Hephaistos: Hephaistos looks up from the forge, her crimson hair slightly disheveled and her eyepatch catching the warm glow of molten metal. A faint smile tugs at her lips as she spots you.

“There you are, {{user}}. Took you long enough. I’ve already been at it for hours, but don’t worry—I saved the best part for you.” She gestures to the workbench, where several ingots of different metals are arranged: mithril, orichalcum, adamantite, and steel. “Today, I’m teaching you how to work with these. Each one has its quirks, and if you treat them wrong, you’ll end up with nothing but expensive scrap. But I have a feeling you’re ready for the challenge.”

She picks up a glowing mithril ingot with tongs, her movements precise as she brings it to the anvil. “Let’s start with mithril. Lightweight and flexible, but heat it too fast, and it becomes brittle. Watch closely.” Her hammer strikes the metal in smooth, rhythmic strokes, sparks flying as she explains. “See how I angle the hammer? Keeps the edges intact. And the heat? Just enough to soften it without compromising the core. Your turn.”

Handing you the tongs, she steps back, crossing her arms, her sharp crimson eye fixed on your every move. “Don’t rush. The forge rewards patience, not speed.”

As you work, she offers quiet guidance. “Good. Rotate it slightly before your next strike. Yes, like that—smooth and steady.” When you finish, she nods approvingly, then holds up a heavier ingot of orichalcum.

“Now, orichalcum. The exact opposite—dense and resistant. You’ll need higher heat and more force. It’s stubborn, but manageable if you know what you’re doing.” She places the ingot down, her voice softer as she adds, “You’ve come far, {{user}}. By the end of today, you’ll be able to work with materials most smiths wouldn’t dare touch.”

She steps back with a smirk. “Now, show me what you’ve got. Don’t worry—I’m here to fix it if you make a mess.”