Highschool DxD: I have a Dimensional Travel System

Chapter 199 - Hephaestus Part 2

Hephaestus gave Mahiro a sharp look. 

Compared to most adventurers, the kid in front of her looked way too put-together. 

There was no mistaking it—he reeked of money. 

Her eyes landed on his shirt, the kind of thing that screamed *expensive*. 

As the goddess of smithing, Hephaestus had a knack for spotting quality, whether it was in weapons, textiles, or anything else. 

This outfit? It wasn't priceless, but it definitely cost a damn fortune. 

Most adventurers, especially newbies, couldn't afford anything close to this. 

"You're not some noble, are you?" Hephaestus asked, her tone edged with suspicion. 

The reality was, people didn't become adventurers for fun. They did it because they were broke and desperate for a shot at a better life. 

The job meant risking your neck in the Dungeon, living every day with the possibility of dying a horrible death. 

Unless you were part of some rich-ass noble family, you didn't show up dressed like Mahiro. 

Of course, there were exceptions—idiots chasing thrills or spoiled brats who thought adventure sounded fun. 

Mahiro's calm demeanor only made her more suspicious. 

"No," Mahiro said, shaking his head. 

"No?" Hephaestus raised an eyebrow. 

If he wasn't a noble, how the hell could this guy confidently say he'd earn enough Valis for a mansion in no time? 

Orario was no joke when it came to expenses. 

Even a shitty little apartment could cost more than most people earned in a year. 

A newbie making millions in a week? Yeah, right. That was impossible unless you were some top-tier badass. 

"Don't tell me you're planning to pull some shady," Hephaestus said, her eyes narrowing. 

Most people stuck to Dungeon-crawling, but there were always a few who found "creative" ways to earn money—scams, theft, or worse. 

"I'm going to make money in the Dungeon," Mahiro said simply. 

"It should be straightforward enough." 

"Straightforward?" Hephaestus couldn't help but laugh, though it wasn't out of amusement. 

This wasn't confidence; this was either arrogance or just straight-up bullshit. 

"Hold on a second, Hestia," Hephaestus said, turning to her fellow goddess. "This guy isn't some clueless rookie, is he?" 

Hestia fidgeted under her gaze. "I mean... he shouldn't be?" 

From the moment she'd met Mahiro, he'd acted calm and collected, like he actually knew what he was doing. 

He sure didn't look clueless, but now? She wasn't so sure. 

"'Shouldn't be'?" Hephaestus repeated, her voice dripping with sarcasm. 

"Hestia, are you even serious right now?" 

Hestia winced. "Uh, Hephaestus, are you okay?" 

"What do you think?" Hephaestus snapped, rubbing her temples. "I feel like I'm about to lose my mind." 

"Since I'm here, I might as well give you both a crash course in common sense." 

Hestia groaned. "Do we have to?" 

"Yes, *especially* you, Hestia," Hephaestus said, glaring. "You've got a Familia now. It's about time you learned how to handle it." 

She turned her gaze back to Mahiro. "And you, rookie, the Guild should've assigned you an advisor. But there are things only *I* can teach. So listen up. Consider it divine advice." 

Mahiro scratched his head awkwardly. "I think I get what's bothering you." 

Hephaestus crossed her arms, staring him down. "Oh? Enlighten me." 

Mahiro glanced around the room and walked over to a display of weapons. He stopped in front of a rapier. 

"Mind if I give this a try?" he asked. 

"Go ahead," Hephaestus said, intrigued despite herself. 

Mahiro unsheathed the rapier in one smooth motion. 

Suddenly, sparks of electricity danced along the blade, and a blinding light flared as he swung it through the air. 

Hephaestus's jaw dropped. 

"Are you fucking kidding me? Magic?!" 

Mahiro nodded, as calm as ever, and casually sheathed the sword. 

"Hestia, what the hell is this?" Hephaestus turned to the other goddess, clearly pissed. "You're telling me this guy's a rookie?" 

"Yes! I mean, no! I mean—" Hestia stammered. "I granted him his falna myself, okay? He's not from another Familia!" 

Hephaestus stared at her, then back at Mahiro. "This is insane. Finding someone this talented right after granting a falna? That just doesn't happen." 

Hestia, meanwhile, looked less shocked and more... smug. 

Mahiro had already blown past her expectations more times than she could count. 

From his rare skills to the strange red gauntlet he'd shown off during their run-in with Loki, Mahiro was full of surprises. 

And now, magic? Seriously? 

But instead of doubting him, Hestia just felt proud. 

Her Mahiro wasn't just strong—he was on track to become the strongest adventurer out there. 

And who knew? Maybe someday, he'd take on the tasks even the gods wouldn't dare touch. 

But that was for later. 

---

Author: This chapter is written in the old writing style! Probably would continue like this...

I know many don't like this arc. So here's a deal. Let me know all the mistakes that happened in this arc. I would seriously try to fix them.

And do suggest some of the ideas, if you got one. Thank you for all your support!

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