"Babysitting"
Hephaestus stood before the floor-to-ceiling window of her room, watching the sunrise; her mood brightened considerably.
She'd left the Dark Faction matter to Loki, freeing herself from further worry.
Tsubaki was away on an expedition with the Loki Familia, leaving her free from any unnecessary trouble.
The rhythmic clang of the forge, which had begun at dawn, sounded like music to her ears. She found that occasionally enjoying such peaceful days wasn't so bad.
Boom!
Just as Hephaestus was savoring the tranquility, the roof of a nearby forge suddenly exploded, a fiery column erupting from within. Thick smoke billowed after the flames subsided.
"That idiot,Tsubaki, experimenting with magic swords again!"
Hephaestus instinctively scolded, then realized that Tsubaki was currently in the Dungeon.
"Which other fool is it this time?!"
Hephaestus cried out, immediately setting off to investigate the commotion.
…
"Cough, cough!"
Drake fanned away the surrounding black smoke, coughing as he emerged from his partially collapsed workshop.
In his hand, he held a short sword with a blade like red crystal.
This wasn't ordinary equipment; it was a magic sword, the dream of every adventurer.
Generally, crafting magic swords requires a high-level [Forging] skill. However, with Fal's assistance, this standard was less stringent for Drake.
After crafting various equipment, Drake decided to try forging a magic sword.
The principle behind crafting magic swords is simple: weaving the spells that normally require human incantations into the weapon through forging.
The materials are also special, usually magically potent ores or even monster magic stones.
These materials possess inherent magical power, allowing the magical spells to function.
However, these materials generally lack strength, leading to the frequent damage of magic swords.
Even so, a magic sword capable of instantly casting spells can be a lifesaver for adventurers in crucial moments.
Therefore, magic swords remain highly sought after, often exceeding demand.
Drake's forging level was low, but with Fal's assistance, he could easily weave the spells.
Furthermore, infused with Fal's magic, the magic sword's power was significantly enhanced.
Don't ask how Drake knew; the evidence was right behind him. The workshop, specially reinforced by the Goibniu Familia, had been blown apart; ordinary magic swords wouldn't possess such power.
Drake had underestimated the difficulty of crafting a magic sword; the problem arose in the final step.
A careless mistake during the finishing touches caused the magic sword's power to surge. Although he managed to stabilize it, the workshop still exploded.
Fortunately, the magic sword's power was sufficiently concentrated; it resulted in an explosion but not a fire.
The commotion drew the attention of those in nearby workshops, who gathered to watch.
Drake shrank his neck, turning to flee.
But he found Hephaestus standing behind him, her gaze exceptionally stern.
"Um, My Lady, it was an accident, I can explain."
Hephaestus saw the magic sword in Drake's hand. "Did crafting this cause the workshop to explode?"
Drake handed the magic sword to Hephaestus, explaining, "It was my first attempt at making a magic sword; I'm not yet familiar with the process."
Hephaestus examined the magic sword; although the technique was somewhat rudimentary, it was undeniably a superior piece of work.
Hephaestus looked at Drake. He had been learning forging for only a month and had already created a magic sword. She had clearly underestimated this young man's talent and abilities.
For some reason, Hephaestus's usual reprimands vanished from her lips; she said, "I understand. I'll let you off this time, but don't do anything so reckless again!
You have the ability, but crafting magic swords isn't easy. You still have much to learn!"
Suddenly, Hephaestus seemed to remember something; she looked at the destroyed workshop and then at Drake. "Given the damage, repairs will take some time.
Are you interested in temporarily teaming up with another member of the Familia?
For various reasons, that child doesn't get along well with the others. It would be helpful if you could look after him. He's quite skilled at crafting magic swords, and you might learn something from him."
Drake considered Hephaestus's suggestion.
The only person fitting Hephaestus's description was Welf Crozzo, the current sole magic swordsmith of the Crozzo family, the forging nobility.
If Drake remembered correctly, Welf was still Level 1. Teaming up with him would be akin to babysitting.
Hephaestus's statement about Welf's strained relationships with the other Familia members was also understandable.
Welf possessed the ability to craft magic swords but refused to do so. Crafting magic swords is the ultimate goal for most blacksmiths.
It's like a wealthy man complaining to a poor person about the burden of his wealth.
Others wouldn't understand Welf's reasons, only perceiving it as arrogance. Over time, his relationships naturally suffered.
However, Drake considered the advantages of teaming up with Welf.
Although Welf hadn't yet leveled up and obtained the [Forging] skill, his forging ability was undeniable.
Moreover, his knowledge of magic sword crafting was far superior to Drake's.
After weighing his options, Drake said to Hephaestus, "No problem. I'm free until the workshop is repaired. Since you've entrusted me with this task, I'll do my best."
Hephaestus instructed a Familia member to fetch Welf, then took Drake back to headquarters.
Shortly after, a red-haired young man in a far-eastern kimono and a blue head scarf entered.
"Hephaestus-sama, you summoned me?"
The young man, Welf Crozzo, greeted her.
Hephaestus pointed to Drake. "This is Drake, our Familia's newest member. Don't let his recent arrival fool you; he's incredibly skilled.
You're looking for a team member, right? He's the most reliable partner you could ask for."
Welf looked at Drake, not doubting Hephaestus's words, but surprised by Drake's youth.
Geniuses like the Sword Princess are exceedingly rare; he estimated Drake to be at most Level 2.
However, since even Hephaestus vouched for Drake's skill, he must possess exceptional abilities.
He extended his hand. "I'm Welf. Pleased to meet you."
Drake shook his hand, smiling. "The pleasure is all mine."
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