Ironclad: The City of Metal and Flame

In the dark, Ironclad looked less like a fortress and more like a massive forge. The air was thick with the metallic scent of molten metal, and the heat was stifling, far higher than normal. It was just as Ard had described.

Lucian stood at the city gate, where guards meticulously checked his identification before allowing him entry. Unlike the Capital, where conversations were heavily monitored, here it was trade and commerce under constant scrutiny.

As he entered, the city revealed itself as a bustling hub of merchants and smiths. The crowded markets teemed with activity, the sheer volume of transactions making it hard to believe they could all be monitored.

Night had already fallen, so Lucian hurried to find an inn. After a quick meal, he retired for the night, eager for the adventures the next day would bring.

The Search for Clues

The next morning, Lucian woke up excited to explore the city. Ironclad was rumored to attract people fascinated by Automara, but this also made it a dangerous place—many who pursued such interests were caught.

Still, Lucian decided to begin his search for answers, starting with the mysterious riddle: Where the sun and moon meet.

He resolved to ask the locals for any information.

Hungry and curious, he visited the city's few renowned restaurants and cafés, hoping to enjoy the famous local cuisine while gathering intel. However, unlike the Capital, Ironclad had far fewer dining establishments, and none of the patrons or staff knew anything about the place where the sun and moon met.

By sunset, Lucian had visited several tourist spots and monuments, but his search yielded no clues. He began to feel frustrated as he wandered the streets.

The Forge and the Crescent

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the city's massive forge glowed a fiery red, casting an eerie light across Ironclad. It resembled the sun itself, blazing in the darkness.

It was then that Lucian noticed a shop at the end of the street, directly beneath the forge. The shop's roof was adorned with a large crescent-shaped decorative piece, glowing faintly in the forge's light.

The connection struck him like lightning. The sun and the moon—the glowing forge and the crescent-shaped symbol. This must be the place the mysterious woman had referred to.

Lucian waited until nightfall, then made his way to the shop.

Meeting the Smith

The shop's sign read: Vlad's Smithy. Unlike the café in the Capital, this place had a steady flow of customers. Lucian waited until the shop was empty before stepping inside.

"Hello there, young man. What can I help you with?" Vlad, the smith, greeted him.

"I'm looking for a good-quality dagger, but I don't have a big budget," Lucian replied. He decided not to bring up the café yet and genuinely needed a weapon.

"Ah, I see. Let me check what I have." Vlad disappeared into the back and returned with a dagger.

"How's this? Only 2 gold coins."

"1 gold, 50 silver?" Lucian bargained.

"1 gold, 70 silver—just for you, young man."

"I'll take it," Lucian agreed, handing over the money.

As he examined the dagger, Lucian remarked, "You sell quality weapons at fair prices, sir."

"I didn't charge you any making fees. Most vendors would," Vlad explained.

"That's kind of you. Why the discount?"

"You remind me of Adam, my apprentice,"

Vlad said with a smile. "Adam, come here!"

A young boy appeared from the back, wiping his hands on a rag.

Lucian stared at him, and the boy stared back.

After a moment, they both blurted out in unison, "He looks like me!"

"Took you long enough to notice," Vlad sighed.

The Mysterious Connection

Lucian chuckled. "You're a kind-hearted man, Mr. Vlad, giving me a discount just because I look like your apprentice."

Adam puffed up his chest with a smug grin, only to receive a light smack on the head from Vlad.

"Why are you the one looking smug here?" Vlad scolded.

"That hurts! Master, I was just happy someone finally praised you."

"Finally?" Another smack landed on Adam's head.

"I'm always appreciated by others!" Vlad retorted, glaring at his apprentice.

"Sure you are," Adam muttered, earning another glare before retreating to the back of the smithy.

Lucian laughed. "You two seem to have a good relationship."

"Depends on your definition of 'good,'" Vlad replied with a grin.

The Hidden Agenda

Lucian turned serious. "Actually, Mr. Vlad, I came here for another reason."

"Oh? What would that be?"

"Do you know about the Moonlit Café in the Capital?"

Vlad's expression darkened. "Yes, I do. What about it?"

"The old lady there sent me," Lucian said quickly, trying to ease the tension.

Vlad's suspicion didn't fade. "And why should I believe you? How did you even find this place?"

Lucian recited the woman's riddle: The moon and sun chase each other. Find both, and you shall get the answer.

Vlad's expression softened slightly, though he remained wary. "Alright, tell me everything in detail."

After Lucian explained his journey, Vlad seemed convinced but cautious.

"Even so, I can't just give you answers. And it's not guaranteed I'll know them."

"Whatever it takes," Lucian said, his determination unwavering.

"I'm a smith. If you want anything from me, you'll have to impress me with smithing," Vlad declared.

"But I don't know anything about smithing. I'm a cook," Lucian protested.

"A cook? Do you know heat control?"

"Of course. Cooking to perfection requires it."

"Then you might learn quickly. From now on, you're my apprentice."

A New Apprentice

"Adam!" Vlad called.

"What now?" Adam appeared, panting heavily.

"He's your fellow apprentice from now on. Teach him the basics."

Adam grabbed Lucian's arm enthusiastically. "Finally! I have a fellow apprentice!"

"Big brother will teach you everything," Adam said smugly.

"You seem younger than me, kid," Lucian teased.

"I'm no kid!" Adam said angrily.

Lucian smirked. "Alright, let's get started."