The workshop had become Mei's second home.
What once smelled strange and intimidating now felt comforting—the oil, the steel, even the faint scorch of old burns on her gloves. The torch no longer wavered in her hands. Her lines were smooth, clean, purposeful. The once-clumsy rookie was gone; in her place stood someone who could command fire and metal with confidence.
Uncle Jian leaned against the workbench, arms crossed, watching as Mei finished welding two sheets together with flawless precision. When she lifted her mask, sweat streaking her forehead, he let out a low whistle.
"You've come a long way, Little Flame," he said. "That's better than some of my apprentices."
Mei grinned, her chest swelling with pride. "Told you I wouldn't quit."
Jian chuckled. "Yeah, yeah. I'm starting to believe you were born for this. Never thought I'd see you this comfortable with sparks flying at your face."
She placed the torch down carefully, removing her gloves. "It's not scary anymore. I feel… like I can shape anything. Like the fire listens now."
Her uncle studied her for a moment, then nodded slowly. "You're ready."
"Ready for what?"
"The next step," Jian said, pushing off the bench. He pulled open a tall cabinet, revealing shelves stacked with rods, cutters, and heavier equipment. "You've learned control. Now it's time you learn strength. Forging, bending, cutting—shaping raw steel into armor. Real armor."
Mei's heart thudded. Her dream—the vision of Glamrock Roxanne—burned brighter than ever.
She stepped forward, eyes locked on the tools gleaming under the workshop lights. Her reflection flickered across the polished steel surfaces, as if daring her to try.
She clenched her fists. "I'm ready. Let's do it."
Jian smirked. "Careful, Little Flame. This step isn't just about skill. It's about endurance. Steel will fight you harder than fabric ever did."
Mei lifted her chin, determination hardening her gaze. "Then I'll fight harder."
The torch was no longer enough. It was time to forge.
And Mei wasn't just chasing a cosplay anymore—she was forging herself into someone stronger.