R-18 chapters available for Patreon members now. Chapter 97.5 has a intense scene with Tiona, first member of the harem.
PATREON.COM/METARLN
***
It must be said, the forge specially built by Hephaestus was indeed high-end. Aston found that it was equipped with all the forging tools he knew from his inheritance, with not a single one missing.
"How is it? Not bad, right? I built it to mirror my own forge," Hephaestus said, standing at the doorway with one hand on her hip, smiling as she watched Aston inspect the forge.
"Ah, it has everything a forging profession needs. You've been very thoughtful," Aston replied with a reminiscing smile, expressing his gratitude.
When Aston had initially asked Hephaestus for a forge, he hadn't expected to receive such a luxurious one.
Yes, luxurious is the word. Although it's a forge, the interior could certainly be described as luxurious.
Aston couldn't think of any other adjective to describe it.
As he moved around, examining the various forging tools, Aston tested their quality.
"Hey, it looks like you've made some significant progress in forging," Hephaestus noted, observing Aston's actions. As a goddess of forging, she immediately understood that Aston's request for a forge wasn't a mere jest. She could tell from his method of testing the tools – a technique only a deeply experienced smith would possess, an instinct formed from years of continuous forging.
"If I didn't know you were only fifteen, I'd think you were an old blacksmith who had been immersed in forging for decades," Hephaestus commented. Aston's performance made her realize he had secrets, but she didn't mind.
In fact, she liked Aston even more for it.
After all, she herself is a deity of forging, and to see someone she likes also possessing strong forging skills, what does that mean?
It signifies that they are a natural match.
Oh, no, they cannot be a natural match anymore.
After all, it was Hestia who first discovered this treasure of a boy. She cannot simply steal him away; at most, they could share.
Just as Hephaestus was growing increasingly fond of Aston for his innate forging talents, Aston's voice suddenly broke the silence.
"Hephaestus, I don't have many forging materials on hand. Can I buy some from you?"
"As long as the quantity isn't too large and the materials aren't too precious, you can have as much as you want, no need to buy," Hephaestus declared generously upon hearing Aston's request.
If it weren't for the need to consider her Familia, Hephaestus would have told Aston to ask for whatever he wanted.
After all, Aston had healed the scar that had been with her since her birth, curing a mental burden that had lasted for billions of years, setting her completely free.
She was willing to give Aston whatever he wanted. However, that was just her personal feeling. If it were only up to her, there would be no problem at all.
But as the head of the Hephaestus Familia, she couldn't really do that. While she couldn't go to that extent, she still had the authority to give away less precious materials.
As long as it wasn't material for forging first-class weapons, she could make the decision.
As for the materials needed for first-class weapons, Hephaestus could also provide some, but not in large quantities.
"No need for anything too precious, just some third-class materials will do, and I will pay for them." Aston was surprised by Hephaestus' generosity, but he didn't want to take advantage without giving anything in return.
Although curing the scar on Hephaestus' face was enough reason for her to do so, Aston didn't want to make things difficult for her.
With Aston's skills, just using third-class materials, he could transform them into second-class weapons and even later add new materials to upgrade them to first-class.
So, he wasn't worried about the lower grade of the forging materials affecting the quality or potential of the weapons.
"Just third-class materials for the weapons?"
"That's no problem at all, you can have as much as you want."
"And no need to pay, it's free."
"Just wait here for a moment, I'll go and prepare it right now." Hearing that Aston only needed third-class materials, Hephaestus declared it would be free, leaving no room for Aston to refuse, and then turned to leave.
In the forge, Aston watched Hephaestus leave with decisive strides, opened his mouth to say something but eventually just shook his head with a smile.
"Alright, I'll accept this gift then," Aston said to himself with a smile.
He then started stoking the fire in the forge and sat down on a stool, quietly waiting for Hephaestus to return.
She didn't take long and soon came back.
Accompanying her was Tsubaki, the team leader, and several members of the Hephaestus Familia, pulling carts.
Several carts, filled with various materials needed for forging equipment.
After delivering the materials, the blacksmiths curiously glanced at Aston in the forge a few times before leaving.
"Aston, Hephaestus said you are a strong blacksmith, let me see your skills," Tsubaki said as she entered the forge, coming up to Aston, putting her arm around him in a friendly manner.
"Tsubaki! Aston is mine, don't try to take him away from me," Hephaestus said, her eyebrows raised in displeasure at seeing Tsubaki being so close to Aston.
"Ah, what's the big deal," Tsubaki replied nonchalantly, raising an eyebrow.
This left Hephaestus somewhat speechless, and though she shot Tsubaki a sharp look, she didn't pursue the matter further.
"These are the materials for forging third-class weapons, choose whatever you need, take as much as you want. If it's not enough, I'll have more sent over," Hephaestus said, her tone softening as she turned her gaze to Aston, speaking gently.
"That's enough."
"Thank you, Hephaestus."
"There's no need for thanks between us."
***
500 power stones = 1 extra chapter
Check out my Patreon for 20 chapters ahead! Your support helps a lot.
PATREON.COM/METARLN