I

Sapphira, the foremost smith in Delphi.
While studying at the Delphi Institute of Mechanics, she consistently applied for and passed exams to skip grades. During her studies, she made research contributions substantial enough to qualify as a professor. After graduating, she quickly became a fellow, earning the title of the youngest fellow in the institution's history. Shortly after, she was recruited by the Delphic Oracle.
On the day of her graduation, she submitted an application to become the custodian of Hephaestus's Fire. Once approved, she established her research lab near the fire, expertly balancing her scientific work with the daily oversight of this crucial resource. Before long, her public information certification was updated, and she officially adopted the codename "Hephae".
Some speculate that Hephae's fascination with the Fire stems from its connection to her research focus. Others believe it arises from the admiration for Hephaestus ingrained in all Mechanical Academy students. Perhaps these speculations are not entirely accurate.

II

Smelting is a rather niche discipline at the Mechanical Academy. Its high technical and physical demands, particularly the significant strength required which can only be developed through repetitive physical training, make most students of the Delphi Society shy away. However, Sapphira firmly chose smelting as her field of study early on.
Initially, her lack of physical strength posed a significant barrier, but she never regretted her choice. To increase her strength, she developed and strictly adhered to a rigorous training regimen. While her frequent grade-skipping was already a hot topic among her peers, her regular visits to the gym earned her even more respect.
Despite her persistent efforts, her progress in smelting remained slow for a considerable time. She even sought advice from the Medical Academy and realized that human strength (at least her own) had its limits.
However, her strength training did not cease, and soon after, her journey in smelting unexpectedly became smoother.
"It must be because Senior Sapphira's relentless training led to a breakthrough in her strength!"
"So muscles don't necessarily equate to strength! Look at Senior Sapphira! Her slender build can still wield immense power!"
When Sapphira saw discussions about herself on the Truth Forum, she quietly canceled her plan to publicly announce the exclusive lightweight hammering technique, opting for a more low-key approach.
When someone later saw Sapphira effortlessly wielding a giant hammer, the rumors of her great strength intensified sparking heated debates among students on the Truth Altar, but that is a story for another time.

III

The transformation of energy has always been ongoing, but regardless of technological advancements, for Delphi, the embodiment of energy is the Fire of Hephaestus.
If other people burn wood, they add firewood to Hephaestus' Fire. If they use nuclear energy, they incorporate the latest nuclear conversion technology into the fire. All their technology, manpower, and financial resources are dedicated to this fire, generation after generation, making the enormous brazier at the center of the Mechanicus District the pinnacle of contemporary human technology.
Such an important technological marvel naturally requires constant supervision, but the "ordinary" and "boring" daily supervisory work has always struggled to attract enthusiasm in a place teeming with geniuses like Delphi.
When the current guardian of Hephaestus' Fire showed signs of leaving, the management issued a job posting early on. However, after a long time, they received only one application, which was immediately rejected because the applicant was too young—she hadn't even graduated from the academy.
The applicant, Sapphira, did not give up. To achieve her goal, she quickly devised a new plan and immediately put it into action. The result was remarkable, as she significantly shortened her student career to achieve it. It was a period that left every Delphi Academy student speechless with surprise. For Sapphira, however, it still felt too long, as she worried someone else might submit an application before her.
Finally, after her graduation ceremony, she rushed to submit her second job application before even changing her clothes. "As far as I know, you are the youngest graduate in Delphi Society's history. This morning was your graduation ceremony, and everyone expected you to submit your research project. Instead... you ran over here to apply for the position of guardian of Hephaestus' Fire?"
Sapphira nodded repeatedly, gasping for breath.
"Supervising the Fire of Hephaestus doesn't require much technical skill. Are you aware of this?"
Still breathless, Sapphira could only nod continuously.
"I have received your application... I'm looking forward to your performance."
Shortly after, the Fire of Hephaestus had a new guardian. Sapphira's finally got what she wanted.

IV

In Delphi, most research-related work is documented using audio recordings. Here is a recording of a conversation during a shift changeover for the supervision of the Fire of Hephaestus:
"——Please!"
"No, no way, I will not agree to this!"
"Sapphira—"
"Hephae, my application to officially change my public information has been approved. I am now allowed to use my codename exclusively unless necessary."
"...How much do you really like Fire of Hephaestus!"
"Hmph."
"Alright, alright, 'Hephae'! Senior Hephae! Professor Hephae! Fellow Hephae!"
"..."
"In this scorching heat, you tirelessly work next to Hephaestus's Fire all day without complaint!"
"...It's required."
"Every evening, you carefully and kindly hand over the supervision of the Fire of Hephaestus to me, explaining everything in detail!"
"It's just part of the job..."
"Under your sturdy hammer, beautiful and practical creations are born. Your sapphire-like eyes reflect the fire of Hephaestus, and the sense of security when you effortlessly swing that giant hammer!"
"Hephae—the most anticipated professor at Delphi, the youngest fellow in the Delphic Oracle—don't you want to explore the limits of Hephaestus's Fire with me?"
"we just have to make sue it's safe..."
"With Fellow Hephae accompanying this research, we will be conducting our academic exploration in an absolutely safe environment!"
"...Alright, alright, but only for a short while this evening!"
"Thank you, Fellow Hephae!"
"..."
"..."
"..."
"Ah... Oh no... I can't believe I agreed to use Hephaestus's Fire for a barbecue..."
"Hephae! Are you full? How was it? The sauce I made was good, right?"
"...It... it was quite tasty... Ugh... Forgive me, Fire of Hephaestus..."
Since no anomalies occurred that day, there was no need to submit this recording and it was stored as part of the supervision records of the Fire of Hephaestus.