Yet even in that emptiness, something stirred. As Bell's consciousness hovered at the edge of oblivion, the familiar mechanical chime echoed once more, clearer than any voice.
"Due to death, the simulation has ended, and the agreement in progress is complete. The final agreement is completed. You have survived 4 years and 10 months. The final evaluation is: A. You can choose one of the following rewards: 1. The blue talents of this simulation. 2. The purple talent of this simulation. 3. Random luck of the draw."
Bell blinked in disbelief as the words scrolled across the darkness. He thought he was dreaming for a heartbeat, but the system's presence was undeniable. He stared at the rewards, heart thundering. Each option glimmered with possibility, and the weight of choice pressed down on him.
Bravery. Cooking Master. Swordsmanship Genius. How am I supposed to choose? Bell's eyelids trembled, the bounty before him almost too much to bear. "Argh, it's hard to choose!" he muttered, scratching his head in frustration. After a moment's hesitation, he made up his mind. System, I choose 3. Random luck of the draw.
"Ding! The reward selection was successful. The Reward for choosing three has given you both the experience from the 1 & 2 rewards. According to the world's rules, blue talent 'Bravery' is automatically converted to a skill, and the skill level is given a C rating based on the strength of the talent. Purple talent 'Cooking Master' is automatically added as a passive skill, but not shown. Blue talent 'Swordsmanship Genius' is also added to [Skill] under Sword Master, which is combined with your Breathing skill. After that, increase the skill level yourself."
In a blink, Bell felt a rush of new strength, clarity unfurling through his mind. The knowledge of a master chef, the instincts of a warrior, the heart of a hero, each gift settling into him like a missing piece finally found. He could sense it: another chance, a new beginning.
Eyes snapping open, Bell realised this was not the end. The story, his story, was far from over. A second life and the road ahead awaited his next step.
Bell woke up with a gasp, heart pounding as sunlight streamed through the small window above his bed. The familiar scent of the Hestia Familia's home filled his senses, grounding him in this new reality. He just lay there momentarily, flexing his fingers and marvelling at his clarity and strength, memories and instincts from another world quietly humming beneath the surface.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Bell rolled out of bed and dressed quickly, donning his light armour and fastening his treasured knife at his hip. He checked the edge of his blade, still sharp and reliable, then gave his reflection a determined nod. Today was dungeon lesson day with Eina, and he couldn't afford to be late.
Downstairs, he found Hestia still groggy, her hair a wild mess. Bell grinned and, before she could protest, swept her into a tight hug. The little goddess froze in shock, cheeks blooming red, but soon melted into the embrace, squeezing him back with a rare, happy giggle.
"Take care out there, Bell!" she called after him, waving as he laced up his boots. "And don't do anything reckless!"
"I won't, goddess. I'll be back for dinner!" he promised, stepping into the bustling Orario morning.
As Bell made his way to the Guild headquarters, he couldn't help but notice the subtle differences in himself. His stride was more confident, his senses sharper, and every passing scent from the market stalls seemed richer, more alive. Even the sword at his side felt lighter, perfectly balanced.
Inside the Guild, Eina was waiting, clipboard in hand and a stern look on her face. Bell listened attentively to her lesson, jotting down every bit of advice about monster patterns, dungeon geography, and safe retreat routes. He absorbed her words like a sponge, the Cooking Master's discipline sharpening his focus.
Once dismissed, Bell went to the dungeon's massive gates, determination burning in his eyes. Today, he'd push for the eighth floor, not just for money, but to test the limits of his new skills and this strange, excellent second chance. He was already planning a shopping list: fresh bread, crisp veggies, maybe even a little dessert for Hestia.
Back at home, Hestia watched Bell disappear into the crowd, a fond smile lingering on her lips. On a whim, she decided to visit her old friend Hephaestus to chat about Bell, and that curious new sword of his that seemed unlike anything she'd ever seen. There was more to her child than meets the eye, and as a goddess, Hestia's intuition tells her that Bell's story is just beginning.
In the heart of Orario, with hope and power surging through his veins, Bell Cranel stepped into the dungeon, ready to face whatever awaited him below.
Hestia P.O.V
Hestia wound her way through Orario's bustling streets, her steps light despite the crowds. She reached Hephaestus's grand workshop, the clang of hammers and hiss of steam a familiar symphony in the air. Inside, the red-haired goddess greeted her with a warm, slightly bemused smile.
"It's been a while, Hestia. What brings you to my forge today?" Hephaestus asked, wiping her hands on a cloth.
Hestia grinned, bouncing on her heels. "I just wanted to catch up! And, well, there's something else. It's about Bell. He's… changed. And he has a sword, it's different now. There's a light in him, and his weapon, that I can't explain."
Hephaestus arched an eyebrow. "Changed how? But if something's different, I'd like to hear about it."
The two goddesses settled into a quiet corner, voices dropping as they caught up on old times. Hestia spoke of Bell's growth, victories and struggles, her voice tinged with pride and a hint of awe. Then she described how Bell's sword almost breathed with him, adapting and evolving in ways even Hephaestus hadn't intended.
Hephaestus listened intently, her interest piqued. "If Bell's sword is changing… it might react to his soul. Some weapons do, when their wielder is special enough. Bring it by the forge sometime. I'd like to see the creation."
Hestia nodded, relief and excitement mixing in her chest. As their laughter echoed through the workshop, the bond between the two goddesses, friendship and craftsmanship, felt as strong as ever.
Normal P.O.V.
Beneath Orario, Bell pressed deeper into the dungeon's twisting corridors. His senses were sharp, and every movement was fluid and purposeful. Monsters lurked in the shadows, but Bell handled them with practised ease, his skills and instincts guiding him through each encounter. He barely paused as he descended floor after floor, intent on reaching the eighth level.
Unbeknownst to him, a small figure watched from the gloom above the stairwell: a pallium girl, eyes sharp and calculating. She studied Bell's movements, weighing her options. Something about his equipment, that blade at his hip, called to her, promising freedom from the binding chains of the Soma Familia. She bit her lip, torn between approaching him with a contract or waiting for a better moment to strike.
For now, she lingered in the shadows, her mind racing with schemes and hope.
Oblivious to the gaze following him, Bell pressed onward, determination burning in his chest. Today, he would reach new depths, not just in the dungeon, but in the story of his destiny.
Bell's footsteps echoed softly as he ventured deeper into the dim, twisting corridors of the dungeon. The weight of his new katana, a reward from the system, felt perfect in his grip, balanced and eager for battle. He drew it in a single smooth motion, exhaling as he shifted into his fused Breathing Style: Lightning and Insect. Thunder flickered across the blade's edge while his movements grew airy and precise, each strike a dance of speed and venom.
A pack of needle rabbits lunged from the darkness. Bell's breathing slowed, then exploded into action, his katana slicing arcs of blue-white electricity and leaving afterimages in its wake. With a step as swift as a thunderclap and an elegance borrowed from Shinobu's technique, he dispatched them all, their bodies dissolving into glimmering stones.
He couldn't help but grin. This fusion felt right, natural. Every monster was a chance to refine his skill, to blend the power and beauty of two worlds. The satisfaction of a clean kill and the pulse of energy in his arms reminded him how far he'd come.
A different thought tugged at the back of his mind as he wiped the blade clean. Blacksmithing, the clang of hammers, the glow of molten steel. Even if he didn't possess the talent anymore, the memories and muscle memory were still there, simmering beneath the surface. He wanted to try again. Maybe he'd never forge a legendary blade like Hephaestus, but he missed the act: shaping something strong and beautiful from raw ore.
Once he returned to the surface, Bell resolved, he'd do more than exchange magic stones for food. He'd visit the bookstores, seek out manuals on blacksmithing, and learn about the ores and alloys unique to Orario. Maybe he'd even ask Hephaestus for advice, if he got the chance.
Another howl echoed from the shadows, snapping him back into focus. Bell readied his stance, feeling the thrill of his new skills and the spark of fresh ambition. Every floor conquered, every enemy slain, was another step toward the future he was determined to forge for himself, both as a swordsman and, perhaps, as a smith once more.
Unseen, the pallum girl's sharp eyes lingered on him from the stairwell above, her mind racing. If she wanted a new life, Bell Cranel might be the key, or the obstacle, from which she'd have to steal.
After a long, hard push to the eighth floor, Bell finally decided to head back. He wiped sweat from his brow, gathered the magic stones from his fallen foes, and retraced his steps to the surface, adrenaline still humming in his veins. The sunlight aboveground felt warm and fresh after the dungeon's cold gloom.
First stop: the Guild. Bell lined up with the other adventurers, quietly exchanging his pouch of magic stones for a tidy stack of valis. Eina caught his eye from her post and gave him a gentle smile, which he returned with grateful exhaustion. "Don't forget to eat well and rest," she advised. Bell nodded, already thinking about the meal he wanted to make tonight.
His stomach rumbled as he wandered the marketplace, scent after delicious scent trailing through the air. He'd settled on chicken curry, a dish he remembered vividly from the simulation, the aroma of spices and simmering broth still alive in his mind. He picked out the freshest chicken, onions, potatoes, carrots, and a pouch of fragrant curry powder, adding a loaf of bread and some fruit for dessert.
But his errands weren't done. After the food stalls, Bell ducked into a cosy used bookshop, the bell above the door tinkling softly. He scanned the shelves for anything on blacksmithing, manuals, history books, and even old catalogues of ores and tools. A few promising titles caught his eye, and he eagerly added them to his growing pile, along with a slim cookbook complete with Orario-style comfort foods.
Bell felt a familiar excitement as he paid and packed his purchases. Tonight, he'd cook something special for Hestia, and, when he had the time, he'd dive back into the world of forging, learning all he could with or without a talent. The road ahead was uncertain, but with a whole heart, a full belly, and new dreams to chase, Bell walked home beneath the afternoon sun, ready for whatever came next.
Bell arrived back at the old church, balancing his bags of groceries and books, only to stop short at the sight before him. Hestia was there waiting, as usual, but seated beside her on the worn sofa, red hair shining in the afternoon light, was Hephaestus herself. The goddess of the forge looked at ease, chatting with Hestia as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
For a split second, Bell blinked in shock. Then he quickly straightened, putting down his bags and bowing respectfully. "Welcome, Lady Hephaestus! It's an honour to see you here."
Hephaestus gave him a wry smile, her single crimson eye appraising him. "Good to see you too, Bell. Hestia's been telling me all sorts of stories about you today."
Hestia puffed up with pride, then glanced curiously at the shopping bags. "Did you get enough for all of us, Bell? Or is it just the usual?"
Bell smiled, suddenly remembering his plan. "I was hoping you'd join us for dinner, Lady Hephaestus. I'm cooking chicken curry tonight, if that's alright?"
For a moment, both goddesses stared at him. Hestia's jaw dropped. "Can you cook? Since when?!"
Bell scratched his cheek sheepishly. "I knew since I was with Grandpa back in the village, but never had the chance. Thought I'd surprise you. And I found a cookbook in town too, so I'll try my best."
Hephaestus's smile warmed as she nodded. "I'd be happy to stay. I've got a few questions for you, Bell, about your sword, and maybe some other things."
Bell grinned, feeling his nerves settle. He carried his bags into the kitchen, already planning the steps for the curry in his mind. Hestia bounced after him, peppering him with questions, while Hephaestus watched with keen interest, both in Bell's culinary skills and the quiet power she sensed in the young adventurer and the blade he now carried.
The little church was filled with the aroma of spices and laughter, promising a memorable evening ahead.
Bell worked quietly in the kitchen, savouring the familiar motions as he chopped vegetables, browned the chicken, and let the spices bloom in the pot. The kitchen filled with a rich, mouthwatering aroma that drifted into the main room, making both goddesses' stomachs rumble in anticipation. Hestia peeked in every few minutes, eyes wide with disbelief and curiosity, while Hephaestus settled comfortably at the table, observing everything with a craftsman's interest.
When dinner was finally ready, Bell ladled steaming portions of chicken curry over fluffy rice, serving each goddess with a shy smile before taking his seat. He held his breath for a heartbeat, waiting, both excited and anxious for their reactions.
Hestia was the first to take a bite. Her eyes widened, cheeks flushing with delight as she stuffed another spoonful. "Bell! This is amazing! I had no idea you could cook like this," she gushed, practically bouncing in her seat. "You've been holding out on me!"
Hephaestus tasted her curry with a more measured, thoughtful air, but a smile soon curved her lips. "You've got a knack for this, Bell. It's not just good; it's balanced and comforting," she praised, her gaze lingering on him with a spark of approval.
Bell released a breath he didn't realise he'd been holding, warmth blooming in his chest. "I'm glad you both like it. I… remembered this dish from a dream, and wanted to try making it for real."
As the meal continued, conversation turned to lighter things, stories about the day, gossip from the city, and Hestia's latest antics. But soon enough, Hephaestus set down her utensils and fixed Bell with an intent, searching look.
"Now, about that sword of yours," she began. "Hestia tells me it's changed. Would you mind showing it to me after dinner? And if you don't mind me asking, is there anything unusual you've noticed, any abilities or qualities that weren't there before?"
Bell nodded, wiping his hands and retrieving the katana from where it rested near the door. "It's… complicated," he admitted, offering the blade for Hephaestus to examine. "It feels like it changes with me. And there's something else, I have some ore from back home. Sun steel. I wondered if I could combine it with the ores here in Orario, maybe even forge something new."
Hephaestus's eye lit up with interest. She turned the blade over in her hands, examining the intricate patterns along the steel, the way it seemed to shimmer with lightning and insect motifs. "Sun steel, huh? That's not something you just come across. Could you bring me a sample? I'd like to see how it reacts to our forges and you."
Still working through her second helping of curry, Hestia beamed at Bell. "Looks like you've got two new talents now! Just don't forget to make extra next time," she teased, earning a chuckle from both her friend and her child.
The evening drifted on, the three of them sharing food, laughter, and dreams of what might come next: a family, a forge, and a future full of possibility.
Bell glanced nervously between the two goddesses as Hephaestus traced her fingers along the katana's blade, her gaze sharp and full of questions. He cleared his throat, putting on his best innocent smile. "I, uh… learned a bit about blacksmithing back in my village," he began, picking his words carefully. "There was an old smith there who let me help with repairs and simple tools. At first, I wasn't any good, but he taught me the basics. I guess some of it stuck." He chuckled, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.
"As for the Sun steel ore, I got it as a thank you from someone I helped a while back. Just a little piece." The lie slid off his tongue smoothly, protecting the truth of the system and his otherworldly adventures. Hestia tilted her head, surprise clear on her face. "Bell, you never mentioned working in a forge before!"
Hephaestus's curiosity only deepened, her crimson eye glinting with interest. "So you've got some experience, and a rare ore too. That's quite the combination. I have to admit, I'm intrigued." She leaned forward, her tone turning playful. "Why don't you come by my forge tomorrow and show me what you can do? If you impress me, I may help upgrade the church and set up a personal forge for you. Or is that too much pressure?" she teased, a knowing smile playing at her lips.
Bell's face turned scarlet, and he laughed, scratching his head again. "I-I'd love to, Lady Hephaestus! I'll do my best, I promise." The idea of a personal forge, of making something with his hands again, sent a thrill he could barely contain.
Hestia beamed with pride, imagining how much closer her familia would become with Bell forging their future, literally and figuratively. The evening's laughter and warmth lingered as plans took root, and Bell's dreams stretched toward the glowing possibilities ahead.
The next morning dawned bright and full of promise. Bell woke early, nerves buzzing with anticipation. He carefully packed a small pouch with the sun steel ore, double-checked his weapon, and wore his best tunic beneath his armour. Hestia, equally eager and a little giddy, insisted on coming along, after all, she wasn't about to miss her child's big debut at the most famous forge in Orario.
Together, they went through the winding streets toward the Hephaestus Familia's towering main building. As they approached, Bell's heart thudded in his chest; the clangour of hammers and hiss of forges filled the air, the whole structure alive with the energy of creation.
Waiting for them at the entrance was Hephaestus herself, arms folded and a small, welcoming smile on her face. Beside her stood a tall, imposing woman with a bandana and an eye patch, Tsubaki Collbrande, the captain of the Hephaestus Familia, and a legend in the smithing world. Tsubaki eyed Bell with open curiosity, a broad grin spreading across her face.
"So you're the one Lady Hephaestus has been talking about?" Tsubaki boomed, her gaze sweeping over Bell and lingering on the katana at his side. "Let's see what you've got, little rabbit."
Bell bowed respectfully to both goddesses, then nodded to Tsubaki. "It's an honour to meet you, Captain Tsubaki. Thank you for letting me try the forge."
Hephaestus gestured for Bell and Hestia to follow. "We've set up a workspace for you. I'll be supervising, and Tsubaki will be watching too. No pressure," she added with a teasing glint in her eye.
Bell managed a nervous laugh, feeling both excited and challenged. Once inside, the trio led Bell to a side forge, the tools gleaming and the fire already lit. He unpacked his sun steel ore, laying it next to some of Orario's finest iron and mithril.
Tsubaki circled the workbench, arms crossed, while Hephaestus leaned in, her gaze sharp with expectation. Hestia hovered nearby, hands clasped, practically vibrating with anticipation.
Bell took a deep breath, letting the familiar heat and scent of the forge settle his nerves. Drawing on old muscle memory and new instincts, he got to work. The clang of hammer on metal soon rang out, echoing through the forge as he tried combining the mysterious sun steel with Orario's ores, shaping, folding, and melding them together.
As the minutes passed, Hephaestus and Tsubaki exchanged impressed glances, quietly murmuring their observations. Even Hestia, who knew little of smithing, could sense something special was happening.
By the time Bell quenched the glowing blade in oil, sweat beading on his brow, he saw all three women watching him with wide eyes. He set the nascent weapon on the table, heart pounding, and waited for their verdict.
Hephaestus picked up the blade, tested its balance, and studied the seamless fusion of metals, but her expression was unreadable for a moment. Then, she broke into a wide, approving grin. "You've got talent, Bell. Real talent. And more than that, you've got heart. That's what makes a true smith."
Tsubaki slapped him on the back, nearly knocking him over. "Not bad at all, Bell! With practice, you could be one of the best."
Hephaestus leaned closer, her tone warm but playful. "I think I'll keep my promise. How about we start planning that personal forge for you at the church? With your skills and this sun steel, I can't wait to see what you'll make next."
Bell beamed, overwhelmed by the praise and the possibilities ahead. Hestia cheered, hugging him tightly. For the first time, Bell felt like his old dream, to become a hero and creator, was finally within his grasp.
Still flushed from the praise, Bell bowed deeply to Hephaestus and Tsubaki. "Thank you both so much for this chance. I wouldn't be here without your guidance or your forge."
He hesitated, then reached into his pouch and produced two small, gleaming fragments of sun steel ore. "I wanted to give you each a piece of this ore as thanks. It's rare, and… well, there's a story behind it." He handed one to Hephaestus and the other to Tsubaki, who examined the metal curiously.
Tsubaki's eye sparkled. "This is unlike anything I've worked with before. Where did you get it?"
Bell smiled sheepishly, recalling the tale he'd woven for Hestia. "I heard it was used in ancient times by legendary warriors, demon slayers, they called themselves. Before the gods descended, men and women fought monsters and demons that had lost their way. These slayers trained in special breathing techniques and forged their blades from this ore. The sun-steel stores the power of the sun, one of the only things that could truly kill those demons."
Hephaestus's expression shifted from intrigue to wonder as she turned the ore over in her palm. "A metal that can hold the sun's power… No wonder your sword feels so alive. Bell, this story… It's not written in any of Orario's histories."
Bell shrugged, feigning modesty. "It's just an old legend I heard in the village. But I could try to combine it with our ores and techniques."
Hestia leaned in, eyes sparkling. "That's incredible, Bell! You never told me any of this."
Tsubaki grinned, looking to Hephaestus. "If even half of that is true, I want to see what this ore can do in our forges."
Hephaestus nodded, her gaze serious now. "You've given us something truly special, Bell. Thank you. We'll see what secrets this sun steel holds, and what kind of future you can forge with it."
Bell felt a surge of pride and excitement, knowing he'd found mentors, friends, and a place where his secrets and dreams could flourish.
Bell continued, a bit more quietly, "Actually… I can use the breathing techniques those demon slayers once used, though I've never had a chance to train them properly since you need special weapons to bring out their true power. If you'd like, I could demonstrate."
All three women perked up instantly. Hephaestus's eye gleamed. "Can you use breathing techniques? I want to see that."
Tsubaki grinned, folding her arms. "Follow me, Bell. We've got a training ground just for this kind of thing."
Bell thanked her with a grateful nod and followed Tsubaki, Hestia, and Hephaestus down the hall and into the open-air training yard. He took a breath, centred himself, and drew his katana, the sun-steel blade glinting in the light.
He began with sun breathing: his movements were powerful, fluid, and radiant, each form blazing with an inner light. Then he shifted to Lightning Breathing, his speed and precision crackling through the air. Finally, he flowed into water, breathing every strike and step as smoothly as a mountain stream.
He finished, breathing a little harder, and sheathed his blade with a satisfying snap. "There are even more styles," Bell said, turning to his captivated audience. "Insect, Mist, Flame, Wind, Stone, Flower, Beast, each with its strengths and history. But all of them, every last one, originated from Sun Breathing."
Hephaestus was silent for a moment, awe in her gaze. Tsubaki just let out a low whistle. "I've never seen swordplay like that, Bell. With a blade like yours and those skills… You really might change everything."
Hestia dove at him with a proud hug, beaming. "My child is amazing!" she cheered.
Bell laughed, cheeks red, but inside he felt something shift, a sense that a new chapter was opening, not just for him, but maybe for all of Orario.
Bell grinned, a spark of inspiration lighting in his eyes. "If you like, Captain Tsubaki, I can teach you the basics of Flame Breathing. It's a style designed for battle and endurance, and I think it might boost your forging skills too. The rhythm of the breath helps with focus and stamina. Honestly, Lady Hephaestus, you might also be able to use it, matching the flow of your breath with the strikes of the hammer. It's how the old smiths worked in those stories I heard."
Tsubaki's face lit up with competitive glee. "You're on! If it can help me hammer longer, I'll learn every breath you teach."
Hephaestus smirked, intrigued. "I never thought about breathing techniques for smithing, but if it helps create something greater, I'm willing to try. Besides, if Tsubaki learns it, I can't let her get ahead of me."
Bell's smile softened, honoured to teach these two legends even a fraction of what he'd learned. He promised to start their training after his demonstration, then glanced back at Hephaestus as she shifted the conversation.
"Bell, as someone who's both a smith and a swordsman, what do you think of magic swords?" she asked, her tone genuinely curious.
Bell considered the question, looking at his blade and then back at the two goddesses. "Magic swords are useful, and the idea is brilliant. But honestly, the ones made now… they're flawed. They should be like any other sword, reacting to the person's mana and mind, becoming an extension of their will. But too often, they break easily unless made from rare, strong metals."
He glanced at Tsubaki and Hephaestus as he continued, "Take the Crozzo swords, for example. The stories say their power came from a contract with a fire spirit, making them legendary. But when greed crept in, that spirit was lost, and so was the purpose. Magic swords, or any magic weapon, should be about the bond between the wielder, the smith, and the craft. If it's just about power, it will never last."
The forge yard was silent for a moment as his words sank in. Tsubaki nodded thoughtfully, and Hephaestus's gaze was warm with approval and a hint of pride.
"That's the kind of thinking this world needs, Bell," Hephaestus said. "Maybe with your knowledge, we can bring back the true spirit of magic swords and build something new together."
Bell bowed, humbled. "I'd be honoured to try."
Hephaestus shook her head, a wry smile touching her lips. "Wish that idiot Welf could hear your thoughts about magic swords. He actually might agree with you, you know. But… he refuses to make them because of his last name, and all the pain the Crozzo name has caused the elves and many others."
Tsubaki snorted softly, but her gaze was thoughtful. Hestia, arms folded, looked at Bell with newfound respect. Bell nodded in understanding, sensing the weight that history carried in Orario.
"I get it," Bell said gently. "Family legacies can be heavier than any sword. But maybe that's why it's important to remember what these weapons are really for: not just power, but connection, trust, and hope. If Welf ever wants to talk about it, or even watch, he's always welcome to join me at the forge."
Hephaestus's eye softened, a mixture of gratitude and sadness flickering across her face. "You're a good kid, Bell. Maybe… just maybe, you'll help Welf, and all of us, find a better way forward for magic swords."
Tsubaki grinned, rolling her shoulders. "And in the meantime, you promised me a lesson in Flame Breathing, didn't you? I want to see if it can make me a better smith."
Bell laughed, the tension easing, and nodded. "Of course! Let's begin."
As Bell moved to demonstrate the first forms of Flame Breathing, Hephaestus and Hestia watched closely, each of them, in that moment, believing a little more in new beginnings and in the power of a single person's resolve to change old wounds into something bright and unbreakable.
The rest of the day at the Hephaestus Familia was lively and filled with laughter. After Bell's demonstration, Tsubaki immediately insisted on trying the basics of Flame Breathing. She launched into the forms with her trademark enthusiasm, but within minutes, she was sprawled on the training ground floor, gasping for air and clutching her stomach.
Bell knelt beside her, grinning as he offered a hand. "Start slow. Focus on breathing deeply, from your core, not just your chest. It'll help you last longer, so don't try to force the fire; let it build naturally." Tsubaki gave him a thumbs up, still wheezing, but her determination burned brighter than ever.
Meanwhile, Hephaestus and Hestia stood to the side, quietly conferring. As they watched Bell teach, an idea began to take shape. By the time Tsubaki could finally sit up again, both goddesses had agreed.
"Bell," Hephaestus began, "Hestia and I have decided on a little alliance. Any weapons or armour you make, once I've approved them, can be sold in my Familia's shops, but they'll be under Hestia's name. That way, you get the benefit of my network, but neither of us gets blamed if something goes wrong," she finished with a wink.
Hestia nodded, beaming with pride. "It's a win-win! And you get to share your work with the whole city."
Bell's eyes shone with gratitude. "Thank you, both of you! I promise, I'll do my best once I've got everything set up."
Later that evening, in the quiet warmth of Hephaestus's workshop, she found Welf Crozzo hunched over his anvil, sweat on his brow and a stubborn set to his jaw. She watched him for a moment, letting the rhythmic clang of his hammer fill the silence. When she finally spoke, her voice was gentle, full of something like hope.
"Welf, I ran into Bell Cranel today at the forge," she began, catching his attention. "He's got some interesting ideas about magic swords, ideas I think you might appreciate."
Welf paused, setting his hammer down but not quite meeting her eyes. "Yeah? I doubt anyone wants to hear what a Crozzo thinks about those anymore."
Hephaestus shook her head, moving closer. "That's not true. Bell said magic swords should be a bond between smith and wielder, not just a weapon for power's sake. He talked about how they should respond to the user and be unbreakable unless made from truly weak metal. Like the Crozzo swords once were, before greed ruined them."
Welf flinched, the old pain surfacing. "That's… what I always thought, too. But nobody else gets it. They see the name, not the person."
Hephaestus placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Bell understands. He even told me that you're always welcome if you ever want to talk about magic swords, your family, anything, or hang out at the forge. He's not looking for a craftsman, but a friend."
Welf was quiet for a long moment, her words settling into the spaces left hollow by years of guilt and isolation. Slowly, he nodded, a small, reluctant smile tugging at his lips. "Maybe… I'd like that. I'm tired of carrying all this alone. And if Bell meant what he said, maybe I could even try adventuring with him. A real party. Not just making weapons, but using them together."
Hephaestus smiled, pride and relief mingling in her eyes. "I think that's exactly what you both need. Besides, you know how stubborn Hestia's kid can be. He won't let you hide in the forge forever."
Welf laughed softly, the heavy weight on his shoulders easing just a bit. "No, I don't suppose he would. Thanks, Hephaestus."
They stood together in the waning forge-light, the first spark of a new friendship kindling that might finally melt the chains of the past.