Hendricks smiled—a rare expression that suggested genuine satisfaction rather than just his usual professional approval.
"Start with the basics," Hendricks said. "Learn to forge a normal blade. Master some conventional techniques. Understand metallurgy, heat treatment, edge geometry, balance distribution. Build your foundation really well and learn to determine properties that can enhance the structure of the materials you work with."
"How long until I can create something functional?" Bright asked.
"It's probably going to take you the whole semester to learn basic forging boy," Hendricks estimated. "A year to achieve some form of competent craftsmanship. Several years to master any technique sufficiently that you can innovate beyond its established methodology."
"That's longer than the Academy attendance," Bright observed.
