Professor Darwin, a well-known human judge who focused on practical innovation, put the hammer's true teaching function to the test. He purposefully held it wrong, used bad form, and tried strikes that would usually hurt him or not work. The hammer gently pushed him toward better technique each time, without being too pushy or uncomfortable.

"Marvelous! This is a brilliant piece of work," he said. "You've solved one of the oldest problems in teaching people how to make things."

"How can you give students the benefit of a master's advice without having a master there all the time? This hammer does just that. A beginner will learn the right way to use this tool naturally, safely, and quickly."

The judges moved on to finish judging the other stations, but Greg could see how excited they were. They knew they had found something special.

The last rankings were announced as the sun began to set on the third day. The festival lights made Meridian feel like a fairy tale. Everyone in the square in front of the Grand Forge was waiting to hear the results.

Professor Darwin stepped up to tell everyone who won, and his voice magically got louder so that everyone could hear it.

"This year's Festival of Blacksmith Creation has shown us some wonderful talent from all over the continent. All of the competitors have shown skill, creativity, and a strong commitment to their work. But three teams have stood out from the rest."

The crowd leaned in, and the air was full of excitement. "In third place, we have...!"

"Mikhail Ironheart of the Northern Coalition for making armor that changes the way protective gear works!"

People started to clap. Mikhail graciously accepted his bronze medal, raising it to thank his fans.

"In second place, we have...!!!"

"Adelaide Precise, who created a revolutionary clockwork assistant that will change how we perform complicated math and store information!"

"Adelaide Precise of the Southern Territories!"

More clapping, and this time it was even louder. Adelaide's smile was bright as she accepted her silver medal. Her clockwork devices chirped in celebration.

"And in first place," Professor Darwin paused for dramatic effect, "for creating not just a tool, but a revolution in how knowledge itself is passed from master to apprentice, for turning sabotage into strength, and for demonstrating that true innovation comes from purpose and collaboration...!"

"The Brotherhood of Peace, led by Greg Greyson himself!"

The noise that came after was deafening. Everyone in the square started cheering, whistling, and clapping.

Greg stood still for a moment, not sure if he believed what he had heard. Marina took hold of his arm and shook it.

She yelled over the noise, "Ahhhhhhhh...! Greg, we did it! We won fair and square without the help of your system!"

"We won as a family...!!!"

He suddenly realized how real it was. They had won. Even with the sabotage, the problems, and everything else, they had really won. His family was all around him, and they were all laughing, crying, and celebrating together.

Bork was crying out loud, and his beard was wet with joyful tears. Felix was jumping up and down and yelling something about 'main character energy' and 'clutch victory.'

Elwen hugged Greg tightly, and she wasn't holding back at all. Seraphine's smile was so big that it could break her face.

Lylia looked like she was going to burst with pride. Mira and Donetta were dancing in circles. Even Hammy was jumping higher than Greg had ever seen, and he was chirping happily.

As a group, they walked to the judges' platform. Master Edgard put the gold medal around Greg's neck himself. Lady Celestine and Professor Darwin gave medals to each member of the team.

Master Edgard said, "You've reminded us why we celebrate this festival."

"It's not about making the most complicated or powerful weapon or device. It's about making things that improve life and help us learn more!"

"Your hammer achieves both purposes, so... congratulations on your victory!"

...

The party that came after made the Grand Forge seem like a fairy tale. Other competitors came to congratulate them, and Mikhail and Adelaide both gave them real praise.

Celeste gave Elwen her home address because she wanted to work together in the future. Even though Vladimir lost, he grudgingly admitted that the Mentor's Hammer was impressive work.

But for Varian, he stood away from the celebrations, his face twisted in anger and disbelief. His sword was technically perfect, but it only came in tenth place. The judges liked how well it was made, but they didn't like that it didn't have any new ideas or a more profound meaning.

As people walked by Varian's station, Greg heard bits of their conversations.

"Can you believe he tried to ruin the winners?"

"What an asshole he truly is. To be honest, that's fucking sad. Think about how insecure you'd have to be to cheat and sabotage someone."

"And he still lost! To the team he sabotaged! That must've hurt his pride and ego!"

"I heard he made fun of them earlier by saying their philosophy was useless. I guess he learned something else from this loss."

A very brave blacksmith, a journeyman from the eastern kingdoms, stood right in front of Varian. "You want to know the best part? You tried to bring down a legend, but all you did was show why he's legendary and you're not."

"Greg Greyson used your sabotage to teach you a lesson. That takes skill you'll never have."

Varian's fists were clenched, but he didn't say anything. What could he say? The results were clear.

The Brotherhood went back to their workshop after the official ceremonies were over and the crowds started to break up into smaller groups to celebrate. Greg thought that Felix had already gotten a few barrels of excellent beer and wine.

Lylia managed to arrange a feast for them, featuring dishes from some of Meridian's top restaurants. The party that broke out was precisely what Greg wanted.

His family were all together to celebrate not only their victory but also the bonds they had made. Marina stayed close to him, holding his hand and sometimes leaning over to kiss his cheek when she thought no one was watching.

Bork dared Felix to a drinking contest, and in the end, both of them passed out in a corner while Donetta watched over them with a mix of love and annoyance. Elwen and Seraphine had a lively conversation about enchantment theory that somehow led to them trying to make new runes out of nothing but sticks and dirt.

Lylia and Mira made sure that everyone got enough food by coordinating the distribution with military precision. Hammy jumped from person to person, obviously happy with all the good energy.

As the night went on and people started to get exhausted, Greg ended up on the workshop's small balcony, looking out over Meridian. In other parts of the city, the festival was still going strong, with lights and music making a tapestry of celebration.

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