Meanwhile, on the other side.
In Hephaestus's Familia, the red-haired goddess Hephaestus was continuously hammering a peculiar piece of metal in her forge, and this metal was already close to the shape of a long sword.
Udaeus's Black Sword.
An extremely rare item dropped by a Floor Boss in the Dungeon, something that might only appear when challenging Udaeus one-on-one.
Ottar's Supreme Black Sword was made from this material.
And the creation of that sword cost the Goibniu Familia countless artisans' efforts.
But here with Hephaestus, just one person completed the processing of this material.
She even added many precious materials to it.
However, the time required was unavoidable.
"Hephaestus, isn't it ready yet? It's been two days."
Ever since Hestia came here, it took her a long time to ask Hephaestus for help, and only then did Hephaestus agree to personally forge a weapon for Takatsuki.
"Don't rush, it'll be ready soon. But Hestia, are you sure you really want to do this?"
Hephaestus recalled Hestia's request that day. Hestia told Hephaestus everything she knew, even about Takatsuki and his companions coming from another world.
And she also guessed that after this matter ended, Orario might not be able to tolerate Takatsuki and his companions, so they might leave after this incident.
"I know I'm a useless chief god. Takatsuki-kun has always been the one helping me, and they've been supporting me. He's also resolved all the troubles we've encountered on his own."
"So this time, I hope I can help him!"
"At least, before he leaves, I want to give him this weapon. Takatsuki-kun will go to more places and encounter more dangers in the future. I hope to always protect him."
Hephaestus shook her head: "You also know that what he's doing is blasphemous in Orario. As a god, you might also be implicated and punished."
"It doesn't matter. I'm already content to have met them. Even if I'm forcibly returned to the heavens, I'll have no regrets. It's just, Hephaestus, if I'm sent back, I hope you can take in Bell and Haruhime."
"These two children are innocent and shouldn't suffer injustice because of my selfishness."
Hephaestus nodded: "If it comes to that, I will. Of course, if Bell and the others want to go somewhere else, I won't stop them."
Just as the two gods were conversing, a loud noise came from outside.
"It's bad! Lady Hestia! Lady Hephaestus! The one-eyed Black Dragon has appeared!"
Daphne burst through the office door and rushed in.
"What!" *2
Daphne quickly relayed the information she had gathered from the surrounding adventurers to the two gods.
"Takatsuki-kun... Hephaestus! Isn't it ready yet!"
Hephaestus also looked solemn: "Hestia!"
"Yes!"
"Don't you want to help Takatsuki?"
"Mm."
"Then now, pour your blood onto this sword!"
Hephaestus's words startled Hestia.
"Originally, this weapon would have taken more time to complete, and even when finished, it wouldn't meet the requirements of a Divine Artifact because I cannot use my divine power in the Lower World. However, there is another way."
Hephaestus looked at Hestia: "That is divine blood. Divine blood contains divine power. Since that child has your blessing, by adding your divine blood, this sword will link with your blessing. At that time, it will become a true Divine Artifact."
After hearing Hephaestus's words, Hestia unhesitatingly picked up a small knife from a nearby table and cut her wrist.
"That's enough! Daphne! Quickly help Hestia stop the bleeding!"
Hephaestus didn't expect Hestia to be so decisive; the entire sword was immersed in blood after only a short pour.
And Hestia's face also turned pale.
Ignoring Daphne, who came to help Hestia with her injuries, Hephaestus's hammer quickly struck the blade.
She didn't even have time to pay attention to the dragon's roar coming from outside, instead continuously swinging her hammer.
Divine blood is special; even when poured onto a scorching blade, it wasn't evaporated by the high temperature. But as Hephaestus's hammer fell, the crimson blood seeped into the blade little by little.
Sweat beads continuously dripped from Hephaestus's forehead, landing on the blade and then rapidly evaporating.
As the blood seeped in, mysterious divine runes appeared on the blade.
The divine runes, which were supposed to be engraved after the forging was complete, appeared during the forging itself.
Thanks to the divine power of the divine blood, the forging speed of the longsword was much faster than originally anticipated.
With the final swing of the hammer, Hephaestus immersed the longsword in the water nearby.
In just an instant, all the water in the container was completely evaporated.
Water continuously poured in from the inlet, but it was rapidly evaporated as soon as it touched the sword. It took several minutes just to cool the blade.
"It's done…"
Hephaestus's voice was filled with exhaustion. She couldn't use her divine power at the moment, and forging a true Divine Artifact without it drained her mental and physical strength, even for her.
"Thank you, Hephaestus."
Hestia, her small face pale, hugged Hephaestus.
"Alright, you're old enough now. Hurry and deliver it to him."
"Mm!"
There was no need for many words between the two friends. Hestia picked up the longsword placed on the table.
Because Udaeus's black sword was used as material, the sword was entirely black, emitting a dark red glow over its black surface.
Upon closer inspection, one could see not only mysterious divine script on the blade but also patterns resembling flames.
When light shone upon it, streams of light seemed to flow within the flame-like patterns.
However, due to the Divine Artifact's self-concealment, this sword appeared unremarkable. Although it was a newly born weapon, it already had its destined owner from the moment of its creation.
"I'm counting on you, Daphne! Take me to Takatsuki-kun!"
She wrapped the longsword in cloth and carried it on her back.
Because this sword was not with its fated master, it was like a blunt sword, unable to cut anyone, not even tearing the cloth it was wrapped in.
"Leave it to me, Lady Hestia!"
Daphne had witnessed the two deities' efforts for this sword. Although she greatly admired them, she wasn't jealous. She carried Hestia on her back and ran towards Babel.
Watching Hestia leave, Hephaestus closed her eyes, exhausted. Having gone sleepless for many days, even she needed to rest for a while.
"Hestia, my dear friend, I hope your choice won't disappoint you."