2 Chapter 2: Machinations of a Goddess

Bete was livid and felt humiliated.

After all that talk he did about weaklings and for them to know their place it was a freshly minted adventurer from a minor Familia who had bested him.

He was a level 5 adventurer, he should have crushed that gnat effortlessly.

The newbie was a level 1 it was a foregone conclusion who would had to win.

Now he was the laughing stock of his Familia, he talked big and got served. Everyone avoided looking at him because if they did they would find themselves unable to hold their laughter.

How had the brat beaten him?

Power?

No… that guy was not a power type… he grunted from the strain when he blocked his attacks.

Technique?

Probably, he was very well versed in combat and was very good at predicting his moves and acting accordingly.

Experience?

He was freshly minted… so that seems unlikely.

However Bete forgot to factor something into account… just because Shirou was newly minted as an adventurer did not mean that he had no prior experience.

Due to him fighting creatures and beings that were more powerful than himself could ever hope to be he was used to fighting with that kind of handicap, Bete was strong and skilled… but he was not Heroic Spirit or a Undead Apostle.

Also Bete did not know that Shirou's magic that allowed him to make the swords he fought him with, had an interesting effect. When he traced a weapon he also traced the wielder's abilities and power to use the blade as if he was using it himself… that

was the reason Shirou was able to cut down Gilgamesh when he used Kanshou and Bakuya in his reality marble back then… he had effectively reproduced Archer's strength and combat proficiency.

"Maybe I mouthed off too much… maybe I was wrong and I got too full of myself… maybe levels aren't a that there is to measure a person's worth… but if not… why even use a Falna? Why bother at all? Could it be that it's not that they were weak but

just people who were learning how to grow? Arggv damn it now I don't know what is what" Bete thought as he paced around.

Aiz was one of the few people who didn't mock him for his defeat, she did however said that he got his just desserts for going on about that and that he should have more empathy for others, as the guy that fought him didn't humiliate him further by

mocking him or anything, if anything he helped them carry to idiot back… a totally unnecessary action but appreciated regardless, as his companions were there and would have done so regardless.

To say that mad was an understatement.

At first she thought that Hestia might had used her Divine powers to further enhance Shirou, but stopped that train of thought. Hestia was a straight shooter so it was rather unlikely. She didn't know what was what and was angry because she had no one

to direct her anger at.

She was also angry that her child had been mocked in such a way, he was a level 5… such a defeat by a newbie was unprecedented and to be honest, an impossibility. Still, even if she was mad about that she thought it served as a life lesson for Bete,

that Wolfman looked down on newbies way too much and needed an attitude adjustment,however he had an over inflated ego and thought that he was right… and then this happens that undermines that belief.

He had secluded himself in his room for a few days refusing to go eat, a few of his comrades left some plates of food for him tough.

Aiz Wallenstein decided to pay the Hestia Familia a visit and see if she could learn more about the white haired youth and the red haired young man.

"Bell sharpen your senses… more! More… you got to completely block any and all unnecessary thoughts, all you have the only thing you should be seeing is the boundary between life and death… think 10 steps ahead and seize even 5 more seconds of

survival!" a voice yelled.

Bell was flung to a wall but rather than hit it he used it as a springboard and launched a counter attack.

"good... you are learning, that was a good strategy…. Okay, that would be enough… it seems we have a visitor" Shirou said.

Bell turned around and blushed as he saw her.

"Welcome… is there something we can do for you Aiz Wallenstein-san?" Shirou asked.

Bell was a mess as he was shocked of how formal Shirou was.

"Yes… I would like to ask you two some questions… but before that… I wish to apologize for my teammate's behaviour and also… apologize to you Bell, in my haste to kill the monster I did not notice you behind and had you covered in blood" Aiz said.

"Ah… I think that would also be my fault… I did decapitate the monster after all" Shirou said awkwardly.

Hestia was looking at them… feeling a tad angry due to Aiz being here and taking Bell's attention from her.

Shirou was a bit awkward around her, it was like he knew her or something… perhaps a former lover?

She didn't think so, the looks he gave her were painful… like he was reminded of something sad.

Maybe she looked like someone he knew?

Yes that seemed more likely.

"You two train this way a lot?" Aiz asked.

"Since Bell is a total novice, yes… so I am getting him ready to deal with things beyond his current abilities, that is to say I am training him in techniques and tactics so he can deal with monsters stronger and faster than him, this way he will be able to

take even stronger monsters and be able to at least flee" Shirou said.

"I see… that is indeed a good idea, and he is taking the training well… I can see he had grown a lot very fast since I last saw him, you are a good teacher" she said.

"Not at all… he is just determined, he pushes himself harder to reach his goal" Shirou said.

"And that is?" she asked.

"Not my place to say" Shirou said with a shrug.

"Aiz… may I perhaps ask you for a favor?" Shirou asked.

"depends on what it is" She said.

"Can you perhaps spar with Bell from time to time? Is good that he trains with me but it would help him grow better if he fought with other people" Shirou said.

"Eh?! I… is that okay?" Bell asked.

"Am I… no good?" Aiz asked.

"No… No! Is not that… I mean yes… I would like to spar with you" Bell said.

On the background Hestia was biting a pillow furiously at this development.

They decided that next week would be good.

After she said her goodbyes both Shirou and Bell went out for a quick shower and returned back to their little room in the church.

Hestia was glaring at Shirou and called Bell a "cheater" for some reason.

He had to say… this Goddess was not a bad one.

He had a question on his mind tough.

"who was it that was observing us at that time?" Shirou thought.

While it had no blood lust or killing intent it was, however, unnerving as it felt that whoever was looking at them them was targeting them.

"no… not us… Bell" he reasoned.

"Shirou… shouldn't you update your Falna? I am sure that after all you did your stats should have increased a lot" Bell said.

"I think so too… I guess I had been postponing it a bit" Shirou said.

Hestia then had him vet ready as she straddled Shirou from behind, she pricked her finger and the a drop of blood fall on his back.

Shirou's status on the Falna had made a huge leap!

Right now his Agility was on a G rank while his strength and stamina both where on the D rank, his magic also had increased oddly enough, they had yet to see him cast any magic… now his magic was on D rank… none of his skills had increased much

save for Mind of the eye ( true ) which was at C rank.

Bell's status also were rather absurdly high! It seems that his training with Shirou had paid dividends! His speed was on H rank, his strength was on I and his defence as well…. There was no change on his magic tough but other than that the both had

grown fast.

Too fast.

People would get suspicious of them both, not to mention jealous of their growth curve.

She was bitter because she understood WHY Bell was growing so fast...

She accepted it but it did not mean she had to like it at all.

Shirou's case was different… she couldn't understand him that well, but it didn't matter, she will in time.

After all… they were her children… her Familia.

Hestia sighed… maybe she should get something for Bell? As a way to congratulate him for his hard work?

But… she didn't want to slight Shirou either.

"You know… I really don't need anything, if you wanna treat Bell you should do it" Shirou said.

"Gah!" Hestia shouted in shock "How… when…?"

"is written all over your face, don't worry about it, I think he would be happy to get something from his Goddess" Shirou said with a mind smile.

Hestia pouted at being read so easily.

She was deep I thought when she remembered something… the party that was going to be hosted by Ganesha!

Yes, if she went there she could also talk to her and maybe just maybe…

Shirou and Bell went out for some dungeon crawling that evening and came back late into the night.

They brought a LOT of magic stones of medium and large sizes and quite a bit of monster drops.

Bell wondered about something.

How did Shirou got those 2 swords on his fight with that Wolfman… and how did they appear on his hands when fighting the Minotaur?

Why did his magic skill grow when he had yet to use any magic?

Should he ask?

He was curious.

"Is there something you wish to ask?" Shirou said.

"Ah! Yes… no… I mean… ah… sorry was it that obvious?" he said.

"somewhat, go ahead… ask away" Shirou said.

"How did you get those weapons… and why did your magic skill increase we you haven't used magic at all yet?" Bell asked.

"I have actually" Shirou said.

"Eh?! When?" Bell said in shock.

"those swords… my magic is the complete recreation of any weapon I have ever seen" Shirou said, leaving a few things out.

"That is amazing! No wonder you didn't ask for any equipment! You can just make your own" Bell said in awe.

"Don't say it to anyone ok? I rather have this a secret… blacksmiths wouldn't like the fact that I don't need to buy anything at all" Shirou said chuckling awkwardly.

Bell nodded understanding.

They went to the Guild Exchange and got quite a loot, however the noticed something.

They had little space to carry their loot.

Also Bell got into trouble

"What floor?!"

"Agh!" Bell let out a scream. The cause of his pathetic squeal was a frowning Eina Tulle fuming with anger and glaring right at him.

Bell and Shirou had made a triumphant return to the Guild after prowling the 10th floor. He'd gotten the money from all of his magic stones and drop items at the Exchange and went to give his adviser an update with a big smile on his face. But the

second he said, "10th level," his good mood came to an abrupt end.

"What is with you?! Does nothing I say stay inside that thick skull of yours?! Going from the fifth to the 10th?! Are you insane?!"

"S-s-s-s-ssorry!"

Wham! Eina slammed both of her hands down onto the table. Her emerald eyes burned, her head leaning to the side. Bell was little more than a frog being stared down by a python.

Elsewhere

These were the gods and goddesses who came to Gekai looking for entertainment. They came to the passionate city Orario seeking the "unknown" even more than the adventurers. That was them to a T.

They were gathering in a specific part of the city.

Gods didn't normally get together in such high numbers.

"Yo!"

"Eeeeh! Long time! How long has it been?"

"'About four hundred years, I reckon."

"Ohoh! That long? You've changed quite a lot since then!"

"Sorry to change the subject on you, but is the Celebration really here?"

One overly extravagant building stood over the group of overly extravagant gods assembling in the street.

Standing among the lights of Orario, this thing was just plain weird. It was so out of place, it was almost mysterious.

The building was a massive, thirty-meter, human-shaped statue with an elephant's head sitting cross-legged in the middle of the city block.

The base of the building was surrounded by a stone wall.

The statue sat proudly, puffing out its chest. It was famous for inspiring a sense of wonder and uneasiness within anyone who saw it. Magic stone lamps lit up the statue from many angles.

The elephant stood out against the black night sky.

It might have come as no surprise, but this building had a history.

It was built by the handsome, dark-skinned god Ganesha. Who knew what he was thinking when he burned through his Familia's savings to build this monstrosity.

This statue, Aiam Ganesha, was the home base of Ganesha Familia.

Even the members of his Familia didn't like it. Most of them teared up a bit as they went in and out, thinking how their hard work had gone into paying for this thing. The icing on the cake? The entrance to the building was in the crotch of the statue.

"What's Ganesha doing?"

"Ganesha really goes all out!"

The group of extraordinarily lavish people filed into the building through the crotch, laughing all the way.

Every one of these "people" was a god or goddess.

They had come for Ganesha's "Celebration of the Gods."

A Celebration of the Gods was basically a large party put on by a god for other gods living on Gekai. There were no rules about who hosted and who attended. The Celebration was hosted by a god who wanted to throw a party and was attended by gods

who wanted to come. It was all done on a whim.

"Everyone! Thank you for coming today! I am Ganesha! I am overjoyed at the attendance of this Celebration! I love you all! I do have one small announcement to make: The yearly festival put on by my Familia is only three days away! Please encourage

your Familias to attend!"

The great hall was only lightly decorated, completely different from the lavish exterior of the building.

Ganesha, wearing an elephant mask and dressed to match his statue, greeted his guests in a booming voice from the top of a stage in the middle of the hall. The gods in attendance by and large ignored his greeting and continued talking among

themselves.

The party was set up to be a standing buffet. Tables with white tablecloths lined the great hall. An array of fresh food filled the hall with a variety of mouthwatering smells. Soft echoes from the shoes of both the attendees and the staff thumped from all

directions. A band sat behind the stage, waiting for the signal to play dance music.

Almost all of the deities in Orario were in attendance tonight.

Invitations to the Celebration had been disturbed by the host's Familia. The number of guests was determined by their resources.

Ganesha Familia was very prominent in Orario, so he was able to send an invitation to every single god and goddess within the city wall.

Hestia included.

"Hey! Mr. Waiter! Bring me a stool! Quickly!

"Y-yes!"

Hestia was busy raiding the food tables under the din of conversing gods when she summoned a member of Ganesha Familia.

She was not tall enough to reach a particularly delicious-looking dish in the middle of a table.

Mine! Mine! Mine!

"…"

Her arms flew around from dish to dish as she gathered as much food as she could onto her plate.

Unable to say anything, the waiter just watched her in action.

Hestia had no plans of slowing down—it was a buffet, and she was going to take full advantage of it. Hestia Familia was among the poorest of the poor Familias. She was most likely the bottom of the barrel of all the gods in attendance. But Hestia didn't

mind. She had no problem working so that Bell had enough energy to work in the Dungeon. Working in shops and doing odd jobs was just part of her life now.

However, she was the only deity there not wearing extravagant clothing. She was wearing her usual garb but had tried her best to make her clothes look more formal. It didn't fool anyone.

"Hey, isn't that Loli Big Boobs?"

"Wow, she's still alive?"

"I've seen her. She's working part-time in the northern south block. The children were patting her head."

"That's our Loli Lady!"

Of course, Hestia stuck out like a sore thumb. Shoveling food into her mouth and wearing ordinary clothes, she attracted a lot of attention.

Hestia knew they were making fun of her, but she decided to ignore everything and keep her mouth shut. At least until she found more good food.

"Just what do you think you're doing…?"

"… mmhnngg… mm!"

A very tired voice hit her from the side.

Spinning around with a mouthful of pastries, Hestia saw a goddess with flaming red hair and wearing a dark crimson dress standing next to her.

Her face was thin with a sharp chin, showing her strong will. In fact, even the golden earrings she was wearing could not compete with her sheer beauty.

However, Hestia couldn't help but notice black skin covering half of the goddess's face over her right eye.

A bandage covered most of it. She stared down at Hestia with her left eye. It was wide and looked shocked.

Hestia gulped down the last of the food in her mouth.

"Hephaistos!" Hestia called out to greet an old friend.

"I'm happy to see you, too, Hestia. I'm glad you are well… I'd be happier if you wore something a little more appropriate."

Hephaistos shook her head and rolled her eye.

The magic stone lamps on the ceiling shone down upon the one-eyed goddess. Her waist-length hair sparkled as if it were woven with sugar.

Hestia took a moment to admire Hephaistos's beautiful red hair before going up to her with a big smile on her face.

"I'm glad I came! I was right to come."

"What? I'm only going to say this once: I'm not lending you one val."

"How rude!"

Hephaistos glared at her "friend" as she snapped a warning.

She was the goddess who had looked after Hestia before she met Bell, the one who had kicked Hestia out of her Familia's base. Their relationship was still a little tense.

While they had been friends for a long time, Hephaistos had lost her patience with Hestia because she hadn't formed her own Familia, hadn't worked, and had become a burden.

However, even after evicting her, the needy goddess would always come back asking for money. Whether it was "I can't find a job" or "I can't find a room that keeps the rain out," Hestia always had a sad story to tell before asking for help. She'd pushed

Hephaistos as far as she could.

Hephaistos had a serious problem on her hands. She couldn't leave her friend out on the streets with no money, but she also couldn't keep helping her with every little thing.

In the end, she gave Hestia the room under the church and found her a part-time job. The only thing Hestia did by herself was induct Bell into her Familia.

She acted mature and independent when she was around Bell. But on her own, she was a lazy goddess who couldn't get anything done on her own.

"Do I look like a goddess who would do that?! Sure, I needed your help in the past, but thanks to you, I'm doing fine on my own! I don't need to eat from anyone else's plate anymore!"

"Weren't you doing that just a second ago?"

"T-this food will just be left over… If it's just going to be thrown away, I should at least put it to good use, yes?"

"Ho-ho! That's a great way to put it. I'm so happy you've changed, my tears of happiness just won't stop."

"Gyuuuu…"

Hephaistos scoffed through her nose at Hestia's pained face.

Click-click, click-click. High-heeled shoes echoed as another goddess approached them.

"Hee-hee… Still the best of friends, I see."

"Eh… F-Freya?"

Hestia turned around to see emerge from another group of deities a goddess so beautiful that she made the others look normal by comparison. The floor was her runway. Everyone else was there to admire her.

Her skin was the color of fresh fallen snow and just as smooth. Freya's arms and legs glided through the air as if she were swimming, her perfume getting the attention of other gods as she drifted past.

Their eyes fell on her luscious derriere, the cloth holding it in place stretched way too thin. Her gold-trimmed, full-length gown was open in the front. With only one layer of fabric over each breast, she proudly showed off her full shape. Her cleavage was

bright pink, like she was too warm.

She had the perfect body; better proportions did not exist.

Long eyelashes surrounded calm eyes that radiated confidence.

Her beauty transcended beauty, to the point that no one else even came close.

The Goddess of Beauty gently swished her silver hair as she glided up to the other two goddesses.

"Why are you here…?"

"Saw you standing here. Thought I'd say something like 'It's been ages' and invite you to walk around the great hall. Something like that."

"D-don't say it like that, Hephaistos…"

"Am I disturbing you, Hestia?" a smiling Freya asked the shorter goddess as she stepped into their conversation.

"It's not that…" Hestia fought back an irritated twitch in her lips. "I just don't like you very much."

"Hee-hee-hee. That's what I like about you."

Oh please. Hestia crossed her arms and looked away.

Being the Goddess of Beauty, Freya was a lady among women and always carried herself as such. She was always a head above the rest.

Freya had the ability to make others stop and wonder at her charm and grace.

Even whimsical gods fell under her spell. The children on Gekai became enslaved by her smile alone.

However, Hestia couldn't stand Freya's personality, or other gods like her.

She did her best to avoid them.

"Hey! Fei-Fei! Freya—! Itty Bitty!

"Then again, you're not so bad compared to a few others I know…"

"My, my, aren't you tense."

Freya's smile widened as she turned to face the newcomer, who was flailing her arms and half jogging up to the group.

She had vermillion-red eyes and hair. She'd changed her hairstyle from a simple short ponytail to a stylish inward spiral just for the Celebration. She was sporting a sleek black dress.

She might not have looked like much standing next to Freya, but her face was on par with Hestia and Hephaistos in terms of charm.

"Yo! Loki."

"Why the hell are you here…?!"

"Wassamatta? Am I not allowed to greet ya without a reason? It's a Celebration, no? It'd be rude not to say hi. Get with the program, Itty Bitty."

"…!…!"

"That's quite the scary face, Hestia."

Loki was two heads taller than she; all Hestia could do was turn a cold shoulder.

She had nothing to say to Loki.

Loki was the enemy.

"It really has been a long time, Loki. Didn't think I'd see Freya or Hestia today, either. The Celebration has been full of surprises."

"Yeah, it's been forever… Been forever for most everyone here tonight, though."

Loki's eyes were so long and thin that they usually looked like lines in the middle of her face. But she smiled as she opened them just enough to get a good look at Freya.

One of Ganesha Familia's waiters arrived with drinks. He froze on the spot when Freya turned to take a glass. Smiling at the dumbstruck man, she took a long sip.

"Have you really not met up anywhere?"

"We did see each other the other day. Wasn't much of a chat, though."

"You're one to talk. I made myself open to conversation, not my fault."

"Hmm. Oh, Loki, I hear about your Familia all the time. Things must be going well?"

"Waaa! To hear someone with a Familia as good as yours say that… I must be moving up in the world… But yeah, my children are my pride 'n' joy. Mind if I brag?"

A tinge of pink covered Loki's face as she shyly scratched her head. Loki hid her feelings from the members of her Familia, but that was more difficult here.

Hestia had been listening to the conversation and thought this would be the perfect time to gather some information.

"Hey, Loki. I have a question for you about someone in your Familia, Wallensomething or other."

"Oh! The kenki! I would like to listen in, if you don't mind."

"What's this? Itty Bitty has a question for me? Someone look to the sky! Is it Armageddon? Ragnarok? Did Hell just freeze over?"

Hestia clenched her teeth. I'm gonna tear this bitch in half!

"… Here it is. Does the kenki have a boyfriend or some kind of special companion?"

"Moron, she's my favorite. I ain't giving her to anyone, ya hear? If anyone else tries to put a hand on her, I'll mount their head on my bedroom wall."

"Tsk."

"Strange time for ya to tsk at me."

Hestia got the information she was after. Aiz Wallenstein was being fiercely guarded by Loki.

She felt the same way about Bell. If only Aiz had someone special she wanted to protect… An evil smirk popped up on her lips.

Hephaistos stood by, watching the conversation unfold. Sensing the tension rising, she jumped in to change the subject.

"I know this is a little late, but it feels strange to see you in a dress, Loki. Don't you usually wear men's clothes?"

"Hee-hee, about that. A little bird told me a certain Itty Bitty was gettin' ready to go to a party…"

Hestia glared at her. Loki didn't seem to care. She bent over so she could talk directly into Hestia's face.

"Heard she was too poor to wear a dress, thought I'd laugh at her."

You bbbbbiiiitttttttcccccchhhhhhhh!

Hestia locked eyes with Loki, her face getting redder and redder. She might explode at any moment.

It was always like this. They hadn't known each other very long, maybe a hundred years. However, whenever Loki saw Hestia, she had an undeniable urge to tease her… She would do anything she could to make a joke at Hestia's expense and would go

out of her way to do so.

The reason was quite simple: Hestia had what she didn't. It was all because of the two lumps on Hestia's chest.

"Ha-ha! Nice one! To make me laugh by making fun of your complex in front of everyone! Loki, you're a comedic genius!"

"Wha'd ya mean?"

"Oh, sorry. Not comedic, you're a genius at digging holes. Like the grave you are standing in!"

Now it was Loki's turn to flame up. The goddesses scowled at each other, their faces getting redder with each breath.

Loki's black dress was very low cut with no shoulders. It was almost sad how little shape she had, other than her quivering rib cage.

"So it begins…," muttered a cross-armed Hephaistos as her eye went from one goddess to the other.

Freya held her glass of fruit wine as she looked on with a smile. The fireworks were about to start.

The two goddesses stood with their well-above-average busts bulging from their elegant dresses on the sidelines.

"How many men have fallen off the cliff of despair that is your flat chest? Ha-ha! See what I did there?"

"Not funny at all, you hagggggg!"

"Kiyaaaaaaa!"

Loki lunged at Hestia, her eyes leaking tears.

Getting a good grip on Hestia's cheeks, Loki pulled as hard as she could. Her face expanded out like taffy, soft and squishy.

Hestia tried to fight back, but her short arms couldn't even come close to grabbing Loki. She futilely swatted the air, her cheeks shiny with tears.

"Oh, what have we here?"

"Looks like Loli Big Tits against Loki No Bits…!"

"Ten elixirs say that Loki walks away frustrated!"

"All of my star chips say that I'll be the one to comfort her!"

"Make a real bet, moron!"

More and more gods came to watch the catfight unfolding in the great hall.

Hephaistos's head drooped past her shoulders. She was already fed up with Hestia and Loki, now there was an audience to this brawl.

Loki was shaking Hestia's entire body with her death grip on the smaller goddess's fluffy cheeks. Left, right, up, down, she shook Hestia in all directions.

Shaking, shaking, and more shaking.

"… hee… hee… I'm thinkin' ya've had enough for today…"

She's twitching all over!

Sad that she couldn't finish the job, Loki dropped Hestia to the floor and turned her back.

Loki didn't even glance at the girl as she collapsed to the floor, just walked away. Loki's body twitched as she started to make her way across the room.

It was not a victory lap.

"Hmph… Don't be looking so pathetic next time, loser. Tuck your tail and run!"

"I'll do ya in next time, ya hear me? Next time!" Loki bolted for the door, leaving a trail of tears in her wake.

"Just as I thought…" A murmur spread through the crowd of gods who had come to witness the fight. With the show over, they went back to their own conversations and drifted elsewhere.

"Loki's really rounded out…"

"Rounded out? She still looks like a little kid…"

Hephaistos could only raise an eyebrow at Freya's comment.

Freya perked up the tips of her mouth as she ran her fingers through her silver hair.

"Before coming here, gods used to fight one another to the death for fun. This is a lot cuter. Not even dangerous."

"Well, yes. That's true. You've known Loki for a long time, right?"

"Very much so, about as long as the two of you."

Hephaistos helped a wobbly Hestia to her feet.

"We're not as close as we once were," said Hephaistos with a weak smile.

"Looks like Loki's taken a liking to the children. Maybe that's why she's changed"

"I hate to say it, but she has that in common with me."

"Ohh? Didn't you say 'I don't look at the children like that' not too long ago? Did that new boy, Bell, change that?"

"Hee-hee, maybe so. He's a really good boy. He's wasted on me… but I also obtained another one not soon after, he is pretty good too"

"If I remember right, he's a white-haired, red-eyed human boy, yes? You came and told me right after you started your Familia. I was shocked, really, but who is the other one you speak of?"

Freya's ears twitched as she heard the news.

She set her empty glass on the table and swished her hair.

"I bid you Farewell."

"What, already? Do you have somewhere to be, Freya?"

"I got the information I came here for, so there's no point in staying."

"… You didn't ask anyone anything today?"

Freya and Hephaistos had been together since the start of the Celebration. Hephaistos was confused about her friend's sudden departure and tilted her head.

Freya ignored her and instead cast her eyes on Hestia. Her smile was still there but was now somewhat different from before.

Hestia blinked a few times as Freya's aura changed.

"… And I've gotten bored of all the men here."

Don't you dare!

"…"

She gave a nod as a simple good-bye and disappeared into the crowd.

The remaining goddesses watched her leave before looking at one another. They exchanged an awkward laugh and a shrug.

"Freya really is the Goddess of Beauty… no respect."

"She's in control of love and desire. Someone's bound to want her help…"

"She has a Familia. She just doesn't see what is right under her nose. To think she might become a rival… makes me appreciate the children that much more!"

"She could recruit new members just by smiling…"

Hephaistos let out a deep breath and scratched the bandage covering her right eye.

It was a habit she'd picked up. Whenever she wasn't satisfied or couldn't accept something, her hand just went there on its own.

Hestia let out a small "hmm" through her nose, watching Hephaistos closely.

"Anyway, what are you going to do now? I'm going to walk around, talk to a few more people. Are you going home?"

A light snapped on in Hestia's brain. Her shoulders jumped when she realized she had almost forgotten something very important.

"You could stick around for a while? Have a drink or two?"

"Um… yeah… well…"

Hephaistos's expression changed when she saw Hestia start fidgeting. She'd seen that many times before.

Ignoring the blast of suspicion bursting out from under Hephaistos's flaming red hair, Hestia made up her mind. She cleared her throat.

"I… um, have a favor to ask you."

"…"

Hephaistos's left eye narrowed, sharp as a dagger.

The carefree Hephaistos was gone in an instant. She was engulfed in a much more serious aura.

It was the same one she'd had when flat-out stating that she wouldn't be lending any money.

"You ask now, after what you said earlier?

Think back—what did you say?"

"Umm… What was it again?"

" 'I don't need to eat from anyone else's plate' ring a bell?"

Hestia smiled and nodded, not arguing the point. She had said that, after all.

Hephaistos looked at her as though she had just climbed out of a toilet. While Hestia wanted to take back her earlier statement, she clenched her jaw and waited out the awkward silence.

This was the reason Hestia had come to the Celebration in the first place. She might lose a friend for it, but she had to try.

"… Okay, I'll play your game. What. Is. Your. Request?"

Hephaistos stared down at the short goddess, her red hair and eye on the verge of bursting into flames.

Hephaistos was known as the Goddess of the Forge when she resided in Tenkai, the upper world. The Familia she created on Gekai didn't rely on the income of adventurers in Orario to survive.

Even still, there was not a single adventurer in Orario who didn't know the name Hephaistos.

She had created a brand.

Her Familia was home to many specialists capable of creating weapons so strong that even a hundred others wouldn't measure up. These smiths forged high-quality weapons known around the world.

Hestia had come here today to directly ask the president of Hephaistos Familia for a favor.

She took a deep breath and said in the strongest voice she could muster:

"I would like you to make a weapon for Bell… a member of my Familia."

Back to Bell and Shirou

Bell's POV

We join the countless groups of adventurers as they climb the winding silver staircase. After the last few steps, everything changes. The walls look man-made; even the smell is refreshing.

This is the basement of the white tower, Babel.

The room is like a giant wheel resting on its side, but with no spokes. Seriously, thousands of adventurers could be in here and still have room to breathe.

It's hard to believe that we were standing directly above the most dangerous place in the world. The monsters are right below us. Maybe that's why it looks like a giant shrine. If someone told me this place was supposed to be used as an altar in a

ceremony to honor the gods, I'd believe it.

The walls are a mix of blue and white. They're dotted with stone plaques inscribed with names. Probably adventurers from a time gone by.

There are many long, thick pillars scattered all around. I can't count them all, too many. A grand mural covers the ceiling of the chamber from end to end. It is the most subtle and soothing picture of the sky I have ever seen.

I'm perfectly safe from this point on. I can feel adrenaline leaving my body. Unfortunately, it was keeping the pain from my injuries at bay… Gonna be sore tonight…

… Huh? What's that?

All the adventurers and supporters are clearing a path… What's behind them?

Isn't that a cargo box…? It's very large; several people could fit inside. It's on wheels with a long handle wrapping around the front. There's another one! A whole row of them!

Aren't they used when groups go on "expeditions" to the lower floors?

I suppose they would be handy to carry food and supplies. It takes a long time to come back up.

Did that one just move?! I heard it!

The adrenaline's coming back…

Okay, calm down. Let's watch it, see if I'm just hearing things…

It moved again! Something inside is alive and trying to get out. Should I go take a peek?

Wait… What if…?

The cargo box looks more like a cage. Now why would there be a moving cage? Unless…

There's a monster inside it?

I just hear a soft growl coming from within the box. It has to be a monster.

Is it okay for a monster to be… here?!

The Guild manages this tower. They control the lid of the Dungeon. In ancient times, the monsters would emerge almost every day—I'm sure that caused a lot of problems! So this tower was built to keep them down there. It's our guard tower.

Nowadays, adventurers have Falna, so we go and hunt them. On the other hand, they can still come at us in waves. I've heard that the Guild is very strict about the tower, their base. They do many things to keep us safe.

So they would never allow anyone to bring a monster out of the Dungeon.

Monsters should not be in here, ever.

Here comes another cargo box, coming up the spiral stairs! This is insane! What do I do? What do we do?

"They doing that again this year?"

"Monsterphilia, yep."

"Is there a point to it? I'm surprised people haven't gotten bored."

"Yearly freak show… Pointless."

"Ganesha Familia puts a lot into it. Even the Guild goes along with this, every single year."

"Sounds just like Ganesha, doesn't it?"

All these voices in the crowd. They're not frightened… they're bored?

Monsterphilia…

So the monsters that are being pulled up here one after another have something to do with this fair?

All of the people pulling the cargo boxes are wearing an emblem with an elephant's head. Looks like I'm not the only one interested—everyone's eyes are on them.

Wait a minute… Isn't that Eina?

Mid-length brown hair, pointy ears…

Yep, that's my boss standing over there. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.

She looks really serious. Ah, another Guild worker. I guess they're talking about where these monsters need to go?

She must be on the job.

She's even got paperwork in her hand. I'd better leave her alone.

If that guy I overheard was right, the Guild is in charge of these cargo boxes.

The fact that Guild workers like Eina are here proves that something is going on, but it's under control.

There are so many things I want to ask her, but I'll wait for another chance.

She'll be angry at me if I get in the way. Don't really want to ask anyone else around here, though… They'll just laugh at me for not knowing.

I should just go. I can get answers later.

Besides, I probably smell horrible. My clothes are still soaked with sweat.

With one last glance in Eina's direction, I go up the stair and to the showers.

I wonder if the goddess will come back today. She left to go to a friend's party two days ago. She said she'd be gone for a few days, so I'm not too worried, but still.

I probably miss having her around more than she misses me.

I wonder what she's doing right now…

Don't really want to ask anyone else around here, though… They'll just laugh at me for not knowing.

I should just go. I can get answers later.

Besides, I probably smell horrible. My clothes are still soaked with sweat after all.

With one last glance in Eina's direction, I go up the stair and to the showers.

image

"Thank you for your hard work today."

A Guild receptionist saw me off as I left.

After my shower, I made the trip to Guild headquarters to exchange my magic stones and drop items for money.

I knew Eina wasn't there, so I got in and out as fast as I could.

"The sun is already going down…"

Golds and reds fill the evening sky.

From the front, headquarters really looks a lot like the basement of Babel Tower, now that I think about it. One step out the door and the noise of Main Street is already surrounding me.

Going around the monument on the front lawn, I pass through the front gate and into the throng of people already outside. There's a good mix of races out on Main Street tonight.

Actually, there are eight Main Streets in Orario. Every one of them starts at Babel and stretches all the way out to the city wall. I like to think of the city as a big cake with eight slices.

Each Main Street is named for the direction it goes from Babel Tower, like North Main or Southeast Main. The goddess and I live under a church between Northwest Main and West Main. The Benevolent Mistress, where Syr works, is located on West Main.

The Guild headquarters is here, too, so most people on this street are adventurers.

Adventurers and their supporters need the Guild for many things like paperwork, the Exchange, etc. I'm in here a few times a day, everyone else at least once a day, I'm sure. Out of all the Main Streets, West Main has by far the most adventurers.

Therefore, there's a lot of competition for shops and bars to get a spot on this street. Adventurers need supplies and a good place to relax, and they have money. This street is lined with weapon shops, armor shops, item stores, and lots of bars.

The places off of Main Street are a little shady, but you never know what you'll find in one of them. There are a few hotels here and there as well.

Adventurers are going in and out of shops all over the place. I've got some time to kill, let's see what's around. The goddess isn't home, so no rush.

"Hm? Oh, if it isn't Bell?"

"Ah! It's nice to see you again!"

A person walking toward me on the stone road called out.

Tall with a strong chin and a high nose, the young man has the look of royalty.

His presence feels different from a human or demi-human, even in a plain gray robe.

His absolute perfection sets him apart from everyone else on the street. Anyone can tell immediately he's a god. He's the only god I know personally—other than Hestia, of course. His name is Miaha. I'd better bow and say hello properly.

"Hello, Miaha. Are you out shopping?" Bell greeted.

"Yeah, picking up a few things for dinner myself today. What are you up to?"

"I'm just looking around… I don't have any money with me, so I'm window-shopping." Bell said.

Shirou had decided to take a long soak.

"Ha-hamm, I can relate. Everyone in a small Familia has to work hard, even the god."

He smiles at me from above two large paper bags, one in each hand. His smile is very soothing; he's an all-around cheerful god. Add in his ocean-blue hair, and he's an attractive man. I have to admit it.

The gods all look different—some very young, while some look almost middle-aged—but one thing they all have in common is an absolutely perfect face. A lot of us are jealous of them because of it; include me, just a little.

His wide smile is infectious, just like Hestia's. Wait! Maybe he knows something about her.

"Can I ask you a question, Miaha? Do you know where Hestia is right now? She went to a friend's party two days ago, and she still hasn't come home."

Hestia… hmmm. No, I'm sorry. I haven't seen her, either. I don't think I can be of much help."

"It's okay. Please don't worry about it."

A god apologized… to me? And he lowered his head! No no no. Head down, now!

"Two days ago… That's most likely Ganesha's Celebration. Unfortunately, I couldn't attend the event myself. If I had, I might have more to tell."

"Miaha, were you not invited to attend?"

"Ah, no. I got an invitation. But my Familia is struggling for money at the moment. I can't leave them at this stressful time, it wouldn't be right. I was hard at work creating a new compound. No time to go to a drinking party anyway."

I'll be frank when I say his Familia is a lot like mine, struggling to make ends meet.

That's half the reason I know Miaha—we are both in bottom-of-the-barrel Familias.

"Bell, I'd like you to have these. It's a sample of what I was working on the other night."

"Are you sure?!" he asked.

Transferring both bags to one arm, he casually reaches into the fold of his robe and takes out two small test tubes filled with a dark blue liquid and hands them to me like it was nothing. I take them almost as a reflex.

The syrupy potion slowly swishes around in the vial. Looks like deep ocean molasses.

"Miaha, are you sure this is okay?"

"What's wrong with giving a neighbor a cup of sugar? It's no problem."

He ignores my bewilderment and lets out a hearty laugh.

He pats my shoulder with his free hand and steps to the side.

"Well, I hope to be seeing you at my Familia's shop again real soon, Bell."

He waves one more time before turning around and continuing on his way.

Did that really just happen? I'm so happy! There he goes, into the crowd. I bow one more time as a send-off.

These potions recover physical strength. I'm sure they'll come in handy. Now where to put them…? Ah! My leg holster would be good. There we go.

Miaha's Familia makes items like this. Their store is very small, but they are a very specialized group.

I don't know too much about what goes on behind the scenes, but I know that each Familia in this business has its own recipe. They constantly look for new ways to get an edge on the competition. I like Miaha Familia's potions. I go there when I have

enough money to pick one up.

His Familia is a good example, but there are many Familias doing the same thing with other items and weapons.

Some Familias produce items, and some are filled with smiths who make armor and weapons. I even heard about one that brings in fresh fish from the ocean. At first, I thought that Familias were just groups of adventurers, but that's not always the case.

Gods need to make a living. How they do it is completely up to them.

The god chooses exactly what their Familia is going to do. That decision in turn affects the market they go into.

"Gekai's food is delicious, so I'll open a restaurant!" Kind of like that. They could even start their own country. They can do almost anything.

But competition among members within a Familia and from other Familias is also very strong. Fights tend to break out. Without some strong adventurers to keep the peace, a Familia can fall apart. It might not even get off the ground. Familias need

strong leaders, and adventurers fill that role pretty well.

Becoming an adventurer was perfect for me because it's a good way to make money. Okay, okay, I had a few more romantic reasons for wanting to be one, too. But I'm not trained to do anything else.

Here I am, walking to the left down Main Street, thinking about how I'd look working in one of these shops… Ha-ha, don't think so.

"…"

Getting close to the good weapon shops now. There are some really strong-looking adventurers around today. Ah! There it is!

The weapons shop in front of me is twice the size of its neighbors.

Not only that, it's painted to look like an inferno. It's impossible to miss this place.

There is a strange-looking sign above some really thick doors. "Hφαιστος"

I can't read those characters, but I know their meaning. It's the logo used by a world-famous Familia of smiths.

I don't think anyone's watching me…

Let's have a look-see at their display window.

One sheet of clear glass is between me and all sorts of sharp, shiny objects. Oh yeah, they make weapons, good ones. That one's got an emerald green blade! Those twin swords look awesome! The reach on that buster sword… it's huge!

There's even a rapier inlaid with gold plating!

Ohhhhh, there it is!

This display is genius. The tip of the dagger's white blade is thrust into the center of a treasure chest–like box. Magic stone lamps light it up from the top down. It's like that dagger itself is the treasure, and I just found it. Its finely honed edge looks just

as potent as the claw it was forged from. Not only is the blade a thing of beauty, it's just as powerful as the longer blades on display.

That's a lot of zeros on the price tag…

I would look so awesome with this…

Kind of sad to admit, but I've been coming by this window on my way home for a while now. Just to look at this work of art.

It's a top-class weapon used by the average adventurer.

I know, I'm a dirt-poor adventurer using a weapon purchased with money borrowed from the Guild, but I want to touch that one. Just once, just to see how it feels.

… I want it bad.

I'm sure other adventurers would laugh and say, "Yeah, in your dreams!" if I told them I want this dagger.

If I keep trying to catch up to Ms. Wallenstein, maybe the day I can hold this amazing weapon will come.

With that dagger in my hand, I'd be unstoppable. Slash this way, cut that way, monsters dropping like flies.

I've been staring into the glass for so long, I'm surprised it hasn't started melting…

Shirou got out of his long soak and saw Bell staring at the weapons in display.

"Not bad… those weapons are well made" Shirou said as he recorded them into his reality marble.

"Too bad they are so expensive, even if we saved so much our expenses and taxes take a lot" Bell said.

Shirou nodded but said nothing, Bell kinda envied Shirou not having to worry about equipment weapons.

"Did you found out where Hestia went of to? It had been 2 days since we last seen her so I am a bit concerned" Shirou said.

"Yes… she is most likely at a party hosted by Ganesha, his parties tend to be rather extravagant and last a while" Bell said.

"I see, well as long as she is okay there should be no need to worry" Shirou said.

The question is, how could they earn and save more money?

While the money they made was enough, expenses piled up, such as food, weapon and armor maintenance, city taxes for the Familia, money that goes to the Familia's coffer for use of the Familia and the Goddess (which she really didn't care much, she

only asked for a measly 10 percent of what we had at hand), not to mention clothes and whatnot.

So Bell was making do with an ordinary knife and a rather cheap armor that provided only the barest of protection.

While Bell's skills had shot up immensely due to his training and him basically soloing the dungeon (Shirou was there just as backup) his stats had increased, however they needed an edge as they were taking too long on gathering the spoils of their

victories.

It was then when Shirou noticed they the city looked somewhat livelier..

"What's going on?" he asked.

"There is an Event hosted by the Ganesha Familia… 'Monsterphilia' or something… not sure what it is about" Bell said.

Shirou didn't care about it so they just went back home, hoping for the goddess to come back safely.

Close by

"How long do you plan on doing that?"

"…"

While Bell was drooling over a weapon on display on the first floor of the weapons shop, a very irritated red-haired goddess was sitting behind a desk on the third floor above him.

Hephaistos, dressed in her Familia's uniform, had had enough. Her frustration poured into every syllable of her words.

The source of her annoyance was on the other side of her desk, a goddess on her hands and knees with her face pressed onto the floor. It was none other than Hestia.

They were on the third floor of Hephaistos Familia's main store located on Northwest Main.

The store was the base of operations for her Familia's world-famous brand. The third floor was devoted to management and currently packed with tension.

"You realize I'm very busy?"

"…"

"You may be very quiet, but I can't concentrate on paperwork with you there. Don't you get it?"

"…"

"Hestia?"

"…"

"… haa…"

Hephaistos could only sigh at the lump of a goddess on the floor, at her friend who had not moved from that position.

For an entire day.

That's how long Hestia had kept her head down, plastered to the floorboards.

On the night of the Celebration, Hestia had asked her to have her Familia make a weapon for one of her members.

Hephaistos dismissed it immediately.

Even though she didn't brag about it, the smiths of Hephaistos Familia were known as the best in the business. She had a reputation to uphold. Run-of-the-mill adventurers and Familias didn't have the resources to buy her weapons.

To have her smiths make a weapon just for a friend was out of the question. To request her smiths' sweat and blood to produce anything under those terms would be an abuse of power. Completely taboo.

Hephaistos had told Hestia many times, and as directly as possible, to come back with some money if she wanted to make a custom order.

However, Hestia hadn't given up and kept on asking. Every time she asked, her head bowed lower and lower. She'd been persistent since the start of the Celebration, and Hephaistos was at her limit.

Hestia showed no signs of giving up, or of even raising her head.

Hephaistos had told her to do whatever she wanted and gone back to her Familia's home base. She'd been planning to ignore Hestia until she gave up. Hestia was bound to get hungry and go home at some point.

That was two days ago.

Hestia was still pleading.

Why is she doing this…?

Hephaistos looked down on her with a questioning eye.

She couldn't understand what drove Hestia to keep that pose, even while Hephaistos was trying to sleep. It was quite a shock when she woke up. She nearly fell out of her bed.

She'd asked for many things before, but something was different this time.

Hestia's strong will, her obsession, was shining through.

"Just what is that pose? You've been doing it since yesterday."

"… Dogeza."

"Do-ge-za?"

"Také told me this pose has the power to make people forgive whatever you have done and grant any request."

"Také…?"

"Takemikazuchi…"

"Aaa…," said Hephaistos as the face of the god in question floated into her mind. She knew that if Hestia was taking his advice, this could be a real pain.

I can't take this anymore…Hephaistos sighed. She couldn't focus on her paperwork. So, she set her feather pen on the side of her desk and piled up the papers that still needed her signature.

The sun cast long, golden shadows across the room. Night was almost upon them.

Hephaistos glanced outside before straightening her always perfect posture. Taking a deep breath, she cast her gaze onto the back of Hestia's head.

"… Hestia, tell me. Why are you going this far?"

Her finger lightly scratched her eye patch as she posed her question.

"… Because I want to help him!"

Hestia didn't look up, only raised her voice loud enough to be clearly understood.

"He's changing, and quickly. He—Bell has a goal, and he's chosen the hardest path to follow. It's a dangerous path, that's why I want to help! I want to give him the strength he needs! A weapon that will clear a path for him!"

Hestia kept talking with her face to the floor, never looking up.

A god asking another god for help. Hestia had to reveal her true intentions. It was impossible to hide anything from a god. She bared her entire being in an attempt to persuade Hephaistos to change her mind.

"He is always helping me! I feel like I am living off his hard work! I'm his goddess, but I haven't done anything godlike for him! Even my other child has done so much for him… training him,teaching him tactics and giving him confidence"

Hestia's whole body tensed as she squeezed out her next words:

"… I hate being useless…"

Her voice was weak, but it was enough to reach Hephaistos's ears.

At that moment, the truth in Hestia's words convinced her to act.

"… All right. A weapon shall be made for this… boy."

Hestia's eyes shot open as her head popped up. Hephaistos shrugged.

"If I didn't say yes, you'd never move."

"… Yes. Thank you, Hephaistos!"

Hestia tried to jump to her feet, but after spending a day facedown on the floor, her limbs weren't ready. She fell back to her knees, an innocent smile on her face.

Hephaistos sighed again, but this time it was lighthearted.

She knew she was being too nice to her, but Hephaistos saw a change in Hestia. She felt no animosity helping her like this.

At least Hestia wasn't shut up in a room in her shop anymore. Thinking of the difference between those days and now made her smile despite herself.

"But let me say this: You will pay back every single val, understood? I don't care if it takes one hundred years, you will repay me."

That didn't mean she was going to give the weapon to her for free.

Even though Hestia was taking advantage of her own resources to get what she wanted, the world-famous Hephaistos Familia was taking action. Hestia had to work for it.

However, Hestia had shown resolve. Hephaistos nodded to herself as she stood up from her chair, walked over to the still-kneeling Hestia, and softly poked her nose.

"I know, I know. I can do it if I try. And I'll prove to you that my feelings for Bell are the real thing!"

"Ha-ha, I'm looking forward to it."

Hephaistos was only half listening to Hestia's bold words as she walked over to a shelf at the other side of the room.

Mostly used for decoration, the shelf held a line of brand-new short hammers of varying colors.

"What does he use?"

"Umm… He uses a knife…"

Hephaistos muttered, "Is that right," under her breath as she picked up a vermilion hammer from the display shelf.

The hammer had no useless decorations or markings—it was designed to be used, not seen. Hephaistos slid the tool into a pouch strapped around her waist.

Next, she walked farther down the shelf to a clear crystal case and opened the lid. The case contained a mix of assorted metals and alloys. She selected one that sparkled a light silver hue, mythril.

Lighter and stronger than iron, mythril was also far more malleable and easier to work with.

It was the best metal for a female blacksmith's thin arms, with no special abilities, to shape.

"H-Hephaistos? Are you going to make it yourself?"

"Yes, of course. That should be obvious. This has nothing to do with my Familia. It's a private request between us. I can't let them get involved."

This was the main store of her Familia's business, but it was equipped with a rather small forge and workshop on the first floor. Hephaistos was planning to go there to make the weapon herself.

She shot Hestia a look with her good eye as if to say, "You have a problem with that?"

Hestia shook her head and arms, indicating, "Not one." Her face beamed with youthful energy.

"Why would I have a reason to complain? Bell will get a weapon made by the most famous blacksmith in all of Tenkai! In fact, I couldn't ask for more!"

"Have you forgotten? This isn't Tenkai, I can't use my 'power' here."

The gods and goddesses had a mutual agreement. All of them were forbidden to use Arkanam while on Gekai.

Hephaistos had made hundreds of weapons and pieces of armor for gods while living in Tenkai. But down here, the Goddess of the Forge was on par with an unblessed child, just a human in terms of strength.

"You think I care? I'm so happy you're doing this!"

"…"

She didn't doubt Hephaistos's skill. Accepting her work with no conditions still made Hephaistos uneasy. It was written all over her face.

What bothered her most was that she didn't care.

"… You will be lending me a hand. I'm not going to let you just sit around."

"You can count on me!"

Hiding a small smile with her fingers, Hephaistos turned to leave.

Hestia followed her, bouncing up and down like an excited puppy.

Got to follow the customer's wishes, don't I?

Hephaistos was changing her mind-set from the leader of the Familia to that of a craftsman.

The blade that Hestia desired…

A blade that would clear the path for an adventurer.

A blade worthy of the name "Hephaistos."

… Easier said than done…

Hephaistos dug through her memory to recall as much information about the boy as she could.

Bell Cranell. Human. A barely fourteen-year-old boy.

He was the only other member of Hestia Familia. He'd received his Falna little more than two weeks ago.

Basically, he was a greenhorn as far as adventurers were concerned.

A high-quality blade useable by the most inexperienced of adventurers…

This was a very difficult problem.

Adventurers who tried to use too strong of a blade suffered for it. Their growth stopped as they tried to master the weapon. They couldn't wield it in battle. To put it simply, they were not ready.

On the other hand, if she made a poor blade, it would damage the name "Hephaistos."

Hephaistos considered herself a smith before a god. She took a lot of pride in everything she made. She wouldn't allow herself to produce anything less than the best. It was her policy.

Anything worth making was worth making well. She decided to put her heart and soul into making the perfect blade.

She was between a rock and a hard place.

Well… how shall we do this?

She called on the knowledge that came from making countless other pieces.

It may be for a friend, but this order is a real pain in the ass…

Hestia looked on with bubbly eyes as Hephaistos went to work, cursing the whole thing.