As the trio returned to Sunshine Village, a sudden warmth enveloped the surroundings.
Vaguely, it felt as if the sunlight emanating from the Sun Creation overhead had grown brighter, though this might have been just an illusion.
Then, the writhing masses of flesh surrounding them rapidly lost their activity under the direct sunlight, instantly saving them the trouble of having to destroy the living parts themselves.
The wide mouth anxiously urged Mithra to hurry and lead it to more sustenance, lest it miss the freshness. Mithra, quite naturally, ignored it completely.
During Mithra's confrontation with Busheng, every blow Busheng landed on her caused disruptions in her flesh and blood. Those disrupted pieces of flesh, naturally imbued with curses, were all ravenously consumed by the wide mouth.
Mithra hadn't even settled accounts with the wide mouth yet for how much normal flesh it had secretly devoured during this entire ordeal.
Upon their return, Mithra was already planning to consult a menu and subject the wide mouth's tongue to various culinary preparations.
Three chapters of rules; she absolutely meant what she said.
Sensing Mithra's intentions, the wide mouth immediately settled down, motionless as if deceased, desperately hoping Mithra would grant it mercy.
"Has the Sun Creation node recovered?" Redwyn asked joyfully.
Leon commented: "If it had been repaired sooner, this wouldn't have been so troublesome… Well, everyone did their best, I suppose." Perhaps influenced by having just experienced death, his tone was noticeably less aggressive.
Mithra, however, focused her gaze on the Sun Creation, concentrating on the intelligence provided by her Eyes of Night.
So, how exactly did Busheng's contingent infiltrate while carrying the "Chrysalis" curse, even when the Sun Creation node was still operational?
And what about that Nightborne branch bishop concealed within Xyrin City?
Mithra recalled being briefly treated as a suspect by the guards who rushed to the initial scene, and she knew the mansion involved at that time belonged to a wealthy Xyrin City merchant.
Was the influence of the Nightborne Church really as simple as merely acting as the proposal agent in this entire transaction?
Behind this lay something substantial and worth thoroughly investigating. If pursued deeply, the repercussions would probably extend far beyond this small Southwest City District, potentially involving the inner city itself.
Mithra pondered for a moment, then grew too weary to continue thinking. It was too mentally taxing to delve into complicated matters immediately following a grueling fight.
Nino returned.
His body was covered in terribly gruesome wounds. It was evident he had severed many of the overgrown fleshy parts himself, regardless of whether his own flesh was still connected within them. He was mottled everywhere, missing an ear, and several fingers on his left hand were gone.
Yet, it was cause for celebration that no larger limb injuries had occurred.
Nino had excised a significant portion of his own flesh and blood, but still could not halt the wriggling, regenerative flesh. He felt his end was nigh, but the timely repair of the Sun Creation node had, in a way, pulled him back from the brink.
Even so, when he met Mithra, he was lying on a stretcher due to massive blood loss.
The Southwest City District was in utter chaos. This Sunshine Village, where many people had huddled together for warmth and refuge, was now largely deserted.
Mithra finally led Redwyn and Leon up to the top of the Sunshine Village wall, taking one last glance at the expansive, ravaged scenery.
...
Following their return, Xyrin City's reinforcements arrived slowly and belatedly.
Unlike the sincere demeanor of the Holy Sanctuary after their late arrival at Gross Town, these Xyrin City reinforcements, upon catching up and claiming to be there to stabilize the situation, were more accurately present to conduct an immediate investigation.
If it hadn't been for Nino and Salomo of the Holy Sanctuary vouching for her, Mithra would have been detained again.
But ultimately, Nino still had to return to report on his mission. This was unavoidable.
"What will happen to you?" Mithra asked Nino, who, without resting, had simply bandaged his wounds and was preparing to return to the inner city once the curse was confirmed purified.
Nino's expression was slightly forlorn: "Undoubtedly, I'll probably bear the primary responsibility and face demotion. For those who have long desired to target me, this is a once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity. And the truth supports it; my negligence in deployment directly led to the disaster. There's no denying that."
"What about the Nightborne Church affair?" Mithra subtly relayed this piece of intelligence to Nino.
Nino shook his head: "This is not something that can be addressed directly on the official record for now."
Although the true dark conspiracy hadn't been fully exposed, Nino's reputation was certainly stained.
"Alright, if you encounter trouble, remember to contact me."
"Haha, what can you, someone from the Enchanted Realm, possibly do? Don't worry, at worst I'll just be demoted; it's no major issue." Nino looked past the haze, a frank smile appearing on his otherwise serious face.
"No, I can arrange for a mutually destructive outcome, remember?" Mithra shrugged nonchalantly.
Nino's mouth twitched slightly: "There's absolutely no need for that kind of dark jest."
Mithra regarded him expressionlessly.
Nino sighed softly, then turned and boarded the waiting carriage.
The two nodded briefly to each other. Everything essential was left unsaid. The carriage slowly pulled away.
Mithra turned back, and Salomo happened to walk up: "Now I understand why Miss Aoife holds you in such high regard. To receive a Communication Slate personally gifted by her is indeed not just an empty title. It's a pity I couldn't witness your heroic figure firsthand."
Oh, those Holy Sanctuary people, always showering praise for seemingly no discernible reason.
Mithra found their compliments slightly overwhelming.
It was the same that time in Gross Town, and now again.
Wasn't Xyrin City attempting a soft restraint on her, which was why they requested her assistance with the investigation? She had merely offered a small measure of help because she found Nino rather agreeable, and most crucially, she absolutely did not want Busheng to escape.
Had she actually achieved anything that significant?
"I didn't do anything," she stated with complete sincerity.
Salomo's admiration intensified further: "Humility is certainly a virtue, but you repaid injustice with kindness. Despite Xyrin City's inherent prejudice, you diligently saved countless citizens—that is an undeniable fact."
Mithra: "..."
Who exactly are you referring to?
She had just finished discussing the "mutually destructive outcome" with Nino.
"However, certain matters still require clarification; the Wandering God situation cannot be taken lightly. I hope you can cooperate regarding the traces left behind by the Wandering God labeled 'Chrysalis'."
Hearing this, Mithra responded directly: "I possess it."
Salomo nodded, as anticipated: "Is that so? How do you plan to handle it? Our recommendation is that you entrust it to us. Our Holy Sanctuary will endeavor to provide generous compensation."
"I intend to forge a weapon myself," Mithra stated simply.
"To create a weapon using materials left by a Wandering God?"
"Yes, I wish to attempt crafting a God-slaying weapon. Of course, it is acceptable if it proves unsuccessful. It is a very valuable material; it is best utilized effectively," Mithra confirmed.
"God-slaying weapon… A striking moniker. Are you perhaps contemplating…" Salomo's face registered surprise.
"Hunting Wandering Gods; is there an issue with that?"
Salomo once again showed reverence: "Is this perhaps due to Mr. Safin's predicament?"
Mithra: "...No."
What strange assumptions do you people of the Holy Sanctuary keep making?
And how do you people even know about Safin and me? Is this matter widely known within the Holy Sanctuary?
"We are aware, as it was ultimately due to our own oversight. How about this: do you have a blacksmith in mind? We can connect you with a smith who has experience crafting God-slaying weapons. For such an important armament, it is best to gather diverse perspectives. I believe that individual can offer you substantial assistance," Salomo said earnestly.
"...Very well."
Mithra agreed. Currently, she possessed a wealth of knowledge from the old man Fasellos, but it was difficult to organize it cohesively. She definitely needed professional guidance from a weapon smith.
"Excellent, I will arrange that for you immediately. For convenience, let us exchange contact details and become 'friends'."
Anderet was correct; this Communication Slate, appearing within the Dream Nexus, truly felt stylistically out of place.
"Right, I heard there was also a pregnant woman protected by the Flesh Transmutation Believer?" Mithra suddenly recalled this and inquired.
"That victim has stabilized, though future regeneration and reproduction will be challenging. Our Holy Sanctuary's internal Flesh Transmutation Believer arrived in time to adjust her physical condition. She is currently undergoing meticulous curse purification, and shortly, she should be able to resume a normal life," Salomo replied.
The Holy Sanctuary maintained its own Flesh Transmutation Believers, then. That was logical.
Mithra would not hold prejudice against the Miracle of "Flesh Transmutation" simply because she had witnessed large masses of distorted flesh. If applied correctly, the benefits of this Miracle were quite clear.
After concluding her discussion with Salomo, he bid farewell and departed.
Mithra turned, preparing to return to Earth for some much-needed rest.
Leon and Redwyn appeared to have already been escorted away by the Earth Ambassador in Xyrin City.
Judging by their actions during this incident, they might even receive some commendation.
That was good; the situation was resolved.
...
Mithra exited the examination hall and encountered Matsuri, who seemed to have specifically come to see her.
"Did the assessment go smoothly?" Matsuri's smile, one capable of offering comfort yet often maintaining a distinct reserve, was still present.
"General knowledge was manageable, but I hadn't anticipated an interview segment. Mr. Chensar neglected to inform us beforehand," Mithra commented after a moment of thought.
The social worker qualification examination commenced shortly after Mithra returned from Xyrin City.
Mithra had prepared thoroughly, but the sudden interview phase was somewhat unexpected.
"That is regrettable. I am genuinely curious to see what Mithra looks like during an interview. I wished to witness it," Matsuri remarked with a smile.
"I look precisely like this," Mithra stated expressionlessly.
"That is still quite amusing."
"What is amusing about it? A surprise interview can easily cause one to erupt," Mithra countered.
With that, the two walked side-by-side down the spacious corridor.
"Even a surprise accompanying test wouldn't make things excessively difficult for you, would it?"
"It's difficult to say. I am not inherently proficient at interviews. Even with thorough preparation, my pass rate remains low," Mithra admitted.
Matsuri was curious: "Is that derived from your experience on another 'Earth'?"
"Yes," Mithra nodded.
"Why is that? I feel Mithra, you should be the type that all kinds of companies and units would love, because you look like a diligent workhorse," Matsuri teased.
"Who knows without actually doing the work? My resume isn't great, and my chosen major, purely based on interest, is very peculiar. Plus, I'm most often evaluated as 'lacking passion.' Even one of my unique, strange-tempered roommates managed to find a girlfriend, compared to whom I'm just ordinary and completely uninteresting," Mithra said casually.
"Then what was the outcome of your friend's romance?" Matsuri suddenly asked a question unrelated to the topic.
"He got dumped. I just want to say his temperament wouldn't last long in a relationship," Mithra also answered very naturally.
"That's amusing."
"That part is indeed amusing," Mithra nodded expressionlessly.
"Thank you for the fabric you brought back from Xyrin City earlier. Fabric illuminated by the Sun Creation's power is indeed extraordinary," Matsuri said, bringing up her own affairs.
In Xyrin City, although Nino was indeed demoted, he still managed to secure some compensation for Mithra as an auxiliary helper.
However, Mithra reflected. Asking for the Sun Creation would be somewhat wishful thinking. Requesting a God-slaying weapon might still be difficult. And she didn't want anything minor. So, remembering Matsuri, she inquired if there was any special fabric or silk available.
It turned out there was.
The power of the Sun Creation was truly versatile. The inner city not only used its power to illuminate special textiles but also created weaponry and equipment, which served as excellent Miracle mediums. This was also a major economic industry for Xyrin City.
Nino's gear, for instance, was manufactured this way.
And since Mithra brought Matsuri a souvenir, it naturally delighted Matsuri.
"It's give and take. Your clothes were incredible; they helped immensely," Mithra stated. Without Matsuri's attire, she would probably have started running around stark naked the very day she entered Xyrin City.
Although carrying a small waist bag had caused her to get severely lost, the end result was positive.
"Then I look forward to my next set of attire!" Matsuri said with renewed motivation.
"Ah," Mithra replied with an expectant look.
Matsuri, after offering Mithra some comfort, returned to her tailoring. Mithra, however, left the facility and headed outdoors.
Redwyn and Leon had apparently been escorted away by the Earth Ambassador in Xyrin City following the Chrysalis incident.
Based on their actions during this event, they might receive some commendation.
That was good too; the matter was concluded.
...
Mithra walked out of the examination hall and encountered Matsuri, who seemed to have come specifically to see her.
"Did the assessment go smoothly?" Matsuri's smile—one capable of offering comfort yet often maintaining a certain reserved distance—was still present.
"General knowledge was manageable, but I hadn't anticipated an interview segment. Mr. Chensar didn't inform us in advance," Mithra said after a moment of thought.
The social worker qualification test arrived not long after Mithra returned from Xyrin City.
Mithra was well-prepared, but the sudden interview was somewhat surprising.
"That's a pity. I am genuinely curious to witness what Mithra looks like during an interview. I wanted to see," Matsuri remarked with a smile.
"I look precisely like this," Mithra stated expressionlessly.
"That is still quite amusing."
"What is amusing about it? A surprise interview can easily cause someone to erupt," Mithra countered.
With that, the two walked side by side down the spacious corridor.
"Even a sudden accompanying practical test wouldn't make things excessively difficult for you, would it?"
"It's hard to say. I am not inherently proficient at interviews. Even with thorough preparation, my pass rate remains low," Mithra admitted.
Matsuri was curious: "Is that derived from your experience on another 'Earth'?"
"Yes," Mithra nodded.
The blacksmith invited by the Holy Sanctuary had not yet arrived. Mithra had recently spent most of her time skipping classes at the university.
Today was specifically cleared for the social worker qualification test, but Mithra felt she might audit another class in the afternoon.
She scrolled through news on her phone, checking for anything salvageable from this world.
The vast majority of attention-grabbing content related to Dream Nexus intelligence, such as what opportunities new Transmission Points might bring.
The official channels would periodically release most of the publicly known Transmission Points, also as a convenience so people wouldn't get lost in the Dream Nexus and fail to locate a Transmission Point.
Of course, those truly seeking demise could not be stopped.
The student forum for this world remained quite active. At least some of the trending discussion topics were related to the Dream Nexus, offering quite a bit of interesting intelligence.
Perhaps because this specific "Dream Nexus" forum Mithra was browsing was officially constructed and maintained, the student section below was exceptionally lively.
[What exactly does innate Sensory Synchronization mean? How can someone be born with Sensory Synchronization when merely training it is already so challenging?]
Naturally, there were also some relatively mundane posts.
The replies below were basically: "Envious," "Truly envious," "No choice, just like some people are born into wealth," and similar sentiments—very realistic, in fact.
Of course, since it was a legitimate forum, there were also serious, reasoned replies to these posts.
[Innate Sensory Synchronization is not effortless either. Many innate Sensory Synchronizations present with Sensory Synchronization components that differ from those of ordinary people. Studies show that this variation itself is a miracle difficult to conform to, and it is common knowledge in Dream Nexus theory that miracles invariably come with a price. Innate miracles will not necessarily bless these innate Sensory Synchronizers; instead, they are more likely to lead them toward mutation. Therefore, most innate Sensory Synchronizers from Earth are advised to exercise caution when entering and exiting the Dream Nexus, to avoid being too deeply affected.]
After reading this, Mithra immediately thought of Leon.
As someone with innate Sensory Synchronization eyes, he didn't seem to exhibit this kind of distress yet. Of course, he came from a privileged background, suggesting his family likely possessed countermeasures.
As for Matsuri and her Stranger, the situation was relatively complex with insufficient information, making further judgment difficult.
But the Stranger was indeed profoundly mutated, bearing a heavy inherent burden.
Among the replies to that answer, quite a few expressed sentiments like, "Then let me bear this burden."
Truly characteristic of Earthlings.
Mithra's Sensory Synchronization progress had reached her physical body—a barely adequate level for her intended path.
Even though this level of progress put pressure on Redwyn, he once again set off to meet the previous gathering; his lower limbs had just completed synchronization.
Leon had been diligently researching head Sensory Synchronization early on. Perhaps because the two were relatively close, their progress was very swift, which explained Redwyn's anxiety.
In fact, the "monkey crab" duo's progress was also above their peers. It was rumored that the graduation requirement for a Miracle major at university was merely achieving Sensory Synchronization in parts external to the head. Synchronizing the head's senses earned bonus credit. Ordinary, physically fragile students often spent their entire university careers struggling just with their legs.
Suddenly, while browsing the general forum news, Mithra discovered a newly posted piece of information.
[JFcean Mountain SkyFire descends once more!]
Mithra accessed her basic knowledge base.
These few nouns were quite iconic, and Mithra quickly recalled their significance.
The fame of this mountain range was considerable in the Dream Nexus because, ages ago, during the era of the forty-four Pillar Gods, a catastrophic sky-fire leveled several peaks.
It was said that from that moment onward, the flames of the Dream Nexus gained sentience, and fire was endowed with special, powerful symbolic attributes, leading to the derivation of various strange and peculiar flames.
This description sounded familiar.
Yes, Mithra had previously learned the Miracle of "Falling Fire" from the Flame lineage precisely because of a similar historical account.
Mithra then searched for information regarding "Ember-Host," a term provided by her Eyes of Night, but most of it remained obscure.
She was accustomed to this, however. After all, information dating back to the era of the forty-four Pillar Gods was generally like this: mostly vague and nebulous, aside from the core established narrative.
For example, her superior, Anderet, whom Mithra currently knew the most about, was a figure who was a Pillar God yet secretly manipulated the entire world, operating as a clandestine investor type. Consequently, even humanity wasn't certain if she was truly a Pillar God.
Mithra flagged this news item, intending to consider visiting the site after her social worker qualification test results were finalized.
Who knew, with a little bit of carelessness, she might even trigger some "Ember-Host" gift?
Strolling along, Mithra conveniently boarded a bus to a Transmission Point, heading towards Xyrin City.
She planned to visit Salomo every few days to inquire if he had any new developments.
Finally, during her review, she had already taken the branch bishop's scepter acquired previously, successfully separated the Crystal of Eternal Night, and melted it down for her hammer.
She felt annoyed about that process for quite some time afterward.
The moment she materialized in Xyrin City, Mithra took out her Communication Slate.
Unexpectedly, she had only intended to check the device, but it flickered slightly, displaying a message.
A message from Salomo. Mithra accepted the invitation and proceeded to the Xyrin City Holy Sanctuary headquarters.
A rather luxurious headquarters, she noted. This was her first visit, and she had assumed the Holy Sanctuary personnel would maintain a low profile, but it seemed she had misjudged.
Salomo personally received her.
"Welcome, Mithra. How have you been lately?"
"Normal."
"Is that so? I hope everything is progressing smoothly for you. The Master has arrived; he is inside." Accustomed to Mithra's placid demeanor, Salomo kept his words brief, directly inviting her in.
Entering the room, Mithra observed a very slender figure. To be frank, he looked nothing like the "traditional" image of a weapon smith. But in this world, with the versatile Miracle of "Vitality," appearances truly mattered little.
He wore leather clothing with obvious stitching marks, and a pair of small, mismatched glasses perched on the bridge of his nose.
"Hello, just call me Diehl. I only came because I heard I could claim travel expenses for this trip. I hope we can cooperate harmoniously."
His tone was notably melancholic. His entire presence exuded the "technical professional" aura that Mithra remembered.
Mithra simply shook his hand, then turned to Salomo.
Salomo quickly made the introduction: "Master Diehl is a master weapon smith from Andemiriya. He has participated in the crafting of three God-killing weapons, including the Xyrin Empire's 'Xyrin S-Hammer,' Miss Aoife's 'Dark Light,' and the Sella Kingdom's 'Siren'."
Mithra caught the key phrase: "Aoife also possesses a God-killing weapon?"
"Indeed. It is Miss Aoife's longsword. On the surface, it looks rather unappealing, but it is Master Diehl's true masterpiece! Oh, of course, the other two are also extraordinary, but Master Diehl was only an assistant artisan for those two God-killing weapons; he wasn't the primary creator."
Mithra's mind registered a question mark, then she recalled.
It seemed there really was one.
A God-killing weapon had been so close to her, yet she hadn't even bothered to activate her Eyes of Night to look closely. Truly unremarkable.
Fine, even if she wanted to collect God-killing weapons, it wasn't so urgent as to directly rob others, let alone these extraordinarily difficult-to-deal-with Holy Sanctuary members.
"This young lady merely wishes to gain a detailed understanding of God-killing weapons, correct? I will explain it to you in the simplest and quickest manner," Diehl stated, seemingly unconcerned with the accomplishments previously mentioned.
"No, I intend to forge it myself," Mithra replied casually.
"Forge it… yourself? Huh?" Diehl echoed, but quickly caught the implication: "Forge it yourself?!"
He regarded Mithra with an incredulous stare: "You seriously intend to craft a God-killing weapon? Are you being truthful? Where are the necessary materials?"
"Here," Mithra calmly retrieved the hand holding the heart—the remains of 'Chrysalis'—from her satchel.
The moment it appeared, Diehl and Salomo's expressions turned grave. They clearly sensed the distinct aura of a Wandering God.
"Miss Mithra! You never informed us that you were preserving the remains of a Wandering God in this manner!" Salomo exclaimed urgently.
"You never asked. Is there an issue with that?"
"This… this… Hmm… It seems there genuinely isn't a problem…" Salomo stammered for a long moment. Finally, looking at the Wandering God's remains lying obediently in Mithra's hand, all the various "common sense" notions he had been about to voice completely shattered.
Why could Miss Mithra handle the Wandering God's remains without any adverse effects?
Why were these Wandering God remains so compliant, not even spreading their influence under unrestrained conditions?
Diehl also stared at Mithra in shock: "Are you serious?"
"Is it not permissible?" Mithra genuinely didn't understand the shock.
After touching the Stranger, whether in her beast-transformed form from the Night Hunter or this wriggling Chrysalis, they all became remarkably docile.
If she wasn't holding it in her hand, was she expected to place it in a gift box for it?
Diehl's expression grew serious. He stood up and adjusted his spectacles: "Is the young lady some reclusive master weapon smith?"
"No, I only possess extensive foundational knowledge regarding weapon crafting," Mithra admitted with frankness.
"Then how are you so confident about transforming a Wandering God's remains into a God-killing weapon?"
"Because, as far as my knowledge extends, the genesis of God-killing weapons was actually quite arbitrary."
Diehl fell silent for a moment, seemingly in deep thought, then finally looked up and stated: "Very well, it seems I've been misled. Salomo, allocate an increase to my consultation fee once this concludes."
Salomo: "..."
I am also profoundly shocked.
"Put it away for now. I find this thing repulsive. It bears the appearance of the remains of 'Chrysalis.' It is truly laughable that Tuman couldn't completely neutralize the remnant that evolved into this," Diehl commented with detachment.
After Mithra stored the hand holding the heart, she followed Diehl to the room Salomo had specially prepared.
Everyone sat down to relax momentarily, primarily Salomo and Diehl needing a reprieve.
Then, after Salomo served everyone present a fine tea, Diehl tapped the table and spoke first: "Explain your current understanding of God-killing weapons."
"Due to strange and peculiar circumstances, under relatively stable or particularly suitable conditions, weapons acquire the power of a Wandering God through some manner of absorption. They lack fixed forms—some are even bizarre—but they possess powerful energy capable of harming Wandering Gods," Mithra explained concisely.
"Who instructed you?" Diehl immediately followed up.
"Uh, a mentor I encountered along the way?" Mithra paused to consider. Old man Fasellos would suffice for now.
"Is your mentor someone who has lived from the Wandering God era until the present day?" Diehl asked seriously.
"Perhaps even longer?" Mithra returned the question bluntly.
"…Alright, I will be direct. Regardless of where you obtained this knowledge, the concepts you describe have actually been long since discarded. To be precise, those are theories regarding God-killing weapons that are no longer actively pursued."
"Oh, ho." Mithra let out an exclamation of awe, her expression remaining perfectly still.
Fasellos, you are not only an antique, but your knowledge is antiquated as well.
Diehl continued: "What is the basic tenet of Miracles?"
"Miracles come with a price?"
"Not incorrect. God-killing weapons are also a complex culmination of Miracles, so wielding them likewise incurs a cost. In those ancient times, the God-killing weapons that were 'naturally' born due to various accidents, as you mentioned, did not effectively neutralize most of the inherent symbols of their miraculous source. They all possessed a strong 'living' quality. To put it plainly, these so-called God-killing weapons merely allowed those Wandering Gods to change their form, existing as weaponry in a more refined, or even easier, state."
Diehl's tone was serious, and Mithra reflected, realizing the truth in it.
The Night Hunter's Greatsword was the Night Hunter's central symbolic artifact. Even its revival depended on the sword. As long as someone held the sword, they would be transformed into its next host body.
"What about God-killing weapons of the new era?"
"Stability," Diehl pronounced the single word: "In modern God-killing weapon forging, the emphasis is placed on reducing the Wandering God's influence, striving to prevent adverse effects on the user, and ensuring stable performance under set conditions."
"Understood," Mithra nodded.
"To compensate for the reduced raw power, new era God-killing weapons require a more rigorous crafting blueprint, establishing a suitable weapon framework to restrain the Wandering God's inherent power fluctuations. This necessitates more advanced and precious materials. It's often not a task one individual can easily complete alone. So, do you now grasp how backward and perilous your prior knowledge was?" Diehl concluded, looking pointedly at Mithra.
Mithra nodded again.
"Abandon the notion of crafting a God-killing weapon. I want this item. Name your price, then have Salomo authorize the transfer," Diehl stated, taking a sip of tea.
Salomo: ?
"Then I still choose to retain ownership myself."
Diehl frowned, fixing his gaze on Mithra: "You refuse to relinquish it?"
"I have confidence," Mithra asserted.
Her confidence in the beast-transformed Mithra, the Stranger, and even old man Fasellos's inherited knowledge, felt like a complete and formidable team.
Diehl rubbed his head in irritation, stood up, and began pacing back and forth.
After a long pause, he sat back down heavily, looking at Mithra: "Alright, how about this: I will instruct you in the modern techniques for God-killing weapon crafting, providing you with a framework. You will proceed with the forging in Xyrin City. We have the Sun Creation here to mitigate any unforeseen accidents. Once it is complete, bring the final product to me for inspection. If you can genuinely control that entity, I will assist you with any future weapon forging needs, entirely free of charge. What do you say?"
Mithra looked into Diehl's earnest eyes, considering that despite his melancholic demeanor, the man seemed genuinely concerned for others.
And he was quite stubborn.
"Agreed," Although she wouldn't require a future blacksmith's services, given his sincerity, Mithra felt it appropriate to acknowledge his effort.
Primarily, she still desired to discern where old man Fasellos's methods fell short.