Chapter 417: The Weapon Forged by the God of Craftsmen

"Level 6? That's not true," Alexander said, shaking his head. 

Seeing this, Hephaestus let out a sigh of relief. As she suspected, they weren't all high-level adventurers like Level 6. 

However, Alexander, oblivious to Hephaestus's thoughts, continued matter-of-factly, 

"In fact, most of the girls are below Level 5. Only two of us here are above Level 5." 

He pointed to himself and Altair. 

Alexander didn't specify his own level, partly because even he wasn't sure how to define it. After all, what kind of rank corresponds to someone with a power so overwhelming that it might as well be marked with a question mark?

All he knew was that he was strong.

"That's incredible too," Hephaestus said, looking at Hestia with admiration. "Hestia, where did you find such extraordinary Familia members? If you weren't my friend, I'd be tempted to poach some of them!" 

Hestia basked in the praise, lifting her head proudly and letting out a few smug chuckles. 

"Well then, Hephaestus, we're here to commission equipment for everyone," Hestia said excitedly. "We'd like gear made from the materials we brought, and if possible, I'd love for it to be god-crafted armor!" 

Her voice sparkled with enthusiasm. She had never experienced the joy of spending resources so freely before.

However, Hephaestus sighed deeply at this request. 

"Hestia, you know we can't use divine power right now. There's no way I can craft god-tier equipment. At best, I can forge some of the world's finest mortal gear." 

"That's perfectly fine! As long as it's made by you, Hephaestus, I'll be more than satisfied!" Hestia beamed. 

The thought of the God of Forging personally crafting equipment for her Familia filled her with uncontainable joy. After all, not everyone could enjoy such a privilege. Hephaestus's craftsmanship was unparalleled, and in this dungeon world, no one outside Hestia's Familia would ever have the opportunity to receive such gear.

The backstory behind their friendship wasn't lost on anyone familiar with the gods. Many whispered that Hephaestus was shunned in heaven due to the scars hidden beneath her eyepatch, and Hestia was her only true friend who treated her kindly. 

Even in the original tale, Hephaestus had gone so far as to craft a shortsword worth 200 million valis for Bell out of her friendship with Hestia. 

As Alexander and the others followed Hephaestus to the forging room, the onlookers buzzed with envy. 

"Did I hear that right? Hephaestus-sama is crafting this herself!" 

"That's a weapon worthy of legends! If only I could have the God of Forging make me one!" 

"You must be dreaming. She wouldn't forge for you unless your god personally requested it." 

"Even then, it wouldn't happen unless someone had a bond like Hestia does." 

"It looks like the Hestia Familia is about to soar to unimaginable heights." 

Despite their envious gazes, none could do anything but watch as the group disappeared into the forging room. 

---

Once inside, Hephaestus lit her forge with practiced ease. 

"Tell me, what kind of equipment do you need?" she asked, her eyes glinting with excitement. 

Alexander stepped forward and began listing his requests. 

"A full set of archer equipment for these two girls, with the ability to grow stronger over time. For the Sisters, remake their existing weapons and provide matching armor. As for Rin and the others..." 

He went on, detailing the needs of every member of their group. Hephaestus nodded silently as she absorbed each request. 

When he finally finished, she looked at Alexander curiously. 

"And what about you? What do you need?" 

Hephaestus realized that, while he'd accounted for everyone else's gear, he hadn't mentioned anything for himself. 

"I don't need anything," Alexander replied flatly. "I already have weapons." 

Although Alexander was lacking in shields and armor, he wasn't eager to ask for more. He was confident that he would acquire what he needed in due time. 

For a brief moment, he imagined himself clad in legendary gear: wielding the Red Dragon Emperor's Gauntlet, draped in a golden sacred robe, and astride a dragon god. Compared to those mythical treasures, even the exceptional work of Hephaestus couldn't measure up.

"You already have weapons?" Hephaestus asked skeptically. "Let me remind you, I don't forge for just anyone. The only reason I'm doing this now is because of Hestia. If you pass on this opportunity, you might never get another." 

Her tone was blunt, but her pride as a god of craftsmanship was unmistakable. 

To her, the idea that Alexander's weapons could surpass her own creations was almost insulting.