Technoblade in danmachi

Chapter 3: Crafting Legends

The first light of dawn bathed Orario in golden hues, casting long shadows as the city stirred to life. Within the crumbling walls of Hestia's church, Technoblade stood at a makeshift table, carefully arranging the materials he had gathered from the Dungeon. The brilliance of the diamonds he had mined the day before reflected the morning light, their radiance filling the dim room with an almost otherworldly glow.

Hestia, seated on a rickety chair nearby, was still recovering from the shock of seeing such treasures. Her small hands hovered over the massive diamonds, hesitant to even touch them. Each gem was the size of a fist, their surfaces gleaming with an unnatural clarity that seemed impossible.

"Bell... where did you even find these?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, as though speaking too loudly might shatter the gems.

"Deep in the Dungeon," Technoblade replied nonchalantly, inspecting a bar of gold he had smelted from the ore he'd found. "I told you I'd find what I needed."

Hestia's eyes darted between the diamonds, the gold, and Technoblade himself. "This... this isn't normal! Adventurers don't just find things like this!"

"Most adventurers don't dig through the walls," Technoblade said with a small smirk, setting down the gold ingot. "I do."

Her exasperation only grew. "Bell, you can't just—this is insane! You want to use these diamonds to make armor?!"

"Exactly," he said, crossing his arms. "And not just any armor—something that will keep me alive when I start venturing deeper. I'm not interested in relying on beginner gear."

Hestia sighed, rubbing her temples. "Alright, fine. But you can't make this stuff on your own. You'll need a smith—no, a master smith. And I think I know who can help."

Technoblade raised an eyebrow. "The Hephaestus Familia?"

She nodded. "They're the best blacksmiths in the city. Hephaestus herself is legendary, but..."

"But what?"

"They don't come cheap," she said, frowning. "Hephaestus is picky about who she works with, and her smiths don't just take on any project. They'll demand payment—or something just as valuable."

Technoblade reached into his bag and pulled out a small pouch, tossing it onto the table. It jingled with the sound of coins. "I've got enough valis to get their attention. If they're as good as you say, it'll be worth it."

Hestia crossed her arms, clearly still uneasy. "Alright, but don't say I didn't warn you. Hephaestus isn't the type to hold back if she doesn't like you."

Technoblade smirked. "Good. I don't like people holding back."

---

The Forge of Hephaestus

The streets of Orario bustled with life as Technoblade and Hestia made their way toward the Hephaestus Familia's main forge. Towering buildings lined the streets, their windows filled with goods for adventurers of all levels. Merchants hawked their wares, children darted between pedestrians, and adventurers of every race and size strode purposefully toward Babel Tower and the Dungeon.

Technoblade's eyes scanned his surroundings, his mind already assessing potential escape routes and tactical vantage points. The city might seem safe, but he had learned long ago to never let his guard down.

They eventually arrived at the forge, a massive stone structure built into the side of a hill. Chimneys jutted out from the roof, belching thick black smoke into the air. The sound of hammers striking metal echoed from within, a rhythmic symphony of creation.

"Here we are," Hestia said, motioning to the towering double doors carved with intricate runes. "The Hephaestus Familia Forge. Try not to embarrass me, okay?"

Technoblade raised an eyebrow. "Me? Embarrass you? You've got it backward."

She groaned, but before she could retort, the doors creaked open, and a wave of heat spilled out. Inside, the forge was even more impressive. Dozens of smiths worked at blazing forges, their muscles straining as they hammered glowing ingots into weapons, armor, and other items of incredible craftsmanship.

---

Meeting the Goddess of the Forge

At the center of the forge stood a tall woman with crimson hair tied into a ponytail. An eyepatch covered one of her eyes, but the sharpness of her gaze suggested she missed nothing. Her hands were steady as she inspected a newly forged sword, running her fingers along the blade's edge.

"Hephaestus," Hestia called, her voice hesitant but clear.

The goddess turned, her expression shifting into one of mild curiosity. "Hestia? What brings you here?"

Hestia motioned toward Technoblade, who stepped forward with the confidence of someone who had faced far greater challenges. "This is Bell Cranel," she said. "He has a... unique request."

Hephaestus's single eye narrowed as she sized him up. "You don't look like much," she said bluntly.

"Looks can be deceiving," Technoblade replied, unfazed.

Hephaestus raised an eyebrow at his tone but said nothing. Instead, she gestured toward the materials he carried. "Show me what you've got."

Technoblade set his bag on the table and opened it, carefully pulling out the diamonds, gold ingots, and other materials he had gathered. The diamonds caught the light, their brilliance filling the room.

For the first time, Hephaestus's expression changed. Her eye widened slightly as she picked up one of the diamonds, holding it up to the light.

"These... are extraordinary," she said, her voice tinged with awe. "Where did you get them?"

"The Dungeon," Technoblade replied. "I mined them myself."

Hephaestus studied him, her expression unreadable. Finally, she set the diamond down and crossed her arms. "You're either insane or incredibly lucky. Do you have any idea how valuable these are?"

"I do," he said simply. "And I want them turned into armor. Something that can withstand anything the Dungeon throws at me."

Hephaestus smirked. "You're ambitious, I'll give you that. But crafting armor from materials like these is no small feat. It'll take time, skill, and a lot of valis."

Technoblade tossed the pouch of coins onto the table. "Will this cover it?"

She opened the pouch, her eye scanning its contents. "It's a start," she said. "But I'll need more than money. I want a challenge—and a promise that you'll put this armor to good use."

Technoblade met her gaze, his expression serious. "You'll get both."

---

A Deal is Struck

Hephaestus turned to one of her smiths, a burly man with soot-covered hands. "Bring me my tools," she ordered.

The smith nodded, disappearing into the back.

"I'll oversee this myself," Hephaestus said, returning her attention to Technoblade. "Armor like this deserves nothing less. But don't think for a second this will be easy—or cheap. You'll owe me more than just money if you want the best."

Technoblade smirked. "I don't mind owing people—if they're worth it."

The goddess chuckled. "We'll see if you're worth it, Bell Cranel. Now, let's get started."

As the forge roared to life, Technoblade couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. The armor being crafted here wouldn't just be a tool—it would be a symbol of his return to greatness.

And the Dungeon wouldn't know what hit it.