The morning light filtered through the cracks of the makeshift window, waking Hikigaya Hachiman to another day in Orario. The first sensation was, as had become customary, the warm weight of Aqua sleeping cuddled against him. A weary sigh escaped him as he carefully disentangled himself from the goddess's embrace. 'At least she serves as a free body heater,' he thought with his morning cynicism, trying to ignore any other implications of the situation.
Sitting on the edge of the cheap mattress, he rubbed his eyes, feeling the residual fatigue from the previous week. An entire week of daily dives into the Dungeon, fighting Goblins, Kobolds, and the irritatingly fast Dungeon Lizards. He recalled the status update from the night before, performed by Aqua before they both collapsed from exhaustion.
'Hikigaya Hachiman, Level 1... Strength H-148, Endurance H-165, Dexterity H-130, Agility H-142...' The numbers represented a considerable jump since he had arrived, all firmly in Rank H. It was a testament to his effort and, undoubtedly, the subtle but constant effect of his Skill 'A Loner's Protection'. And then, the stat that stood out the most: 'Magic G-255'. Rank G. This was almost entirely due to the intensive use of Trace On – both for projecting replacement swords and, more crucially, for reinforcing his blades and occasionally his own body in critical moments. The mana cost was high, but the return in excelia for the Magic stat was undeniable. He also had the Development Ability 'Blacksmith I', a peculiarity he was still trying to fully understand.
'Rank H in physical attributes and Rank G in Magic... in just one week. Not bad progress for a solo novice,' he reflected. 'But I'm still Level 1. These numbers might seem high for the start of Rank H, but compared to higher-level adventurers, I'm still insignificant. And this defense...' Even with Endurance H-165, a well-placed hit from a stronger monster or a suitable weapon could still be fatal. 'Relying solely on my stats or magical reinforcements that consume my precious mana isn't sustainable in the long run. I need real, reliable protection.'
His projected sword was functional, but he felt its limitations. Projected armor was, for now, out of the question – the complexity and mana expenditure would be enormous. His Blacksmith ability was only 'I', not enough to create anything decent. The conclusion was obvious.
'I need armor. Made by real blacksmiths.' With the 20,000 Valis remaining from his week's earnings, he had a modest budget, but perhaps enough for some basic quality pieces. 'And the best place for that is the source.'
Decision made, he got up, performed his precarious morning hygiene, and prepared to leave, giving only a brief explanation to a sleepy Aqua who was more interested in knowing if there would be special food when he returned. He left the hovel, leaving the goddess behind, and headed towards the district of the great artisan Familias.
The main shop of the Hephaestus Familia was an imposing sight. The facade of dark stone and metal, the symbol of the flaming anvil, all exuded quality and power. The interior was vast and well-lit, with the characteristic smell of metal and oil lingering in the air. Spectacular weapons and armor were on display, unique pieces with astronomical prices – Hachiman confirmed with his eyes an ornate breastplate costing over two million Valis.
'Definitely not for me,' he thought, turning his face from the luxury displays. 'I need to find the standard equipment.' He knew that somewhere in there, mixed with the masterpieces, should be the mass-produced items, the reliable and affordable pieces that equipped most of Orario's adventurers. His budget of 20,000 Valis was his guide.
He began exploring the sections further from the center of the shop, where sets of reinforced leather armor, simple metal breastplates, greaves, and gauntlets were displayed more functionally and with (he hoped) more realistic prices. He was examining a simple steel breastplate, calculating if he would have enough Valis for it and perhaps a pair of bracers, when a calm but resonant voice interrupted him.
"Hey, kid."
Hachiman startled slightly and turned around. Standing a short distance away were two women whose appearances were unmistakable to anyone with minimal knowledge of Orario's prominent figures (or with fragmented memories of another life).
The one who spoke first had hair red as fire and a leather eyepatch over her right eye. Her left eye, reddish-brown, examined him with piercing intensity. She wore practical but quality clothes: a white dress shirt, black elbow-length gloves, black pants, and boots. Hephaestus, the Goddess of the Forge.
Beside her, silent but equally attentive, was Tsubaki Collbrande, the Amazon captain of the Familia. Tall, muscular, with tanned skin, short black hair, and an eyepatch covering her left eye. Her single gaze was sharp and curious.
'Hephaestus? Tsubaki? What do they want with me?' Hachiman felt a chill run down his spine. Being noticed by figures of this caliber was rarely simple or without consequences.
Hephaestus took a step closer, her gaze fixed on him, as if examining the quality of a rare metal. "I feel something... different about you," she said, her voice measured. "A resonance... like the hum of a well-tended forge, but... raw. Are you a blacksmith?" The question was direct, and the way she looked at him suggested she sensed something more than could be explained by his appearance or equipment.
Hachiman processed the question. 'Did she sense it? Because of the Development Ability? Or did the constant use of Trace On to analyze and replicate leave some mark?' Denying could be complicated if she was truly sensing something. Confirming was a shot in the dark. He thought of his 'Blacksmith I' ability. He was, technically, at the most basic level possible.
"Yes," Hachiman replied, keeping his voice as neutral as possible. "I am."
Hephaestus's visible eye seemed to gleam with confirmed interest. She didn't ask for details, didn't question his level or appearance. Just nodded. "I see. Come with me."
She turned abruptly and started walking towards a discreet door at the back of the shop, an area clearly restricted to employees and Familia members.
Hachiman was momentarily paralyzed. 'Go with her? Just like that? Where?' He glanced at Tsubaki. The Amazon didn't move to follow them, but her gaze on Hachiman was a mixture of surprise and intense interest. It was obvious that her Goddess's behavior was highly unusual.
'What the hell is happening?' thought Hachiman. 'Could this be a trap? A test? An opportunity?' He had no answers. But backing down now seemed... anticlimactic. And perhaps stupid. His curiosity, a trait that often got him into trouble in his previous life, overcame his caution.
Taking a deep breath, Hachiman gave one last look at the section of affordable armor he had come looking for and, resigned to the bizarre flow of his new life, followed the Goddess of the Forge through the forbidden door, heading into the unknown.