ACT 6: Chapter 2 - The Guardian of Joy

Steel’s Unlikely Mastery

Days turned into weeks, and Steel’s baking skills only continued to improve.

At first, it had been a simple learning exercise.

A way to understand gentleness.

To create something without destruction.

But now—

Now he was becoming a master.

Ponies from all over Ponyville came to Sugarcube Corner to experience the mystery of Steel’s baking.

They called it “Precision Pastry.”

Rarity declared it “a revolution in baking aesthetics.”

Twilight called it “a fascinating study in mechanized culinary perfection.”

Rainbow Dash called it “dangerously delicious.”

Steel, upon hearing these comments, simply said—

“… It is just bread.”

Pinkie Pie gasped.

“IT IS NEVER JUST BREAD, STEEL!”

And so, his baking education continued.

An Unlikely Competition

One day, a notice arrived in Sugarcube Corner.

A Baking Competition was being held in Canterlot.

The greatest pastry chefs from all over Equestria would compete.

Pinkie Pie grinned wildly.

“STEEL. WE’RE ENTERING.”

Steel, who was in the middle of perfectly frosting a cake, paused.

“… Why?”

Pinkie Pie grabbed him dramatically.

“This is the next step of your culinary journey!”

She twirled in excitement.

“Imagine it! You, standing before an audience of baking elites!”

She gasped.

“You could become a legend!”

Steel tilted his head.

“… I am already a legend.”

Pinkie paused.

Then nodded.

“Yeah, but now you can be a legend with cake!”

Steel considered this.

Then, slowly—

He nodded.

“… Acceptable.”

And so, the Guardian of Pastries prepared for his greatest challenge yet.

To Be Continued…