The next morning, Kashu and Finn set out for Northeast Main Street to discuss a business partnership with Hephaestus Familia.
The Familia worshipped the Greek goddess of fire and smithing. They never got involved in combat, yet were undisputed leaders among the crafting Familias.
Every one of their core members possessed the [Smithing] Development Ability, making them accomplished smiths capable of forging fine equipment.
Although Loki Familia worked more often with Goibniu Familia, who also specialized in smithing, that was mostly to have custom weapons made for their main members.
When it came to sophisticated items like Regeneration Pods, Hephaestus Familia was undoubtedly the better choice.
As the two walked down the street, they passed smiths with bulging muscles hammering away at their work. Every shop had gleaming weapons displayed out front.
Waves of heat from the forges, thick with the smell of metal, washed over them. Fou instinctively huddled closer in Kashu's arms, afraid its lovely fur might get singed.
Neither of them stopped to admire the sights. They kept walking and soon reached a plainly built workshop.
"So this is Hephaestus Familia's workshop?"
Kashu sounded puzzled. Finn, unfazed, shrugged and explained.
"They're a bunch of smithing fanatics with their minds entirely on their work. Don't expect them to keep the place looking neat."
As he spoke, Finn deftly made his way around the assorted junk piled in front of the workshop and pounded on the door.
"Hey, Tsubaki! You've got customers!"
"Coming, coming!"
A black-haired, red-eyed woman opened the door, the glow of a blazing furnace dancing behind her.
Tsubaki Collbrande wore an eyepatch over her left eye and a loose work shirt that did little to hide her fit, slightly tanned figure.
"Finn! Come on, give me a hug!"
Recognizing him, Tsubaki flung her arms open and