Chapter 141: The Hephaestus Familia
"Sorry, our goddess is not available."
…
"We aren't currently recruiting."
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"You want a piece of the goddess's affection?"
…
Drake sat by a fountain in the plaza. He'd spent the morning trying to join three different Familias, all unsuccessfully.
His first attempt was at the Hermes Familia, primarily because of its leader, Asfi.
Asfi Al Andromeda, title 〈Perseus〉, publicly claimed to be a Level 2 adventurer, but was actually a Level 4 high-tier adventurer.
Critically, Ais was one of the few adventurers in Orario known to possess the rare skill 〈Mystery〉.
Drake hoped to glean information about it from her.
Unfortunately, the god Hermes was away from Orario, with no certain return date.
Next, Drake visited the Loki Familia and Freya Familia, known as Orario's "Twin Kings."
Their titles indicated they were the strongest Familias in the Dungeon City, possessing the most resources and knowledge.
Joining them, however, proved difficult. Drake didn't even meet either goddess. The Loki Familia rejected him outright, and he quickly retreated from the Freya Familia.
Goddess Freya was rumored to possess eyes that could see into souls, judging adventurers' potential. Drake was confident in himself and never doubted his suitability.
However, the atmosphere in the Freya Familia was terrifying!
Each god's personality shapes their Familia's direction and internal culture.
In the Freya Familia, members frequently fought amongst themselves for Freya's favor.
Drake had only heard rumors, but the adventurers' reaction to his application confirmed the brutal reality.
He didn't want to waste energy on such a toxic environment, so he left immediately.
Despite the setbacks, Drake hadn't wasted his morning entirely; he'd ascertained the current timeline.
The Loki Familia and Freya Familia currently dominated Orario. Freya Familia's strength stemmed from Ottar, Orario's strongest, the only Level 7 adventurer (〈King〉), and four Level 6 adventurers.
Even with her divine power sealed, the goddess's skill and influence were terrifying. Despite the Familia's internal strife, her position remained unchallenged.
The Loki Familia, while lacking Freya Familia's high-level combat power, still boasted three Level 6 adventurers.
Known as the "Three Great Heroes," these veteran adventurers were at the peak of Level 6, possessing immense experience, only needing more "adventure" to break through to Level 7.
The Loki Familia also had a strong pool of up-and-coming talent; four Level 5 adventurers were on the verge of promotion, making their overall strength comparable to Freya Familia.
Most importantly, the Loki Familia possessed a magical artillery unit of eleven high-level elf adventurers, led by Riveria Ljos Alf, 〈Nine Hell〉.
This alone allowed the Loki Familia to stand toe-to-toe with the Freya Familia.
Drake deduced the timeline from the Loki Familia's situation.
Ais Wallenstein, 〈Sword Princess〉, was still Level 5. Drake remembered she reached Level 6 after Bell Cranel met Hestia and became an adventurer.
That happened after the Loki Familia's second expedition, when Ais single-handedly defeated the floor boss, Asterius.
The Loki Familia hadn't even started their first expedition yet!
Seeing elf maids in a tavern further solidified his assessment of the timeline.
Therefore, the rabbit should have just arrived in Orario, or was about to, meaning the main plot hadn't truly begun.
This knowledge, however, didn't directly help Drake; his immediate priority was joining a Familia.
He was penniless and faced the prospect of becoming homeless.
Drake stood, rallied himself, and continued his search.
After exploring a significant portion of Orario, he arrived at a mansion marked with the symbols of flames and a hammer.
He'd seen the "Hephaestus" inscription on several adventurers' equipment—the signature of the equipment-making Familia, and their goddess's name.
This was the residence of Hephaestus, goddess of fire and forging.
Drake took a deep breath, about to enter, when a red-haired woman in men's clothing emerged.
The eye patch, trousers, black gloves, boots, and fiery red hair instantly identified her.
Only one person, or god, in Orario matched that description.
It was Hephaestus, goddess of the Hephaestus Familia, the god he sought.
Hephaestus noticed Drake and approached. "Young man, lost? How did you end up on my property?"
Drake was direct. "You're Hephaestus, right? I'm Drake. I've just arrived in Orario, but I'm not lost. I want to join your Familia!"
Hephaestus stroked her chin, circling Drake. "Boy, we're blacksmiths, not glamorous adventurers.
I'm warning you; you can still change your mind."
Orario was full of young people chasing dreams of heroic deeds in the Dungeon.
Hephaestus understood this and warned Drake that her Familia couldn't offer that.
Drake nodded. "Joining the Hephaestus Familia is a considered decision. I want to learn equipment crafting.
I hope to create equipment that would amaze even the gods. I beg you to let me join!"
Hephaestus smiled. "Equipment that would amaze the gods! An admirable goal. Then I have no reason to refuse you. Come with me!"
Drake, overjoyed, followed Hephaestus into the mansion.
The Hephaestus Familia was one of Orario's wealthiest, as equipment was a necessity for adventurers.
The mansion was lavishly decorated; Drake hadn't seen such luxury in his previous worlds.
Hephaestus said, "This is the Familia's headquarters, but our members are mostly in the workshop. It's quiet here. I'll introduce you later."
Drake understood. Hephaestus loved seeing her members create new equipment, so the Familia was mostly dedicated blacksmiths.
This was good; a pure Familia, without unnecessary complications.
Reaching a room, Hephaestus said, "This is my forge, and my room. Remove your shirt; it's time for the Divine Blessing."
Drake nodded, removing his shirt, his back to Hephaestus. With her Divine Blessing, he would officially join the Hephaestus Familia.
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