From the moment humanity learned to craft tools, its obsession with weapons was carved into its bones.
And for these girls, who had always fought in a low-power world with nothing but flesh and ordinary steel, Orario's weapons, made from monster materials and sometimes even enchanted, were the ultimate temptation.
Like a traveler in the desert spotting a clear spring.
That kind of desire couldn't be hidden.
Especially for Rin.
Even after forcing herself to look away from the [Famed Blade · Black Crow], priced at several million valis, she kept turning back every few steps.
Seeing this, Haimer rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
After the girls disappeared down the corridor, he turned to Hephaestus, who had yet to leave.
"Hephaestus. If you're not busy tonight, I'd like to talk."
"Oh?" She looked at him with interest. "So you noticed too. The way those girls stared at my wall of weapons, they looked like hungry wolves eyeing meat."
Then she added calmly, "But you also know Hephaestus-brand weapons aren't cheap. With your current situation, are you sure you can afford them?"
Haimer smiled faintly. "I have something worth offering. So… wait for me."
...
A short while later.
Inside a guest room of the Hephaestus Familia headquarters.
Though called a guest room, it was quite comfortable. The space was large, the carpet soft, and even clean clothes had been prepared.
The air still carried the warm humidity from their baths.
The girls had changed into simple sleeping robes. The designs were plain, but on a group of youthful girls, even simplicity looked charming.
Amou sat by the window, drying her damp hair. As she moved, the loose collar of her robe shifted slightly.
Rin sat stiffly at the edge of the bed, gripping the hem of her robe, clearly uncomfortable with its length.
Tsukuyo sat quietly on the bed, calm and composed like a doll.
Even Kyoubou and the cub had been washed clean and were now lying comfortably in the corner, rumbling in satisfaction.
The door opened.
Haimer walked in.
The room immediately quieted.
Every gaze turned toward him, filled with curiosity, expectation, and a trace of shyness.
After all, Hestia had already explained what would happen next.
The Divine Blessing.
The path for mortals to become adventurers.
The sacred contract between a god and their Familia.
"Since everyone is ready, we'll begin."
Haimer walked to the bed in the center of the room and sat down.
"The Divine Blessing means I grant you divine blood, draw out your potential, and convert it into measurable status. The process requires a small ritual."
He looked around.
"Who wants to go first?"
There was a brief silence.
"I… would like to go first."
Unexpectedly, it was Tsukuyo who stepped forward.
The silver-haired girl stood slowly. Though blind, her delicate face held a solemn expression.
"Alright."
She followed the sound of his voice to the bedside.
"Please remove your robe."
The room froze for a second.
"R-remove it?" Rin stammered, face instantly red as she grabbed her collar.
Mary flushed as well.
Warabi peeked from behind Kyoubou and raised her hand timidly. "Do we really have to take everything off? Isn't that… a bit…"
Haimer sighed lightly. "Only your back. The seal acts on the connection between soul and body. The back is the largest area and closest to the spinal core. It's also the most vulnerable place, the part people instinctively protect."
He continued calmly.
"Revealing your back goes against human instinct. But that's exactly what Familia means. It isn't just a hierarchy between a god and chosen children. It's a contract built on absolute trust."
"The child entrusts their most vulnerable back to the god. The god engraves sacred words upon it, words powerful enough to challenge the world."
"That is the true meaning of bearing a god's name."
"I understand."
Tsukuyo's voice was steady.
Though her cheeks carried a faint blush and even the tips of her ears were warm, her movements did not hesitate.
"Since I've chosen to follow you, my lord, this body no longer belongs only to myself."
Her fingers untied the sash at her waist.
The fabric loosened and slipped from her shoulders, sliding down softly.
Her back was revealed.
It wasn't the softness of someone pampered. Years of sword training had given her firmness and resilience. Under the magic-stone lamps, her skin carried a smooth ivory sheen.
The cool air made her tremble slightly.
She bit her lip and leaned forward obediently, hands pressing against the bed.
Her silver hair spilled down like a waterfall, partly covering her back. The line of her spine was clear, her shoulder blades subtly defined.
She looked like a blank canvas waiting for ink.
"Excuse me."
Haimer moved into position and sat across her hips.
"Mm…"
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