped steady his nerves or trajectory, he wasn't sure—and let it fly.

The ring arced in a perfect loop and descended over the golden bottle's neck with a satisfying plunk.

"You got it!" Nia squealed, grabbing his shoulder excitedly.

Kei blinked, almost not believing it. "I did?"

"You did!" Fiona laughed, bouncing on her toes. "Second try, no less!"

Kara gave a loud cheer. "That's our sharpshooter!"

The booth operator clapped in delight. "Well now, that was quick! Congratulations, sir!" She gestured to the array of prizes hanging from the stall's awning and lining its shelves. "Choose any prize you fancy. Perhaps the big chimera for the lucky lady?" She winked slyly, clearly noticing how Nia was practically hugging Kei's arm in excitement.

Kei turned to Nia, whose cheeks turned pink as she realized her own enthusiasm had led her to hold onto him. She stepped back, embarrassed. "S-sorry! I just—It's so cute—" She gestured at the chimera plushie—a whimsical beast with a goat body, lion head, and dragon wings, rendered in cuddly form.

"Do you like that one?" Kei asked gently.

Nia nodded bashfully. "It's silly, but I do."

Kei smiled. "One chimera, please."

The operator fetched the oversized plush from its hook. It truly was huge—when she handed it to Kei, it enveloped his chest, its floppy lion paws draping over his arms. The girls laughed as the plush's dragon wing flopped over Kei's face.

He peeked around the plush and offered it to Nia. "For you."

Nia looked as if he'd offered her a real baby dragon. She accepted it with awe. "Thank you, Kei. I've never won a festival prize before." She hugged the chimera to her chest. Because of its size, it was like she was embracing a large pillow, and by extension, it looked a bit like she was hugging something he had just been holding, which made her flush deeper.

From behind the chimera's mane, Nia's soft voice came: "I'll treasure it."

Kei rubbed the back of his neck. A flutter of warmth settled in his stomach. It's just a carnival prize… why does this feel so...

Before he could get too tangled in that thought, a new voice chimed in: the System. A translucent golden heart icon spun into view, followed by a message:

Quest Complete! – Spend leisure time at the festival with a girl ✔️

Reward: +5 Charm, Item: "Heartwarming Memory" (A token of a cherished moment)

An image accompanied the text: a stylized snapshot of Kei and his friends beneath lantern light, with little hearts around it. The System even added a sparkly border for dramatic effect.

Kei almost snorted out loud. It looked like a sticker you'd get from a purikura photo booth. Heartwarming Memory? Oh please. He dismissed the notification quickly, hoping none of the girls noticed his brief far-off look at the interface. The System, not satisfied with subtlety, flashed a tiny winking emoji at him as it vanished, as if to say "You can thank me later."