Technoblade in danmachi

Chapter 6: Forging Netherite Perfection

The forge crackled with intensity, its flames roaring as if in anticipation of what was to come. The obsidian-black Netherite ingots shimmered in the glow, radiating an aura of unyielding strength. Technoblade stood at the anvil, his diamond armor gleaming under the forge's light. It was time to take it to the next level.

He had already proven his skill when crafting the diamond armor, but this task would be even more demanding. The fusion of Netherite and diamond would push his forging abilities to their limits. However, Technoblade was nothing if not determined.

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The Watchful Eyes of a Goddess

From her position at the edge of the forge, Hephaestus observed Technoblade with a sharp, discerning gaze. She hadn't said much since he returned from the Nether, but her presence spoke volumes. Her arms were crossed, and her single eye tracked his every movement.

Hestia stood nearby, fidgeting nervously. "Bell, are you sure this is safe?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Technoblade, hammer in hand, glanced over his shoulder. "It'll be fine. I've done this before... sort of."

"'Sort of' isn't very reassuring!" Hestia huffed, but she didn't press further. She trusted him, even if she didn't always understand him.

Hephaestus tilted her head, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "You seem confident, Bell Cranel. But this isn't a task for amateurs. Even the most skilled smiths in my Familia struggle to work with Netherite."

Technoblade shrugged, turning back to the anvil. "Then it's a good thing I'm not an amateur."

Hephaestus raised an eyebrow but said nothing. She had to admit, his confidence was intriguing.

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The Process Begins

Technoblade began by reheating the Netherite ingots in the forge, watching as the dark material softened under the intense heat. He carefully removed each ingot with tongs, placing them on the anvil. The process required precision—too much heat and the Netherite would lose its unique properties; too little and it wouldn't bond properly with the diamond.

Hephaestus stepped closer, unable to resist commenting. "You know, Netherite isn't like any material you've worked with before. It's stubborn, resistant. You'll need to show it who's in charge."

Technoblade grinned. "Don't worry. I've got this."

He raised the hammer and began striking the Netherite with measured force. Each strike sent sparks flying, illuminating the forge in bursts of light. The sound echoed through the room, a powerful rhythm that seemed to mirror the beating of a heart.

As the Netherite began to take shape, Technoblade carefully layered it over the diamond armor. He used molten gold as a binding agent, the shimmering metal flowing seamlessly between the layers. The combination of materials created a stunning contrast—the deep black of the Netherite against the radiant brilliance of the diamond.

Hestia watched in awe. She had seen many adventurers with impressive equipment, but this was on an entirely different level. "Bell, this is amazing. I didn't know you could do something like this."

Technoblade didn't respond immediately. He was focused, his hands moving with a precision that came from years of practice.

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Hephaestus' Approval

As the hours passed, Hephaestus found herself increasingly impressed. She had been skeptical at first, but watching Technoblade work was like watching a master artist. His movements were fluid, almost instinctual, as if he and the forge were one.

"Where did you learn this?" she asked, her voice softer than before.

Technoblade paused for a moment, glancing at her. "Here and there. Mostly self-taught."

Hephaestus frowned slightly. That answer wasn't satisfying, but she didn't press further. Instead, she allowed herself a small smile. "You have a gift, Bell Cranel. I'll admit, I didn't expect you to handle Netherite so well. Most smiths would have ruined it by now."

"I don't ruin things," Technoblade said simply, his tone matter-of-fact.

Hephaestus chuckled. "I can see that."

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Final Touches

As the armor neared completion, Technoblade focused on the details. He engraved additional runes into the Netherite, enhancing its fire resistance and durability. The armor would be immune to the flames of the Nether, a trait that would also prove invaluable in the Dungeon.

He stepped back to inspect his work. The armor was a masterpiece, its dark surface gleaming with an otherworldly luster. It radiated strength, a testament to the materials and the skill of its maker.

Hestia stepped forward, her eyes wide with amazement. "Bell, this is incredible. I've never seen anything like it."

Technoblade turned to her, a faint smile on his lips. "Thanks, Hestia."

Hestia smiled back, but there was a flicker of confusion in her eyes. She hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Bell... I've been meaning to ask. Why do you sometimes call yourself Technoblade?"

Technoblade froze for a fraction of a second before recovering. "It's... an old nickname. From before I came to Orario."

Hestia tilted her head, studying him. "You've never told me much about your past."

"There's not much to tell," Technoblade said quickly, turning back to the forge. "Let's focus on the present."

Hestia frowned but didn't push further. She trusted him, even if she didn't fully understand him.

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Hephaestus' Hidden Feelings

As Technoblade cleaned up the forge, Hephaestus found herself lingering. She didn't know why, but watching him work had stirred something within her—a feeling she hadn't experienced in a long time.

"Bell Cranel," she said, her voice cutting through the quiet.

Technoblade looked up. "Yeah?"

"Don't stop forging," she said, her tone firm but warm. "You have a talent for it. A rare talent. It would be a shame to let it go to waste."

Technoblade nodded. "I won't."

Hephaestus smiled faintly, then turned to leave. As she walked away, she couldn't help but glance back one last time.

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A New Beginning

With the Netherite armor complete, Technoblade felt a sense of accomplishment. The armor was everything he had envisioned—strong, durable, and fireproof. But more than that, it was a symbol of his journey, a testament to the skills he had honed through years of effort.

Hestia stood by his side, her faith in him stronger than ever.

"You're amazing, Bell," she said softly.

Technoblade glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "Thanks, Hestia. But this is just the beginning."

As the forge's fires dimmed, Technoblade felt a renewed sense of purpose. The Dungeon awaited, and with his new armor, he was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.