9 – Little Fire

Cecil heats a helmet until it is red hot. She then hit it with a hammer many times to strengthen it. The final process is to dip it in water. Once the temperature was cold enough, she took it to a workshop's corner, where Lance and Eve were assembling the armor.

"Here." The blacksmith gave the helmet to Lance. "You just need to put the padding on it."

"Thanks." Lance wiped the sweat from his forehead. "But I want to take a break."

After Lance attached the padless helmet to the armor, they stepped back to observe the results of their hard work.

It resembles the armor of a knight, but bigger. That's because there is a metal frame inside.

Lance created a design that fits this era. If he insisted on using a modern style, Cecil would have to adapt. It could delay her work. Apart from that, people would think this armor was strange.

"After six months, we succeeded." Cecil put on a smile. "Honestly, I've never felt so satisfied like this."

"Good for you." Lance smiled, too. "But this isn't over. We haven't gotten a candidate to do the trials yet."

Eve chimed in. "This is still a big milestone, though. So we need to give it a name. Have you decided yet, Lance?"

"Are you sure you're leaving that to me?" The young man replied.

"This is indeed a project for my final assignment, but you are the one leading everything." Eve approached the armor. "This wouldn't have been possible without you. It is only fitting that you have that honor."

"Thank you, Eve." Lance was silent for a moment, thinking about the right name. He was going to use letter and number codes, as he usually did. But people in this world are unaccustomed to such things. "Etna... Etna I. We use number one because this is our first complete piece of armor."

"It's a good name." Cecil patted Lance on the shoulder. "If I'm not mistaken, it means small fire in ancient language, right?"

"Small fire, huh?" Eve muttered.

Lance smirked. "It's possible we'll make a bigger one in the future."

Yes, if this project succeeds, maybe Lance could design much larger mechs. Perhaps he could create a twenty-meter tall one, just like his previous designs.

"Excuse me." The maid entered the workshop. "Someone came here. She said she wanted to be a tester."

"Finally, after we waited a long time and installed over ten fliers." Lance's smirk turned into a wider smile. "Let's go. We have to check this candidate."

***

"I'm interested in your offer, even though I don't really understand what it is." A woman with neck-length black hair sat in a room. Since entering the house, she continued to smile and her tone of voice was full of enthusiasm. "I enjoy exploring new things, after all! And the pay is pretty good!"

She laughed out loud. Her gestures looked vulgar, but Lance could still feel hints of femininity from her.

"Let's see…. Miss Trish Hawke." Cecil read the candidate's documents. "You've been an adventurer for nine years. You must have a lot of experience... Well, it's rare for a brass knuckles user to go on an adventure."

"My martial arts are my father's legacy. He was from a faraway land. He was surprised to find people using swords and other sharp weapons for combat when he arrived here. He said, do they want to fight or slaughter animals?" Trish cleared her throat. "Sorry if my words offended you. Maybe some of you use swords or other sharp weapons. My adventure companion is also a sword user…. Damn, when I'm nervous, I talk for a long time. Once again, I'm sorry. This is a first for me."

Flashing a smile, Lance asked a question. "Are you ready to take the physical test, Miss Hawke? But not today, at least. You have just gone on a long journey. We will take you to the hotel and don't worry, we will pay the costs. Tomorrow you can do the test."

"Thanks." Trish raised an eyebrow.

Lance doesn't know who Trish is yet. He had to discuss it with others. So. he needed to distance himself from this woman as much as he could.

If she were here, she could also spy on their work.

"Perhaps you would like to finish your tea first?" Eve glanced at the cup on the table. "You haven't touched it."

"Sorry. No offence." Trish smiled with a shrug. "I only drink water or something that contains alcohol. Well, if I didn't know that water was important, I would just drink alcohol."

***

The next day, Lance and his two friends were in an empty area with high walls, right next to their workshop. Arthur Moryet built the walls so that Eve could carry out her project without fear of being spied on.

Lance admitted that Arthur Moryet was quite considerate, even though he didn't agree with this project.

"She's good," Cecil, standing next to Lance, whispered.

"Yeah." Lance continued to pay attention to Trish's demonstration.

Wearing a bra and short pants, she performed various punches and kicks, as well as performing acrobatic movements. From somersaulting in the air, a brief wall run, and many more.

With a slim and somewhat muscular body, Lance already guessed that Trish could do a lot of things. Yet, the young man never imagined she could do it to this extent.

"It's enough." Lance gave the order and Trish stopped.

"I hope I'm not disappoint you." She bowed while clasping her hands together. "I know you guys will still pay me even if you don't accept me. It's an appreciation because I came here. But I still want to do this job."

Lance chuckled, then looked at his friends. They nodded.

"Miss Hawke, congratulations. You've become part of this project." Lance held out his hand.

A wide smile graced Trish's face. She shook Lance's hand and said, "Thank you! I will try not to disappoint you! If I disappoint you, I won't drink alcohol for three months."

Lance chuckled again. "I'm glad to see your confidence."

Through Eve, Lance has sent Arthur's men to monitor Trish.

They found nothing suspicious. She never leaves the hotel room, except to eat.

Lance hoped he was right about this woman. She is not an intruder.