The Ultimate Lich King of the Multiverse

Chapter 41: Chapter 41: The Persistent Girl



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Having lived in this world for quite a few days now, Yoru was no longer as clueless as when he first arrived. He had come to understand several key aspects of this labyrinth city, Orario—particularly some noteworthy Familia and individuals.

For instance, there was the most powerful Loki Familia, the always eccentric Ganesha Familia, and the one Loki had just mentioned—Hephaestus Familia.

Among all the Familia in Orario, Hephaestus Familia stood out the most. It was one of the most renowned and widely recognized Familia in the city.

They were the only Familia that didn't rely on adventuring to make a living. Though they didn't boast many powerful adventurers, they were still widely known throughout Orario.

That was because Hephaestus was the Goddess of Smithing, and all her followers were highly skilled blacksmiths. Almost every adventurer in Orario wielded weapons forged by members of Hephaestus Familia.

As for the divine weapons crafted personally by Hephaestus herself—they were nothing short of legendary, coveted by all.

A suitable weapon could indeed raise an adventurer's strength by several levels. Yoru would never turn down such an item. But if it meant Hestia had to trade her dignity to obtain it, then he'd rather not have it at all.

"Hey! You brat—wait up! Why are you so worked up? Even if you want to find Hestia, do you even know where she is? Or are you planning to storm into Hephaestus's store and cause a scene?"

Loki's voice called from behind as she panted, chasing after him. Hearing her, Yoru came to a halt.

She wasn't wrong. Barging into Hephaestus's workshop to cause trouble was not a real option. First, he had to find out where Hestia actually was.

"Take me to her."

"Yeah, yeah, I get it! But could you not talk to me like I'm your underling? I'm a goddess too, you know! I demand some respect!"

Though Loki was hopping around as she complained, Yoru didn't respond in the slightest. His cold expression made her purse her lips in displeasure, but she said no more.

She herself wasn't sure why she'd come to tell Yoru about Hestia. Maybe it was because her millennia-old rival had lowered herself so pathetically before her, and that sense of superiority felt too good to keep to herself?

Perhaps she just wanted to brag a little—and Yoru, as Hestia's only follower, seemed like the perfect target. After all, who else could she show off to?

But now that things had gotten this far, Loki was starting to regret it. Seeing that frosty look on Yoru's face, she couldn't help but feel like she'd made a serious mistake.

As the streets became increasingly lined with stores selling weapons and armor, and the figures of heavily armed adventurers began to appear more frequently, Loki stopped in front of a particular shop and pointed.

Compared to the neighboring stores, this weapon shop was at least twice as large.

Its bright red paint, reminiscent of blazing flames, made it stand out even among the bustling commercial street.

A heavy wooden signboard hung above the door, adorned with a strange symbol.

The characters were indecipherable—some sort of 'divine script'—but anyone familiar with Orario knew exactly what it meant. It was the emblem of the world-famous blacksmiths: Hephaestus Familia.

"This is the place. Don't say I didn't bring you."

As Loki spoke, Yoru examined the shop.

Through the large glass display window, even a layman could see the weapons inside were all high-grade masterpieces. Twin green-bladed swords crossed in an X, a long-handled sword boasting extraordinary range, and a slender rapier decorated with golden accents.

These sharp and dazzling blades reflected the light of the magic stone lamps above, shining like treasures inside jewel-encrusted chests.

Though crafted like works of art, the chilling sharpness of the blades served as a constant reminder—they were made not for display, but for killing.

Below each weapon, price tags were discreetly placed—each with a string of zeros long enough to make anyone dizzy.

This was the Hephaestus Familia's workshop, selling only top-tier, first-class weapons designed for elite adventurers.

Meanwhile, in a room toward the back of the shop—

"How long do you plan to stay like that?"

The question, filled with exasperation, was met with silence.

Inside her private office, the red-haired, red-eyed goddess Hephaestus let out a weary sigh, a mix of shock and fatigue in her voice.

Sitting at her desk in her Familia uniform, she was addressing the figure kneeling motionless on the floor—the tiny goddess Hestia, her head bowed so low it almost touched the floor.

This was the northwest branch of Hephaestus Familia, on the third floor of their large flagship smithy.

A heavy, chaotic atmosphere lingered in the office.

"Just so you know, I'm a busy woman."

"Even if you don't make a sound and just curl up like a bug in the corner, you're still killing my motivation and slowing my work down. You get that?"

"...…"

"Are you even listening, Hestia?"

"...…"

"…Sigh."

Hephaestus let out another sigh at the silence of her small friend, who had stayed in that same position all day long.

Yes, an entire day.

It had been that long since Hestia started bowing to her like this.

Back at Ganesha's banquet, Hestia had pleaded with Hephaestus to forge a weapon for Yoru, only to be flatly rejected.

Not to brag, but the work of upper-rank smiths in Hephaestus Familia held top-tier reputation even among fellow craftsmen. Their weapons were so expensive that even first-class adventurers or powerful Familia could barely afford them.

And forget about friend discounts—as the head of her Familia, Hephaestus considered it a sin to hand out weapons forged through the blood and sweat of her members for free. She would never allow it.

She told Hestia to save up some money and come back later—a roundabout way of telling her to know her place—and shut her down without mercy.

But of course, things didn't end there.

Even after being rejected, Hestia kept begging long after the banquet ended. No matter how many times she was driven away, she just wouldn't give up. In the end, it was Hephaestus who was worn down first.

So, she let Hestia do as she pleased. If the little goddess wanted to humiliate herself, so be it. Hephaestus figured she'd give up once she got hungry or tired enough.

It had now been two days since the banquet at Ganesha's.

Hestia still hadn't given up. And Hephaestus still hadn't relented. Ironically, it was Loki, of all people, who lost patience first and agreed to let Riveria teach Yoru magic.

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