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DH : [59] Give Me More Power!
🕑 Added 2024-07-28 16:00:05 +0000 UTCHephaestus used tongs to lift the glowing blade and swiftly plunged it into a pool of water.
Amidst swirling steam, the red-hot blade rapidly cooled down.
The water in the pool must have been infused with materials from dungeon monsters, hence its quick cooling rate.
"Now, only the blade and hilt are completed. Grinding, sheathing, decorative elements, and other tasks will need to wait until tomorrow. However, you can give it a name first, and then tell me your preferred colors, decorative style, and scabbard color." Hephaestus pointed at the still tempering blade, revealing a satisfied expression.
What Hephaestus mentioned seemed to go beyond the duties of a blacksmith and required specialized attention.
"Hmm... Since it's derived from a dragon horn, let's call it Dragon Slayer." Aiden's right hand rubbed his chin as he spoke after a moment of contemplation.
"I like black, so let's go with black for the scabbard... As for the preferred style, let the professionals decide on the combination."
"Sounds good. Dragon Slayer, a nice name." Hephaestus nodded, her left eye curved into a crescent moon shape, "Black, huh? Alright, duly noted."
"After the remaining work is completed tomorrow, I'll have someone send Durandal and Dragon Slayer back to your familia." Hephaestus's smile carried a hint of weariness as she used tongs to lift Dragon Slayer from the water pool.
A katana without a hilt gradually emerged from the water.
Perhaps due to the addition of black gold, the entire blade appeared dark red in color, with a length of about 1.2 meters, still retaining the appearance of a dragon horn.
The curve of the blade was elegant, its shape symmetrical, and the patterns on the blade appeared stacked upon each other. Under the radiant glow of the blazing flames, it shimmered like crimson waves, its sharp edge exuding a sense of transparency.
Hephaestus first tested the temperature, then brought Dragon Slayer and an iron block to Aiden.
"Although it's not fully completed yet, it's still worth a try." Hephaestus smiled.
Aiden took hold of Dragon Slayer, gripping the hilt with his left hand. The first sensation was warmth, as the residual heat from the forging hadn't completely dissipated, followed by weight. Despite appearing slimmer than Durandal, it was actually heavier. However, the grip felt excellent, without any sense of unfamiliarity, indicating that Hephaestus had adjusted it according to his palm.
With a light toss of the iron block in his right hand, Aiden exerted force with his left hand, and Dragon Slayer's dark red blade transformed into a scarlet meteor streaking through the air.
With a crisp sound, the iron block had split into two pieces in response.
"Its special ability is Indestructible, just like your Durandal, very durable. How do you feel?" Hephaestus flashed a satisfied smile, seeming confident that Aiden would make a qualified owner.
"Thank you, I'm very satisfied." The warmth from his left hand lingered, and Aiden bowed his head in gratitude to Hephaestus.
"As long as you're satisfied." Hephaestus chuckled. While her right hand was in motion, her gaze remained fixed on Durandal, her tired eyes betraying a strong eagerness to delve into further research.
Observing Hephaestus, who showed clear signs of fatigue yet remained undeterred in her desire to study Durandal, Aiden couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Truly worthy of being the Goddess of Smithing.
"Then we'll take our leave now. Here's 1 million valis, and the remaining amount will be delivered to your familia tomorrow." Aiden handed over the money pouch and Durandal to Hephaestus.
Aiden didn't pay the full amount immediately, nor did he have the capability to do so. After all, 10 million valis were physical currency and couldn't be carried around all the time.
"Then we bid farewell." Aiden chuckled as he saw Hephaestus's eagerness.
"Goodbye, Hephaestus. See you later." Hestia, knowing her friend's character well, also smiled as she prepared to leave.
"Goodbye, Hestia, Aiden." Hephaestus, already immersed in her research, replied without looking up.
Aiden had a rare chance to relax today. After leveling up, his previously tense nerves relaxed instantly. Despite spending a considerable amount of coins today, playing the role of a generous spender, he still felt reluctant to move.
Although he was left with only a shortsword, it was sufficient for his needs.
Upon returning home, Aiden didn't rush to the training room to adapt to his new strength, nor did he choose to earn money in the dungeon.
Apart from studying, which largely determined his fate, Aiden had never been so focused, afraid to slack off even for a moment.
It's easy to imagine the pressure he felt from losing his manhood and embarking on the path to becoming an idol.
Even playing games, watching anime, or dramas couldn't distract him for long enough every day.
Despite gradually finding joy in battles, after a month, he still felt weary.
At this moment, all Aiden wanted was to be a layabout for a day and relax properly.
Without the persecution of the system, and regardless of whether he had money or not.
Upon returning home, Aiden headed straight to his bedroom and picked up where he left off in Golden Wind.
Even during dinner, Aiden didn't put down the novel, showing a level of focus even greater than during his final exams.
His behavior left Hestia stunned, completely overturning her perception of Aiden.
"I never knew Aiden-kun enjoyed reading novels so much. It seems you have truly been working hard." Hestia sighed softly as she watched Aiden reading while eating, then stood up to refill his empty cup.
"Thank you, Hestia." Aiden surprised to find his cup already filled, then turned to Hestia.
"No, no, aren't we family? You've been working hard this past month. If anything, I should be thanking you." Hestia's face, usually so sweet, now bore a smile befitting her divine status.
At the same time, Hestia silently resolved in her heart: she couldn't stay idle at home anymore; she needed to work. Even though she didn't earn much, she wanted to contribute to the household.
"We're family, no need to be so formal." Aiden chuckled, ruffling Hestia's soft hair. Then he turned back to his room. "I'm heading back to my room."
"Mm-hmm." Hestia nodded like a contented little bird.
Once back in his room, Aiden, having already tidied up, lay down on his bed with several volumes of Golden Wind.
"Relaxing now and then feels good, but relaxing all the time feels even better."
It wasn't until late into the night that Aiden finally fell asleep, cradling the novel in his arms.
In his dreams, a man's voice echoed in his mind.
"Give me more power!"
