These idiots really thought that they could lift the hammer with just their brute strength. If strength were really the answer, then the holy knights would have easily been able to lift it.

After Kevin, the rest of the squad also tried their luck. Finally, it was her turn.

Silvia descended into the crater without much hope. She was observant enough to know that the holy knights had already tried everything.

It's not stats or talent. I don't believe in fate, then could it be that the mechanism to lift the hammer is some particular quality?

Thinking to herself, she grabbed the hammer and exerted her strength. Finally, she understood why even that Vangeance made such a monkey like face when trying to lift it. The hammer was so heavy that it was practically nonsensical.

A couple of seconds later, she released the handle and climbed back up.

"Heh, so even the talented daughter of Ravenscroft could not lift it up, huh?"

Vangeance tried to mock her. However, the girl was just too calm.

"Well, it doesn't matter. I don't use a hammer anyway. My preferred weapon is a sword".

If anything the hammer would only slow her down. No matter how strong that weapon was, she would not switch it for a sword. After all, the commander she looked up to also used a sword.

"I'll go give it a try."

Delicia was the last one remaining. She grabbed the handle and did her best to lift the hammer. However, it stayed put no matter what she tried.

"?"

Was it her imagination? Although the hammer did not move, she felt a slight vibration from it. Thinking that it was just her own hand aching from exerting too much force, she left it at that and climbed back up towards her comrade.

In the end, there was no one in the order who could lift the Hammer of Resolve.

"Well, I saw this coming. Not just anyone can endure the level of grit and persistence it takes to lift it. Still, it looks like it does have its eyes on someone worthy".

Reinhardt glanced at the departing figure of the squad. His eyes were especially on Delicia. At that moment when the hammer vibrated, it was not her misconception but the hammer trying to communicate with her.

No one was able to prompt that from the weapon, only her. However, since she was still too weak and her resolve unstable that she was unable to hear the hammer's cry.

That said, one thing became clear: the hammer had chosen Delicia as its next wielder. However, it would depend on her whether she could break free from her fragile mindset and develop the qualities needed to lift the hammer and unlock the trait that had been lying dormant, subconsciously locked by her own self.

[Blessing of the Star], a trait that drastically improves her talent when using a holy attribute skill. What's more, the trait marks the possessor with a divine sigil which if nurtured to its full potential, can grant her bursts of impossible power when fate itself demands it.

Not only that, but the trait also gave her atrocious powers like fusing skills into something new and terrifying and more.

It was because of this trait that Reinhardt wanted to recruit her into his order. Unfortunately, it was still locked and would need some kind of intense stimulation to break it. However, once she gets out of the bottleneck, her powers and talent would soar.

It would not be impossible for her to even reach level 8 or 9 in the future. With those thoughts in mind, Reinhardt looked at the hammer one last time before leaving.

There was no need for him to take it out of there. Steal? It would be amazing if a thief could lift it up. A thief with the resolve to fight against the world, that in itself would be an eye opener.

.

.

In the afternoon, after finishing his work, the governor and his secretary were on their rare stroll around the city. Usually, it would be just him and Melissa. However, today, Eleanor also joined them.

Anyways, more than market research and instilling loyalty among his citizens, the trip had become more of a date if anything.

As could be seen, the two women dragged him towards all kinds of new establishments that opened in the new northern district that was being built.

The outer district was more or less on the verge of completion. With numerous big buildings, residential quarters, roads, a garden, and even a market area. The place had changed so much that one cannot even recognise it anymore.

In fact, it looked even more grand than the central district now, due to being relatively new and having a constant influx of traffic.

With the amount of money splurged to develop the district, it was no wonder that it changed within a couple of months.

Anyways, with the influx of people in the outer district and central district, there was a need for another place. Hence, the new northern district was being prioritized now.

Previously, it was just a secluded place filled with trees and occasional small houses, and of course, the magnificent headquarters of the Temple of Light that was adjacent to the lake with the scenic mountains in the distance.

However, now there were plans to develop it. In fact, the construction had already begun.

The Governor, walking with two beauties by his side, showed his face at various establishments, buying wares from them and making sure everything was going fine.

"So this will be our new industrial district, huh?" Reinhardt muttered to himself. He could see various blacksmiths, armorers, carpenters, and artificers crowding the place. The noise coming from their constant hammering, steam vents, and glowing furnaces.

Although the place still looked rough and rural, it would soon transform and become the economic engine of the city. Additionally, with them coming to his city, it became far easier for his knight order to repair their weapons and armor.

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