Hephaestus Family [1/2]

Disclaimer: I own nothing. This story has no interest in offending any party. Its sole purpose is to entertain readers. Enjoy ~

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Chapter 03

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Jol woke up to the sun caressing his face! 

''Hmm~''

An involuntary grunt escaped his lips due to the discomfort of the direct light in his eyes.

Hastily, he covered his face with his hand, trying to protect himself from the sun's invasion. 

With a slightly annoyed expression, Jol grumbled.

''Is it morning already?'' He muttered as his forearm went up to his forehead. 

Sighing, he looked up at the ceiling and then sat up. 

Sitting on the edge of the bed, he surveyed the room, reassured to realize that his belongings were intact. 

Rising, he walked over to a small table where a jug of fresh water was resting. 

With characteristic elegance, he used the water to wipe his face, a gesture that highlighted his distinguished figure.

As he faced the mirror, he couldn't resist admiring himself.

''I'm so beautiful... what are the gods compared to me?'' He laughed to himself, sneering jocularly. 

[System Warning!] 

Jol heard a notification and looked at the red pop-up.

[Pacth 2.0!]

[A new function has been added: Quest!] 

''Hmm... that's new.'' Muttering, he would wait until a ''Quest'' was triggered! 

Putting his momentary narcissism aside, Jol began to dress with the same efficiency with which he faced his responsibilities. 

In the blink of an eye, he was fully dressed.

He went down to the second floor of the inn known as the Hostess of Fertility. 

Ignoring the curious glances of the waitresses who were organizing the place for the start of a new day, Jol set off, leaving behind a trail of elegance and confidence.

In the tranquil Plaza del Amor, Jol found refuge on a wooden bench, where he dedicated himself to what he did best: ignoring the curious looks around him. 

Amid this invigorating pause, a small black cat jumped onto the bench, choosing Jol's lap as a place to bask in the sun's rays.

''Hm~''

Singing softly, Jol slid his hand up to the feline's head, stroking it tenderly.

''Meow~''

The cat responded with a happy meow, establishing a brief, comforting moment of connection. 

Ten minutes later, the little fellow departed, leaving Jol alone again. 

With a quick wipe, Jol got up from the bench.

The Hephaestus Family loomed large in his thoughts, as Eina had already mentioned that they were recruiting new adventurers.

Northwest.

Arriving at the forges and workshops of the Hephaestus Family, Jol entered one of the workshops, and a bell echoed subtly. 

A human man appeared from among the high shelves, greeting him cordially.

"Welcome! What would you like to see? Long swords, broad swords or short swords, bows, gauntlets, shields or axes?''

''Hm... actually, I saw the announcement about the Goddess Hephaestus recruiting. I'm new to Orario and I was a bit lost as to where I should go.'' Jol explained politely.

''Ah, I see.'' Patrick replied. ''Come with me, I'll take you to Hephaestus-Sama's office.''

Patrick led Jol through the busy corridors of the workshop, where the rhythmic beating of hammers and the heat of the forges created a vibrant atmosphere. 

They came to a solid wooden door with the Hephaestus Family symbol carefully carved on it.

''Here we are.'' Patrick opened the door, revealing a well-organized office. Hephaestus, the goddess of metallurgy, was busy analyzing designs and plans at her desk.

Hephaestus emanated a distinct beauty. 

Hephaestus carried with her the charm of a mature woman. 

Her eyes, a dazzling red, contrasted with the seductive color of her red hair, which stretched down to her neck, enveloping her figure.

Her face, sculpted with precise features, displayed a delineated jaw and a slightly upturned nose, giving it a peculiar elegance. 

However, the most striking detail was the eye patch over his right eye, an adornment that added an enigmatic air to his appearance. 

Her body, slender and graceful, radiated a serene confidence that only maturity can confer.

"Ah, another recruit? She looked up, revealing a curious expression. ''How can I help you?

Jol bowed respectfully. ''My name is Jol Sylvaneir. I've heard that your family is recruiting, and I'm interested in joining.''

Hephaestus smiled, receptive to Jol's words. ''Jol Sylvaneir, welcome to the Hephaestus Family. ''

''...That easy?'' Jol asked. ''There won't be any questionnaires about me?''

Hephaestus smiled, watching Jol curiously. ''You're the second High Elf I've met and someone who's wearing all the robes with enchantments and a living sword. Surely, you're not someone so simple.'' She spoke, quickly judging Jol correctly.

''I see~''

''Well, Jol, take off your clothes and lie down on the sofa,'' said Hephaestus, indicating a nearby sofa.

After taking off his cloak and shirt, Jol sat down with his back exposed to the air while leaning on the back of the chair. 

Waiting a few moments, he started to turn around when a voice interrupted him.

''Stand straight, I'm going to start. Try to relax, as the ceremony can sometimes cause discomfort.''

Looking at his well-developed back muscles, she slowly placed her finger on his back after poking him with a needle. 

She began to mutter an incantation as she drew her Family crest on his back. 

Although she was a little distracted by the physical contact, she managed to complete the ceremony without incident. 

For the entire duration, she noticed that Jol was able to maintain his posture without wavering in the slightest. 'He must have good tolerance,' she thought as she began to inspect his new status board.

What she saw almost sent her soul back to heaven.

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[Jol Sylvaneir]

Level: 1

Strength: I 0

Endurance: I 0

Dexterity: I 0

Agility: I 0

Magic: I 0

[Skills]: 

Transmutation: [F] Aura [F] 

[Magic]: 

Hydrokinesis [F] Geokinesis [F] Lucis Sacrae Dominium [F]

[Development Skills] : 

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''What the hell is that!?'' Hephaestus exclaimed.

[Skill Acquired!]

Jol heard a notification in his ear as a pop-up appeared in front of him.

[Lucis Sacrae Dominium]

Level: F

Cost: 100 MP to cast.

''Oh, Holy Light, enlighten these impure beings.''

Jol felt the knowledge enter his head. 

He quickly dispelled the pop-up and focused on Hephaestus, who stared at him as if he were a freak.

''What happened, Hephaestus-sama?'' Jol asked, keeping his back turned.

''In Orario, there has never been a record of anyone with more than two skills, yet you have five skills..." Hephaestus commented, clearly shocked.

''Hey, Hephaestus-sama.'' Said Jol. ''Can I see those skills?''

''Yes, of course, let me finish.'' She spoke hurriedly. 

Hephaestus completed the process quickly, although his expression revealed his bewilderment at the unexpected.

Finally, she handed the information to Jol while he got dressed. "Here," said Hephaestus, watching him carefully.

''Well, I already had these abilities, but except the Lucis Sacrae Dominium.'' Jol says.

(A/n: Lucis Sacrae Dominium = Manipulation of Holy Light.)

Concentrating on his new skill, Lucis Sacrae Dominium, Jol generated a long sword of light in his hand and wielded it with incredible grace.

Hephaestus clapped her hands.

''Jol, can you show me your other skills?'' Hephaestus asked.

''Of course, Hephaestus-sama.'' Jol replied.

Jol used his Hydrokinesis to generate a water shield in front of him.

Then.

He switched to Geokinesis and formed a spear of earth, making it denser than normal.

And finally, he used Transmutation, metamorphosing the earth into steel.

''Unfortunately, I'm going to owe you the use of Aura; I still have no idea how to use it.'' Jol commented.

Hephaestus was wide-eyed.

''Did you turn earth into steel?'' Hephaestus asked as he took the 2-meter steel spear from Jol's hands.

However, she quickly realized that the spear was heavier than she had thought. 

The steel Jol had created wasn't just a visual imitation; it had real density and strength. Hephaestus was impressed by Jol's precise transmutation skills.

''Jol, your skills are truly unique and incredible. Praised Hephaestus. ''I've never seen anything like it here in Orario. You're certainly a special adventurer.''