Chapter 9:Field Trip(2)

The morning sun cast a golden glow over the Aeternum Forge as the students gathered outside the lodging facility, their excitement palpable. Luciel stood with Aria and Arthuria, the trio dressed in their academy-issued combat gear, ready for the day ahead. The air was crisp, and the faint hum of mana emanating from the forge's towering structures sent a shiver down Luciel's spine.

Professor Jadestar approached, her red eyes scanning the group with her usual calculating gaze. "Listen up," she said, her voice carrying over the chatter. "Today, you'll be touring the Aeternum Forge. This is one of the Union's most secure and advanced facilities, so follow the rules and stay with your assigned groups. Any deviation from the schedule will result in disciplinary action. Understood?"

"Yes, Professor!" the students replied in unison.

With that, they were divided into smaller groups and led toward the forge by Union personnel. Luciel, Aria, and Arthuria were grouped together, along with a few other classmates. As they approached the massive gates of the forge, Luciel couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. The facility was a marvel of engineering, its walls reinforced with mana-infused materials and its structures glowing faintly with energy.

The tour started in the forge's main atrium, a vast, open space filled with holographic displays and models of various artifacts. A Union guide, a middle-aged man with a gentle demeanor, greeted them. "Welcome to the Aeternum Forge," he said. "This facility is responsible for designing and manufacturing the artifacts that protect humanity from the demon threat. Today, you'll get a glimpse into the process behind their creation."

The first stop was the design lab, where teams of engineers and mages worked together to create blueprints for new artifacts. The students watched in fascination as holographic schematics floated in the air, intricate designs shifting and evolving in real-time.

"This is where the magic happens," the guide explained. "Every artifact starts as an idea, a concept. Our designers work tirelessly to turn those ideas into reality, balancing power, efficiency, and safety."

Aria leaned over to Luciel, whispering, "Do you think they'd let me work here someday? This is so cool!"

Luciel smiled. "Maybe. But you'd have to stop doodling in class first and start focusing on your studies. Also, aren't you little too hot-headed to work in a place like this?"

Aria stuck her tongue out at him, earning a faint chuckle from Arthuria.

Next, they were led to the forging chambers, the heart of the Aeternum Forge. The moment they stepped inside, the heat hit them like a wall. Massive furnaces roared in the background, their flames fueled by mana-infused crystals. Blacksmiths and mages worked side by side, their movements precise and coordinated as they shaped raw materials into powerful artifacts.

The guide gestured to a team working on a glowing sword. "This is where the artifacts take physical form. The materials used here are imbued with mana during the forging process, giving them their unique properties. It's a delicate balance—too much mana, and the artifact becomes unstable; too little, and it loses its effectiveness."

Luciel watched intently, his system quietly analyzing the process. He could see the intricate flow of mana within the sword, a dance of energy that fascinated him. For a moment, he wondered if he could replicate such a process himself. But quickly he shook his head, his path, wasn't meant for weapon forging, his role was meant to be played out at the battlefield.

Arthuria, ever observant, noticed his focus. "Thinking of making your own artifact?" she asked quietly.

"No, it seems too time-consuming," Luciel replied. " I'm just trying to understand how it all works."

The final stop on the tour was the testing grounds, an open area where newly forged artifacts were put through their paces. The students watched as a Union soldier wielded a glowing spear, its tip crackling with energy. With a swift motion, the soldier hurled the spear at a target, the weapon piercing through it with ease before returning to the soldier's hand.

"This is where we ensure that every artifact meets our standards," the guide explained. "Each one is tested for durability, efficiency, and compatibility with its user. Only the best make it out of this facility."

Aria's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Do we get to try any of them?"

The guide shook his head. "Not today. These artifacts are still in the testing phase, and they're not safe for untrained users. But perhaps one day, some of you will return here as certified artifact wielders."

Aria was disappointed, but Luciel patted her on her shoulder and laughed out, " Don't sulk too much. We warned you already that we can't probably test any artifacts here."

...

As the tour concluded, the guide led the students to a small auditorium where they could ask questions. Aria immediately raised her hand, her enthusiasm evident. "How do you decide which artifacts get mass-produced and which ones don't?"

The guide nodded, appreciating the question. "It's a combination of factors—cost, effectiveness, and demand. Some artifacts are too resource-intensive to produce on a large scale, while others are designed for specific missions or users. We prioritize those that offer the most benefit to the Union's forces."

Another student, a boy with glasses, asked, "What happens to the artifacts that fail the testing phase?"

"They're either dismantled for parts or repurposed for research," the guide replied. "Nothing goes to waste here."

Aria raised her hand again. "What's the coolest artifact you've ever seen?"

The guide chuckled. "That's a tough one. But I'd have to say artillery created by the best engineers in this factory. That model is used today by the whole military,"

Luciel and Arthuria remained silent, observing the exchange. While Aria and a few others eagerly asked questions, Luciel was content to absorb the information. Arthuria, ever reserved, seemed more interested in observing the dynamics of the group than participating.

After the Q&A session, the students were escorted back to their lodging facility. As they walked, Aria chattered excitedly about everything they'd seen, her energy seemingly boundless. "Did you see that spear? I want one! Can you imagine how cool it would be to fight with something like that?"

Arthuria sighed. "Focus on mastering your current abilities before dreaming about new weapons."

Luciel chuckled. "She's got a point, Aria. But I have to admit, some of those artifacts were impressive."

Back at the accommodations, the students were gathered in the common room for a briefing. A Union officer stood at the front, her expression stern. "Tomorrow, you'll be participating in a workshop where you'll learn the basics of artifact maintenance and mana infusion. It's a hands-on session, so be prepared to work. The schedule will be posted in the lobby, and breakfast will be served at 7 pm. Any questions?"

No one raised their hand, and the officer dismissed them with a nod. "Enjoy your free time until dinner. Remember, curfew is at 9 pm."

With a few hours to spare before dinner, the students dispersed to relax and unwind. Aria, Luciel, and Arthuria found themselves in the small recreation area, where a deck of cards lay on a table. Aria immediately grabbed it, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "Come on, let's play a game! It'll be fun!"

Arthuria hesitated, her usual reserved demeanor showing. "I'm not sure if I'm in the mood for games."

Aria pouted. "Oh, come on, Arthuria! You've been so serious all day. Relax a little!"

Luciel, sensing Arthuria's reluctance, decided to mediate. "How about we play something simple? Just a few rounds to pass the time."

Arthuria sighed but eventually nodded. "Fine. But only a few rounds."

The trio sat around the table, and Aria dealt the cards for a simple game. Her competitive streak quickly became apparent as she grinned and laid down a winning hand. "Yes! I'm on fire today!"

Luciel chuckled. "Don't get too confident. It's still early."

As the game progressed, Aria's luck began to falter. She groaned in frustration as Luciel and Arthuria started to pull ahead. "How are you two so good at this?" she complained, glaring at her cards.

Arthuria smirked faintly. "Maybe you're just too predictable."

Aria pouted. "I am not predictable!"

Luciel, who had been quietly observing the game, finally spoke up. "You always go for the flashy moves instead of playing it safe. It's easy to counter."

Aria crossed her arms. "Well, excuse me for trying to have fun."

Despite her protests, Aria's luck didn't improve. By the time the game ended, she had lost spectacularly, much to the amusement of Luciel and Arthuria. "I demand a rematch!" she declared, but the sound of the dinner bell interrupted her.

...

The students filed into the cafeteria, the aroma of freshly prepared food filling the air. The meal was simple but hearty—roasted meat, steamed vegetables, and warm bread—a welcome change from the academy's usual fare. Luciel, Aria, and Arthuria found a table near the window, where they could enjoy the view of the forge's glowing structures in the distance.

As they ate, Aria continued to grumble about her loss. "I can't believe I lost to you two. You were totally ganging up on me!"

Arthuria raised an eyebrow. "Or maybe you just need to practice more."

Luciel chuckled. "Don't worry, Aria. There's always next time."

Aria sighed dramatically but couldn't hide her smile. "Fine, but next time, I'm bringing my A-game."

The conversation shifted to the day's events, with Aria recounting her favorite parts of the tour and Arthuria offering her usual insightful commentary. Luciel listened quietly, surrounded by his friends and the comforting hum of conversation. He allowed himself to relax.

As dinner wound down, the students began to disperse, some heading to their rooms to rest while others lingered in the common areas. Luciel, Aria, and Arthuria stayed at the table a little longer, enjoying the rare moment of peace.

"Tomorrow's going to be interesting," Aria said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "I can't wait to see what the workshop is like."

Arthuria nodded. "It's a valuable opportunity. We should make the most of it."

Finally, the trio decided it was time to head back to their rooms. They left the cafeteria together, the corridors quiet as most students had already retired for the evening. As they walked, Aria yawned, her earlier energy finally starting to wane. "I can't believe how tired I am. Today was amazing, but I'm ready to crash."

Arthuria gave a small nod. "Rest is important. Tomorrow will require our full attention."

Luciel bid farewell to them and went into his room. He walked inside his bathroom and splashed water on his face. Feeling refreshed, he looked at the mirror, examining himself. His radiant blue eyes looked much more vibrant than in the past, his face looked much better and it practically glowed, and his mid-length black hair looked much healthier than before. It had already been almost a month since he had acquired the system, which caused the chain reaction that changed his whole life. Now, he had a purpose driving him forward.