Limitless Ascension:The System Chosen

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The sun crept higher over Orario as the trio made their way through the winding back alleys that led to a less-traveled part of the city. Compared to the lively main streets, this area was quieter — not deserted, but filled with the sounds of hammers striking steel and the low hum of forge bellows. It smelled like soot, fire, and metal. To adventurers, it was the scent of strength.

"Are you sure she's still here?" Ethan asked, adjusting the strap of his shoulder bag.

"She's not the type to move around," Hestia replied with a grin. "She hates people. Loves weapons."

Lili blinked. "Who are we visiting, exactly?"

"Ira," Hestia said simply. "A blacksmith I've known for years. Not exactly sociable, but the best I know when it comes to crafting."

They reached a modest-looking forge tucked between taller buildings. The walls were scorched black near the chimney, and the door was reinforced with thick iron plating. A worn sign hung crookedly above the entrance, simply marked with the name 'IRA'.

Before Ethan could knock, the door swung open.

A tall, toned woman with dark bronze skin, flame-red hair tied back in a messy ponytail, and soot-smudged cheeks looked them over with a critical eye. She wore a leather apron over her worn clothes, and her eyes—sharp as blades—locked onto Ethan immediately.

"You again," Ira said, her tone flat. "Didn't think I'd see you back so soon, Hestia."

Hestia grinned, stepping forward. "Well, when my precious adventurer here keeps growing stronger, we need someone to keep up with his gear."

Ira rolled her eyes but stepped aside. "Come in. You're letting the heat out."

Inside, the forge was exactly as Ethan remembered — cluttered, hot, and filled with the sound of faintly crackling embers. Swords, daggers, and armor pieces hung on the walls or lay scattered across worktables in various stages of completion.

Lili stepped in behind them, eyes wide. "This is… amazing. I've been to a lot of forges before but… this place feels different."

Ira glanced at her. "Who's the rabbit?"

"She's Lili, my supporter," Ethan answered before Hestia could tease.

"Hm." Ira turned back to her workbench without another word.

"She doesn't talk much," Hestia whispered. "But don't take it personally. She's like this with everyone."

Lili looked fascinated as she approached a display of weapon components, fingers twitching as if she wanted to touch them but didn't dare.

"Lili, meet Ira," Hestia said with a half-smile. "She built Ethan's current gear."

"I… I've never heard of you before," Lili admitted. "I mean, I thought I knew most smiths in Orario, especially the famous ones."

Ira didn't look up from the red-hot blade she was sharpening. "Good. I like it that way."

Lili blinked. "You… don't want to be known?"

"I want to be left alone," Ira said simply. "People talk too much. I make weapons. That's enough."

Despite her words, there was no anger in her voice — just a calm, blunt honesty that only added to her intimidating aura.

"I respect that," Ethan said after a beat. "Your work speaks for itself."

Ira paused, then gave a small nod. "You've grown stronger. I can tell."

"We need something better for him," Hestia said. "Something that can withstand the deeper floors. He's hitting his stride now."

"I'll see what I can do," Ira replied. "Come back in three days. I'll have something for you."

"Thank you," Ethan said with a small bow.

Ira simply waved them off, already focused on another blade. "Go. You're distracting me."

As they stepped out of the forge, the door shut with a heavy clang behind them. The heat of the workshop was replaced by the cool shade of the alley.

"She's… something," Lili murmured, still in awe.

"Yeah," Ethan said. "But she's one of the best."

"I can see that," Lili said softly, glancing back once more before they walked away.

"Alright," Hestia stretched and smiled. "I'll head back to the church and prep things. You two go get what you need from the market."

"You're not coming?" Ethan asked.

"I want to give Ira some notes about your fighting style. Help her tailor the gear."

Lili nodded. "We'll handle the supplies."

"Be careful," Hestia said, patting Ethan's arm before walking off.

As Ethan and Lili made their way through the bustling market square, the noise and life of Orario returned in full force. Adventurers bartered for potions, black-market sellers whispered about rare dungeon materials, and a bard played a lute nearby.

They stopped to buy dried meats, bread, rope, potion belts, and a few other essentials. The stall owners recognized Ethan now — more respectful than before, eyes lingering a little longer on his badge.

"We're almost ready," Ethan said as he handed the valis over to a vendor.

Lili, beside him, looked up with a steady gaze. "Then let's dive again, Ethan-sama."

He paused for a second. Something in her voice was different — more confident.

He gave her a smirk. "Yeah. Let's."

Just as they turned the corner toward their next stop, a strange, muffled roar echoed in the distance from somewhere deeper in Orario.

Ethan stopped walking.

"…Did you hear that?"

Lili tensed. "That didn't sound normal."

They both looked toward the direction of the Guild and the Dungeon beneath it.

Something was coming.

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