After a day of adventuring, Welf, though tired, felt he had grown significantly.
He immediately went to Hephaestus to have his ability scores updated.
Drake, however, went straight to his "workshop." Since the main structure was destroyed, it was more of a reconstruction than a repair.
Even the Goibniu Familia, known for their efficiency, had only managed to repair the basic structure. Full restoration would take another two days.
Drake had paid extra to have the Goibniu Familia implement a more robust reinforcement design.
When Drake returned to Hephaestus's mansion, he found Welf emerging from Hephaestus's forge, looking pleased with himself.
Drake approached. "So, did your abilities increase?"
Welf nodded. "I didn't expect such a large increase in stats after just one Dungeon delve. It's all thanks to your guidance, Drake."
Drake waved his hand dismissively. "You put in the effort too! Now that it's done, let's go out for a celebratory meal. Consider it a celebration of our first team-up."
Welf smiled. "Let me treat you, as a thank you for your guidance."
Drake accepted Welf's offer, nodding. "Then I won't be shy."
Welf couldn't help but feel his luck had changed; he'd found a reliable partner.
Suddenly, his gaze fell upon something on the floor of the hall. He quickly approached to examine it more closely.
"This is…?"
Drake also approached. "This is the equipment I made. My workshop was accidentally destroyed, and I assume Hephaestus-sama had it cleaned up."
"You made this?"
Welf was utterly astonished. He'd assumed Drake was a powerful adventurer, but he was also such a skilled blacksmith.
Welf picked up the bracer of the Two-Headed Dragon Armor, handling it like a precious artifact.
"This is definitely top-tier equipment. The material must be scales from the Amphisbaena, the Labyrinth's lone king! And it looks like it's mixed with white steel.
Most striking are the patterns; how were they created? They're incredibly beautiful."
Drake had already completed the Two-Headed Dragon Armor; it no longer looked dull and gray.
Instead, the armor was pure white, like the finest jade.
But under the light, a crimson diamond-shaped lattice pattern was visible, like a layer of transparent dragon scales.
Welf, coming from a family of renowned blacksmiths, instantly recognized the materials used.
Drake summoned Fal. "This is my partner; think of him as a sprite. The patterns were created by infusing his magic during forging."
Welf was amazed. "A sprite?! You mean a real sprite? Drake, you're incredible! You're a sprite contractor. Aside from ancient heroes, I've never heard of an adventurer making a contract with a sprite!"
Drake stroked Fal's head. "I'm honored to be chosen by him."
Welf suddenly realized something. "Wait! You infused the sprite's magic while forging, meaning these patterns aren't just decorative; they have special properties?"
Drake nodded. "Exactly. This Two-Headed Dragon Armor not only has excellent defense but also significantly reduces fire-attribute magic damage.
And it's surprisingly warm; it would be perfect for cold environments."
Welf, completely captivated by the bracer, said, "The power of a sprite is truly amazing, creating patterns with special effects.
I've tried to create magical runes on weapons, like magic swords. But it didn't work; it actually weakened the weapons."
Drake, no longer a novice blacksmith, understood the phenomenon Welf described.
The patterns on a weapon are related to the forging techniques, the materials used, and the added components.
Only highly skilled blacksmiths can create equipment with regular patterns. The perfectly uniform lattice pattern on the Two-Headed Dragon Armor is exceptionally difficult to achieve.
Creating specific patterns is even harder, especially complex and precise magical runes.
It's remarkable that Welf could even attempt to forge such patterns.
Even so, due to material limitations, magical runes on ordinary equipment wouldn't be effective.
Both magic swords and magical devices are the result of thousands of years of technological development; the barriers to entry are significant.
Just as Drake was about to speak, Welf continued, "After all, magical runes and sacred script are different; the limitations are immense!"
Drake froze; it was as if a lightning bolt had cleared the fog in his mind; a solution to a long-standing problem suddenly emerged.
Drake pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket, containing several characters.
"Welf, take a look; is this also sacred script?"
Welf glanced at it. "Hmm? Yes, it's sacred script, but unfortunately, I can't decipher it."
"I see!"
Drake had his answer. The characters were copied from the earring he'd been researching.
As he suspected, the source of the magical device's power was indeed sacred script.
Overwhelmed, Drake said, "We can celebrate later; I have something to do and must leave!"
Without waiting for Welf's reply, he turned and headed back towards Hephaestus's forge.
Hephaestus was quite surprised to see Drake return.
Drake wasted no time. "Hephaestus-sama, do you have any materials on sacred script? I want to study it."
Hephaestus set down her book, looking at Drake. "I thought it would take you a little longer to figure that out. The materials are ready; they're on the bookshelf to your left."
Hephaestus had known about Drake's research on the magical device but hadn't directly guided him.
She understood that the process of discovery is as important as the result; the time and effort Drake invested wouldn't be wasted.
Drake turned to see several books partially pulled out from the bookshelf.
"Thank you so much. I'll take my leave!"
Taking the books, Drake left Hephaestus's room.
Back in his room, Drake immersed himself in his new studies.
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