"A spatial ring?"
Inside the forging workshop, Tsubaki looked at the ring in front of her with a puzzled expression.
In Orario, over the past centuries, there had indeed been some geniuses who awakened space-type skills or space-type magic.
However, a ring that contained space was something completely unheard of.
"Yes. There's a space of 15 cm × 15 cm × 15 cm inside this ring. You can try it yourself."
As he spoke, Cao Ye handed the ring over.
Tsubaki looked doubtful but still put it on after a moment of hesitation.
A few seconds later, she turned to look at Cao Ye.
Although she said nothing, her face was filled with skepticism—she was practically asking, "Where exactly is this space?"
"Inject a little magic power into the ring and you'll feel it. Just a tiny bit is enough."
"Fine… I'll believe you one more time."
She focused on the ring again and carefully injected a small amount of magic power.
In an instant, Tsubaki "saw" a faint imaginary space.
The sensation was incredibly strange.
A tiny ring like this actually contained a separate space—it was simply unbelievable.
"It's actually real!"
Tsubaki was shocked.
As a blacksmith capable of forging magic swords, she had seen countless rare items, yet this was the first time she had encountered something so extraordinary.
Seeing her reaction, Cao Ye smiled.
He knew she had already realized how special the ring was.
"How did you do it?"
She asked instinctively, then immediately regretted it.
After all, things like this were usually someone's personal secret.
"I awakened a space-type skill, and after leveling up recently I gained the Mystery development ability. After researching for a few days, I ended up making this."
"Wait… you leveled up?"
"A few days ago."
"How long has it been since you received a Falna? And you're already leveling up?"
"About a month."
"You're really a little monster…"
Tsubaki didn't know how else to describe him.
In terms of strength, when he was Level 1, he could already survive the monster party on the 17th floor by himself.
Now he also possessed talent for crafting magical items.
And most importantly—
He was still only Level 2, and had just recently leveled up.
"You brat, bringing something like this to me… what exactly do you want?"
She removed the ring and handed it back, though she still looked fascinated by it.
"It's simple. I'd like Miss Tsubaki to help me estimate the price of these spatial rings. I don't know anything about selling equipment."
"Of course, if possible, I'd also like to ask you to help sell them."
"You're quite the schemer."
Tsubaki laughed.
"You want to sell them under the Hephaestus Familia's reputation."
"A mutually beneficial deal."
Cao Ye shrugged.
"With spatial rings, the Hephaestus Familia's reputation could become even greater."
"That's not something I can decide. I'll need to ask Lady Hephaestus first."
"As for the price… since this is the first time something like a space-type item has appeared, it definitely won't be cheap."
Tsubaki rubbed her chin.
She was a blacksmith, not a merchant. Pricing something unprecedented wasn't her specialty.
"Just give me a rough estimate so I have a general idea."
After thinking for a while, Tsubaki said:
"Five million valis."
"Five million… that's acceptable."
Cao Ye nodded.
After all, the materials were only a gemstone and some refined metal.
The total cost was less than 10,000 valis.
In Orario, gemstones weren't particularly rare.
The Dungeon had many areas where gemstones appeared, but aside from decoration they had little practical value.
Most were simply used by girls as accessories.
Because of that, Cao Ye had bought an entire box of gemstones for less than 200,000 valis.
"This industry has always been extremely profitable."
Tsubaki said.
"Whether it's blacksmiths, alchemists, or magic-item makers like you."
"If the ring's space weren't so small, it could easily sell for ten million valis."
As a master blacksmith, she had plenty of experience with such pricing.
Many of her weapons sold for millions of valis, and the best ones easily exceeded ten million.
Yet their materials were mostly dungeon monster drops and metals.
"By the way, Miss Tsubaki—what kind of spatial equipment would you like? A ring, bracelet, necklace… anything works."
"Huh? Are you planning to develop accessory-type equipment now?"
"Something like that."
Cao Ye smiled.
"Spatial accessories sounds like a pretty good concept, doesn't it?"
"No need. I don't like wearing accessories."
Tsubaki waved her hand dismissively.
She had helped Cao Ye before, but she never considered it a big deal.
In fact, she had long forgotten about it.
"You saved my life before. I can't forget that."
"A small accessory like this doesn't cost much—just a little time."
"Still unnecessary. I don't really have anything to store anyway."
"How could you not?"
Cao Ye replied.
"You could store healing potions, antidotes, or universal medicines."
"In emergencies, they could save your life—and you wouldn't have to worry about them breaking or getting lost."
"…Then give me a ring."
Tsubaki finally agreed.
She could see Cao Ye's determination.
Since he clearly intended to give her one anyway, she might as well accept it.
Worst case, she could repay him later with something of equal value.
"Alright. When I get back, I'll make you the best spatial ring I can."
"I'll look forward to it."
"Oh, and for now I'll leave these three rings with you."
Cao Ye took out the other two rings and handed all three to her.
Tsubaki blinked in surprise.
She had never met someone so straightforward.
He just handed them over like that?
"You really trust me that much?"
"What's there not to trust?"
"You brat…"
She laughed and threw an arm around Cao Ye's shoulder.
Although she was a dwarf, she stood at 170 cm, practically a giant among dwarves.
Because of this close movement, Cao Ye suddenly noticed a rather eye-catching view.
As a blacksmith, Tsubaki was among the very best.
And as a woman, her figure was equally impressive.
Her powerful physique and prominent curves would make many women jealous.
Especially now—
Since she was working inside her forge, she dressed casually.
Her upper body was only wrapped with a few bands of cloth.
Combined with the sweat from forging work dampening the fabric, the scene carried a strikingly bold atmosphere.
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