Chapter 9: Hephaestus, the God of Forge

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The message Liang Yue left on the parchment was the first thing Hestia saw upon waking, filling her heart with comfort. She sincerely felt that meeting him and bringing Liang Yue back into the patron family was the best decision she had ever made!

Beyond that, she worried most about safety. A novice adventurer exploring the dungeon alone, without teammates to watch over him—even while working—was a concern. Hestia’s mind was elsewhere until Liang Yue safely and smoothly completed his dungeon exploration, at which point her tense nerves finally relaxed.

She looked into the earnest, pure eyes of the boy. Though it wasn’t yet the end of the workday, she nodded, “This is Liang Yue’s first adventure celebration banquet; he must attend!”

“But you have to wait for me first.”

“No problem.”

Liang Yue, probably wanting to ask Hephaestus for leave, had no objections. It was a perfect chance to browse Oraeli’s finest weapon shop.

As a Sword Soul, he was, in some ways, a master of weapons.

Long swords, greatswords, daggers, blunt weapons, and light swords—all combined with the Spirit Sword Technique—could produce different combat effects. He had already tested this in the dungeon.

Once his finances allowed, he hoped to use Hestia’s connections to have Hephaestus’s patron, Tsubaki, craft several weapons.

Custom weapon cases would offer more strategies against different types of monsters!

However, upon seeing the prices, he winced slightly. The weapons displayed in the shop windows all cost no less than a million Fari, and even those hanging on the walls fluctuated within hundreds of thousands.

“A bit pricey…”

“But if I’m not mistaken, some of these were forged by Tsubaki and another patron, Werlf?”

Looking at the dazzling array of weapons before him, Liang Yue didn’t think they were all made by Hephaestus. His gaze finally settled on an inconspicuous dagger on the wall—the same style as the one he was currently using.

Since they were all handmade, careful observation revealed differences in the blade’s patterns. The price tag hung beside it.

Price: 130,000 Fari.

“Suppose…”

“Using two daggers for dual-wielding, would the Spirit Sword Technique release sword energy with every strike?”

Seeing a weapon priced within reach, this thought took root in Liang Yue’s mind. Reality did not operate like a game; otherwise, many things would lack reasonable explanation.

For example, why could a single long sword combined with the Spirit Sword Technique mimic dual-wielding? Ultimately, the “Sword Soul template” merely provided a path.

How one used it depended on their personal development. Perhaps unexpected effects might truly emerge.

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——

Normally, Hephaestus stayed at the main store, but today was different—mainly because of Hestia.

This celestial friend had undergone great changes recently.

Stereotypically, six months ago, she came to the mortal realm and stayed at her house, acting rather lazy and unmotivated.

She neither developed a patron family nor worked.

Three months ago, unable to bear it any longer, Hephaestus kicked her out. Though Hestia occasionally came by to freeload food and drink, Hephaestus didn’t mind such minor details.

Later, when Hestia recruited patrons and seemed quite satisfied with their talents, she came to explain the situation.

Occasionally, when passing by North Street, Hephaestus saw her working at a fried potato stall. Just last night, she came running over to ask for a favor.

She hoped to buy a weapon on credit as a gift for one of her patrons.

As for repaying the debt, she intended to work at the weapon shop’s branch, which was short-staffed, for three months.

“Hestia.”

“What do you want this time?”

Hephaestus, with her crimson hair and an eyepatch over her right eye, looked skeptically at the hesitant figure standing in front of her desk.

Her left eye flickered with suspicion.

“Well… I’d like to take the night off.”

Taking leave right after starting work—remembering the vow to work hard to repay her debt—Hestia blushed slightly.

But when she explained, her tone betrayed her joy: “Liang Yue successfully completed his dungeon exploration today.”

“And he wants to take me out for a celebratory meal.”

“He’s here?”

“Yes.”

After receiving confirmation, Hephaestus grew curious about this “Liang Yue” who had so quickly changed Hestia’s usual behavior.

She rose slowly from the sofa, her tall figure clad in a white shirt paired with black trousers, stepping into black over-the-knee high-heeled boots.

“Let’s go.”

Stretching lazily, Hephaestus’s voice carried the magnetic charm of an older sister: “Let me see what kind of exceptional child could make you willingly work here.”

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They left the branch office.

Her gaze fell upon the boy standing near the weapon counter—the very weapon Hestia had bought on credit.

Following closely, Hestia, fearing Liang Yue might not recognize Hephaestus, waved and introduced him: “Liang Yue, this is Hephaestus, the supreme deity of the Hephaestus patron family. The weapon you’re holding was forged by her patrons.”

“...”

Liang Yue fully understood the identity of the woman beside Hestia—the Greek god of fire and forging.

He simply hadn’t expected to meet her under such circumstances.

He put away his smile, greeting her seriously, “Lady Hephaestus.”

“...”

Hephaestus nodded lightly in response, studying Liang Yue’s refined Far Eastern features and dark hair.

What caught her attention, however, were his strangely crimson eyes.

Respecting his privacy, she refrained from questioning and casually said, “I often hear Hestia mention you.”

“Even the weapon you use now was bought on credit by Hestia.”

“There’s no need to tell Liang Yue about this,” Hestia’s cheeks flushed, unwilling for him to know.

Hephaestus maintained her calm expression, waiting for Liang Yue’s reply.

“Lady Hephaestus, I will save up quickly to pay off the debt for this weapon.”

Even as a deity, weapon shops generally did not offer credit.

The weapon Hephaestus provided was an angelic investment in his dungeon adventures. Liang Yue did not see it as a gift.

After deducting living expenses, once he had saved enough Fari, he would help Hestia repay the debt.

It was a satisfactory answer—at least Liang Yue bore responsibility. If he had simply enjoyed the deity’s generosity as a given, no matter how strong his talents, Hephaestus would have dismissed him.

“The weapon isn’t expensive, but buying it is a sign of respect for the blacksmith’s labor.”

“Hmm…”

Offering reluctant support, she said casually, “If the weapon suffers minor damage, you can go to the main store and see Werlf.”

“He’ll help you.”

“As for you…” Hephaestus glanced at Hestia beside her, sensing an unbreakable bond.

She often found herself unconsciously taking care of this girl.

Waving her hand helplessly, she said, “Hestia, let’s call it a day for work.”