"Drake's Guidance"
The tenth floor of the Dungeon; it was Welf's first time descending this far.
Normally, the sixth floor is the limit for a solo Level 1 adventurer, as monsters like the War Phantom are too much for a novice to handle alone.
Of course, skilled adventurers with abilities or magic might exceed this limit.
But the tenth floor and beyond are different. This is where the Dungeon's traps become significantly more frequent, and the thick fog necessitates close cooperation for survival.
Furthermore, the number and strength of monsters increase dramatically, requiring teamwork.
Welf swung his greatsword, cleaving two lesser demons in two.
"Too many unnecessary movements! And remember to readjust your stance after each attack."
Drake offered guidance from the sidelines, simultaneously launching a fireball that sent a nearby half-orc flying.
"Understood!"
Welf diligently adjusted his body as instructed.
Throughout their descent, Welf finally understood Hephaestus's confidence in Drake.
He had initially assumed Drake was a Level 2 adventurer, but his performance clearly indicated a Level 4 or higher skill level.
Their pre-arranged strategy was for Welf to be the vanguard, with Drake providing magical support from the rear.
Welf could clearly feel that the pressure he faced was consistently at his limit.
This was clearly due to Drake's calculated adjustments.
Moreover, Drake offered valuable combat advice that transcended the capabilities of a typical rearguard mage.
Welf had no doubt that even without magic, Drake would be an excellent vanguard warrior.
Welf finished off the last half-orc, wiping sweat from his brow with his greatsword. The surrounding monsters were cleared, allowing them a moment's rest.
Drake gathered the magic stones and dropped materials, then approached Welf. "Not bad. You clearly dedicate yourself to training.
However, to truly thrive in the Dungeon, you need significantly more combat experience."
Welf bowed deeply to Drake. "Thank you for your guidance!"
Drake waved his hand dismissively. "It's nothing. We're all comrades in the same Familia; we should help each other."
Welf straightened up, scratching his head. "Familia comrades? It's the first time someone's willingly acknowledged me."
Pausing, Welf looked at Drake. "Drake, you don't mind… my issue?"
Drake sat on a nearby rock. "Your issue? Oh, what others say about you wasting your talent. I don't mind; everyone has their own convictions.
However, you should also understand their perspective; crafting magic swords holds a special significance for blacksmiths."
Welf sat opposite Drake. "Drake's a blacksmith too. What's your view on magic swords?"
Drake replied, "Magic swords? They're just tools, like any other weapon. No one should believe weapons are an adventurer's soul, and magic swords, destined for destruction, hardly qualify as true weapons!"
Welf's face flushed crimson; he felt the same shame as a teenager having their diary read aloud—a flood of embarrassing memories.
He strongly suspected Drake knew something, but he'd never shared his inner thoughts with anyone, so he dismissed that suspicion.
Having satisfied his mischievous curiosity, Drake continued, "Even ordinary weapons wear down in battle.
Even if a weapon survives numerous battles, as the adventurer grows stronger, it may become obsolete due to its inability to keep up.
For instance, your current weapon is adequate in the upper floors. But in the mid or lower levels, this blade won't penetrate monster defenses.
If you continue to use it, the weapon will break, and you might die.
Creating weapons that grow alongside their owner is a divine skill. But reaching that level, perhaps even indestructible magic swords could be forged."
At this point, Drake recalled that in the original story, Welf did create the special 'Shikou Kazuki' series of magic swords, which required the adventurer's own magical power but avoided the self-destruction of typical magic swords.
This strengthened Drake's desire to help Welf overcome his mental block and learn about magic sword forging from him.
Welf fell silent; Drake's words presented perspectives he hadn't considered before. But undeniably, Drake was right.
His long-held beliefs began to waver.
Drake continued, "That's why I say magic swords are no different from ordinary weapons.
Ultimately, weapons exist to help their owner achieve victory in battle, to protect them in danger. Even if they break in the process, they've fulfilled their purpose.
The idea of a weapon remaining with its owner forever is merely self-deception. So, what's really behind your reluctance to craft magic swords?"
Welf opened his mouth, unsure how to respond after Drake's direct words.
Drake smiled. "Welf, do you know what the greatest regret is?
The greatest regret is having the ability to prevent a tragedy but failing to do so because of meaningless stubbornness.
When you lose something precious, no amount of regret can change the past."
Drake felt his skills in dispensing life advice were improving; he wondered if he might gain a "Mentor" skill in his next level-up.
Drake stood. "Let's end this discussion; monsters are approaching. Since Hephaestus-sama entrusted you to me, I'll help you grow stronger.
Be prepared; my training is quite rigorous."
Welf jumped up, gripping his greatsword.
Drake's words had shaken his beliefs, but monsters were approaching, and he knew this wasn't the time for introspection.
"Yes! Senior Drake!"
Drake's face darkened. In terms of both age and time spent in Hephaestus's Familia, Welf should be his senior.
Why was Welf calling him 'senior'?
However, Welf's respect was genuine. Drake's strength and mature perspective commanded his respect, leading him to naturally use the honorific.
Drake was only momentarily surprised, quickly recovering his composure.
"Be ready, it's Silverback Apes, three of them."
"Understood!!!"
Welf charged forward with his greatsword, and Drake prepared to support him.
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