HE SHOULDN'T KNOW

Laila, Rina, and Ravan worked diligently in the fire chambers, their focus intent on the process of infusing mana cores into metal to create magic daggers.

The room was filled with the steady roar of the furnaces and the occasional clang of tools against anvils.

As they neared the final stages of pouring the enchanted metal into molds, they suddenly heard the distinct sound of locks turning.

The heavy door swung open, revealing Adam, the head blacksmith of the department, standing in the doorway with a furrowed brow.

His presence cast a shadow over the room, and Ravan exchanged a quick glance with Laila and Rina, a hint of concern flickering in their eyes.

In a swift motion, Ravan pushed the bag of remaining mana cores under a nearby cabinet, hoping to keep them out of sight.

"What are you three doing in here?" Adam's voice boomed, breaking the focused silence of the fire chambers.

Ravan stepped forward, his hands slightly trembling from both excitement and apprehension.

'Adam shouldn't know, even though I trust him, he's still one of the Department's Officials,' Ravan thought hurriedly cooking up a response.

"We're... we're working on a project," he replied hesitantly, unsure of how much to disclose.

Adam strode into the room, his eyes narrowing as he inspected the setup.

"A project, eh?" he mused, crossing his arms over his chest.

"This looks like more than just a routine assignment. What exactly are you crafting?"

Laila stepped in, her tone measured yet confident.

"We're experimenting with a new method of enchanting weapons," she explained, choosing her words carefully.

"Using mana cores to imbue the metal with magical properties."

Adam's expression softened slightly as he processed their explanation.

"Mana cores, huh?" he muttered thoughtfully.

"That's ambitious for students." He paused, eyeing the freshly cast daggers in the molds.

"Well, you certainly have been busy. But remember, any experimental work needs approval from the department heads before proceeding."

Rina nodded in agreement, her gaze steady as she added, "Of course, Adam. We understand the protocol. We were planning to document our progress and submit a proposal after we finish the testing phase."

'Quick thinking and good coverage Lailah,' Ravan commended Lailah even though she wasn't caoable of hearing.

Adam nodded approvingly, though his gaze remained sharp.

"Good. Keep me updated on your progress. And make sure to clean up properly before you leave."

As he turned to leave, Adam stopped and looked back at them, his eyes piercing.

"By the way, I heard about an incident involving a dungeon break a few streets away.

Something about you three getting caught up in a confrontation with goblins. Care to explain?"

Lailah looked at Rina who quickly shook her head as if saying, "Don't look at me...I wasn't even at the Dungeon."

Laila exchanged a quick glance with Ravan before stepping forward.

"It was chaotic, Adam," she began, her voice steady but with a hint of urgency.

'If I tell him I was the one who dragged Ravan and Lee into coming, I wouldn't hear the end of it all, he was assigned in our care after all,' Lailah thought.

"We were just passing by when the dungeon broke open. Goblins poured out, and we had to defend ourselves. I fought off as many as I could, but there were just too many.

Thankfully, some dungeon workers arrived and managed to take care of the situation."

Adam's gaze shifted to Ravan. "And you? What happened on your end?"

'Me? What should I say...I was scared to death and couldn't even move my weak ass,' Ravan said to himself. But he was more than ready to give an answer to stop the old man from asking further questions.

Ravan swallowed, trying to keep his voice calm.

"We ran from the goblins, trying to find a safe place. I helped Laila as best as I could, but it was tough. We were just trying to survive." He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "There was... a lot going on. But we made it through."

'What a terrible lie, even I don't believe it,' Ravan thought but still kept his usual nonchalant look.

Adam studied their faces for a moment before nodding.

"Alright. Just make sure you're more careful in the future. These incidents can be dangerous."

He turned to leave again but paused at the door.

"And remember, if you're working on something important, follow the proper channels. No more shortcuts."

With that, Adam exited the fire chambers, leaving the three of them in the dimly lit room.

The air was thick with the lingering tension of their encounter, but also with a sense of relief that they had managed to avoid any deeper scrutiny.

'I guess he bought it.'

Ravan let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding, relieved that Adam hadn't pressed further.

Lailah and Rina exchanged a brief, knowing look, silently acknowledging the close call.

They returned to their work, their movements efficient and purposeful as they continued with the final steps of their project.

As they carefully removed the cooled daggers from the molds and inspected them for any imperfections, Ravan couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and excitement.

They had successfully navigated a potential obstacle and were one step closer to proving their abilities as skilled blacksmiths and magic crafters in the department.