Chapter 5: Beginning of the Legend
Third Person POV:
Hephaestus didn't know how this meeting with Hestia was gonna play out. Her day already wasn't going well with Loki Familia still being in debt of her Familia for fixing their broken equipment but they are avoiding paying it off. Tsubaki is attempting to build something even more crazier than her last creation, this time actually bothering for it to not blow up in her face and lastly Crozzo who still is way too stubborn for his own good. His relationship with the other smiths is already on very thin ice from becoming hostile and he is not even bothering to fix any of them. She shook his head on that, disappointed by him as even without Crozzo Blood, he has a lot of talent but he is just wasting them all because of his pride.
She admits that she is tired of everything that happens everyday around here, sometimes looking for excuses to get away from the stress. Tsubaki is the only one who understands and sympathizes with her situation and tries to help her manage the familia as much as she can but she can't stay by her side all the time. Even if she resolves several of the familia issues herself, many more will pile up after it in the blink of an eye just like that much to her irritation. Sometimes she wishes that she had a small and humble familia like Hestia as that lazy friend of hers gets to do one thing she enviously never could….laze around like a child….
Speaking of Hestia, she had heard from one of her children about that mysterious Level 5 adventurer, Issei Hyoudou showing up outta nowhere and revealing himself to be a part of Her Familia. She didn't know how Hestia was able to convince him to join her but she was damn impressed by his status as he is shown to have the Mystery development ability which grants the ability to make a miracle happen to create magical Item, the shocking part is that it's upgraded to A-rank which is even higher than the one that the Captain of Hermes Familia, Asfi Al Andromeda has, which is 'assumed' to be B-rank something Hephaestus wasn't sure of since Andromeda is one of Hermes and they can't be trusted. The biggest surprise of them all for her was that one of her children who have seen the man himself mentioned that this Issei might have even worked as an experienced blacksmith in his past judging from his muscle definition and the callus on the palm which can both only be caused by years of hammering and working the forge.
This is the only reason why she was bothering to come to Hestia right now as to know who this man is in the first place and how did she able to get such a shining gem for herself, Otherwise she would've turned the other way and tell Hestia to leave the vicinity and don't try to bother her altogether.
Entering her Office, the first thing she noticed was the youthful petite Goddess herself sitting on the chair in front of her desk, staring blankly at the outside view from one of the windows, Hephaestus suddenly stopped looking at the Goddess who seemed to be lost in thought but what made her uneasy was the blank look Hestia had.
She silently made her way to her seat somehow without catching Hestia's attention at all. She knew something was wrong as Hestia never acted like this, not even in Tenkai, something must have really shook her to the core if she is so troubled like this.
She expected Hestia to come to her excitedly to tell her about her new member just like how she enthusiastically came to her describing her first member, that being Bell Cranel. Hephaestus became fond of that little guy after sending some of her children to secretly check up on him for Hestia's sake. Although, sometimes she does become jealous of Hestia for getting such a pure, gentle and a hard-working person as her first familia member but didn't express it so it doesn't affect the friendship they have between themselves.
Although they never officially met, Bell already held a special place in her heart as he was open about his feelings and deceit could never be found from that boy at all, if the boy tries to lie in any way then it is most likely with good intentions unlike every single one of her children of her own Familia with the exception of Tsubaki.
Her disappointing children have no sense of creativity, no ideas of their own to make themselves unique in her eyes. They just only want to create something stronger, durable, sharper and something that could help them surpass her. She snorted at that thinking that if someone can surpass her that easily then why the hell was she the Goddess of the Forge in the first place.
"Hey Hephaestus," finally came the voice from the petite Goddess' mouth but instead of the usual energy inside of it, it almost sounded….dead. Now Hephaestus was definitely sure that something wrong had happened….No! Something very very wrong has happened.
"Tell me what happened" She softly said quickly holding both of Hestia's hands gently trying to sooth her from any distress that she might be feeling. Even if Hephaestus acts like she doesn't care for Hestia's well-being, she does but she wants Hestia to not be dependent on her as it will only lead to the ruin of their friendship.
Hestia now looks up towards her direction, her eyes started to become more clear and she takes a deep breath and soon after that starts to recite what she knew of the situation. She tells her about Freya wanting Bell for herself also giving Hephaestus the reasons why she and Issei came to that conclusion in the first place. Speaking of him, she also tells her about Issei with the story he gave to Bell when they first met (you know the one with the powerful dragon turning into a spirit after losing to a monster. It isn't the exact truth but it isn't also a lie)
Hephaestus was stunned silent. She didn't realize that her hand was gripping her desk so hard that the desk itself was starting to crack. The only thing she could feel by imagining Bell getting charmed by that vixen was rage, a godly amount of rage. She could already imagine why Freya would want Bell as that child is pure, too pure to exist. Hephaestus knew he was special when she saw him for the first time, Unfortunately Bell didn't want to become a Blacksmith so he couldn't join her Familia's much to her dismay. She too also wanted the boy for herself but didn't out of respect for her friend.
Yes, She admits that she has developed a small crush for that boy as his Innocent warm smile could melt even her cold steel heart, the image of that adorable rabbit was already engraved in her mind. She has also been keeping track of the number of women that has been a part of his life in Orario like Eina Tulle, Aiz Wallenstein and obviously Hestia. She too also wants to take her chances with the boy but will only make a move if the right moment presents itself.
"Hephaestus, I would appreciate your support anytime but now the only thing I want for you to do is to teach me" Hestia said much to Hephaestus's confusion.
"What?"
"Teach me how to properly direct a Familia, Issei already told me that I am doing a poor job as a head and that I should learn from you since you control one of the biggest of them all." Hestia said firmly as she wants to do everything she could do for Bell sake.
Hephaestus was now looking at Hestia stupefied. Hestia….willing to learn, if Artemis heard this then she would've said that the world's most likely coming to an end. She was still skeptical of Hestia actually dedicating herself to really learn as the only way to describe her friend with one word will be as a….sloth. So she decided that she would teach her everything there is to know about Familia management but if Hestia stops her studies in management and governance midway then she will take Bell away from Hestia herself since that just means that Hestia just isn't wasting her own potential but also of the child who is stuck with her.
"How much are you willing, Hestia?" She asked, eyeing the petite Goddess with a narrowed gaze.
Hestia sighs but determinedly gives her an answer as she looks up to her face "I will be even willing to ally myself with Loki of all people to get Bell away from Freya's clutches."
"Good" smirked Hephaestus as she was satisfied by the answer given by her friend.
Bell's POV:
"Sooo….where are we going?" I asked Issei, following him ever since we left the hidden room inside the abandoned Church.
"Well, we are headed to Babel tower, Bell." Issei said, walking through the crowd of the North-west main Street greeting random strangers along the way. He is charismatic, that's for sure.
"Why? I thought we were going to buy me some equipment" I asked puzzled. Issei looked at me and sighed. He seemed to be doing that a lot lately.
"Bell, I know you are new around here but at least know what those buildings are for. They are not here for tourist attraction" He said which in turn made me embarrassed since he might be right. Maybe I should ask Eina to teach me everything there is to know. I imagined learning from my advisor once again only to remember the massive books she once forced me to read while swinging her ruler on my head whenever I got an answer to one of her questions wrong.
*Shudder*
You know what! Maybe I shouldn't do that and actually get myself a tutor who at least is less strict than her.
Eina who was wrestling with paperwork suddenly sneezed dropping all of the papers that she had to deliver to Royman.
Misha, her co-workers who was also dealing with her fair share of work looked at Eina worried.
"Eina! Are you alright?"
"Yeah! I am alright. I just felt like….someone is thinking terribly of me….I hope it's not Bell."
"Oh! Your little brother that you have a crush on."
"I DON'T have a CRUSH on him." Eina denied but her face was tinged pink.
*Sneeze*
"Are you feeling alright, Bell? Issei asked me with concern for my health.
"No, I felt like someone is talking about me" I said
He hums softly, but nods to me and then we return to walking our way toward the Babel Tower like before. I did however hear him mumble "Better not be Freya" a bunch of time for some reason.
'Is Goddess Freya really that bad?'
Issei doesn't seem to like her at all and Goddess Hestia also doesn't seem to hold her in high regards either. She seemed almost afraid of her when she mentioned her to me during that time she told me to avoid her at all cost.
"Hey Issei, Why is it that you don't like Goddess Freya?"
Issei suddenly looks at me with an unreadable expression making me highly uncomfortable. He sighs once again but slowly says "A lot of people don't like Freya for many reasons, mine is just a bit too personal, Bell. I would like to tell you more about it but not right now as It seems...we are here."
I look forward only to realize that we have arrived at the front gate of Babel Tower during our conversation. "Gate" might not be the best word because the ground floor of the tower has many arches all the way around the circumference, to allow any number of adventurers to enter from any direction at any time. Passing through the nearest arch, a pale blue and white lobby opens up in front of us.
The entrance to the Dungeon is right below our feet.
"From here…?"
"We go up. The shops in Babel start on the fourth floor."
The first floor of the tower is, as I said, a massive lobby. The community center is on the second. We climb up to the third, I catch a glimpse of the Exchange out of the corner of my eye. But I can't see any stairs.
There are several wide, circular pedestals on the floor of the lobby. Issei leads me up onto one of them. A clear tube of something clear rises up around us. I swear it looks like glass…
Issei reaches for some kind of control panel. The instant he touches it, the pedestal leaves the floor and begins floating in midair.
It goes up and up…no, it's growing upward!
"!?"
"Are you surprised?" came Issei's voice sounding amused.
It seems the pedestal and the glass are parts of a floor-transport device…Most likely this is another magic-stone device.
That means that there must be a large number of magic stones beneath the pedestal, and their energy is being converted into lift. Issei takes a look at my surprised face and explains that the magic stones needed to be changed out after a certain amount of time. This thing doesn't just work forever, it turns out.
In no time at all we reached the fourth floor of Babel.
The entire floor is filled with weapon and armor shops. I'll admit I get excited looking at all the sharp, shiny things. I nod to Issei as we step off the pedestal.
There is only one sign on the whole floor: Ἥφαιστος. Don't tell me…all the shops here are part of Hephaestus Familia…?"
"I see you noticed the logo. Actually, all the shops from the fourth floor up to the eighth floor are owned by Hephaestus Familia."
…The entire floor…Just how powerful is Hephaestus Familia?!
By the way, they also have a shop close to my home with the goddess on Northwest Main.
The short sword in the window…is worth 8 million vals. That's enough to buy several houses.
Stepping up to the display window of the closest shop, a crimson sword enshrined there catches my eye. I go up to take a look at the price…
…Thirty million vals?!
All the blood leaves my face. I lift my hand to my forehead, trying to steady myself. I can tell that next to me, Issei is giggling to himself.
He then goes to appraise the sword only to narrow his eyes at it, he then repeats the process to other Hephaestus weapons. I do not know what to do so I stared at the crimson sword enthralled by its appearance.
"Welcome to our store! Can I help you find anything today?"
The store clerk must have seen me staring and drooling at the sight of the crimson sword. She comes up to greet me in a bright, cheerful voice.
"Forget about the weapons, Bell. They aren't worth it, At least go find yourself some armor for a change" Issei said coming back, he looked extremely frustrated like he didn't like any of the weapons that were on display.
"Sir, I couldn't help but notice you appraising our weapons. Did you not find them to your liking" the clerk said cheerfully but I could tell from her face that she was not happy with Issei's dismissal of their weapons.
"No, Actually they are really well made but they aren't the ideal partner for the boy. The swords are….How should I say this? Uh, incomplete in my eyes"
The girl wanted to harshly retort to Issei's insult but—
"Lay off Nayla, He is right, these are all incomplete in his eyes since not even one of them is meant for the boy"
The voice that came behind us stunned the girl so much that her skin turned pale like she had seen a ghost, Issei slowly turned around with me soon following his action only to see a woman who has brown skin, long black hair, red eyes, and wore an eyepatch over her left eye. She has a well endowed chest which she has kept in a sarashi, and wore a red hakama and sandals.
"Lady Tsubaki. Why are you—" the clerk tried to question her but was silenced by the look the woman was giving her.
The woman slowly turned to Issei and gave him a smile which Issei returned with one of his own.
"Hi, I am Tsubaki Collbrande, the captain of Hephaestus Familia. It's an honor to finally meet the legendary mysterious level 5" she introduced herself. To say I was shocked would've been an understatement, the captain of Hephaestus Familia was here and cheerfully introducing herself from the get go. The clerk herself was shocked to realize that the man she was about to chide is the mysterious Level 5.
"Hello to you too, the name is Issei Hyoudou, the captain of Hestia Familia. The pleasure's all mine." He then nudges me to introduce myself.
"Uh….I am Bell Cranel, a member of Hestia Familia. It's a pleasure to meet you" I said stammering between the lines.
She stood stunned by my introduction then started to stare at me intently, I felt unsettled by the look she was giving me like she was inspecting me from top to bottom. The store clerk that was there also left running away from us or most likely Tsubaki for some reason.
I looked at Issei pleading for some sort of help, only for him to wave his arm gesturing that it's fine.
After what seemed like an uncomfortable minute or two. She finally said "Hmmm, So you are him? Well….My Lady truly does have good taste"
"Huh!?" "Huh!?"
Both me and Issei reacted similarly before Issei's eyes widened like he understood what Tsubaki was on about. He looked at me and gave me a look.
"You are one lucky bastard, you know that" he said in a low voice.
"What are you saying? I can't understand what either of you are talking about." I said feeling highly agitated like I am being kept super out of the loop.
"And a dense one too" Tsubaki laughed and Issei joined her. They both shared a good laugh for a moment leaving me upset as I am still perplexed by what Tsubaki and Issei just meant. Tsubaki turns to me with a smile and says;
"Why don't you go look for armor, little guy. While I talk to your captain for a moment or two"
I hurriedly rushed outside of the weapons shop, leaving them with a pout on my face much to their mirth. They are so mean, at least give me a hint or two for what the hell they were talking about especially if it concerns me. I know that I am not that bright, Of Course! I would need at least some help to understand it.
Shaking my head to forget what just happened for now, I made my way to the armor shop right around the corner.
Third Person POV:
"So Lady Hephaestus, I presume" Issei amusedly said as he looked at his 'host/ward/partner' run away from pure confusion and frustration.
"YEP!" Tsubaki simply said, also amused by Bell's reaction.
"Well….I didn't expect that. So much for the wisdom of a Harem King" Issei muttered dejectedly not realizing that he said it out loud.
"Yea—?!...wait a second! You are a Harem King!" She loudly exclaimed at which he facepalmed hard forgetting there was someone there with him for a moment.
"Was….I was, My former Patron God gave me that title to make fun of me. Don't say a word to anyone about it" He said dangerously flaring a very threatening aura around himself which got Tsubaki to sweat bullets.
"What have I gotten myself into? Please Somebody, anybody, SAVE ME!" She mentally screamed.
"Okay, okay….I won't tell, I won't tell a soul. I swear to Lady Hephaestus herself that I won't tell anyone, Okay" she hurriedly said to calm Issei down.
The Aura he released started to die down much to her relief. Issei finally calmed down, He was relieved that she bought that excuse as well as preventing the information from getting out of hand because even though he would love to be called Harem King once again, His Harem is already gone and he sworn to his heart that he will never ever replace them, so being called Harem King without a Harem would only just remind him of his failure to protect his loved ones.
Tsubaki who now felt she pushed some really….and she means really really sensitive buttons of his, wanted the atmosphere to be bit more bearable than what it is so she changed the topic by asking to confirm something she was suspicious of;
"Soooo….you didn't find anything that suited the rabbit. At least, tell me if you found something that you thought could have suited him."
"Well….there was this one right on that shelf, it's a 40 cm white bladed knife, most likely made by a unicorn horn as well as blood from a centaur, it's sharp enough to cut through Hard Armored shell like butter and has corrosive qualities like acid But..."
"But…."
"...It's too strong for the boy right now. If he used It then he won't grow properly"
"Hmm, I know what you are talking about, the Shiroi Hashira (The White Pillar), one of the very first blades that I made, you are correct to assume that it will be too strong for him right now…. I didn't believe it at first but the others were right, you have experience as a Blacksmith."
"I have experience as many thing, being a Blacksmith is one of them"
"Then why don't you make the boy weapon yourself then"
"I—"
"Cat got your tongue, didn't it?"
"I…. I would have considered it if I had the right material and the right place to forge."
"Then why don't you buy it from here? We don't just sell weapons or armor but we also sell raw material for others to make their own equipment. Also what do you mean by the right place to forge?"
"The materials that I prefer to work with are expensive. Currently, It's a bit out of my price range and what I meant by the right place to forge was that I need a cave for working a forge since its calm and serene atmosphere could help me focus more unlike the forges here."
"Since it's for the little rabbit….then Lady Hephaestus might give a discount….and also there is a place like that underneath the Hephaestus familia workplace since Lady Hephaestus used to smith down there whenever she feels like it "
Issei thought about it, it really wasn't a bad offer. He already thought about Forging Bell's weapon himself but scratched that Idea altogether for the very reason he told Tsubaki.
He looked down on his hand, the hands that reforged one of the greatest weapons in mankind's history, only for it to be destroyed against Azathoth.
He was thinking about Excalibur, the sword of promised victory. He wanted to laugh at the irony as his horrible loss to Azathoth couldn't be considered any sort of victory. It took so much time and effort for him to create the damn thing in the first place only for it to shatter. It did however save his life on multiple occasions.
Excalibur:
The Excalibur is one of the two Holy Swords wielded by The Legendary King, King Arthur Pendragon, of Camelot. Also known as the sword of promised victory. The sword was reforged by Issei Hyoudou. Completely shattered during the fight with Azathoth
He took a deep breath, now determined. He already has some of the materials to build Bell a weapon for him. He looked at Tsubaki and told her what he needed.
"You weren't kidding when you said it was expensive. Mithril, Pure Adamantite and Ingots with high magic conductivity….you can purchase them by paying a price of 10 million vals"
"Deal….I will do the transaction tomorrow since I haven't converted the drops to actual money" she nods at that
She leaves later returning with everything he asked. Issei looked at the material satisfied as they were in better condition than he expected them to be in.
"Here take this" she says as she throws a golden badge with her Familia's emblem carved on it. He catches it and examines it.
"What's this?" He asks
"A pass….to get to the cave. The familia will let you in the workspace if you show them this badge"
"I thought you were going with me."
"I would love too but I can't since It would be wrong for me to look at someone else's skill in smithing and use it for myself. Besides I am working on my own project." she said before she decided to leave since it was getting late.
"Hey Tsubaki….Thanks"
She waves her hand and leaves leaving him alone. He stayed like this for fifteen minutes before Bell returned with some armor he bought.
"Hey Bell, What's this?"
"It's my new armor I bought, look it's perfect for me. It's light, just my size and for some reason I think it called out to me"
Issei saw the armor himself and realized that it was perfect for the boy so much that it was almost scary.
The armor itself was Silver in colour, it was small compared to the others but perfect for someone who has a figure like Bell and just like Bell said it was light—very light perfect for someone whose forte is agility like Bell.
"Do you know who made it?" He asked curious.
"Someone named Weld Crozzo. I would love to meet him because of this armor"
'Crozzo….that name sounds familiar. Ah!... Crozzo Family and their magic swords. Bell, you truly are fated to be a hero, if you keep running into things of some significance like this'
"Good, Now let's leave"
"What about my weapon?"
"I am going to make you one at a place the captain of Hephaestus Familia suggested."
Bell's POV:
"Woah! It's amazing, isn't it Issei?" I asked as we roamed around the cave, Issei closely following behind me. He nods towards me and returns to looking around the surroundings as he too was fascinated by the cave itself.
We had entered the Hephaestus Familia workspace and showed the badge to the members only for them to grudgingly allow us to go down here, many of them were envious and hateful of us two since even they haven't been able to get permission to go down here. I wanted to apologize but Issei yanked me outta there before I could
Even Issei was surprised to know that the cave could only be entered by Tsubaki and Hephaestus and the people given permission by either one of them to enter.
After entering the cave itself, We both now knew why that was the case since the cave could only be described as nothing but beautiful. Going downstairs by a tunnel, We entered what seemed to be a massive opening. It was dim only lit by the torches on the wall. An anvil and the forge itself were present near a mesmerising shallow lake. Inside of the lake were shiny crystals scattered all over the base making the surface of the lake itself glow with cool colours. Big Stalactites showed themselves high scattered all over the uneven ceiling. Issei and I took a moment to appreciate the beauty of the sight itself before returning back onto the task at hand.
"So Issei, what should I do?" I asked since Issei just practically dragged me inside here for some reason.
"Take of your clothes" He said plainly with no emotions
"Huh?"
'Wait...What?'
"I will explain it later"
"Fine"
So I did what I was told. I took off my shirt, soon followed closely by my pants. After undressing, all that remained was me in my black plain boxers and nothing else. I was embarrassed sure, but not by much.
"Now go and sit on the shallow waters and medidate. I want you to empty your mind and lay your body at rest. I will instruct you on what to do next later on"
I didn't understand what the hell was Issei doing. Wasn't he supposed to forge a weapon for me? But I followed his command as I trusted the spirit who had done nothing but wholeheartedly support me. I made my way to the shallow waters, taking steps very slowly so I don't trip and after finding a good spot, I sat down.
"Is this good?"
"Perfect. Now meditate and relax yourself. Don't bother yourself from the noise that you might here"
"Okay!"
Following his instructions, I closed my eyes and relaxed myself
Third Person's POV:
'Okay, Issei you can do this' Issei thought getting ready to start. He dropped all the metal like Mithril, Adamantite, Magic Conductive Metal Ingots, some drops of highly compressed Aether (æther) and a broken Durandal and Kusanagi that he took out from his Inventory into the forge for them to melt. After thinking about it for awhile, he then takes out some of the broken fragments of Excalibur that remained with him from his Inventory and adds them to the mixture of metal.
Aether (æther):
An energy also known as the pure essence of the Gods. It is used as a medium for the most complex magical or alchemical experiments. Issei acquired it as a reward from the Goddess Hecate, Issei's personal favorite Goddess for one of the tasks he did for her.
Durandal:
Durandal is one of the four Holy Swords forged through the means of alchemy and magic, said to be on par with the original Excalibur. Formerly owned by Issei's wife, Xenovia. Broken at the fight with Azathoth.
Kusanagi no Tsurugi:
The Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi was found inside the body of the legendary 8-headed Evil Dragon, Yamata no Orochi. Gifted to Issei by Amaterasu as a confession of love. Broken at the fight with Azathoth.
He increases the temperature using his magic almost to the temperature of the core of the sun (approx 15 million degree Celsius or 27 degree Fahrenheit). Of course! He didn't forget to put magic barriers around the forge so the heat doesn't escape as well as reinforcing the forge itself so it doesn't melt from the heat.
Thermal Manipulation:
The ability that allows the user to manipulate the temperature.
Reinforcement:
The magic that allow the user to enhance the existence of target by pouring magical energy
Magic Barrier:
Magic Barrier is a defensive form of Caster Magic, centered around the formation and shaping of magical barriers.
The mixture of different metals finally melts into a liquid and then fuses with each other to make an alloy. An alloy that even Issei himself was unfamiliar with. He then drops the temperature to let it cool down.
After cooling it off, he gets a shining black block of the alloy itself. Issei checks for its quality relieving himself that the alloy isn't terrible, it turns out that the Aether was able to do its job and fused everything to create something with the best qualities of each and every material that Issei dropped.
He then carries the block back to the forge for it to heat up. After a while when it becomes glowing hot, He quickly takes it to the Anvil.
Issei realizes that his hands were shaking most likely from excitement. He takes a deep breath to calm himself and takes out a divine hammer from the Inventory that was once gifted to him by the God Vulcan back in his own world when he was attempting to reforge Excalibur.
Preparing himself for the most mind-numbing and physically taxing job he is about to undertake.
He raises his hammer and then;
*SMASH*
"Did you feel that, Hestia?" Hephaestus suddenly asked as she stood up from her chair.
Hestia, who was miserably forcing herself to learn management, raises her face from one of the massive books she was reading only to face Hephaestus in confusion.
"What are you talking about, Hephaestus?"
"Don't you feel it weird that the weather suddenly changed from a clear sky to the one it is now?"
Hestia now looks outside the window only to see storm clouds hovering in the sky. Heavy rain was pounding the Office window. It really looked drastically different than the weather they had a few hours ago.
"You know….it is way too abrupt for it to change that way. I know Orario has unexpected weather all the time because of the Dungeon But—" Hestia tried to say but-
"This isn't the Dungeon this time, I am sure of that. Someone else is causing it" Hephaestus interrupted.
Hephaestus narrowed her eyes as she looked outside the window of her Office. The storm was just as bad as it could be as there was nobody roaming outside since the streets were flooded with water. The winds were even too strong to break off the boards hanging from the shops.
*SMASH*
Her eyes widened as she heard a strike of a hammer
'No way…Can it be?'
*SMASH* *SMASH* *SMASH*
She sees the lightning striking from the sky to the ground each and every time she heard a hammer strike. She follows the lightning coming to smite the ground from the sky only for it to hit somewhere near her Familia workspace.
'It shouldn't be….How!
Now she was truly shocked as she realized that someone was making something…. something truly legendary.
"Hestia come with me, we are going outside" She quickly said while getting all of her stuff that she may need.
"Huh? Hephaestus are you out of your mind? It's raining cats and dogs out there." Hestia moaned which earned her the ire of the forge Goddess.
"Can you shut up for a moment, Hestia? This is important to me as this weather might be caused by someone clashing with my domain." She said seriously which got Hestia to clamp her mouth shut.
"Really? Okay…..Fiiinnnee"
They both made their way outside and made their way to the workspaces.
*SMASH*
It was getting harder and harder for him to focus. Issei knew that he couldn't keep this up for long but the blade was still far from being finished.
Thankfully Bell who was sitting with his legs crossed on the shallow water was unbothered by all the ruckus that he was causing. Issei was glad that the boy was able to relax himself and was able to empty his mind to go into a meditative state.
He heard the rumbling of thunder every time he made a strike. 'This is Good!' He thought since that meant that the world was reacting to the Blade's Presence.
He infused more of his powers including his Chi (Qi), Chakra, Magical Energy, Demonic Energy, Holy Energy, Draconic Energy, Nature Energy and Of Course, the Falna of his Goddess.
Issei was sweating too much, he was getting dizzier and fainter every time his hammer clashed with the metal.
His body was screaming in pain as blood was dripping out of his arms. His mind had already given out. Issei was only running by instinct. He used every magic he knew of to fasten the process but miserably failed.
He knew that making this type of blade was going to be a huge challenge not just for him but for Bell as well later on. As the blade needs a partner right around the moment of its creation or it will crumble into dust.
Yes, Issei was making a spirit sword or a bonded blade (similar to a Zanpakutō) since the wielder of the sword has to go through a trial of some sort for him or her to use the weapon itself.
'No….Not yet. I can't give up, not now'
He was about to fail, Issei knew it. He just didn't want to accept it. He clashed his hammer with all of his might to the unfinished blade once again.
'Please Fate, At least not for me but for the boy… Give us a miracle'
It sounded like Fate heard his pleas as the next sound he heard surprised the hell out of him.
"ISSEI?"
He turned his face only to see a surprised Hestia and behind her judging from her aura was another Goddess.
She has a crimson eye and red hair reaching to the waist. She has a rather sharp face and slender body with an eyepatch over her right eye.
'Hephaestus' Issei realized since the Divine hammer he was using to forge Bell's blade was reacting to its real master presence.
QUICK FACTS:
Vulcan and Hephaestus are the same God. The difference between them is that Hephaestus is from Greek mythology while Vulcan is from Roman mythology. They are however the same God sharing the same domain that being metalworking, smithing, sculpture, masonry, fire and volcanoes.
"What are you doing? And why is Bell there sitting in the water" Hestia asked or more like she demanded.
"Not Now Hestia!" "Not Now Hestia!" said both Issei and Hephaestus simultaneously which got Hestia to quiet down.
'Oh God! Now there are two of them,' she thought in trepidation.
Unaware of Hestia's thought, Hephaestus made her way to Issei who was now struggling to raise the hammer. The pain was taking its toll on his body. It clearly showed as the skin from his hands all the way to his arms were cracking, his eyes showed that he was dead-tired like he was about to drop dead any moment now. Hephaestus was however impressed by his conviction as he still bashed the hammer on the edge of the blade which caused the entire cave to shake.
Speaking of the blade itself, she realized what he was making, A bonded weapon. She wanted to laugh at the absurdity, A mortal creating a tool only a God could make, anyone would laugh at that but now if they ever witness this sight in front of her, then they would second-guess themselves. She knew he was failing, he didn't have enough energy left inside of him to continue. She glanced at the almost naked Bell sitting crossed leg in the shallow waters struggling not to blush as she sees his toned and muscled body. He wasn't buff by any means but he wasn't skinny either.
Unknown to her, Hestia was also ogling the sight of Bell in his boxers after she saw him.
Hephaestus realized that Issei wasn't making the blade for himself but for Bell. Why? She didn't know but she wanted to help…. for the person she lov— no likes, the person she likes. So she nears Issei who was still bashing the blade.
"Can I?" she asks, raising her own hammer.
He raises his face to look at her before glancing at Bell who was still in a meditative state. He smirks and then said "Sure"
She cursed Tsubaki who most likely babbled to him that she likes Bell. She knew Tsubaki was the one to tell him that since she was also the one that gave them (Bell and Issei) that badge of hers in the first place.
Her face was tinted pink but still joined him on his endeavor. She raised her own hammer way above her head and bashed it with the blade herself. After the blow, she fully realized how magnificent this blade truly is. Her respect for this Issei rose up a notch. She at first thought he was a talented but cocky blacksmith who was biting off more than he could chew but now she knew who he truly was, a desperate man.
Desperation, that is what's driving the man to perform as well as he could. She didn't know Why but knew that he most likely had his reasons to prepare the boy.
A spirit weapon isn't just made for the heck of it, they are made to grow with their users. They are made to fight the true monsters that are out there in the world like the One Eyed Black Dragon.
The last wielder of a spirit weapon that she knew of was the Sword Champion, Albert Waldstein. The legend said that he and his weapon were so in tune with each other that it was considered that his sword was a part of his body.
She and Issei started to take turns after each hit. She was getting excited since this blade's creation was making even her lightly sweat. Now looking at the blade itself, it was almost complete. She decided to add her own ingredients into this already monstrosity of a weapon.
"Hey Hestia!" she yelled which got Issei attention as well as stopping Hestia from ogling Bell anymore.
"What?" Hestia questioned, clearly irritated by Hephaestus interruption.
"..." "..."
Both Issei and Hephaestus had tick marks on their forehead.
'Why is she here in the first place?' Issei thought annoyed by his Goddess presence..
'Why did I bother to bring her here? Well at least she will be of some use down here after all.' Hephaestus thought.
"Give me some of your hair and Ichor" Hephaestus yelled out which in turn made Hestia puzzled.
Now Issei knew where she was going with this, and honestly didn't reject the Idea. A part of a Deity in a weapon will give it immunity to any sort of divinity, Issei wasn't sure if Bell will have to face the Gods in the future but it's better to be prepared than not.
After getting the ichor and some hair from the troublesome Goddess which was a difficult process all of its own. The Blade was only one strike away from getting finished.
"Together?" Hephaestus asks
"Together. In the count of three" Issei said and she nods
"One" He starts.
"Two" "Two" Hephaestus followed, Issei looks up to her and she gives him a smile.
"THREE" "THREE" Both of them shouted raising their hammers way above themselves at the same time and;
*SSSMMMMMAAAAASSSSSHHHH*
"BELL! NOW" Issei yells before he throws the glowing hot blade to the inattentive Bell.
The moment he said it the boy snapped his eyes open and caught the first thing he saw heading his way, that being the blade itself.
The moment he touched it…. everything turned black.
Bell's POV:
My eyes opened, I was somehow laying on the grassy floor under a big oak tree. Sunlight streamed through the leaves of one of the branches shining on my face. I raised myself only to see that I was in some sort of grassland with massive trees scattered across the plain creating a magnificent image.
Who are you?
I quickly turned around only to see a copy of myself, he was so similar to me in appearance that it was unnerving. The only difference between us was that instead of red eyes like mine, his are blue. His entire face unlike mine was expressionless.
"I am Bell"
The copy tilts his head.
I know your name already, What I meant was How do you define yourself?.
Weird. He wasn't moving his mouth at all and I still could hear him. Is it similar to how Issei talks to me? No, I shake my head as I need to focus on what is going on.
Issei didn't explain to me what he was doing, is this some sort of test? or is it something that even he didn't expect?
Thinking back to what my copy asked of me. It was a weird question, indeed but a difficult one too. People always tell me that I am a dreaming child or a harmless bunny, Issei tells me that I am his companion and the Goddess tells me that I am family to her.
I truly want to answer this question not to just sate the copy's curiosity but also of mine. After thinking deeply for a moment about what I was, I came to an answer that I was unsatisfied with.
"I don't know?" I answered as there was no clear answer for me to give. I really don't know where I stand in this world, Am I an ant in the view of a God, A Warrior in the view of a person without blessings or am I a child still wanting to become a Hero?
The copy smiles like he was pleased with the answer.
Then tell me what is your desire.
My desire is to..
To become stronger, like her. To become faster, like her. Like light breaking through the clouds. Like lightning racing across the sky. More than anyone, more than anyone, more than anyone. Faster than anyone. Like her. To be in her sight.
That's all?
If I can. If I can. If I can. I want to become a hero. I have always wanted to be a hero, and like a fool I've pursued that dream. Just like the ones in the tales. A hero praised and loved by all. No matter how pathetic a fantasy, how vain and indignant, how miserably unsuited I am for it. I want to become enough of a hero for her to notice me.
You're such a child.
…Sorry.
But that's me, too.
The copy smiles.
Say My Name
'His name? What does he mean by that?' The instant I had those thoughts, I felt like I was enlightened like I was given knowledge that I wasn't even aware existed. I finally understand what Issei was trying to do all this time.
I smiled at the copy as well, before I gave my response.
"Your Name is —"
Third Person POV:
"Is he going to be alright?" Hestia said worriedly as she glanced at the unconscious boy with that blade.
The boy and blade were levitating in midair surrounded by a field of water.
"I trust him. He will succeed" Issei simply said as he did trust Bell to succeed.
"Of all things to give him, you have to get a spirit weapon" Hestia ranted.
"You know, she is right for once. This was pretty reckless" Hephaestus said. She was also told the truth about Issei being from a different reality, Issei's real stats as well as Bell's real stats.
To say she was shocked was an understatement but unlike Hestia, she didn't pass out. She wanted to witness the boy with that blade so much that she held her ground against all sorts of shocking revelation. She was however upset by some of the stuff that she had heard.
"I see that something is bothering you, Hephaestus. May I ask what?" Issei asks her which got Hephaestus to face him.
"Bell's skills, they aren't what they seem to be, are they? If any one of those skills do what they say they do….then the boy shouldn't have been a human"
"What are you saying, Hephaestus? Bell is a mortal child and is a human, sure he has some ridiculous skills but that doesn't mean that he is inhuman"
Issei sighed but answered nonetheless "At least one of you got it. Hestia, Hephaestus is correct. If Bell's skill do what they say they do than Bell should've been a monster"
"What? How?" asked Hestia in shock. Hephaestus however wasn't surprised that she was right on the mark on this one.
"Do you know what will happen if [Dragon's Heart] does what it says it does, if it does then does it mean that Bell can't feel fear? Not a chance. One thing Fate hates, other than someone changing their own fate, is a Hero with no sense of fear."
"Then what does those skills actually mean?" Hephaestus asked Issei with a scowl on her face.
"It means that all the Skills that Bell received from me are all Active Skill. He can't activate them on its own, I am the one activating them at appropriate moments when I am inside the boy. He loses them the moment I use my thought projection since my consciousness is outside Bell's Body."
"Okay, that makes a lot of sense. But why not activate them all the time?" Hestia asked, Hephaestus looked at her friend like she was an idiot. She looks at Issei with pity as he has to deal with an idiot of a Goddess on a daily basis. Issei who was indifferent at the moment said.
"The reason why those skills aren't activated all the time is because if they were then slowly and surely Bell will lose his humanity. The more he becomes dependent on them, the more those skills will eat him alive."
Hestia didn't want to believe that she missed that. Now she truly feels worthless, thinking that Bell is better without her. Hephaestus, seeing her friend's state, rolled her eyes and bonked her on the head hard.
Hestia yelps in pain and looks at Hephaestus only to be silenced by the glare Hephaestus was sending her way.
"If you are feeling like giving up on the boy then maybe I should take him for myself," Hephaestus said. Issei knew where this was going and decided to stay out of it.
Hestia widened her eyes, feeling like her friend was betraying her.
"Or maybe he should go to Loki, he will be happy together with that Wallenstein, right?"
"Shut up," Hestia says, her voice barely audible but Issei and Hephaestus still heard her.
"Or maybe he should go to Freya, I know she will take good care of him."
"I SAID SHUT UP!" Hestia yelled, her Arcanum flaring like mad around her. Issei in an instance put up multiple magic barriers around the cave for the divinity to not be sensed outside.
Hephaestus was still looking at her friend with indifference as she watched Hestia fall on her knees and cry.
"I just want to be with him, Is that too much to ask?" Hestia weakly says between her sobs.
Hephaestus walks toward her fallen friend and gave her a hug.
"Then instead of wallowing in guilt, become better for his sake" Hephaestus says to which Hestia nods at still crying her heart out.
Issei felt like he was watching a movie, the scene was way too dramatic for his taste.
'Wait a second! Wasn't my life also a one big drama… Nah!' He thought denying his life to ever be this dramatic.
Each one of them were so occupied by themselves that they forgot the reason why they were there in the first place.
The moment Issei turned to face Bell, It caused him to widen his eyes as he saw the water field dematerializing, he knew what was going to happen next, since he had already experienced it once.
"GET DOWN!" He yelled at both of them. Hephaestus who had Hestia in an embrace instantly ducked down putting Hestia below her for the small goddess protection.
The moment they ducked, A massive shockwave blasted away from the sword which knocked them out a few feets away.
The shockwave blasted past the cave, through the city, even past the boundary of Oraria itself. It made itself known to the world by blasting through the entire planet, it didn't had enough power to blast buildings away, it didn't even have the power to be felt by mortals but the Gods, they felt it, the felt the shock… the shock they only feel when they have a premonition of something unbelievable waiting to happen, the last time they felt it was the time when Zeus and Hera's familia were being destroyed by the One Eyed Black Dragon.
The Shock of a New Legend.
Ganesha felt it, he knew it came from somewhere in the city. He wished that these things would not happen ever again since the innocents are the ones that get harmed the most in these events and as the God of the Masses, that was unacceptable for him.
"I am Ganesha" he says slowly and deeply into the distance.
Shakti who was near her patron God sighed at Ganesha's attempt to sound cool.
Freya also felt it, she slowly twirls a cup of wine in her hand. She was sitting in her throne thinking of Bell when she felt it.
She smiled as she felt like this legend might even be more interesting than the last.
'A New Legend,' were the thoughts of the Old God under the Guild praying to the Dungeon.
Ouranos knew that this legend will either be a salvation or a disaster waiting to happen.
He knew he was too old for any of them, but he now also knew that preparation needs to be made since it may concern the Dungeon, especially since the shock came from Orario itself.
'Seems like something interesting is going to happen soon,' Loki thought to herself as she too felt the shock.
She was however disheartened at the fact that Aiz wasn't the reason for that shock since Aiz was still in the Twilight Manor, spending her time with the Amazon sisters.
However, her intuition told her that this person who caused the shock would become a special entity even in her entire Immortal life.
"Orario, you once again surprise me" Hermes sang.
He was already excited in returning early to the city, since Zeus's Grandson was supposed to be there. Another intriguing news that he recently heard was the appearance of a new Level 5, joining the same familia that Bell joined in. The shock that he now just felt only encouraged him to return early.
Now he really wanted to return to Orario since all the interesting things were happening right there.
"How much longer, Asfi?" Hermes asked giddy with excitement.
"It will take us one month at least, Lord Hermes. You need to calm yourself" answered the captain of Hermes Familia, Asfi Al Andromeda.
She appeared to have aqua blue hair and cyan colored eyes. She also wore glasses.
'The Mysterious Level 5 ...Master Issei is it really you? Are you truly in this world' she thought as she hoped to reunite with the man—No the Devil who gave her a shelter to sleep in, food to eat, clothes to wear and took her in when nobody wanted her, when everybody threw her away.
The Devil who helped her rise to notoriety and let her become a pawn in his peerage.
The Devil, Issei Hyoudou who became her master.
Issei painfully rises from the ground, wiping away the dust from himself. He made his way to the goddesses who were also struggling to stand up. He gave a hand to both of them and helped them both up.
"What Happened?" Hephaestus asked
"Where's Bell?" Hestia asked anxiously.
"We will get all of our answers at the lake" Issei said.
They all made their way through the debris only to see Bell with an enormous black broadsword in his hands, Bell quickly twirls it only for it to change into a rapier, he then now flips the weapon into the air only for it to change once again but this time into a dagger.
Issei and Hephaestus who knew about weapons were mesmerized by the shape-shifting blade. Hephaestus was at least proud that she once again made something unique even if it was with the help of another. Issei was just happy that Bell was able to bond with the spirit blade at least and Bell seems to be able to understand how to utilize it properly.
"Bell?" Hestia asked.
Bell then turns to them and widely smiles, showing them his white teeth. Hestia and Hephaestus were both blushing like teenagers at seeing Bell in his Boxers giving them a smile, it was a dream come true for them.
Issei who was standing right next to them sweatdropped and made his way to Bell appraising the blade he and Hephaestus crafted.
He knew that this blade is currently as strong as the boy right now, but will also grow with him in time.
"Bell, Can you tell what is the name of your partner?"
This got the attention of the Blushing Goddesses who were also interested to know the name of the Boy's sword.
"Oh his name….its—"
Current Status
Bell Cranell
Level Two
Strength: H-198
Defense: H-170
Utility: I-79
Agility: G-265
Magic: I-0
Mystery: l
Magic:
( )
Skill:
[Realis Phrase]
Rapid Growth.
Continued desire results in continued growth.
Stronger desire results in stronger growth.
[Dragon's Heart] Can Only Be Active By Issei
Unbreakable Will.
Unshakable Courage.
Highly enhanced Senses.
[Devil's Blood] Can Only Be Active By Issei
Rare Loot Drop from Monster.
Understanding all Languages.
Improvement in Studying and Learning.
[King's Sight] Can Only Be Active By Issei
Grants instinctual understanding of tactics and strategies.
Grants Instinctual Leadership Quality.
Natural Empath and Animal Rapport.
[Hero's Spirit] Can Only Be Active By Issei
Unlimited Potential
Stats Boost when fighting stronger opponents.
Temporary Level Up when fighting stronger opponents.
Issei Hyoudou (Fake-Sealed)
Level Five
Strength: A-898
Defense: B-770
Utility: S-909
Agility: S-965
Magic: B-789
Mystery: A
Mage: B
Abnormal Resistance: B
Hunter: C
Magic:
[Dark Regulus]
No chant magic that allows its user to imbue their body parts with the Magic itself for melee combat manifesting as Dark Flames
[Urano Metria]
When the user recites the incantation, the 88 constellations of the sky come down as spheres and bestow their power upon the caster. This person then aims at their intended target and releases the energy gathered into a tremendous attack.
Incantation
Survey the Heavens, Open the Heavens...
All the stars, far and wide...
Show me thy appearance...
With such shine.
Oh Tetrabiblos...
I am the ruler of the stars...
Aspect become complete...
Open thy malevolent gate.
Oh 88 Stars of the heaven...
Shine!
Skills:
[Boost]
the ability to Boost which can double the user's power every 10 seconds, it can strengthen the user's physical capabilities and magic.
Issei Hyoudou (Real-Sealed)
Level ?
Strength: ?
Defense: ?
Utility: ?
Agility: ?
Magic: ?
Swordsman: ?
Fist Fighter: ?
Blacksmith: ?
Spearman: ?
Strong Body: ?
Mage: ?
Luck: ?
Resistance: ?
Abnormal Resistance: ?
Magic Resistance: ?
Metal-working: ?
Mystery: ?
Hunter: ?
First Strike: ?
Diving: ?
Initiative: ?
Crush: ?
Dragon: ?
Strong Defense: ?
Escape: ?
Treatment: ?
Healing Power: ?
Chain Attack: ?
Spirit Healing: ?
Alchemy: ?
Archer: ?
Guardian: ?
Paladin: ?
Satan: ?
Saviour: ?
Hero: ?
Balance: ?
Curse: ?
Fate: ?
Writer: ?
Teacher: ?
Magic:
[Thought Projection]
A type of Magic which allows its user to create a psychic copy of his or her body. This Magic can work even over great distances, allowing the user to essentially be in two places at once.
[Inventory]
A Spatial Magic spell that allows the user to store items in a pocket dimension.
[Dark Regulus]
No chant magic that allows its user to imbue their body parts with the Magic itself for melee combat manifesting as Dark Flames
[Urano Metria]
When the user recites the incantation, the 88 constellations of the sky come down as spheres and bestow their power upon the caster. This person then aims at their intended target and releases the energy gathered into a tremendous attack.
Incantation
Survey the Heavens, Open the Heavens...
All the stars, far and wide...
Show me thy appearance...
With such shine.
Oh Tetrabiblos...
I am the ruler of the stars...
Aspect become complete...
Open thy malevolent gate.
Oh 88 Stars of the heaven...
Shine!
[Reinforcement]
The magic that allow the user to enhance the existence of target by pouring magical energy
[Magic Barrier]
Magic Barrier is a defensive form of Caster Magic, centered around the formation and shaping of magical barriers.
?.
Skills:
[Boost]
the ability to Boost which can double the user's power every 10 seconds, it can strengthen the user's physical capabilities and magic.
[Thermal Manipulation]
The ability that allows the user to manipulate the temperature.
?.
Titles:
Red Dragon Emperor (former)
Crimson Dragon Emperor (former)
Satan Lucifer (former)
Crimson Inferno Dragon Emperor
God-Slayer
Hero of the Supernatural
Hero of the Dragon Gods
True Dragon
Oppai Dragon (former)
Oppai Dragon King
Breast Dragon Emperor (former)
Merlin's Apprentice
The Draconic Sorcerer
The Sorcerer Supreme
Harem King (self-proclaimed)
True Harem King
Greatest Host
The Strongest Red Dragon Emperor
Fate Breaker
Hope Bringer
Super Pervert
AUTHOR NOTE:
Thank you for reading and reviewing. I would love it if you give a name for Bell's weapon yourself. I do have a name but didn't think it was appropriate so I want you guys to put up your suggestion in the reviews.
Hope you all enjoy what I wrote.
If you are wondering why Tsubaki gave them the badge then you should know that Tsubaki is one of the more unusual or should I say free spirited character in the LN. She would most likely would give them for the hell of it.
