"It's still early; I'll go with you," Goddess Hephaestus said.
Her tone was slightly more hurried than usual. She turned to the nearby staff member. "Anna, tell Tsubaki that I'm heading to the Astraea Familia's headquarters and will be back late. Ask her to handle the workshop's routine afternoon schedule for me."
The member named Anna was already well-acquainted with her primary goddess's tendency to become completely absorbed whenever technical matters were involved.
Anna nodded in acknowledgment. "Understood, Lady Hephaestus. I'll pass the word to Captain Tsubaki. Please try not to stay too long; the Captain mentioned there are several urgent design confirmations..."
"Yes, I know. I'll be as quick as I can," Hephaestus replied. Her quick response was somewhat absent-minded, as her gaze remained fixed on the necklace in her hand, her mind clearly already at work.
Just as they were preparing to leave, a steady, feminine voice called out, "Lady Hephaestus, are you heading out?"
Tsubaki Collbrande, the "Cyclops," stepped out from the inner hall.
She was tall and imposing, with black hair and red eyes. Her features were sharp and heroic, reflecting a distinct Far Eastern style. As the Captain of the Hephaestus Familia, a top-tier blacksmith in Orario, and a Level 5 adventurer, she was naturally curious to see her goddess leaving at this hour—especially accompanied by Suren, the "Versatile" rookie whose name had been making waves recently.
Usually, at this time, Lady Hephaestus would be reviewing core designs or processing major orders. Why the sudden departure? And with Suren, of all people?
"Tsubaki, you've come at the right time."
Hephaestus stopped and looked at her most capable Captain, her tone shifting to the professional seriousness used for delegating duties.
"I am going to the Starlight Garden to discuss some matters with Lady Astraea. Please handle the routine exchanges with the other Familias this afternoon, as well as the final audit for those three rush orders from the high-level adventurers."
Tsubaki's gaze shifted to Suren, and she gave him a boisterous, carefree grin. "Hello there, Mr. Suren. I'm Tsubaki Collbrande."
Her eyes, sharp and perceptive, swept over the uniquely styled necklace in Hephaestus's hand. A blacksmith's instinct made her gaze linger for a moment longer.
That thing... the way the mana resonates is very peculiar. It's incredibly natural and fluid, nothing like a standard enchantment.
If it was enough for Lady Hephaestus to place such importance on it—to the point of visiting another Familia in person—that item was likely the reason.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Captain Collbrande. I've heard much about you," Suren responded politely.
"Ha! No need for such formalities."
Tsubaki's response was characteristically bold. She turned back to Hephaestus, her tone now concerned and steady. "Lady Hephaestus, please do try to return early. We still need your final approval on those core blueprints for the Deep Floor exploration team's spare equipment."
"Don't worry. I'll return as soon as the matter is settled. It won't be delayed," Hephaestus gave a firm answer before turning to Suren. "Shall we?"
Suren nodded.
The two left the Hephaestus Familia headquarters and arrived shortly after at the Starlight Garden, the residence of the Goddess of Justice.
It was nearly noon, and the compound was quiet. Most members were out on patrol or deep within the Dungeon. Upon seeing Hephaestus return with Suren, a gentle, warm smile appeared on Goddess Astraea's serene face.
"Hephaestus, welcome. And Suren... it seems what you two have to discuss is quite important?"
Her gaze traveled between the two, eventually landing on Suren with an encouraging look. She had always known about Suren's exploration into magic item crafting, and she felt a sense of pride that he had caught the attention of the Goddess of Forging through his own merits.
"There is indeed something important I need to discuss with you, Astraea."
Hephaestus stepped forward. She held up the Leaping Necklace, her expression earnest. "It concerns this magic item Suren created."
Astraea's gaze fell softly upon the necklace before she looked back at Suren, nodding with approval. "Suren has always been very innovative in this field and has put in a great deal of effort. For it to earn such a reaction from you, this piece must be extraordinary."
"Lady Astraea, you flatter me. It still needs constant refinement," Suren said humbly before getting straight to the point. "My visit to Goddess Hephaestus was primarily to find a suitable way to handle this prototype and to discuss the potential for future collaboration."
"Astraea, Suren and I have reached a preliminary agreement. I am willing to purchase this piece for ten million Valis. But more importantly—"
Hephaestus took over the explanation, her points clear and organized. She paused briefly, her tone sincere and direct.
"If Suren is willing, the Hephaestus Familia is prepared to provide tailor-made armament support for every member of the Astraea Familia, offering priority and discounts on all subsequent maintenance and upgrades."
Her gaze returned to Suren, and she added solemnly, "Furthermore, I will personally design and forge a weapon for you, Suren. I will give my absolute best in both materials and craftsmanship."
Astraea listened quietly. Her gentle smile remained unchanged, but a flicker of deep thought appeared in her eyes. Ten million Valis was a massive boost for the Familia, but the long-term equipment support and the promise of a hand-forged masterpiece from Hephaestus were of immeasurable value.
This was both a high recognition of Suren's talent and a new opportunity for the Familia's growth. She knew how unique Suren's ability was, and she fully respected his autonomy.
A look of gratification crossed Astraea's face. She looked at Hephaestus and nodded slightly. "I can feel your sincerity and the value you place on Suren."
The proposal was undoubtedly beneficial to the Familia, but Suren's own will was paramount. She had always believed that true trust and growth stemmed from respecting personal choices.
She turned her gaze to Suren, her voice steady and firm. "However, the decision lies with Suren. He is the one who decides how much he is willing to share. Whatever he chooses, I and the Familia will support him."
Hearing this, Suren felt a sense of certainty. He bowed slightly to his goddess to express his gratitude. Then, he turned to Hephaestus.
"Goddess Hephaestus, I am grateful for your recognition and your terms. I am willing to discuss a collaboration within an agreed-upon scope. As for the specifics—how it will proceed and where the boundaries lie—we can take our time to negotiate."
Suren paused for a moment before continuing, "In exchange, I hope the equipment support can be implemented as soon as possible. Additionally, I need a stable place where I can acquire materials and conduct my research in peace."
Hephaestus nodded seriously.
"That is only natural. We can finalize the specific details slowly to ensure everything is clear for both parties." She looked at Suren with great importance. "I will arrange the workshop and the material channels. I will ensure you have the perfect environment for your research."
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Danmachi: My Magic Style is Different from Yours (84 Chapters – Ongoing)
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