Chapter 104: Divine Craftsmanship~
Ryu's usually calm face shifted slightly, her sky-colored eyes flickering.
"Sacred script?"
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Sacred script, a type of hieroglyphs used by the gods.
When the ancient era ended and the divine era began, the gods descended to the lower world, bringing this script with them.
For certain reasons, the conditions for learning the sacred script are extremely strict, and without exception, those who can master and skillfully use it are all powerful figures.
As everyone knows, the Falna bestowed upon Familia members are written in this script.
Unlike the common tongue Koine, the sacred script can carry power.
For example, "God's blessing," "God's favor," and so on.
On this small black dagger, blessings are engraved in the divine script.
Among the people of the lower world, it's not that no one can read the divine script, it's just very rare. For example, Riveria can read it, and Ais can understand a little, and then… one or two others perhaps.
Unknown knowledge can bring an increase in abilities. Faced with such a vast and mysterious language system as the sacred script, how could Fron possibly pass it up?
Taking advantage of the chance to learn magic from Riveria, he also had her teach him.
"This is my first time seeing a weapon engraved with sacred script."
Ryu also leaned slightly closer to Fron, carefully examining the exquisite dagger.
However, she was somewhat puzzled: why engrave sacred script on a weapon? Does it have some special meaning?
As if seeing her doubt, Fron gently stroked the dagger's blade and patiently explained.
"Ryu, don't underestimate this weapon. It's no secret anyway. Part of our Loki Familia members' basic abilities has been made public by the Guild, so you know I have both the 'Blacksmith' and 'Mystery' development abilities, right?"
"I think I've heard that." Syr smiled and nodded.
"That's right. In all of Orario, there are only five adventurers who possess 'Mystery' among the many Lv.2 adventurers with development abilities."
"F-five!?"
Bell, overhearing, was so shocked his red eyes widened.
In all of Orario, there were countless Lv.2 adventurers with development abilities, but only five possessed "Mystery." This showed just how extraordinary this ability was.
"It's nothing to fuss over. Compared to those few, I've had 'Mystery' for the shortest time, and my level is the lowest. They're the real big shots."
"Mr. Argon, you're too modest. You're the only one who has both 'Blacksmith' and 'Mystery.'"
"…"
Being sincerely praised by Ryu made Fron feel a little embarrassed, especially with Syr nearby.
"Ahem, let's stop talking about me. Ryu, you're curious about the text on it, right?"
"Yes. If the sacred script on a weapon isn't locked, it means anyone can view it, correct?"
Fron gave a smiling glance at Bell's confused face and nodded.
"This here is the blessing of the creator."
"The content is as follows."
Holding the black dagger in front of him so everyone could see, Fron pointed to the script with his finger, translating word for word.
[Hestia's Blade]:
"Blade surface inscription:
"The truest of silver and brilliance of mithril, shapes thy body."
"The true light shall be clouded if touched by others."
"Take care, as only one who shares your(Hestia) blood, can draw this blade."
"Blade edge inscription:
"You are the Goddess Hestia's double;"
"The flame of hearth that splits the shadow, the one who cuts through the path of your master."
"You are to be the forever companion, protecting your master."
"Blade body inscription:
"The master of blacksmithing, Hephaestus being an ally of Hestia, smelt this weapon."
"Marked by the Faruna, God's Blade, you are our beloved Familia. Commanded to be equal to the name of Hestia."
"Share your strength and give glory to the ones who share your blood. The name of your master, Bell Cranel."
"You become the other half of your master; may you smile together, rage together, cry together, hurt together, travel together, surpass hardships together, and grow together. Excelia be your food, sharpen your edge, reach new height together."
…
"…"
"…"
"…"
Silence.
Leaving Syr's reaction aside, Ryu's pale eyes were filled with deep shock.
A god-forged weapon, this was actually a divine weapon!
Don't think that just because gods descend to the mortal world, they would casually forge weapons.
And even if they did, they would never use "divine craftsmanship."
"Divine craftsmanship" represents a level of skill that has surpassed the mortal peak, reaching the realm of the gods.
It is an entirely different level of existence, a completely unique essence.
And this black dagger was forged using that craft.
"This weapon has been given a god's blessing. Simply put, it will grow stronger alongside its master. And… without the blessing of the goddess Hestia, it cannot be used."
"For example, in my hands, it's not even as good as a 50-valis fruit knife."
As he spoke, Fron even tried cutting his own finger with the dagger. Ryu, Syr, and Bell saw that not only did it fail to draw blood, it didn't even make a mark on the skin.
Looking at this miracle-like weapon, their eyes reflected astonishment.
"A self-recognizing and growing weapon… truly an eye-opener."
Fron had fully revealed the dagger's background, not noticing at all that Bell beside him was completely stunned, jaw dropped in disbelief.
'Where in the world did Lady Hestia get him this weapon…? Wait, the goddess Hephaestus???'
Even Bell, in his naivety, seemed to realize something.
"Well, thanks for letting me study it."
-?
Bell froze in confusion.
"Fron, that's it? You're not going to keep looking?"
Fron smiled and shook his head. Was "divine craftsmanship" so easy to learn?
The reason skill is called skill is that even if you know its principles, you can't simply reproduce it. It requires endless imitation, endless practice, endless refinement… only then can you get close.
Yes, only close, infinitely close.
Then, through some opportunity, inspiration, epiphany, or a bit of luck, you might just barely break through that mastery.
As for the craft used to forge this dagger, he had already learned it.
But to reproduce an identical one, his skill wasn't quite there yet. Fron was still a bit far off.
Draining the rest of his fruit wine, he placed some valis on the counter and left the Hostess of Fertility to go home.
"You're leaving already, Mr. Fron?"
As he stood up, not only Ryu and Syr, but even Anya and Chloe in the busy hall turned their gaze toward him.
"Yes, I still have things to do, so I'll take my leave."
Exiting the Hostess of Fertility, Fron stood under the magic stone streetlamp on West Main Street, waving to the elf girl who had walked him out.
"Well then, see you." Ryu placed her hands together at her abdomen and gave a small bow.
"Alright, Mr. Argon."
After parting ways with the young man and women, Fron walked alone down the bustling street, quickly disappearing from sight.
Watching him leave, Syr turned slightly, hands behind her back, a shy blush on her cheeks, leaning closer to Bell's face until they could almost feel each other's breath.
"Today, the way you fought the monster… really captivated me."
"…"
Ryu stood to the side, eyes straight ahead, acting as if she were invisible.
As for Bell? His whole face turned bright red instantly.
'She… she's flirting with me? Is… is this my destined encounter?!' The boy froze solid.
…
Meanwhile, in the northern district, Fron could guess with his toes what would happen between Bell and Syr after he left.
For Freya, who holds dominion over beauty, seducing a pure-hearted love idiot is as easy as crooking her finger. Bell wouldn't stand a chance.
On top of that…
"Come to think of it, back in the dungeon when Ais didn't save Bell and they had no real connection, how did he level up so fast? Did he awaken some other skill? A soul that pure… must have some kind of cheat, right?"
After thinking for a while and getting nowhere, he simply set it aside.
Whether Bell had a cheat or not was irrelevant to him, as long as his own "cheat" was better, there was no problem.
"Hah, today's harvest was great. Especially mastering the forging technique for the black dagger, it's given me plenty of new ideas. While I'm upgrading my gear, I should refine my craft and level up again!"
"And I'll have Loki update my status."
"Lastly… it's about time I start making a new staff. I'll have to find time to gather the materials."
The darkness lurking in Orario was already starting to stir. Even with Fron's Lv.4 power, exceptional enough to rival Lv.5, he was still just a slightly bigger grasshopper. If he encountered it, a near-death escape wouldn't be the outcome he wanted.
With his tangled thoughts and a bit of wine in his system, he felt a slight headache.
Especially with everything lately turning into a chaotic mess, the pressure on him was immense.
But… the environment wouldn't change for his sake. What he could do was still the same old saying: the best preparation you can make is the preparation to do your best, that's what it means to be an adventurer.
The cool night breeze cleared his head a little.
Looking up at the starry sky with a smile, he kept walking forward.
"As long as I'm here, everything will be alright! I swear it!"
The young man's oath echoed in the sky. The stars seemed to shine in response!