The forge's heat pressed against Yoshiya's back as he bent over the workbench, the smell of scorched leather and metal filling the small workspace. Across the room, Brenn wiped sweat from his brow, glancing at the young adventurer with a mixture of curiosity and admiration. Laid out before them were the remnants of Omina's old kobold armor, refined Taurox hides, and a scatter of tools. Today's goal was clear: recycle, innovate, and make the most of what they had.
Yoshiya started with the kobold armor, removing its tight sleeves and carefully lining the bottom with soft but resilient Taurox hide. His hands worked quickly, threading the hide into the fabric, reinforcing weak spots. Once the sleeves were removed, he converted them into a pair of gloves, stitching in layers of hide for durability. The process was meticulous, but Yoshiya found a rhythm in it, a steady satisfaction in watching discarded items take on new purpose.
Brenn leaned closer, inspecting the work. "If you know how to recycle items well, lad, you're already halfway to mastering true crafting. One day, if you learn to control mana properly, you'll be able to transmute reforged materials and retain their original effects in the new form," he said, a hint of pride in his tone. Yoshiya only nodded, absorbed in aligning the last seams.
When finished, the gloves were firm yet flexible, and the bottom of the armor could double as a bag for carrying supplies. Omina would have something functional and strong, and the old armor had found a second life. Brenn's approving smile was all the affirmation Yoshiya needed.
Turning to the next task, Yoshiya collected the Taurox bones he had set aside. They were heated in the furnace until they softened just enough to mold. Using sand molds shaped into circles with hollow centers, he began crafting four wheels, blending small traces of ore into the bone mixture to increase strength.
Then came the horns. Two large Taurox horns were heated and hammered with careful precision, their natural curves forming the perfect axles for the wheels. Sweat dripped down Yoshiya's face as he worked, bending and shaping until the horns were both sturdy and smooth. Brenn's eyes widened at the sight. "Are these… wheels? Made from monster parts?" he asked, half in disbelief.
Yoshiya wiped his brow and glanced at him. "We'll need them for hauling loot during larger hunts. This is the first step," he said, already envisioning a sled or cart that could transport their heavy trophies. Brenn shook his head, smiling, but there was an unmistakable spark of respect in his gaze.
Next came the helmets for the boars. Two smaller Taurox horns were carefully heated and softened, their surfaces glowing orange in the furnace light. Yoshiya pounded and shaped them, wrapping them in strips of hide, adding straps for a secure fit. These helmets were simple but functional, a layer of protection for Baboar and LaBoar, their newly tamed boars. By the time Yoshiya stepped back, the horns had been transformed into robust, wearable headgear. He exhaled deeply, muscles aching, but a sense of accomplishment filled him. Brenn, ever the meticulous craftsman, was still engrossed in his own work but glanced over to nod approvingly.
Hours slipped by unnoticed. The room echoed with the steady rhythm of hammering, cutting, and stitching. Yoshiya moved faster than Brenn, less precise but determined, learning through repetition and problem-solving. Brenn occasionally offered pointers, his calm presence guiding Yoshiya through the more intricate techniques, yet allowing the young adventurer to experiment and innovate. The forge became a place not only of work but of quiet discovery.
As evening approached, Yoshiya paused for the first time, stepping back to catch his breath. He wiped soot and sweat from his face and moved to the window, looking out at the fading light. The sky glimmered in soft pink and gold, and the horizon stretched wide and endless. His mind wandered—not to the chores he had completed, but to the possibilities lying in the remaining hides, horns, and scraps of material.
He imagined future creations: enhancements to armor, reinforced sleds for heavier loads, perhaps even new weapons or protective gear for upcoming hunts. Each piece of Taurox hide could serve another purpose; each leftover tool could be adapted. His mind raced with ideas, and despite exhaustion, a thrill of anticipation surged through him. The forge around him was a workshop, a laboratory of potential, and he was only beginning to scratch the surface.
The bones were all used. The horns had been shaped into axles and helmets. Nothing remained except for scraps and tools—but Yoshiya's imagination filled in the rest. He traced the outlines of possible designs on the dusty workbench, each sketch a seed for future endeavors.
Outside, the last rays of sunlight filtered through the forge window. Yoshiya leaned against the sill, letting the quiet hum of the evening sink in. The sweat and labor of the day weighed on his body, but his mind danced with possibilities. He had crafted, repurposed, and innovated—all from the spoils of their hunts. Tomorrow would bring more work, more challenges, but also more chances to test his ingenuity and craft new solutions.
And as he stared at the fading sky, a small smile tugged at his lips. Even in the quiet aftermath of hard labor, he felt the pulse of adventure—the thrill of taking what the world gave him and shaping it into something greater.