Chapter 80 – What I really want is to become stronger

Hephaestus didn't know how Miach felt when Aston made potions for her before. But now, she understood. 

Aston, in the realm of forging, was no less skilled than her. 

Although Aston's forged equipment was only of the second class, not the top class in Orario, her discerning eye could easily see the strength of Aston's forging skills.

Such skill in forging had reached its peak, stepping into the realm of the divine.

At least, she couldn't compare to him now. Unable to use divine power for forging, she simply couldn't match Aston.

Hephaestus was well aware that with Aston's forging skills, he could easily create a divine weapon if he wished. 

Not just Hephaestus, but Tsubaki, who was also present, was utterly astonished.

What had she seen?

Standing at the pinnacle of Orario's forging world, having the title of a great artisan, she was learning and gaining new knowledge from Aston's techniques – knowledge she had never encountered before.

After the shock, Tsubaki's expression turned to one of immense excitement.

Such simple creation of second-class weapons, many crafted in just a few hours.

For her, even crafting a single second-class weapon would take several hours.

And these weapons could definitely sell for hundreds of millions of valis.

"See, Hephaestus, you saw that, right?"

"Aston's forging skills far exceed my imagination," Tsubaki excitedly said to Hephaestus.

"Ah, it also far exceeds my imagination," Hephaestus nodded in agreement.

"Just with his forging skills, Aston could rapidly develop the Hestia Familia," she said, feeling deeply impressed.

"I don't want to do that."

"For me, forging is just a side job. What I really want is to become stronger, to keep getting stronger until I'm unbeatable," Aston said with a smile, having just successfully forged the last magic wand, responding to Hephaestus.

As Hephaestus said, Aston could develop and strengthen the Hestia Familia anytime he wanted.

Master of forging, master of potion-making, master of enchanting – any of these side jobs could achieve that.

However, Aston didn't want to use these means to develop and strengthen the Familia.

Expanding the Familia in such a way, no matter how large it grew, would it not still be vulnerable to destruction by others?

Just like the Demeter Familia.

The Demeter Familia, providing food for all of Orario, was huge, second perhaps only to the Ganesha Familia guarding Orario's borders.

Yet, such a large Familia was still manipulated and threatened by the God of Wine, Dionysus.

Loki's and Freya's Familias were also large, but would Dionysus dare to threaten them?

Thus, in Aston's mind, the Familia needed to grow and become strong, not relying on his side jobs, but on pure strength, to stand at the pinnacle of Orario with formidable power.

Focusing on strength as the main, and assistance as the secondary, this is indeed the most suitable development model.

"That's a shame," Hephaestus expressed her regret upon hearing Aston's decision not to follow the same path as her Familia. She then curiously looked at the neatly arranged weapons and asked, "Aston, is the Hestia Familia starting to expand now? And choosing the path of a magic corps?"

"Ah, yes, we're planning to form a magic corps. Hestia has already gone to recruit new members," Aston nodded slightly, not hiding anything.

"Is that so? Congratulations then," Hephaestus smiled. "With you there, I'm sure the Hestia Familia will develop quickly. If you need any help, just let me know."

"I have to go now, but..." Aston started, but was interrupted.

"Aston, let's discuss forging techniques together," Tsubaki chimed in excitedly.

Late at night, Aston returned to the underground church with slow steps. He had originally planned to return after creating the magic staves for the magic corps and enchanting them. However, as soon as he mentioned leaving, Tsubaki interrupted him.

Tsubaki insisted on discussing forging techniques with him, and even Hephaestus looked forward to it. Having just taken so many resources from Hephaestus, Aston felt awkward to refuse. He ended up going to the Hephaestus Familia headquarters with the two of them to discuss forging techniques.

Initially, the three of them were on equal footing in their discussion about forging techniques. Tsubaki, being Orario's top artisan, had a lot of knowledge about forging.

However, as time progressed, Tsubaki gradually couldn't keep up with Aston and Hephaestus.

Eventually, Tsubaki became more of a student, taking notes on Aston and Hephaestus's exchange, gaining new forging techniques useful to her. 

The conversation lasted all afternoon, from 1 PM until now.

Had Aston not had other commitments tonight, Hephaestus and Tsubaki would probably have kept him talking all night.

"Hephaestus really is a deity of forging. Her knowledge in forging is impressive; even I have benefited greatly," Aston thought to himself. "Other mountains' stones can indeed polish jade; the ancients did not deceive me." Contemplating quietly, Aston opened the door to the underground church and walked down the stairs.

Before he could take two steps, the figures of Hestia and others appeared at the stairway entrance.

"Aston, you're finally back." Before Aston could descend, Hestia rushed up in just a few steps and threw herself into his arms.

"Sorry, sorry. I went to Hephaestus to forge some magic weapons, and then Hephaestus pulled me aside to discuss forging techniques, so I got back late," Aston said, gently stroking Hestia's head to calm her.

"Wow, discussing techniques with Hephaestus!"

"Indeed, your forging skills are on par with your potion-making skills."

"You truly are my Aston!" Hestia's eyes lit up with pride at his words.

Although she had some idea of Aston's skills, hearing his words still made Hestia uncontrollably proud.

"You are my first Familia member, after all."

"So, how did your tasks go?"

"Ah, about that..."

***

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