Inner Voice: All Heroines Hear My Inner Voice Chapter 942: Meet the Goddess of Smithing

~13 minute read · 3,318 words
Previously on Inner Voice: All Heroines Hear My Inner Voice...
Eiji spends the night with Demeter, using a rebirth pill to alter her memories and make her believe he is her first lover. He also uses his powers to make everyone else believe Demeter was a virgin goddess. After their encounter, Eiji reveals his true identity as a god to Demeter and forms a Master-Servant contract with her before returning to his own familia. Meanwhile, his other companions report on their dungeon dive, during which they encountered and saved Bell Cranel, a fact Eiji notes will earn him favor with Hestia.
A few hours prior. From Bell’s perspective. Yet, still in the third-person viewpoint. The atmosphere on the seventeenth floor, resembling a vast chamber, was thick with tension. Emerging simultaneously from the colossal structure known as the Big Wall of Grief—not just one, but four floor bosses of the Goliath type—appeared. This was an undeniably peculiar occurrence, mirroring the event when a Black Goliath materialized on the dungeon's eighteenth floor. Bell, oblivious to the fact that his presence had drawn the monsters' attention, continued unaware. This occurred because Eiji had meticulously woven numerous threads of destiny, increasing the likelihood of encounters with monsters and adversaries. Prior to even reaching the seventeenth floor, their party had been compelled to dispatch an excessive number of monsters conjured by the dungeon. Had Bell not been the protagonist, they would have surely perished long ago, overwhelmed by the sheer numbers. However, it seemed Bell's luck as the protagonist might have reached its limit. He and his two companions were utterly spent, yet they still faced the daunting task of battling four Goliaths concurrently. "Damn it! Why are there four of them appearing all at once?!" Welf exclaimed, striking his magic sword against the ground. He attempted to wound one of the Goliaths in the leg, but his fiery blast merely grazed its incredibly tough hide. Lili trembled, clutching her large bag with a white-knuckled grip. "Bell-sama, we must escape! There is absolutely no way we can defeat four Goliaths in our present condition!" Bell offered no reply. While he acknowledged the truth in Lili's words, it was far too late for them to effect an escape. He positioned himself in front of them, his breaths ragged gasps, blood trickling from his temples. His sword bore a noticeable crack. As one of the Goliaths hoisted its colossal fist, poised to crush them, Bell raised his blade before his chest, bracing for the impending impact to shield everyone. As the protagonist, he naturally accepted the burden of enduring suffering for others. *ZING—!* A streak of azure light sliced through the air, taking the form of an ice spike, immediately followed by a crimson flash that traveled faster than sound—a blood-red spear forged from pure magical essence. In mere moments, the Goliath's fist, which had been inches from crushing Bell and his party, detonated. "AAAAAGHHHH!" The Goliath bellowed in agony, but due to the chilling effect of the ice spikes, its immense form began to turn rigid with frost. "Are... are we safe?" Lili inquired, casting a glance in the direction from which the swift attacks had originated. Bell and Welf followed suit. Even the three remaining Goliaths recoiled, their gazes fixed on the same point. This was because the monstrous entities sensed an imminent, overwhelming danger! Their primal instincts shrieked at them to flee immediately. However, how could the four women now advancing from the corridor's direction allow such an outcome? Without uttering a word, Scáthach moved with lightning speed. Her crimson spear, wielded like the embodiment of death itself, pierced two Goliaths directly through their hearts, or rather, the locations of their magic stones, in a single, precise line. Across from her, Medusa flowed like a spectral shadow; her chain ensnared the neck of the third Goliath, and with a gentle tug, the colossal creature's head was severed. "So powerful!" Bell exclaimed in awe. Welf and Lili stood transfixed, their eyes wide with astonishment. Morgan merely raised her hand slightly. "Troublesome," she stated, her voice devoid of warmth. A dark magic circle materialized beneath the final Goliath, which remained frozen in place, and a pillar of jagged magical thorns instantly obliterated it. Artoria stood at the forefront, her sword still sheathed, making no move to intervene. The entire engagement concluded in under ten seconds. Four boss-class monsters were dispatched as if they were insignificant pests. Bell stared, slack-jawed, and stammered, "Thank you... thank you so much! You all saved our lives!" Welf swiped the sweat from his brow and whispered, "Who are they, Lili? What caliber of adventurers are they?" He posed this question given Lili's usual repository of information concerning formidable and renowned adventurers. Even so, Lili could only shake her head this time. She, herself, had no idea! These exceptionally potent and stunning beauties were utterly unfamiliar to her; she couldn't discern their Familia affiliation simply by their appearances. Noticing the four female adventurers before him remained silent, Bell bowed deeply towards Artoria, who stood nearest to him. "We are greatly indebted to you!" Artoria regarded the trio before her with an impassive expression, akin to a monarch receiving the gratitude of her subjects. She offered a nod and remarked, "You are most welcome. Given your current condition, it would be wise to cease further dungeon exploration and ascend to the surface." It was merely a suggestion. She held no particular concern as to whether Bell heeded it or not. Scáthach meticulously cleaned the tip of her spear. Her eyes, possessing a keen ability to discern others, perceived something unusual about Bell. But that was the extent of it. Her former self, prior to encountering Eiji in days gone by, might have considered taking on a new disciple. But now? She casually stated, "Your potential is intriguing. However, for the present moment, you and your two companions are exceedingly vulnerable. You would be wise to heed our captain's counsel." Captain?

Bell, Welf, and Lili’s gazes shifted, now filled with newfound respect for Artoria as the women's leader.

Artoria remained silent.

With her cape billowing, Morgan turned her back to them. "Let us not squander any more time. We must proceed to the next floor."

Medusa offered Bell a brief nod before silently joining the others. Without a backward glance, the four women moved towards the corridor leading to the subsequent level.

"W-Wait! Could you at least tell us which Familia you belong to!?" Bell suddenly recalled the crucial information he needed regarding their rescuers.

Artoria paused, glancing back. "We hail from the Seiya Familia."

She then continued her advance, their forms gradually fading into the darkness. Bell, Welf, and Lili were left standing amidst a scattering of monster remains.

"Seiya Familia?"

"Lili has never heard of such a Familia before."

"The members of that Familia are incredibly strong! Their level is likely comparable to the top executives of the Loki Familia!"

Bell was perplexed. Lili hadn't even heard of Eiji’s Familia, though it vaguely reminded her of the surname of a god she had recently encountered, stirring a sense of familiarity.

Could that be his Familia?

A sudden realization dawned on Lili.

Not only did Bell compare the Seiya Familia members to the elite of the Loki Familia, but Welf also insisted they return to the surface.

Bell reluctantly conceded. A pang of disappointment resonated within him, as the Excelia from the vanquished Goliaths couldn't be claimed.

It had been a few days, ever since his encounter with Eiji, that an inexplicable urgency had gripped him. He yearned to grow stronger, to stand beside the woman he admired, Ais!

Unbeknownst to Bell, the very woman who fueled his ambition had recently become captivated by another. The realization, when it came, might be too late.

The following day.

"That’s precisely what transpired, Hestia-sama," Bell recounted their rescue by the members of the Seiya Familia.

He had returned to his Familia's residence.

The journey back had taken a full day, leaving him utterly exhausted yet satisfied with his two attribute ranks, which had now ascended to S and SS.

Ordinarily, Hestia would have showered Bell with praise for his achievements. However, upon learning the capabilities of Eiji's Familia members, she found his progress to be somewhat expected.

More than that—

"I see. Bell-kun, you fool! While I understand your eagerness to level up, venturing to the 17th floor for two days with only two party members is far too reckless. Had Eiji’s Familia not intervened, you and your companions would likely be deceased."

Hestia crossed her arms, fixing Bell with a stern glare.

Bell scratched the back of his head, an awkward expression befitting a protagonist… Ahem! An awkward expression indeed.

"I apologize, Kami-sama."

"Hmph! You apologize? Yet I suspect you'll repeat such carelessness in the future, Bell-kun."

"Ugh..."

Bell groaned, unable to refute her statement, as he was acutely aware of his own personality.

Hestia sighed, her thoughts drifting to a comparison between Bell and Eiji. A blush crept onto her cheeks as she vehemently shook her head.

’What am I even thinking!?’

’Why am I comparing Bell-kun to a god like Eiji?’

They were fundamentally different. Even setting aside their disparities in power, Hestia felt Eiji surpassed Bell in numerous aspects.

This realization brought forth a complex tangle of emotions, especially after hearing about Demeter's advances towards him just yesterday!

"Um... Kami-sama, you seem quite distraught. I am truly sorry; please cease your anger."

Bell mistook Hestia’s turmoil as a result of his own recent recklessness.

Hestia blinked, her expression softening as she replied, "I am not angry. Bell-kun, you need to rest. No dungeon diving for a week. Do you understand?"

"A week is a bit… I understand."

Bell’s mind protested; a week felt excessively long. A day or two of rest would suffice, he thought.

However, the indifferent look on his goddess’s face instilled a sense of apprehension, deterring him from voicing any objection.

He pondered the changes Hestia had undergone in recent days. Her usual enthusiasm for him seemed diminished, leaving him feeling a strange melancholy, as if something precious had been subtly taken away.

The newfound satisfaction of surpassing other adventurers no longer brought him joy.

After Bell retreated to his room for his mandated rest, Hestia sighed for the second time that day, her gaze drifting towards the window, fixed on a distant point.

"I owe Eiji once again… Perhaps I can use this as a pretext to meet him and express my gratitude in person?"

"O-Of course, my only intention is to thank him!"

A flush warmed Hestia’s cheeks. She was even fabricating excuses for herself. How endearing, for a Virgin Goddess.

Still, even as her thoughts swirled, Eiji’s inner voice echoed in her mind.

[Today… who shall I form a connection with? Demeter is already crossed off the list of a hundred regrets from Danmachi. I managed to fulfill the wish of fanfic readers from my past life, where a protagonist should add a woman as stunning as Demeter to his harem!]

[Otherwise, you’ll be deemed boring and lacking refinement.]

"This guy… he actually added Demeter to his harem!?" Hestia exclaimed, a twinge of jealousy surfacing unconsciously.

The other things Eiji mentioned went largely unheeded, as she didn't quite grasp their meaning. Her attention was solely fixated on the relationship between Eiji and Demeter. She was certainly acquainted with Demeter, after all, that woman was one of her confidantes in the heavens.

Their camaraderie was, by all accounts, quite good.

Yet, she never anticipated Demeter would so readily pursue a man like Eiji!

Could it be his unparalleled handsomeness, surpassing that of any god?

"I must have a word with Hephaestus about this."

Truthfully, Hestia’s primary motive was to indulge in some gossip while also venting her burgeoning frustration.

However, upon arriving at Valka’s Crimson Chamber, she was surprised to find a man she recognized engaged in conversation with her closest friend.

"Oh? Hestia, you’ve come here too? This must be fate," Eiji remarked, his expression holding a hint of surprise. Nevertheless, his hand remained intertwined with Hephaestus’s.

Hephaestus flushed, hastily pulling her hand free from Eiji's grasp. "Hestia, please don't misunderstand!"

In reality, she herself wasn't entirely certain why she felt compelled to explain the situation unfolding in her office to Hestia.

Why did she feel like a woman caught in the act of betraying her best friend’s boyfriend?

It couldn't be, could it?

Hestia wasn't Eiji's girlfriend. Not too long ago, Eiji had only been involved with Demeter.

"You two…" Hestia’s eyes widened, her jaw slackening as she pointed with trembling fingers at the pair before her. "What are you doing!? It’s still early in the morning, don’t engage in… like… that…"

She faltered, unable to articulate the scandalous thought that crossed her mind.

"Engage in what? Hestia, my relationship with Hephaestus hasn't progressed to that extent. We just met a few moments ago," Eiji clarified the misunderstanding with practiced ease.

But before we continue this scene – returning a few moments earlier – he had instructed the women in his familia’s residence to take the day off. As for himself? He had decided to pay a visit to the Hephaestus Familia.

With the rewards he had recently received from the Miss System, he believed it was the opportune moment to cultivate a strong connection with the Goddess of Smithing in Danmachi.

"Greetings, sir, how may I assist you?" Tsubaki inquired, spotting Eiji as he entered Valka’s Crimson Chamber.

She presumed he was a customer seeking to purchase a weapon, and given his striking appearance, she intended to attend to him personally. Typically, other familia members handled such matters.

However, she became quite astonished upon learning his true identity.

"Hello, I am Eiji Seiya, the god leading the Seiya Familia. I am here to conduct business with Hephaestus."

"Eiji Seiya? Seiya Familia? You… You are *that* renowned god!?"

"Am I truly that famous?" Eiji feigned ignorance, aware of the numerous exploits that had made his name and his familia household knowledge throughout Orario.

Indeed, the attention of many gods and goddesses was even drawn to a member of his familia, who was rumored to have ascended to the 24th floor within a mere five hours, returning with a substantial hoard of magic stones to the Guild.

Ah, he certainly recognized the woman before him. Although not exceptionally beautiful, her ample bosom and sun-kissed skin lent her a certain allure.

"Yes, you are incredibly famous… Eiji-sama. By the way, I will inform my goddess shortly. Please wait a moment!" Tsubaki averted her gaze from the man’s face.

He was even more handsome than the rumors suggested, and his physique appeared to be quite impressive. A faint warmth spread across her cheeks as she turned and proceeded towards Hephaestus’s office.

Eiji watched as Tsubaki’s retreating figure vanished into an adjoining room.

[Our King, her physique is not inadequate. Her posterior is also well-suited for childbearing. With the enhancements from the Master-Servant contract, you could enhance her attractiveness further.]

[She would not be an unwelcome addition to your harem.]

Excellent analysis, Leme.

We shall consider it later.

Not long after, Tsubaki reappeared and informed him, "Hephaestus-sama grants you permission to enter her office and has agreed to speak with you, Eiji-sama."

"Thank you."

Eiji uttered this as he placed a hand on Tsubaki’s shoulder, a smile gracing his lips before he proceeded into Hephaestus’s inner sanctum.

Tsubaki remained frozen, taking several seconds to shake off her daze. "That man is dangerously charming, like a male counterpart to the Goddess of Beauty, Freya. Might Hephaestus-sama be so captivated by his appearance that she loses all reason, I wonder?"

A flicker of anxiety crossed her features, yet she was also keen to witness the outcome of the encounter between the two deities.

Inside the office.

"You're Eiji Seiya? The deity Hestia frequently mentions?" Hephaestus inquired, completely bewildered by the man seated before her.

Moments prior, she had overheard his connection with Demeter through his inner voice. This revelation clarified Demeter's hasty actions, her swift willingness to undress. Was it simply his overwhelming handsomeness?!

Hephaestus found herself unable to resist stealing glances at him repeatedly. However, a wave of embarrassment washed over her, and she quickly attempted to compose herself.

"I am indeed the individual Hestia speaks of. And you must be the close friend she's often talked about," Eiji responded, settling back casually onto the sofa. Like Hephaestus, he too took a moment to appraise her.

Internally, he mused that the Hephaestus before him was perhaps even more striking than her depiction in the original narrative. Her bob-length crimson hair and face remained unchanged, yet her figure seemed to possess a more pronounced allure beneath her white blouse.

The anime adaptation certainly failed to capture her true beauty.

After all, Hephaestus was a goddess.

At this precise moment, Eiji resolved that she would become his future wife!

[I'm not the least bit surprised.]

The System interjected.

Eiji paid her no mind.

"Hestia and I share a strong bond. So, Eiji, what pressing matters bring you here to discuss with me? My Familia specializes in crafting weapons and other essential gear for adventurers. Should your needs fall within our purview, I'd be amenable to offering a discount," Hephaestus stated.

Hephaestus presumed Eiji intended to commission the creation of weapons for his own Familia members.

She felt a sense of satisfaction that he had approached her Familia directly, rather than seeking out another of similar specialization.

"Your beauty is undeniable, and your kindness is equally apparent, Hephaestus. I made the correct decision in coming here," Eiji declared with flattering words.

Hephaestus fought the urge to roll her eyes. "There's no need for compliments. I am competent enough, especially given Hestia's high praise for you. But beautiful? I don't consider myself very attractive. Hestia remains far more beautiful and charming than I am," she replied.

Though her tone was outwardly indifferent, she subtly shifted her gaze and fidgeted with her blindfold.

She held immense confidence in her skills as the Goddess of Smithing, but her self-perception regarding her appearance was far from assured. Past male deities who had dared approach her often recoiled in fear upon glimpsing what lay concealed beneath her blindfold.

They invariably fled, and in her estimation, Eiji would prove no different.

Eiji's intrigue for Hephaestus grew with each passing moment. His supposed business inquiry was merely a pretext; his true objective was to court her. He was aware from the original story that she harbored deep insecurities stemming from her disability, feeling inadequate as a woman and resigned to a life without a partner.

However, a member of her Familia, Welf, would eventually develop feelings for her, leading to her shy responses when he attempted to ask her to be his lover. Eiji was absolutely determined to prevent such a future from unfolding now that he had arrived in this world. Much like the protagonist Bell, an NPC like Welf would find his romantic aspirations thwarted by Eiji's intervention!

"I assure you, my words are not mere flattery; I am sincere. This is about more than just business—" He rose from his seat and moved to sit beside Hephaestus.

Hephaestus blinked, perplexed by Eiji's sudden proximity. What was his intention in sitting so close?

He then gently took one of her hands, his gaze locking intently with hers at such close quarters.

A flush crept up her neck, and Hephaestus's face burned with embarrassment. She felt a pang of distress, convinced Eiji was merely toying with her emotions! She simply couldn't fathom that he genuinely considered her beautiful. He had to be lying!

But before she could voice her protestations, Eiji concluded his statement. "If you wish, I am also capable of healing one of your eyes. Hestia must have informed you that I can wield my powers as I see fit, unlike the deities native to this world."

"...!"