Time for the next installment. Just remember, if you like it, review and follow. If not, thanks for reading this far. I will add a list of the skills at the end of the chapter
Logan's POV
As consciousness returned to me, I got bombarded with several notifications. I got the notification that my time manipulation was changed and that my major perk is now the Love of the Blacksmith.
I still feel like this is trying to rip off Bell Cranel. However, who am I to argue with beings who can erase me from existence?
Most of the notifications were my skills, I gained some new skills and leveled up from use such as heavy armor and small blade.
That reminds me, I should pick a main weapon to consistently use. Or should I use several? I'm leaning towards the war hammer and maybe a sword. If I chose a sword, I'm ripping off Fable and taking the Sword of Aeons. That was the most badass sword of my childhood.
The war hammer will be custom because unfortunately, I cannot recall any sick designs for one. I'm thinking of a skull with flames shooting out of the eyes.
That should work for now and as for the armor, I will use plate armor. The plate armor will be modified beyond belief. The armor will be Medieval Spawn's armor but it will materialize like Iron Man's armor in Endgame.
As I scroll through the notifications, I notice that I gained 10,000 LP for a legendary event.
Confused as all hell, I click on it and it says 'For making an angel of death fall in love with you, you gained 10,000 LP and a new title.'
Titles? Already? What could I possibly have gotten?
The next notification was the acquisition of a title called "Death from Above". It stated further that using this title will grant me a 20% bonus to Excelia when using stealth moves.
Sweet ability that will come in handy later on. That was it for the notifications, so I swiped the window closed and stretched out. Hey sue me, my muscles were sore and needed relief.
My thoughts turn towards what happens once I'm in Orario. I join Hephaistos familia, that's the no-brainer part. The stumper is how do I get Alfia to fall in love with me? It will possibly be easier once I cure her and Meteria's illness. It will be with runes and magic, the question is when and how?
'Shit that reminds me' as I slap a hand on my forehead. I need rune mastery for this all to work. So let's browse the skill section on 'get creative' and see what I missed for blacksmithing.
As I activate the skill, I click on browse mode and say " I need skills related to being a blacksmith."
Lo and behold, about 8 skills popped up. One was Element Resistance which gives the user heat and cold resistance 100% for 4000 LP.
Need that, so I bookmark it and keep looking at the skills. Fire Magic skills are highly recommended as well. Also, it only cost 1000 LP and the fire gets as hot as 1500 degrees Fahrenheit.
I need that one as well and pick the last one, Rune Smith is the one I need. For some reason, it was only 3000 LP but you won't hear me complain. So all together this little shopping trip is 8000 LP.
Hurts but I need it. I can't wait until I get to the forge to start my destiny.
After the sudden shopping spree, I make sure everything is in order before I leave. I'm likely to not get another chance before I get going to Orario.
Just know that a hot shower and a long nap wait for me is enough motivation to finish here. However, I realize I don't know how to get out of this dungeon. As I walk back out into the main chamber, I don't notice the far corner has a small swirling light.
At least not at first, in fact, I almost missed it were it not for the mental nudge in its direction.
When I first saw it, not gonna lie, it spooked the shit outta me. Discerning Eyes said it was a teleport circle to the Northern Gate of Orario.
...?...!...? Hold up! Teleport circles? Since when? I didn't know that teleport circles were used in Danmachi. Wait a second, as I further inspected the circle, I see runes around the base.
...Son of a bitch, there are runes for teleporting. I can't help it, I start laughing like a maniac. This is gonna make me rich somehow I just know it. The bigger question is why does any of the other rune masters not see them?
You know what, I don't care right now. I'm ready to leave so let's give this room and the main room one more sweep over. I give the vault room one more quick sweep and I got everything.
The main room had several books that I packed in the box. From what I always knew, knowledge is power. Also, older books tend to go for a lot of money.
After looking all over the room I thought I got everything. So as I walk towards the teleportation circle, I notice a glowing section of the wall.
It seems like my luck is strong today. I stroll up to the wall and reach to touch it when my movie knowledge flared up. I remember that a lot of times in movies with ancient culture, vaults, and secret spots are booby-trapped.
So I take a basic sword out of storage and ouch the section of wall. Sure enough, a mist labeled poison mist spewed out of the open wall. I backed up and let the mist disperse before going back to the compartment.
Inside were three books, a golden key, and a medium-sized drawstring bag. After observing them with discerning eyes, the key had a simple description which was the Guild vault key. Maybe more money?
The books were labeled as a ledger and two grimoires. I just put the books in my box and observed the drawstring bag. The description said 'Bag of Unlimited Holding.' I want to investigate so badly but it's time to leave to join my new familia.
So after securing all the items in my box, I go to the teleportation circle and activate it. The swirling lights rapidly circle me. Then suddenly blinded me. Shit, that hurt.
Then I notice the sudden change in temperature around me. It went from cool to warm and breezy. Then came the wind and fresh air. That is nice, the air in the dungeon was stale and old. Finally, my eyes clear up and I realize how close to the main gates I am.
Pinch me, I'm dreaming. All of a sudden my ass gets pinched! I turn around looking for the culprit. "Who the fuck did that? Show yourself fucker." In my mind, I hear laughter, sexy laughter too. "Oh, you think your funny Evie? Wait till I see you again." She laughs again and says "Love you too big guy. It will still be awhile but we will have our adventures soon." I feel her presence disappear.
'Yeah we will, and it will be epic.' As I step out of the circle, I notice I have a big grin on my face. My adrenaline is coursing through my body, I have finally done it and have arrived.
The magic circle was about 100 yards from the north gate in the tree line. I saw an overgrown path leading toward the main road. The grass was about knee-height, and the trees were huge up close. If I had to guess, I'd say they were oak trees; those would make fine shields and furniture.
As I stumbled through the undergrowth, a notification popped up on my screen saying that this location had been pinned to my mini-map for convenience. That was a convenient feature until I made my own.
Lost in though, I reach the main road and almost bump into a cart leaving Orario. I avoid the cart at the last second, making the driver and donkey freak out. The driver screams at me "Watch where you're going jackass. Next time I won't be so forgiving." I gave the typical greeting of an asshole and flipped him the bird. "Yeah, eat it ya jag-off," I say as I give him an unamused stare.
Anyway... I turn back around and get ready for the most fun part of my day... waiting in line. At least it's not like Disney's lines.
3rd Person View
Some people are heading for the inns and restaurants for a night on the town after a hard day's work. Then there is the motley collection of people making their way to the dungeon and almost heading home after a long day in the dungeon.
These folks are the adventurers that make Orario home. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some folks are leaving for the night and heading home outside the city. "Next person! Come on people we have to close the gates soon. Move it or lose it!" Came the yell from the guards from the gatehouse.
The gatehouse is ornately decorated to look like a war fortress. The doors are heavily fortified to prevent an attack by enemies of Orario such as Ares and his familia from Rakia. So these walls and gatehouses are designed for battle.
It is also meant to intimidate and impress visitors that 'we are strong, don't fuck with us.' As the line to enter the city gets smaller, we eventually catch up with our main character. Finally made it to the gate, Logan is waiting for the next guard to be available. The call of "Next" has him move forward to be processed.
Logan POV
"Next!" Came the cry from the guard. As I look at the guard I get to see my first beast kin. She is a lovely-looking bunny girl. The rabbit ears are the first thing I noticed about her. I still can't believe that they're real. To top it off, she has a literal bunny tail. Furry fans might have something here man.
She had a face that wouldn't look outta place on the big screen. Full lips, smoldering purple eyes, and shoulder-length black hair. This girl was a knockout. She looks annoyed and I realize I was ignoring her.
"I'm so sorry about that, you are the first Hume girl I've seen. Your beauty took me by surprise." Now she has a downright annoying look on her face. "Ugh, another one. Jeez kid, are you trying to get a beat down? State your business before this beauty whoops your ass."
I couldn't help it and I let out a short chuckle. "Ok, no problem. My name is Logan and I've come to join Hephaestus familia." I give her my winning smile, which went unnoticed. The Hume girl gave me a once over and a sad look. "Are you sure kid? You don't look like a blacksmith. Can you make weapons? Armor? Equipment? You might wanna stick to adventuring."
Now I give her an annoyed look. "Don't judge this book base on the cover. Yes, I can make those things and so much more. When I'm set up, come and get your gear from me. Won't regret it 'cause one day I'm gonna be the greatest blacksmith in all the land."
Finally, I have a smile from her, victory is mine. "You know what kid ?" She says as she cocks her head to the side and grins. "Your alright in my book. Sure once you're set up, I'll come to be your customer. I need new gear anyways." She says before she slaps a hand on her head.
"I'm sorry I never introduced myself. My name is Nora, I'm a level 3 adventurer from the Ganesha family. It's nice to meet you, so on the matter of entering Orario."
She adopts a professional appearance and stance. "The entrance fee is 100 Valis, however, if you don't have a residence, the fee is 1100 valis and you get a temporary visa to find a familia." Nora points her finger at me and states that "Once you join a familia, when you register at the guild, you receive a permanent residence identification. You must carry that around at all times."
Nora's face gets an exasperated look "Try not to lose it, the cost of a replacement is 5000 valis." I look in shock. Holy shit that's expensive. I ask her "Why so expensive? Does it act as a foreign if as well? Or is that extra?"
She looks taken aback by the sarcasm, but only for a second before a smug look appears. "Why yes it does and no it don't cost extra. However, you can always give me the extra if you don't want it."
She said that with a sexy grin and a wink of her eye. Hot damn that makes the blood fly south. For some reason, my body starts to shiver shaking me out of lusty thoughts. Fucking puberty again, definitely hated it once. Twice will kill me here. As soon as possible, I need to get laid to get over this. But back to the sexy bunny in front of me.
"I pay you? Haha. Nora, after a night with me you will pay me." I state with the utmost confidence on my face. Now to see her reaction, come on something good. I'm rewarded with her face going red and her spluttering illegible words.
Her partner at the gate chuckles at her expense. "Good one kid. Takes a lot to get ole Nora red. When you become an adventurer, I'll buy you a pint for making my night."
I can't help but chuckle with the guy. However, I'm not paying attention to Nora who finally snapped and tried to land a slap to my face. I catch her hand in mine, making her blush more that we're holding hands now.
I feel bad now so I say "I'm sorry for embarrassing you, accept my apologies for me offering a discount on your first purchase." I rub the back of her hand with my thumb and by this point, you could almost see steam come out of her ears. "No hard feelings?" I let go of her hand and offer my hand to her.
Nora by this time is ready to fight me for embarrassing her. So instead of punching me, she slaps my hand away and turns around "Hmmph"
Her guild mate is dying of laughter at this point. I swear I could hear Nora mutter words like "probably lying" and "getting me excited" Also I know I heard her say "jerk" and "asshole".
Finally, after she composed herself, she turns back around and says " Listen here you fucker. Your lucky I don't rabbit kick you into next week." She then dramatically points at me and states "It's not becoming of a newbie adventurer to be a braggart. You never know when someone might call you on your bullshit."
Now I can't take a comment like that laying down. So I get up in her space and whisper in her ear "It's not bragging if it's true. You're more than welcome to find out luv." For the added kill shot I lightly blow some air in her ear.
"Trust me, I always leave my customers satisfied, some much more than others." I lean back as Nora has steam coming from her ears. And just like that, Nora logged out of chat. Lol.
I turn towards the other guard and give him the entrance fee, and the extra Valis for him and Nora. I asked the dude, Norman I think, for directions to Hephaistos familia. Once he gave it to me, I was on my way.
"Tell her if she wants revenge or a date, come find me at Hephaistos familia." I laugh as I walk through the gates and into Orario proper. I look around, amazed I made it here. It's been a trip for sure. However, my journey has only just begun. Time to be the greatest blacksmith ever.
Logan POV
The sights and smells of the market are exquisite. Since this is my first time here, I absorb it all in. I can tell you I've been to farmers markets and fish markets before but this will take the cake. All of the different types of people walking around shopping for ingredients or last-minute purchases. It's a busy hive of activity, and I didn't even get to the adventurer's side of the market yet.
The sights of the different types of people like the elves, dwarves, and amazons actually in front of me is a nerdgasm at its finest. I think I creeped the one cat girl out by staring at her ears too long. Eh, that's what I get for creeping. So I turn my attention back to walking through the market, I don't have much time if I want to get to the Crimson Chamber before dark.
It's time to move, so I square my shoulders and start following the directions that Norman, uhh Nick... shit I forgot the guy's name... fuck it until I remember he's just 'Chuckles'. I followed Chuckle's directions which took me past a slightly seedy part of the market. What gave it away was the guys in robes hanging around.
However, something felt familiar about this. I just couldn't place it. Of course, at this time luck went off and the classic feminine scream of "Someone help us! Please!" was heard.
Where else would it come from but the alleyway blocked off by the robed figures? It figures but I'm a sucker for helping, especially the ladies. So I fast walk up to the alleyway entrance holding my war hammer, and shitheads 1 and 2 said the classic bad guy line "Keep walking this doesn't concern you. If you interfere with our business, you will be killed."
I look at shithead #1, then at #2. Then I pretend to think better of it and turn away. Tell me why they respond from the villain code book "That's what I thought."
That definitely won't fly, so I grasp the handle tightly and swing as I turn back toward them. The war hammer sails through the air until "THUD" "SIZZLE" as the hammerhead slams into SH #2's head. Instantly killing him and his brains and skull turn into a pink mist.
SH#1 is in shock for a moment but can avoid death the same way as his friend. Shame cause the way he moved caused the hammer to slam into his chest with a meaty "Thwack".
So browsing the internet in my past life showed me so many things. What it couldn't show for obvious reasons was with the force I used to swing the hammer, it couldn't show what a war hammer would do to a human's chest. His chest exploded out of his back, his organs nothing but a meaty paste on the walls.
It was messy and violently beautiful. However I didn't have time to waste, I ran down the dark, dank alleyway toward the scuffle.
As the alleyway opened up into a large space, I found five robed men surrounding two young girls who look worse for wear.
I'm about to attack when what seems like the lead guy starts speaking to the girls. "What luck me and the boys have run into a Hephaistos and Ganesha member. We can hold you, hostage, for our means." Then he says the one thing that signs his death warrant. "In the meantime, we can sample the goods so to speak, ain't that right boys? You guys can have them after I try them out first." The lead guy says in a super sleazy voice.
Now at this point, I've heard enough and charged my magic spell. Since it's a no-chant spell, I aim at the guy and shout "Fire Bomb".
Since the robed guys were close to the lead guy, the resulting explosion was gory, to say the least. Three of the men were vaporized immediately, one was burned beyond recognition and the leader guy lost an arm and a leg.
I walked up to them and hefted my hammer to my shoulder. I finish off the burned waste of space by stomping on his head. It crunches and makes a sickening wet sound as the head bursts like a rotten melon.
The leader is whimpering in pain, and once he realizes that he is next, starting begging for his life. The hood came off and his face is a mess. Half of his face is burnt the other half is scratched and bleeding.
"N-n-no, please. Stop, stop I'm begging you. We weren't going to do anything. I swear. Please spare me?" This sad sack of shit had the nerve to beg to be spared after threatening and about to rape two girls. I can't help it, I start laughing demented at him. I stop laughing at him and gained a pissed-off look on my face.
I grab the front of his robes and pull him up so I'm in his face. "You have the balls to ask for mercy after what you were about to do to these young women. Shit like you are not needed in this world. May the gods of the underworld torment you for all eternity." I slam a fist in his face sending him flying. I grab my hammer and wind up, I slam the hammer dead center of his chest.
As the light leaves his eyes, I say one final line, "At least your death was quick, burn in hell, you bastard." I shake my hammer of blood before I strapped it to my back. A pained groan greets my ears as I turn to the girls. I pull out my item box and grab two HP potions and walk over to the downed girls.
When I'm able to see them clearly, I'm in shock. The girls are Tsubaki Collbrande and Shakti Varma. OMG!! These girls grow up to be some of the finest women in Orario, and admittedly on my harem list.
I snap out of my fanboy moment to check the girls for injuries. Luckily it looks like they just got roughed up with medium damage. (And slightly crispy from me, whoops) Thankfully no broken bones so the potion will work for them.
Tsubaki is the first to realize I'm there and understandably is on guard. She wakes up Shakti and they both try to get ready to fight. I hold up my hands "Peace girls, it's ok I stopped those shot stains before they could do anything. Other than the beating, does anything feel wrong? Nothing broken?" There is a tense stand-off as we stare at each other.
Trying to diffuse the situation, I put on a smoldering smile and wink at them. It works, Tsubaki looks shocked and blushes a bit, then she starts laughing. Shakti just becomes a stuttering mess. Tsubaki also sees Shakti's reaction and doubles down laughing.
I cross my arms and smile, saying "Now can we have a conversation? First off, hi my name is Logan, I'm new to town. How did this happen? How did they get you and are you ok?"
Tsubaki answers me still chuckling "Hi Logan, my name is Tsubaki and my friend's name is Shakti. I'm from Hephaistos Familia and she is from Ganesha Familia. These clowns cornered us as we walked back from the dungeon. I think they were following us for a bit." Tsubaki stretched but immediately winced in pain.
"As for are we ok, no I'm hurting all over but I don't think anything is broken. How bout you, Shakti? You ok?"
Shakti finally snaps out of her stuttering moment, she also winces in pain. "It hurts to move but like you, I don't think anything is broken." I grab the potions and offer them to the ladies. "Here ya go drink up then I'll walk you back to your familias." Both ladies take the potions and drink them. They glow green for a moment and I watch the cuts and burns disappear as if in reverse. Gotta love magic, it's like a godsend.
After giving the potion a minute to run its course, I help the ladies up slowly so they don't fall. Tsubaki was still disoriented and stumbled, but I caught her against my chest. Her face turned red but she cracked a joke "Hey at least buy me dinner first." I whisper in her ear. Now she resembles a tomato.
As I crack up, Shakti says "We will take you up on that offer Logan, which familia did you belong to so our gods can thank you?"
She set me up perfectly so who am I to deny? "Well Shakti, I'm new to Orario and I'm looking to join Hephaistos familia. I want to be a god-class blacksmith." This breaks Tsubaki out of her embarrassment and says "Well to thank my hero, I'll get you a meeting with the goddess and captain of our familia." I put my arms around the girl's shoulders and pull them closer. "Ladies, I believe this is the start of a beautiful friendship."
Since I'm not facing them, I don't see the blushing faces of the girls. Tsubaki looks like she is enjoying herself, while Shakti looks like she will pass out any second.
I let go and say "Ok let's take Shakti home first, then Tsubaki and I will walk back to her home and, hopefully, my new family. Is that cool with you ladies?" Tsubaki grabs Shakti, who is still blushing, and says "Give us a second to talk it over." I then shrug my shoulders and say "Ok gives me time to check out the bodies real quick."
As I walk towards the bodies, I hear a slap. It sounded like she hit Shakti hard enough to snap her out of her episode. I check the notifications from the battle and noticed I gained some significant LP.
Enemies defeated 7*25=175
Headshots 2*50=100
Magic damage 5*150=750
Painful deaths 4*150=600
Chest explosions 2*200=400
First Magic attack 1000
Vaporized enemies 3*75=225
Total gain: 3250LP
That's not a bad gain I thought as I check the two grunts, they just have a bag of Valis each and two daggers in shitty condition. I left them as I walk towards the leader and check the robe out. This thing took a direct hit from a fire spell and isn't burnt.
I used discerning eyes to examine the robe. Hit paydirt, the robe is enchanted with magic resistance and stealth boost. Nice find but for the runes only. I copy them with photographic recall for use later. The robe I can sell and as I store it in the item box, the girls call over to me.
I turn towards them and ask "Are you ready to go? Daylight is burning." They both nod and say "That is acceptable, thank you for your assistance." I shake my head at the formal response, but now is not the time.
"So do we make a report about what happened or do we just burn the bodies?" They look at me with a weird look.
Shakti replies "Since I'm a Ganesha member, my statement is good enough. We'll just have to notify the guild but I'll have another member handle that." I just nod my head showing that I agree with her.
So with the sun starting to set and the crickets starting to chirp, I say to the ladies " Let's go. Onwards to the Ganesha Familia." I start walking towards the alleyway but stop suddenly.
... I turn towards the girls and say "I don't know where that is. Can you show me the way?"
What? That's preposterous, I'm not sulking as we walk Shakti home. How dare the girls laugh at my not pouting face. That's not right, kicking man down and after all the help I was. Hmmph, well on the plus side, the girls relaxed and are not as formal as they were.
Tsubaki is acting just like the anime and manga's portray her. She is loud and abrasive, I likey that. As for Shakti, she is no longer nervous around me and is talking about her latest adventure with Tsubaki in the dungeon. They are only on floor 4 and both girls are mid-rank level 1.
We pass the time with them talking about their exploits and me with stories from my homeworld. Eventually, we arrived at the Ganesha family and let's say the anime didn't give it credit. Giant Ganesha is impressive but it's definitely gaudy and cringey.
Tsubaki says goodbye and hugs Shakti. I walk up to Shakti and extend my hand. In the impending darkness, she takes my hand. We shake hands and I state "To our pending friendship, hopefully, today I made another friend. Also hopefully, so did you Shakti." I then bring her hand up to my lips and kiss the back of her hand.
Red tinges her face as she says "Thank you for saving me, just for doing that, I would of been your friend. After our little talk on the walk here, I realized you will be a great friend to me cause you are a good person." She leans in and gives me a chaste kiss on my cheek. As she turns around to run inside I hear her say "Yes we can be friends..." I didn't hear the last part but it made me smile all the same. In the corner of my vision, the LP total went up 150 points.
Tsubaki grabs my hand and pulls me away. "Alright lover boy, let me take you to the Crimson Chamber and get you your falna. If you behave I might kiss you too. Haha." She says as she leads me away down the slowly darkening street.
No POV
The sounds and smells of the evening start coming out in full force. The fireflies are lazily floating around, glowing periodically. The sounds of the taverns and restaurants are in full swing.
The adventurers and residents mingled as they wait for food, drank pints, and shared about their day. One resident goes "You should have seen it, fish as big as my arm..." At a different pub, an adventurer talking with his friends goes "I call bullshit, that armor is severely lacking compared to mine.." Yessir, the sounds are there, and the smells?
The smell of roasting meats and seasonings is in full blast. With that comes the smells of the taverns and pubs with the alcohol and vomit smell. The smell of people having too good a time. Eh it's bound to happen, so long as it's in good fun and people clean up their mess.
The sun is almost set, the sky a purple and crimson color. The slight alone is mesmerizing and worth a second look. This brings us to the Crimson Chamber
The smokey air shimmers with the colors of the sky. The red glow from the forges as they burn adds a layer of intrigue to the place. The clanging of hammers is a low sound on the wind 'clang, clang, clang' go the hammers on the anvils.
To the residents that live nearby, this is a necessary evil that comes with living in peace from the dungeons. To the blacksmiths and aspiring smiths, this is a heavenly sound. Sure enough, here comes a smith and an aspiring smith now.
Logan POV
"..And then, I fell on the kobold nails and had a few stuck in my ass. Meanwhile, Lady Demeter is laughing at me. Talk about a way to meet a goddess." I said as Tsubaki was having a good laugh at my expense.
Turns out, I and her have a lot in common. She strives to be the best blacksmith as well. So I gained a rival and a love interest. So the walk back from Ganesha, we've been sharing stories of our lives. My meeting with Demeter was our current topic. However, we are now here at Crimson Chamber. My adrenaline is going now, I finally made it here.
Tsubaki grabs my hand again and says " Let's go Logan, let's go meet the goddess and captain." As she drags me into the building, I think that here we are. The start of my new life begins...
Hephaistos POV
"Where is that worrisome child of mine? She should have been back hours ago." I'm sitting at my desk catching up on paperwork for the Zeus expedition that leaves next week. Ugh paperwork, is the bane of all bosses everywhere.
That child, really has me worried. There is no doubt that Tsubaki is talented. I just wish she was less abrasive with my other members. I appreciate her dry sarcasm but if I get one more complaint from my smiths that she is criticizing their work, I'm gonna scream.
I put both my hands on my head in frustration. It's times like this when I'm worked up, my eye starts itching and I take it off. Still all these years later, this eye makes me hate myself. Maybe one day I won't, but that's not today.
As I finish the paperwork, there is a knock on the door. I put the eyepatch back on and say "Who is it?" The response was "It's Marcus Lady Hephaistos, you said to tell you when Tsubaki is home. Well, she just walked in with a guest. They are in the kitchens." About the time she came back. "Tell her to wait for me there, I'm coming." I get up and stretch, muscles popping in my back. I need to schedule a spa day.
"She will be waiting for you, her guest is cooking for her. He even offered for you, my lady. I know you were in here all day, maybe you should accept?"
At that moment, my stomach betrayed me with a loud GROWL. My hands shoot to my stomach, that doesn't sound like a bad idea. "Thank you, Marcus, that will be all." A quick response of "My lady." The sounds of footsteps receding.
I step out of my office and start down the hall towards the kitchens. My child has a lot to answer for. As I get closer, a heavenly smell hits my nose. Immediately, my mouth waters. It smells like that soup from Tsubaki's homeland that you can't find anywhere in Orario. Not that Tsubaki hasn't tried to make it. 'Shudders' if there is one thing Tsubaki can't do, it's cooking.
I shake the nightmares from my head as I enter the kitchen. There is my wayward child sitting at the table talking to someone facing the stove. So I focus on her and say "Where have you been Tsubaki, it's been hours since you were supposed to be home." She has the good sense to be shamefaced, but the guy at the stove speaks for her.
"Both Tsubaki and Ms Shakti ran into foul people who are not going to be trying that ever again. Don't blame her, it's not her fault." Said the boy, who still hasn't turned around yet to introduce himself.
"I'm sorry but who are you to speak for Tsubaki, and what do you mean they won't be trying that again?" He turns off the flame, plates the food on three plates, serves the food, and introduces himself. "I'm sorry, where are my manners? Hello goddess Hephaistos, my name is Logan, and I'm a new friend to 'Baki."
He offers his hand to me and I tentatively take it. What he does next shocks me. He pulls my hand to his lips and kisses the back of my hand! Oh my! My face burns a bright red from embarrassment. The boy Logan then responds "It's a pleasure to meet the beauty known as the goddess of the forge. Hopefully to be my goddess."
W-w-what does he mean!! I start squirming side to side. But we just met, it's not proper. "I wish to join your family goddess. I want to be the best blacksmith. I want to rival you and Gonibu as blacksmiths. This is my goal. Also maybe fall in love, that would be nice too."
I-I-I don't know what to say to that. My divine sense says he's not lying. So to give myself time to think, I eat some of the soup in the bowl.
...
...
...!?!
This is amazing. The flavors blend so well together. By the time I come to, the bowl is empty, and my stomach growls for more. I blush in embarrassment again. How dare my stomach betray me. Especially in front of a cute boy who called me, Hephaistos, beautiful. I couldn't formulate a response other than to hold out the empty bowl and ask for seconds. He chuckles and says "Sure thing, be right back."
Tsubaki is laughing at my misfortunes, per usual. So this boy wants to join my familia, huh? I mean I'm not opposed, I could use some new blood in the familia. Also with some of my smiths retiring, there are open spots.
After some thought, I ask Logan "Have you made anything before? Or are you an untested smith?" I fold my hands on the table, a classic negotiation poses to make newbies sweat a bit. "If you are, in the morning me and Tsubaki will take you to a forge and grade and critique the weapon you will make. If your weapon is up to snuff, I'll make you a member of my familia. Sound good?"
Logan adopts a thoughtful look on his face. Those eyes of his are attractive. They are mismatched like mine. One molten gold and the other violet. Both just stare deep into one's very being and shake it to the roots. That stare has me getting hot and bothered and I don't know why!?!
He is not the first nor probably the last to call me beautiful. However, he is the first that made me feel it. I'm gonna have to look into this more... Oh wait, Tsubaki is trying to get my attention. "..oddness-GODDESS! Are you there? Logan has been trying to answer your question for about 5 minutes now. How rude!" She says while teasing me. Damn it Tsubaki, stop making me seem goofy.
I turn towards Logan and bow slightly, "I'm sorry for my lapse in concentration, what was your answer?" Logan picks up our finished bowls and puts them in the sink. He then leans against the sink and says "It would be easier to just do the test. That way you can see with your own eyes. Yes I said eyes, meaning please don't feel the need to hide who your are around me, Goddess. I won't judge.".
As I walk down the hallway I hear "I hope to never disappoint you, goddess." I turn the corner and before I know it, I'm in my room again. Strangely I can't wait for what bright things tomorrow will bring. Oh well, time to go to bed.
...Wait a second!! Where did more paperwork come from?!? ...well shit.
Logan POV
I lay down on the very comfy bed and almost immediately, I fell asleep. But with this parting thought. 'This is just the first step to greatness; now don't trip.'
I open the door and walk into the bathroom. It's nothing fancy but it will do. It has a basic shower stall and a bathtub. Also a toilet in one corner. Like I said basic needs for basic folks.
After 20 minutes of showering, I stood in front of the mirror and took in my appearance. While I was with Evie creating this body, it was my older body. Since in this body I'm 14, it's just shrunk down. My hair is clean-cut with vibrant green streaks. My body is extremely fit and muscular for a 14-year-old body. Also, from the looks of it, my lovers will be more than satisfied.
As I finish giving myself a once-over, I start dressing for bed. Don't give that look, I'm gonna have a long day ahead of me so I need to be ready. I have in mind what I want to make, and after a glance at my item box, I can confidently say that I will be a familia member tomorrow. Now sleep is calling me. However, there is a knock on the door.
I get up and answer the door and there stands Tsubaki, looking shy and turning side to side. "I realized that I never thanked you for saving me. I owe you so much for what you did. Don't know if I can ever repay you." She says as she stares at the ground, tears dripping down her cheeks.
I reach out and lift her head so she faces me. I flip up her eyepatch to stare in her beautiful eyes. Reaching towards her face and drying her tears. "Tsubaki Collbrande, don't cry sweetheart. You are a strong, beautiful and intelligent lady. You don't need to repay me. If you feel you must, then I'll take your friendship. Is that acceptable?"
She looks at me in disbelief at first, then slowly a smile forms on her lips. It then becomes a full blown smile, a very attractive but devious smile. "I will gladly accept Logan. Like you said earlier, it's the start to a beautiful friendship."
She turns to walk away, but turns back suddenly. "Almost forgot." She wraps her arms around my head and pulls me into a deep kiss. Holy shit! The kiss is sloppy and inexperienced, but you can feel the gratitude and love in it. She pulls away first. "Thank you for the lovely meal as well. I haven't had a taste of home in so long. So for saving me, you get my friendship and my first kiss. Is this satisfactory?"
My face must have been in disbelief, she starts laughing at me. "I'll take that as a yes then. Goodnight Logan, see you tomorrow." And just like that, she turns and leaves. I must have stood there for ten minutes before I snapped out of it and closed my door.
"Did that really happen? My god that woman will drive me crazy." I pace the room for a minute before I remember my original plan and I lay down on the very comfy bed. The notification on the HUD said I gained 1500LP for getting a first kiss from Tsubaki. Nice but it's time to sleep. I lose my eyes and almost immediately, I fall asleep but with this parting thought. 'This is but the first step to greatness, now don't trip.'
Ok, I feel like this is a good stopping point. The next chapter will see Logan build a weapon for a familiar face, and also will probably see him go into the dungeon for the first time. I remind my readers that my OC is going to try to follow Cannon. However, cannon will change, whether subtly or massively, is entirely up to me. In fairness, I will always listen to suggestions.
I just ask that we remember that I could always make another story and change it completely. I'm open to constructive criticism, don't be shy. How can I get better if no one points out what's wrong? If I make mistakes, tell me. I will always try to listen and make my story work.
When Logan receives his falna, I will put his stats. I'm just trying to figure out the format so be patient please.
Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoy my new chapter.