"Preparing for the Expedition"
In Drake's memory, Bell Cranel's first achievement after arriving in Orario was being rejected by every Familia before encountering the Blue Ribbon and starting his heroic journey.
Therefore, Bell should be wandering around, searching for a Familia that would accept him.
Unfortunately, Drake didn't encounter him after searching for half a day.
Drake wasn't particularly concerned; they would meet eventually.
After a much-needed period of relaxation, upon returning to his workshop, good news arrived in rapid succession.
First, his Two-Headed Dragon Armor sold for 98 million valis, instantly resolving his financial crisis.
Next, the materials he'd requested from the Guild started arriving. If Drake guessed correctly, most of the deep-level materials were brought back by the Loki Familia.
Drake immediately began crafting new equipment, aiming to level up his [Forging] skill.
Incidentally, Drake had recently updated his ability scores with Hephaestus.
His Strength and Endurance increased by about 200 points each, with other stats increasing by at least 100.
Drake discovered another effect of the Divine Blessing: accelerated strength growth after leveling up.
Previously, achieving such an increase would have required at least six months of dedicated training. Although he possessed the World Blessing, allowing for near-limitless growth, the required training became increasingly demanding with increasing strength.
Thanks to the Divine Blessing, Drake could finally experience the rapid progress he'd enjoyed during his weaker days.
Of course, the most surprising aspect was the upgrade of his [Forging] skill from I to G rank, likely due to the extensive experience gained from crafting high-level equipment.
The Divine Blessing was truly unreasonable. The two-level increase in [Forging] dramatically improved Drake's skill, his material identification and processing abilities soaring.
Even many problems he'd encountered while forging magic swords were now clear.
Everything had been going smoothly, except…
"Drakey!"
The workshop door, for the third time, was completely ripped from its frame, ending its short life.
Drake put down his hammer, a dark line appearing on his forehead as he looked at the half-dwarf who had just entered.
"Tsubaki, I've given up on you knocking before entering, but could you please be gentler opening the door? You've destroyed three doors already; I'm considering using Orichalcum for the next one!"
Tsubaki remained unfazed by Drake's reprimand, her brazenness beyond description.
"Don't worry about such trifles! Don't worry, I'll fix your door immediately. I have some good news; want to hear it?"
Over these past few days, Drake had come to understand his senior's personality. She was, generously, described as outgoing, but in reality, she was incredibly careless.
It was fortunate that the Hephaestus Familia was a crafting Familia, led by a wise goddess like Hephaestus; otherwise, having such a captain would be disastrous!
Since meeting Drake, Tsubaki's nickname for him had become the uniquely Tsubaki-esque "Drakey." The nickname was one thing, but what bothered Drake was that she broke a door every time she visited.
Fortunately, Tsubaki always repaired the doors herself; otherwise, Drake would have thrown her out.
Drake was curious about Tsubaki's news, but he didn't want to let her gloat.
Drake stared impassively at Tsubaki. "Does that mean you won't tell me if I say I don't want to know?"
Tsubaki smiled, patting Drake's shoulder. "You're such a killjoy, Drakey! Fine, I'll tell you. The Loki Familia has decided to launch a second expedition in a week.
They're seeking a blacksmith skilled in forging magic swords to assist them. How about it? Interested?"
Drake's eyes lit up; this was indeed a good opportunity.
Expeditions are always high-risk, high-reward endeavors.
To venture into the deeper levels of the Dungeon, sufficient combat power and logistical support are essential.
Generally, only large Familias can organize deep-level expeditions. The success of an expedition isn't determined by how deep they go but by their safe return to the surface.
Every adventurer knows that anything can happen in the Dungeon. Only a sufficient number of skilled adventurers and ample supplies can ensure the expedition's safety.
Of course, the rewards are also substantial.
The resources in the deeper levels of the Dungeon are incredibly abundant. Not only are there materials dropped by high-level monsters, but also various ores and herbs.
Drake was also very curious about the deeper levels; the Loki Familia's expedition was a perfect opportunity. He naturally wanted more details.
"What are the Loki Familia's conditions?"
Tsubaki listed them on her fingers. "First, the Loki Familia will cover the cost of consumables for the expedition and guarantee top-priority protection.
Regarding the spoils, they'll give us 10%. They'll also prioritize selling any materials we need."
Drake nodded; these were excellent conditions.
The Loki Familia's promise was credible, significantly reducing the risk. Simply repairing equipment and perhaps crafting some temporary items along the way, in exchange for 10% of the spoils, was a great deal.
Drake pondered this, then asked, "Tsubaki, aren't you participating in the Loki Familia's expedition this time?"
Tsubaki shook her head. "I obtained the materials I've been wanting on the last expedition, so I won't be going this time.
Expeditions are boring; I prefer testing my new weapons myself!"
Drake broke out in a cold sweat; he'd almost forgotten that his one-eyed senior's favorite pastime was testing her new weapons on Dungeon monsters.
That's how she, a blacksmith, reached Level 5.
However, Drake was suspicious. Even without Tsubaki's participation, the generous offer seemed unusual; Loki and Finn weren't known for their extravagance.
The request for a magic swordsmith, rather than buying magic swords, gave Drake a hunch: the Loki Familia's target might be him.
Drake wondered if something had gone wrong, drawing the Loki Familia's attention. He decided to participate in the expedition to see what they were truly planning.
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