"Loki Familia's Elite"
Tsubaki displayed considerable enthusiasm towards Drake. This enthusiasm, however, stemmed solely from her passion for forging.
Upon learning that the young man before her was the blacksmith who had crafted the impressive equipment she'd admired, she began relentlessly questioning him about his forging techniques.
Drake was more than happy to exchange forging insights with this one-eyed master smith, and the two, despite having just met, quickly engaged in a lively and passionate discussion.
Welf, who initially found their single-minded focus somewhat arrogant, soon joined their conversation.
Of the three, Welf possessed the strongest foundational knowledge due to his family's legacy. Tsubaki, operating at a higher level, offered a more comprehensive and insightful perspective.
Drake, while lacking the experience of the other two, more than made up for it with his creative thinking; his novel ideas proved highly inspiring.
The exchange proved mutually beneficial. Then, Tsubaki noticed the fading sunlight.
Unbeknownst to them, the sun had dipped low, painting the sky in gorgeous shades of red; dusk had arrived without them noticing.
"Oh no, I promised the Loki Familia we'd celebrate their return from the expedition; we're running late!"
Tsubaki said urgently, then suddenly remembering something, she grabbed Drake and Welf. "How about you two join us?"
Though phrased as a question, Tsubaki gave them no opportunity to refuse, pulling them out of the workshop.
True to her Level 5 status and dwarf heritage, her strength was exceptional.
Drake could have easily broken free, but considering the possibility of future collaboration with the Loki Familia, getting to know them beforehand seemed advantageous.
Thus, "escorted" by Tsubaki, Drake and Welf arrived at the meeting place arranged by the Loki Familia.
As expected, it was the Hostess of Fertility.
Tsubaki arrived a little late; the Loki Familia members were already there, creating a lively atmosphere.
To celebrate their return from the expedition, the Loki Familia had almost entirely reserved the tavern. Drake was able to observe the Loki Familia's elite members.
Seated at the center was a small dwarf; despite his childlike appearance and stature, he was over forty years old.
This was Finn Deimne, the captain of the Loki Familia, titled 〈Braver〉, and a Level 6 adventurer for quite some time.
Although his divine title is 〈Braver〉, he is Orario's foremost strategist and a top-tier military advisor.
His almost-cheating talent, the "Aching Thumb," makes the lack of any rare skills seem illogical.
However, the 〈Braver〉 currently wore a look of resignation, as an Amazonian girl clung to him.
Tione Hiryute, titled 〈Jormungand〉, possesses berserker-like skills, her attack power increasing with her injuries; she's a key offensive member of the Loki Familia, similar to her sister, Tiona Hiryute, titled 〈Crusher〉.
The dwarf sitting nearby perfectly embodied the stereotypical image of his race: 〈Elgarm〉 Gareth Landrock, one of Loki Familia's three giants.
His title suggests a dependable and steady individual.
The final member of Loki's three giants sat beside him; it's rare to see such camaraderie between elves and dwarves.
Riveria Ljos Alf, titled 〈Nine Hell〉, is currently Orario's strongest mage.
Riveria's reputation as a "motherly" figure in the Loki Familia was well-deserved; indeed, the Familia's core members were gathered around her.
Tiona, the younger of the Amazonian sisters, was bickering with the werewolf, Bete Loga, titled 〈Vanargand〉; Drake wondered if they might actually start fighting.
Of the remaining people, Drake recognized only two.
The female protagonist, Ais Wallenstein, titled 〈Sword Princess〉was happily eating something.
Beside her, constantly glancing at her, was Lefiya Viridis, who Drake believed had the potential to succeed Riveria as the strongest mage, titled 〈Thousand Elf〉.
However, this "Mustard-colored Elf" should really tone down the obvious romantic vibes.
Finn saw Tsubaki enter, looking relieved, and forcefully extracted his arm from Tione's embrace.
"Tsubaki, you're late!"
Tsubaki said casually, "Isn't this just the right time? By the way, these are two juniors from my Familia; I hope you don't mind if they join us."
Finn raised his goblet. "I can afford the drinks for two more! And more people make it more lively."
Drake sensed something odd about Finn's gaze—a probing look.
Drake's intuition was correct; Finn was very interested in the two people Tsubaki had brought.
Normally, he wouldn't care if Tsubaki brought her juniors to a gathering, but this was different.
After returning from the expedition, Finn immediately met with Loki, reporting on their experiences and gains. He also learned about recent events in Orario from Loki.
As Loki's most trusted strategist, Loki naturally told him about the Dark Faction.
Even as a top strategist, Finn was temporarily helpless due to a lack of information. Putting the matter aside, he became interested in the cause and effect of the incident.
Most important was the mysterious newcomer to the Hephaestus Familia; he wanted to know more about this person.
Finn had a hunch that this person was one of the two Tsubaki had brought.
Tsubaki patted the two juniors on their shoulders. "Finn, don't underestimate these two juniors; they're excellent blacksmiths, capable of forging magic swords!"
Finn's eyes lit up. Magic swords, strategic resources for exploration-focused Familias like the Loki Familia, made every blacksmith capable of forging them a valuable ally.
Upon hearing about magic swords, Welf's expression darkened momentarily before regaining composure.
Drake noticed the change; his earlier words had clearly had some effect.
Considering Welf's feelings, Drake proactively changed the subject. "You must be the Loki Familia's 〈Braver〉! I'm Drake, a blacksmith. I hope we have the opportunity to work together in the future."
Welf also spoke. "I'm Welf. Pleased to meet you."
Finn, a perceptive strategist, noticed the subtle shift in atmosphere and smoothly steered the conversation. "Welcome to our celebration; enjoy yourselves!"
Tsubaki, completely carefree, had already started eating and drinking heartily.
Welf, having no acquaintances here, was ignored by the senior members of the Loki Familia. Tsubaki had gone off to drink with Gareth, leaving Welf alone at a small table, feeling out of place.
Drake sighed; he'd wanted to get to know the Loki Familia, but seeing Welf's state, he could only stay with him.
Looking at Drake, Welf sighed. "Drake, you don't have to worry about me! I'm used to this."
Welf's past hadn't been easy; since awakening his [Magic Sword Bloodline] skill, his family had forced him to forge magic swords.
In Orario, he'd been ostracized by his Familia members for refusing to forge magic swords.
Despite saying he was used to it, Drake couldn't ignore his situation.
"Don't say such silly things; you're my friend; I wouldn't leave you."
Welf clinked his goblet with Drake's, smiling. "Thanks, Drake. I'm always in your debt; I don't know how to repay you."
Drake rubbed his arm. "That's awfully sentimental; just so you know, I prefer girls."
Welf laughed. "Don't joke like that!"
As they were talking, a voice came from behind Drake.
"Excuse me, may I interrupt? Mr. Drake, would you have a moment to talk?"
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