The Ultimate Lich King of the Multiverse

2/5

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"A custom-made staff, huh…"

Yoru muttered under his breath as he stepped out of Hephaestus's shop.

Apparently, not wanting any outsiders to witness her forging process, Hephaestus had politely but firmly kicked him out.

But wasn't this his weapon? Shouldn't the client at least be allowed to see it being made?

Honestly, even though Hephaestus was the famed smithing goddess of Heaven, Yoru still had his doubts about whether she could forge a weapon that could truly withstand his power.

After all, his strength was just too overwhelming.

Unless it was a divine weapon made for the gods themselves, most items were bound to be reduced to powder in his hands.

That sword she had taken out back then was already an impressive divine-grade weapon. Just being displayed in her shop meant it was a masterpiece—certainly not inferior to anything in her storefront.

But even that sword had crumbled to dust the moment Yoru touched it.

Just as Hephaestus had said: mortal weapons were still mortal. They couldn't compare to those made for the gods.

How could a weapon forged by mortals endure the power of a god?

But if he had to restrain his power just to avoid breaking his weapon, wouldn't that defeat the whole purpose?

A mage's staff was supposed to let them fully express their power—if the staff actually limited his output, then it would be completely useless.

Even so… Yoru couldn't help but look forward to it.

Could Hephaestus really forge a staff that could channel his strength?

That hope lingered with him for two full days.

He woke up alone again.

Life without Hestia was more difficult than he'd expected.

He didn't feel like diving into the dungeon today, so he wandered through the city streets aimlessly, turning corners with practiced ease until he reached West Main Street, where a familiar tavern came into view.

The pub itself wasn't open yet, but the outdoor café in front already had a few customers. Cute beastfolk waitresses with cat ears and tails were working the tables, though he didn't see the girl he was looking for.

Was she working inside?

Yoru debated whether to drop in and say hello when a voice suddenly called out.

"Hey! Wait up, black-haired guy—meow!"

The nickname was a little rude, but the voice was so adorable that he couldn't really get mad. He turned toward it.

Standing in front of the Hostess of Fertility was a catgirl with twitching ears and a fluffy tail, waving both arms enthusiastically.

Yoru remembered her—one of Syr's coworkers, just like that elf he'd seen before.

"Good day, meow! Sorry for shouting out of the blue, meow."

"Ah, no problem. Did you need something from me?"

The catgirl gave him a polite bow, which Yoru returned with a nod.

She had the air of someone professionally trained, wasting no time getting to the point.

"I've got a favor to ask, meow. Here—take this."

She handed Yoru something that looked like a coin purse.

"Syr's boyfriend is the black-haired guy, right? So I'm asking you to deliver this to that airhead for me, meow!"

It was a small, purple clasp pouch shaped like a frog's mouth, with a subtle emblem etched into the fabric—clearly a product from one of the commercial Familia.

A cute little coin purse clearly belonging to a girl.

Deliver it to Syr…?

Where even was she?

What happened?

"Ahnya, you didn't explain nearly enough. Of course Mr. Yoru is confused."

A new voice interrupted. The elf waitress walked over from the outdoor café and joined them.

Hearing her call him "Mr. Yoru" with such proper politeness… felt oddly touching. Way better than "black-haired guy," anyway.

At least someone here remembered his name.

"Lyu is such a dummy, meow! Syr skipped her shift to go watch the festival and forgot her wallet. So we're asking you to bring it to her, meow. It's obvious even without explaining, meow! Right, black-haired guy?"

"…So that's what happened. Sorry for not clarifying earlier."

"She went to see the festival, huh?"

Yoru let out a small chuckle.

It was probably that Monster Festival he'd heard about recently.

"That's right. Could I trouble you with this favor? Ahnya, the rest of the staff, and I have to prepare for opening. I know you were probably heading to the dungeon soon, so I feel bad, but…"

"Don't worry. I actually just got back from the dungeon."

"Back already?" Lyu blinked in surprise, but quickly recovered.

"Well, then I suppose it's fine to ask you."

"Of course. I wasn't doing anything in particular anyway. But is it really okay to let a girl slack off and run off to play like this?"

Yoru smiled wryly as he slipped the coin purse into his pocket.

"Calling it slacking is a bit much. We live here thanks to the tavern's generosity, but Syr's situation is different."

Lyu explained further. Unlike the rest of the live-in staff, Syr didn't work every day, and this outing had been approved by the manager as an official day off.

"The kitties wanted to go too, meow! But Mama wouldn't let us, meow. Syr promised to bring us back souvenirs, saluted with a big smile, and just walked out… only to forget her wallet. She's such an airhead, meow."

"Ahnya, I don't think you're in any position to say that."

The catgirl whined at Yoru with an exaggerated pout, but was immediately scolded by Lyu.

"East Main Street toward the Colosseum is probably packed already. Head in that direction. Just follow the crowd, and you'll find the venue."

"Syr just left, so you should be able to catch her, meow."

"Got it."

Yoru nodded and looked toward the towering spire at the center of the city and the long stretch of East Main Street beyond.

The Monster Festival, huh… I wonder what kind of event it'll be.

He had nothing better to do anyway—might as well check it out.

With that thought, Yoru set off from in front of the tavern.

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