Akihiro left his message written on the kraft paper. When Hestia read it upon waking, she felt an immense relief at that moment.
"Honestly, I think meeting him and bringing Akihiro-san into our familia was the best decision I've made."
There were greater safety concerns too. Rookie adventurers exploring the dungeon alone, without companions to watch their backs... even while I'm working...
Hestia's mind had been completely elsewhere, and it wasn't until Akihiro safely completed his first dungeon expedition that her tense nerves finally relaxed.
Seeing the seriousness in the young man's pure eyes, even though it wasn't quitting time yet, she nodded: "This is the celebration party for Akihiro-kun's first dungeon dive! You must attend!"
"But first you'll have to wait for me."
"Of course."
Akihiro-kun probably wanted to ask Hephaestus for permission. Naturally, she had no objections. It was the perfect opportunity to visit Orario's finest weapon shop.
The Sword Soul profession was, in a way, that of an arms master. Swords, longswords, daggers, maces, and light sabers could produce different combat effects when combined with Demonic Sword Technique, as he'd verified in the dungeon.
When finances permitted, if he could leverage Hestia's connections, perhaps he could commission Tsubaki from the Hephaestus Familia to forge some weapons for him. A customized weapon case to have more ways to fight different monster types!
But seeing the prices dampened his spirits somewhat. The weapons displayed in the showcase window started at no less than one million valis. Even those hanging on the wall fluctuated in the hundreds of thousands.
"It's a bit expensive."
"But if I'm not mistaken, some of these must have been forged by Tsubaki-san and another member, Welf-kun, right?"
Akihiro didn't believe the dazzling array of weapons before him were all made by Hephaestus. Eventually, his gaze settled on the unassuming dagger hanging on the wall. It was the same style as the weapon he currently used.
After all, they were all hand-forged. If he looked carefully, he could discern differences in the blade patterns. The plaque beside them displayed the price: 130,000 valis.
Hypothesis: If he used twin daggers in dual sword style, would each strike of the Demonic Sword Technique be accompanied by sword energy? As he examined the reasonably priced weapon, Akihiro pondered this. Reality didn't follow game rules - otherwise many things couldn't be logically explained.
For instance, why could combining a katana with phantom fencing achieve a dual sword flow effect? Ultimately, the "Sword Soul Template" merely provided a path. Its concrete application depended on how one developed it, potentially yielding unexpected results.
Normally, Hephaestus would remain in the main store, but today was different, primarily because of Hestia. This close friend from heaven had undergone significant changes recently.
The stereotype said she'd arrived in the underworld half a year ago and lived in her home. Her behavior could be considered lazy and gluttonous. Without forming a familia, working was even more improbable.
Just three months ago, Hephaestus couldn't take it anymore and kicked her out, though Hestia still came by occasionally to eat and drink. She didn't care about such trivial details.
Later, when Hestia recruited followers, she came to explain the situation. Perhaps she was very satisfied with her follower's talent, as she started frequently passing through North Street. Hephaestus still saw her working at the fried potato stand, and just last night, she came seeking help.
She wanted to buy a weapon on credit as a gift for her familia member. The repayment method would be working at a short-staffed weapon shop branch for three months to settle the debt.
"Hestia."
"What are you planning now?"
Observing the restrained figure before the desk, Hephaestus - with her scarlet hair and eyepatch over her right eye - showed a glint of suspicion in her left eye.
"Um... I'd like to take the evening off."
Hestia made her request right after work. Remembering her promise to work hard to repay the debt, she felt somewhat embarrassed. But when stating her reason, her tone couldn't hide her relief: "Akihiro-kun successfully completed his first dungeon exploration today."
"And he wants to treat me to dinner to celebrate."
"Is he coming?"
"Yes."
Receiving an affirmative answer, Hephaestus grew curious about this "Akihiro" Hestia mentioned. That he could change this girl's behavior in such short time piqued her interest.
When she slowly rose from the sofa and walked toward Hestia, her figure - white shirt, black pants, and knee-high black heeled boots - radiated the elegance of an older sister.
"Let's go."
Hephaestus stretched lazily, her tone carrying characteristic magnetism: "Let me see what kind of boy could make you actually want to work here."
Exiting the branch, her gaze fell upon the young man examining weapons at the counter. The weapon before him was the one Hestia had bought on credit.
Hestia, following closely behind and worried Akihiro might not recognize Hephaestus, gestured and introduced: "Akihiro-kun, this is Hephaestus-sama, supreme goddess of the Hephaestus Familia. Your weapon was forged by her familia."
Of course Akihiro knew the identity of the woman beside Hestia: the goddess of fire and forge in Greek mythology. What he hadn't expected was their first meeting occurring under these circumstances.
He stopped smiling and greeted her seriously: "Hephaestus-sama."
Hephaestus nodded slightly while carefully observing Akihiro - his black hair and delicate Far Eastern features. What stood out most were his unusual scarlet eyes, but as it concerned privacy, she didn't inquire.
"I often hear this girl talk about you," she remarked casually. "Even the weapon you're using now was bought by Hestia despite her debts."
"There was no need to tell Akihiro-kun that!" Hestia protested, cheeks burning, not wanting him to know that detail.
Hephaestus maintained a neutral expression, awaiting Akihiro's response.
"Hephaestus-sama, I'll strive to save enough money as soon as possible to repay this weapon's debt," he responded determinedly. Even for a god, regular weapon shops didn't extend credit. The weapon Hephaestus provided had been crucial for his adventures, not merely a gift.
After accounting for living expenses, once he saved sufficient valis, he'd help Hestia settle her debts. It was a satisfactory answer - Akihiro demonstrated responsibility worthy of divine support.
However talented he might be, Hephaestus wasn't easily impressed. "The weapon's price isn't high, but it must be paid. It's respect for the smith's work."
"Well," she offered casually, "if the weapon sustains minor damage, you can visit the main store and look for Welf. He'll help you."
Then, looking at Hestia beside her, Hephaestus felt that unbreakable bond of fate. "As for you..." she sighed resignedly, "Hestia, your work ends here today."