"This... is too precious. I can't accept it."
Looking at the magic sword in Hephaestus' hand, Blake smiled wryly. It wasn't that he didn't want a powerful weapon as a trump card, but he felt that one should not take rewards without doing something in return. He had already received a lot of help from Hephaestus, and accepting this would feel too greedy.
"I remember you're not this kind of person. Stop being so formal. The only person who can control this magic sword is you, in my opinion. If you refuse it, I'll just have to destroy it."
"Also, this isn't a free gift. If my Hephaestus Familia gets into trouble, your Hestia Familia must come to help. Consider it an investment."
Hephaestus praised Blake with a smile as she shook her head. She felt that she hadn't misjudged him—most adventurers would have greedily accepted the sword, but Blake's eyes remained clear, something that was rare in adventurers.
At this point, refusing would be just for show, so Blake let out a breath and accepted the magic sword. He would keep Hephaestus' favor in mind.
However, when he held the sword, its magical power increased even further, surprising him.
"This magic sword has a spirit, but it's quite wild. Magic swords generally don't last long, and using them means they will soon fade away. But it seems like it's accepted you. If that's the case, its power is probably higher than I expected."
Seeing this, Hephaestus was surprised.
"I have other matters to attend to. You two should leave."
Just as Blake was about to say something, Hephaestus waved her hand, signaling for them to leave.
"Goodbye, Hephaestus. I'll visit again next time."
After saying this respectfully, Blake fastened the two swords to his waist, took Liliruca's hand, and left.
Some words of gratitude were not meant to be spoken but to be shown through action, so Blake preferred to repay with deeds rather than empty words.
"He's really an interesting kid. But this War Game will be a huge test for him."
Watching the two leave, Hephaestus muttered with a hint of worry. Everything stemmed from the sudden meeting of the gods, where the details of the Familia War Game were being discussed.
"Lord Blake, even Hephaestus gave you a gift... I'm so shocked!"
Walking outside, Liliruca looked at Blake with admiration, her voice filled with excitement.
That was Hephaestus, a goddess famous in Orario, one of the top gods. Not only had she enhanced Blake's weapon, but she also praised him highly and even personally forged a terrifyingly powerful magic sword for him.
How could Liliruca not be amazed? No one else in Orario could receive such treatment.
"Lili, things are not as simple as they seem."
Seeing Liliruca's excited expression, Blake's crystal blue eyes sparkled with wisdom.
Hephaestus had said she forged the sword specifically today, which made Blake think of several possibilities.
For example, according to Hestia, today was the day of a special gods' meeting to discuss the Familia War Game's details. If Hephaestus had specifically forged a powerful magic sword for him today, it could indicate that this War Game would be particularly difficult for him.
Otherwise, given Hephaestus' personality, she wouldn't have gone out of her way to help him . Even if he was Hestia's Familia member, the one loved by Sword Spirits.
So, there was only one possibility: Hephaestus had likely learned the details of the Familia War Game and believed that Blake had no chance of winning with his current strength. That was why she forged the sword for him—as a preparation for a game that would be too disadvantageous for him.
"What does this mean, Blake?"
Seeing Blake's calm expression, Liliruca asked in confusion.
"Let's talk about it when we get home."
Without revealing his thoughts, Blake smiled gently, patting Liliruca's head, and led her back toward home.
The familiar door-opening routine, the familiar face—Hestia appeared as usual, directly hugging him.
However, something felt different this time. Hestia didn't greet him with her usual bright smile and warm welcome. Instead, she silently held him tightly, trembling slightly.
"Hestia, let's go inside."
Though Blake could still feel the familiar softness of her body, he noticed the unusual coldness in her touch. He gently stroked Hestia's head, keeping the embrace as he led the two girls inside, closing the door.
"Hestia, has the format for the War Game been decided? Don't worry about me. I've told you before—I'll return to your side safe and sound, no matter what happens."
Sitting in a chair, Blake spoke softly, his tone unchanged, still confident and gentle.
"Sorry, Blake. Actually, this time..."
Listening to Blake, Hestia finally snapped out of her stupor and gathered herself, her blue eyes filled with guilt as she explained.
It turned out that during the gods' meeting, Hestia had fought hard for the simplest and clearest game format, but just as it was about to succeed, Apollo had turned the tables on her.
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