Fifteen minutes passed before Eina finally returned to the consultation room. Her expression was composed, but Felis could tell she had been deep in discussion. As she took her seat across from him, she folded her hands together on the desk.
"The Guild has made its decision," she began. "First, we want to express our gratitude. You volunteered to maintain the safety of the upper floors without being asked. That kind of selflessness isn't something we take lightly. The Guild won't forget your contributions."
Felis nodded, his tail flicking idly behind him. "I didn't do it for thanks, but it's good to hear."
Eina offered him a small smile before continuing. "That said, the Guild is currently drafting mid-term countermeasures to deal with the ongoing monster variant situation. We're considering hiring a Familia suited for the job—one that can handle frequent patrols and suppress threats before they escalate."
Felis leaned back slightly, tapping his fingers on the armrest. "Then I have a suggestion. Consider giving the commission to Takemikazuchi Familia."
Eina blinked, tilting her head slightly. "Takemikazuchi Familia?"
"They might not be one of Orario's big-name Familias, but they're disciplined, work well as a unit, and their combat ability is more than enough to contend with the variants appearing in the upper floors." He shrugged. "I've seen them in action. If you're looking for efficiency and reliability, they'd be a solid choice."
Eina hummed in thought, tapping a finger against her lips. "That's… actually a reasonable proposal. I'll bring it up with the Guild."
Felis smirked. "I'd bet a good meal they'll agree."
Eina rolled her eyes but didn't deny it.
Felis bid Eina farewell, leaving the Guild behind as he made his way toward the Dungeon. As promised, he would clear out any threats lingering on the upper floors before moving on to his next destination.
---
With his task complete, Felis exited the Dungeon without delay, making his way through Orario's bustling streets. His next stop: Hephaestus' workshop.
---
The moment Felis stepped into Hephaestus' store, the shopkeeper greeted him with a polite nod.
"Ah, Felis-sama. Hephaestus-sama has already given instructions—please proceed directly to the workshop."
There was no need for further words. Felis inclined his head in thanks before making his way inside.
The forge's heat enveloped him the instant he stepped through the doors. The air carried the thick scent of molten metal, and the steady clang of steel on steel filled the space like a measured heartbeat.
At the center of it all stood Hephaestus.
She was fully absorbed in her craft, her single crimson eye focused intently on the sword taking shape beneath her hammer. Sparks flared with each precise strike, flitting through the dim glow of the workshop before vanishing into nothing.
Felis knew better than to interrupt. Instead, he leaned against a workbench, silently watching her work.
Her movements were fluid, controlled—every motion honed by centuries of experience. She lifted the hammer with practiced ease, bringing it down in steady, deliberate strikes, forging raw metal into something greater. Strength and grace intertwined, her every motion a testament to her mastery.
Stray strands of crimson hair clung to her temple, damp with sweat, but she paid them no mind. The flickering forge-light cast shadows across her features, highlighting the quiet intensity in her gaze.
Felis exhaled softly.
'She's something else, huh…'
Even without being a blacksmith, he could recognize true craftsmanship when he saw it. This wasn't just skill—it was devotion. The kind of dedication that turned ordinary steel into legends. And right now, he had the privilege of witnessing it firsthand.
The rhythmic clang of hammer against metal ceased, leaving only the lingering heat of the forge, shimmering in the dim glow. Hephaestus exhaled, brushing a hand through her fiery-red hair as she turned from the anvil. Her single crimson eye settled on Felis, who had been watching in silent respect.
"Alright, that's done," she said, setting her hammer aside. "You've been standing there for a while. Got anything to say?"
Felis met her gaze, his expression steady. "I don't understand forging at all," he admitted. "But your technique—everything I saw—it felt like an art. Something far beyond simple metalwork. I appreciate the trust you showed by letting me watch."
A quiet hum left Hephaestus' lips, a small, almost imperceptible smile forming. "Hmph. You're more observant than most, at least. But it's not trust—I just let you stay since you weren't getting in the way." She crossed her arms. "Still, I'll take the compliment."
Their conversation drifted into casual, unhurried talk—nothing personal, nothing forced. Felis handled himself well, which Hephaestus appreciated. He neither fawned over her status nor tried to impress her, a welcome change from the usual interactions she had with first-timers. Eventually, she shifted the topic.
"So, where are those monster byproducts you mentioned yesterday?"
Felis set down several materials onto the workbench—each piece foreign yet unmistakably valuable. A jagged, blackened fang. Thick, sinewy tendons. Dark, vein-riddled bone. An unnaturally smooth hide. And finally, a magic crystal, its dim, eerie glow pulsing weakly.
Hephaestus raised a brow as she examined them, her hands moving with practiced ease over each piece. "Well, this is a surprise," she muttered. "You really fought a Goliath variant." She glanced at him. "Not to doubt you, but since this was your first time seeing a Goliath, I wasn't sure if you had misjudged. But looking at these… yeah, this is definitely a variant. An unfinished one, at that."
Felis' ears twitched. "Unfinished?"
She nodded, tapping the magic crystal lightly. "From the records, there was one occasion where the Dungeon gave birth to an especially powerful Goliath—far beyond the norm. That thing was called an Abyssal Goliath, and it was a nightmare on its own." She glanced at him, her voice firm but not unkind. "If you ever met one of those… well, it wouldn't even be a fight. If you're only as strong as you are now, you wouldn't last long enough to struggle. You'd just die."
Felis accepted the blunt statement without protest.
Hephaestus continued, "But looking at this magic crystal and the byproducts, it seems like the Dungeon rushed its birth. It was stronger than a normal Goliath, sure, but not fully matured—not even close to Abyssal Goliath levels." She tapped the crystal again, watching faint cracks run along its surface. "More importantly, it was breaking down from the inside. Its growth was forced, unstable. It burned through its own life force just to exist. Even if you hadn't killed it, it wouldn't have lived long."
She gave him a sideways glance. "I won't ask how you managed to take it down. That's an adventurer's secret, and I respect that." A small smirk tugged at her lips. "But I'm glad you came back alive. If you hadn't… well, I wouldn't have known how to console Hestia."
Felis chuckled, shaking his head. "I'd rather not put her through that."
Hephaestus let out a quiet huff, something between amusement and approval, before turning her focus back to the materials. "Calling it a 'Goliath variant' is a bit of a mouthful. Since it never fully matured, let's just call it an Umbral Goliath."
Felis mulled over the name before giving a small nod. "Sounds fitting."
"What about the monster byproducts from 19th floor variants? "
Felis carefully retrieved the monster byproducts from his backpack and laid them out on the sturdy workbench. The forge's glow flickered across the collection of rare materials—pristine magic crystals, resilient hides, and fearsome claws, each humming with latent power.
Hephaestus folded her arms, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips as she examined the spread before her. She ran a finger lightly over the largest crystal, the firelight reflecting in her crimson eye. "Well, well," she murmured, the warmth of the forge amplifying the satisfied amusement in her voice. "You've really gone and brought me some premium-grade materials. Let's see what I can make from all of this—"
Before she could finish, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from the hallway. A second later, the door swung open with a bang, and Tsubaki stomped in, her single eye gleaming with excitement. "Oi! That's just unfair, Boss! Hogging all the fun for yourself without even telling me Felis was here?"
Hephaestus sighed, rubbing her temple as if already expecting this. "Tsubaki, stop sulking and come over here. You can help when I forge the damn things."
Tsubaki grinned wide and clapped Felis on the shoulder, making him shift slightly from the unexpected force. "Now that's more like it! You better not have forgotten about me, cat boy."
Felis let out a quiet chuckle but didn't protest—what could he do? This wasn't his field of expertise. For now, he simply watched as the two master smiths dove into an intense discussion, already bouncing ideas back and forth like a well-rehearsed duet.
He could only hope his soon-to-be gear was in good hands. Then again, with these two, how could it not be?
The heated discussion between Hephaestus and Tsubaki gradually wound down, the rapid exchange of ideas and occasional bursts of laughter giving way to a moment of quiet satisfaction. Felis, who had patiently observed their debate, tilted his head slightly as Hephaestus turned toward him with a knowing smirk.
"Alright, Felis," she said, unfolding a piece of parchment and handing it to him. "This is what we've come up with. A list of the best possible equipment we can craft from your loot." She paused, tapping a finger against the paper. "Now, I can't tell you exactly what the final product will be like—blacksmithing isn't alchemy. But I can tell you what each of these materials bring to the table. That way, you'll have some idea of what to expect."
Felis took the paper and scanned its contents, his golden eyes tracing each carefully listed item. The level of detail was staggering—it wasn't just a simple inventory, but a meticulously thought-out selection designed to maximize the potential of each material.
---
Possible Equipment to Be Crafted
1. Armor Core Materials:
Umbral Goliath Hide – High durability, reinforced with magic crystal infusion.
Shadow-striped Dreadfang Hide – Naturally flexible, enhances movement.
Ironhide Stag Pelt – Provides additional resistance to impact.
Ghost Hare Fur (Inner Lining) – Temperature regulation, slight mana insulation.
Magic Crystal Infusions (Umbral Goliath, Dreadfangs, Ghost Hare, Ironhide Stags) – Strengthens material properties.
2. Sword Core Materials:
Umbral Goliath Bone – Strong yet flexible base material.
Dreadfang Claws – Infused into the blade's edge for enhanced sharpness.
Steel Antlers – Reinforces the core for added durability.
3. Dagger Core Materials:
Umbral Goliath Fangs – Sturdy base for the blade.
Phantom Claws – Edge coating to improve sharpness and penetration.
Dreadfang Fangs – Holds a mild toxin property that weakens organic foes.
4. Bow Core Materials:
Reinforced Tendons – High elasticity for the bowstring.
Steel Antlers – Sturdy yet flexible bow frame.
Kirin Unicorn Hoof – Provides enhanced grip stability.
5. Staff Core Materials:
Kirin Unicorn Horn – Main shaft, excellent for channeling magic.
Kirin Unicorn Magic Crystal – Core conduit for better mana conduction.
Ghost Hare Fur (Inner Lining) – Slight mana insulation to reduce interference.
---
Hephaestus watched as Felis processed the list, a glint of amusement in her crimson eyes.
"This isn't just a random assortment," she explained. "We put real thought into how to bring out the best in your materials. Every combination here is designed to maximize performance and efficiency."
Tsubaki leaned against the workbench with a grin. "Yeah, we had fun figuring this one out. You've got some seriously high-end stuff, Felis. Whatever you pick, it's gonna be top-tier gear."
Felis glanced up, ears twitching slightly. "So… you're saying I can pick any one of these, and you'll make it?"
Hephaestus nodded. "That's right. I promised Hestia I'd forge something for you, and I always keep my promises. You get to choose one piece of equipment, and I'll craft it for free."
Felis let out a slow breath, looking back at the list. The decision wasn't going to be easy—each piece of equipment had its own appeal, its own strengths. He knew whatever he chose would become a defining part of his journey, a weapon or armor that would carry him through countless battles.
A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "Guess I better choose wisely, huh?"
Hephaestus chuckled. "No pressure, right? Take your time, Felis. Whatever you decide, I'll make sure it's worthy of you."
Tsubaki clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Just don't keep us waiting too long, eh? I'm itching to get started on the forge."
Felis nodded, his golden eyes flickering with thought. There was no hesitation in his mind—this opportunity, this offer from Hephaestus, wasn't something he had earned himself. It was because of Hestia. And because he understood that, his decision was already made.
"Hephaestus-sama," he said, meeting her gaze. "I choose armor."
Hephaestus raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Not a weapon? Why is that?"
Felis' tail flicked once before settling. "This isn't a favor meant for me," he admitted. "It's for Hestia-sama. I can guess how things led to this, so… if I'm going to receive something made by Hephaestus-sama, then I'd rather it be something that eases her worries."
A slow, approving smile tugged at the goddess's lips. "Good choice," she mused. "Honestly, I expected you to ask for a weapon."
Felis let out a short chuckle. "If this were something I earned myself, I wouldn't hesitate to choose a sword—either for me or a staff for Narissa. But this... this isn't just about me. I don't want Hestia-sama to worry every time I step into the Dungeon. And now, with Narissa in the Familia, armor feels even more necessary. The backline needs to be able to cast magic without fear."
Hephaestus studied him for a moment before nodding in approval. "I like that answer." She leaned back slightly, her crimson hair catching the light. "Then here's my advice—don't sell off your monster byproducts just yet. Save them up, and when you have enough, come see me. I can't make this for free, after all."
Felis smiled, understanding the meaning behind her words. It wasn't just about gathering money. She was telling him to be patient, to prepare—because something crafted by her hands would be worth the wait.
The goddess leaned back slightly, then, in a casual tone, she dropped a bombshell.
"Just for your information," she began, her voice laced with amusement, "the labor cost for the sword is 130 million valis. The dagger? 90 million. As for the bow and staff… well, since those aren't my specialties, I'll need Goibniu Familia's help. That means each will cost you a nice, round 180 million valis. Not cheap, huh?"
Felis sucked in a slow breath, his golden eyes widening slightly before a helpless smile curved his lips. He expected Hephaestus' craftsmanship to be worth a fortune, but hearing the actual numbers still hit hard. Even if he sold every single unicorn horn he'd set aside as an emergency fund, he'd barely scrape together 50 million valis on a good day.
Seeing his reaction, Hephaestus let out a hearty chuckle, her single visible eye gleaming with amusement. "Don't look so defeated. If I were charging you for the armor as well, I'd be asking for around 220 million valis. Working with those materials, drawing out their potential, and incorporating all those magic crystals? That's no small feat." She crossed her arms, smirking. "So, cheer up."
Felis let out a breathy chuckle, shaking his head before lowering his head respectfully. "Honestly, it's overwhelming… but I never expected your craftsmanship to come cheap. More than that…" He met her gaze, voice steady. "I know this isn't just a job for you. You made a promise to Hestia-sama because you understood her worries. That means more to me than the price of any weapon. So… thank you, Hephaestus-sama. I won't take this for granted."
Hephaestus held his gaze for a moment before her chuckle softened. But when she spoke again, her voice carried a firmer weight.
"Just don't get yourself killed too easily," she said. "I don't make equipment just for it to be lost in the Dungeon."
Felis grinned, tail flicking lazily behind him. "Wouldn't dream of it."
Hephaestus tapped the parchment with a finger, a thoughtful glint in her crimson eye. "I won't lie, working with this combination of materials is going to be tricky. But that just makes it more exciting."
Felis let out a soft chuckle. "How long do you think it'll take?"
The goddess folded her arms, tilting her head in consideration. "If I focus on it without too many distractions… about two weeks. Maybe a bit longer if I need to make adjustments."
Tsubaki whistled. "That's fast, considering the kind of work involved. Normally, a custom piece this complex would take a month, at least."
Felis' ears twitched at that. "That quick, huh?"
Hephaestus smirked. "I don't do half-measures, Felis. You'll get something worthy of the Hestia Familia's first Captain. So don't go breaking it too soon, alright?"
Felis grinned, his tail flicking lazily. "I'll do my best. No promises, though."
The goddess let out a chuckle before stepping back. "Alright, then. I'll let you know when it's done. In the meantime, keep yourself in one piece."
Tsubaki clapped a firm hand on Felis' shoulder. "And don't forget—when you're ready for a real weapon, we'll be waiting."
Felis met her gaze, offering a confident nod. "I'll make sure I earn it first."
With that, he turned toward the workshop's exit, his heart lighter than when he'd arrived. The armor wouldn't just be another piece of gear—it would be a reminder of the goddess who worried for him, the Familia he fought to protect, and the promise he made to himself.
And so, as he stepped back into the bustling streets of Orario, Felis smiled to himself. Two weeks. He could wait.