Hephaestus Family [2/2]

Disclaimer: I own nothing. This story has no interest in offending any party. Its sole purpose is to entertain readers. Enjoy ~

(A/n: There is a slight change of POV in this chapter. ) 

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Chapter 04

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- Jol - 

 My "sword of holy light" sliced through the air with divine grace, striking a Goblin full in the face, which had its stomach pierced and met an instant death exploding into particles. 

Although the monster's core had been destroyed, the focus at that moment was on experimenting with my new skill.

It had been about 10 minutes since I entered the second floor of the dungeon, dedicated to hunting Goblins and Kobolds.

While I anxiously await the appearance of a "Dungeon Lizard". 

'I want to use a sword!' I expressed my sincere feelings.

Avoiding drawing Fulgoris Aeternus against weak enemies like goblins or kobolds was more than a tactical choice; it was a matter of personal honor. 

(A/n: Fulgoris Aeternus = Eternal Brightness. ) 

My hand itched from the familiar feel of a conventional blade.

However, a dilemma assailed me.

''Should I venture up to the 17th floor to face Goliath?'' I muttered to myself, pondering this decision. 

He must be a worthy opponent... 

''...But Hephaesto-Sama asked that I return early to introduce myself to the rest of the Family.''

By the way, she expressed a special interest in taking a look at the Fulgoris Aeternus.

The image of her shy look and flushed cheeks as she asked this question remained vivid in my mind, provoking a bittersweet feeling in me.

In the heat of the moment, I decided to use my Geokinesis to shape a dense earthen sword. 

'[Transmutation]' 

I then skillfully transmuted it into steel, giving it the elegant shape of a long sword. 

Already possessing the necessary components... 

'[Transmutation]' 

I performed another ''Transmutation'' - refining it further while changing the components to a Steel Saber, a more appropriate choice for the challenge ahead.

...

On the stairs from the 8th Floor to the 9th, I came across a suspicious individual, a 'Support' carrying a huge backpack and hiding his face.

Liliruca Arde.

Observing her suspicious behavior, it occurred to me that she might have stolen Bell's belongings and was on the run.

The decision to intervene on behalf of the protagonist hovered in my thoughts. 

If memory serves, Aizu was supposed to be there.

However, as I pondered the situation, I realized that a horde of monsters was probably forming down there. 

Not only would it be an opportunity to gain experience easily, but I could also earn the protagonist's gratitude by favoring him.

... 

As soon as I was out of Lili's sight, I ran towards the 10th floor... 

I'm sure there's something wrong with the Dungeon, the monsters are avoiding me and the Dungeon isn't sending monsters to me... 

There's certainly something strange about it. 

I don't think it's simply a case of luck, there just weren't any monsters in my way. 

That's rather suspicious. 

As I reached the stairs to the 10th floor, I was met with a thick morning mist, creating an enigmatic atmosphere. 

On the bottom steps, I spotted Bell, fighting several Orcs. 

However, to call it a fight would be an understatement; he could barely dodge the monsters in the thick fog.

Realizing that I had arrived before Aizu, I decided to intervene to help the protagonist. 

I began to conjure up a considerable number of Swords of Holy Light - around fifty of them. 

Each one glowed brightly, dispelling some of the surrounding mist.

''Dodge!'' I shouted, drawing Bell's attention. 

Quick to understand, he began to move away from the monsters. 

Without hesitation, I moved my hand down.

The swords descended relentlessly towards the monsters, creating a dazzling and lethal sight in the mist. 

Each blade of light cut through the air with precision, as Bell rushed up the stairs to escape the chaos below.

+150 Exp!

+150 Exp!

+150 Exp...

The massacre continued, and the mist slowly dissipated, revealing the carnage left behind. 

The Orcs were sliced to pieces, dismantling themselves in a shower of fragments.

Bell quickly reached me and began to bow frantically. 

''Thank you, thank you very much!'' He says.

Then he began to climb, leaving me alone at the beginning of the 10th floor... 

...5 minutes later. 

The ground was glowing with multicolored lights because of the Magic Stones. 

Some of the "Swords of Holy Light" were stuck in the ground. 

I suppose it's some kind of reference to Excalibur? 

I went downstairs to collect the magic stones and found Bell's "Green Supporter". 

I put them all into the leather bag that Eina had given me, but it was full to the brim. 

...She appeared! 

Aizu Wallenstein. 

Aizu is a very, very beautiful girl. 

Her slender body was encased in light blue armor, highlighting her grace and dexterity. 

Her flexible limbs, which extended from her clothes, were equally stunningly beautiful. 

Although her body was slim and smooth, her chest was surprisingly full, creating a remarkable harmony in her figure. 

A silver emblem adorned her breastplate, while gloves and accessories of the same color bore distinctive symbols. 

The tip of the sword she wielded pointed towards the ground, with traces of blood dripping from it.

Her blonde hair, which stretched elegantly down to her shoulders, had a shine that rivaled a great deal of gold treasure. 

As well as having an enviable body, she sported a young and charming face, capable of winning hearts. 

Her golden eyes stared at me with confusion, completing the picture of a captivating figure.

Aizu is a quiet person who finds it difficult to express her feelings in words.

She tilted her head from side to side.

How cute. 

''Err... have you seen a boy with white hair and red eyes?... he looks like a little rabbit.'' Aizu asked, making strange gestures with her hands, and I wondered what those movements were.

''He went up to the 9th floor five minutes ago; he should be on the 8th floor by now.'' I said.

''Thank you.'' She replied and left quickly, thanking me.

I couldn't follow her movements with my eyes!

Footsteps!

Footsteps!

As Wallenstein disappeared into the mist, I heard heavy footsteps approaching.

I turned around.

I smiled and started laughing...

''Fufu.. Aha''!

It was a smile of pure happiness.

The biggest smile I've ever given in my life and, without a doubt, the happiest. This smile was tearing up my face.

...I hope there's no one watching me.

I must look a bit manic.

''It looks like an Infant Dragon, but its color is charcoal black.'' I muttered. ''How gracious of you to present me with such an interesting challenge.''

Finally, I had a worthy opponent to draw Fulgoris Aeternus!

"Rooar!''

He noticed me.

Click!

That was the soft sound of my sword being drawn, its blade shining with a silver light, refracting in iridescent tones under the glare.

Fulgoris Aeternus vibrated in my hand. Not from fear, but from sheer excitement!

I quickly created spikes of earth and transmuted them into steel, provoking growls of pain from my opponent...

And I didn't stop there. While he was trying to get rid of the steel spikes, I approached his hind legs and cut his tendons, causing him to roar even louder. 

The Infant Dragon, now wounded and furious, roared in defiance. Its crimson eyes sparked with anger and pain. 

I maintained my posture, wielding Fulgoris Aeternus gracefully.

''Let's end this.'' I muttered, more to myself than to the creature in front of me.

With one easy movement, I created a sphere of holy light at the tip of the sword, amplifying its luminosity to the point of momentarily obscuring vision.

''Rooaaar!'' 

Roared the Infant Dragon, desperate and blinded by the intense light.

Taking advantage of the confusion, I advanced quickly. 

Fulgoris Aeternus cut through the air in a precise arc, hitting the monster's magical core.

The intense light turned into a concentrated beam, piercing the creature's vital spot.

A blinding glow consumed the Infant Dragon, slowly dissipating. 

When the light finally faded, it was just a crystal on the ground, signaling the end of the fight.

+500 Exp!

A notification echoed in my ears.

I was victorious, and the epic scene of the confrontation dissipated along with the glow of the crystal. 

Now it was just me, Fulgoris Aeternus, and the feeling of triumph in the air.

[Level Up!] 

I've only gained two levels today. 

The amount of Exp I have to get to level up is quite generous! 

It doesn't matter, I just have to grind and grind and grind some more. 

So I started my journey back to the surface. 

... 

''Hello, Miss Eina.'' I said. ''I'd like to ask a favor of you.'' 

''Yes? How can I help you, Lord Jol?'' Eina asked with a gentle smile. 

''I'd like to give this back to an adventurer.'' I said as I took out the Green Supporter. ''I remember his physical features but I don't know him.''

''Where did you find it!!?'' Eina exclaimed with wide eyes. ''Cof! Cof! I'm sorry Lord Jol, I overreacted.'' She said quickly. 

''...It's okay, the owner of this item must be someone important to you after all.'' I say with a smile. 

I know that Bell was someone important to Eina from having seen the anime and a few chapters of the soap opera. 

''Eh...'' 

Eina made a strange sound.

I looked at her, who was... moving strangely. 

Ah, this is an anime, isn't it?

So that's anime logic too?

Eina-san is a Shotacon... and 80% of the girls. 

''Take it.'' I handed over the Green Supporter. 

Leaving the Guild with my 75k Valis, was a productive hunt. 

I returned to the Workshops and found Hephaestus-Sama.

''I'm back, Hephaesto-Sama.''

''Oh, welcome, Jol.'' She says, smiling. ''Here.'' Hephaestus looked at a bag. ''There's 50K Valis. I sold that Spear of yours.''

''So, Jol...'' She stopped mid-speech. I watched the Forge Goddess with flushed cheeks, and she looked away shyly.

''Can I see...?'' she murmured, hesitantly.

Hephaestus-sama, please don't be so ambiguous