13 Date with Hephaestus?
Much like I had thought, the lights were still on, announcing the smithing goddess's presence. I knocked on the door.
It took a few moments for her to open the door, only to raise an inquisitive brow when she saw me carrying the Familia's captain.
Tsubaki hug me much like an oversized koala.
''We had a challenge. She thought I was joking when I said I can't get drunk.'' I mentioned to the out-cold Tsubaki as I shrugged.
''Don't know where she lives. Bringing her to my room would bring other sorts of problems.''
She sat there for a few seconds.
''Come on in. I was in the middle of doing some work.'' She said as she gestured me in.
''I bet you were. You could use a break.'' I said as I dropped Tsubaki on the couch.
''Is that so?'' She eyed me ''And how about you Mr.Take a break? How long have you been in the dungeon?
In your first dive.''
''That's a bit unfair, You know how my skills work. I can go all day, and it wouldn't make a difference.''
''Uh-uh. Why do you think we came down to Genkai, Ken? It's because we wanted to feel how the mortals felt. We wanted to ''live''. Don't deprive yourself of that.'' Said Hephaestus in a wise voice.
'That's a bit hypocritical, don't you think?'
I don't think we would get anywhere on this particular subject.
''Gee, I get it.'' throwing my hands in the air in mock surrender.
''You've already interrupted my work. I might as well update your status'' she said after a few seconds.
''There is no need. I can already update my Status. Although, I need you to level me up.''
''Such a huge trade-off. I couldn't even imagine how hard it would be to need to wait to level up!'' said the goddess in the most sarcastic way possible. Her arms flailed around to increase that effect.
''Do you even need the falna at this point?''
''I don't need it per se. But, it is a valuable upgrade. You could think of it as crafting a piece of gear, and you magically get another one for free. It's also why I need you to level me up. You have to sort of ''seal'' the deal.''
''So you're telling the falna allows getting more out of your budget, so to speak.'' She said comptentivaly.
''That's a good way of putting it.'' I praised.
''Anyway, show me your back, and I'll update your status.'' she still said that after all that.
''I have a feeling you just want to see my kill log,'' I said with no real heat behind my words.
She huffed at that.
[Status]:
Akagi Ken
Level:1
HP: 280--->300
MP: 130--->150
-Strength: S980--->EX1120
-Endurance: A860--->S980
-Dexterity: S920--->EX1230
-Agility: S920--->EX1230
-Magic: A840--->EX1050
Perfect Body: EX
The user's body is at the pinnacle of the mortal race. All stats can be raised to EX1999. The user can learn at a prodigal rate.
Sword-Mastery: C
-The user's proficiency with swords raises based on rank.
SKILLS:
-Gamer's Body:
Grants a body that allows the user to live in the real world like a game. The holder receives no physical damage from attacks only pain for a few seconds and a loss of HP. The user does not need sleep or nutrition.
-Gamer's Mind:
Allows the user to calmly and logically think things through, and provides immunity to all mental attacks and or disorders.
-Instinct:
Through this skill, the user can halve the penalties inflicted by visual and auditory interference by granting him a 'sixth' sense.
MAGIC:
-The game:
Ele Magic - Non-Ele Magic(Light and dark) - Inventory.
''I guess it makes sense considering the feats you accomplished— honestly stupid. I'm not as mad as I should be because Tsubaki was with you. You would have fit exceptionally well with those muscle-brained members of the Zeus Familia.'' She said eyeing me.
''I probably would.'' I laughed.
''Just don't overdo it. You even qualify for a level up.'' she said.
''I'll wait for my stats to be maxed out before I level up.''
''Of course, you would'' she said rolling her eyes.
''So what's with the new magic?'' She said after a while.
''That's something I've been meaning to ask you about actually. How is dark magic viewed?'' I asked the goddess in hopes of getting some answers.
''Well, it's just another type of magic for us gods. But, it does carry a bit of stigma because of Evilus with the children,'' said Hephaestus
''And how about necromancy? Maybe even undeath magic too.''
''Is this going where I think it's goint?'' She said, rubbing her nose bridge.
I just nodded.
''How do you even manage to...'' She sighed '' I forbid you to use it in public. It would be very bad if a death-related god was to be near when you perform it." she paused for a second. "I hope you won't ever use it regardless,Ken.''
I continued on''Well, the light is the opposite. It would be life or holy magic. I can also heal with it.''
''I have heard of children possessing holy and healing magic, so it shouldn't be that much of a problem'' said the goddess of smithing.
There were a few moments of silence.
''I am still sorting out the time where I'll be teaching you each week. I'm not sure about it, but it should be two days a week if things work out right.'' She said.
I was impressed, quite frankly. I was expecting the lessons to be less frequent. She seemed to be allocating a decent amount of her time to this.
''It works for me. How can refuse more dates with my goddess?'' I couldn't help but grin.
''You are being awfully direct..."
"What do you even love about me?'' said Hephaestus with an amused quirk that soon turned to a bitter-sweet one.
'It's sad how unconfident she is about herself. That needs to be addressed.' I thought.
''I enjoy your company, and out of all the women I have seen. You are the most attractive to me.'' I said in complete seriousness as I looked into her eye.
''Is that so?'' she stammered a bit.
''How about we go on a date?'' I said, taking her hands.
She seemed shocked. I intended to utilise that shock.
'Good, now press on.'
''How about after I level up? I'll be sure to make it special.''
She came out of her stupor and my instincts gave me a feeling that she was about to say something stupid. I gave her hands a tight squeeze, and muttered with my most earnest tone.
''All I'm asking for is a chance. We can see if things work out after the date.''
''I guess we can try and see.'' She said only after a minute of internal debate.
'I hope it's not going to be hard to change the way she thinks about herself.'
-------------------------
[One-Handed-Sword Mastery: Lvl66.]
[Elemental Magic: Lvl62.]
[No-Ele-Magic: Lvl24.]
[BlackSmithing: lvl 61.]
