Hera Familia’s Equipment

In this world, a person's life is fragile. People die from disease and hunger. People die from war. People even die from being attacked by wild beasts and bandits.

At least in his original world, there were laws governing society, even if most of the upper class was immune to law.

At first, Charlie was willing to join Hera Familia because he had no other choice.

Although people in the lower world can become stronger than ordinary people after receiving Falna, the gods do not give their blessings to everyone. The gods only choose talented individuals or those who catch their attention.

Charlie wasn't confident he could catch the eye of Njord Familia or Poseidon Familia in the city of Menel, and as for Familia in Orario, he couldn't guarantee he'd reach there safely. After all, there were many monsters roaming the forests.

Therefore, he had mentally prepared himself not to receive any benefits other than Falna after becoming a member of Hera Familia. However, beyond his wildest expectations, Hera showed him the equipment stored in a hidden room.

"You have the Prodigy Swordsman Skill, it would be a waste if you didn't choose a sword as your main weapon. Pick the sword you like."

"That was my intention. Goddess Hera, could you recommend equipment for me? After all, I'm an Otherworlder, my vision is still limited, it's better I leave it to your experience."

Hera's voice snapped Charlie out of his daze, the numerous pieces of equipment in the secret room leaving him unsure of what to choose. He wasn't familiar with cold weapons, so letting her choose the gear for him was the best option.

"You're right. Which sword would suit you?"

Agreeing with his proposal, Hera examined the dozens of swords displayed on the racks.

There were long swords, heavy swords, rapiers, katanas, sabres, claymores, and other types of swords.

"Just pick the strongest one."

Not being a swordsman herself, she didn't know much about swords. So Hera picked the sword she deemed the strongest from the rack.

"Use this sword. You won't need to replace it in the future."

"A beautiful sword."

Receiving the sword she offered, Charlie drew it from its sheath and couldn't help but admire it.

The color was primarily silver-white. The sword had a long blade, and its hilt had a curved, elongated segment that arched from the left side to slightly past the middle of the blade on the right side.

"Its name is the Sword of Damocles, a First-Tier Weapon. Its material is forged from the rib of Behemoth, Orichalcum metal, a strand of my hair and my blood. The Sword of Damocles is an excellent conductor for all five magical elements and possesses the Durandal Attribute. Furthermore, this sword is alive and will grow stronger according to the status of its wielder. Only members of Hera Familia can use it; if it falls into someone else's hands, it's just worthless scrap metal."

"That sounds very impressive..."

Listening to Hera's explanation, Charlie understood how amazing and valuable the Sword of Damocles was.

"You may not understand the concept of weapon tiers. Weapons are divided into five tiers. Fifth-Tier Weapons are trash usually given to beginner adventurers by the guild, priced between 3,600 and 5,000 valis."

"Fourth-Tier Weapons are usually used by Level 1 to Level 2 adventurers, priced between 14,000 and 70,000 valis. Third-Tier Weapons are sold for up to 1 million valis. Second-Tier Weapons are priced between 1 million and 40 million valis. Lastly, First-Tier Weapons range from 40 million to 400 million valis, depending on whether the weapon has the Durandal Attribute and the materials used."

"Gulp."

Hearing the staggering price of First-Tier Weapons, Charlie reassessed the Sword of Damocles in his hands.

"Goddess Hera, how much is the Sword of Damocles worth?"

"450 million valis. The Sword of Damocles was personally forged by Hephaestus. Unfortunately, its user was ambushed and killed by members of Evilus who were greedy to rob it. Fortunately, before they could take the Sword of Damocles, Alfia and Meteria came to the rescue, and both slaughtered the enemies. But... they were too late, the wielder of the Sword of Damocles was already on his last breath, even Elixir couldn't save him."

When mentioning 'Evilus,' Hera's gaze became dangerous, and her voice turned very cold.

"..."

Seeing Hera's frightening expression, Charlie refrained from asking what Evilus was. As for the Durandal Attribute mentioned, he already knew through a lengthy conversation with her yesterday.

The Durandal Attribute is a trait that can be added to weapons by high-level blacksmiths with the Blacksmith Development Ability, making them nearly indestructible and also resistant to acid. Made from Orichalcum, the strongest metal originally created in the Pre-God Era before the Dungeon was sealed.

Of course, weapons with the Durandal Attribute can become dull and need sharpening, and extreme pressure can cause them to break.

"Are you going to use armor?"

After a brief moment of nostalgia, Hera asked for Charlie's opinion.

"No need for armor. Wearing full armor would only slow down my movement."

Considering his fighting style, which relied on speed and agility, Charlie felt no need to wear full armor, which would reduce his mobility.

"Even so, you can't ignore defense. Use a vest, arm guards, shoulder guards, and boots."

Except for the Sword of Damocles, which was a First-Tier Weapon, the other equipment given to Charlie was only Second-Tier.

There was no other choice. After all, most of the First-Tier Weapons were brought by the main members on expeditions against the One-Eyed Black Dragon.

Hera dressed Charlie in the gear she thought suited him.

"Maybe this is fate... This is the last one, Eclipse Aegis, just like the Sword of Damocles, it's a First-Tier Weapon."

Holding a beautiful white cloak, Hera felt melancholic. Then, she helped him wear the cloak.

"Take good care of this cloak, Charlie." She said seriously.

"Goddess Hera seems to have an emotional attachment to this cloak named Eclipse Aegis. May I ask the reason?" Charlie asked cautiously, afraid of provoking her anger.

"Eclipse Aegis was the equipment of the captain of Hera Familia, Empress. The only Level 9 adventurer with the alias Divine Tyrant."

"I see."

Charlie understood why Hera showed a sad expression earlier.

"Eclipse Aegis was also personally made by Hephaestus, using the skin of Leviathan and other monsters found in the Dungeon's Deep Floors. As long as you wear it, your body temperature remains stable in extreme heat or cold, it's immune to sharp weapons, so you don't need to worry about being stabbed in the back, and you can breathe underwater."

"Empress found Eclipse Aegis not very useful in battle besides its comfort functions. So she replaced it with a stronger cloak."

"Now you look more dignified after wearing the new equipment."

Not lingering in the sadness of the past, Hera praised her handiwork.

Previously, Charlie looked simple in his plain clothes. Now his appearance had drastically changed. A white cloak with luxurious gold embroidery draped over his body, accompanied by shining arm and shoulder guards, and a belt that firmly held the Sword of Damocles at his waist.

"Thank you for all your gifts, Goddess Hera."

"No need to thank me, it's your reward for joining my Familia. Become strong, and don't die before you grow up. Don't disappoint me, Charlie Avalon."

"Yes, I'll do my best to meet your expectations, Goddess Hera."

Since Charlie had been given the best equipment in the storage room, Hera led him out.