DH : [55] Ήφαιστος (Patreon)

For this establishment, if perfection were rated out of ten, Aiden would give it a nine. So, why the deduction of one point? Because it was simply too expensive, to the extent that even Hestia wore a pained expression as Aiden paid.

Having indulged in a sumptuous feast, under Hestia's lead, the two arrived at the blacksmith shop belonging to her dear friend, Hephaestus.

It was a large-scale establishment, exuding an aura of opulence.

Above the tightly closed shop door hung a sign bearing the inscription Ήφαιστος.

"Is this Greek?" Aiden, empowered by the system's linguistic omniscience, easily deciphered the meaning of the inscription... Hephaestus.

With a familiar stride, Hestia greeted the shop and pushed the door open. "I've come to see you, Hephaestus!"

Seemingly aware that Hephaestus was inside, Hestia boldly entered, and Aiden could only follow suit.

It wasn't until they stepped into the blacksmith shop that Aiden realized poverty had truly limited his imagination. The scale of the shop exceeded his expectations by far.

Upon entering, a distinct metallic scent greeted them. Despite its spaciousness, there wasn't a single shop assistant in sight. Instead, numerous weapons lined the walls on both sides.

There was an abundance of swords and spears.

Swords alone came in various types: one-handed swords, broadswords, twin swords, greatswords, longswords, katanas, scimitars...

As mentioned earlier, adventurers were classified into different levels, and superior adventurers had their gear categorized accordingly, corresponding to the three levels of superior adventurers.

Adventurers who reached Level 2 were called Third Level adventurers.

Adventurers who reached Levels 3 and 4 were called Second Level adventurers.

And adventurers who reached Level 5 and above were known as First Level adventurers.

Just like superior adventurers, the fine equipment available was also graded, matching each level of superior adventurer.

These graded pieces of equipment, aside from being sharper and sturdier than ordinary gear, differ primarily in their enchantment-like effects, which can only be crafted by blacksmiths with the development ability of Blacksmith.

Although Aiden wasn't aware, Durandal was not only sharp but also incredibly resilient, to the point where even Orario's mightiest, Ottar, couldn't break it. Hence, having a near indestructible effect in this world was also why Ais recognized Durandal's strength.

Displayed here were weapons that even ordinary people could tell were extraordinary at a glance. This was because the least of them were Third Level weapons.

Aiden's gaze swept across and caught sight of a curved blade resembling a crescent moon, its pure white blade emitting a chilly aura.

What caught Aiden's attention the most was a katana strikingly similar to Yamato.

It was placed on crimson silk alongside its black leather scabbard, its elliptical guard, golden handle, curved blade, measuring nearly four feet in length. The silver-white blade, even indoors, shimmered with captivating brilliance. Its flowing cloud pattern and razor-sharp edge not only exuded beauty but also hinted at its lethality.

Of course, the price tag quietly placed beside it confirmed this.

"Indeed, compared to Red Queen, I prefer Yamato. Why did I choose Durandal just to show off back then... I hope the greatsword forged from the dragon horn won't disappoint me." Aiden finally tore his gaze away from the katana resembling Yamato, following behind Hestia.

Apart from weapons, there was no shortage of armor.

Leather armor, heavy armor, plate armor, light armor... everything was available. From their exquisite decoration and design, it was evident that these armors were also exceptional.

With such an extensive array of equipment, aside from Hephaestus's own creations, most were likely crafted by advanced blacksmiths from Hephaestus Familia.

As Aiden observed these weapons, a door not far away opened, and a person walked out at a leisurely pace.

Similar to Loki whom Aiden had encountered before, she had crimson hair and crimson eyes, a graceful figure, and delicate features. Her attire was simple... a white shirt paired with black gloves, black fitted trousers, and black high-heeled shoes. The only thing that slightly marred her beauty was the black eye patch over her right eye, even though it gives her a unique impression that is different from other women.

She was Hestia's good friend, Hephaestus.

Even though they were good friends, Hephaestus couldn't withstand Hestia, who had been loafing around at her place ever since coming down to the Lower World, neither working nor intending to organize her familia.

Even when Hephaestus finally reached her limit and kicked Hestia out, Hestia still relied on her for everything... sometimes it was financial difficulties, sometimes it was finding a job, sometimes it was accommodation.

But Hephaestus couldn't bear to see Hestia starve on the streets and return to the heavens in disgrace. Despite being driven to her wits' end, she ultimately helped Hestia solve her problems.

First, she lent her money, then she helped her find a job, and finally, she arranged accommodation for her. It was truly painstaking.

This was also a significant reason why Hestia's reputation as the goddess of poverty spread far and wide.

In the anime, Hestia even knelt before Hephaestus for three days, begging her to forge the Hestia Knife, a growth-type divine weapon, for Bell. The value of the Hestia Knife reached 200 million valis. It's worth noting that, even without considering the value of the embedded magic stones, Riveria's staff cost only 340 million valis.

So it's fair to say that Hephaestus truly deserved to be called Hestia's good friend.

"Hestia, it's been a while. I heard you found someone willing to join your familia?" Hephaestus walked up to Hestia, somewhat delighted.

Like a naughty child suddenly showing signs of improvement and willingness to progress, Hephaestus was genuinely pleased.

"Yes, indeed! This is Aiden-kun, who's willing to join my familia." Faced with her good friend whom she hadn't seen in over a month, Hestia immediately ran up to her with a delighted expression, eagerly introducing Aiden to her.

"Hello, Hephaestus-sama, I'm Aiden Sparda, an adventurer who has been with Hestia Familia for a month. Just call me Aiden." Aiden walked up to Hestia's side, nodding slightly as a form of greeting.

"Hmn, I'm Hestia's friend, Hephaestus. Just call me Hephaestus." Hephaestus was quite satisfied with Aiden, of course, as long as Aiden wasn't eight feet tall, with a waistline of eight feet, and dressed like a beggar.