AN: didn't write yesterday, took a break.
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2 Days Later After Bell Meets Ais/
2 Days Into The Main Series.
The late afternoon sun bled through the cracked ceiling of the church, casting long, golden fingers across the floorboards. It was the kind of heavy, quiet light that followed a storm—both a literal rainstorm and an emotional one.
Even though they are exhausted from a long night of no sleep, the timeline will still retain it's order.
It was currently the second day after Bell meets Ais and the main series starting. Meaning it was also the day Hestia goes to the banquet, meets Hephaestus, and begs for her to make Bell a weapon.
Yuuya sat on the edge of the sofa, rubbing his face. His armor was off for once, leaving him in simple tunics, feeling the ache of a long night and a short sleep.
Across the room, Bell was finishing his own preparations, moving with a quiet, focused grace. His earlier expressions were gone, replaced by a somber but steady resolve. He was more composed today—perhaps due to the effect of him opening up.
He is not the trembling boy from the tavern, but a young man carrying a mother's promise.
The sound of a heavy trunk slamming shut drew Yuuya's attention.
Hestia stood near the mirror, smoothing out the skirts of a proper evening dress. It wasn't the usual simple white attire with the blue ribbon; it was a garment that actually looked like it belonged to a Goddess.
"Well? How do I look?" Hestia asked, spinning around. Her eyes were still a bit puffy from the night before, but she was forcing a bright, energetic smile.
Yuuya leaned back, his eyes tracking the fine fabric. "You look like you actually remembered you're a Goddess, Hestia. So that's where that money went?"
Hestia flinched slightly, her smile turning sheepish. "You noticed I borrowed some Valis yesterday, huh?"
"Not that I mind," Yuuya said, stretching his arms until his joints popped. "It's fine, make yourself comfortable. It's thanks to goddess that I get a roof over my head and the ability to go to the dungeon anyways. So don't be shy to ask for money when you need one. It's a nice dress. Ganesha's banquet?"
"Mhm!" Hestia nodded, her pigtails bouncing. "Ganesha is hosting a big party for the gods tonight. And after that... well, I have some business to attend to. I might be gone for about three days."
Bell paused in the middle of tightening his boots. "Three days, Goddess? Is it a long party?"
"Something like that!" Hestia chirped, though she pointedly avoided looking Yuuya in the eye. "Don't worry about me! I'll be perfectly fine. You two just focus on the Dungeon. No overdoing it, and Yuuya—make sure Bell actually eats lunch!"
Yuuya watched her for a moment. He knew that look. He knew what day it was. It was the day she'll make that 200 million valis loan.
But he doesn't mind it. It was for Bell's sake after all. Regardless, he can pay their debt back later on once he gets stronger and can dive deeper in the dungeon.
"Goddess," Yuuya said, standing up.
"Yes?"
"Will Hephaestus be there tonight? At the banquet?"
Hestia tilted her head, tapping her chin. "Hephaestus? Maybe. She usually shows up to these things just to get the other gods to stop pestering her for discounts. Why? You're not falling for her, are you? Because I'm your Goddess, Yuuya! No wandering eyes!"
Yuuya let out a dry, short laugh. "Relax. My heart is strictly reserved for other things right now."
Hestia lingered on the "other things."
He walked over to his equipment pile and picked up a small, leather-wrapped object.
He unwrapped it, revealing the hilt of the sword he bought way back when he first started in the dungeon. The blade was gone—not snapped, but seemingly vaporized from the guard up, leaving only melted, distorted metal.
"Show her this," Yuuya said, handing the hilt to Hestia.
Hestia took it, her expression shifting to curiosity. "Your sword? Why? Didn't you have to use it for today?"
"Me and Bell will buy another one on the way," Yuuya replied, his voice dropping into a more serious tone.
"I've explained it to you before, right goddess? One of the side effects of my growth skill that wasn't mentioned on the description. Just like the name of my growth skill suggests, I had so much potential the weapon I use simply cannot handle my vessel. It shatters in a few swings. And it's not limited to a sword too. It applies to all kinds of weapons."
Bell looked over, his eyes wide. He'd seen Yuuya's mana sword before and asked why he is doing that instead of using a normal sword, but he hadn't realized it was a bigger problem than it looks.
"Ah yes, I remember now. It's back when I asked why your magic stat grows despite you having no magic right?" Said Hestia as she took the hilt.
"Yep. Anyways, I'm not asking for a weapon," Yuuya clarified quickly. "Hephaestus's gear is for legends, and I'm just a guy in a silver tin suit. But if you could show her that hilt and explain my... predicament. I just want a consultation. I want to know if a weapon even exists that won't turn into glitter the second I use it."
He looked at the hilt in Hestia's small hands.
"Tell her my growth is making my gear obsolete before I can even finish a floor. If that doesn't catch the interest of the greatest smith in the world, nothing will."
Hestia looked from the charred hilt to Yuuya. She saw the human frustration behind the request—a man who has so much potential the world around him was literally breaking.
"I understand," Hestia said softly, tucking the hilt into a hidden pocket of her dress. "I'll talk to her, Yuuya. I'll make sure she knows exactly what kind of 'trouble' my kids are getting into."
"Thanks, Goddess," Yuuya said, offering her a genuine, tired smile.
"Have fun at the party. Try not to get into a wrestling match with Loki."
"No promises!" Hestia laughed, heading for the door. "Bell, Yuuya—stay safe! I'll see you in a few days!"
As the door clicked shut, the church felt quiet again.
"You really think she can help?" Bell asked, standing up and grabbing his gear.
"I don't know," Yuuya said, reaching for his silver breastplate. "But if anyone can build a leash for this kind of power, it's her. Now come on, Bell. We've got work to do."
Bell chuckled, his composure holding steady. "Let's go."
[Best case scenario is that Hephaestus wants to meet you,] the System remarked as Yuuya strapped on his gauntlets. [And if you're one lucky son of a gun, she'll forge a weapon for you.]
'I wish,' Yuuya thought, clicking his visor shut. 'Us humans are very good at asking for a finger and hoping for the whole hand anyways.'
∆∆∆∆
Before Bell and Yuuya goes to the dungeon, they need to apologize for the events yesterday night to Mia. Especially Bell.
Surprisingly enough, Yuuya noticed that Bell doesn't seem nervous. He wasn't shaking, and he wasn't hiding behind Yuuya's armor—he was just thinking.
'Looks like opening up to us did a lot more than I thought.' Said Yuuya in his mind.
When they pushed open the double doors of the tavern, the usual morning crowd of breakfast-seeking adventurers went dead silent for a heartbeat.
Every eye turned to the silver-clad man and the white-haired boy.
"Back so soon?"
Mama Mia was behind the counter, polishing a glass with enough force to shatter it. She didn't look angry, but her presence was as imposing as ever.
Near the corner, Ryuu was setting a table. The moment she saw Yuuya, she stopped. Her eyes narrowed, fixed on his visor with an intensity that felt like a physical weight. She looked like she was trying to peer through the steel to see if a ghost was staring back.
Bell stepped forward first. He didn't look at the floor; he looked Mia in the eye before bowing down his head.
"Mama Mia... I wanted to apologize for yesterday," Bell said, his voice steady. "I ran out without paying my respect, and I caused a scene. I'm sorry for bringing trouble to your shop."
Yuuya stepped up beside him, leaning one arm on the counter. "Yeah, what he said. Sorry about the vibe I left yesterday. I know how you feel about rowdy customers."
Mia snorted, set the glass down, and crossed her massive arms.
"Apologize? For what? You handled that loud-mouthed wolf without breaking a single chair, and you paid three times what the meal was worth. In my book, that's the best kind of customer."
She turned her gaze to Bell, her expression softening just a fraction—the kind of look only a dwarven matriarch could manage.
"And you, kid. Stop bowing and stop moping. I wasn't born yesterday; I heard every word that mutt said. Taking a jab at your strength is one thing, but dragging a man's family through the dirt?" She shook her head. "You did a hell of a job holding it together for as long as you did. If I were in your boots, I probably would've put a cleaver through the table much sooner. Don't let a drunk's barking make you think less of yourself."
Bell blinked, a small, genuine smile finally breaking through his composed mask. "Thank you, Mia-san. That... that means a lot."
"Yeah, yeah. Now get out of here before you make me get all sentimental," Mia grumbled, though her eyes flickered toward Yuuya with a strange, knowing glint.
Before they could turn to leave, Syr practically glided over, her eyes sparkling.
"Bell-san! I'm so glad you're okay. I was worried you'd never come back after last night. I'm so sorry for not being there with your familia last night! We are particularly busy last night..." Said Syr, her voice dropping into a low tone and her expression looking sad.
"Syr-san please don't apologize! You didn't do anything wrong!" Bell's ears turned pink as Syr began chatting with Bell. With it probably ending the same way as it is in the original. Her offering the "food" she made for Bell.
Yuuya watched them go, feeling a bit of the tension leave his shoulders.
[She's good,] the System whispered in his head. [Syr knows exactly how to distract the kid. Also, that elf is still staring at you like you're a high-priority target. You might want to check if your helmet is actually locked.]
'I can feel it. It's like being under a microscope,' Yuuya thought.
He turned to follow Bell, but a heavy hand landed on his armored forearm. He looked back to see Mia leaning over the counter, her face suddenly very serious.
"Not so fast, tin man," Mia said quietly, her voice dropping to a gravelly low that didn't reach the other tables. "The kid can go talk to Syr. You and I? We need to have a little chat."
Yuuya went still. "About the bill?"
"No," Mia said, her eyes boring into his visor. "About that 'Gospel' of yours. Follow me."
Mia jerked her head toward the back hallway, leading Yuuya into a small, cramped office that smelled of ledger ink and expensive ale. She didn't offer him a seat. She simply leaned against her heavy wooden desk and stared at him, her arms crossed like iron bars.
From the doorway, Ryuu stood as a silent sentinel, her gaze sharp enough to cut through the silver plating on Yuuya's chest.
"You've done quite the commotion yesterday due to that magic you know? Luckily, the only people who know of that spell are me, Loki, and her executives. Because if not, the guild might as well be breathing down your neck right now." Mia started, her voice a low rumble. "I'm not a woman who cares much for mysteries, but I've lived long enough to know the sound of a falling mountain when I hear it. That magic you used yesterday... it wasn't just a copy. It wasn't some trick of the light."
She stepped closer, her presence filling the room. "I asked the Elf. She saw it too. That magic wasn't a replication—it was the exact same resonance, the exact same weight as hers."
Yuuya felt the weight of Ryuu's stare from the side. The air in the room felt thin.
"Why do you have Alfia's magic, kid?" Mia's eyes narrowed. "What do you know about her? And more importantly... what are you planning to do with a power that once brought this city to its knees?"
Yuuya remained still, his posture relaxed despite the interrogation. He knew this moment was coming the second he'd uttered those words in the pub.
"To be honest, Mama Mia?" Yuuya started, his voice casual, almost conversational. "I don't really know why I have it either. I hit Level 2, and suddenly, the mana just... clicked. It manifested into that. I got my falna updated one morning and suddenly, I just have it."
It was a half-truth. He did gained it at Level 2, and he did find out what it could do—he just conveniently left out the part where he have a creation magic that allows him to gain a skill or a spell that he wants.
"As for Alfia..." Yuuya shrugged slightly. "I've heard the stories. The Silence. The monster of the Hera Familia. But to me, she's just a name attached to a power I'm still trying to figure out how to use without having the entire guild on my ass."
Ryuu's hand tightened slightly on the tray she was holding, but she didn't speak. Her eyes remained fixed on his.
"And my motives?" Yuuya continued, tilting his head. "They aren't as grand as you're probably thinking. I'm not here to start a war or finish whatever she started. I'm just a guy trying to keep his familia afloat. I want to be a better adventurer—one who doesn't have to watch his friends get insulted or his Goddess go hungry."
He looked toward the door, where Bell's muffled laughter could be heard as Syr teased him.
"Bell wants to be a hero," Yuuya said softly. "And a hero needs someone to handle the messy parts of the job. I'm just here to make sure he actually lives long enough to get that title. That's it. No grand schemes, no hidden agendas. Just a familia member looking out for his own."
Mia stared at him for a long, agonizing minute, searching for a flicker of a lie. Finally, she let out a heavy sigh that sounded like a bellows.
"Hmph. You've got a silver tongue to match that armor," Mia grumbled, though the tension in her shoulders dropped an inch. "I don't know if I believe you, but I believe that look in your eyes when you talk about the kid."
She walked past him, opening the door.
"Get out of here. Go to the Dungeon and kill something. And if I find out you're lying to me..." She didn't finish the threat, but the way her fist cracked against the doorframe was enough of a period for the sentence.
Yuuya nodded to her, then paused as he passed Ryuu. The Elf didn't move an inch.
"You have her eyes," Ryuu whispered, so low only he could hear. "Be careful, Mr. Mitsukuji. That power has a way of consuming the one who wields it."
"I'll keep that in mind, Lion," Yuuya replied, his voice steady.
∆∆∆∆
The stop at the weapon shop was quick and unceremonious. Yuuya didn't look for balance, craftsmanship, or aesthetic; he looked for the cheapest longsword that wasn't already rusted through.
He bought a mass-produced iron blade that felt like a toy in his hand, paid the smith, and headed straight for the Babel tower.
By the time they reached the First Floor, the familiar damp scent of the Dungeon's upper levels filled the air.
"Alright, Bell," Yuuya said, drawing the fresh iron sword. The metal caught the faint, bioluminescent glow of the walls. "Stay back a bit. I need to see how long this one lasts."
Bell watched with focused curiosity. He'd heard the explanation in the church, but seeing it was different.
Yuuya approached a lone Goblin that had just been birthed from the wall. He didn't use a Skill. He didn't use Magic. He simply stepped forward and swung.
On the first swing, the blade sliced through the monster, but the air around the steel seemed to ripple.
On the second, he pivoted, catching a second Goblin mid-leap. A faint "ping" echoed in the hallway—the sound of a microscopic fracture forming.
On the third, a vertical cleave. The iron began to groan, the temperature of the metal rising visibly.
On the fourth, a wide horizontal arc. Sparks flew from the edge of the blade even though it hit nothing but soft flesh.
The steel was starting to warp, unable to contain the sheer force from Yuuya's vessel.
And on the fifth.
Yuuya brought the sword down in a final, decisive strike. Upon impact, the sword didn't just break—it atomized. A cloud of metallic dust exploded outward, and the blade vanished into a shimmering haze of grey powder.
Yuuya stood there, his hand still gripped around a lonely, empty hilt.
"Well," Yuuya sighed, looking at the hilt. "Record time. Five swings. That's a new low."
"It... it really just turned to dust," Bell muttered, stepping closer to poke at the settling metallic powder on the floor. "I've never seen anything like that. Is it because of your Strength stat?"
"My growth skill mostly. Just like what I said back in the church, it was a side effect that wasn't mentioned in the description of my growth skill."
Yuuya then closed his eyes, focusing his intent, as he once again willed his mana into existence.
A low, humming vibration filled the corridor as the ethereal blue that is undeniably mana, erupted from the hilt. It flickered for a moment, then stabilized into the length of a standard longsword.
"At least the hilt can handle the channel," Yuuya noted, swinging the mana blade through the air. It hummed like a hornet. "But it still consumes my mind when I use it. I can't keep this up all day."
He dissipated the mana blade and tucked the hilt into his belt. He looked over at Bell, who was adjusting his own shortsword.
"I don't have any plans right now so I'm all yours today," Yuuya said, crossing his arms over his silver breastplate. "I'm maxed out for this level anyway. Today, I'm just the supervisor. You're the star of the show."
In truth, Yuuya was itching to fight the Goliath on the 17th floor. So that he can get to level 3 and get stronger. But it won't be back until tomorrow. So for now, he is forced to wait.
Bell straightened his back, his expression turning serious. "I won't let you down, Yuuya-bro. I'll show you that I didn't slacked off this past few weeks."
"Good. Less talking, more stabbing. Watch your left flank—the walls on this floor are soft, they like to spit out Kobolds when you aren't looking."
"Yes!"
"And Bell?"
Bell paused, looking back.
"Don't worry about being fast like the people in the stories," Yuuya said, his voice grounded and human. "Just be better than you were yesterday. That's the only hero metric that actually matters."
Bell nodded, a small, confident smile tugging at his lips. With a quick breath, he darted forward into the shadows of the Dungeon, with Yuuya following at a steady, watchful pace behind him.
∆∆∆∆
Later that night, on Ganesha's Banquet.
Hestia is sneakily putting some food on a topper ware she brings with her. She intends to take it home for Yuuya and Bell and while she's at it, she also puts one in her mouth.
"Good evening Hestia!"
Her name being called all of the sudden surprises Hestia.
Hestia looks to see who it was, a bun still in her mouth.
"Oh it's you Freya." Said Hestia as she swallowed the bun.
"Did I interrupt you?"
"N-no. It's just that, I still feel awkward about your title. You know, how you're called a goddess of sex and fertility among your other titles even though you're... Well... A virgin goddess..."
Upon hearing the 's' and 'f' word, Freya felt heat rising up her face. She was blushing.
"H-Hestia! Don't say such... such... Such vulgar words in public!" Said Freya while pointing a trembling finger on Hestia.
"This... This is exactly why it felt odd. Like it was a fact that isn't supposed to be a fact." Said Hestia as she sweat dropped. "Well I guess you're better than a certain someone at least..."
Then, the sound of Loki calling for Freya's name is heard.
"Sup shorty." Said Loki, referring to Hestia.
"Oh Loki." Said Freya, trying to regain her composure.
"What are you doing here?" Said Hestia. "And don't forget how you didn't try to contain your child last night."
"...Well that is one of the reason why I came here." Said Loki, her voice lower than usual. "I... I would like to apologize on behalf of Bete for his actions last night."
The gods who are around who heard Loki say that gasped in disbelief. Even Freya did.
Is Loki actually apologizing?
"Your child named Yuuya—according to Finn—dealt Bete himself using a peculiar magic..." Said Loki, her voice lingering the "magic" part. "But I won't dig any deeper since it's my familia's fault in the first place."
Hestia gasped when she heard the word magic. "You mean Yuuya used a spell against Bete?"
"Yes."
"Is he alright? What about the damages?"
"Don't worry, your child did it out of self-defense. As for Bete, he's fine. The spell your child used on Bete made him bleed on eyes, nose, and ear. Outside of that, it just disorients the wolf's senses. Nothing a simple healing magic from Riveria can't solve. As for the damage, it didn't affect anyone or anything except Bete."
"That's a relief then." Said Hestia as she signed, glad that Yuuya didn't commit any arson or vandalism.
"We are already carrying out the punishment for Bete. As we speak, he is currently tasked to clean the toilets until our next expedition." Describe Loki as she smirks at the memory of Bete's face when his punishment is described to him. "So, are we good?" Said Loki, offering Hestia a hand shake.
Hestia accepted, shaking hands with Loki. "I'll let it slide for now."
"Well that's certainly new. I thought for a second they'll start their usual cat fight again." Said one of the gods watching.
"Same same. It's like a breath of fresh air." Said another.
As the usual chattering continues, Freya cannot help but voice out her curiosity.
"It might be a bit late, but you look different today Loki. I haven't seen you in a dress for ages."
"Well it was a banquet. So it's only natural I dress myself. Besides..." Said Loki, looking at Hestia. "I'm not the only one looking different today."
Hestia who noticed the stare of Loki and Freya just puffed her chest in pride.
"Well my dear Yuuya has been doing great in the dungeon lately. Allowing me to have some of these privileges." Said Hestia.
"Oh well, good for you. I'm out, I still have some things to do." Said Loki as she walked away.
"You know, it's quite the sight to see you two meet without fighting for once." A voice from behind is suddenly heard. It was Hephaestus.
Upon hearing the voice, Hestia immediately turned around to meet her.
"Hephaestus! I'm so glad I get to see you! I've been waiting for you!" Exclaimed Hestia enthusiasticly.
"You wanted to see me?" Said Hephaestus, a bit surprised. "I've said this once and I'll say it again, I'm not lending you one valis ever again, got it?"
"So rude!" Said Hestia. "I'm not like that anymore you know! I have a familia now too!"
"Oh, that's right. Yuuya and Bell right?" Said Hephaestus. "Heard Yuuya is a level 2 or atleast higher. He was seen by my children roaming around the upper floor near floor 18th and lately on floor 20th until 22nd, solo. Lucky you."
"Ehehehe. Well he has been spoiling me quite lately."
On the background, Freya's bodyguard whispered something into her.
Suddenly, her face goes red not because of embarrassment, but because of excitement.
She looked like a teenager who just got another news about their crush's hobby.
"H-Hestia! Hephaestus! I-I would be leaving now!" Said Freya. Her voice stammering. She looked like she's going to vibrate through the floor.
"So soon?" Said Hephaestus.
"Yes! There was something I needed to stalk—I mean check out! Yes! Check out! Bye!" Exclaimed Freya while blushing as she immediately bolted out. Leaving the two while giggling and having both of her hands in her face.
Hestia and Hephaestus watches as Freya disappear from the distance. Her body guard struggling to keep up with her speed.
For a brief moment, the two of them are just staring. Their faces blank.
"I..." Hestia started. Her voice flat. "I would never get used to her acting like that."
"True. Goddess of Fertility my hammer." Replied Hephaestus.
∆∆∆∆
Author:
Let's do a time skip here. You guys probably know that the next scene is Hestia doing her dogeza until Hephaestus finally agrees into making Bell a weapon.
Let's skip those parts and go to the part where Hephaestus finished forging Bell's weapon.
The next scene would skip over to the 5th day after the MS started. Because as you guys know, we are currently at the 2nd day.
According to the timeline wiki of Danmachi, it's in the 5th day ever since Bell meets Ais that he gets his weapon and defeats the silverback on the monsterphilia.
The 3rd day is the day Yuuya fights the Goliath solo in the 17th floor. Which will be covered in the next chapter.
For now, I want to finish the part where Hephaestus and Hestia finishes forging Bell's weapon. As well as Hestia showing the hilt of Yuuya's sword and describing his problem to Hephaestus to catch her attention.
∆∆∆∆
The heat of the Hephaestus Familia's private forge was oppressive, a heavy blanket of heat and fire.
On the table sat a weapon that seemed to drink the light of the flickering embers. It was pitch black, the color of a starless midnight with the edge being the only silver in it.
It's length sat perfectly of that of a longsword. Its hilt was also designed to allow the user to use it with both hands, but it was versatile enough to also be used in one hand.
(The sword is Kirito's Elucidator btw.)
Hephaestus then ran her finger on the flat part of the blade. As she does, hieroglyphs appeared in it for a moment and glowed blue before finally settling down.
"It's finished," Hephaestus said, wiping sweat from her brow, her lone eye fixed on the blade. "I call it the "Elucidator" or if you don't want to be fancy, then just call it Hestia Sword. It's more than a blade; it's a living weapon. It's basically a part of your familia now. It grows beside its user."
Hestia looked at the weapon, her heart heavy with the weight of the 200-million-Valis debt she had just signed away, but her eyes were filled with a strange sort of pride.
She hadn't asked for this for herself, or even because she wanted a strong familia. She did it because of Bell and her desire to help him fulfill his dreams of becoming a hero. As well as fulfill his promise to Alfia.
You might be wondering, why Bell? Isn't Yuuya the one needing a weapon right now? And isn't he the strongest member of the familia?
Well besides the fact that the timeline will retain its original flow of events despite Yuuya's existence, for Hestia, in the month that Yuuya has been with her, long before Bell arrived, she can tell that Yuuya is kind by nature.
He looked out for her, he shared his meals, and he understood the fire in Bell's eyes better than anyone. If asked about it, he probably wanted Bell to have a chance.
Hephaestus helped Hestia strap the sword to her back, its hilt—that was covered by a red silk along with the entire blade to hide it from any greedy eyes—peeking over her shoulder.
Hestia turned to leave, but stopped at the threshold as she remembers what Yuuya told her.
"Hephaestus," Hestia said, her voice dropping its usual playful lilt.
"What is it? You've already bankrupted yourself for the next three generations, Hestia. What more could you want?"
"I trust you," Hestia said, turning back. "More than any other God in this city. I need to tell you something, and I need your word it doesn't leave this forge. Not to Hermes, not to Loki—no one."
Hephaestus paused, setting her hammer down. The seriousness in Hestia's eyes was rare. "You have it. Speak."
Hestia reached into the hidden pocket of her dress and pulled out the battered hilt Yuuya had given her. She set it on the table between them.
"This is from Yuuya," Hestia whispered. "He has a growth skill. On paper, it looks like a standard accelerator, a manifestation of his soul's potential. But it has a side effect the Falna didn't list."
She pointed to the melted metal.
"He's only a Level 2, Hephaestus. But his body contains so much potential the world can't simply keep up. He handles a weapon, and according to him, within five swings, the steel gives up. It shatters. It turns to dust. It's as if the tools themselves are 'unworthy' of being used by him."
Hephaestus picked up the hilt, her master-smith fingers tracing the jagged edges. Her eye widened. She didn't see signs of a monster's acid or a clumsy break. She saw thermal stress and molecular fatigue that shouldn't be possible for a Level 2 adventurer.
"He literally outgrows his equipment in the middle of a fight," Hestia continued. "I'm not here to ask for another weapon. I know what Bell's sword cost, and I'm not looking to put my children in a hole they can never climb out of. Yuuya doesn't even want a blade from you. He just... he wanted a consultation. He wanted to know if there's even a path forward for someone whose own strength is his greatest handicap."
A heavy silence followed. The only sound was the crackling of the forge. Hephaestus looked at the hilt, then at Hestia, her expression shifting from professional skepticism to genuine, bone-deep awe.
"A Level 2 doing this to tempered steel?" Hephaestus breathed, her voice filled with a mix of disbelief and the spark of a new challenge. "If he's doing this now, then by the time he hits Level 4, he'll be swinging air because nothing else will hold together."
She set the hilt down with a decisive "thud".
"I believe you, Hestia. Not because I think you're a genius, but because this metal tells a story you aren't smart enough to fake." She crossed her arms, a rare, hungry smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "A consultation? No. I want more than that. I want to see this 'Unworthy' effect for myself."
"So you'll help?" Hestia asked hopefully.
"Tell your knight to come find me whenever he's back from the Dungeon," Hephaestus said, her gaze returning to the charred hilt. Feeling this fire in her soul that she hadn't felt for ages. It was excitement.
If Yuuya is full of potential just as Hestia said, then she might just have the best challenge she had in her long life.
Forging a blade for a man who breaks any weapon he handles in a few swings? For any other smith, it's a nightmare. But for a god of smith herself? That's a direct challenge to her title.
"I want to meet the man who treats my industry's standards like disposable toothpicks. If he's as full of potential as you say... then maybe the world finally found someone who can actually make me work seriously for once."
Hestia exhaled a breath she didn't know she was holding. "Thank you, Hephaestus. Truly."
"Don't thank me yet," the smith replied, picking up her hammer again. "I have a feeling your Yuuya is going to be a very hard and challenging problem to solve."
Hestia walked out into the streets. The light of day and the commotion of the monsterphilia is heard. The Elucidator heavy on her back.
She had a mountain of debt, a Goddess of Forging who was now obsessed with her eldest son, and a family that was growing faster than the city could track.
She looked up at the sky and smiled.
"Just you wait, Orario. My boys are going to change everything."
∆∆∆∆
Next chapter: Yuuya vs Black Goliath.