Name: Great Twin Blade: Urga
Grade: Epic (Gold)
Special Effect (Magic Break / Severe Wound): The upper blade renders magic-based defenses useless; they can only be defended against by physical means. Attacks from the lower blade cause wounds that cannot be healed.
Special Effect (Indestructible): Reinforced with Mithril and Orichalcum. Incredibly sturdy and nearly impossible to damage.
Note: Minimum requirement: LV.3!
...
The stats of the weapon flashed in Roy's mind.
This was the highest quality armament he had ever crafted, surpassing even his "Boots of Justice." While the boots were complex, they were essentially low-level gear boosted by divine blood. This Great Twin Blade was Near-Legendary, the "Epic" text on the panel glowing with a golden light.
It wasn't entirely unexpected. Both the pierce-magic red rose and the mortal-wound yellow rose were Epic-tier weapons in their own right. Melting them down and adding Mithril, Orichalcum, and Ice Dragon coolant while giving 120% of his effort had pushed the result to the limit. It was just one step away from being a Legend-grade item.
Roy raised the Great Twin Blade high. Under the light of the setting sun, the weapon shone brilliantly, radiating a sense of overwhelming power.
The crowd was mesmerized. To the smiths and adventurers, it looked like a priceless work of art. Their eyes turned red with a feverish intensity more passionate than if they were looking at a world-class beauty.
This is a top-tier First-Tier armament!
Tiona's heart hammered against her ribs. She felt as though this weapon had been born specifically for her.
"I am finished as well!" Roy's voice finally broke the silence.
Goddess Hephaestus stepped forward. She spent a full ten minutes evaluating the heavy blade. It far surpassed the "Engetsu" crafted by Tsubaki and Welf. She sighed; even with her hyper-critical standards, she couldn't find a single flaw.
The red and yellow materials had special properties she had never even seen before. In truth, it took a great deal of self-restraint for her not to shower it with praise immediately.
Everyone watched her, waiting for the final verdict.
The silence among the tens of thousands in attendance was absolute. The only sound to be heard was the rhythmic breathing of the crowd. Both Tsubaki Collbrande and Welf Crozzo stood with visible tension etched across their faces.
Goddess Hephaestus lowered the Great Twin Blade. "Tsubaki, Welf... you have lost."
"Whoa—!"
A heartbeat later, a wave of collective gasps and astonishment erupted, spreading outward like a tidal wave.
Tsubaki Collbrande had lost?!
Countless onlookers stood frozen, as if struck by lightning, staring at the scene in utter disbelief. Yet, this was the judgment of Goddess Hephaestus herself; there was no room for error. While she might show slight favoritism toward her own children in other matters, when it came to forging, she tolerated no compromises.
The quality of this Great Twin Blade surpassed the "Engetsu" by at least two minor grades. It was a weapon that stood with one foot firmly in the "Divine Realm," with a value of no less than 120 million Valis!
Blacksmiths, adventurers, gods, and merchants alike—every eye turned toward Roy with burning intensity. This was a master smith who had surpassed the "Cyclops"! Moreover, Roy was so young, his future was boundless. Who could predict what the world would look like in a few decades? The blacksmithing industry was about to go into a frenzy. Perhaps the world was witnessing the birth of a God-Smith in a human body.
"Our Captain won!" Tione and Tiona threw their arms around each other, screaming in excitement.
Hephaestus returned the Great Twin Blade to Roy.
Tsubaki and Welf crowded around, inspecting the weapon. The more they looked, the more amazed they became. Every detail was polished to perfection. The effort and soul the smith had poured into it were visible to the naked eye. This was a weapon with a soul.
They were utterly defeated.
"Truly impressive," Tsubaki muttered, scratching her head. It seemed her skills still required further refinement.
Welf pulled off his headband. From the moment he witnessed Roy's exquisite technique, he had prepared himself for the outcome. Since he lost, there were no more words to be said.
The group returned to the Hephaestus Familia branch. With the contest settled, it was time to discuss Welf's future—a matter that was not meant for public ears.
Hephaestus and Tsubaki felt a sense of helplessness. They had thought that with Tsubaki's involvement, the outcome was guaranteed. None of them expected Roy's skill to be so transcendent that he could suppress a veteran like Tsubaki.
Hephaestus looked at Roy. "Your 'Blacksmith' development ability... it's already at Rank F or higher, isn't it?"
"Something like that," Roy replied vaguely, glancing at the clearly irritated Tsubaki.
The Goddess's lip twitched. To have quietly ground the "Blacksmith" ability to such a level without anyone in Orario knowing... once this news got back, the gods would likely go into an uproar again.
Tsubaki felt the urge to curse. Not only was he a speed-leveler, but his forging progress was also meteoric. What kind of stats did the heavens give this guy? How are the rest of us supposed to make a living!
Hearing that Roy's forging ability nearly rivaled Tsubaki's, Welf's jaw dropped. Today, he truly understood the meaning of the saying, "Beyond the heavens, there are greater heavens."
Welf looked dejected. "A bet is a bet. I'll return to the Kingdom of Rakia with you."
Hephaestus and Tsubaki could do nothing but watch Roy take him away. However, it wasn't exactly a dangerous situation. Rakia wanted Welf for his ability to forge magic swords; they wouldn't harm him. In fact, they would likely protect him like a national treasure. Furthermore, Welf still bore Hephaestus's Falna, so she could sense whether he was alive.
Perhaps later, they could negotiate with Rakia to get him back, though the possibility was slim.
Still annoyed, Hephaestus charged Roy a hefty sum for the materials used from her workshop. A bill for 36 million Valis was slapped down.
Roy winced as he looked at the Goddess's forced smile. While the bill was accurate, no one carried that much cash on them while traveling. Left with no choice, Roy could only sign a promissory document, utilizing his Familia's reputation as collateral.
Hephaestus tucked the bill away, her deep red eyes cold enough to suggest she might personally tear his headquarters down brick by brick if he didn't pay.
But at least, the matter was settled. Roy, Tione, and Tiona began their journey back with Welf in tow.
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