I woke the next morning to the sound of faint snoring and a tangle of blankets. I'd ended up sleeping on the floor alongside Lili, with Bell and Lady Hestia sharing the lumpy couch. Sunlight peeked through a crack in the wall, highlighting dust motes drifting in the still air.
Stretching, I glanced down and saw Nyx curled against my chest again, guess it was her favorite spot to sleep. I sometimes forgot she looked… well, like a little monster to the people of this world. Naturally, the moment Lili stirred and laid eyes on Nyx, there was a sharp intake of breath, followed by an alarmed squeak.
"W-what is that?!" she hissed, scrambling backward against the wall. Her hood slipped down, revealing wide eyes that darted between me and the cat-like creature.
I quickly held up a calming hand. "Easy there. She's not dangerous. She's my companion, Nyx." Bell jolted awake at the noise, blinking blearily, and Lady Hestia yawned, one hand clutched around Bell's arm like a pillow.
"Nyx?" Lili's brow furrowed. "That's… a monster, right?"
"Technically," I admitted, though I tried to keep my tone reassuring. "But she's part of my power. Don't worry, unless of course, you betray us."
Bell rubbed the sleep from his eyes, looking from Nyx to Lili. "Lili, it's okay. Amara's had Nyx since before she joined. She's kind of like… a special summon."
Lady Hestia stretched, letting out a contented sigh before quirking an amused smile. "Nyx, huh? That was my grandmother's name, you know." Her eyes danced with mirth as if recalling some mischievous memory.
"Really?" I asked. "I had no idea."
Hestia waved it off. "No worries. Kinda funny, though." Then her gaze flicked back to Lili. "Anyway, everyone up. We've got a big day. Lili, you're heading with me and Bell for your Familia transfer. Amara's apparently going on some secret errand."
I felt a twinge of guilt at her playful accusation, but I only shrugged. "Not so secret. Just need to pick up some money from the Guild. They owe me a decent sum."
Bell's eyes brightened. "Really? That's great! We could use the extra valis, especially if we're all going to the Dungeon together."
I nodded, As I focused on the plan for the day. "I should be back by noon, so we can meet up at Babel or somewhere near it. Then we can dive into the Dungeon as a full team."
"Sounds good," Lady Hestia agreed. She gestured for Bell and Lili to start packing up. "We need to swing by Lili's old Familia to finalize the transfer." She glanced at Lili with sympathy. "Might be tricky, but we'll handle it."
Lili looked both nervous and relieved. "Thank you, Lady Hestia. I… appreciate this."
Hestia patted her shoulder, smiling gently. "We're all in this together."
As we bustled around, folding blankets and tidying up the minimal mess, Nyx stretched, hopped onto my shoulder, and then dissolved into my shadow earning another startled look from Lili. "I guess that's still something I need to get used to," she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.
I let out a little laugh. "You will. She's quiet once you know her."
Before long, we all headed out. Bell, Hestia, and Lili set off toward the west end of the city where Lili's old Familia was located, talking about signatures, and the complicated process of transferring Familia memberships. I watched them go with a small wave.
Then I turned my steps toward the Guild Hall. The morning bustle had begun, vendors hawked fresh produce, shopkeepers opened their doors, and adventurers hustled to Dungeon, weapons, and armor clanking. My new satchel bounced lightly at my side, reminding me that soon, I'd have enough valis to help the Hestia Familia in a bigger way, maybe even secure a proper house. Of course, that meant selling these potions to more people as it was a quick way to get more valis. For now, I'd collect the money they already owed me.
More than once, I overheard snatches of conversation about a strange amphibious monster discovered yesterday, the Chatacabra. I heard that Ganesha had searched its soul and learned its name.
When the grand doors of the Guild Hall came into view. It was early, so the hall was buzzing with adventurers eager to turn in loot or get their Dungeon permits squared away. I joined a short line leading to one of the side counters.
Miss Eina caught my eye, offered a polite wave, and motioned for me to go to her. I stepped up to her desk. Eina looked neat and professional as always, her chestnut-brown hair pinned up, a ledger open on the desk.
"Amara," she greeted, that reassuring tone putting me at ease. "You're early. Here for your payment, I take it?"
I nodded. "That's right. The potions, energy drink, life powder, everything I gave to the Guild for testing. Any word on my valis?"
Eina flipped through a few pages in her ledger, then retrieved a stack of documents from a small filing tray. "Yes. The alchemists finished their evaluation late yesterday. They confirmed your items are, indeed, powerful and safe." She gave me a slightly pointed look, as though still baffled by how I came up with them in the first place. "We have a fair sum due to you as compensation. It's quite substantial."
"Substantial, huh? Great." I was trying not to seem too eager, but the truth was, I was thrilled. This could be exactly what our Familia needed to start improving our living situation. Or at least get some supplies.
Eina began sorting the coins into a tidy pouch. But before she could hand it over, a sharp voice cut through the din behind me. "You there—the one with the mystery potions."
I turned and saw a tall, slender woman striding toward us, wearing robes emblazoned with a Herb crest. Her sharp eyes burned with curiosity, or maybe irritation. Behind her trailed two other adventurers from the same Familia.
"Miss Helani," Eina said politely but firmly, "I'm in the middle of a transaction—"
Helani ignored Eina, her attention locked on me. "You're the one introducing unknown potions into Orario, correct? I'm with the Potenia Familia, under Goddess Circe. We specialize in medicinal craft. My goddess demands an explanation for your… products. I want the formulas."
This wasn't a request—it was more like an order. "I'm sorry," I said while I kept my tone level. "But I don't share my recipes. They're trade secrets."
Helani's eyes narrowed. "So you intend to sell them and monopolize the market? That's unbelievably reckless! You must've used restricted ingredients or taboo methods. We can't allow you to endanger Orario with some untested junk."
"The Guild tested them. They're safe." I inclined my head toward Eina. "Your own people confirmed that. Beyond that, I won't be telling you anything." I forced a calm smile. "If your Familia wants to replicate them, good luck."
"You—!" Helani's knuckles whitened, and for a split second, I thought she might lunge at me.
Eina intervened, stepping between us. "Miss Helani, the Guild has deemed these potions safe. If Miss Amara chooses not to disclose her methods, that is her right. Unless your goddess files an official complaint with the Guild, there's nothing further to be done."
Behind Helani, her two companions grumbled, shifting as though they wanted to press the issue. But Helani scowled. "Fine," she spat, leveling me with a dark look. "But don't think we'll just stand by." With that, she whirled on her heel, robes sweeping dramatically as she stalked away, her entourage in tow.
My grip on my sword easing. Eina gave me a sympathetic smile. "I'm sorry about that. The Circe Familia can be… zealous about potions."
"Thanks," I said. "I appreciate you stepping in."
Eina nodded, then held out a pouch of coins. "Here's your payment." She handed it over, and I felt the weight of the valis. "6,000 Valis, Use it wisely. And be cautious when you enter the dungeon, as we cant monitor what happens down there."
I placed the pouch into my satchel. "Understood. Thank you, Miss Eina."
With that, I turned and navigated my way out of the bustling hall, ignoring the occasional glare from Helani's direction. Taking a moment to breathe. The Familia would be overjoyed if they knew how much we'd just earned.
Next stop: Gervas's smithy.
I followed the familiar path until I reached a little building with the red, sword-shaped sign swaying overhead. The door creaked as I stepped inside. The metallic tang of steel and forge fire prickled my nostrils, and I spotted Gervas behind the counter, arms folded. He was as grizzled as ever, soot smudging his cheeks and broad shoulders.
He recognized me instantly, squinting. "Back for another weapon so soon? Didn't break the last set, did you?"
A half-smile tugged at my lips. "Not at all. It's working great. I just… need a sword. Something small. For a, uh, Pallum friend."
Gervas raised an eyebrow. "Short sword, then? Or a dagger?"
"Short sword," I clarified. "She'll be going into the Dungeon with us." I tried to keep my voice casual, hoping he wouldn't pry into the details of my "friend."
Gervas gave a thoughtful hum and stepped aside, beckoning me to follow. He led me past rows of swords, most too large for a Nyx, until we found a handful of smaller swords. He picked one up, letting the steel catch the dim light. "This here's good steel. Balanced, not too heavy. Might be just right for a smaller adventurer with a decent grip."
I eyed the short sword, testing its weight in my hand. Imagining how it might fit in Nyx's grip. "Looks promising," I said. "How much?"
He scratched at the soot on his chin. "Call it 1,000 valis." His gaze flicked to the bag of ore slung over my shoulder. "Unless you're looking to barter. That's an interesting smell of metal you got there."
I straightened, remembering I had some leftover Machalite and Iron, possibly enough to cover part of the cost, didn't hurt to try to save some money. After a second of weighing options, I decided a bit of it wouldn't hurt.
Rummaging in my satchel, I pulled out a small chunk of Machalite Ore. Even in the smithy's modest light, it gleamed with a faint turquoise hue. Gervas's eyes widened. "Never seen anything quite like that. Where did ya get it?"
"Yep," I said, trying to sound casual. "Found it in the Dungeon. Figured a smith might know what to do with it. If you can use it in forging, maybe we can work out a trade?"
Gervas turned the piece over in his hands, testing its weight and hardness. "Seems strong, though I'd need to experiment. Could be worthless, or could be top-tier. Hard to say." He gave me a curious look. "I'll knock off half the price of the short sword if you toss in a bit more. In return, I'll try to make it into a weapon if it's worth forging. Say since you found it, why not give it a name?"
That sounded fair enough. I fished out the last few pieces of Machalite, plus some Iron Ore for good measure. Gervas nodded, satisfied, then accepted the partial payment, counting out the remainder in valis from my new stash.
"Deal," I said, offering a handshake. "Thanks. And id call it Machalite."
He gave me a firm shake back. "Don't mention it. Come back in a few days, and I'll let you know if this ore's anything special. You need a scabbard?"
"No."
Just the right size for Nyx. "Thanks again, Gervas."
He just waved me off, already eyeing the chunks of ore I'd left him to experiment with. "Yeah, yeah. Don't forget to come see me about that leftover metal."
The instant I turned to leave the smithy, a thought struck me. I paused mid-step, then spun back around to face Gervas. He eyed me warily, still examining the curious bits of Machalite.
"Something else?" he asked, arching a brow.
"Actually, yeah." I glanced at the hammers, tongs, and half-finished weapons hanging around the workshop. "Do you have any small pickaxes for sale? I broke mine in the Dungeon, so I'm in the market for a replacement."
Gervas grunted, setting down the ore chunk and wiping his hands on a grimy rag. "Strange times when an Amazon needs a pickaxe. But sure, I should have a couple collecting dust in the back."
He disappeared behind a stack of crates, rummaging and muttering under his breath. I took the chance to let my gaze wander over the scorch marks on the stone floor, the lines of swords hung on pegs, and the battered old forge.
"Here." Gervas emerged, plonking three small pickaxes onto the counter with a dull clatter. Two looked nearly brand new, while one had a scuffed wooden handle and a bit of rust on the head. "They aren't the fancy sort you might see in some dwarven workshop, but they'll do."
I reached for my coin pouch, but he shook his head. "Nah. Keep your valis. You gave me new ore to fiddle with, and I'm curious as all hell about it. Think of these picks as an… investment." His lips curved into a faint grin. "You find more weird rocks down there, you bring 'em back here. Deal?"
"Deal," I replied, taking them carefully. They were modest in weight as I stored them in my satchel. "Thanks, Gervas. You're a lifesaver."
He shrugged, pretending not to care. "Bah. Just don't go snapping 'em all at once." his voice lowered a fraction. "oh what familia are you with?"
"I won't, hopefully," I promised, giving him a small, grateful bow. "Oh, I'm with the Hestia Familia." With the short sword for Nyx under one arm, I headed out into the bustling streets.
The sun had finally risen properly, reminding me that I needed to meet Bell and Lili soon. I dodged past a group of pallum merchants arguing over a broken cartwheel and slipped down a narrower side street, where the crowds were thinner. My thoughts flicked to the valis in my pouch, the brand-new gear in my hands, and the conversation I'd just had with Gervas. This city kept surprising me, and apparently, I was surprising it, too.
Finally, I spotted a familiar crossroads not too far from Babel Tower. Bell and Lili stood there, looking mildly out of place in the throng of adventurers who passed by. Bell caught sight of me first, waving me over with a cheerful grin. Lili stayed a step behind him.
"Amara!" Bell called, sounding relieved. "We were starting to think you got lost."
I scoffed. "Me? Never. I just took care of a few errands. Looks like you two wrapped up your business, too?"
Lili nodded. "Yes. Lady Hestia helped me complete the transfer. I'm… officially part of the Hestia Familia now."
"Congratulations," I said, genuinely pleased. "Welcome aboard."
She offered a faint smile. "All set to dive in?" Bell asked. His expression shone with quiet excitement, he always did look forward to the Dungeon, no matter the risks.
"Ready when you are," I replied, giving Nyx's shadowy form a mental nudge in the back of my mind. She stirred, purring in agreement.
Lili glanced from me to Bell, then seemed to steel herself. "Let's do it," she said. "We can start on the upper floors, and see how things go."
Bell grinned. "Works for me. Though I'm hoping we can push a little deeper now that we have more help."
I smirked, recalling how quickly things escalated the last time I tried to go deeper. "Just don't get cocky, okay? The Dungeon loves punishing that."
He nodded, and the three of us fell into step, heading for Babel Tower's grand entrance. Around us, adventurers of every rank bustled: some returning with loot in their packs, others heading in.
Out of habit, I glanced skyward, looking at how big the tower was. Maybe, someday soon, we'd have the funds to secure something bigger, something safer. Maybe these potions and ore would pave the way.
Elsewhere a few hours later.
I was examining a half-forged longsword, testing its balance, when my assistant, Aria, slipped into my workshop. I caught her reflection in the polished blade: she looked apprehensive, which meant something noteworthy had happened. Knowing my Familia, it likely involved either some new forging challenge or a Dungeon discovery. Both piqued my interest.
"What is it?" I asked, setting the sword aside. The heat from the forge behind me made the air ripple, but I'd spent centuries working in these conditions. I hardly felt the warmth anymore.
Aria cleared her throat. "Goddess Hephaestus, you'll want to hear this. Gervas has sent word of a new ore, found in the Dungeon. He had traded for a few pieces with some Amazon… from the Hestia Familia."
I frowned slightly, and my curiosity immediately sparked. "Hestia's Familia?" I repeated. "Up until recently, she only had the boy, Bell Cranel. I had made him that dagger less than a week ago." The memory of forging that dagger still glowed bright in my mind. It was a labor of care and perhaps just a little affection for Hestia, who'd pleaded with me so earnestly. "Now there's an Amazon in her ranks?"
Aria nodded. "So Gervas said. He claims she arrived with lumps of unknown metal, blue-green in color. They bartered, and he's planning to test the ore's properties."
I set my gloves on a nearby workbench, my single visible eye narrowing with interest. "An unfamiliar ore is nothing to sneeze at. We have Orichalcum, Adamantite, and a handful of other exotic materials in Orario, but something truly new…" A slight thrill ran through me. The forging possibilities flickered through my mind, improved edges, unique magical properties, or better synergy with enchantments.
Yet caution tempered that excitement. "Have Gervas send me any information he uncovers. I want to know if it's stable, if it reacts to magic stones, or if it's simply a worthless curiosity." My tone was steady, and controlled, but Aria had been with me long enough to recognize my genuine eagerness.
She hesitated. "Would you like me to organize a search party in the Dungeon, Goddess? Gervas mentioned only having a small amount. He wasn't sure if it was from the upper floors or deeper down."
I tipped my head thoughtfully. Normally, I'd wait for confirmation before devoting resources to hunt an unknown material. But if rumors started circulating, other Familias would race to stake their claim. And if it truly was valuable, I wouldn't let the Hephaestus Familia lag behind.
"Yes," I said. "Select a capable squad, at least four Level Twos, with three Level Three to supervise. They're to scout the likely floors where new mineral veins might appear. Have them coordinate with the Guild's floor geography records if possible." With so many shifts in the Dungeon, it was wise to combine fieldwork with any data the Guild would share.
Aria bowed. "Right away. Anything else, Goddess?"
I mulled that over. "Tell them not to take any reckless risks. If a new ore deposit is too deep or guarded by monstrous threats, better to report back and request reinforcements. We don't need tragedies."
She nodded briskly and swept from the workshop, leaving me alone with the hiss of the forge. I stood there a moment, absorbing the news. A new metal, blue-green in hue. Could be the next big breakthrough or a forgettable scrap. It stung a little that I hadn't been the first to handle it. Then again, it was often adventurers and lesser smiths who stumbled on hidden gems, only to bring them to my Familia for evaluation.
I turned back to the half-forged longsword, but the molten steel before me no longer held my full concentration. I was thinking about Hestia, my old friend who would be working for me to pay for Bell's dagger. She'd mentioned wanting to support her only child, but apparently, now she had an Amazon in the mix.
An Amazon who was introducing untested potions on top of it all (I'd heard rumors of that from the guild). Hestia had a knack for picking up unique Familia members, didn't she? I carefully set the sword aside to cool; finishing it would have to wait until I satisfied my curiosity.
I made my way from the sweltering heart of my workshop into a more comfortable adjoining corridor. It was quiet, lined with finished weapons and locked display cases, a private gallery of prototypes and personal experiments. Typically, I found solitude here calming. Today, however, my mind raced with questions about that new ore.
Gervas wasn't a fool. If he considered this Machalite, had that been the name? And the fact that the Amazon parted with only small pieces suggested she was cautious about revealing her entire stockpile. Typical of a savvy adventurer. Perhaps she planned to see how well the first batch turned out.
I stepped into my office and took a seat at a broad wooden desk strewn with half-written letters and forging diagrams. A small stack of documents on top detailed the performance of Orichalcum-laced swords in the upper floors, an ongoing project. Now, I might be forced to put those aside to analyze the new metal. No matter. Curiosity always won out in the end.
I reached for a blank parchment and dipped my quill in ink, jotting a quick note:
Confirm Gervas's initial findings about the ore's hardness and malleability. Investigate magical conductivity (does it bind with magic stones or resist them?). Identify if it is truly from the Dungeon. If so, which floors?
At the bottom, I wrote: Dispatch squad to floors 1–12, as ores sometimes appear around there. Check deeper if leads suggest it.
I paused. Iron was well-known, but "Machalite" was new to me. The name sounded foreign, not derived from any of the Greek or local tongues used in Orario. If it wasn't from the Dungeon, then where…? That was an intriguing notion. But from everything I'd heard, the Amazon had claimed she discovered it below Babel. Could the Dungeon be changing?
Leaning back, I recalled forging that dagger for Bell. And Hestia's eyes had sparkled with pride. At the time, I'd thought, Well, that's her entire Familia, just one bright-eyed kid. Now it appeared she had added a second, presumably the Amazon who'd uncovered these strange materials. A new recruit who was obviously active in the Dungeon if she'd come upon unique deposits so quickly.
I swirled the quill between my fingers, thinking how Hestia might have kept this woman under wraps. Hestia didn't hide things maliciously, of course, she probably just forgot to mention it, or the Amazon had only just recently joined. With Hestia, you never know, I told myself with a wry little smile. Despite our differences in managing Familias, I held affection for my old friend. If her ranks were growing, that was good news. She'd been scraping by for too long.
A subtle knock on the doorframe pulled my attention. A tall, broad-shouldered smith, Velf, one of my more experienced children, stepped into the office. "Goddess," he greeted, then noticed the half-finished note on my desk. "I heard about the new ore. Anything I can help with?"
I handed him the note. "I'm sending a squad for a preliminary investigation. Gervas already has a sample, so consult with him and gather details on how it melts, if it's stable, whether it interacts weirdly with standard forging techniques. If this is something truly special, I want to know."
Velf scanned my handwriting and nodded. "Understood. I'll gather a few smiths to test it in the forges tonight. We'll heat it to various degrees, check if it cracks or warps under stress. If it's stable, I'll see what can be done about forging a small item, maybe a dagger or spearhead. That'll give us an idea of its potential."
I appreciated his initiative. "Perfect. And watch for any contaminants. We don't know if it's cursed or artificially altered. The Dungeon can be unpredictable."
"Yes, Goddess." He slipped out as quietly as he arrived, leaving me alone again with my thoughts.
I could already envision the forging tests in my head: bathing the ore in fire, hammering it to test hardness, and quenching it in oil or water. Each step reveals a bit more about this Machalite. If it turned out to be a robust metal with unique magical compatibility, the Hephaestus Familia might be able to craft new lines of weapons that set the entire city abuzz. But I had to be patient; forging wasn't a skill for the impulsive. Quality was built methodically, one strike at a time.
As the hours passed, I took care of other administrative tasks, approving requests for more forging materials, checking on store inventory, scanning proposals from various adventurers wanting custom armaments. Still, my mind kept drifting back to the unfamiliar ore and the Amazon who brought it here. Eventually, I decided to head out to Gervas's forge in person. If I didn't see the material for myself, I'd be left stewing in curiosity all day.
The sun was bright overhead when I emerged onto the busy streets of Orario, weaving through throngs of adventurers, merchants, and travelers. Many of my children ran shops or blacksmith stands in this district, forging everything from basic iron swords to specialized gear for higher-level adventurers. People would bow or greet me politely; I acknowledged them with a nod, but pressed on, searching for the distinct sign marking Gervas's place.
When I finally arrived, the old wooden door let out a tired groan under my hand. Inside, the clanging of metal on metal paused. Gervas, heavily muscled and dusted with soot, turned from the anvil. His eyes widened at the sight of me, he likely hadn't expected a personal visit so soon.
"Goddess Hephaestus," he said, wiping his brow. "I, uh, guess word traveled fast."
"Of course it did," I said evenly, stepping deeper into the smithy. The air stung with metallic tang, but it was a comforting scent to me. My gaze went straight to the corner, where a small chunk of turquoise-like ore rested atop a worn table. "Is that it?"
Gervas nodded. "Machalite Ore, the Amazon called it. Said it came from the Dungeon. I made a partial trade for it earlier today. Didn't get much, but enough to experiment." He picked up the chunk, offering it for me to see. "It's got a solid heft. Less dense than raw iron but sturdier than it looks. Haven't tested it thoroughly, though, I was waiting for my shift to slow down."
I took the piece from him, turning it over in my hand. The surface had a subtle shimmer, like it contained flecks of crystal. A faint ripple of color played under the top layer. "If this truly forms in the Dungeon, there might be more veins waiting to be discovered," I murmured. My mind practically buzzed with possibilities. "Machalite Ore," I repeated, as though tasting the name.
Gervas shrugged. "Not the catchiest name I've heard, but it stuck. She also mentioned she had Iron Ore of a slightly different grade—harder, with some weird reflective sheen."
I frowned. "I'll want a sample of that too, if you come across it. My Familia's sending a team to investigate soon, but if you happen to refine or shape any of this Machalite before then, I'd like a full report."
He gave a firm nod, posture respectful. "Understood. If it turns out half-decent, I'll let you know straight away. I'm curious myself, if it forges well, it might put me on the map in new ways." A flash of ambition crossed his face, and I couldn't fault him. Discovering a new metal had elevated many a smith to renown.
I handed the ore back and inclined my head. "Keep it up, Gervas. And let me know if that Amazon reappears. I want to speak with her personally."
In truth, I was itching to ask her a thousand questions: Which floor did she mine it on? Were there signs of more? How did she know where to dig in the first place? But I forced myself to maintain some decorum— barging in on Hestia's new recruit uninvited wasn't my style. Not yet, at least. I'd start by letting my children handle the preliminary legwork.
With that, I returned to my own workshop. Nightfall approached, and the forges in my compound glowed like a constellation of embers, each one manned by dedicated smiths. I watched them for a moment from an upper balcony, arms crossed over my chest. The swirl of orange and gold sparks showering up into the darkness had always struck me as a sign of life and progress.
One of my senior smiths, a dwarf named Brynn, called up to me. "Goddess! We're about to heat that Machalite sample. Care to observe?"
I made my way down to the central forge. Brynn already had the ore set on a heavy steel anvil, the furnace blazing. My smiths paused their usual work, forming a loose ring around the anvil as though about to witness a rare event, which, in truth, they were. Rare metals always drew a crowd in the Hephaestus Familia.
Brynn placed the Machalite chunk onto the tip of a long set of tongs, then pushed it into the searing heart of the furnace. We waited, silent except for the roar of flames. My pulse thrummed in my ear, adrenaline spiking with excitement. Each moment felt stretched, and I realized I was leaning forward in anticipation.
At last, Brynn pulled it out, now glowing a dull red. Another smith hammered lightly, testing the metal's malleability. Sparks flew, but the chunk didn't crack under the gentle strikes. Instead, it appeared to compress slightly, as if it was forging more akin to steel than some brittle new compound. A ripple of murmured interest spread through the watchers.
"So far, so good," Brynn said, exchanging a glance with me.
I gave a single nod. "Proceed. Carefully."
The tests continued late into the night. Perhaps, we were on the verge of discovering something significant. I offered my expertise where needed, but for the most part, I let my children do the forging, they were more than competent. Time and again, the Machalite sample responded well that might shatter under stress. By the end of it, we had a rough, improvised dagger blade, crudely shaped but revealing enough: it held an edge decently, especially for a first attempt without any special forging techniques.
I held the half-finished blade up to the light. The reflection was muted, but an unusual, faint shimmer danced along its newly forged surface. "We'll refine this process," I said quietly, turning to Brynn. "Tomorrow, gather the notes. We'll do a second pass, and see if it can handle higher temperatures and sharper angles."
He nodded, wiping sweat from his brow. "Yes, Goddess."
I felt a rising sense of satisfaction. "You've done well tonight, all of you." A few tired smiles brightened the workshop. My words were understated, but they knew me well enough to sense my genuine praise.
As they began cleaning up, I set the sample blade aside carefully. The newly minted Machalite dagger would serve as the first tangible clue to the ore's real potential. If all goes well, we might produce full sets of arms from this new metal. The possibilities frothed in my mind, armor that shimmered with that turquoise hue, the possibility of weaving magic stone enhancements, or combining it with other known alloys. It was a puzzle that, piece by piece, we would solve.
I left the workshop, my footsteps echoing in the corridors that led back to my private rooms. My thoughts lingered on the Amazon from Hestia's Familia, new enough that I hadn't even heard her name until now. Whoever she is, I thought, she's certainly given my smiths a puzzle to occupy them… and me.
Before turning in for the night, I sent a final directive: my squad would return at dawn, searching the Dungeon for any sign of Machalite veins. If the ore was there, if it truly existed in more than a few lucky lumps, the Hephaestus Familia would find it. That was our craft and our calling, bringing the hidden potential of metal to life.
And if this Amazon managed to unearth more of that turquoise rock, so be it. I had no intention of missing out on the next forging revolution in Orario. Hestia might have made a cunning addition to her Familia, but forging was my domain, and a new metal belonged, by right of skill, to the best smiths in the city.
As I closed my door behind me, I felt the pleasant ache of a day's labor in my arms. Tomorrow promised to be busy. But as always, the promise of new steel, of forging something unknown and turning it into a masterpiece set my heart ablaze. Even if I had to share that discovery with a newcomer from Hestia's little Familia, I wouldn't have it any other way. After all, progress in smithing was just another form of creation, and creation was what I lived for.