I became Villain's Best Friend

Seraphina watched with rapt attention as Luke worked, his small hands moving with surprising dexterity. The flickering glow of his fire magic cast shifting shadows across his face, highlighting the quiet determination in his eyes. He wasn't just creating something—he was pouring everything into it. His lips pressed into a firm line, brows furrowed as he carefully heated the metal, ensuring it softened just enough to be shaped without losing its integrity.

She could see the sweat beading on his forehead, but he didn't pause. Once the metal glowed a faint orange, he quickly moved to the next step, dousing it with water. Steam hissed as he cooled it rapidly, the process both exhilarating and nerve-wracking to watch.

Jonny, who had been sitting close by, hugged his knees to his chest. His brown eyes gleamed with fascination. "How do you know what to do?" he asked in a hushed voice.

Luke shrugged, never looking away from his work. "I just... feel it. Like the metal tells me what it needs."

Seraphina smiled, resting her chin on her hand. "That's because you're a natural, Luke. You don't just work with metal—you listen to it."

A faint blush dusted his cheeks, but he didn't respond, instead focusing on smoothing out the edges. He used his magic sparingly, just enough to keep the metal pliable without wasting energy. It was impressive, considering how difficult it was to control magic with precision.

Rose, who had been watching with an air of mild interest, finally spoke up. "So, what exactly are we selling again?" Her arms were crossed, but there was a flicker of curiosity in her gaze.

Seraphina grinned, holding up the rough but functional tool. "This."

Rose leaned in, studying it. "And people are supposed to pay for that?" Her skepticism was almost comical.

Jonny, however, was already nodding, his analytical gaze sweeping over the item. "It's simple but useful. If we make it look a little better, I think people will buy it."

Seraphina turned back to Luke. "Think you can refine it just a little more? Maybe make it more... polished?"

Luke exhaled sharply, rubbing his hands together before nodding. "Give me a little more time. I want it to be perfect."

As he worked, Seraphina glanced around at the others. The slums had never been kind, but this small moment of creation—of possibility—felt like a glimpse of something more.

She clenched her fists, determination burning in her chest. This was only the beginning. They had to make this work. No matter what.

After another hour, Luke finally stepped back, wiping his hands on his already dirty shirt. "Done."

Seraphina took the tool, testing the weight in her hand. It was better—much better. She ran a finger along the edges, feeling the smoothness. "Luke... this is incredible."

He looked away, pretending to be uninterested. "It's alright. Just don't break it before you sell it."

Rose whistled. "Well, we've got something to sell. Now let's see if anyone actually buys it."

Seraphina looked at her with a confident smirk. "They will. And if they don't, we'll make them."