D and Z had returned, bringing Iron, and smithing tools. Tongs, a hammer, and a chisel. Sebastian stretched, before grabbing onto the metal. He started heating it, gently turning it like a chicken. He brought it out, dunking it into cold water, before he started hammering it.

He didn't have the strength necessary to properly hammer it, so he heated it again, before continuing.

He didn't know how long had passed, before he was too tired to continue. "Break," he puffed, holding his unfinished sword. At this point, it looked more like a metal plank, though.

"Good," said D, with a menacing face. "The challenge starts in an hour, so rest." Sebastian waved it off.

"Can I leave this?" He put it down before an answer could be given.

"Yes," Z answered, emotionlessly. "This furnace will belong to you, for so long as you do not fail a challenge."

Sebastian nodded along.

After a while, he stood up, looking over his workstation. He noticed how he had not used the tongs, whatsoever, then looked sceptically at his hands.

He was absolutely shocked to find that his hands were normal. No signs of blisters, or charred skin. He squeezed them.

"Take me to my-" he started, only to be interrupted by Z.

"The challenge will start in two minutes," he said, looking at his watch. "Follow us, or we will be forced to move you." They started walking.

Sebastian followed closely.

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They went into the orientation room, followed by a few others.

The speaker spoke, in the same voice it had before, "The challenge will be explained in 30 seconds. It will not be repeated." It started to count down, loudly stating each number.

Once it reached zero, the doors shut, locking everyone like animals in a zoo.

Whispers started to spread, with all the other challengers leaving a noticeable gap inbetween them and him.

"First, I'll speak about the elimination method," came a woman's voice, from in front of the screen. She wasn't plastered on it, like Makit was. Rather, she had depth, and a very tight fitting dress. Plus, her high heels clicked on the ground, echoing throughout the room, along with her tone that looked down on everyone.

Her glasses fit well on her face, only bouncing slightly. Still, it moved with every movement she made, and Sebastian could feel himself being more and more ticked off as he stared at it.

"We will eliminate those that do not produce any results, up to 15 for this first round. Depending on how many are left, the numbers after that will change. Now, producing results does not mean doing anything to get ahead."

There were some murmurs that rang out from that. Again, he couldn't hear words, but he heard enough to know it was nothing good.

"Now, time for the challenge. This room will be raised well above the temperature of the Forge all of you had worked in. The goal is to survive for half an hour. If there is a single complaint, you will be taken, and the timer will be paused until the heat has come back. Any questions?"

Sebastian was among the first to raise a hand, while more people started yelling outrageous words.

"You," the woman said, pointing at Sebastian.

"Can I have your glasses for a moment?" he asked, starting off strong, then realising the absurdity of the question.

Puzzled, she threw her glasses at him, with a, "Sure." He barely managed to not fumble it, before bringing it close to him.

Following that was a weird silence, until someone filled it with, "Can I have your shirt?"

Still, Sebastian did not turn around, until his work was done. Even without his sight, he could tell whatever made them had horrible craftsmanship. He started bending the frame, twisting it ever so slightly, while keeping the hinges safe.

He was done as soon as the woman asked, completely ignoring everyone else, "Can I have my glasses back?"

Sebastian nodded, though he could tell she couldn't tell. "Can you give this to her?" Sebastian whispered to Z, who only nodded. He took it from his hands, recoiling at the touch. There was only slight surprise, before he grabbed it again, pushed past the group of people, and gave it to her.