The forge was quiet, the usual clang of hammer and metal absent as Lyra, Jhaeros, and Nara stood in front of Kalem. His rented workshop, usually a place of focused energy, now felt stifling, heavy with the weight of unspoken questions. Kalem, caught off guard by their unexpected visit, wiped his hands on a rag and turned to face them.
"Well, this is unexpected," he said, his voice neutral but edged with curiosity. "What's going on?"
Nara didn't hesitate, stepping forward with her arms crossed and her expression sharp. "What's going on is you've been sneaking around, selling enchanted weapons to shady people, and not telling us anything about it."
Kalem froze, his hand gripping the rag tighter than necessary. Lyra winced, trying to cut in. "Nara, maybe we could—"
"No!" Nara snapped, not taking her eyes off Kalem. "I'm not easing into this. We saw it, Kalem. You're dealing with people who look like they're up to no good. So, what gives?"
Kalem leaned back against his workbench, his expression calm but guarded. "You don't know the full story," he said evenly.
"Then tell us!" Nara shot back, her frustration bubbling over. "Because from where I'm standing, this looks stupid and dangerous."
Kalem let out a slow breath and set the rag aside. "Fine," he said, his tone measured. "You want the truth? Alright. Do you remember the cultural festival?"
The trio exchanged confused glances before Lyra nodded. "What about it?"
"That project Nara and I worked on—the steel and fire display," Kalem began, gesturing toward Nara. "It caught the eye of a merchant. On the last day of the festival, while you three were exploring the city, he approached me here. He was impressed and offered me commissions for custom-enchanted weapons and armor."
"Impressed?" Jhaeros asked, his tone laced with skepticism. "And you just… agreed?"
Kalem shrugged. "He's a merchant. It's business. And before you say anything—yes, I checked him out."
Nara raised an eyebrow. "Checked him out? How?"
"I spoke to the city guards," Kalem replied, his voice firm. "I wasn't about to get involved with someone outright criminal. They told me he operates in a gray area. Not black-market level, but definitely not squeaky clean, either. He deals in rare goods, some of which the city doesn't strictly regulate yet."
Lyra tilted her head, curiosity softening her concern. "And that was enough for you to trust him?"
Kalem nodded. "It's not like I had a lot of options. I live in a stable with Onyx, and the academy doesn't give first-years stipends. Every coin I've earned has gone into keeping myself fed and keeping this forge running. This wasn't about ambition—it was about survival."
"That doesn't make it any less risky," Jhaeros pointed out. "You're walking a fine line here."
"I know that," Kalem replied, his voice sharp with frustration. "But I've been careful. The orders are custom and untraceable to me once they're gone. No symbols, no signatures, nothing that ties them back to this forge."
Nara threw up her hands. "And what happens when this merchant—or someone worse—decides they want more from you? Or when the academy finds out? You're playing with fire, Kalem."
Kalem's jaw tightened, and he crossed his arms. "I'm not stupid, Nara. I've thought about all of that. But this is temporary. Once the first-year exams are over and I can move into the dorms, I won't need this income anymore. This whole thing will be done."
Lyra stepped forward, her expression softer. "Kalem, we're not here to attack you. We just… we're worried. This isn't like you."
Kalem's gaze softened slightly as he looked at her. "I didn't want to involve you. This is my problem to solve, not yours."
"We're your friends, Kalem," Lyra said gently. "That means your problems are our problems, whether you like it or not."
"Exactly," Nara chimed in, though her tone was still sharp. "And if you're going to do something reckless, the least you can do is let us keep you from getting yourself killed."
Kalem sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I appreciate the concern, but I'm not in trouble. Not yet, anyway. And I'm not reckless. This merchant isn't some gang leader. He's a businessman. The guards wouldn't let him operate in the city if he was dangerous."
"That's not exactly reassuring," Jhaeros said, his tone dry. "Gray area or not, you're still taking a risk."
Kalem turned to Jhaeros, meeting his gaze directly. "I'm aware of the risks. But I'm managing them. And I'm not going to stop—not until I've secured what I need."
The room fell silent, the tension hanging heavy in the air. Onyx, lying in the corner, let out a soft grunt, as if breaking the standoff.
Lyra finally spoke, her voice firm. "Alright, Kalem. If this is what you've decided, we won't stop you. But we're not just going to stand by, either. If you need help—or if things go sideways—you let us know. No more sneaking around."
Kalem hesitated, then nodded. "Fair enough. But only if things go sideways. I don't want you getting dragged into this unless it's absolutely necessary."
"Deal," Jhaeros said, his voice steady.
"Fine," Lyra added, though her eyes still held a hint of worry. "But you'd better keep us in the loop."
"Same here," Nara said, though her tone was laced with exasperation. "And for the record, I still think this is a terrible idea."
Kalem managed a faint smile. "Noted."
As the group began to disperse, Kalem returned to his workbench, his mind already turning back to his plans. He knew the road he was walking was dangerous, but for now, he wasn't walking it alone.