Chapter 51
The shamelessly cheeky Eugene left the hospital with a shiner on his eye, but thoroughly satisfied.
This time, however, he was accompanied by Ryuu, Lili, Chloe, and Lunoire.
"To eliminate potential threats, Lili will have to stay in Ryuu and the others' dormitory for a while."
Any fool who dared to cause trouble at the Hostess of Fertility would truly not know what hit them.
Speaking of which, if he could really drag Mama Mia into this, it would be easy.
One punch for each little kid, two hands to suppress both mortals and gods-wouldn't you just submit!
Wiping a hand across his face, he transferred the injury to the Minotaur clone and activated his Transform magic.
His appearance changed into that of an old gentleman-old, but still a gentleman.
After safely dropping Lili off, the group continued their journey by carriage to the next location.
Since they were going to fight, they needed ample supplies.
Although Ryuu, Chloe, and Lunoire all had their own dedicated equipment, spare items were always welcome.
Furthermore, Eugene still didn't have a weapon that suited him.
In Orario, there were only two places to buy top-tier equipment.
First, the storefront under the Hephaestus Familia, the Goddess of the Forge and Fire.
Second, the smithy of the Goibniu Familia, the God of Construction.
These two Familias specialized in equipment manufacturing and rarely participated in Dungeon exploration, only occasionally descending to gather materials.
As for their status, you're aware of the role of alchemists in Battle Through the Heavens, right? Offending them meant offending most of their peers.
No matter when, having a good craft will always earn you respect.
This time, Eugene and his group chose the Hephaestus Familia.
In the floors rented out by the Babel Tower, the shops operated by them had the largest presence.
This was because equipment was as important as a second life to adventurers.
In the crystal display cases, there were all kinds of spears, short blades, shields, and armor-everything you could imagine.
But those items, to Eugene, were still not truly worth looking at.
The best items sold as finished products were at most "Second-Class Weapon" quality.
The maximum price was only a few tens of millions of Valis.
In Orario, the top-tier blacksmiths who could be called "Giants of the Forge" only took on private, one-on-one commissions, striving for their highest career standard in both materials and craftsmanship.
The corresponding price was naturally outrageously high.
These unique, peerless weapons were collectively called "First-Class Equipment."
Eugene wasn't in such a rush.
With his current strength, high-end Second-Class items would suffice.
But, since he would eventually use the best, why not get to know a good smith ahead of time?
In a district outside the Babel Tower, perpetually rising thick smoke indicated furnaces that burned day and night.
This was the area for artisans with independent workshops.
Following a guide, Eugene and his party chatted as they walked.
"Speaking of which, Boss, what kind of weapon are you looking for, meow?"
"A sword, perhaps? Or a long spear? Boss is quite tall, after all."
"..."
The girls guessed what kind of equipment Eugene would use, but he just smiled without saying anything.
Finally, they arrived at a particularly tall building.
"This is it, our Captain's workshop." The guide scanned the girls, seemingly unable to find anything special about them beyond their looks.
He spoke in a tone of persuasion: "Although I've said it, I'll remind you again."
"Our Captain is the number one blacksmith in Orario, and she's incredibly busy every day."
"She won't even talk to ordinary people."
"If you're planning to move her with money, you should give up now."
Eugene wasn't displeased by the man's warning. He smiled and nodded, then, under the man's helpless gaze, stepped through the echoing door.
Whoosh!
What greeted them was a wave of heat and the smell of various metals.
This place was new even to Ryuu and the others, and they were filled with curiosity.
"Hey-"
"We have guests!" Lunoire shouted into the room.
However, the sound of hammering coming from the depths was completely unfazed, maintaining its own rhythm.
"How focused," Ryuu praised the famous great artisan whom she had heard about.
Eugene said nothing and walked inside on his own.
Soon, they saw her back in front of the blazing furnace.
Her tanned skin reflected the firelight. Every time her solid arm muscles swung the hammer, a brilliant shower of sparks flew.
It also caused her formidable physique to ripple with every movement.
The woman's exposed back was soaked with sweat, and her casually tied ponytail bounced with her body's movements, seeming to reflect her resolute and joyful heart.
"Tsubaki Collbrande-san?" Chloe tried calling out again, but the result was the same as before-a message lost at sea.
Eugene looked at Ryuu with interest, gesturing for her to try.
Ryuu also seemed to have her competitive spirit roused, and she immediately focused her mind to release her magical power.
The genuine power of a top-tier Lv4, refined energy with A-rank attributes, permeated the room.
It was an unspoken warning, proof that a powerful individual had arrived.
But even so, the strong and agile figure showed no reaction whatsoever!
"Just as an adventurer is immersed in an exciting journey, an artisan has their own little world."
"Since she's a craftsperson, we must use a craftsperson's method to wake her."
Eugene stepped forward to a metal mold, gently raising his palm.
Clang!
When he put it down, a silver ingot had appeared in his hand-it was the Mythril he had obtained from the gift package.
Looking at the still-busy figure, Eugene was in no hurry.
He raised his hand again and brought it down.
Ding! The Hardest Metal appeared out of thin air, giving off a crisp reverberation.
And when Eugene raised his hand a third time,
in his hand was Orichalcum, which was absolutely unique in this world, drawn from the System's Intermediate Gift Package.
THUD!!
A heavy, solid echo resonated persistently through the silent smithy.
Silence.
Yes, the moment the Orichalcum landed, the blacksmith, who had been lost in her own world, was jolted awake by this unheard sound!
"Wh-what..."
Her body trembled. The next second, she violently spun around, her face reflecting an expression of disbelief!
"What in the world is that thing!!"
With a single ten-meter stride, the woman moved as swift as the wind. Her unrestrained nature was completely incompatible with her status, position, and age-she was like a child seeing a new toy.
In her sole remaining eye, the glittering metal ingot was reflected, as if it were the object of her lifelong affection.
Tsubaki Collbrande, Level Lv5, Captain of the Hephaestus Familia, and publicly recognized as the number one blacksmith in Orario, second only to the Gods.
Her title: "One-Eyed Giant Smith!"
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Tsubaki-san."
Eugene went straight to the point after the introduction.
"I'd like to purchase a batch of ready-made equipment."
"..."
His words, just like before, had no effect on the entranced Tsubaki.
Seeing this, Eugene didn't waste time, flipping his hand to instantly store the three metal ingots into his System space.
"Whaaa! Nooo!!" Tsubaki, having suddenly lost the Orichalcum of her dreams, was struck as if by lightning.
She whirled around. In her now rationalized vision, Eugene and the others stood quietly facing her.
"Huh? Guests?"
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