"Training" Though he'd seen it in the original story, witnessing Hestia kneel before Hephaestus was still impactful. Even Hephaestus felt aw
"Training"
Though he'd seen it in the original story, witnessing Hestia kneel before Hephaestus was still impactful.
Even Hephaestus felt awkward; Hestia had set aside her dignity, kneeling in public.
Aside from her questionable intentions towards her own follower, she was a capable Familia goddess.
Hestia's reason for kneeling was simple; she wanted to put Bell's top-tier equipment on credit with the Hephaestus Familia.
With Drake's issues resolved, Hephaestus took Hestia and Drake back to the Hephaestus Familia's mansion.
Drake disliked such banquets, especially with Freya's gaze increasingly focused on him; leaving was the best option.
Leaning against Hephaestus's door, Drake could hear the two women talking inside.
After some time, Hephaestus called him in.
Drake entered, seeing Hestia's excited expression; her purpose had been achieved.
Hephaestus addressed Drake. "Your matter is settled; no one should bother you. But remain cautious. What are your plans?"
Drake considered. "Nothing special. I promised Welf training after the expedition to help him achieve his Great Feat.
Welf's stats are maxed out; achieving his Great Feat requires combat training. I'll be training him for a while."
Hestia's eyes lit up; she leaned in. "Training! It's more fun with more people; Hephaestus's adventurers, would you mind an extra student?"
Hestia was truly worried about Bell.
She had no choice; the Hestia Familia had only one member, lacking the structure of other Familias. Hestia barely supported herself through work, unable to help Bell grow.
Bell lacked both equipment and combat skills.
With the attitude of "one more won't hurt," Hestia made her request.
Hephaestus punched Hestia's head. "You're shameless! Getting me to craft equipment isn't enough; you want my members to help you as well?"
Hestia, clutching the bump on her head, said, "It's just a little extra! Even letting my child observe would be fine."
Hephaestus sighed, looking at Drake. "Sorry, she's my friend, but she's a bit… lacking. Consider this my request."
Drake waved his hand. "Goddess, please. Teaching an extra student is no problem; I'm free.
I've arranged to meet Welf tomorrow morning at the North Wall; have your member go there."
After setting the time, Drake left, not mentioning observing Hephaestus crafting equipment.
The little black knife, priced at 200 million valis, was a unique treasure in Orario.
The Hestia Blade, crafted by Hephaestus, the forging god, using divine techniques, wasn't just equipment; it possessed its own stats and could grow, like an adventurer.
The 200 million valis little black knife was essentially an adventurer blessed by a god, another member of the Hestia Familia.
Hephaestus hadn't used divine power while crafting it; she'd created life through skill alone.
That skill couldn't be learned through observation; seeing it might even hinder one's progress as a blacksmith.
However, Drake believed he would one day reach the same level.
After Hephaestus gave him some instructions, Drake left.
Early the next morning, Drake arrived at Orario's wall.
The morning sun shone on Drake's face; he exhaled, feeling refreshed.
"Uh… are you Mr. Drake from the Hephaestus Familia?"
Drake turned and saw a timid white-haired boy running towards him.
Drake looked at the boy. "Yes, I am! You must be Bell, the one Hestia asked me to train!"
Bell nodded, bowing deeply. "Thank you for your time!"
Drake said, "Don't be so formal; Hestia asked personally. Besides, I'm training our Familia's juniors; an extra person might be beneficial."
As they spoke, Welf arrived.
Drake hadn't expected the future companions to meet this way in the original story; he introduced them.
They would have plenty of time to get acquainted later; Drake announced the start of training.
Drake excelled at unarmed combat with dragon-slaying magic and polearm techniques, but he could easily guide two novices in other weapons.
Welf used a greatsword, and Bell used daggers and short swords.
Drake taught them the characteristics and basic usage of various weapons. He'd already taught Welf much during their Dungeon run; this was mainly for Bell.
Once they were familiar, Drake began the actual training.
The best way to learn combat skills is through combat.
Drake served as a sparring partner, fighting two armed opponents unarmed.
Bell initially worried about Drake's safety, then blushed at his own arrogance.
Welf chuckled; Bell thought his weapons would bridge the gap with Drake; young people were naive.
However, Welf realized that the white-haired, red-eyed youth was kind and gentle.
Drake's training method was simple: using the simplest way to exploit their weaknesses in offense and defense, guiding them to integrate their newly learned techniques into their instincts.
The process wasn't pleasant; Drake's blows were painful. But this pain quickly formed muscle memory, preventing them from making the same mistakes.
On the morning wall, the novice adventurers sweated in pain, rapidly growing stronger.
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