Chapter: The Hero of Pure White
"Is that why you sought me out?" Hephaestus asked, rubbing Her chin. Her scarlet eyes, like burning flames, reflected the somewhat awkward figure of Cyd standing before him.
"Yes, and I brought a little companion with me," Cyd replied, glancing back at Medusa, who was hiding behind him.
"I hope you don't mind," Cyd added, rubbing his hands nervously. He had expected Hephaestus, who rarely left her bronze palace, to be inside, but the god was sunbathing at the entrance.
"Hephaestus stared at him. "You should talk to Athena; she loves meddling in these matters," She said, referring to the wheelchair he sat in.
Cyd struggled to push Hephaestus into the palace. "Besides meddling, she also enjoys giving heroes trials. Others might be thrilled to become famous, but you're different," Hephaestus continued, pointing towards her workshop. "You don't like trials."
"Because your trials are life-threatening," Cyd muttered, pushing the wheelchair with effort.
Medusa hesitated at the entrance, observing the surroundings. She noticed lifelike maid statues walking around, their craftsmanship impeccable.
"Come in, little one," Hephaestus called out, patting the door. "I'm different from others."
"Thank you," Medusa said, pulling her black robe tighter as she stepped closer to Cyd.
"I don't meddle; I just forge," Hephaestus said, lifting a finger. "So, I'll make you a weapon."
"But I don't have any materials," Cyd admitted, patting his empty pockets.
"Don't worry," Hephaestus replied, tapping his forehead. "A troublesome fellow brought everything here not long ago, claiming it was for you. We already have what we need."
"A broadsword or something?" Cyd guessed, puzzled. While he could use such weapons, he preferred something more practical.
"That's not suitable for you. Besides, I can craft better than those crude things," Hephaestus said, waving her hand toward the furnace. The hot magma inside began to boil, and a jet-black object emerged, flying towards Hephaestus.
Cyd instinctively stepped in front of Hephaestus, catching the object. The splashing magma ignited his right arm, but he remained calm.
"You didn't need to do that," Hephaestus said, puzzled.
"It was a reflex," Cyd explained, examining the object. Tiny scales quickly meshed over his right arm, forming a cloak that fell from his shoulder.
"It's made from the scales and nerves of a demon dragon, combined with godly iron," Hephaestus explained, tapping the armrest of his wheelchair.
"I don't need something this powerful..." Cyd began, but as he flexed his wrist, the black scales moved like living tissue, transforming his arm into a translucent dragon claw.
"The demonic dragon's nerves sync with your thoughts. This weapon is like an extension of your body. It can be a weapon, a shield—whatever you need," Hephaestus said, pulling the cloak tighter around Cyd's shoulder. "Its true potential is for you to discover."
"That's amazing!" Cyd exclaimed, stars in his eyes as he admired his new dragon claw. "What else can you make with demon dragon parts?"
"Nothing more," Hephaestus said, snapping his fingers. "The parts were too large and started to deteriorate, so I burned the rest in the magma."
Cyd's excitement faded. "The dragon teeth and all..."
"You can fish them out of the magma if you're lucky," Hephaestus suggested, pointing to the bubbling pool. "There might be some left."
Cyd sighed but reminded himself to be grateful for what he had received. "If you need dragon teeth, I can give you a pile," Hephaestus offered, confused by Cyd's disappointment.
"I just thought it was a waste," Cyd admitted, rubbing his forehead.
"By the way," Hephaestus said, narrowing his eyes and showing a serious expression Cyd had never seen before. "What's the story behind that necklace on your neck?"
"This?" Cyd touched the lion tooth necklace. He usually kept it hidden under his clothes, but it must have slipped out while helping Hephaestus earlier. "A friend made it for me. It's supposed to be a necklace of victory."
"Hmph. It just uses minor magic to improve your luck," Hephaestus scoffed, crossing his arms. "If you truly wanted an item to guide you to victory, I could forge one for you."
"It's a gift from a friend," Cyd said, tucking the necklace back under his clothes. Hephaestus seemed particularly disdainful of Medea's creation.
"A well-intentioned gift?" Hephaestus mused. "Do you understand ancient writing?"
"Not really," Cyd admitted.
"No wonder you accepted this necklace so easily," Hephaestus sighed. "Haven't you noticed the writing on the teeth?"
"I thought it was just a pattern," Cyd said, examining the necklace. "Medusa, what do you think?"
"I'm not sure," Medusa replied, glancing at it. "It does look like some kind of writing, but I can't read it."
"Relax, Hephaestus-sama. Apollo's blessing protects me from curses. I even tested some of her potions without issue," Cyd said confidently.
"Who knows?" Hephaestus muttered. "But remember, Cyd, gods may seem indifferent, but we can achieve a lot. Apollo's blessing might protect you, but some things are inescapable."
Cyd swallowed hard.
"These are things you'll have to discover on your own," Hephaestus concluded.
"Fine," Cyd said, resigning himself to more unanswered questions. After spending half the day with Hephaestus, he prepared to continue his journey of trials.
Hephaestus watched him go, closing his eyes slowly. "[Offer my burning love to my hero]?" she muttered, shaking her head. "He's not for you, naive girl."
"By the way," Medusa said, pointing to the back of Cyd's right hand. "This writing looks a lot like the ancient script Medea uses."
"But it's slightly different at the end," Cyd noted, examining the scales closely.