Bell and Hestia remained with the Hephaestus Familia for three consecutive days to forge the weapon.
Bell still chose a knife again.
He was more comfortable with a knife than other weapons like long swords or large knives.
It's not a good idea to suddenly switch to a different weapon when he's so used to knife, and knife are still the best for being quick and flexible.
Therefore, the knife, which was said to be worth "200 million," was still set to be born.
Of course, during those three days, Bell was mostly in charge of simple tasks like blowing on the bellows to keep the fire going and making sure the temperature was just right.
Throughout the forging process, Hephaestus had to stay completely alert, constantly watching the weapon to make sure she didn't miss the perfect time to shape it.
Since the furnace had to be kept at a high temperature at all times to assist Hephaestus in her work, Bell couldn't afford to fall asleep either.
After three days without rest, Bell, who was only as strong as an ordinary person, started to get dark circles under his eyes.
Throughout the forging process, Bell constantly fought the urge to fall asleep and had already been close to giving up.
However, the thought that the one forging this weapon was none other than Hephaestus herself and that the weapon was meant for him left him with no choice.
He had to force himself to stay awake and alert at all times.
After three days of hard work, Hephaestus forged the knife, but it wasn't yet truly complete; it was still only halfway complete.
"Huff…"
Even Hephaestus herself hadn't forged such a weapon in a long time, but rather than calling it just a weapon, it could be seen as another form of life.
The weapon wasn't a divine artifact with a spirit but rather a weapon forged with life force forcibly imbued into it.
This was something Hephaestus had never done before, and this process slightly shifted from her usual definition of a weapon.
"It's done."
After taking a deep breath, Hephaestus was quite satisfied with her work this time. She combined Hestia's hair as the core material and created a weapon of golden quality.
The next step was for Hestia to complete the final stage.
Hephaestus glanced at the Bell.
'Your determination is impressive. You've stuck with me for three whole days helping with the forging... It's really such a waste for Hestia to have this kid.'
Even Hephaestus often had these kinds of thoughts.
He knew how to care for Hestia's feelings, protect her image, and whether his actions might go too far.
Even though it was just a simple interaction, Hephaestus could clearly see Bell's attitude. He was very aware and clear-headed.
As long as it wasn't someone like Freya using her charm, Hephaestus was pretty sure that this kid was definitely one of Hestia's Familia.
Hestia, waiting nearby, immediately rushed over when she heard, "It's done."
"Is it finished?"
"There's still one step left."
Hephaestus picked up the black knife that was inserted into its sheath. The shape of the knife wasn't anything special, just like an ordinary knife.
However, the true nature of this knife was completely different from how it looked.
Now, the knife still required the blood of two people, and only then could it truly come to life.
"This blade is like a living thing. Hestia, you can engrave your Familia's divine symbol onto it. This is a knife that can grow, but it also needs a special method to awaken. Hestia, use your blood to complete the next step."
Without any hesitation, Hestia took the silver needle to prick her finger.
Then the blood from her finger dripped down the knife, and instantly, the divine symbol of Hestia's Familia appeared on the knife.
Even though the knife didn't have the typical markings of Hestia's Familia, it was now fully activated.
The glowing blue light from the knife's divine symbols soon faded. The sword returned to its original, plain appearance, just like an ordinary knife—nothing special at all.
"With this, it's fully complete. But Hestia, don't come to me again asking to forge a weapon like this. I have no intention of forging a second one of these."
"Now it's completely finished. But Hestia, don't come to me again asking to forge a weapon like this. I have no intention of forging another one like this."
Hephaestus was very satisfied with the knife, but she had still crafted it according to Hestia's request.
It was a weapon that even a beginner could use, and there was no need to worry about its weight or usability.
The knife was also incredibly sharp. Despite not being entirely happy with Hestia's request, Hephaestus still managed to create a very powerful weapon.
Hestia carefully placed the knife back into its sheath. This was the best weapon, and it would become Bell's best weapon in the future.
The knife had already been sharpened, and the next step was to bond the knife with its user. The strength of the user would determine how powerful the knife could become.
"This knife is the most suitable weapon for Bell-kun. Bell-kun's growth is so fast that ordinary weapons won't be able to keep up with him. The fact that this knife can grow alongside Bell-kun means it is the perfect weapon for him."
Hestia was also surprised that such a weapon could be made.
It was a weapon that even a beginner adventurer could use and had the special ability to grow alongside the person using it.
There was no other weapon like this in Orario unless Hephaestus decided to make a second one in the future.
In her excitement, Hestia almost jumped up to celebrate. She immediately wanted to share this joy with her child.
"Bell-kun..."
However, as soon as she turned around, Hestia noticed that Bell, standing by the bellows, had stopped moving.
Bell's face was filled with exhaustion, his eyes were bloodshot, and his consciousness had already drifted far away even though his eyes were wide open.
Hephaestus also noticed what was happening. She saw Bell, who had already lost consciousness.
For a new adventurer, this kid had already worked very hard over the past three days, but he had only been in Orario for five days, and this was already beyond what his body could handle.
"This kid has been working nonstop for three days. Let him sleep for a while. Hestia, you should also be careful because you've already gone two days without rest."
Hestia, who only had eyes on Bell, shook her head nonchalantly.
As a goddess, a few days without rest didn't affect her much, but it was a bigger problem for her familia member.
Hestia gently walked over to Bell's side.
"He fell asleep standing up. If he was tired, he could've just said so. Why keep pushing himself? Isn't it bad for his body?"
She said this, but there was a soft and tender expression in her eyes.