Терминатров Джон Коннорович. Danmachi

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Chapter 3: Bad People Are Everywhere!

Chapter 3 - Bad People Are Everywhere!

After leaving the guild, Orsted headed toward the Hestia Familia's residence.

However, he hadn't gone far when he was blocked.

Three burly men appeared in front of him.

One leaned against the wall of the alley, tossing a dagger in his hand, while the other two mirrored his posture.

Their intentions were far from friendly.

Orsted frowned slightly, his body tilting as he glanced over his shoulder.

Two more men had appeared behind him, their eyes locked on him with clear hostility.

"Kid, we've been watching you for days. Hand over your earnings, and we'll let you go unharmed."

"Otherwise, you'll regret it," the man leaning against the wall said, standing up straight and grinning.

From his tone, it was clear they had been observing Orsted for some time.

Indeed, ever since Orsted became an adventurer and earned 50,000 valis on his first day, he had caught their attention.

To be cautious, they had watched him for several days, confirming that he wasn't someone they couldn't handle.

Now, they had decided to corner him and take his earnings.

Over the past few days, Orsted's income had exceeded 600,000 valis-a sum the five of them couldn't hope to earn together in the same time.

But by robbing him, they could claim it all for themselves.

As they spoke, the five men began closing in on Orsted.

Glancing at their menacing expressions, he sighed softly and slowly drew the sword at his waist.

"You brought this on yourselves."

"Hah! What are you talking about? You think you can take us on?" The leader burst into laughter, amused by Orsted's defiance.

"There are five of us, and you're just a rookie who's been an adventurer for a few days."

"Do you really think you stand a chance?"

The leader couldn't understand where Orsted's confidence came from.

Orsted was a rookie, while they had been adventurers for over a year.

In their eyes, there was no way someone like him could match their experience.

They planned to strip Orsted of his earnings and prevent him from growing stronger.

To them, Orsted was nothing more than a piggy bank, a source of easy money that would allow them to avoid the dangers of the dungeon.

The leader's grin widened as he imagined their future profits.

But in the next moment, his smile vanished.

He saw an arm-his own arm-flying through the air, blood spraying from it.

Pain exploded through his body, so intense it nearly knocked him unconscious.

Yet, he couldn't tear his eyes away from the scene before him.

Orsted stood in front of him, his expression cold and indifferent.

"How... how is this possible?!" the leader stammered, his voice trembling.

He hadn't even seen Orsted move.

One moment, he was standing several feet away; the next, he was right in front of him.

"Wait...!" The leader's voice cracked as he noticed a faint glint in Orsted's eyes-a glint that sent a chill down his spine.

They had messed with the wrong person.

But before he could beg for mercy, he felt a cold sensation at his throat.

Blood gushed from the wound, and his vision darkened.

The last thing he saw was Orsted's calm, unflinching gaze.

"That look... even when killing, it doesn't change. What kind of monster have we provoked?!"

With that final thought, the leader's consciousness faded.

All of this happened in an instant.

The other four adventurers were frozen in shock.

By the time they reacted, their leader was already dead, his body collapsing to the ground.

"You bastard!" one of the adventurers roared, his eyes bloodshot as he swung something at Orsted.

Swish!

Another sound echoed through the alley as the man fell, his body hitting the ground with a dull thud.

"Run! Run!"

The remaining three adventurers panicked, their bravado shattered.

One of them screamed, turning to flee the alley.

The other two followed, scattering in different directions.

But they didn't get far.

Three screams pierced the air, echoing through the quiet alley.

Orsted stood amidst the carnage, his expression unchanged.

After sheathing his sword, Orsted gathered the bodies and, with a thought, made them disappear.

***

"Welcome back, Orsted!" As soon as he returned to the abandoned church, a figure rushed toward him, leaping into his arms.

It was Hestia.

"I'm back, Hestia," Orsted said, gently patting her head.

"But you should get down. I'm covered in blood."

"It's fine! We can take a bath together later," Hestia replied cheerfully.

Orsted: "..."

He declined her offer.

For now, he'll try to lay low.

After a quick wash and a meal, Orsted asked Hestia to update his status.

The glow of the Falna illuminated the entire room.

Sacred texts floated in the air before descending onto Orsted's back, completing the update.

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Chapter 4: System!

Chapter 4 - System!

"Record broken!!!"

"Orsted, you are so talented!"

"In just five days, not only did you raise your basic abilities to this level, but you also broke some record in Orario's history."

"SS-I've never even heard of this rank in status parameters before!"

After updating Orsted's status, Hestia exclaimed in excitement.

[

[Name]: Orsted

[Level]: 1

Strength: SS1378

Endurance: SS1313

Dexterity: SS1356

Agility: SS1400

Magic: S988

[Magic]:

[Skill]:

Instant

-Can Instantly appear infront of anyone.

-No chanting required.

]

This was Orsted's status.

No wonder Hestia screamed.

Orsted's basic abilities had increased at an astonishing rate.

It had only been five days since Orsted joined Hestia's Familia and received her Falna to become an adventurer.

In just five days, his basic abilities had risen to this level, even breaking the record for status parameters in Orario-a record that had never exceeded S-rank since the city's founding.

If this were to spread, it would undoubtedly cause an uproar.

Breaking a record is one thing-such feats are rare but not impossible.

However, breaking it in just five days? That would raise suspicions.

It was simply too shocking.

"Hestia, don't let this get out, or the Hestia Familia won't survive." Facing Hestia's excitement, Orsted remained calm.

Although he hadn't seen his updated status yet, Hestia's reaction made it clear that his basic abilities had surpassed S-rank.

Orsted definitely didn't want anyone else to know about this.

Only Hestia, and he himself needed to know.

"Yeah, I won't let it out," Hestia replied quickly, coming back to her senses.

She wasn't stupid; she knew full well the consequences if this information were leaked.

"I'll transcribe the status. You can see it for yourself." Hestia began transferring Orsted's status from his back onto parchment.

"Here."

Hestia handed the parchment to Orsted, then sat down with a bright smile, happily munching on the dessert Orsted had brought her.

"I've reached SS-rank in everything except magic... but I can't rank up. Maybe my excelia isn't sufficient yet."

'That makes sense. After all, I haven't killed many monsters these past few days.'

'The reason for such improvement is due to the ability I gained from the system.'

'It seems that to rank up, I'll need to accumulate more excelia.'

Orsted murmured to himself as he examined the parchment and the status sheet on it.

He knew his situation very well.

He wasn't a genius, as Hestia had claimed.

The reason his basic abilities had improved so rapidly was due to one of his unique skills: Tenfold Increase.

This was the ability Orsted had gained after arriving in this world.

It allowed certain actions he performed to yield ten times the normal results.

The exact conditions under which this ability activated were still unclear to Orsted.

The only confirmed effect so far was its impact on his adventuring.

It also affected Orsted's status.

Every time Orsted fought monsters, the improvements to his status were amplified tenfold.

This ability wasn't limited to his status, either-it also enhanced his physical attributes.

In other words, Orsted's physical growth was directly tied to the changes in his status.

Without the Tenfold Increase, his improvements would only be one-tenth of what they were now.

Without it, his growth in all aspects would have been limited to increments of ten or twenty points at most.

That's why Orsted thought he had no innate talent.

His rapid growth was entirely due to the Tenfold Increase.

Additionally, it also affected the magic stones Orsted obtained from defeated dungeon monsters.

At his current level, Orsted could get a massive number of magic stones daily...

The magic stones were amplified tenfold, allowing Orsted to exchange them for a substantial amount of Valis.

Without this ability, earning over 10,000 Valis daily would have been nearly impossible.

As for the source of this ability, it came from Orsted's system.

As a transmigrator, Orsted naturally possessed a unique system.

His system was called the Random Sign-In System.

As the name suggested, this system allowed Orsted to sign in randomly, with the timing and rewards left entirely to chance.

Since arriving in this world, Orsted had only triggered the sign in once-when he met Hestia.

It was during that encounter that he gained the Tenfold Increase ability.

Since then, the system had remained dormant, unresponsive to Orsted's attempts to activate it.

As a result, he abandoned the idea of relying on the system for power and chose to grow stronger through his own efforts.

"However, Orsted, even with your basic abilities improved to this level, you still haven't been qualified to rank up."

"Does this mean your potential at this stage hasn't been fully unlocked?!"

"Hehe, I really did get a child with terrifying talent."

Hestia chuckled to herself, her voice filled with pride.

Orsted: "..."

"Clearly, my excelia isn't enough yet."

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Chapter 5: Meeting Ryuu

Chapter 5 - Meeting Ryuu

Orsted would not tell Hestia about his tenfold skill, as it was related to the system.

"Let's go out and eat," Orsted said to Hestia after putting on his clothes.

"Uh-huh, let's go."

"By the way, Orsted, how much Valis did you earn today?" Hestia finished the dessert in her hand in a few bites, then stood up and asked.

"One hundred thousand Valis. I'll give you one hundred thousand later," Orsted replied calmly.

This was the tacit understanding between Orsted and Hestia.

Every time Orsted returned from the Dungeon, he would give most of the Valis he exchanged at the Guild to Hestia, keeping about one-tenth for himself.

Hestia would save these Valis, and when there was enough, she would go to the Guild to buy a better villa as the residence of the Hestia Familia.

With a good residence, it would be easier for the Hestia Familia to recruit others.

After all, having a villa as a residence was somewhat impressive, and adventurers without a Familia would also consider joining Hestia's Familia.

"No, you don't have to give it to me this time."

"I'll give you another 200,000 Valis. You should replace your equipment first," Hestia said, shaking her head and refusing his offer.

"Equipments? That's fine," Orsted replied after a moment of thought.

The two walked side by side and left the abandoned church.

Or rather, Hestia held Orsted's arm with a smile as they left together.

Since Orsted was only fifteen years old and an elf with a slender figure, he was not very tall-about the same height as Hestia, but slightly taller.

When Hestia held Orsted's arm like this, the two looked more like siblings than a goddess and her child.

Although Hestia sometimes worried about Orsted's well-being, she had talked to him all night after he returned late on the first day.

After observing him, Hestia completely relaxed and was no longer overly concerned about Orsted's adventures.

As long as Orsted returned on time and didn't have any serious injuries, Hestia wouldn't ask too many questions.

Seeing that Orsted's status had improved so much, Hestia didn't worry about him being reckless or stubborn.

After spending time with Orsted, Hestia, like Eina, had a deep understanding of his character.

Orsted was someone who would not easily put his life in danger, which was why Hestia felt reassured about him.

The two walked quietly on the street without speaking.

Soon, they arrived at a tavern.

"The Hostess of Fertility?" Orsted frowned slightly as he looked at the tavern's sign.

He hadn't expected Hestia to bring him here.

He hadn't visited this place in the past few days.

It wasn't that Orsted disliked the tavern, but there were certain individuals here that made him cautious.

For one, there was Mia Grand, the owner of the tavern.

Although she had once been the captain of the Freya Familia, she had since resigned and had little contact with them now.

However, Orsted frowned because of another member of the Freya Familia who frequented the tavern: Syr Flova, who could transform into Freya.

Although Syr was currently herself, if Orsted were seen by her, it would be the same as being seen by Freya herself.

In that case, Freya might take an interest in him, just as she had with Bell Cranel in the anime.

While Orsted didn't think he would be treated the same way as Bell, it was better to be safe than sorry.

For this reason, Orsted had been avoiding the Hostess of Fertility.

Just as he was about to suggest to Hestia that they go to another tavern, the enthusiastic catgirl Anya, who was standing at the door, pulled Hestia inside.

"Welcome, guests! Please come in," Anya said cheerfully.

Seeing this, Orsted sighed slightly.

Since they were already being ushered in, he couldn't just pull Hestia out.

Doing so might offend Mia, the owner of the tavern.

With this in mind, Orsted felt a sense of helplessness.

"Please come in, sir," a calm voice said.

Another waiter, an elf with slender figure, Ryuu Lion, stood before Orsted with her hands clasped in front of her.

Orsted: "..."

"Why is she?," Orsted thought silently.

"Is something wrong, sir?" Ryuu asked, her gaze piercing.

"No, nothing," Orsted replied, shaking his head slightly before walking past her and entering the tavern.

"Welcome! Please come this way," a warm voice greeted him from the counter.

A waitress with a short gray ponytail and a headscarf smiled at him.

Though her smile seemed genuine, Orsted's keen perception noticed a subtle pause in her expression after she saw him.

He sighed inwardly.

"So, she already knows about me," Orsted thought.

This was Syr Flova, the poster girl of the Hostess of Fertility and the substitute for the goddess Freya.

With a blank expression, Orsted ignored Syr's welcome and walked over to Hestia, sitting down at a small table against the wall.

"Orsted, don't you like it here?" Hestia asked, noticing the subtle shift in Orsted's mood despite his lack of expression.

Orsted didn't answer, but his silence was enough for Hestia to understand.

"Then we won't come here next time," Hestia said.

"Excuse me, is there anything about our establishment that has made you dissatisfied?" a calm voice interrupted.

Ryuu had appeared at their table like an assassin.

Hestia: "..."

Orsted: "..."

To some extent, Hestia's earlier comment could be seen as criticism of the Hostess of Fertility, and being caught by one of its waitresses was embarrassing.

Hestia laughed dryly, trying to mask her discomfort.

"Ah-ha-ha..."

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Chapter 6: Two Close Friends

Chapter 6 - Two Close Friends

"Please continue to dine here, two guests!!!"

At the door of the Hostess of Fertility, Orsted and Hestia stood side by side.

Orsted looked calm, while Hestia appeared embarrassed.

In front of them was Ryuu, who was observing them calmly.

Although her expression was composed and her tone lacked dramatic fluctuations, Hestia was visibly shocked.

Orsted, however, remained unfazed.

After all, he had not spoken ill of anything.

"I will definitely come to your store next time," Hestia agreed with a dry laugh.

"Sir, if you have any questions about adventuring in the future, you can always ask me."

"I will do my best to help you." After receiving Hestia's response, Ryuu nodded, then turned her gaze to Orsted and addressed him in a slightly gentler tone.

From the moment she saw Orsted, Ryuu had sensed something from him-a presence that only appeared after returning from the Dungeon.

In other words, despite his youthful appearance, Orsted had already ventured into the Dungeon as an adventurer.

Ryuu didn't mind offering assistance to a fellow elf.

Moreover, she felt that this person might be the benefactor she had been searching for all these years.

If so, then the return of the Astraea Familia could be expedited.

She missed Alise and the others.

Hestia: ???

Orsted: ???

Hearing Ryuu's sudden and inexplicable words, Hestia and Orsted were both puzzled, their faces filled with question marks.

However, Ryuu had no intention of explaining further.

After speaking, she turned and walked back into the tavern.

"That elf is really strange... too kind, perhaps," Hestia remarked, frowning.

"Maybe it's because she and I are of the same race," Orsted speculated, though he wasn't entirely sure why.

"That's possible. It seems we've met a good person."

"But is she really capable of helping?"

"No matter how you look at it, that elf waitress doesn't seem like someone with much experience." Hestia began to doubt it.

This left Orsted speechless.

If Ryuu wasn't qualified to guide someone, then very few would be.

After all, Ryuu had already reached Level 4 several years ago.

At that time, even the Sword Princess, Ais Wallenstein, wasn't as strong.

If not for the disaster that occurred that year, Ryuu might have nearly reached Level 5 by now.

After pondering for a sec, Orsted leaned close to Hestia's ear and whispered Ryuu's true identity to her.

"Hmm?"

"What do you mean?" Clearly, Hestia hadn't paid much attention to adventurers' affairs, so she didn't immediately grasp Orsted's words.

In response, Orsted shrugged and didn't press the matter.

He took Hestia's hand and led her toward home.

It wasn't until halfway through their journey that Hestia realized the weight of Ryuu's name and exclaimed in surprise.

Fortunately, Orsted was quick to react and covered Hestia's mouth before she could shout Ryuu's name aloud, preventing her from causing a scene on the street.

After all, Ryuu was now blacklisted by the Guild.

Although the Guild wasn't actively hunting her down, any clue about her whereabouts would prompt them to act in accordance with Orario's rules.

This would inevitably lead to endless trouble.

Hestia seemed to realize this as well and made no further attempts to shout.

Orsted then released his hand.

"Don't make a fuss, Hestia."

"Do you know how much trouble it would cause for our Familia if you had called out just now?" Orsted said helplessly.

"Sorry, sorry! I didn't think of that earlier," Hestia apologized, embarrassed.

Then, Hestia grew excited.

"If that's the case, then Orsted, don't you have a powerful ally?" Hestia exclaimed, but she quickly dismissed the idea herself: "No, that's not right."

"Even though she said you could go to her if you have any problems, the idea of her being there is still too far-fetched."

"It's fine, Hestia. If I come back late one day, you can go to her."

"It would be great if she could rescue me from the Dungeon. If not, that's okay too," Orsted said with a slight nod.

"Hey, is that really okay?" Hestia was surprised.

She had considered the possibility earlier but quickly dismissed it.

Although Ryuu had made the offer, they weren't closely related-just fellow elves.

How could Ryuu risk so much for a mere request?

After all, she was on the Guild's blacklist. Acting on such a request could easily expose her.

"You can always try. If it works, we gain an advantage. If it doesn't, we lose nothing, right?" Orsted smiled faintly, ruffling Hestia's hair as he spoke.

Orsted, who had knowledge from the anime, knew that Ryuu was someone worthy of trust.

Ryuu didn't care much for strangers, but once she recognized someone as a friend, she became an incredibly trustworthy ally.

Although he wasn't sure why, Ryuu's words had already signaled that Orsted was someone she recognized.

Therefore, if he were ever in danger, Ryuu would not stand idly by.

"Well, if you come back late, I'll go to her."

"Nooo! let's hope it doesn't come to that," Hestia agreed, nodding repeatedly, but she gasped in surprise midway.

She didn't want such a situation to arise, as it would mean Orsted was in danger.

Orsted didn't comment on this, but his gaze softened as he looked at Hestia.

Although they had only known each other for five days, Hestia had been incredibly kind to him.

She was one of only two close friends he had made since arriving in this world.

The other was Eina, both of whom genuinely cared for him.

Given the current circumstances, perhaps Ryuu would become the third.

However, the future was unpredictable, and no one could be certain until it actually happened.

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Chapter 7: Heading To The Dungeon!

Chapter 7 - Heading To The Dungeon!

Orsted and Hestia returned to the church and soon fell asleep.

When they woke up again, it was already the next morning.

Looking at the wisps of morning sunlight streaming through the cracks in the church, Orsted felt a momentary daze.

After shaking off the grogginess, he got up and went to the slightly run-down bathroom to wash up.

Living conditions in this world were far from comparable to those of his previous life.

At least in terms of dental hygiene, they were incomparable.

The toothbrush, resembling a scrubbing brush, had bristles so hard that it seemed designed to punish one's gums rather than clean them.

Despite his complaints, Orsted picked up the brush and began brushing his teeth.

After finishing his morning routine, Orsted approached Hestia's bedside.

She was still deep in sleep.

As was their habit, he wrote a note and left it on the bedside table before quietly making his way downstairs and leaving the church.

Before leaving, he always left a note for Hestia to reassure her. By now, she had grown accustomed to it.

This was an unspoken rule between Orsted and Hestia.

Orsted was cautious in nature, but it did not dampen his enthusiasm for exploring the Dungeon.

After all, venturing into it was the fastest way to grow stronger.

For Orsted, who had been an ordinary person in his previous life, the obsession with becoming stronger was undeniable.

What boy wouldn't dream of possessing immense power?

After leaving the church, Orsted made his way toward Babel.

The entrance to the Dungeon lay beneath the massive structure, and it was the only known access point aside from the artificial underground passages in Daedalus Street.

Of course, there were rumors of other entrances-such as one sealed beneath the sea by the Poseidon Familia.

After a brisk 20-minute jog, Orsted arrived at Babel.

However, he didn't head straight into the Dungeon.

Instead, he made his way to the stores inside babel.

The previous night, Hestia had urged him to upgrade his equipment.

Orsted intended to make good use of the opportunity.

Though it was still early, the shops in Babel were already open.

Orsted entered a familiar store-one operated by the Hephaestus Familia.

Given Hestia's friendship with Hephaestus, it was only natural for Orsted to patronize this shop.

Despite the early hour, a few adventurers were already browsing the weapons and armor on display.

Orsted's arrival went unnoticed.

He moved straight for a specific section of the store.

The light armor he currently wore was part of a set, consisting of a chest guard, hand guards, and knee guards.

It was lightweight and far less cumbersome than heavy plate armor, making it ideal for adventurer like Orsted.

The armor was a sleek silver-white, and he had grown quite fond of it.

The set he wore now was the basic version.

If he wanted something better, he could simply buy a mid-tier version of the same design.

After picking up the new armor, Orsted approached the counter.

"250,000 valis," the shopkeeper said with a polite smile.

Orsted paid the amount and sold his old set back to the shop at a discounted price.

Hephaestus Familia often recycled used equipment, refurbishing it for resale in a second-hand section.

This practice helped reduce waste and provided affordable gear for newer adventurers who couldn't yet afford good equipment.

It was an unspoken agreement among the various Familias, and most gods tacitly approved of the arrangement.

Orsted left the store and made his way to the Dungeon entrance.

By now, a large crowd of adventurers had gathered at the entrance.

Orsted joined the throng and entered the Dungeon via the spiral staircase.

Once inside, Orsted went straight for the sixth floor.

His plan was to advance one floor per day, pushing himself until he reached the tenth floor.

If he felt ready, he might even venture as far as the twelfth floor.

But if he hadn't grown strong enough by then, he would stop and wait until he was prepared to tackle the thirteenth floor and beyond.

After an hour of navigating terrain, Orsted finally arrived at the sixth floor. It wasn't long before he encountered enemies.

A swarm of kobolds and killer ants emerged from the walls and ceilings, quickly surrounding him.

With all his basic abilities exceeding S-and several even reaching SS-Orsted faced the monsters without fear.

A brutal massacre ensued.

The sharp cries of the kobolds echoed through the corridor as Orsted killed them down one after another.

The killer ants fared no better, their bodies littering the ground alongside the shattered remains of magic stones.

After more than twenty minutes, the corridor was silent.

The ground was strewn with magic stone, and not a single monster remained.

"This floor doesn't seem to challenge me. Maybe I should move deeper."

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Chapter 8: Listening To Eina

Chapter 8 - Listening To Eina

Adventurers go on various adventures to increase their Excelia.

If you don't take risks, your Excelia will grow very slowly.

Orsted has been able to increase his Excelia so quickly thanks to his skill.

If you only fight monsters that pose no threat, it's not really an adventure.

It's no surprise that Excelia won't accumulate much in that case.

Orsted understands this well.

However, unlike reckless adventurers who throw themselves into danger, Orsted takes calculated risks.

He only fights monsters that are a little challenging but still within his ability.

He's careful and steady when it comes to adventuring.

After exploring the sixth floor and killing hundreds of kobolds, Orsted followed the map to find the entrance to the seventh floor and went in.

When he arrived on the seventh floor, the Dungeon greeted him with its usual hospitality.

A large group of killer ants emerged from the ground, walls, and ceiling.

This time, there were no kobolds.

Kobolds tend to appear more often on the upper and middle floors.

The lower you go, the less likely they are to show up. Orsted didn't encounter any on this floor.

Seeing the swarm of killer ants surrounding him, Orsted gripped his sword, dashed forward, and started attacking.

Swish!

With a single strike, Orsted killed several of killer ants.

The other killer ants weren't scared.

If anything, they seemed angrier and swarmed toward Orsted even faster.

Another slaughter began.

With Orsted's strength, dealing with these killer ants wasn't a problem.

He could have even gone as far as the tenth floor without much trouble.

But Orsted didn't rush.

He decided to take it floor by floor, getting used to the strength of the monsters at each level.

In the anime, Bell reached the tenth floor and ventured into the Labyrinth District while still Level 1.

But Orsted wasn't going to take such reckless risks.

After checking the area and making sure no new monsters were spawning, Orsted started collecting the magic stones scattered on the ground.

Once he had gathered all the stones, Orsted looked at his pouch and felt a little worried.

His system was a bit unusual.

It had a random sign-in function, but it didn't come with the usual system storage space.

If it had storage, he wouldn't have to worry about carrying supplies and loot.

"I hope the two pouches I brought are enough," Orsted muttered, patting the bag at his waist.

"Maybe I should find a supporter," he thought, and the image of a certain girl came to mind.

"I'll talk to Hestia about this when I get back," Orsted said to himself before setting off again.

In just two hours, Orsted had gone from the fifth floor to the ninth floor.

By then, both of his pouches were completely full.

"They're full, and it's getting late. Time to head back," Orsted decided.

Yesterday, his pouches were only two-thirds full, and he'd earned 110,000 valis.

This time, with both completely full, Orsted estimated he could exchange around 300,000 valis.

"I'm going to get another lecture from Eina," Orsted muttered as he walked through the dim passage.

The return trip took a little over half the time it had taken to go down.

In just over an hour, Orsted was back on the surface.

When he went to exchange his valis at the Guild, Eina scolded him, clearly worried about his safety.

Eina even left her work at the front desk to pull Orsted into a private room for a serious talk.

This was part of her job as Orsted's adventurer advisor.

"Orsted, do you even listen to me?" Eina asked, looking both frustrated and concerned.

"Adventurers shouldn't take unnecessary risks."

"You've been ignoring my advice, haven't you?" she said, her tone sharp.

Eina didn't ask which floor Orsted had gone to today, but judging by the Valis he had earned, she knew he must have gone as far as the tenth floor.

Only the magic stones dropped by monsters on the tenth floor were large enough to be considered alot.

In other words, Orsted had jumped from the fifth floor to the those floors in a single day-a much bigger leap than his previous gradual progress.

Eina was worried that such a sudden increase in difficulty could lead to disaster.

As an adventurer advisor, her main job was to keep the adventurers under her care safe.

Over the years, she'd seen too many adventurers meet tragic ends, and she didn't want Orsted to share their fate.

"Eina, I'll say it again: I value my life. I only take on challenges I can handle, and I never act recklessly," Orsted finally said when Eina paused for breath.

"Are you saying you're strong enough to handle the those floors?" Eina asked, her frown deepening.

Orsted didn't answer directly but just smiled.

Seeing his expression, Eina's eyes widened, and she took a deep breath.

To gain the strength to tackle the tenth floor in just five days-that was an incredible rate of growth!

Recovering quickly, Eina told Orsted to keep his strength a secret.

It was shocking enough that he'd reached such a level just five days after becoming an adventurer.

After all, five days ago, Orsted had been a complete rookie.

Seeing Eina's concern, Orsted smiled slightly and nodded.

"I understand."

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Chapter 9: Need A Supporter

Chapter 9 - Need A Supporter

After leaving the Guild, Orsted rushed home with today's harvest.

When he arrived, Orsted saw Hestia sitting on a stone outside the underground church, waiting for him.

Upon seeing Orsted, Hestia jumped down from the stone and rushed toward him. She threw herself into his arms, rubbing against him with a smile on her face, muttering, "Orsted, Orsted!"

"Wow, so many! Orsted, where have you been today?" Hestia exclaimed in shock when she saw the Valis he had brought back.

This harvest was already three times what he had earned the previous day.

"The tenth floor. I can safely move around on the tenth floor with my current strength," Orsted said with a smile.

Hestia was a little surprised to hear this. She walked around Orsted to check his physical condition.

If Orsted had any injuries that even healing potions couldn't fix, Hestia would have stopped him from venturing to the tenth floor.

However, after confirming that Orsted was unharmed, Hestia breathed a sigh of relief.

"Well, very good. You don't have any obvious injuries, so you should be able to handle the tenth floor. I feel relieved now," Hestia said with a smile, placing her hands on her hips after her inspection.

Immediately, Hestia prepared to update Orsted's status.

For most familias, status updates are done once a week, or even once a month, as an adventurer's growth is usually slow.

Currently, the fastest rank-up record in Orario is held by Ais Wallenstein, the Sword Princess of the Loki Familia. It took Ais a year to rank up.

But her Orsted was different. It had only taken him five days to break records. As long as he accumulated enough excelia, he could rank up.

After updating Orsted's status for the first time, she noticed that his growth was rapid. Every day when Orsted returned, she would update his status.

Her observations proved correct. Orsted's status was improving dramatically, changing significantly each day.

And today, Orsted had ventured all the way to the tenth floor. Perhaps he had accumulated enough excelia.

So, Hestia was eager to update Orsted's status once more.

Orsted didn't resist Hestia's enthusiasm. He took off his shirt and lay on the sofa, waiting for her to update his status.

Orsted also wanted to know if he had accumulated enough excelia after exploring so many floors and defeating so many monsters today.

Seeing that Orsted was ready, Hestia began the update.

After pricking her finger, she dripped her divine blood onto Orsted's bare back.

An azure light instantly illuminated the entire underground church, and Orsted's status emerged on his back.

Without hesitation, Hestia began updating his status. Sacred words floated up, shuffled, and reorganized themselves on Orsted's back before settling back into place.

Orsted's status had changed accordingly.

[

[Name]: Orsted

[Level]: 1

Strength: SS1478

Endurance: SS1413

Dexterity: SS1456

Agility: SS1467

Magic: SS1468

[Magic]:

[Skill]:

Instant

-Can Instantly appear infront of anyone.

-No chanting required.

]

As she watched the changes in Orsted's status, Hestia felt a twinge of disappointment.

There was no indication of a rank-up on Orsted's status, meaning his excelia was still insufficient for a rank-up.

She had really hoped to see Orsted rank up.

The thought of him ranking up on the sixth day of becoming an adventurer was thrilling.

However, upon reflection, the higher Orsted's status was before ranking up, the stronger he would become afterward. With this in mind, Hestia no longer felt disappointed.

After imprinting the updated status, Hestia handed the parchment to Orsted and let him read it himself.

She sat on the floor and began eating the dinner Orsted had brought.

Orsted glanced at the parchment briefly and then burned it.

Except for the status, nothing else had changed, so there was no need to study it in detail.

Then, Orsted sat beside Hestia and joined her for dinner.

"Hey, Hestia, I've been thinking about finding a supporter," Orsted said as they ate.

"Ah, yes, you should find a supporter. Without one, your adventures will be much more difficult," Hestia agreed, nodding. She had been considering the same thing.

Although the amount of Valis Orsted brought back didn't seem excessive, exchanging it for magic stones would undoubtedly result in a significant sum.

If Orsted carried a large number of magic stones by himself, it would definitely hinder his movements.

Even if Orsted hadn't brought it up, Hestia had planned to mention it to him later.

"I'll go to Hephaestus tomorrow to see if she has any new supporters," Hestia shared her plan.

"Well, I can find a supporter myself, so there's no need to trouble Goddess Hephaestus," Orsted replied, shaking his head.

In Orsted's opinion, the best choice for a supporter was Liliruca Arde, also known as Lili. After all, Lili possessed a skill called Artel Assist, which allowed her to carry items far heavier than her own body weight.

As for Lili's personal issues, treating her well would easily correct her behavior.

Just like Bell Cranel in the original story.

If not for being manipulated, Lili would never have considered betraying Bell.

"Hmm? Is that so?" Hestia asked, surprised.

"In that case, I'll leave it to you to find one yourself," she said after a moment of thought, deciding to let Orsted handle the matter.

Vote

Chapter 10: Meeting Lili!

Chapter 10 - Meeting Lili!

The next morning, Orsted left early and headed to Babel to replenish his supplies.

The potions Orsted bought were primarily for treating minor injuries, but he also purchased two bottles of high-grade potion.

These were expensive, and Orsted didn't dare to buy too many.

After gathering his supplies, Orsted made his way to the square beneath Babel and waited quietly.

Aside from solo adventurers like him, most adventurers gathered here to meet their companions before venturing into the Dungeon.

In the anime, Liliruca Arde often sought clients in this area.

Orsted hoped to encounter her here.

However, he gave himself only an hour.

If Liliruca didn't appear within that time, Orsted would head straight into the Dungeon and try again the next day.

Fortunately, luck seemed to be on his side.

He had waited less than ten minutes when he spotted a small figure carrying an oversized backpack.

Seeing this, Orsted approached her directly.

"Adventurer?" Liliruca was visibly surprised by Orsted's approach.

"Hello..." Orsted nodded slightly and was about to extend his invitation.

But at that moment, the system that had been dormant for six days suddenly prompted something.

[Random sign-in triggered. Would you like to sign in?]

This startled Orsted, but he chose to sign in without hesitation.

[Sign-in successful. Congratulations, host, for obtaining the Perfect Version of Sun Breathing!]

[Note: The host can teach this technique to anyone.]

Orsted was stunned.

'Teach this technique to someone?'

This... was this prepared for future members of Hestia Familia?

Orsted knew full well how difficult Sun Breathing was to master.

In Demon Slayer, only three individuals had ever achieved it.

But the description implied that anyone Orsted taught could learn it, regardless of their natural aptitude.

This meant Orsted could share this powerful technique with others, significantly boosting the strength of Hestia Familia.

Of course, Orsted himself would remain unmatched, thanks to his tenfold skill.

With Sun Breathing, the future members of Hestia Familia would undoubtedly grow stronger.

"Adventurer?" Seeing Orsted's distracted expression, Liliruca frowned slightly, taking a subtle step back.

"Is something wrong?"

Could this be one of the adventurers she had deceived in the past?

No, Liliruca was certain she had never tricked an elf, let alone one as handsome as Orsted.

Her thoughts raced anxiously.

"Oh, sorry. Something just came to mind," Orsted said, snapping back to reality.

"Liliruca Arde-may I call you Lili?"

"And would you like to team up with me?" Orsted smiled warmly and extended his invitation.

"Adventurer, you know my name?!" Liliruca took a few steps back, her voice tinged with alarm.

If Orsted knew her name, he must have investigated her past.

He was surely aware of her reputation and the rumors surrounding her.

Was this a trap? Did he have ulterior motives?

"I know about your past, but I don't care. My invitation is sincere."

"Lili, do you want a chance to start over?" Orsted reached out his hand, his tone earnest.

If Liliruca accepted, Orsted was determined to help her rebuild her life and welcome her into Hestia Familia.

She was teetering on the edge of despair, one step away from falling into the abyss.

But if someone extended a hand, that person could become her guiding light-the one she would respect and follow for the rest of her life.

Just as in the anime.

Orsted, familiar with the story, was confident he could become that light for her.

As Liliruca looked into Orsted's eyes, her heart trembled.

She felt an inexplicable warmth radiating from him, as if he truly didn't care about her past mistakes and genuinely wanted to help her.

If she let this opportunity slip, she might never encounter someone like him again.

But was it safe to trust him?

Her mind was still wrestling with doubt, but her body acted on its own.

Her small hand found its way into Orsted's palm.

The touch snapped her back to reality, and she stared in shock at what she had done.

"It's a deal, then. From now on, you'll be my companion," Orsted smiled as he held her hand.

"Ah... okay," Liliruca nodded blankly.

She didn't understand why she had acted so impulsively, but deep down, she knew she had always longed for redemption.

'Orsted-sama, will you be my salvation?' Liliruca thought anxiously as she walked beside him, her backpack slung over her shoulders.

"Don't be so nervous, Lili. We're companions now," Orsted said gently, noticing her unease.

"I'll help you work through your problems step by step."

"You'll be living with me and Hestia from now on."

"That way, you won't have to worry about the Soma Familia causing you trouble."

Liliruca nodded silently, still processing everything.

Seeing her hesitation, Orsted shook his head slightly.

Her heart was still guarded, and she was clearly confused by his sudden appearance.

To ease her tension, Orsted began chatting about various topics, gradually drawing Liliruca into the conversation.

His efforts paid off.

Within half an hour, Liliruca began responding more actively.

"Orsted-sama, which floor are we heading to?"

"The tenth floor."

"Eh?! That deep?"

"Is it deep?"

"Isn't it?"

"Not really. If I weren't bringing you along, I'd be heading to the Middle Floors."

Liliruca: "..."

Vote

Chapter 11: Sun Breathing

Chapter 11 - Sun Breathing

"Is this the power of Sun Breathing?"

After unleashing the full might of Sun Breathing to create a swirling blade aura, Orsted couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion.

Now, even if a Minotaur stood before him, Orsted was confident he could slay it in a single strike.

A Minotaur is a Level 2 monster, yet Orsted was certain he could defeat it instantly.

This alone speaks volumes about how much his combat prowess had improved after getting Sun Breathing.

This is the advantage of having a sign in system.

Before, Orsted had relied solely on his instincts in battle, leaving him utterly vulnerable.

He had no formal combat skills to speak of.

After all, Orsted was still a rookie adventurer, having only started his journey five or six days ago.

But now, he had overcome this weakness.

As for the fact that these combat skills weren't something he had learned through experience but rather acquired through a system, Orsted didn't mind.

He wasn't arrogant by nature; in fact, he was quite humble.

Unlike those prideful protagonists who looked down on borrowed power, believing only their own hard-earned skills were worthy, Orsted had a clear understanding of himself.

If he gained something, it was his to use.

It didn't matter if it was created by someone else.

"Orsted-sama, you're amazing!!"

Lili couldn't help but murmur as she watched Orsted effortlessly slay over a dozen Purple Moths without a scratch.

The battle was a sight to behold.

She had accompanied many adventurers before, but none had left such an impression as Orsted.

"Lili, what are you standing there for? Come help me collect the magic stones." Orsted, already busy gathering the magic stones, noticed Lili standing in a daze and called out to her.

"Ah, yes, Orsted-sama! Lili is on her way!" Snapping out of her reverie, Lili hurried over and began collecting the magic stones scattered across the ground.

"We've got a drop item!"

"It's a Purple Moth wing. They're quite rare and fetch a high price on the market." After a moment of collecting, Lili held up a shimmering wing and ran over to Orsted.

"Oh, a drop item? I didn't expect that."

"I'm not too familiar with these things. Lili, do you know how much this wing is worth?" Orsted asked, genuinely surprised.

Having only been an adventurer for a few days, he was still learning the ropes.

"They're worth about 50,000 Valis each. They're incredibly valuable."

"Orsted-sama, you're so lucky!" Lili exclaimed excitedly.

Typically, supporters like Lili received half of the spoils adventurers earned.

With the drop of a Purple Moth wing, as long as Orsted honored the unspoken agreement between adventurers and supporters-unlike some unscrupulous adventurers-she stood to gain 25,000 Valis.

"That much? That's fantastic!" Orsted was pleasantly surprised.

The magic stones dropped by the Purple Moths he had slain weren't nearly as valuable as this wing.

"Here, your share just increased by 25,000 Valis." After examining the wing, Orsted handed it to Lili with a smile.

"Huh?!" Lili was momentarily stunned, then broke into a wide grin.

"Thank you, Orsted-sama!"

Once they had collected all the magic stones, the pair pressed onward.

At this point, Orsted and Lili were on the 9th Floor.

The next floor was the 10th Floor.

As soon as they entered, Orsted noticed the thick fog enveloping the area.

The 10th Floor was a large, flat expanse, perpetually shrouded in dense fog, making it difficult to see more than a few dozen meters ahead.

Most Level 1 adventurers would proceed with caution here, wary of being ambushed by monsters from all directions.

But Orsted felt no fear.

After all, he possessed skill like Instant.

Even if surrounded, he could use it to escape with Lili.

Not long after entering the floor, the Dungeon responded.

One by one, Orcs emerged from the fog, charging toward Orsted and Lili.

"Lili, stay back."

Lili obeyed immediately, retreating with her oversized backpack.

As Lili moved away, an Orc tried to intercept her, but Orsted swiftly take it down.

"So powerful! They can't even withstand a single strike from Orsted-sama!" Lili, glancing back as she ran, was amazed.

The Orcs were clearly stronger than the Purple Moths, yet Orsted dispatched them with ease.

But this was only the beginning.

What followed completely redefined Lili's understanding of Orsted's strength.

A dozen Orcs posed no threat to him.

Orsted moved like a blur, darting between the monsters and cutting them down in a matter of moments.

"You're incredible!!!" Lili murmured, utterly awestruck.

"Lili, come collect the magic stones. It looks like we've got more drop items." Orsted called out.

"Oh, right away!" Lili responded quickly, rushing over.

"Orsted-sama, you're so lucky! Another drop item! These are Orc weapons. They can be forged into incredibly durable gear. Many new adventurers love these materials."

"This hilde, for example, could sell for at least 70,000 Valis." Lili explained, her excitement palpable.

"Huh, I never got any drop items when I was adventuring alone before."

"But today, teaming up with you, Lili, we've gotten two drops in a row. You must be my good luck charm."

"It seems I made the right choice." Orsted said with a grin.

Lili blushed, feeling both embarrassed and pleased.

"Oh, stop it, Orsted-sama. Lili isn't that lucky."

Vote

Chapter 12: Inviting Lili

Chapter 12 - Inviting Lili

After spending several hours on the tenth floor, Orsted set out on his return journey.

Thanks to Lili, Orsted obtained five drop items today, as well as more Magic Stones than yesterday.

It took only an hour for the two to return to the surface.

However, when they emerged, it was already evening.

Soon, Orsted exchanged their magic stones for Valis.

Fortunately, Lili did not follow him inside.

Otherwise, based on Eina's understanding of Lili, she would certainly advise Orsted not to associate with her.

"The amount has increased again. Have you reached a new floor?" Eina remarked, noticing that Orsted had exchanged more than double the Valis compared to yesterday.

She sighed slightly and looked at him with a hint of helplessness.

"No, I found a Supporter today, so I was able to fight more freely and gain more," Orsted replied, shaking his head.

He had not ventured to a new floor today, instead staying active on the tenth floor.

"Really? That's good to hear."

"Here, a total of 500,000 Valis," Eina said, relieved by Orsted's answer.

She handed him the exchanged Valis, divided into two pouches-one for Orsted and one for his Supporter.

"Thank you, Eina," Orsted smiled, grateful for her thoughtfulness.

"You're welcome. Just remember, don't take unnecessary risks," Eina replied with a nod, offering a brief warning before returning to her work without further lecturing, unlike the previous day.

Orsted did not disturb her further.

After glancing at Eina as she continued her work, he turned and left the Guild.

As soon as he stepped outside, Orsted saw Lili waiting for him.

At that moment, Lili's face was filled with anticipation, though it was tinged with a trace of worry.

Orsted understood her thoughts immediately.

She was likely concerned that he might behave like those unscrupulous adventurers who either withheld or deducted their Supporters' shares.

Without a word, Orsted handed her the pouche that Eina had prepared.

Lili quickly reached out and took it, opening it to inspect the contents.

Confirming that Orsted had not shortchanged her like others, a relieved and excited smile spread across her face.

However, at that moment, Orsted spoke up.

"Lili, come to my place first today."

"Your situation doesn't seem to be very safe."

"Huh?" Lili looked up at Orsted, puzzled.

Orsted was not looking at her but to the left.

Lili followed his gaze, and her pupils shrank.

She recognized those people-they were members of the Soma Familia who often robbed her of her earnings.

Several times, she had managed to secure rewards from kind-hearted adventurers, only to have them stolen by these individuals.

The sight of them filled Lili with hatred.

At the same time, she felt a pang of fear.

She was no match for them.

Every time they robbed her, they would beat her up.

"Let's go, Lili," Orsted said calmly after observing them for a moment.

Lili nodded and followed him without protest.

Before leaving, she shot a defiant glance at the group, hoping to provoke them.

She wanted them to attack her today, knowing that Orsted would make them regret it.

After all, Lili had witnessed Orsted's strength firsthand throughout the day.

The monsters on the tenth floor hadn't even been able to touch him.

In contrast, these thieves were nothing more than weaklings who had made no progress in over a year.

"What was that look in Lili's eyes just now?" one of the adventurers muttered angrily, clearly provoked by her glare.

"Let's follow them," another said.

"We'll take Lili and that new adventurer down together," their leader declared.

With that, the group quietly trailed Orsted and Lili.

"Lili, do you think we should deal with these guys?" Orsted noticed their pursuit.

"Orsted-sama, are you planning to kill them?" Lili's heart skipped a beat at his words.

She could sense the cold, unmistakable aura emanating from him, sending a shiver down her spine.

"If you don't want me to, I can spare their lives."

"Orsted-sama can do as he sees fit. Lili has no objections," Lili shook her head.

She despised those men deeply.

If they hadn't robbed her of her earnings, she might never have resorted to those wrongdoings.

If Orsted wanted to eliminate them, she fully supported the idea.

However, she couldn't help but voice a concern.

"Is it really okay to kill them."

"It's fine. We'll just lead them to a remote area," Orsted replied calmly, his expression unchanged.

With that, he quickened his pace.

Lili hurried to keep up.

The group followed closely.

Soon, Orsted and Lili entered a dark, secluded alley.

The pursuers, seeing their opportunity, rushed in after them.

However, as soon as they entered the alley, something greeted them.

Sun Breathing"Second Form: Clear Blue Sky!

Vote

Chapter 13: Is This Correct!?

Chapter 13 - Is This Correct!?

Orsted defeated those weaklings in one go, and the other party didn't even see how he did it.

"Orsted-sama, what should we do next?" Seeing Orsted kill the three men who had been following them so easily, Lili was both shocked and worried.

Although this place was remote, there were still some people around. They and the three trackers who had entered here might have been seen.

Now that the three were killed by Orsted, once the Guild investigated, it was very likely that they would be traced back to this location.

"It's okay, I have a way," Orsted said with a faint smile.

"Huh?"

"Lili, come here." Orsted didn't explain further. Instead, he half-crouched beside the three corpses and waved Lili over.

Lili didn't understand but complied nonetheless.

As she approached Orsted, she felt a hand gently placed on her shoulder.

This startled Lili, and for a moment, she thought Orsted might kill her to silence her.

However, the next moment, she realized she was overthinking.

There was a flash of light, and Orsted, Lili, and the three corpses on the ground disappeared instantly.

Orsted was skilled at disposing of bodies and covering his tracks, and this was how he had handled similar situations before.

Lili only felt a flash before her eyes, and then she found herself transported from the dark alley to a ruin.

When Lili regained her senses, she saw Orsted digging a hole.

"Orsted-sama?" Lili called out, still confused.

"Ah, Lili, you've come back to your senses. Come and help me," Orsted said, pausing his digging to gesture toward her.

"Orsted-sama, what are you doing?" Lili still didn't understand.

"Digging a pit to bury them. We need to dispose of these bodies," Orsted replied matter-of-factly.

"Eh?!" Lili exclaimed in surprise.

"I feel like the image of Orsted-sama in my heart has been shattered in an instant," Lili said blankly after helping him bury the three bodies.

"Oh? What image did you have of me?" Orsted asked, curious.

"Well... I don't know how to say it, but I always felt that you, Orsted-sama, were like a ray of light," Lili admitted, her face flushing with embarrassment.

Before, she had seen Orsted as a beacon of hope, gradually shining into her heart. Now, however, she couldn't help but feel that this light was a little... tarnished.

"Haha," Orsted laughed heartily at her response.

He hadn't expected Lili to hold such an image of him. Still, this was a good thing. After all, Orsted had planned to treat Lili as a companion. Since he was prepared to do so, he naturally wanted to redeem her.

And if his image in Lili's heart was that of a ray of light, it was a positive foundation to build upon. Redeeming someone, after all, was about filling their heart with warmth and light-or so Orsted believed.

"Since I am a light in your heart, I will try to let this light fill your heart in the future," Orsted said gently, reaching out to pat Lili's head.

Lili was slightly stunned by his words and gentle expression. For a moment, the "tarnished" light she had perceived seemed to regain its brilliance.

After a long pause, Lili hurriedly lowered her head, her cheeks tinged with red.

Orsted-sama is so kind...

"Lili, I will introduce you to Hestia later. Then, Hestia and I will try to help you leave the Soma Familia," Orsted said as they walked back to the abandoned church.

"Orsted-sama, you seem to know me very well."

"In that case, you must also know what I've done."

"Why would you want to help me, Orsted-sama?" Lili asked, her voice filled with disbelief. She was smart enough to realize that Orsted was fully aware of her past actions. Yet, she couldn't understand why he would still want to help her.

"You haven't truly fallen into the abyss. You can still pull yourself back."

"I value your abilities, and I'm confident I can guide you toward redemption," Orsted replied with a smile.

"That reason..." Lili wasn't entirely convinced. Who would believe such words? That he valued her abilities and was willing to overlook her past misdeeds? It seemed too good to be true.

"Well, you can think of it as me being kind."

"Just trust that I won't hurt you," Orsted said, realizing that a few words wouldn't be enough to earn Lili's complete trust.

After all, Lili's harsh upbringing had made her deeply wary of others. It was already a significant step that she had extended even a small measure of trust toward him today.

Orsted was prepared to gradually earn her trust through daily interactions and cooperation, slowly working his way into her heart.

Hearing this, Lili gave Orsted a long, thoughtful look but didn't press the matter further. Instead, she began discussing with him how to handle the five dropped items they had acquired that day.

As they walked and talked, they soon arrived at the temporary residence of the Hestia Familia-the abandoned church.

Hestia was waiting outside the church and ran over excitedly when she saw Orsted.

However, upon noticing Lili beside him, Hestia's steps faltered slightly.

But the hesitation was brief, and she quickly resumed her pace, throwing herself into Orsted's arms.

"Welcome back, Orsted!"

"And who is this?"

"This is Lili, my chosen supporter."

"Hmm? Lili?"

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Chapter 14: Miach

Chapter 14 - Miach

The next day, Orsted did not set out for the Dungeon early morning but stayed in the church.

As for the reason, Hestia had told him not to go.

Her friend, Miach wanted to ask him to collect some medicinal herbs.

So, although Orsted woke up very early, he did not go directly to the Dungeon.

Soon, Miach arrived at the abandoned church.

[Random sign-in has been triggered. Host, do you wish to sign in?]

As soon as Orsted saw Miach, the system prompt sounded in his mind.

Orsted was slightly startled but quickly complied.

'Sign in.'

[Sign-in successful. Congratulations, Host, for obtaining the Familia Barrier!]

[Familia Barrier: The Familia Barrier can effectively protect the Familia's residence and it's god from danger.]

Seeing this reward, Orsted was overjoyed.

His current situation was developing smoothly, but the one thing he worried about was Hestia.

Adventurers were closely tied to their gods.

If their god encountered trouble, the adventurers would also face consequences.

In the anime, the adventurers of Evilus had nearly died due to the ascension of their god.

Orsted didn't know the exact consequences adventurers faced after their god ascended, but it was undoubtedly disastrous.

Orsted had always been concerned about the dangers Hestia might encounter.

Now, with the Familia Barrier, he no longer had to worry.

The barrier could not only protect the Familia's residence but also provide one-on-one protection for her.

In other words, if Hestia were ever in danger, the barrier would activate immediately to shield her from harm.

Orsted wasn't sure how strong the barrier's protection was, but having it was far better than not.

Though he pondered all this, only a second had passed in reality.

No one noticed Orsted's momentary distraction.

"Orsted-kun, I'll leave those infos in your hands."

Standing before Orsted was Miach, Hestia's friend and the God of Medicine.

As Hestia had mentioned the previous night, Miach had come to entrust Orsted with gathering herbs and materials to make potions.

"Miach-sama, would you like Naaza to join us?" Orsted asked after glancing at the list of materials.

Miach was slightly taken aback but then shook his head gently.

"I would like Naaza to accompany you, but the child is still terrified of the Dungeon. She doesn't dare to venture down there," Miach explained with a sigh.

Orsted recalled that Naaza was the sole remaining member of the Miach Familia.

Due to past trauma, she had developed a deep fear of monsters and avoided facing them entirely.

Now, she stayed on the orario, running the Miach Familia's small shop and crafting potions for a living.

Occasionally, she would venture out to sell the potions she made.

"Orsted-kun, if you have time, please visit us. The potions I make are truly exceptional," Miach said with a smile before taking his leave.

"Orsted-sama, these materials are found on the sixth and ninth floors. I know where they're most abundant. I can lead the way," Lili, who had been standing quietly nearby, spoke up after Miach left.

Lili was familiar with the materials listed on the paper, as she often dealt with various medicinal ingredients.

After all, crafting poisons required knowledge of herbs as well.

"You know where to find them? That's great. I was worried we'd have to search blindly."

Having only recently arrived in this world, Orsted was still unfamiliar with the Dungeon's layout, despite learning much from Eina.

Soon, Orsted and Lili packed their supplies and left the abandoned church, heading toward Babel.

Only Hestia remained in the church, still asleep.

She always slept until she woke naturally, carefree and childlike.

Orsted and Lili didn't head straight to the Dungeon.

Instead, they went to Babel to sell the materials they had gathered the previous day and convert their earnings into Valis.

Once that was done, they made their way to the Dungeon.

First, they completed Miach's commission, then proceeded to the tenth floor and beyond to hunt monsters.

Yesterday, they had adventured on the tenth floor.

Today, Orsted planned to push further, venturing into the eleventh and twelfth floors.

With his strength, he was more than capable of handling the challenges there.

His current status made him extraordinary.

At least among Level 1 adventurers, Orsted was unmatched.

The eleventh and twelfth floors were still considered beginner areas for Level 1 adventurers.

Beyond the twelfth floor lay the thirteenth floor, marking the beginning of the middle floors.

The floors were divided into four parts: the upper floors, the middle floors, the lower floors, and the deep floors.

The upper floors spanned the first to twelfth floors, the middle floors the thirteenth to twenty-fourth, and the lower floors the twenty-fifth to thirty-sixth.

Beyond the thirty-seventh floor lay the deep floors.

The monsters were also tiered by floor.

Monsters on the upper floors were Level 1, suitable for Level 1 adventurers.

The middle floors housed primarily Level 2 monsters, with a few Level 1 exceptions, making them ideal for Level 2 adventurers.

The lower floors were dominated by Level 3 monsters, while the deep floors were home to Level 4 creatures.

To survive in the deep floors, one needed at least Level 4 combat prowess-unless, of course, they were part of a large-scale Familia expedition.

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Chapter 15: Shadows Of Her Past

Chapter 15 - Shadows Of Her Past

For several days, Orsted and Lili stayed in the upper floors and did not venture into the middle floors.

During this time, Miach commissioned Orsted to collect herbs daily, rewarding him with two bottles of high potions crafted by Miach himself.

The potions were incredibly valuable, each bottle costing at least 25,000 Valis.

"Naaza, are you sure you won't join us?" Orsted asked, looking at the Chienthrope who had taken the herbs.

"Thank you, Orsted," Naaza replied gently. "But I'm afraid I still can't bring myself to enter the Dungeon."

Naaza Erisuis, the sole remaining member of the Miach Familia, was the adventurer Orsted had mentioned earlier-the one who had suffered a traumatic experience in the Dungeon and could no longer face monsters.

She smiled softly as she declined Orsted's invitation, her expression tinged with regret.

This was Orsted's fifth invitation. Nearly every day when he came to submit the commission, he would ask her to join him.

But Naaza didn't find it annoying. On the contrary, she was deeply grateful for Orsted's persistence.

Over the past few days, Naaza had come to regard Orsted as a friend.

Not only because their respective deities were friends, but also because of Orsted's unwavering concern for her.

She had long understood Orsted's intentions and was certain that he genuinely cared about her. He wanted to help her overcome her past trauma, which was why he kept inviting her.

Her certainty stemmed from her deity, Miach.

Humans couldn't lie in the presence of gods, and Miach could discern the truth in Orsted's words.

Miach had assured her that everything Orsted said was sincere-he truly cared for her and wanted to see her recover.

Unfortunately, Naaza still couldn't escape the shadows of her past. All she could do was apologize to Orsted.

"Is that so? In that case, I'll ask again tomorrow," Orsted said with a smile, unfazed by her refusal. He accepted the two potions Naaza handed him, nodded politely, and turned to leave.

Naaza watched quietly as Orsted's figure disappeared through the shop door, then slowly turned away.

"Naaza," Miach's voice called out shortly after Orsted left. The small door at the back of the shop opened, and Miach emerged.

"Miach-sama," Naaza greeted softly.

"Naaza, if possible, I also hope you'll consider joining Orsted," Miach said with a gentle smile. "He's very concerned about you. I believe he wants you to be the pharmacist for his team. He'll protect you and ensure you're not harmed."

"let me think about it," Naaza replied, her voice hesitant. She had heard this from her deity many times but still couldn't bring herself to agree.

"Take your time," Miach said kindly, not pressing the matter further. He took the herbs Orsted had delivered and sat down at the workbench to begin crafting potions.

Naaza fell silent, her gaze drifting back to the shop door.

---

On the other side, after leaving Miach's potion shop, Orsted found Lili waiting outside.

"Orsted-sama," Lili called out as he approached.

"Let's go, Lili. We'll head to Babel, sell our drop items, upgrade our equipment, and prepare to enter the middle floors tomorrow," Orsted said with a smile.

Lili truly seemed to bring good fortune.

In the days before recruiting her as a supporter, Orsted had rarely encountered drop items. But since she joined him, they had found valuable items almost every day.

In fact, the proceeds from the drop items they sold the day before yesterday had even surpassed the earnings from magic stones.

Except for the items obtained on their first day together, which were sold before their second adventure, the drop items from the past few days had been sold immediately upon their return to the surface.

Today, however, was different. Orsted needed to upgrade his equipment, which would take some time, so he had decided to visit Miach's shop first to submit the commission.

Orsted was ready to venture into the middle floors.

His strength was more than sufficient for the challenges there.

The only reason he had stayed in the upper floors was to accumulate enough excelia to level up to Level 2.

It would be safer to explore the middle floors as a Level 2 adventurer.

However, after several days, Orsted's excelia still hadn't reached the required threshold.

He decided not to waste any more time in the upper floors and instead planned to seek out Level 2 monsters in the middle floors.

Defeating one or two Level 2 monsters should be enough to fill his excelia bar.

Once their equipment was upgraded, Orsted and Lili would begin their adventure in the middle floors.

By the way, Orsted hadn't triggered sign-in when he met Naaza earlier.

It seemed the system's sign-ins were truly random.

As Orsted and Lili walked toward Babel, their camaraderie had grown stronger over the past few days.

Lili's initial wariness of Orsted had almost entirely faded, replaced by deep trust.

The reason for this was Orsted's decision to teach her the Sun Breathing.

Since learning it, Lili had practiced diligently, and her once frail physique had gradually improved to match that of a normal person.

In another day or two, Lili's body would likely be strong enough for her to officially become an adventurer.

As a result, Lili felt immense gratitude toward Orsted.

This gratitude had blossomed into unwavering trust.

The two chatted and laughed as they made their way to Babel.

"Over here, Orsted! Lili!" Eina's voice called out as they approached. She stood on tiptoe, waving enthusiastically outside Babel.

Orsted quickened his pace, and Lili hurried after him.

"Eina, thank you for waiting," Orsted said with a smile as they reached her.

"No problem. Let's go-I'll help you prepare the supplies you'll need for the middle floors," Eina replied warmly.

With that, the three of them entered Babel, boarded the elevator, and went to upper area.

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Chapter 16: Asking Eina!

Chapter 16 - Asking Eina!

Neither Orsted nor Lili knew much about the situation on the middle floors.

Although Orsted had been adventuring in the Dungeon these days and returned very late every night, he hadn't had much time to ask Eina for information about the middle floors.

Lili, though doing well on the upper floors, was not very familiar with the middle floors and lacked sufficient information.

But Eina was different.

The Guild collected the most comprehensive information about the Dungeon.

After every adventure or expedition, each familia would submit their findings to the Guild.

As a Guild employee and Orsted's advisor, Eina could easily access this information.

Since Eina happened to be Orsted's advisor, it was natural for him to consult her directly if he needed information about the middle floors.

Now, he could ask Eina for advice on upgrading his equipment and preparing supplies for the middle floors, and she would gladly assist.

Orsted invited Eina to join him and Lili at Babel.

"Orsted, you want to go to the middle floors. I won't oppose your decision, but you must be careful and avoid taking unnecessary risks. Understand?" Eina warned, walking ahead of Orsted and Lili with her hands behind her back.

She didn't look back as she spoke, but halfway through her warning, she turned around and smiled at Orsted.

If it were anyone else-a rookie with less than ten days of experience and no veteran to guide them-saying they wanted to venture into the middle floors, Eina would have thought them foolish.

If it were one of the rookies under her care, she would have done everything in her power to stop them.

But this was Orsted, and she wouldn't stop him.

She knew his strength and the number of adventures he had undertaken in the past few days from the exchange of valis.

The magic stones Orsted had collected were increasing daily, and the valis he exchanged was growing as well.

This meant Orsted's strength was sufficient for the upper floors, and staying there would only hinder his growth.

However, while Eina wouldn't stop him, she still felt the need to remind him of the dangers. She had seen too many rookies die in the Dungeon due to recklessness.

Several of the adventurers she had advised had met such fates. She didn't want Orsted to end up like them.

As she spoke, Eina glanced at Lili out of the corner of her eye.

She had been opposed to Orsted recruiting Lili as his supporter, knowing Lili's reputation. She had even warned Orsted about Lili's past, but he had simply smiled and said nothing in response.

Though he didn't explicitly state it, Eina understood that Orsted had no intention of giving up on Lili as his supporter.

This worried her, but it was ultimately Orsted's decision, so she didn't interfere.

Instead, she made a habit of arriving at the Guild early every morning to wait for Orsted and Lili at the entrance, giving Orsted daily reminders to be cautious of Lili.

Lili noticed Eina's gaze but wasn't angry. She knew how bad her reputation was among adventurers.

As Orsted's advisor, it was natural for Eina to be wary of a supporter with such a notorious past.

However, Lili had decided to turn over a new leaf and adventure honestly with Orsted. She believed that, over time, Eina would come to see her in a new light.

"I've said it before-I value my life more than anyone else, and I'll only do what I'm capable of," Orsted replied with a smile, responding to Eina's daily admonitions.

"Good," Eina said, deciding not to press further. She then led Orsted and Lili through Babel to help them prepare supplies. Of course, the cost of the supplies was covered by Orsted and Lili.

On Eina's salary, she couldn't afford to buy much for them.

By the end of the trip, Lili's large backpack was nearly full, and Orsted's earnings for the day were completely spent.

After purchasing the supplies, the three returned to the surface. At the Guild entrance, Orsted waved goodbye to Eina. But before parting, he suddenly thought of something.

"Hey, Eina, have you ever considered becoming an adventurer?" Orsted asked, turning back to her.

"Huh?" Eina was momentarily stunned by the question. After a moment, she shook her head slightly. "I didn't expect you to invite me to become an adventurer, but I'm sorry-I can't give you an answer right now."

"That's fine," Orsted said with a nod, unfazed. He then left with Lili.

As Orsted and Lili walked away, Eina quietly watched their retreating figures, her gaze lingering on Orsted. A faint sparkle appeared in her eyes.

It was the first time someone had invited her to become an adventurer companion.

Such invitations weren't uncommon in the Guild. Guild staff, especially advisors, were highly sought after by adventurers due to their extensive knowledge of the Dungeon.

Having an advisor as a companion provided a significant advantage in terms of intelligence, making it easier to navigate the upper, middle, and even lower floors safely.

However, since becoming an advisor, Eina had never received such an invitation. Orsted was the first to ask her.

Though she couldn't give him an immediate answer, the invitation lingered in her mind.

"Maybe I r-really..." Eina murmured to herself, thinking of Orsted's seemingly slender and unassuming appearance.

She had a soft spot for boys like him-ones who appeared delicate but were strong in their own way.

If she joined the Hestia Familia, perhaps Orsted would rely on her even more, especially for intelligence and logistics.

With this thought, Eina turned and slowly made her way home.

---

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Chapter 17: Meeting Hestia's Another Friend!

Chapter 17 - Meeting Hestia's Another Friend!

Orsted and Lili said goodbye to Eina and headed toward the church.

After more than ten minutes of travel, the two returned.

In the past, Hestia would wait for them on the stone outside the abandoned church.

However, this time, Orsted and Lili did not see her.

As they approached the entrance of the church, Orsted heard laughter coming from inside.

There were two female voices-one was Hestia's, and the other was unfamiliar to both Orsted and Lili.

The two exchanged glances.

"Is this one of Hestia's friend?" they wondered.

Then, they stepped into the church.

"Ah, Orsted, Lili, you're back!" Hestia exclaimed. "Let me introduce you to Hephaestus."

"This is Orsted, my first familia member," Hestia continued. "And next to him is Lili, from the Soma Familia, who is Orsted's supporter."

As Orsted and Lili approached, Hestia immediately introduced them to the red-haired goddess sitting beside her.

Hephaestus was dressed like a modern beauty, wearing a white shirt, black leather pants, and a black eye patch over one eye.

"Lady Hephaestus," Orsted said, bowing slightly.

He was familiar with her, as she was Hestia's closest friend.

After Hestia descended from heaven, she had initially stayed with Hephaestus.

However, Hestia's obsession with heroic books and her lack of effort in building her familia eventually led Hephaestus to ask her to leave.

The church where they now lived was provided by Hephaestus as a gesture of friendship.

Lili followed Orsted's lead and greeted respectfully, "Lady Hephaestus."

"Just call me Hephaestus," the goddess replied gently.

At that moment, system prompt sounded in Orsted's mind:

[Random sign-in has been triggered. Would you like to sign in?]

'Sign in!'

[Sign-in successful. Congratulations, for obtaining Mystery: EX!]

"Hmm?" Orsted was momentarily confused by the reward but decided to investigate later, as the current situation wasn't suitable.

"Orsted, Lili, surprise!" Hestia said with a smile.

"Hephaestus and I have agreed that if you need to buy equipment in the future, you can visit her shop, and she'll give you a 20% discount."

Orsted was slightly stunned, his mouth opening in surprise.

Lili, too, was taken aback.

Hestia noticed their lack of enthusiasm and grew confused.

"Why don't you seem excited about this?" she asked.

Hephaestus, however, quickly deduced the reason. "Hestia, it seems Orsted has already brought new equipmentz," she said, covering her mouth as she chuckled.

Hestia froze, then shattered into a state of despair.

Recovering, she rushed to Orsted, grabbed his collar, and roared in frustration, "Orsted, why didn't you discuss the equipments with me?!"

"Hestia-sama," Lili blushed slightly, "Orsted-sama mentioned it to you last night, but you were drunk at the time. He and I left you a note this morning. Didn't you see it?"

Hestia's face froze.

The previous night, she had dined and chatted with Hephaestus and Miach, drinking heavily.

When she woke up, she felt terrible and had a runny nose.

In her groggy state, she had grabbed something from the bedside table, crumpled it, and used it to blow her nose.

After fully waking up, she had tossed it into the trash.

"Huh? The paper is missing?" Lili's voice came from the bedside.

At this point, not only was Hestia's face frozen, but her entire body seemed to stiffen.

She turned her head mechanically toward the trash can near the bed, her expression one of utter devastation.

Seeing her reaction, Orsted and Lili didn't need to guess what had happened.

"Haha!" Hephaestus laughed without restraint.

Her laughter seemed to trigger something in Hestia, who clutched her head and shook it wildly.

Orsted quickly stepped forward to comfort her, saying everything he could to soothe her shattered spirits.

Eventually, Hestia calmed down, though she remained somewhat silent.

"Well, I'll head back now," Hephaestus said, as she stood up. "Orsted, I've already informed my familia."

"When you visit to purchase equipment, just mention your name, and they'll give you a discount."

"Thank you, Lady Hephaestus."

"No need for formalities. Just call me Hephaestus."

"Then... Hephaestus?"

"Yes, that's fine."

---

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Chapter 18: Another Idiot

Chapter 18 - Another Idiot

After Hephaestus left, Orsted examined the reward he had just received.

Taking a moment to understand the so-called Mystery: EX, he couldn't help but take a deep breath.

Mystery is the foundation for crafting magic items.

Only adventurers with the Development Ability of Mystery are qualified to create such items.

What Orsted had obtained was this very ability and it was of the highest tier.

With this ability, Orsted could create a wide range of magic items.

If combined with Development Ability of Mage, he could even craft grimoires. Suppressing the excitement bubbling within him, Orsted took a deep breath to steady himself.

"What's wrong, Orsted-sama?" Lili asked, tilting her head in confusion.

Hestia, too, looked at him with curiosity.

"It's a secret. You'll find out when the time comes," Orsted replied with a playful wink.

His vague answer only deepened their curiosity, but neither Hestia nor Lili pressed further.

The three of them shared dinner, chatted about the Middle Floors, and eventually drifted off to sleep.

As for the daily updates of his status, Orsted had decided to hold off.

Knowing his excelia wasn't sufficient, he didn't update his status. He planned to do so after returning from the Middle Floors.

The next morning, Orsted and Lili prepared to set out. However, they didn't leave together.

Lili mentioned she needed to stop by a place she frequented to pick up some supplies. Orsted, on the other hand, went ahead to wait at Babel Square.

Orsted was supposed to wait for Lili at the square, and the two would enter the Dungeon together.

However, after waiting for over twenty minutes, things took an unexpected turn.

For the first time since becoming an adventurer, someone approached Orsted-and it wasn't a friendly encounter.

The man tried to drive a wedge between Orsted and Lili, speaking negatively about her and even attempting to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Orsted.

But Orsted stepped aside, avoiding him entirely.

Orsted didn't bother hiding his disgust. The man, unfazed, simply smirked and walked away. Shortly after, Lili arrived at the square.

In the past, Lili's smile had always been bright and genuine. Now, though she still smiled, Orsted noticed a hint of stiffness in her expression.

Glancing at the group lingering nearby, he immediately understood.

These were the same individuals who had caused trouble between Bell Cranel and Lili in the anime.

Gently patting Lili's head, Orsted spoke in a soft tone, "Lili, keep up the act for now. Let them think they've fooled us. Once we're in the Dungeon, we'll find a chance to deal with them."

Hearing his words, Lili's eyes widened slightly, and her smile grew brighter. 'Of course, Orsted-sama would never harm me!'

After spending so much time together, she had come to understand Orsted's character. He was decisive and ruthless, the type who avoided trouble but never backed down when confronted.

In the past few days, anyone who had provoked him in the Dungeon had met a grim fate. If Orsted said he would eliminate those people, he meant it.

Since he was already planning to take care of them, there was no way he would side with them against her.

Now that she thought about it, the earlier scene had likely been staged by those bastards to make her doubt Orsted, just as they had done before.

Today's plans would need some adjustments. While dealing with those bastards would be a hassle, Lili couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness. "Orsted-sama, let's put on a show for them!" she suggested after a moment of thought.

Those people were cunning and wouldn't be easily fooled. To deceive them, they'd need to put on a convincing performance. Hearing her idea, Orsted paused, then smiled and shook his head.

"There's no need for that. Once we're in the Dungeon, we'll find a quiet spot and take care of them directly."

In the anime, Lili had stolen Bell's Hestia Knife and was later ambushed by those individuals. But this time was different. Orsted knew exactly who they were, and Lili hadn't fallen for their tricks.

There was no need to waste time on elaborate schemes-they could handle the situation swiftly and move on to the Middle Floors.

Hearing Orsted's straightforward plan, Lili was momentarily surprised but soon laughed.

Yes, Orsted was powerful and decisive.

There was no need to play games with those bastards.

Orsted was the type who didn't hesitate to act when provoked.

If someone caused trouble, he would eliminate them without a second thought.

It was simple, effective, and exactly what she admired about him.

The more time she spent with him, the more Lili realized how well they complemented each other.

She respected his character deeply.

Without wasting any more time, the two of them entered the Dungeon.

It didn't take long for Orsted to notice they were being followed.

It was obvious who the followers were. Without drawing attention, Orsted led Lili to a secluded area.

Seeing the change in direction, Lili immediately understood. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Canoe and his gang had been the ones who harassed her in the past.

The thought of Orsted taking care of them filled her with joy. If he could eliminate those bastards, it would be a form of revenge on her behalf.

She couldn't help but smile at the thought. As for whether Orsted could handle Canoe, Lili had no doubts.

After spending so much time together, she was well aware of his strength. Dealing with those bastards would be more than enough.

In fact, she felt confident she could take on one of them herself now.

After practicing the Sun Breathing, her physique had improved.

She was now capable of being an adventurer, but she still preferred to remain a Supporter, following Orsted and assisting him.

Without Orsted, she wouldn't be who she was today, and she wanted to repay his kindness.

Of course, there was also a small, secret part of her that had grown fond of him. She wanted to stay by his side.

Orsted, however, was unaware of Lili's feelings. At that moment, his focus was entirely on the task at hand.

Leading Lili to a remote area, he stopped and gestured for her to hide.

Together, they waited for their pursuers to arrive.

---

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Chapter 19: A New Start

Chapter 19 - A New Start

The group didn't keep Orsted and Lili waiting for long.

Shortly after they hid, their figures appeared, following the trail Orsted and Lili had left behind.

It was clear from their cautious movements that these bastards were being careful.

"The footprints end here," said the man who had spoken to Orsted earlier, frowning as he examined the ground.

His expression filled with doubt.

"Haha, looks like we've been discovered," said Canoe with a calm smile.

He and the others didn't seem too concerned.

"Lili, we know you're nearby. Come out!" the bearded man shouted loudly into the darkness.

From the shadows, Orsted and Lili emerged slowly.

"It seems you've found yourself a good partner, Lili," Canoe said with a smirk, realizing their plan to drive a wedge between Orsted and Lili had failed.

The man beside him remained silent, his face dark with frustration.

"Lili, do you want to give it a try?" Orsted asked, ignoring the others and turning to Lili.

Lili was momentarily surprised but quickly understood what he meant.

Her eyes hardened with determination as she replied, "Orsted-sama, please leave Canoe to me. If I can't handle him, I'll ask for your help."

"Alright," Orsted nodded in agreement.

Canoe and his companions weren't fools.

They immediately understood what Orsted and Lili were planning, and their expressions darkened.

The man who had spoken to Orsted earlier suddenly shouted in anger, drawing his weapon and charging at Orsted.

But in the next moment, he felt a sharp pain in his throat.

A trickle of blood appeared in his vision as he collapsed to the ground, his eyes wide with shock and confusion.

"This is..." he muttered weakly before falling unconscious.

Behind him, Orsted's figure reappeared, his expression calm as he silently observed Canoe and the remaining two.

Canoe and the others were stunned.

Their face contracted in fear, and they instinctively took defensive stances.

But before they could react, Orsted vanished again.

The two men beside Canoe clutched their throats and collapsed, following the fate of the man who had spoken earlier.

The sight terrified Canoe, who stumbled backward, his confidence shattered.

Realizing the danger, Canoe turned to flee, but a sharp whistling sound stopped him in his tracks.

He barely managed to dodge the attack by rolling to the side.

When he looked up, he saw Lili standing before him, her large backpack discarded and a long sword in her hand.

Canoe quickly drew his weapon, barely managing to block Lili's swift strikes. The two soon clashed in a fierce duel.

Orsted stood to the side, observing quietly without intervening.

Before meeting Orsted, Lili's physique had made her unsuitable to be an adventurer.

But after learning Sun Breathing from him, her body had grown stronger in just a week of training.

Combined with forms of Sun Breathing, Lili was now more than capable of holding her own against Canoe, a Level 1 adventurer with years of experience in the Dungeon.

Lili wasn't lacking in combat experience either.

Over the years, even as a Supporter, she had seen enough battles to know how to fight.

What had held her back was her weak physique. Now, with her improved strength and Sun Breathing, she fought with the confidence of a seasoned warrior.

The battle was evenly matched at first, but as time passed, Lili grew more proficient with different forms of the breathing.

She began to overpower Canoe, forcing him into a defensive position.

With Orsted watching nearby, Canoe couldn't focus entirely on the fight, and his movements grew increasingly desperate.

After just five minutes, Lili seized an opening. Her blade slashed across Canoe's body, leaving a deep wound from his shoulder to his waist.

Canoe collapsed, blood pouring from the injury. Lili pressed her knife to his neck, and Canoe froze, too afraid to move.

"Canoe, did you ever imagine this day would come?" Lili's words cut through the air like a winter storm. "You took pleasure in bullying me. How does it feel to be on the other side?"

Canoe's face was drenched in sweat, his eyes wide with fear. "Lili, I was wrong! Please, forgive me! I have money-a lot of it! I'll give you everything if you spare my life!" he begged, his voice trembling.

But Lili remained unmoved.

She looked at Canoe, her expression indifferent.

Without hesitation, she raised the sword and brought it down.

"Forgive me, Li-" Canoe's plea was cut short as the weapon struck.

Blood sprayed across the floor, staining Lili's clothes. She stood still for a moment, taking a deep breath before closing her eyes.

After a long pause, Lili opened her eyes and turned to Orsted. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Orsted-sama," she said with a bright smile, as if the events of the past few minutes had never happened.

"It's fine. Clean up, and then we'll head to the Middle Floors," Orsted replied with a nod.

"Please give me a few minutes," Lili said, her tone cheerful as she began to tidy up.

---

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Chapter 20: Loki Familia!?

Chapter 20 - Loki Familia!?

Orsted and Lili planned to stay in the middle floors for two days before returning to the surface.

Therefore, the supplies in Lili's backpack were plentiful, including two or three sets of spare clothes.

Before changing, however, Lili searched Canoe and his companions, taking anything useful from them.

She quickly changed into a fresh set of clothes.

Though the outfit was new, the style remained the same, making it seem as if Lili hadn't changed at all.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Orsted-sama," Lili said with a smile after changing.

"Let's go," Orsted replied with a slight nod before turning and walking away.

Lili followed closely behind.

After the two left, several Kobolds appeared.

As soon as they arrived, they began eating the bodies of Canoe and his companions.

Within a minute, the bodies were eaten up.

But this had nothing to do with Orsted and Lili.

An hour later, Orsted and Lili arrived at the entrance of the passage leading from the 12th floor to the 13th floor.

"Let's go, Lili," Orsted looked at the dim passage before stepping inside.

"Yeah!" Lili responded enthusiastically, following him with a spring in her step.

After a few minutes of walking through the passage, the two officially entered the middle floors.

What Orsted didn't know was that, at the same time, something big was happening on the 17th floor.

Loki Familia, returning from their expedition, had encountered a Monster Party.

More than twenty Minotaurs surrounded their members.

However, after the Hiryute Sisters killed two Minotaurs with their bare hands, the remaining Minotaurs became terrified and fled.

Their escape route led them toward upper floors.

This turn of events left the Loki Familia members uneasy.

"Chase them!" shouted Riveria Ljos Alf, the vice captain of the Loki Familia.

In the next moment, Ais Wallenstein, swiftly pursued the fleeing monsters.

Orsted, of course, was unaware of this.

At that moment, he was already engaged in battle.

As expected, the Dungeon gave Orsted and Lili a warm welcome upon their arrival in the middle floors.

More than a dozen Imps appeared to greet them.

Orsted took on ten of the Imps himself, leaving the remaining two for Lili.

Although the middle floors are considered more dangerous, not all monsters there are Level 2.

Among the middle-floor monsters, only the Minotaur is Level 2; the rest, including the Imps, are still Level 1.

The earlier battle between Lili and Canoe had shown Orsted that Lili was strong enough to be an adventurer.

Since she was now trying to be an adventurer, Orsted decided to let her formally experience the life of one.

These two Imps were the training Orsted had prepared for Lili.

Lili proved to be a natural fighter.

She remained calm and composed, handling the two Imps with ease.

Orsted nodded in approval at her performance.

His companions couldn't always be supporters.

Members of the Hestia Familia, even if they were supporters, needed to have enough strength to support future expeditions.

Lili's current performance met Orsted's expectations for his companions.

Before long, the Imps were all defeated by Orsted and Lili.

"Lili, you really are a lucky star," Orsted smiled at the confused girl.

Every time he teamed with Lili, Orsted get to obtain rare drop items.

"No, all of this is thanks to you, Orsted-sama," Lili replied, scratching her head in embarrassment at the praise.

This wasn't flattery; she truly believed it.

She had partnered with many adventurers before, but nothing like this had ever happened.

If it had, her reputation would have spread, and she would have become a highly sought-after supporter among adventurers.

But that had never been the case.

This only began after she met Orsted.

So she felt that the current situation wasn't due to her own luck but rather Orsted's.

In response, Orsted simply smiled and said nothing more, continuing to collect the Magic Stones scattered on the ground.

Once they had gathered all the Magic Stones, the two continued their journey.

Not long after, they encountered another wave of monsters.

This time, however, they weren't Imps but Killer Ants.

Without hesitation, Orsted and Lili launched a direct assault, engaging the Killer Ants in front of them.

In a matter of seconds, Orsted dealt with the Killer Ants he was responsible for and then turned to observe Lili's battle.

Lili's opponents were still two, and while she wasn't as strong as Orsted, she held her own against them.

Though it wasn't easy for her, Orsted had no intention of intervening.

He wanted Lili to handle it on her own.

However, the Dungeon seemed determined to keep Orsted from staying idle.

As he watched Lili fight, Orsted's ears twitched slightly, and he turned his gaze toward a passage on the left.

He heard a violent rumbling coming from that direction.

Something was approaching, and Orsted was certain it wasn't adventurers-it was a monster.

The vibrations were identical to those caused by an Orc.

Turning to face the source of the noise, Orsted narrowed his eyes.

There were no other monsters on this floor besides Imps and Killer Ants.

Neither of those monsters could produce sounds like these.

What in the world was coming?

---

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Chapter 21: Minotaurs

Chapter 21 - Minotaurs

"Minotaurs! Why are these guys here?!" Looking at the Minotaur rushing toward him, Orsted muttered under his breath, then drew the sword he had just sheathed.

With the sword in hand, he charged toward the Minotaurs.

What appeared in front of Orsted was a Level 2 monster that typically only appeared between the 15th and 17th floor: the Minotaur.

But Orsted and Lili were currently on the 13th floor.

Why were there Minotaurs here, and why were there three of them?

Although Orsted didn't know the reason, he understood one thing clearly: he couldn't let these three Minotaurs get past him.

If the Minotaurs broke through, Lili would be in grave danger.

Lili's strength was already stretched thin dealing with Imps and Killer Ants.

For her to face Minotaurs would be nothing short of suicidal.

She would likely be defeated in a matter of seconds.

Orsted took the initiative, and the Minotaurs on the opposite side noticed him. They roared and charged toward him.

The Minotaur at the front wielded an axe. Its roar was the loudest, and its momentum was the most ferocious.

Its massive size gave off an overwhelming sense of oppression. If this were an ordinary Level 1 adventurer facing three Minotaurs, they would likely be frozen in fear.

But Orsted was different.

"I don't feel any sense of danger," Orsted murmured to himself as he rushed toward the three Minotaurs.

Orsted had an innate ability: he could sense a feeling of crisis from enemies within a certain range. He could detect danger from foes that posed a threat to him.

When he first entered the Dungeon, Orsted had only felt this sensation from Kobolds.

At that time, Orsted had just become an adventurer, and his strength was no different from that of an ordinary person. He could handle Kobolds, but he needed to be cautious.

That was why he had felt such a strong sense of danger from them.

However, this sense of crisis had weakened over time. Until a few days ago, Orsted no longer felt any sense of danger from monsters.

This was because, in recent days, Orsted's strength had increased to a level where he could roam freely in the upper floors of the Dungeon.

Monsters no longer posed a threat to him, so he naturally didn't feel any sense of danger.

When he first saw the three Minotaurs, Orsted thought he might feel that sense of crisis again.

But as he got closer, he realized that these three Minotaurs couldn't make him feel the slightest hint of danger.

This meant that these Minotaurs were far weaker than he was.

"Has my strength reached Level 2?" Orsted wondered silently. The sword in his hand struck the Minotaur at the front with incredible speed, sending it flying. The force of the blow even knocked the two Minotaurs behind it off their feet.

As everyone knew, Minotaurs were Level 2 monsters. Only Level 2 adventurers could defeat them. For a Level 1 adventurer, it was nearly impossible.

Although Bell Cranel had defeated a Minotaur in the anime, it had been a life-and-death struggle.

'Hmm...'

'It seems I was mistaken.'

'The Minotaur that Bell wasn't an ordinary Minotaur.'

'That one had been trained by Ottar for a long time, so its strength was far beyond that of a normal Minotaur.'

'Yet Bell, whose basic abilities were only SS at the time, managed to kill it through sheer desperation.'

'This means that the so-called Level 2 monster, the Minotaur, can be defeated.'

'Especially if a Level 1 adventurer has high enough basic abilities.'

'My basic abilities are already high enough and in SSS.'

'Based on this, my current strength is likely comparable to that of a Level 2 adventurer-and not just any Level 2, but one who ranked up with high basic abilities.'

'After all, most adventurers choose to rank up once their basic abilities reach C or higher, provided they have enough Excelia.'

'Those who level up with lower basic abilities probably wouldn't be able to defeat a Minotaur.'

'Still, this is all speculation. It would be great if I could find someone to test my strength.'

'Hmm... Ryuu?'

'I remember Ryuu said before that if I needed help, I could ask her.'

'When I get back, I'll ask Ryuu to help me test my strength.

These thoughts raced through Orsted's mind, but in reality, only two seconds had passed.

He rushed toward the three Minotaurs he had just sent flying, aiming to finish them off.

But just as Orsted was halfway there, a blonde figure appeared at the corner of the passage ahead.

The appearance of this figure gave Orsted a brief pause.

However, Orsted only hesitated for a moment before continuing his charge.

In the blink of an eye, he was in front of Minotaurs.

He raised his sword high and brought it down with a swift strike.

Whoosh!

The blonde figure who had just appeared watched the scene unfold in silence.

Orsted turned his head and looked over, silently recognizing the person.

"Sword Princess, Ais Wallenstein!"

[Random sign-in has been triggered. Would you like to sign in?]

Orsted: "..."

---

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Chapter 22: Meeting Them!

Chapter 22 - Meeting Them!

[Random sign-in has been triggered. Would you like to sign in?]

The system prompt sounded in his mind, but Orsted ignored it for the time being.

Because the scene in front of him reminded him of something.

It seemed that this scene was the beginning of the anime.

During the return journey of the Loki Familia's expedition, the first team encountered many Minotaurs while passing through the 17th floor.

However, the strength displayed by the Hiryute Sisters made the Minotaurs scare away.

A large number of Minotaurs fled to the upper floors, which also set the stage for the fateful encounter between the protagonist, Bell Cranel, and Ais Wallenstein.

Bell met Ais, and it was at this moment that he fell in love with her.

Later, his adventuring journey began.

Due to his admiration for Ais, Bell obtained the powerful skill, Liaris Freese.

Liaris Freese was essentially a cheat skill for Bell Cranel. It not only greatly increased the speed at which his basic abilities grew but also allowed him to break the upper limit of an adventurer's basic abilities, reaching SS or even SSS. Additionally, Liaris Freese allowed Bell Cranel to resist the charm of the Goddess of Beauty.

However.....

There was no presence of Bell.

"Sorry," Ais said softly as she approached Orsted.

"No, it's okay," Orsted replied, shaking his head gently after hearing her apology.

Then, Orsted sheathed his sword and picked up the magic stone on the ground.

At that moment, footsteps echoed from the direction where Ais had appeared. Both of them turned to look.

A few seconds later, a figure came into view.

"Ais, did you stop them?" the figure called out as soon as she appeared.

"Hey? Who are you?" The figure noticed Orsted standing next to Ais. When she saw Orsted's handsome face, her eyes lit up, and she asked curiously while walking toward them.

The girl had wheat-colored skin, had short black hair, and a slightly lean figure. She was the first class adventurer of the Loki Familia, Tiona Hiryute.

"The Minotaurs have been dealt with. He killed them," Ais said gently.

"Hey, did you kill them? Thank you very much!" Tiona's eyes brightened when she heard this.

"My name is Orsted, Orsted Altheris. Hello," Orsted nodded slightly and introduced himself to the two.

"Ais, Ais Wallenstein," Ais introduced herself in a calm tone.

"I'm Tiona, Tiona Hiryute. Nice to meet you, Orsted!" Compared to Ais's reserved demeanor, Tiona's introduction was lively and energetic.

"Nice to meet you," Orsted nodded, then glanced at Lili.

"Is that Pallum your companion?" Ais and Tiona also looked over. After seeing Lili, Tiona asked.

"Yes, Lili is my companion," Orsted nodded slightly.

At that moment, Ais spoke up: "What an impressive swordsmanship!"

"Indeed, a seamless and coherent fighting style, allowing this Pallum to exert maximum combat power with minimal strength," Tiona agreed, nodding.

Both of them were experienced adventurers, and their keen eyes immediately recognized the sword technique Lili was using.

Lili was able to hold her own against two Killer Ants in her current condition, largely thanks to the set of swordsmanship Orsted had taught her.

Without the Sun Breathing, Lili would have struggled to deal with even one Killer Ant.

After all, Lili's physique had only recently recovered to the point where she could function as an adventurer.

"Thanks for the compliment," Orsted said on Lili's behalf.

"Huh?" Tiona was slightly surprised by Orsted's response.

"Did you teach her?" Tiona asked, her eyes shining with curiosity.

"Eh? How did you know?" Orsted was taken aback.

"If you didn't teach her, why would you thank me for praising her?" Tiona replied with a grin.

Hearing this, Orsted felt a bit embarrassed.

He hadn't intended to take credit but had simply thanked Tiona politely on Lili's behalf.

After all, it was normal to be modest when someone praised your skills.

He hadn't expected Tiona to interpret it that way.

Though, in this case, she was right.

"Yes, I taught her," Orsted admitted honestly.

Ais's expression remained unchanged, but her gaze lingered on Orsted, flickering slightly.

When Tiona heard Orsted confirm that he had taught Lili, her interest in him grew even more.

She could tell that the swordsmanship Lili used was incredibly powerful.

Even for her, defeating someone using such skill at the same level would be challenging, with a real risk of losing.

Setting aside strength, the fact that Orsted has such a powerful skill suggested he was a seasoned warrior.

Tiona, naturally admired strong and experienced warriors.

If Orsted wasn't lying, then he was an adventurer worth befriending.

Unfortunately, In terms of overall combat, Orsted was still relatively inexperienced.

If he were to fight without using any weapon, he would be little more than a rookie.

It was a perfect misunderstanding.

"Hey, Orsted, which Familia are you from?" Tiona, eager to befriend him, immediately asked about his Familia.

"Familia? Hestia Familia."

"Eh? Hestia? Never heard of it."

"It's a newly formed Familia, nothing noteworthy."

---

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Chapter 23: New Development Ability!

Chapter 23 - New Development Ability!

Orsted didn't talk to Ais and Tiona for too long. After Lili defeated the two Killer Ants, Orsted said goodbye to them and went their separate ways.

After all, it was their first meeting. Although they seemed to have a good conversation, they weren't familiar with each other.

Orsted took Lili to continue their adventure in the middle floors.

"What a surprise! I didn't expect to meet the Sword Princess and one of the Hiryute sisters in the Dungeon," Lili sighed after they parted ways.

Ais, and Tiona were first class adventurers, and it was rare to encounter them under normal circumstances.

The only guaranteed opportunity to see them was during the Loki Familia's expeditions.

At that time, the members of the Loki Familia would gather in the square in front of Babel, and those participating in the expedition would assemble there.

Lili had been a supporter for nearly ten years and had only seen the Ais and the others three times-all in the square of Babel. It was almost impossible to see them in the Dungeon.

"I was a little surprised too," Orsted nodded slightly.

Orsted was indeed surprised, but his surprise was different from Lili's.

He was surprised that this event had happened now.

Bell Cranel, hadn't appeared yet, but the incident of Ais Wallenstein chasing the Minotaurs had already occurred, and he had been caught up in it.

"However, what surprised Lili even more was you, Orsted-sama."

"I didn't expect the Minotaurs to last less than two rounds against you."

"Orsted-sama, can we really accumulate enough excelia to level up during this trip to the middle floors?" Lili asked with some concern.

The accumulation of an adventurer's excelia was closely tied to the strength of their opponents and the difficulty of the situation.

But in Orsted's case, the monsters in the upper floors couldn't pose any threat to him at all, which meant he didn't feel any real challenge.

This also meant that, although Orsted had maxed out his basic abilities, he hadn't accumulated enough excelia.

After spending a week in the upper floors, he still hadn't gathered enough to level up.

This time, their main goal in entering the middle floors was to fight Minotaurs there, as the monsters in the upper floors were only Level 1 and couldn't challenge Orsted. The Minotaurs in the middle floors should have been a better option since they were Level 2 monsters.

But unexpectedly, even the Minotaurs in the middle floors were too weak to pose a threat to Orsted.

Although Lili had been busy fighting the Killer Ants, she had noticed Orsted's situation and saw with her own eyes how he effortlessly dispatched three Minotaurs with a single strike.

In this case, the Minotaurs couldn't provide Orsted with enough excelia.

"It's fine. If quality isn't enough, we'll make up for it with quantity."

"Lili, use the monster-luring item to attract more Minotaurs."

"Although one or two Minotaurs can't threaten me, a larger group might still pose a challenge," Orsted said gently, shaking his head.

"Understood, Orsted-sama."

"But please, don't push yourself too hard. If it becomes too much, use Teleportation Magic to escape the Minotaurs' encirclement immediately," Lili replied, taking a deep breath and nodding.

Their purpose for coming to the middle floors was to fight Minotaurs, so there was no avoiding it.

But Lili made sure to express her concern and offer the advice she felt was necessary.

"Of course."

"By the way, Lili, keep an eye out for the items in the album I gave you. Make sure to collect them if you see them," Orsted reminded her with a smile.

"I remember."

"But, Orsted-sama, why do you need these things?"

"They seem to be materials used for crafting equipments," Lili responded, her expression slightly puzzled.

"You know about these?" Orsted was a little surprised.

"Lili has been dealing with various materials for a long time, so she knows a little," Lili said, puffing out her chest with a hint of pride.

"Haha," Orsted laughed when he saw this.

"Orsted-sama, you still haven't told Lili why you need these materials," Lili pressed, feeling a little embarrassed by his laughter but quickly regaining her composure.

"You'll find out when the time comes," Orsted replied cryptically.

Lili was slightly puzzled but didn't press further.

Orsted didn't elaborate, and his mind turned to the system.

"Sign in!!!"

Orsted had earned two sign-ins from meeting Ais and Tiona earlier-one for Ais and one for Tiona.

[Sign-in successful. Congratulations, host, for obtaining the Development Ability: Luck: EX!]

[Sign-in successful. Congratulations, host, for obtaining the Development Ability: Magic: EX!]

Hearing the system's prompt, Orsted was momentarily stunned and stopped in his tracks.

"What's wrong, Orsted-sama?" Lili noticed Orsted had stopped and turned to ask curiously.

"No, nothing," Orsted replied, shaking his head slightly before continuing to walk. The two of them pressed on.

'First, I got Mystery: EX, and now Luck: EX and Magic: EX. What is the system trying to do?'

Getting Development Abilities from three consecutive sign-ins-all at the EX level-made Orsted happy, but he couldn't help feeling a little uneasy.

Still, Orsted was quite pleased with these three Development Abilities.

At the very least, combining Mystery and Magic would allow him to create grimoires to strengthen his Familia.

"I'll give it a try when we get back," Orsted murmured to himself with a slight smile.

Meanwhile, as Orsted and Lili made their way toward the 15th floor, Ais and Tiona had already rejoined the rest of the Loki Familia.

---

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Chapter 24: I'll Allow!

Chapter 24 - I'll Allow!

"You said you met an adventurer with very strong swordsmanship?" Finn Deimne, the captain of Loki familia looked at Tiona as she sat at the desk.

"Yes, although Orsted himself didn't use it, the skills he taught the Pallum were incredibly refined."

"Orsted said he was the one who taught her, and the Pallum didn't refute it."

"Ais can confirm this," Tiona said with a smile, her hands behind her back.

Hearing Tiona's repeated affirmation, Finn grew curious, as did the others present.

Then, several people turned their eyes to the silent Ais.

"Yes, what Tiona said is true."

"Moreover, the three Minotaurs I was chasing were killed by him with a single strike," Ais nodded slightly and said softly.

"It's truly unexpected to hear such praise from both of you."

"Do you know which Familia the adventurer named Orsted belongs to?" After confirming the truth of the matter from Ais, Finn's eyes flickered slightly.

The Loki Familia was a large and powerful Familia, rivaled only by the Freya Familia.

Even the Ganesha Familia, known as the city's guardians, couldn't compare to the Loki Familia.

However, despite their size and strength, the Loki Familia never underestimated other Familias. They were always on the lookout for adventurers with great potential and often took the initiative to befriend them.

Now that Finn had heard about an adventurer with such potential, he naturally wouldn't sit idly by.

Even if they couldn't be friends, they certainly shouldn't be enemies.

Building connections was the right choice for any force, as was the way of the world.

"Yes, I asked him, and he said he's from the Hestia Familia."

"Do you know the Hestia Familia?" Tiona nodded repeatedly, answering excitedly.

When Finn heard the name Hestia, his face froze, as did Riveria's and Gareth's.

"What's wrong?" Tiona asked, confused by Finn's expression.

Ais, Tione, and Bete, who were also present, looked over, each of them puzzled by the sudden change in the expressions of their Familia's top executives.

"Ah, this..." Finn smiled bitterly.

"What a troublesome adventurer," Riveria said, holding her forehead with a look of exasperation.

"Should we call Loki over?" Gareth asked, looking at Finn and Riveria.

The others might not know about the rocky relationship between Loki and Hestia, but the three executives of the Loki Familia were well aware. They knew that their goddess and Hestia didn't get along and often quarreled whenever they met.

So, upon learning that Orsted was a member of the Hestia Familia, the three of them felt a headache coming on.

"Tione, go call Loki over here," Finn said to Tione.

"Yes, Captain!" Tione nodded excitedly and rushed out of the office.

Ais and the others didn't understand the conversation between Finn, Riveria, and Gareth. They exchanged glances, each seeing the confusion in the others' eyes.

At that moment, Riveria seemed to remember something and looked at Ais with a serious expression.

"Ais, you said the three Minotaurs you were chasing was killed by that boy named Orsted?"

"Yes, one strike knocked them back, and another strike beheaded them. All three Minotaurs died at the same time," Ais nodded and answered truthfully.

After confirming this, Riveria's eyes narrowed slightly, and she quickly turned to Finn.

"Finn!"

"Yes, I know," Finn's expression was equally solemn.

Gareth also looked troubled.

"What's going on with you guys?" Tiona asked, scratching her head in frustration as she watched the three of them.

"Tiona, the Hestia Familia didn't exist before our expedition."

"Goddess Hestia has only been in the lower world for less than half a year," Finn said in a serious tone.

As soon as he said this, Tiona's hand froze mid-motion.

Ais and Bete, who had been sitting on the sofa, stood up abruptly, both looking shocked.

"The Hestia Familia didn't exist before the expedition?"

"And Orsted killed three Minotaurs with a single strike?" Tiona asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.

"That's correct," Finn nodded slightly.

"Even if Hestia started forming her Familia immediately after descending, it's only been half a year since its establishment."

"In half a year, Orsted has grown to the point where he can kill Minotaurs in seconds."

"Minotaurs are Level 2 monsters, which means that in just half a year, he has gone from a rookie to someone comparable to a Level 2 adventurer," Tiona said, her voice trailing off as she processed the information.

Bang!

The door was kicked open, and Loki walked in with Tione trailing behind.

"It's not even half a year. I'm certain that hestia hadn't formed her Familia half a month ago. She was still staying with Hephaestus and was only driven out recently," Loki said with a serious expression.

As soon as she spoke, the expressions of everyone in the room grew even more serious. The Familia had only been formed half a month ago.

In other words, it had taken Orsted just half a month to grow from a rookie to someone capable of killing Minotaurs in seconds.

The thought made everyone present uneasy.

"Is it possible that he was traded off?"

Gareth asked, frowning as he tried to make sense of the situation.

"There's no way an adventurer would be foolish enough to be traded to a Familia that hadn't even been formed yet."

"However, no matter what, this Orsted you're talking about is clearly a very promising individual."

"Even though he's part of her Familia, I'll allow you to make contact with him," Loki said, nodding as she made the decision.

---

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Chapter 25: Loki: Don't Ruin My Reputation!

Chapter 25 - Loki: Don't Ruin My Reputation!

"Loki, don't you have a bad relationship with Lady Hestia?"

"Why?" After Ais and the others left, Finn crossed his hands on the desk and asked Loki curiously.

They all knew about the feud between Loki and Hestia, so they were surprised that Loki had taken the initiative to ask them to contact Orsted.

"Intuition. I have a strong feeling."

"The Orsted you mentioned is the first case," Loki crossed her arms and explained with a smile.

"Is this the intuition of a god?" Hearing this, Finn narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze flickering.

"By the way, the Orsted you're talking about is an elf, right? Riveria, see if you can lure him over here," Loki said to Riveria.

"Stop talking nonsense," Riveria was slightly stunned by Loki's words, then rolled her eyes at her.

Although she was the Elven Princess, and many elves would be willing to join the Loki Familia-or even traded-if she asked, she would never do such a thing.

She despised that kind of behavior.

"Hey, just kidding, just kidding."

"But if possible, I still hope you can get in touch with that guy."

"When I heard the name Orsted, I felt a strange feeling."

"Riveria, it would be good for you to get in touch with him," Loki said, still smiling, and even urged Riveria again. At this, Riveria immediately frowned.

"Why are you so obsessed with this Orsted?" Riveria asked, puzzled.

Finn and Gareth shared her confusion.

"Well, besides the strange feeling, there's another reason. I heard Freya mention this name when I was having tea with her a few days ago."

"It's not easy for someone like Freya to take an interest in him," Loki explained, finally revealing the reason.

"Freya..."

"Since we all know she's interested in him, why do you want me to get involved?" Riveria glared at Loki, not hiding her disgust, then turned and left the office.

"I mean, Loki..." Finn shook his head helplessly, and Gareth did the same.

"Well, I won't deny that I wanted to cause that guy some trouble, but what I just said to Riveria wasn't a lie."

"I really feel it would be good for Riveria to have contact with the elf named Orsted," Loki said, scratching her head honestly.

"Really?"

"Yes, I'm not joking."

"Don't you joke enough? Don't forget what kind of god you are."

"Uh... the god of mischief..."

"Good, you know."

"Damn, my reputation is ruined. Even you, Finn, can't frame me like this."

"I'm not..."

Orsted, of course, had no idea what was going on with the Loki Familia.

While the Loki Familia returned to the Twilight Manor, their residence, Orsted and Lili arrived at the 15th floor and officially encountered monsters like the Minotaurs.

Not counting the ones that had escaped to the 13th floor earlier, this was the first time Orsted had seen Minotaurs emerging from the walls.

Moreover, there were seven or eight of them at once.

While it wasn't a monster party, it was still a large number under normal circumstances.

Orsted asked Lili to hide aside and faced the Minotaurs alone.

Although Lili could now rely on Sun Breathing to fight Killer Ants and Imps, even defeating one or two, she stood no chance against Minotaurs.

If she were to fight a Minotaur, she would likely be torn apart in a few rounds.

However, Orsted still overestimated the strength of the Minotaurs.

Facing seven or eight Minotaurs, Orsted still didn't feel any sense of danger.

This made him frown slightly.

Nevertheless, Orsted didn't say anything and charged toward the Minotaurs.

Using his sword skills continuously, Orsted killed all eight Minotaurs in just a few minutes.

Amounts of Magic stones fell to the ground.

Lili, who had been hiding nearby, trotted over to collect the magic stones.

After picking up the magic stones, Lili noticed Orsted frowning and quickly asked, "Orsted-sama, what's wrong?"

"Are you dissatisfied with these Minotaurs?"

"Yes, they don't give me any sense of danger at all," Orsted nodded and admitted.

"Eight Minotaurs aren't enough?"

"In that case, we'll have to resort to the backup plan," Lili frowned upon hearing this and then suggested.

"Yes, that's the only option now," Orsted agreed with Lili's proposal.

The backup plan Lili mentioned involved using monster-luring items-special props she had crafted to attract large numbers of monsters.

In the anime, when Lili believed Bell, had betrayed her, she used monster-luring items to distract him with monsters while she made her escape.

Monster-luring items had their pros and cons depending on the situation.

They were beneficial when you needed to attract monsters but problematic when you didn't.

For Orsted, however, monster-luring items were now a useful tool.

When you needed to kill a large number of monsters, the effect of these items was invaluable.

Without hesitation, Lili pulled out the prepared item from her backpack.

"Orsted-sama, get ready. I'm going to throw it now," Lili warned Orsted before tossing the monster-luring item forward.

After throwing it, Lili immediately took out a morbul and retreated to a safe distance.

Monster-luring items attracted monsters, while morbul repelled them.

The effect of the monster-luring item was almost instantaneous. Within seconds, there was movement in the surrounding Dungeon.

One by one, Minotaurs emerged from the walls.

In the distance, the ground began to tremble, signaling the approach of a large number of monsters.

Needless to say, a horde of monsters was rushing toward them.

As Orsted watched the Minotaurs appear and felt the vibrations from the ground, he finally felt a slight sense of danger.

The emergence of this sense of danger didn't panic him. Instead, a faint smile appeared on his face.

"It's finally here!"

---

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Chapter 26: 18th Floor!

Chapter 26 - 18th Floor!

Orsted's plan attracted nearly a dozen Minotaurs.

It was enough for him to feel pressured.

Since the first day of his adventure, he had rarely felt this sensation.

This was only the second time.

And it was exactly what Orsted needed.

Killing monsters that didn't pose a threat to him wouldn't help him accumulate the excelia required for ranking up.

After reaching SSS in his basic abilities, he had spent over a week grinding in the upper floors, but he still hadn't gathered enough excelia.

Now, he could only rely on these monsters.

It had to be said that those Minotaurs did bring Orsted a sense of crisis.

After all, these were Level 2 monsters, and Orsted was only Level 1.

Even if he was the strongest Level 1, he was still Level 1.

It was already good for him to face a Level 2 monster, let alone more than a dozen at once.

Facing over a dozen Minotaurs, Orsted sustained some minor injuries.

Fortunately, they were only superficial, and he managed to eliminate all the Minotaurs.

"Orsted-sama, how do you feel?" After seeing Orsted wipe out this wave of Minotaurs, Lili hurried over and asked anxiously.

"It should be enough," Orsted nodded slightly and then added, "Let's continue."

"Understood," Lili replied, excited for Orsted, and nodded enthusiastically.

The two of them immediately moved to a new location and repeated the process.

Another large group of Minotaurs appeared in Orsted's sight, surrounding him.

Seeing this, Orsted smiled slightly, took a big step forward, and charged into the group of Minotaurs, engaging them in combat.

Time passed slowly.

Soon, more than two hours had gone by.

In that time, Orsted had eliminated seven waves of Minotaurs.

"This should be enough for the time being," Orsted muttered to himself as he sheathed his sword and looked at the magic stones scattered on the ground.

He then began collecting them with Lili.

"Is this the effect of Luck: EX?"

"Seven waves of Minotaurs, and they actually dropped ten drop items," Orsted murmured, narrowing his eyes slightly as he examined the Minotaur horn in his hand.

Although recruiting Lili into his team had improved his luck, allowing him to gather drop items daily, it was rare to get ten items in such a short time.

This change had started after he obtained the Luck: EX.

"It would be great if the tenfold ability also affected the drop items."

"Or has it already taken effect?"

"Is the reason I've been getting drop items every day not just because of Lili's luck but also because of that?" Orsted wondered silently.

"Orsted-sama, let's stop here for today."

"Next, let's go find the materials you need, and then head to the 18th floor to rest," Lili suggested with a smile after collecting all the magic stones and drop items.

"Yes, that sounds good," Orsted nodded in agreement.

The main purpose of coming to the middle floors was to fight monsters and accumulate enough excelia.

The second goal was to collect materials exclusive to the middle floors.

For this, Orsted had spent the previous night sketching a simple manual and giving it to Lili.

The two of them then began exploring the 16th floor.

Two hours later, Lili's backpack was filled with materials.

"Are there really this many materials in the middle floors? Are they always this easy to find?" Lili asked, shaking her backpack and feeling its weight. She was a little dazed, almost doubting her own experience.

She knew that gathering materials in the Dungeon wasn't an easy task.

Materials were scarce and scattered, making collection commissions time-consuming and labor-intensive.

The rewards for such commissions were higher than usual, reflecting the difficulty. She had helped the Miach Familia gather medicinal herbs in the upper floors, and it had been a tedious process.

But today, it felt like the materials were appearing on their own, as if they didn't have to search for them at all.

"Well, isn't this a good thing?" Orsted said with a smile.

"True."

"Let's go, Orsted-sama, to the 18th floor, the safe zone," Lili said with a laugh after a brief pause.

Under normal circumstances, Lili wouldn't recommend going to the safe zone.

To reach it, they had to pass through the 17th floor, and its floor boss, Goliath.

However, Orsted had the skill Instant, so they could bypass Goliath without issue.

Additionally, they had just encountered members of the Loki Familia.

Goliath had likely been defeated by the Loki Familia during their recent expedition and wouldn't respawn for at least half a month.

With these two factors in mind, they didn't have to worry about Goliath.

"Yes, let's go. It's time to rest," Orsted nodded.

The two of them then made their way to the 17th floor.

It took half an hour for Orsted and Lili to pass through the Wall of Grief and enter the passage leading to the 18th floor.

"Is this the safe zone? I feel refreshed all of a sudden," Lili couldn't help but let out a contented sigh.

---

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Chapter 27: Another Sign In!

Chapter 27 - Another Sign In!

While Lili was enjoying the rare light in the Dungeon, Orsted immersed himself in the system once again.

[Random sign-in has been triggered. Would you like to sign in?]

"Sign in."

[Sign-in successful. Congratulations, host, for obtaining a random summon card.]

Random Summon Card: Can randomly summon characters from other worlds.

Looking at the card floating in the system panel, Orsted fell into deep thought.

Was the system trying to encourage him to summon people from other worlds to strengthen the Hestia Familia?

It seemed like a plausible idea.

After a moment of consideration, Orsted withdrew his attention from the system.

As for the sign-in reward he had just received, Orsted didn't take it out immediately.

After all, rewards obtained from the system could remain in the system panel until he decided to retrieve them.

He could take it out whenever he wanted.

Soon Orsted and Lili headed toward the town ahead.

The safe zone had a special town where adventurers were stationed. A large number of adventurers had settled here, forming a town called Rivira. There was even a tavern built by adventurers in the town.

However, Orsted and Lili didn't choose to stay there.

It was too expensive.

The prices at the tavern in Rivira were at least three times higher than those on the surface.

Orsted and Lili didn't want to be taken advantage of.

Instead, the two of them planned to set up tents in an open space outside the town as a temporary residence.

Many adventurers did the same, so their presence wouldn't stand out.

"Orsted-sama, can you help me with something?" Before setting up the tent, Lili approached Orsted shyly and made a request.

"Go ahead," Orsted nodded.

"Lili wants to take a bath. Can you please keep watch for me, Orsted-sama?" Lili asked, holding the hem of her clothes with both hands, her cheeks slightly flushed.

"Of course, no problem. Let's go."

"I'd like to take a bath too. We can take turns later," Orsted agreed without hesitation.

Hearing Orsted's words, Lili's cheeks turned even redder, and she replied softly, "Hmm."

It had to be said that there were many lakes on the safe floor. Orsted found one easily, and it even had a waterfall, ensuring a constant flow of fresh water.

"You go first. I'll keep watch," Orsted said after they arrived at the lake. He then walked to a spot where he could remain hidden, taking Lili's large backpack with him.

Lili watched Orsted settle behind a large rock, then slowly removed her clothes and stepped into the lake to begin washing.

As for Orsted, he had already started rummaging through Lili's backpack.

During their journey, Orsted and Lili had collected many materials that Orsted needed.

Now that he had obtained the Mystery: EX development ability, Orsted had everything he needed to craft equipment.

These materials were what he planned to use to create those items.

"Let's start with a protective shield for Lili, myself, and Eina," Orsted muttered to himself as he sorted through the materials.

There was no need to worry about Hestia. With the Familia's barrier, nothing would happen to her.

Aside from Hestia, Orsted was most concerned about Lili's safety.

After all, Lili would be accompanying him into the Dungeon for adventures.

In comparison, Eina didn't have much to worry about.

As a guild employee, Eina didn't have to deal with monsters.

No one would dare cause trouble for a guild employee, as they would face severe punishment.

Still, Orsted decided to include Eina in his plans. He placed the materials on the ground and clasped his hands together, covering them.

The next second, the materials floated into the air and began spinning rapidly. After a few moments, they emitted a bright light.

The light completely enveloped the materials, making it impossible to see their original forms.

Then, the glowing materials began to merge, intertwining and blending together until they formed a single mass.

A minute later, the materials had transformed into a ball of light.

Seeing this, Orsted nodded in satisfaction and increased the mana input.

When the light faded, three perfectly crafted amulets lay in his hands.

It was that simple.

For any other Mystery user, crafting equipment would require a complicated process and might only succeed after multiple attempts. Even then, the resulting item might not be very powerful.

But for Orsted, it was effortless.

"Done."

"It's my first attempt, and the materials aren't the best, so it's a bit underwhelming. These amulets can create a protective shield which can only withstand attacks from a Level 5 adventurer for five minutes," Orsted said casually as he examined the amulet.

However, this was to be expected. The power of equipment depended on the creator's skill level.

The higher the skill, the stronger the items.

With Orsted's Mystery, he could craft equipment with ease. Even these amulets he made could withstand attacks from a Level 5 adventurer.

And this was made with relatively average materials.

If Orsted had access to high-quality materials, he could create items capable of resisting attacks from a Level 7 adventurer.

Setting the amulets aside, Orsted continued crafting more equipment.

---

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Chapter 28: Awkward

Chapter 28 - Awkward

The remaining materials were only enough to craft two more items.

After some thought, Orsted decided on the designs for the remaining two.

He planned to create-a material radar and a flight device.

The material radar would allow him to locate nearby materials without having to search aimlessly.

While such an intelligent piece of equipment would be impossible for most to create, it was different for Orsted.

After all, Mystery allowed him to craft nearly anything, as long as he had the materials and a clear idea.

Orsted's current level of Mystery far surpassed that of the Sage Fels.

If Fels could create a device to locate Evilus, there was no reason Orsted couldn't make a material radar.

As for the flight device, it was Orsted's preparation for potential encounters with aerial monsters in the future.

The Dungeon had its share of those monsters, and once they took to the air, they became difficult to hit.

With the flight device, Orsted could easily deal with those airborne threats.

Not long after, the two pieces of equipment were completed.

Looking at the material radar in his hand, Orsted rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"I guess I did watch too much Dragon Ball. I ended up making a radar that looks just like the Dragon radar."

Indeed, the material radar in Orsted's hand bore a striking resemblance to the Dragon radar from Dragon Ball.

When he was crafting it, the image that had come to mind was exactly that, resulting in the final product looking the same.

Click!

After pressing the button on the radar, the device began to operate.

However, Orsted hadn't yet input any material data, so the radar displayed nothing.

Without hesitation, Orsted began entering all the material information he knew.

With his Mystery development ability, Orsted not only had the skill to craft top-tier equipment but also possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of materials.

This process took a full ten minutes.

It was a testament to the sheer volume of material data Orsted had in his mind.

Once the information was input, Orsted turned on the radar again.

This time, as soon as it activated, a large number of red dots appeared on the screen.

There were plenty of materials nearby.

Orsted raised an eyebrow, then stood up and began moving in the direction indicated by the radar.

Soon, he found a medicinal herb hidden deep within a dense thicket.

Holding the herb in his hand, Orsted smiled.

Collecting materials would be much easier from now on.

However, the next moment, a scream reached Orsted's ears.

Instinctively, Orsted turned toward the source of the sound.

The scene before him made stunned.

"Sorry, Lili, I forgot you were bathing here,"

Orsted hurriedly moved to another direction.

"Orsted-sama, you're such a pervert," Lili muttered under her breath, her face red as she hid her body beneath the water.

After a moment, her already flushed face turned even redder, and she whispered to herself, "If Orsted-sama wanted to see, he could have just asked..."

As for Orsted, after escaping from the lake, he returned to his previous spot.

"Ugh, I completely forgot Lili was there," Orsted muttered, sitting cross-legged on the ground.

He had been so engrossed in the joy of completing the material radar that he had genuinely forgotten about Lili. Otherwise, he wouldn't have wandered over.

Still, Lili's figure was quite impressive.

While it couldn't compare to Hestia's, it was still perfect for someone of the Pallum race.

Wait, what am I thinking?

Orsted shook his head, dispelling the inappropriate thoughts.

Then, he turned his attention to the other piece of equipment-the flight device.

He had crafted them in the form of a white bracelet.

The bracelet could be activated using mana.

Once activated, a pair of white wings appeared, allowing the Orsted to fly by.

This time, however, Orsted didn't immediately take to the air.

He was wary of causing the same incident as before, so he simply tested the wings by gliding slowly above the ground.

With a mere thought, the wings carried Orsted more than 30 meters in an instant.

This speed was comparable to that of a Level 1 adventurer.

However, while the speed was impressive, the mana consumption was significant.

Orsted, with his current mana, could maintain this speed for only about five minutes.

"Still, this thing is a bit tricky to use in combat. It's too fast, and I'm not used to it yet. I'll need to practice more before I can effectively use it in aerial combat," Orsted muttered to himself after testing the flying equipment.

Soon, Orsted returned to his original spot.

However, there was now an additional person there-Lili.

"Ah, Lili, you're done," Orsted said, feeling a bit awkward as he recalled the earlier incident.

Lili, on the other hand, was blushing.

"Orsted-sama, if you want to see Lili's body, you can just ask. There's no need to peek," Lili said shyly, then turned around and began packing her backpack, her back to Orsted.

Hearing Lili's words, Orsted's mouth twitched slightly.

---

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Chapter 29: Magic Items!

Chapter 29 - Magic Items!

Lili didn't seem to want to dwell on the earlier incident, so Orsted decided not to bring it up again.

After saying goodbye to her, Orsted headed to the lake to wash up.

When it came to bathing, there was often a noticeable difference between males and females. For instance, Lili had taken half an hour, while Orsted was done in just ten minutes.

"Orsted-sama, let's find a place to set up the tent," Lili said with a smile when Orsted returned. Her expression was as calm as ever, as if nothing had happened.

Though Orsted was a little surprised, he didn't comment and simply nodded. Together, they began searching for a suitable campsite.

"By the way, Lili, this is for you. Wear it on your body," Orsted said, pulling out one of the amulets he had crafted earlier and handing it to her.

"What is this?" Lili asked, reaching out to take it with a look of surprise.

"It's a magic item I made. It can activate a protective shield strong enough to withstand attacks from Level 5 adventurers if your life is in danger," Orsted explained honestly.

"Orsted-sama, you can actually create magic items!"

"And it can resist attacks from a first-class adventurer!" Lili was stunned by his explanation.

"Yes."

"I don't know why, but I suddenly found myself able to craft these items yesterday. That's why I asked you to collect those materials," Orsted nodded and explained.

"Orsted-sama, are you really a pure elf?" Lili's expression turned curious as she spoke, her eyes lingering on Orsted's ears.

"Why do you ask?" Orsted narrowed his eyes slightly.

"The situation you described is something only seen in descendants of families who were blessed by spirits."

"In ancient times, spirits descended to the mortal world and mingled with humans, giving rise to families born with unique abilities."

"I've heard of a family born with the ability to craft magic swords, and they carry the blood of spirits," Lili explained, sharing her thoughts.

The ability to craft special items was typically associated with spirits.

But Orsted was clearly not a half-elf. His elven features were pure.

In that case, the possibility of Orsted having spirit blood could be ruled out.

Still, Lili wasn't entirely sure.

"I'm a pure-blooded elf, not a half-elf."

"Anyway, there's no need to dwell on it. It's a good thing, isn't it?" Orsted said after hearing Lili's explanation.

For example, Welf Crozzo, the exclusive blacksmith for Bell Cranel in the anime, had the unique ability to forge magic swords.

The Crozzo family was known for crafting magic swords, and their creations were far more powerful than those made by other blacksmiths.

To be honest, Orsted had once considered recruiting Welf as his personal blacksmith, much like Bell had done.

After all, Welf's forging skills were exceptional, and even Tsubaki, the captain of the Hephaestus Familia, had praised him.

However, as soon as Orsted entertained the idea, an inexplicable sense of disgust washed over him.

Orsted immediately understood.

This was the instinctive aversion carried by his elven blood.

The Crozzo Magic Swords had destroyed countless forests and displaced numerous elven tribes, earning the Crozzo family the hatred of the elves.

This aversion had been passed down through generations.

As an elf in this life, Orsted was also affected.

Realizing this, Orsted abandoned the idea of recruiting Welf.

It was impossible. Elves and Crozzo family were natural enemies.

It was already a miracle if they didn't attack each other on sight, let alone become companions.

"Yes, this is indeed a good thing," Lili agreed with a smile, deciding not to press the matter further.

She then began examining the amulet in her hand.

After a while, she suddenly looked up at Orsted.

"Orsted-sama, could you help Lili put it on?" Lili asked, her eyes filled with expectation.

Orsted was slightly surprised but smiled and nodded.

Taking the amulet from Lili, Orsted crouched down to her level and carefully placed it around her neck.

"Thank you, Orsted-sama. Lili will take good care of it," Lili said excitedly after Orsted fastened it.

Hearing this, Orsted couldn't help but comment.

"The amulet is meant to protect you. What's the point of you protecting it?"

"It is indeed meant to protect me, but that doesn't mean I can't cherish it."

"After all, this was given to Lili by you," Lili replied with a bright smile.

Orsted had thought of crafting a better one to replace this once he found higher-quality materials.

But seeing how happy Lili was, it seemed this amulet couldn't be replaced unless it was destroyed.

'Hmm... I'll just enhance it in the future', Orsted thought to himself.

---

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Chapter 30: Fighting!

Chapter 30 - Fighting!

After a peaceful night on the safe zone, Orsted used material radar to collect various materials found there.

The safe zone had far more materials than the normal floors, but most were cleverly hidden and rarely noticed by adventurers.

With the material radar in hand, Orsted could locate these no matter how well-hidden they were.

As a result, in just one night, Orsted and Lili made a big profit.

"Orsted-sama, if we sell the materials we've collected, we could easily make a million valis," Lili said early in the morning as she packed up the tent.

"I plan to keep these for crafting magic items, not sell them," Orsted replied, shaking his head.

"That's true. These materials are too rare. Each one is found in extremely hidden locations, and it would be a waste to sell them," Lili agreed, nodding.

She hadn't seriously considered selling the materials.

After learning that Orsted could craft such items, Lili had already decided to save all future materials for his use.

Orsted's decision aligned perfectly with her thoughts.

"By the way, Orsted-sama, are we going to continue luring monsters today?" Lili asked, shifting the topic to their plans for the day.

"Yes, we'll keep doing it," Orsted nodded.

"Understood, Orsted-sama!"

The two entered the passage to the 18th floor, passed through the Wall of Grief, and soon arrived at the 17th floor.

As soon as they stepped onto the floor, the Dungeon welcomed them with open arms-or rather, with a horde of monsters.

It seemed that because Orsted had lured monsters all the way down yesterday, the number of Minotaurs that appeared this time was excessive.

"Orsted-sama, this is a monster party!" Lili exclaimed in shock as more than 20 Minotaurs emerged from the walls on all sides.

Lili had only heard of monster party but had never seen one before. Today was her first experience.

"Yes," Orsted nodded slightly, then used Instant twice to get Lili out of the encirclement.

Minotaurs were far beyond Lili's capabilities, and there was no need to waste the protective shield on them.

After ensuring Lili's safety, Orsted turned to face the horde of Minotaurs, who had now turned their attention toward him.

The Minotaurs roared and charged at Orsted.

"Orsted-sama, please be careful!" Lili shouted, her voice filled with worry.

Orsted took a deep breath, then used instant to teleport forward.

Shhhh...

In an instant, Orsted had killed the five Minotaurs at the front.

Seeing this, the remaining Minotaurs paused mid-charge, frozen in place.

The next moment, they scattered in all directions, fleeing in panic.

Clearly, the sight of Orsted effortlessly killing five of their comrades had terrified them.

A Level 1 adventurer receiving the same treatment as Ais and Tiona-Orsted wasn't sure whether to feel honored or not.

If these Minotaurs escaped, it could lead to the same situation the Loki Familia had faced earlier.

However, Orsted remained calm.

Using Instant again, he appeared in front of the fleeing Minotaurs, blocking their path.

Before the Minotaurs could react, Orsted launched another attack.

In moments, he had killed five more.

Now, more than half of the original 20 Minotaurs were gone.

Realizing they couldn't escape, the remaining Minotaurs stopped running.

Roaring in defiance, they brandished their weapons and charged at Orsted.

Roarr...

Shhhhhh...

A series of tearing sounds echoed as Orsted swiftly killed the remaining Minotaurs.

"As expected of Orsted-sama!" Lili exclaimed, trotting over to praise him after witnessing his heroic display.

She then happily began collecting the magic stones and drop items.

It had to be said that Orsted's luck was truly unmatched.

A single monster party had given three drop items.

All three were highly valuable materials for forging weapons and could fetch a high price.

Even without knowing the market well, Orsted understood how precious these drop items were.

Collecting their loot, the two continued their journey toward the surface.

It seemed the Dungeon had it out for Orsted. Along the way, they encountered five consecutive monster hordes.

By this point, Lili was completely numb.

"Orsted-sama, have we run out of luck?" Lili, who had always been praised by Orsted for her good luck, followed him with a heavy backpack.

Now, she was feeling very unsure.

If her luck was truly good, why had they encountered so many monsters in a row?

"Lili, think about it differently."

"How many drop items did we get along the way?" Orsted said with a slight smile, seeing Lili's wilted expression.

Hearing this, Lili paused, then glanced back at the backpack she was carrying and shook it.

The next moment, her face lit up with realization.

"It seems I really am quite lucky," Lili said, her smile returning.

Although they had faced multiple monster hordes, Orsted had handled them all effortlessly, and each encounter had given several drop items.

If this wasn't luck, what was?

With this thought, Lili stopped worrying and resumed chatting with Orsted.

---

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Chapter 31: Level 2

Chapter 31 - Level 2

It was afternoon when Orsted and Lili returned to the surface.

After exchanging their collected loot for valis at the Guild, they made their way toward the Familia's residence.

Eina seemed to have been assigned other tasks, as Orsted didn't see her at the Guild.

Otherwise, he might not have been able to leave so quickly-Eina would likely have stopped him for a detailed discussion about his recent activities.

Hestia had been waiting outside the church.

When she saw Orsted, she rushed toward him with excitement, clinging to him and rubbing her cheek against his chest like an overenthusiastic child.

This made Lili pout with jealousy, though there was little she could do about it.

Soon, Orsted managed to peel Hestia off.

"Orsted, come on, come on, let's go downstairs! I'll update your status," Hestia said, pulling him by the hand toward her room.

"You should have enough excelia to rank up."

Orsted, being dragged along, hesitated slightly at her words. 'Should... it be enough?' he wondered.

As Hestia's blood dripped onto Orsted's back, the familiar light illuminated the room once more.

"Finally, you can rank up!" Hestia exclaimed.

===

[

[Name]: Orsted

[Level]: 1

Strength: EX1999

Endurance: EX1999

Dexterity: EX1999

Agility: EX1999

Magic: EX1999

[Magic]:

Instant

-Can Instantly appear infront of anyone.

-No chanting required.

[Skill]:

Developement Ability: Teleporter, Leap

]

===

"W-what the hell is this EX?" Hestia's voice was nearly shaking.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed herself onto Orsted.

"Orsted, you might be the most talented adventurer of all time."

Hearing this, Orsted smiled slightly.

"So, Orsted, which development ability are you going to choose?" Hestia asked, resting her chin on his shoulder as she peered at his status.

"Why don't we ask that half-elf for advice before making the choice?" she suddenly suggested.

Although Eina wasn't a member of the Hestia Familia, she was a trustworthy person.

Hestia couldn't deny that Eina was incredibly knowledgeable as a Guild advisor. Asking her seemed like the best course of action.

"No, I think I understand these two development abilities quite well," Orsted replied, shaking his head slightly.

"Teleporter is likely due to my frequent use of Instant. As for Leap, it's probably because I've been defeating stronger monsters while still at Level 1."

There was no need to trouble Eina with this.

"So, which one are you going to choose?" Hestia asked, agreeing with Orsted's analysis.

"Let's go with Leap," Orsted decided.

Leap, as the name suggested, likely allowed the adventurer to gain the ability to defeat opponents above their level.

If developed further, it could become a trump card.

"Let's do it!" Hestia nodded and immediately began the update.

===

[

[Name]: Orsted

[Level]: 2

Strength: I0

Endurance: I0

Dexterity: I0

Agility: I0

Magic: I0

[Magic]:

Instant

-Can Instantly appear infront of anyone.

-No chanting required.

Developement Ability: Leap I

[Skill]:

]

===

After the update, Orsted stood up and stretched his arms.

Hestia noticed his reaction and smirked.

"Orsted, you don't think your strength will suddenly increase after ranking up, do you?"

"No, I just feel the changes in my body," Orsted replied, shaking his head. He knew a lot about how status updates worked.

Ranking up didn't grant a sudden surge in power but rather strengthened the adventurer's potential.

When the potential was strengthened, each increase in basic abilities would provide a greater boost to overall strength.

This meant that the enhancements from status increased with each level.

By the time an adventurer reached Level 5, they were far beyond the ranks of mortals.

"As long as you understand," Hestia said.

"Well, to celebrate your rank-up today, let's go out for a big meal."

"A big meal?" Orsted repeated.

"Then let's go to the Hostess of Fertility," he suggested.

"Eh? Orsted, don't you dislike that place?" Hestia was surprised.

She remembered how resistant Orsted had been when she took him to the Hostess of Fertility before.

Why was he suggesting it now?

"I want to test my strength, so I'd like to find Ryuu," Orsted explained honestly.

"I see. In that case, let's hold the celebration there," Hestia agreed, nodding.

Both of them left the room and found Lili at the entrance.

She looked quiet.

"Lili, since Orsted has ranked up, let's go to the Soma Familia tomorrow to find Soma," Hestia said as she looked at Lili.

"Um, Hestia-sama, there's no need to rush. It's fine to wait until Orsted-sama reaches a higher level."

"After all, the Soma Familia has several Level 2 adventurers," Lili replied cautiously, scratching her head.

"Is that so? Orsted, what do you think?"

"We'll help Lili join our ranks tomorrow."

"Orsted-sama..." Lili murmured, her voice soft with gratitude.

---

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Chapter 32: Direct Ryuu

Chapter 32 - Direct Ryuu

"Welcome, It's been a while since you last visited," Anya, the catgirl at the entrance of the Hostess of Fertility, greeted Orsted and the others with a bright smile.

Her tail wagged excitedly as she spoke.

Her enthusiastic attitude left Orsted, Hestia, and Lili momentarily stunned.

"Orsted, are you familiar with this girl?" Hestia asked, eyeing Orsted suspiciously.

"Orsted-sama, I didn't realize you had so many friends," Lili muttered, her tone tinged with jealousy.

"I only came here once before, with you, Hestia," Orsted replied, holding his forehead in exasperation.

"Come on, come on, come inside! Syr and Ryuu have been looking forward to your visit," Anya said, oblivious to the tension.

She grabbed Orsted's hand and eagerly pulled him inside.

Seeing Orsted not resist Anya's touch, Hestia and Lili immediately grew furious.

Elves were known for their aversion to physical contact with other races-a trait deeply ingrained in their blood.

Only those they truly trusted were allowed to touch them.

This was why Lili had believed Orsted so easily before-he had patted her head, a gesture that signified his approval.

Now, seeing Orsted being dragged along by Anya without resistance, Lili, who saw Orsted as a beacon of light in her life, couldn't help but feel upset.

Hestia, too, was visibly displeased.

She didn't fully understand why she felt this way, but the sight of Orsted being pulled away by someone else stirred an inexplicable sense of loss, as if something precious had been taken from her.

Striding forward, Hestia slapped Anya's hand away from Orsted's and then wrapped her arms around his.

Lili, not to be outdone, quickly ran over and grabbed Orsted's other arm, staring at him with the same intensity.

"Huh?" Anya blinked in confusion, unsure of what had just happened.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Orsted asked, equally puzzled.

"Hmph," Hestia snorted in dissatisfaction, pulling Orsted toward an empty table.

Lili followed closely, still clinging to Orsted's arm.

Anya watched their retreating figures, tilting her head in confusion before shrugging and darting off toward the kitchen.

"Syr, Ryuu, that boy is here!"

At her words, three heads popped out from the kitchen door like curious squirrels.

The black-haired Chloe, the gray-haired Syr, and the green-haired Ryuu.

"That boy?" Chloe's eyes sparkled with excitement.

Syr, too, looked thrilled, while Ryuu remained calm, her expression as stoic as ever.

After spotting Orsted sitting at a table not far away, Ryuu stepped out of the kitchen and walked toward him.

"Eh?" Syr let out a surprised squeak.

"If you don't hurry, Ryuu will beat you to it," Chloe teased from below.

Hearing this, Syr quickly ran out, also heading toward Orsted.

Behind the tavern, Mia, the owner of Hostess of Fertility, frowned slightly as she observed the scene.

Especially when she saw Syr running like an excited child, Mia's face showed a mix of exasperation and helplessness.

'What on earth is this goddess up to, coming here to work like this?' she thought.

Meanwhile, Orsted looked at Hestia and Lili, who were both sulking, and sighed in confusion.

"What's wrong with you two?" he asked, exasperated.

This was the kind of situation he disliked the most-people getting upset without explanation, and he wasn't the type to immediately figure out why.

"Orsted-sama, why didn't you pull away when that catgirl grabbed your hand earlier?" Lili blurted out, unable to hold back her question.

"Ah, it's just holding hands. It's not like it's going to hurt me. Why would I need to pull away?" Orsted replied, even more confused.

"Don't elves avoid contact with anyone they don't approve of?"

"You didn't resist her, so does that mean you like her?" Hestia chimed in.

"Ah, so that's what this is about."

"I'm different from other elves. I don't have such a strong aversion to contact," Orsted explained with a smile.

Hearing this, both Hestia and Lili were stunned.

"Didn't you pat my head because you approved of me?" Lili asked, her voice filled with disbelief.

"About that, Lili, you are indeed someone I recognize. There's no doubt about that," Orsted reassured her with a gentle smile.

Though he didn't share the typical elven aversion to contact, he didn't go around touching everyone either.

Lili, however, was someone he had come to trust.

Hearing this, Lili's expression softened, and a smile returned to her face.

"I told you, he only met that catgirl once. There's no way he'd approve of her so quickly," Hestia said, breathing a sigh of relief and patting her chest.

"Excuse me, who are you talking about?" A flat voice interrupted.

Hestia froze and turned stiffly to see Ryuu standing nearby.

Oh no, I got caught talking behind someone's back again, Hestia thought.

Wait, did I even say anything bad?

Realizing she hadn't, Hestia relaxed.

"Hahaha! We're talking about food."

"Nevermind, What you like order?"

---

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Chapter 33: Freya, stay calm

Chapter 33 - Freya, stay calm

Hestia and Lili were ordering the dishes they wanted, but Orsted felt as though he were facing a formidable enemy.

This was because standing before them were not only Ryuu, but also Syr.

Orsted was certain that the Syr in front of him wasn't the real Syr but Freya herself.

The reason for his suspicion? When Syr approached, Orsted heard the system prompt in his mind.

When he had visited the Hostess of Fertility with Hestia before, Orsted had also seen Syr, but at that time, Syr hadn't triggered the sign-in prompt.

Now, however, it had been triggered, and he could think of no other explanation.

Orsted hadn't felt Freya's gaze on him in the past few days and had assumed she had given up.

But it seemed Freya hadn't given up at all-she had simply taken a more direct approach.

Even though he felt like he was facing a formidable foe, Orsted still had to claim his reward.

'Sign in!'

[Sign-in successful. Congratulations, host, for obtaining Eternal Arms Mastery]

As the system's voice faded, a flood of information surged into Orsted's mind.

It was a mastery of combat that can be said to reached the pinnacle of one's era.

After absorbing this knowledge, a glint of light flashed in Orsted's eyes, and his body seemed to undergo a subtle transformation.

In an instant, he had perfectly mastered many combat skills.

Eternal Arms Mastery, the personal skill of Lancelot, the Knight of the Lake, was a combat style unparalleled in Arthurian legends.

It was a mastery of combat that fully integrated mind, body, and technique, allowing user to unleash their full strength even under extreme mental constraints.

Combat skills and experience, were areas where Orsted had been lacking.

Even with Sun Breathing, Orsted's overall combat had been limited.

Against equally skilled opponents, Orsted's reliance on it would have left him at a disadvantage.

Now, however, Eternal Arms Mastery had filled that gap.

Orsted could confidently say that, in terms of combat skills in the same level, no one could match him.

Whether facing adventurers or monsters, he was now a force to be reckoned with.

"Orsted, what about you? What do you want to eat?" Hestia's voice pulled Orsted out of his thoughts.

Orsted blinked, returning to reality, and saw Hestia and Lili looking at him expectantly.

At the table, Ryuu and Syr were also watching him.

One had a calm expression, while the other seemed cheerful, but Orsted could feel an intensity in their gazes that made him slightly uncomfortable.

Freya was understandable-she had been keeping an eye on him.

But why was Ryuu looking at him like that?

Forcing himself to ignore the hidden intensity in their gazes, Orsted picked up the menu and casually ordered a couple of dishes.

Ryuu and Syr left together after Orsted finished ordering.

"Orsted, what happened just now? You seemed distracted," Hestia asked curiously after the two had left.

Orsted had clearly been lost in thought.

"I was thinking about something," Orsted replied with a nod.

It was well-known that mortals couldn't lie in front of gods.

However, this didn't apply to Orsted.

Thanks to the system.

Even if Orsted lied in front of Hestia, she wouldn't be able to sense it.

"Really?"

"Well, I was wondering how strong I am now. I'm planning to ask Ryuu to test me later," Orsted explained with a smile.

"Orsted-sama's situation is quite unique and can't be measured by ordinary standards."

"Lili understands wanting to test his strength, but why Ryuu?" Lili nodded in agreement.

She understood Orsted's desire to test his strength, but she didn't understand why he wanted Ryuu's help.

Was Ryuu really that strong?

"I'll explain it to you when we get back," Hestia whispered in Lili's ear.

She couldn't discuss Ryuu's identity here-after all, walls had ears, and discussing such matters in public would only cause trouble for Ryuu.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Ryuu and Syr were going about their tasks as usual, their expressions unchanged.

But their minds were racing with other thoughts.

'That's right. The faint aura Orsted exuded just now... it's the same aura that powerful man had back then.'

'Orsted is the one who helped us back then.'

'Ryuu, calm down. Don't act rashly. Let things unfold naturally. Don't interfere,' Ryuu thought to herself as she washed dishes, suppressing the almost overwhelming urge to confront Orsted directly.

Beside her, Syr-or rather, Freya-was even more excited.

When she had seen Orsted again, she noticed that his soul was far more radiant than when she had last seen him on Babel.

This told her that Orsted was growing very fast.

But she hadn't expected that, just moments ago, while taking their orders, she would witness Orsted's soul burst into an even more dazzling light.

Though it had dimmed quickly afterward, the brilliance of his soul in that moment had nearly blinded her.

'That child's soul is growing imperceptibly, becoming more radiant.'

'Freya, stay calm. Don't interfere with the his growth,' Freya reminded herself, her smile unwavering as she hummed a cheerful tune and prepared the dishes.

---

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Chapter 34: Ryuu: Let Me Test Your Strength!

Chapter 34 - Ryuu: Let Me Test Your Strength!

"You said you wanted me to help test your current strength?"

Ryuu looked at Orsted with some surprise.

"Yes," Orsted replied with a gentle nod.

"I understand. Please wait for me for about two hours, until the tavern closes. I'll spar with you then," Ryuu agreed without hesitation.

"Alright. We'll head back first. You should come back early too," Hestia said, standing nearby.

Seeing that the two had come to an agreement, she prepared to leave and bid Orsted farewell.

"Take care on your way back," Orsted nodded.

"Goodbye, Orsted-sama," Lili waved to Orsted, then followed Hestia as they left.

Orsted re-entered the tavern and prepared to order a glass of wine while waiting for Ryuu to finish her shift.

However, before Orsted could speak, someone appeared in front of him.

"Aunt Mia?" Orsted was slightly surprised, looking at Mia.

"Aunt? Am I that old?" Mia frowned, glaring at Orsted.

"Uh, Mia?" Orsted hesitated for a moment before correcting himself.

"Hmm."

"This is your drink. Enjoy," Mia said, gesturing to the glass.

"Thank you," Orsted replied, not refusing the offer, and nodded in gratitude.

"Hey, kid, have you known Ryuu for a long time?" Mia asked casually as she wiped a wine glass.

"Huh?"

"No, I don't know her. I first met Ryuu when I came here last time."

"Why do you ask?" Orsted shook his head, curious.

"That girl seems to care a lot about you, as if she's known you for a long time. I thought you might have met before," Mia explained nonchalantly.

Hearing this, Orsted was taken aback.

"Lately, Ryuu has been waiting for your arrival. I don't know why she's so concerned about you," Mia added, observing Orsted closely.

She could more or less guess why Freya was interested in Orsted-it was likely because his soul was exceptionally radiant, making him a target.

But she was puzzled by Ryuu's intense interest in Orsted.

At first, she had assumed that Ryuu and Orsted had known each other before.

But now Orsted had confirmed that they hadn't.

That left only one possible explanation.

Ryuu had fallen for Orsted.

Mia couldn't think of any other reason.

The thought of one of her daughter being taken by an outsider made her a little unhappy.

However, with Freya also making moves, Ryuu probably wouldn't be be taken easily.

Thinking this, Mia felt somewhat relieved.

Orsted, who had been silently pondering Mia's words, was equally puzzled.

"Please enjoy," a gentle voice interrupted his thoughts.

Syr appeared, placing a plate of snacks in front of Orsted and smiling warmly at him.

Mia, seeing this, said nothing.

She simply turned away and began organizing the wine cabinet, pretending not to notice.

Orsted felt a little awkward.

He really didn't want to deal with Freya.

After all, her reputation was far from stellar, and she wasn't exactly someone to mess with.

However, while Orsted didn't want to engage with her, Freya was eager to build a connection.

She stood beside Orsted, striking up a conversation.

Orsted could only respond awkwardly.

Fortunately, Ryuu came to the rescue.

She grabbed Syr by the collar and dragged her back to the kitchen.

Orsted breathed a sigh of relief.

"Your luck is really something," Mia remarked, watching Orsted with a hint of pity.

Orsted remained silent.

He then began to reflect on himself.

What exactly does Freya see in me?

Soon the tavern finally closed.

Orsted waited outside for a few minutes before Ryuu appeared.

Ryuu was dressed for battle, much like her appearance in the anime when she accompanied Hestia and Hermes into the Dungeon to rescue Bell.

"Let's go," Ryuu turned and walked away.

Orsted followed.

Not long after the two left, a figure appeared where they had been standing.

"Ryuu, what is your relationship with this child?"

"I'm a little concerned," Freya murmured to herself, biting her thumbnail as she watched the two figures disappear into the darkness.

"Freya, don't cause trouble," Mia's voice sounded next to her.

Freya turned to see Mia looking at her seriously.

"Don't worry, I won't interfere," Freya smiled faintly, waved at Mia, and then turned to leave, gradually fading into the shadows.

"What a hassle," Mia sighed, watching Freya disappear.

She then turned her gaze in the direction Orsted and Ryuu had gone, remaining silent for a long moment before muttering to herself,

"What's going on here is beyond belief."

Orsted and Ryuu quickly arrived near the city walls of Orario.

They climbed up the walls, and Ryuu turned to face Orsted.

"Come on, let me see your strength," Ryuu drew Alf's justitia from her waist and took a battle stance.

---

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Chapter 35: Are you okay, Orsted-san?

Chapter 35 - Are you okay, Orsted-san?

Seeing this, Orsted didn't hesitate.

He drew his sword and took a stance.

Ryuu, standing opposite him, was momentarily stunned.

As a seasoned warrior, Ryuu immediately noticed that Orsted's stance was flawless.

She couldn't find any openings or weaknesses to exploit.

In that moment, Ryuu realized that Orsted's combat and experience far surpassed her own.

'That's right. That person was also this powerful-so strong that no one could find any flaws'

The next second, Ryuu's eyes narrowed.

Orsted's figure blurred into a shadow as he instantly closed the distance between them.

"So fast!" Ryuu barely had time to react. She quickly swung Alf's Justitia to block Orsted's sudden attack.

However in terms of raw strength, she far outclassed him.

Even though Orsted's attack caught her off guard, Ryuu's superior physique allowed her to react in time and block the strike.

'So strong... this attack is already at Level 3 strength!' Ryuu's heart raced as she processed what had just happened.

Ryuu didn't know Orsted well, but she knew one thing: he was a rookie.

Yet, as a rookie, Orsted had just demonstrated strength comparable to a Level 3 adventurer.

Even with her experience, Ryuu had never encountered someone like Orsted.

Despite her shock, Ryuu didn't let her guard down.

Orsted's next attack came swiftly.

His relentless, seamless assault left Ryuu struggling to keep up.

Ryuu was certain that if she were only a Level 3, she would have been defeated long ago under Orsted's onslaught.

The only reason she could hold her ground was her superior status-strength, agility, dexterity, endurance, and magic-all of which were far beyond Orsted's.

The fight lasted only a few minutes before Orsted disengaged.

"Ryuu, may I ask what level of strength I've reached among adventurers?" Orsted asked politely after stepping back.

"Level 3," Ryuu replied after a brief pause, her expression complex.

Orsted had only been an adventurer for a short time, yet he already possessed the strength of a Level 3 adventurer.

This growth rate was unprecedented.

If word got out, it would undoubtedly cause a stir.

However, Ryuu had no intention of spreading this information.

She wouldn't cause trouble for Orsted.

Orsted was slightly surprised by her answer.

In his estimation, his strength should have been at Level 2.

But Ryuu claimed he had reached Level 3.

'So, the Minotaurs I fought weren't weak-I was just too strong.'

'Minotaurs are undoubtedly Level 2 monsters. The reason I could defeat them so easily was because my strength had reached Level 3?'

'Comparing Level 1 to Level 3, am I the first to achieve this?'

'No, Bell's aunt could fight Level 9 when she was Level 7.'

'It seems I'm not the first.'

As Orsted pondered this, he began to sheathe his sword.

However, before he could, Ryuu spoke up.

"Orsted-san, could we continue sparring?"

"I'll suppress my strength to Level 3."

"Hmm? Of course, but why?" Orsted asked, puzzled.

"Your combat skills and experience are exceptional-far superior to mine. Sparring with you would greatly benefit me," Ryuu explained honestly.

Although she had been away from her Familia and companions for years, and hadn't updated her status in just as long, Ryuu had never stopped striving to improve.

Facing someone as skilled as Orsted, she didn't want to miss the opportunity.

Moreover, sparring with adventurers of similar strength was an excellent way to grow.

Hearing this, Orsted remembered that he had just acquired Eternal Arms Mastery, which had elevated his combat skills to an absurd level-far beyond Ryuu's.

This was evident from their earlier fight.

If Ryuu hadn't relied on her superior strength, she likely wouldn't have been able to withstand his attacks.

What Ryuu understood, Orsted also knew.

In the anime, Bell had improved his status by sparring with powerful adventurers while at Level 1 and Level 2.

Both times, it was Ais who trained him.

At Level 1, Ais had offered to train Bell, and at Level 2, it was due to the pressure from the Apollo Familia that Bell sought Ais's help to prepare for the War Game.

Both sessions had greatly enhanced Bell's strength.

Thinking this, Orsted nodded in agreement to Ryuu's request.

However-

"You don't need to suppress your strength. Can we spar at your full power?" Orsted asked.

"Is that so?"

"That's fine," Ryuu hesitated for a moment before agreeing.

With that, the two resumed their sparring.

This time, the battle lasted two hours.

By the end, Orsted was lying on the ground in a sprawled-out position.

Beside him, Ryuu knelt down and poked his cheek gently.

"Are you okay, Orsted-san?"

---

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Chapter 36: Crafting Magic Items

Chapter 36 - Crafting Magic Items

It was already four o'clock in the morning when Orsted returned to the church.

Hestia and Lili were already fast asleep, so Orsted didn't disturb them.

After washing up, he lay down on the sofa.

"After I deal with Lili's situation tomorrow, I'll go buy a villa as our new home," Orsted murmured to himself before closing his eyes and falling asleep.

The next morning, Orsted woke up feeling suffocated.

After struggling for a moment, Orsted managed to free himself.

He looked over and saw that Hestia had somehow moved from the bed to the sofa and was lying on top of him.

"Wake up, Hestia. Why are you on top of me again?" Orsted wasn't surprised by this-it had happened several times over the past two weeks.

"Let me sleep a little longer," Hestia mumbled drowsily before drifting off again.

"Orsted-sama, just give up. Hestia-sama has a serious case of morning laziness. There's no way she'll wake up this early," Lili said, emerging from the bathroom with a cup of water in one hand and a toothbrush in the other.

Hearing this, Orsted didn't try to wake Hestia again.

Instead, he gently slipped out from under her and went to the bathroom to wash up.

By the time Orsted finished, Hestia was finally stirring.

"Good morning, Orsted."

"Where's Lili?" Hestia rubbed her eyes and glanced around.

"She went to buy breakfast," Orsted replied, drying his face with a towel.

As soon as he spoke, footsteps echoed from the stairs, followed by Lili's voice.

"I've brought breakfast!"

After a flurry of activity, the three of them sat on the sofa and ate breakfast together.

"What's the plan for today?" Hestia asked between bites.

"First, we'll help Lili. Then, we'll go buy a new home," Orsted replied.

"Alright. I'll go see Hephaestus first and ask her to come with us," Hestia nodded.

"Uh, is that really okay?"

"I feel like something's off about this," Orsted said, feeling a bit awkward.

It felt like using Hephaestus's influence to pressure the Soma Familia.

"It's fine. This is exactly how the Soma Familia should be handled."

"I've been investigating the Soma Familia these past few days."

"What I found made me furious."

"The adventurers in the Soma Familia are completely out of line."

"And Soma himself-"

"This is the treatment they deserve. It'll teach them a lesson," Hestia said, her anger evident as she stood up for Lili.

"Lili, it's a miracle you survived this long."

Hestia hadn't been idle during this time.

She'd been gathering information about the Soma Familia, and what she'd learned had left her seething.

Initially, she had planned to approach the Soma Familia diplomatically and negotiate peacefully.

But now, Hestia was determined to use Hephaestus's influence to pressure the Soma Familia into submission.

The Soma Familia deserved nothing less.

"Ahaha, I'm used to it, Hestia-sama," Lili laughed nervously.

Orsted considered Hestia's words and felt there was some truth to them, but-

"What about Hephaestus?"

"Isn't this kind of thing likely to cause trouble for her?" Orsted asked, concerned.

"It's fine. I've already talked to Hephaestus about it. She can't stand the way Soma runs his Familia either, so she's happy to help," Hestia said with a smile.

"She's that willing to go along with this?"

Orsted's mouth twitched slightly, finding Hephaestus's willingness to cause trouble a bit surprising.

"Hephaestus and I are best friends and She's happy to help me out," Hestia said proudly.

Orsted shrugged and didn't press further.

He didn't know how close Hestia and Hephaestus were, but it seemed their friendship was strong enough for Hephaestus to go along with Hestia's plans.

***

After breakfast, Hestia took Lili to find Hephaestus.

Orsted, however, stayed behind to craft magic items.

With so many materials collected from the Dungeon, why let them sit unused?

A deep light glowed in his hands as various materials floated within it, suspended in the air above his palm.

Orsted's mind raced with theories and designs .

He began assembling the materials, creating one piece after another.

Every ten minutes, a new piece of item floated out of the light and landed on the ground beside him.

This continued for a full hour and soon the space around Orsted was filled with magic items.

[Amplifier: Enhances the power of weapons.]

[Swiftwind Boots: Increases the user's speed. The boost depends on the amount of mana infused.]

[Cloak of Invisibility: Renders the wearer invisible.]

[Magic Limb: Prosthetic limb which can be controlled at will.]

[Magic Cleaner: Cleans an area within a 100-meter radius. Can be controlled with mana.]

---

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Chapter 37: Deal With Tsubaki

Chapter 37 - Deal With Tsubaki

While Orsted was sorting through the items he had crafted, his sharp ears caught the sound of footsteps approaching from the stairs.

Soon, Hestia's clear and cheerful voice rang out.

"Orsted, we're back!"

Orsted turned to see Hestia and Lili at the stairs.

Along with them were two others: Hephaestus and Tsubaki Colbrande, the captain of the Hephaestus Familia.

"Welcome back."

"Good morning, Hephaestus," Orsted nodded, greeting Hephaestus politely.

"Good morning, Orsted."

"Are these... magic items?" Hephaestus's gaze was immediately drawn to the numerous pieces of items scattered around Orsted.

"Wow, so many!" Tsubaki, standing beside Hephaestus, noticed them as well and rushed over excitedly.

Tsubaki was one of Orario's master blacksmiths.

Many of the city's top-tier weapons and armor were forged by her hands. In addition, Tsubaki was also skilled in crafting Magic Swords.

In many ways, Magic items and Magic Swords were similar.

Both relied on mana to function.

The main difference was that most items required the user to supply mana or mind, while Magic Swords contained their own stored mana and could activate their effects immediately.

However, once the stored mana was depleted, the sword would shatter.

Recently, Tsubaki had been researching a new type of Magic Sword that relied on the user's mana instead of its own.

Unfortunately, she had hit a wall in her research.

She had considered purchasing some magic items to study, but there was only one person in Orario known to craft such items: Asfi Al Andromeda, the captain of the Hermes Familia.

Tsubaki had wanted to buy some from Asfi for her research, but Asfi had left Orario to wander the world, and it was unclear when she would return.

So, Tsubaki's plans had been put on hold-until now.

"Orsted?" Hestia also noticed the items on the ground and looked at Orsted with a mix of surprise and curiosity.

"I forgot to tell you, Hestia-sama."

"Orsted-sama can craft such items," Lili explained on Orsted's behalf.

"Did you make all of these?" Tsubaki, who had been examining the magic items, suddenly looked up at Orsted, her eyes shining with enthusiasm.

"Uh, yes," Orsted replied, slightly taken aback by Tsubaki's intense gaze.

For a moment, he thought she might be Freya in disguise.

Hestia was equally surprised to hear that Orsted could make such, as he didn't possess the Mystery development ability, which was typically required for such craftsmanship.

'It seems Orsted has secrets I don't know about,' Hestia thought to herself, though she had no intention of prying.

"I didn't expect you to be capable of crafting magic items."

"In that case, could I place an order with you?"

"Tsubaki is currently researching a new type of Magic Sword, and she needs these for her research," Hephaestus said, folding her arms and gazing at Orsted.

"Of course, but you'll need to provide the materials yourself."

"Since Hephaestus offered me a discount when I bought equipment from your Familia, I'll give you a 20% discount in return," Orsted replied, laying out his terms upfront.

"No problem!" Before Hephaestus could respond, Tsubaki agreed immediately, her excitement evident.

Hephaestus smiled faintly at Orsted's offer.

She had given him a discount as a gesture of support, but she hadn't expected Orsted to reciprocate in this way.

Still, she didn't comment further.

Orsted's abilities were a boon to Hestia's Familia, and Hephaestus was genuinely happy for her friend.

"Hey, hey, can I buy these right now?" Tsubaki asked eagerly, unable to contain her enthusiasm.

"Sure. If you want, I'll sell you all five pieces for 100 million valis," Orsted said after a moment of consideration.

"Deal!" Tsubaki agreed without hesitation.

Orsted: ...So straightforward? Big spender!

"I'm Tsubaki Colbrande, captain of the Hephaestus Familia. I'll come to you if I need anything in the future."

"And if you ever need help, as long as it's not too unreasonable, feel free to ask."

"Actually, even if it's unreasonable, I'll help," Tsubaki added with a grin as she gathered those items into her arms.

"Let's go to the Guild now. I'll transfer the money to you," Tsubaki said, already heading for the stairs.

Orario had institutions similar to modern banks, and large transactions between Familias were typically conducted through these channels.

After all, carrying around massive amounts of valis for transactions wasn't practical.

Seeing Tsubaki's excitement, Orsted and the others exchanged glances.

Hephaestus sighed, covering her forehead in mock exasperation, then smiled apologetically at Orsted and the others.

"Let's get this done quickly, then head to the Soma Familia to help Lili."

"Agreed," Hestia nodded, taking Hephaestus's hand and leading the way.

Orsted stood up and followed with Lili.

At the Guild, Eina looked at Orsted and the others, then at the two account books in her hands, her eyebrow twitching slightly.

"Tsubaki-san, are you sure you want to transfer 100 million valis to Orsted?" Eina asked carefully.

"Yes, confirm it. Hurry up," Tsubaki replied without hesitation.

"Alright, I'll process the transaction right away."

---

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Chapter 38: Unexpected Face!

Chapter 38 - Unexpected Face!

As Orsted and Tsubaki were handling the transaction, a gentle voice called out from behind them.

"Tsubaki, I didn't expect to see you here."

Hearing the voice, both turned around.

They saw Finn, the captain of Loki Familia, walking toward them with a smile.

However, when Finn noticed Orsted, his eyes gleamed with interest.

What a strong aura!

Orsted was surprised.

He had met Ais and Tiona two days ago, and now he was encountering Finn this time, the captain of Loki familia.

"Hey, Finn, are you here to report on the expedition?" Tsubaki greeted him with a smile.

After an expedition, it was customary for the Familia to share information about the Dungeon with the Guild.

This was an unwritten rule in Orario.

"Yes."

"Then, I'll head over first," Finn nodded and walked toward another counter.

Although Finn was intrigued by the faint but powerful aura emanating from Orsted, he didn't say anything further.

"Tsubaki-san, the transaction is complete," Eina said from behind the counter, handing over two passbooks.

"Thanks, Eina."

"Orsted, let's go. We shouldn't keep Hephaestus and Hestia waiting too long," Tsubaki said, urging Orsted to leave.

She then walked out of the Guild.

"Eina, I'll come back later to talk about my rank up," Orsted said before following Tsubaki.

Eina remained calm and unsurprised.

When Orsted and Lili had gone to the middle floors, Eina had known that Orsted was on the verge of rank up.

The only thing missing was the necessary excelia.

Going to those floors was to defeat powerful monsters and gather enough excelia.

Now that he had returned safely, it was clear he had succeeded.

Watching Orsted leave, Eina smiled and waved.

Not long after Tsubaki and Orsted left, Finn approached Eina's counter.

"Finn-san?" Eina was surprised to see Finn at her counter, as they had no prior connection.

"Eina-san, may I ask-"

"The elf from earlier-his name is Orsted, correct? Is he a member of the Hestia Familia?" Finn asked politely.

"Yes, Orsted is a member of the Hestia Familia and a rookie under my charge," Eina replied honestly.

Finn was the leader of the Loki Familia, and the Loki Familia had made significant contributions to Orario.

The Guild wouldn't withhold such basic information, and neither would Eina.

Even if Eina refused to answer, Finn could easily access the Guild's archives to find out.

"Thank you," Finn nodded, then left the Guild.

At the entrance, Finn glanced down the street and spotted Tsubaki and Orsted walking away.

Watching their retreating figures, Finn's eyes flickered, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.

"Ais, Tiona, this Orsted is far more impressive than you described."

"That aur is something even I admire."

"And a rookie... rank up so quickly..."

"Loki, your instincts are as sharp as ever."

***

Of course, Orsted was unaware of Finn's thoughts.

Leaving the Guild, both headed to meet up with Hestia and the others.

They were planning to visit the Soma Familia.

While Orsted and Tsubaki went to the Guild to complete the transaction, Hestia and the others took the magic items to the Hephaestus Store.

The two groups had agreed to meet at an intersection on the way to the Soma Familia.

"Come to think of it, you've only been an adventurer for a little over two weeks, right?" Tsubaki gave Orsted a curious look.

As a Level 5 adventurer, even if she wasn't a combat specialist, Tsubaki's senses were sharp.

She had overheard Orsted mentioning his rank-up to Eina before leaving the Guild.

This realization surprised her.

The Hestia Familia had only been established for a little over two weeks, and Orsted, its first member, was a rookie with less than half a month of experience.

Yet, he had already at Level 2.

Tsubaki had been so focused on the magic items earlier that she hadn't fully processed this.

How could a rookie craft such advanced items?

Level 1 didn't have development abilities.

Even if Orsted had ranked up and obtained the Mystery development ability, it seemed unrealistic for him to craft magic items so soon.

This made Tsubaki both surprised and deeply curious about Orsted.

"Yes, to be exact, it's been seventeen days," Orsted replied with a nod.

"That's incredible. Ranking up in seventeen days will cause a sensation across Orario."

"Your growth rate surpasses even the Sword Princess's."

"Congratulations," Tsubaki said, though her tone was more thoughtful than celebratory.

"Um, are you sure my rank-up is something to celebrate?" Orsted asked, breaking into a cold sweat.

"Eh? Isn't ranking up worth celebrating?" Tsubaki looked confused.

"I'm more worried about the Denatus now..." Orsted said with a wry smile.

Hearing this, Tsubaki paused, then laughed and patted Orsted's shoulder.

"Haha, that's a valid concern."

"But don't worry. I'll ask Hephaestus to protect you during Denatus."

"Uh, thanks, but."

"Don't worry about it. Just don't worry about it."

"..."

---

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Chapter 39: Soma, The God Of Wine

Chapter 39 - Soma, The God Of Wine

Denatus is a gathering where all the gods come together to have fun, often assigning bizarre and humorous aliases to adventurers who have recently ranked up.

Powerful Familias can use their influence to secure favorable alias for their members.

However, newly established or smaller Familias lack this privilege.

What Orsted was worried about now was that he might be given a particularly strange alias at the next denatus.

But worrying was pointless.

According to Hestia, the last denatus had been held two months ago, meaning the next one was still a month away.

Orsted could only hope for the good.

Soon, Orsted and the others arrived at the meeting point, where Hestia and the rest were already waiting.

"Let's go."

"Yes."

After regrouping, they headed straight for the Soma Familia's residence.

It had to be said that, despite being a small Familia, the Soma Familia had a sizable membership, and their residence was quite large.

This was likely due to the popularity of Soma's divine wine.

Because Hephaestus and Tsubaki had accompanied them, the Soma Familia's captain Zanis Lustra, didn't try to stop them.

Even when he saw Lili, his expression didn't change-he probably didn't even remember her.

After all, Lili hadn't returned to the Soma Familia in years, living alone in a small rented house.

Orsted had expected some resistance, but-

"Hestia, Hephaestus, what brings you here?" Soma's voice echoed from the dimly lit winemaking room.

The God of Wine, Soma, looked as gloomy as ever, his long bangs covering his eyes, making it hard to see his expression.

"Soma, I'll get straight to the point. I'm here to ask you to release Lili. I want her to join my Familia," Hestia said firmly.

"Lili?" Soma's gaze shifted toward Lili, his bangs barely revealing his eyes.

Lili trembled under Soma's stare.

She had a natural fear of this god, not because of Soma himself, but because of the years of mistreatment she'd endured from his Familia members.

"Soma-sama, please grant Lili's request," Lili said, mustering her courage.

"Hmm? You're one of my Familia members?"

"But it's strange that you want to leave."

"And you've managed to get Hephaestus and Hestia to vouch for you," Soma murmured, his tone indifferent.

He only recognized Lili through falna in her body.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have remembered her at all.

It was precisely because he recognized her that Soma was surprised.

None of the adventurers who joined the Soma Familia had ever voluntarily left.

They were all addicted to the flawed divine wine he brewed, willing to take insane risks to earn valis and get their hands on it.

They were hopelessly intoxicated, a group of lost souls.

"Alright, let's proceed with the trade," Soma said, his tone still detached.

"Eh? That's it?" Hestia was taken aback by how easily Soma agreed.

She had expected to argue with him.

After all, Soma had always been a reclusive and difficult god, even in Heaven.

Though she could talk to him, Soma wasn't the most approachable person.

The others were equally surprised.

"Is there a problem?" Soma asked, tilting his head slightly.

"No, no, nothing. Let's get started," Hestia said, shaking her head.

"Hmm."

***

In the corridor, Orsted leaned against the wall, waiting quietly while Hestia and the others were inside the room.

Next to him stood Zanis.

The Soma Familia captain seemed to have finally remembered Lili's identity and was glaring at Orsted with clear hostility.

Lili had approached Zanis years ago, asking to leave the Soma Familia.

At the time, Zanis had demanded a hefty withdrawal fee of 10 million valis.

But that was years ago, and he had forgotten about Lili entirely.

Now, seeing her bypass him and go straight to Soma, successfully securing her release, made Zanis furious.

He had lost his chance to claim the 10 million valis.

"Don't cause trouble, or I'll kill you," Orsted said calmly, meeting Zanis's glare.

"What did you say?" Zanis's eyes darkened further, his hand twitching as if ready to strike.

Orsted ignored him, continuing to wait.

If Zanis wanted to pick a fight, Orsted wouldn't hesitate to end it.

Soon, Hestia and the others emerged from the room.

"Thank you, Soma," Hestia said, holding Lili's hand and smiling at the god, who remained inside.

"Leave quickly," Soma replied without looking up, already focused on brewing more wine.

Hestia didn't linger, leading the group out.

After they left, Zanis entered the room.

"Soma-sama, why did you let her go?!" Zanis shouted, his anger boiling over.

"Are you questioning me, Zanis?" Soma's voice was calm but carried an edge.

The words made Zanis freeze, and he quickly bowed.

"I-I'm sorry, Soma-sama!"

---

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Chapter 40: Gifting Eina!

Chapter 40 - Gifting Eina!

"I didn't expect things to go so smoothly. Thank you, Hephaestus."

The transfer process had gone remarkably well, and Hephaestus had played an indispensable role.

Without Hephaestus, Hestia was sure Soma would have agreed to let Lili leave, but it wouldn't have been nearly as straightforward.

"You're welcome."

"By the way, what's next on your agenda?" Hephaestus asked with a gentle nod.

It wasn't often that she got to spend time with Hestia, and Hephaestus wasn't ready to part ways just yet.

"I'm planning to buy a mansion. Would you mind coming along to give me some advice?" Hestia replied with a smile.

"Of course," Hephaestus agreed without hesitation.

The group soon arrived at the Guild.

Once there, Orsted separated from Hestia and the others.

Hestia and Hephaestus went to find the staff in charge of housing, while Orsted went to see Eina.

"Even though I was prepared, I'm still shocked that you rank up in just half a month," Eina said, looking at Orsted's newly updated record with a mix of awe and disbelief.

She had watched Orsted's growth from the beginning and knew how extraordinary his progress was.

If not for the excelia requirement, Orsted would have been a Level 2 week ago.

"Now, Orsted, please tell me about your adventures. This is the Guild's standard procedure," Eina flipped to a new page and prepare to record Orsted's exploits.

Orsted hesitated for a moment before responding.

"What's wrong?" Eina asked, noticing his hesitation.

"It's nothing. I'm just worried you might find it hard to believe," Orsted laughed, then began recounting his adventures.

Eina knew Orsted had been growing rapidly and that he had ventured into the middle floors, but she hadn't thought he would face Minotaurs.

The was shocking.

If word got out, it would undoubtedly cause a sensation across Orario.

After all, a Level 1 adventurer taking on Minotaurs-and defeating them in waves-was unprecedented.

However, Orsted didn't want to deceive Eina.

She had always been sincere in her support, and he trusted her.

Moreover, the Guild wouldn't publicize such extraordinary achievements.

Doing so would only encourage reckless behavior among adventurers.

This was how the Guild had handled Bell's info in the anime-by keeping it under wraps.

After a moment of thought, Orsted decided to tell Eina the full truth.

Aside from not wanting to deceive her, Orsted also wanted to increase his standing within the Guild-or rather, with Ouranos.

Ouranos would likely take a special interest in an adventurer with such immense potential, which would benefit the Hestia Familia in the long run.

"Orsted, did you specifically target Minotaurs?" Eina asked, her pen slipping from her hand as she listened to Orsted's story.

When she heard that Orsted had wiped out several waves of Minotaur monster parties, eliminating over 200 Minotaurs, she was left speechless.

"Yes, that's right," Orsted confirmed with a nod.

Eina fell silent for a moment.

Then-

"Orsted, you big fool!!!"

Her shout echoed through the room, drawing the attention of adventurers and Guild staff alike. Heads popped out from cubicles as people turned to see what was happening.

"Sorry, sorry!" Eina quickly apologized, her face flushing with embarrassment.

The onlookers gradually returned to their tasks.

"Orsted, tell me the truth. What were your basic abilities before you rank up?"

"Don't worry, I won't record it," Eina said, leaning closer and speaking in a low voice.

Orsted hesitated for a moment before answering honestly.

He trusted Eina completely.

She had proven her integrity time and again, and in the anime, she had kept Bell's abilities a secret.

Orsted didn't want to hide anything from her.

Eina wasn't like Lili, who had been by his side during his adventures and knew the extent of his growth.

Eina only knew that his strength had been improving rapidly, but she didn't know just how strong he had become.

If he didn't tell her, she would only worry.

As a friend, Orsted didn't want to cause her unnecessary concern.

After listening, Eina froze, her eyes flickering as she processed the information.

Her mind was in turmoil, but after a long moment, she finally calmed down.

"No wonder," she said, summing up her thoughts in just two words.

No wonder Orsted had been able to accomplish so much.

With these unheard basic abilities, even without ranking up, Orsted had strength more than enough to handle Minotaurs.

"It seems I was worrying too much. Sorry, Orsted," Eina smiled, her expression softening.

"It's fine. I'm glad you care so much about me," Orsted replied with chuckle.

"By the way, Eina, I have a gift for you," Orsted added, pulling out the amulet he had crafted for her.

"What is this?" Eina asked, taking the item and looking at Orsted in confusion.

"It's something I made. It's a piece of magic item that can protect you from harm without requiring much mana," Orsted explained.

"Items... Magic items?"

"Your development ability is Mystery?" Eina's hands trembled slightly.

"Yes."

"This is a precious gift. I'll accept it. If you ever need anything in the future, don't hesitate to come to me."

"Now, Orsted, let's go over your adventure story again," Eina said, picking up her pen.

She had been too shocked earlier to record everything properly.

"Alright."

Soon, they finished the recording.

"Eina, I'll be going now."

"Take care," Eina replied, holding the file and waving gently.

Orsted nodded and turned to leave.

Watching his retreating figure, Eina tightened her grip on the amulet.

"Orsted, you gave this to me..."

"What should I do?"

---

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Chapter 41: Thank you, Orsted

Chapter 41 - Thank you, Orsted

Magic items are exceedingly rare in Orario, and only those with the development ability of mystery can craft them.

Most of those items are imported from Altena, the country of magic.

Even there, magic items are incredibly scarce and considered priceless.

Otherwise, the mages of the well established Familias would undoubtedly own one or even several.

These adventurers are not short on funds.

However, their physical strength pales in comparison to melee adventurers, making them fragile and vulnerable in combat.

As a result, most mages are long-range fighters, constantly wary of being caught off guard and killed.

If protective magic items were more readily available, then they would undoubtedly equip themselves to the fullest.

Eina had never heard of the kind of magic item Orsted had given her-one that could function with little mana.

It was precisely because she had never encountered such an item that Eina understood its immense value.

Orsted had suddenly gifted her something so precious, and she wasn't sure how to properly thank him.

All she could do was resolve to support Orsted on his path to growth.

As for why she accepted the gift, she wasn't entirely sure.

Perhaps it was because-

'Because I have feelings for Orsted, I instinctively didn't want to refuse this gift.'

Eina murmured softly, carefully tucking the amulet into her collar and keeping it close to her heart.

Meanwhile, Orsted made his way to Miach Familia.

"Hey, Naaza, busy as always?" Orsted greeted as he pushed the door open and walked in, waving to Naaza, who stood behind the counter.

"Welcome, Orsted."

"What kind of potion do you need this time?" Naaza nodded gently and asked with a smile.

"I just got back from the dungeon, so I'm planning to rest for a couple of days. I don't need any new potions for now."

"I came here to discuss something with you," Orsted replied, shaking his head.

"With me?"

"Let me make one thing clear-if you're here to ask me to join you in the Dungeon, forget it," Naaza said, raising a hand defensively.

"No, it's something else," Orsted shook his head again, his gaze shifting to Naaza's prosthetic arm.

Naaza's expression grew slightly uncomfortable as Orsted stared so openly at her disability.

She instinctively covered the prosthetic with her intact arm, her face turning unfriendly.

"Orsted, you're being very rude," Naaza said, her tone sharp.

"Oh, sorry, sorry."

"I'm here because of your arm."

"Naaza, would you like a new arm?" Orsted asked, ignoring her discomfort.

"What did you say?" Naaza frowned, wondering if she'd misheard.

Orsted didn't answer immediately.

Instead, he pulled out the some bottle.

It looked like an ordinary bottle of water, indistinguishable from any other.

This was the Magic Limb Orsted had created.

But this seemingly ordinary liquid was anything but.

When applied to the body, the liquid would actively sense the user's physical condition and generate any missing limbs.

In other words, if Naaza applied this liquid-

"Just pour this liquid on your body, and it will give you a new arm," Orsted explained, gently shaking the bottle.

Naaza's expression shifted from disbelief to astonishment, her breathing quickening.

"Orsted, is this true?" The question didn't come from Naaza but from Miach, who had overheard the conversation from the back room and emerged with a rare look of urgency on his usually calm face.

As Naaza's god, Miach had always treated her like his own child.

He had even spent a fortune to purchase a high-quality prosthetic arm for her.

This expense had contributed to the decline of the Miach Familia from a mid-sized to a small Familia with only Naaza as its member.

If Naaza's arm could truly be restored, Miach was willing to pay any price.

"You'll know once you try it."

"But, Miach, if it works, I'll charge you 1 million valis for it," Orsted said with a confident smile.

Even among friends, clear accounts were necessary. Orsted intended to collect what was owed.

"No problem."

"However, as you can see, the Miach Familia isn't in the best financial state right now. We'll need to pay you back gradually," Miach agreed without hesitation.

"That's fine," Orsted nodded, handing over the item.

Miach quickly took it and passed it to Naaza, who was still in a daze.

"Naaza, give it a try," Miach said gently.

Naaza's eyes flickered, but she didn't say anything.

She simply nodded and retreated into the back room.

As Naaza disappeared, Miach turned to Orsted.

After a moment of silence, Miach's warm smile returned.

"Thank you, Orsted."

Regardless of its effectiveness, Miach was deeply grateful to Orsted.

Not just for the potential restoration of Naaza's arm, but for Orsted's kindness and care.

Orsted's concern for Naaza, whether her arm could be healed or not, meant a great deal to him.

In fact, if things continued this way, Naaza might even overcome her psychological trauma and return to being an adventurer.

"No need to thank me," Orsted replied with a smile.

The two then chatted about their respective Familias.

Not long after, Naaza emerged from the room.

But the Naaza who stepped out was different from before.

The sleeve she had always worn to cover her prosthetic arm was gone, replaced by a fully restored arm.

"Thank you, Orsted," Naaza said, her face lit up with a radiant smile, tears glistening in her eyes.

---

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Chapter 42: Using The Summoning Card

Chapter 42 - Using The Summoning Card

"Naaza, have you ever thought about starting over and adventuring with Orsted and the others?" After Orsted left, Miach brought up the topic again.

This time, Naaza still fell silent, but compared to the last time Miach had asked, there was a new glimmer of light in her eyes.

'Should I start over?'

On the other side, after Orsted sold the Magic Limb to Miach, Naaza regained possession of her broken arm.

After chatting with Miach and Naaza for a bit, Orsted left.

This time, Orsted returned directly to the church without wandering around outside.

"The random summoning card... I don't know who it'll summon," Orsted murmured, looking at the card in his hand.

This was the sign-in reward Orsted had received when he reached the 18th floor.

The next moment, Orsted activated the card in his hand.

As he used it, the card shattered into glowing particles.

A burst of light erupted in front of Orsted, and a human-shaped silhouette slowly took form.

Soon, the light dissipated, revealing the figure within.

She had the face of an angel and the figure of a devil.

Her long, shiny black hair cascaded down her back.

She wore a white top with a black suspender skirt, black sleeves on her arms, black stockings, and a pair of red boots.

Looking at the figure before him, Orsted was reminded of a popular saying from his previous life.

Damn, the system's summoning card had actually summoned Tifa Lockhart from Final Fantasy-the bartender from Seventh Heaven.

Tifa Lockhart was a member of the anti-Shinra organization Avalanche.

She ran a bar called Seventh Heaven on Sector 7 in Midgar and participated in resistance activities alongside Barret and others.

She was the childhood friend of Cloud Strife, a former member of Shinra.

On the surface, Tifa was lively and cheerful, but in truth, she was self-controlled and somewhat shy.

'Now that I've summoned Tifa to this world, does that mean I've separated her and Cloud?' Orsted thought blankly as he looked at the girl from his past life.

However, he quickly realized he was overthinking it.

"Orsted, we finally meet again," Tifa said warmly, showing no signs of confusion or discomfort.

Her reaction suggested she was completely familiar with Orsted.

Then, a stream of information flooded Orsted's mind.

After processing it, Orsted understood the situation.

The system was truly incredible.

It had rewritten the first half of Tifa's life, seamlessly integrating her into this world.

In Tifa's memories, Orsted was her childhood friend.

However, he had been taken away by some mysterious force when they were young.

After that, Tifa's life had continued much as it had in her original world.

She still joined Avalanche and ran Seventh Heaven.

Just moments ago, she had been cleaning the bar when the system summoned her.

Moreover, Tifa had been informed about this world, Orsted's situation, and various other details.

That was why Tifa had greeted Orsted so familiarly when she appeared.

Even Orsted now had memories of growing up with Tifa.

They were genuine childhood friends, not fabrications.

After understanding everything, Orsted smiled and nodded gently.

"Long time no see, Tifa."

***

"I never imagined there could be another world," Tifa said, sitting on the sofa and observing the church with curiosity.

"How have you been these past years?" Orsted asked with concern.

At this, Tifa's face lit up, and she began recounting her experiences over the years.

She spoke for nearly an hour.

Throughout, Orsted listened attentively, not interrupting.

When Tifa finally finished, he handed her a glass of warm water.

Tifa took it, drank it all in one go, and let out a satisfied sigh.

Then, she turned to Orsted, her eyes filled with curiosity.

"Orsted, how have you been these past years?"

"Hmm... how should I put it?"

"I guess you could say I've been living well," Orsted replied thoughtfully.

It hadn't been long since he arrived in this world, but he'd already been fighting monsters and going on adventures.

Still, Orsted shared the memories he'd received during his transition to this world and explained the situation here.

"Gods, Familias, adventuring, growing stronger..."

"What an incredible world."

"Orsted, can I also become a member of the Hestia Familia and adventure with you?" Tifa asked eagerly.

"Why? If you're not coming with me, where else would you go?" Orsted countered with a raised eyebrow.

"You're right. You're the only person I know in this world, so of course I want to stay with you," Tifa said with a smile.

"Alright. I'll introduce you to Hestia when she and the others return."

"We'll have Hestia accept you into the Familia."

"By the way, don't mention your past to Hestia," Orsted added as a warning.

"Don't worry, I understand," Tifa replied, her gentle smile unwavering.

"Speaking of which, this place is the Hestia Familia's residence. Can we really live here?" Tifa glanced around the church, her expression slightly worried.

"Hestia and Lili sleep on the bed. You'll have to share the sofa with me," Orsted said with a smirk.

At this, Tifa glanced at the sofa beneath them.

Her cheeks flushed slightly as she seemed to consider the implications.

"Alright, I'll squeeze in with you tonight," Tifa said softly.

"Wait, you're actually serious about sleeping with me?!" Orsted was stunned.

"What do you mean?"

"That bed can only fit two people."

"Instead of us squeezing here together, do you expect me to share with Hestia or another Familia member?" Tifa raised an eyebrow, looking slightly annoyed.

Orsted: "..."

This Tifa seemed a little...

"There's a possibility that a new mansion is brought. When Hestia and the others return, the Hestia Familia will move there."

At this, Tifa's cheeks turned bright red, the color spreading to her ears, which also grew warm.

She glared at Orsted before crossing her arms and turning away, refusing to speak to him.

Orsted didn't say anything, simply watching Tifa and silently reflecting.

'Tifa's reaction means she really likes me, right?'

'I replaced Cloud and became her childhood friend. It seems... it's really possible.'

---

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Chapter 43: Tifa Lockhart

Chapter 43 - Tifa Lockhart

"Hey, I didn't expect Orsted, to have a childhood friend," Hestia said, clearly surprised.

Lili stared at Tifa with a wary expression, as if she saw her as a rival.

Tifa had been summoned by the system...

As a result, when Tifa explained her 'background,' Hestia believed it immediately.

So, when Hestia learned that Tifa had come to Orario specifically to look after Orsted and join his Familia, she was thrilled.

A mansion had already been purchased, and their assets had grown significantly, surpassing those of a small Familia and reaching the level of a mid-sized one.

Now, it was time to expand the Familia.

Hestia's next goal was to recruit reliable members.

With Tifa actively seeking to join, Hestia was overjoyed.

"Please guide me well in the future, Hestia-sama," Tifa said respectfully.

Coming from a world without gods, Tifa held a deep respect for deities now that she knew they truly existed.

This was also the attitude of most people in this world.

While it was common for gods to descend to the lower world, and some people treated them casually, such individuals were in the minority.

Most people revered the gods.

"Just call me Hestia. No need for formalities," Hestia said with a warm smile.

"Then... Hestia?" Tifa hesitated slightly, seeing Hestia's approachable demeanor.

She didn't feel the usual awe associated with gods.

"Yes, that's perfect. The Hestia Familia doesn't have complicated rules. Just be yourself," Hestia replied, nodding in approval.

"I'd love to grant you falna right now," Hestia continued, "but since we've just acquired our new home, I think it would be more meaningful to do it there."

"It'll be a special moment," Hestia added, her eyes shining with excitement as she envisioned the Familia's future growth.

Although Lili didn't like Tifa-seeing her as a sudden rival-she had to admit that Hestia's idea made sense.

Welcoming a new member there would indeed hold special meaning.

Tifa joining could be seen as the first step in Familia's expansion.

In comparison, Lili didn't count, as she had been traded before their new home.

'Damn it, I should've waited,' Lili thought, biting an imaginary handkerchief in frustration.

"I'll leave it to you, Hestia."

Orsted didn't join the conversation between Hestia and the others.

Instead, he was busy packing the few things they needed to take to the new mansion.

There wasn't much to pack-just some small, essential belongings.

Orsted finished in just a few minutes.

"Alright, we're all packed. Let's head to our new home."

"Let's go," Hestia agreed, nodding.

Lili and Tifa also nodded.

The four of them then left the church.

"I've lived here for almost a month. It's hard to say goodbye," Hestia murmured, looking back at the entrance to the church.

"You can always come back and visit if you miss it. It's not like it's going anywhere," Orsted said with a smile.

"Huh?"

"I won't miss such a shabby place," Hestia retorted, instantly snapping out of her nostalgic mood and striding away proudly.

"A shabby place?"

"I'll tell Hephaestus you called the place she gave you shabby," Orsted teased, following her.

"Go ahead. I'm not afraid." Hestia shot back.

"Well, you're not wrong," Orsted conceded, his tone faltering.

The two continued bickering as they walked.

Behind them, Tifa watched with a soft smile, then moved to catch up.

However, before she could take a step, Lili, who hadn't left yet, spoke up.

Lili glared at Tifa with clear hostility.

"I won't lose to you!"

With that, Lili hurried after Orsted and Hestia, her large backpack bouncing on her shoulders.

Tifa stood there for a moment, stunned.

After a few seconds, she chuckled softly.

"Orsted is still so popular with girls. Even I'm seen as a rival."

"But it seems I really am a rival..."

Tifa murmured to herself, then skipped after the group with a cheerful stride.

***

Their mansion was located near the Hephaestus Familia.

It took Orsted and the others about ten minutes to reach it.

Orsted didn't know much about mansions, but this one was stunning.

It has enough space to house hundreds of people.

It was perfect for a mid-sized Familia.

Hestia hadn't been involved in the selection process-Hephaestus had handled everything and ultimately chosen this property.

After arriving, Hestia eagerly took Tifa's hand and rushed to her room to grant her falna.

"See you later, Orsted," Tifa called out as Hestia dragged her away.

"See you later," Orsted replied.

"Orsted-sama is really popular with girls," Lili muttered, pouting.

Orsted smiled and ruffled her hair.

"Jealous?"

"No way!" Lili blushed and denied it immediately.

"I'm going to do some work," she said quickly, then ran off.

Watching Lili flee in embarrassment, Orsted shook his head slightly.

He wasn't oblivious to Lili's feelings for him.

However, after being single for decades, he wasn't sure how to handle the situation.

With a sigh, Orsted pushed the matter aside for now and began exploring their new home.

---

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Chapter 44: Welcome to the Hestia Familia

Chapter 44 - Welcome to the Hestia Familia

After walking around the mansion for a while, Orsted chose a room to serve as his workshop.

With the development ability of mystery, Orsted was destined to continue crafting magic items in the future, so having a dedicated workspace was essential.

A large amount of materials also needed to be stored.

When Orsted returned to the main hall, Hestia and the others had already arrived.

"Everything go well?" Orsted asked softly as he sat on the sofa.

"Yes, everything's settled."

"Tifa is now a member of the Hestia Familia," Hestia replied, unable to hide her smile.

Tifa's martial prowess was impressive, but such skills didn't show up in her falna.

As a result, Tifa's status was as ordinary as normal people.

Hestia didn't notice anything unusual.

"Please take care of me from now on," Tifa stood up and bowed slightly.

"Welcome to the Hestia Familia, Tifa."

"Welcome," Lili added.

Although she felt a bit competitive when it came to Orsted, she understood the difference between personal feelings and Familia matters.

"Yeah," Orsted nodded, then turned to Hestia.

"Hestia, could you update my status?"

"I sparred with Ryuu last night, and I feel like my basic abilities should have improved."

"Eh? Update?" Hestia was surprised but didn't refuse.

She began updating Orsted's status.

===

[

[Name]: Orsted

[Level]: 2

Strength: E450

Endurance: E421

Dexterity: E478

Agility: D512

Magic: H123

[Magic]:

Instant

-Can Instantly appear infront of anyone.

-No chanting required.

Developement Ability: Leap H

[Skill]:

]

===

"Orsted, how intense was your sparring with Ryuu last night?" Hestia asked, her face filled with disbelief as she looked at the updated status.

It was almost too much to believe.

This time, it was just a sparring session, and yet his basic abilities had improved so dramatically.

It almost seemed unreal.

'Well, only I know whether it's real or not,' Hestia thought.

"Orsted, how long did you spar with Ryuu last night?" Hestia asked after handing the parchment which contained his updated status.

Looking at the changes, Orsted fell into deep thought.

'I gained so much from just two hours of sparring with Ryuu.'

'Not only did my basic abilities improve, but my development ability also leveled up.'

'Ryuu is Level 4, and I'm Level 2.'

'Sparring two levels above me, combined with the tenfold ability i have, makes this kind of improvement possible.'

'If I continue sparring with Ryuu, could I max out my basic abilities and increase up my development ability?'

"Is this for real, Orsted-sama? You improved this much after sparring with Ryuu last night? That's terrifying," Lili said, looking at the status sheet in Orsted's hand.

Tifa, who wasn't as familiar with status, looked on curiously, but Lili, who understood them well, was shocked by the dramatic improvement.

Since joining the Hestia Familia, Lili had seen Orsted's status updated several times, but those updates had only reflected his accumulated excelia, not his actual stats.

Now, seeing such status in one night left her stunned.

"Don't be too surprised by anything that happens with me," Orsted said with a slight sigh, gently reminding them.

Hearing this, Hestia and Lili exchanged glances, then fell into deep thought.

It seemed that Orsted was truly full of mysteries, and shocking things seemed to happen around him all the time.

Just like the magic items he had crafted earlier.

With this in mind, Hestia and Lili mentally prepared themselves.

Both silently vowed that if anything shocking happened involving Orsted in the future, they wouldn't be caught off guard again.

Their expressions gradually returned to calm.

"Hestia, Lili, can you explain this to me?" Tifa asked, noticing their calm reactions but not understanding the situation.

Seeing this, Hestia and Lili exchanged a look and began explaining the challenges of improving an adventurer's basic abilities.

Orsted didn't intervene in their conversation, instead focusing on his updated status.

'It seems that, in addition to adventuring, sparring with powerful adventurers is another way to grow stronger quickly,' Orsted thought, then fell into deep contemplation.

After a while, he made a decision.

'I'll ask Ryuu for help again.'

While it might not be ideal to rely on others too much, the opportunity to grow stronger so quickly was too good to pass up.

Besides, hadn't Ryuu said before that he could come to her anytime if he needed help?

He might as well take her up on that offer now.

If nothing else, he could repay her by helping her in the future whenever she needed it.

However...

'It doesn't seem like there's anything Ryuu needs help with right now.'

'She's alone now, with no major concerns.'

'The only thing she cares about is revenge-her hatred for the Evilus and those who destroyed her Familia.'

Hmm...

'If I encounter any of them in the future, and if I'm strong enough, I'll take them down and avenge Ryuu's Familia.'

---

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Chapter 45: Unexpected Person!?

Chapter 45 - Unexpected Person!?

Orsted taught Tifa the Sun Breathing.

Sun Breathing would be taught to all members who joined the Hestia Familia.

Without Sun Breathing, it would be nearly impossible for the Familia to grow fast.

For now, he would take it one step at a time.

If new methods to quickly improve strength became available in the future, Orsted would teach them to ensure they could grow faster.

The next morning, Hestia and Lili took Tifa out to explore Orario and prepare the equipment she would need for her upcoming adventures.

As for Orsted, he stayed behind to gather materials for crafting a Grimoire.

The main material for a Grimoire was, of course, books-but not just any books.

They needed to be specially processed to withstand large amounts of mana.

This kind of book was typically only sold in Altena.

Orsted couldn't just leave Orario and travel all the way to Altena.

Fortunately, with his development abilities, Orsted could craft such books himself.

He planned to purchase books and materials.

Orsted wasn't very familiar with Orario, so it took him a while to find a bookstore that sold the materials he needed.

The bookstore was quite large, with two floors and a steady stream of customers browsing the shelves.

Orsted didn't bother with the shelves and went straight to the counter.

"Grandpa, can I order blank books here?" Orsted asked the bookstore owner, an elderly man with gray hair and a beard.

The books used to craft Grimoires couldn't have any text, as written content would interfere with the process and cause errors.

However, blank books were rare-who would make books without text for no reason?

So, to obtain such books, Orsted had to place a custom order through the bookstore.

Bookstore owners typically had their own channels for such requests.

Hearing Orsted's question, the old man looked at him with a strange expression.

The strangeness wasn't due to Orsted's request for blank books but something else-

"What's wrong?" Orsted asked, feeling slightly uncomfortable under the old man's gaze.

"Nothing, just a bit surprised."

"I happen to have a batch here. Would you like some?" the old man replied, shaking his head.

As he spoke, he crouched down and placed a wooden box on the counter.

Inside the box were several blank books with simple, unadorned covers.

Now it was Orsted's turn to be surprised.

He gave the old man a curious look.

What bookstore would stock such obviously specialized blank books?

Though puzzled, Orsted didn't press the matter.

After agreeing on a price with the old man, Orsted paid and left with the wooden box.

What Orsted didn't know was that half an hour after he left, another figure entered the bookstore.

"Do you have any more blank books?"

The newcomer had pointed ears, a delicate and beautiful face, and a calm demeanor.

Her long green hair was tied back, and she wore a cloak that concealed her attire.

If Orsted had been there, he would have recognized her immediately.

Riveria Ljos Alf, one of the three executives of the Loki Familia and the city's strongest mage, known as the Nine Hells.

"Riveria, you know you can't make a Grimoire. Just give up," the old man said, clearly familiar with her.

"That's not your concern."

"Do you have any books left?" Riveria replied calmly, ignoring his advice.

"No, there were some earlier."

"But they were bought by one of your people half an hour ago," the old man said with a helpless shake of his head.

"Someone else bought them?" Riveria was visibly surprised.

"Yes, probably another elf trying to make a Grimoire, just like you."

"The boy looked quite young."

"It'd be a shame if he got caught up in this. It could ruin his future," the old man added regretfully.

Blank books weren't popular because the only people who bought them were those attempting to craft Grimoires.

The old man hadn't sold such items before.

It wasn't until ten years ago, when Riveria asked him to order blank books, that he started stocking them.

Over the past decade, he had watched Riveria tirelessly attempt to create Grimoires.

However, crafting a Grimoire required two specific Development Abilities: Mage and Mystery.

While he didn't know what Riveria's Development Abilities were, her lack of success over ten years told him everything he needed to know.

Riveria clearly didn't meet the conditions to craft a Grimoire.

Now, it seemed another elf had embarked on the same path.

Thinking of Riveria's decade-long struggle, the old man couldn't help but feel sorry for Orsted, who had just started down this road.

Hearing the old man's words, Riveria frowned slightly.

"Order some more for me."

"I'll pick them up in two days."

"Also, if that boy comes back, please ask him about his situation for me."

"Yes, yes, I'll get right on it," the old man replied.

---

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Chapter 46: Suspicious

Chapter 46 - Suspicious

After leaving the bookstore, Riveria headed straight back to the Twilight Manor.

However, as soon as she entered, she ran into Finn.

"Hmm? Didn't you say you were going to buy?"

"Why didn't you bring back those blank books this time?" Finn looked at Riveria with surprise.

Riveria would often go out a few days after returning from an expedition and bring back blank books.

Finn knew what she was trying to do with them.

Riveria had been studying Grimoires and attempting to create them ever since she was Level 4.

As everyone knew, crafting a Grimoire required two specific Development Abilities: Mystery and Mage.

Back then, just like now, Riveria didn't have Mystery.

Yet, she refused to give up.

She wanted to research the process of making Grimoires to see if she could trigger the conditions for obtaining this development ability.

However, after so many years and two rank-ups, Riveria still hadn't obtained Mystery or succeeded in making a Grimoire.

Despite this, she hadn't given up.

After every expedition, she would bring back blank books from a bookstore in Orario and continue her experiments.

The results were always the same-no progress, and countless hours wasted.

"Someone else bought them," Riveria sighed.

"Huh?"

"There are others who buy these kinds of books?" Finn was genuinely surprised.

Aside from mages trying to craft Grimoires, who would buy blank books?

Could it be...?

"I don't know, but I've asked the storekeeper to keep an eye out for me," Riveria replied.

Even without Finn voicing his thoughts, Riveria could tell what he was thinking from his expression.

"I hope whoever bought those books succeeds," Finn said with a smile.

Only those attempting to craft Grimoires would buy blank books.

Aside from Riveria, Finn had never heard of anyone else in Orario trying to make Grimoires.

Of course, there might be others, but he wasn't aware of them.

However, it was a fact that no Grimoires had been produced in Orario.

If there had been, Finn, as the captain of the Loki Familia, would have known.

The Grimoires in Orario all came from Altena.

Even then, only a handful made their way to Loki Familia.

If someone in Orario succeeded in crafting one, it would be a blessing for the adventurers here-especially for large Familias like theirs.

Grimoires were incredibly valuable, as they could awaken magic in adventurers.

While they were expensive, large Familias like the Loki Familia could afford to purchase a few.

If there were a steady supply of Grimoires, the strength of the Loki Familia would undoubtedly grow.

This wasn't an exaggeration.

Otherwise, Riveria wouldn't have been so determined to study them.

"Yes, I hope so too," Riveria nodded.

"Hmm? You said the person who bought the blank books was an elf?" Finn suddenly caught onto something Riveria had mentioned.

"Yes, the shopkeeper said it was an elf boy," Riveria confirmed.

Hearing this, Finn immediately thought of Orsted.

"Did you ask the old man what the boy looked like?" Finn asked.

"What are you implying?"

"Finn, I won't go around investigating my own people."

"Don't think that just because I'm an elven royal, I can do whatever I want," Riveria replied, her tone tinged with displeasure.

As a member of the elven royalty, Riveria was revered by many elves.

With a single call, she could summon elves from all over Orario.

This was one of the privileges of her status.

But she disliked this power.

Which was why she hadn't pursued the matter further when she learned that the buyer was an elf.

Now, hearing Finn's question, Riveria assumed he wanted to investigate the elf, which only deepened her dissatisfaction.

"No, I was just wondering if that elf you mentioned might be Orsted," Finn explained calmly, unbothered by Riveria's reaction.

"Hmm? Do you think the boy who bought those books is that person Orsted?" Riveria frowned.

"Yes, I've heard so many incredible things about Orsted."

"So when I heard that the person trying to make a Grimoire was an elf, the first person I thought of was Orsted."

"I have a feeling it might be him," Finn admitted.

He couldn't help it.

Orsted had left a deep impression on him the day before, and that impression was still fresh in his mind.

"It can't be that much of a coincidence, can it?" Riveria's frown deepened.

"It's no trouble. Where's the bookstore you usually visit?"

"I'll go ask. It's still early, so it won't take much time," Finn said, preparing to head to the bookstore.

"I'll take you there," Riveria said after a moment of thought.

---

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Chapter 47: Handsome Elf?

Chapter 47 - Handsome Elf?

"That elf who bought the books?" The shopkeeper looked surprised.

"Yes, could you describe what he looked like?" Finn asked politely, his tone gentle.

"Speaking of him..."

"I've seen many elves, and most of them are quite handsome. But this is the first time I've seen one whose appearance rivals that of a god."

"Even Riveria, can't compare to that boy in terms of looks," the old man said.

Hearing such high praise from the shopkeeper, Finn and Riveria exchanged surprised glances.

Neither Ais nor Tiona had mentioned that Orsted's appearance was so striking that it could rival a god's.

"Did I guess wrong?" Finn couldn't help but doubt himself.

"I don't know the boy's name, but he has long silver hair tied in a ponytail," the old man added.

Hearing this, Finn and Riveria's hearts skipped a beat, and they exchanged another glance.

Finn then turned back to the old man.

"Thank you, old man."

The two thanked him and left the bookstore.

"Riveria, do you think it could be Orsted?" Finn mused aloud as they walked down the street, stroking his chin.

"Just ask Ais and Tiona. A face like that would be hard to miss."

"You're right. We'll know once we ask them," Finn agreed.

The two quickly returned to Twilight Manor.

As soon as they arrived, they called for Tiona and Ais.

However, although they had only called for two people, three showed up-Ais, Tiona, and Tiona's sister, Tione.

"Finn, why did you call us here?" Tiona asked loudly as soon as she entered the office.

"I have something to ask you," Finn replied gently.

"Tiona, what does that Orsted look like?" Riveria asked directly.

"Eh? Riveria, are you interested in Orsted?" Tiona's eyes lit up at the question.

"Let me tell you, Orsted is incredibly handsome."

"Even if Ais stood next to him, Orsted's brilliance wouldn't be overshadowed," Tiona gushed, clearly excited at the thought of Riveria potentially finding a partner.

"I'm not joking. What does Orsted look like?" Riveria frowned, her tone sharp.

"Well, I wasn't exaggerating. Orsted is truly stunning. In our Familia, only Ais can compare to him," Tiona replied, her enthusiasm dampened but still answering Riveria's question.

Hearing this, Riveria and Finn exchanged a subtle nod.

"What's going on?" Tione asked, noticing the silent exchange between Finn and Riveria.

Finn didn't hide anything and explained the situation regarding Orsted.

After hearing Finn and Riveria's explanation, Tione and the others were visibly surprised.

"I didn't expect Orsted to be trying to make a Grimoire, just like Riveria."

"I wonder how skilled he is."

"If he's capable, Riveria, you could collaborate with him."

"It's not good for you to work alone in isolation," Tiona said casually, her hands behind her head.

Though her words were casual, they struck a chord.

Hearing Tiona's offhand remark, Riveria and Finn recalled what Loki had said earlier.

Loki had told Riveria that her intuition suggested it would be beneficial for Riveria to connect with Orsted.

It was rare for gods to have such intuitions.

While somes intuitions could predict future events, most were little more than nonsense.

Because of this, Riveria hadn't taken Loki's words seriously, and neither had Finn.

But now, given how things had unfolded, both Riveria and Finn were inclined to believe Loki's intuition this time.

"Riveria, why don't you give it a try?" Finn asked tentatively.

Riveria frowned but didn't respond immediately.

Finn and the others waited patiently for her answer.

After a long pause, Riveria finally spoke.

"We'll discuss it later."

Finn: "..."

Ais: "..."

Tiona: "..."

Tione: "..."

***

While the Loki Familia was discussing Orsted, the man in question had already returned to Hestia Familia mansion.

However, Orsted didn't stay long.

After placing the books in his workshop, he headed out again.

Crafting a Grimoire required more than just his skills and the books-he also needed various materials.

The materials Orsted had on hand had already been used to create other magic items, so he needed to purchase more.

His first stop was Babel.

If there was one place in Orario with the most selection of materials, it was Babel.

The materials sold there were more expensive due to the high cost of renting space in the tower.

However, the advantage was that Babel had a wider variety of items than anywhere else in the city.

Unless it was something extremely rare, it could usually be found there.

Orsted didn't have time to search elsewhere, so he chose Babel, even if it meant paying more.

---

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Chapter 48: Telling Miach

Chapter 48 - Telling Miach

"Miach?"

"Are you here to buy something too?" Orsted asked, surprised to see Miach in Babel.

Miach lived a frugal life.

Apart from attending Denatus, he rarely had any business in Babel.

Orsted hadn't expected to run into Miach here.

"I was actually planning to find you tonight to tell you something."

"Naaza has agreed to go to the Dungeon."

"So, I came to buy some better herbs to make stronger potions for her," Miach explained gently.

"Oh, has Naaza overcome her psychological trauma?" Orsted was pleasantly surprised.

"Yes, thanks to you."

"Ultimately, Naaza's trauma stemmed from having her arm bitten off by a monster. Even with a prosthetic, she couldn't feel the presence of her arm."

"Now, with the magic item you gave her, Naza can fully sense her arm again, and her fear of monsters has diminished."

"That's why she's willing to give it a try," Miach elaborated.

"If that's the case, let Naaza join us. We'll take care of her," Orsted offered warmly.

"Of course. Even if you hadn't suggested it, Naaza was planning to find you," Miach replied with a nod.

"By the way, what are you here to buy?"

"I'm planning to make something, so I came to gather some materials," Orsted answered honestly.

"In that case, let's go together," Miach suggested.

Orsted had no objections.

The two walked side by side through Babel.

Miach quickly found the herbs he needed.

Orsted, however, wasn't as fortunate.

"Didn't you find the materials you were looking for?" Miach asked, noticing Orsted's disappointed expression.

"No, I thought all the materials would be here, but I'm missing a few," Orsted admitted.

"What materials are you looking for? Tell me."

"I'm more familiar with Orario than you are. Maybe I can help," Miach offered enthusiastically.

"It's a few medicinal herbs."

"Moonlight Orchid, Deerheart Grass, Painted Lotus, and the last one, Wisteria," Orsted listed the herbs he needed.

"Hmm? Orsted, are you looking for these?" Miach's eyes widened in surprise.

"Is there a problem?" Orsted asked, puzzled by Miach's reaction.

"No, nothing."

"But these herbs are only available at Wheat Manor," Miach explained with a smile.

"Huh?"

---

Outside Orario, Orsted and Miach walked along the road.

"There's a Demeter Familia shop in Babel."

"Why don't they sell these herbs there?" Orsted asked, confused.

"Although I don't know what you need those herbs for, Orsted, they're materials used to craft Grimoires."

"They're extremely expensive and difficult to cultivate."

"Wheat Manor doesn't have much of them. Most are reserved by mages from Altena."

"A small portion is allocated to mages in Orario who study Grimoires."

"It's quite troublesome to acquire them."

"But let's go and see what we can find," Miach explained gently.

"..."

Orsted hadn't expected crafting a Grimoire to be so complicated.

He hadn't realized these materials were exclusively grown by Demeter Familia.

He wasn't sure if he'd be able to obtain them.

If he couldn't, it would be like a skilled chef without ingredients.

As he thought this, an image of Demeter appeared in his mind.

'Uh, she's more... endowed than Hestia and Tifa.'

"Hey, Orsted, tell me the truth. Can you craft a Grimoire?" Miach asked, unaware of Orsted's internal struggle.

Miach had been pondering something and finally spoke up after a moment of silence.

Although he had only known Orsted for about ten days, Orsted was clearly full of mysteries.

He could even create magic items.

Miach had a feeling Orsted might even be capable of crafting a Grimoire.

Orsted: "..."

"Is it that obvious?"

"Even if I need these materials, it doesn't necessarily mean I'm crafting a Grimoire," Orsted replied, a bit exasperated.

He didn't mind Miach knowing.

After all, Naaza would soon adventure with him.

There was no need to hide his plans to craft a Grimoire from Miach.

Miach would find out eventually.

And Miach wasn't a bad god-he wouldn't harm Orsted.

"It's not that obvious."

"These herbs are so expensive that they have no other use besides crafting Grimoires."

"Who would waste money on them if they weren't making a Grimoire?" Miach replied with a wry smile.

No one except those crafting Grimoires would buy the herbs Orsted needed.

If Orsted purchased them, anyone with half a brain would assume he was making a Grimoire.

Of course, buying them didn't necessarily mean he was the one crafting it.

Only Miach, knowing Orsted could create magic items and sensing his mysterious nature, would suspect Orsted himself was the one crafting the Grimoire.

Others probably wouldn't dare to think that.

After all, crafting a Grimoire required two specific Development Abilities.

Orsted was a new adventurer, yet he could already craft magic items.

That alone was mysterious enough to make Miach suspect the truth.

"If you ever need one, you can come to me to buy it," Orsted said with a smile, subtly advertising his skills.

Hearing this, Miach's eyes lit up.

"Then I'll have to make more potions. Otherwise, I won't be able to afford it."

---

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Chapter 49: Demeter

Chapter 49 - Demeter

"I didn't expect you to come to me."

Orsted and Miach met Demeter on the grounds of the wheat manor.

Though it was called wheat manor, it was filled entirely with medicinal herbs.

When Orsted and Miach arrived, Demeter was crouched in front of a herb, carefully tending to it.

Seeing Miach, Demeter's face lit up with surprise.

As the Goddess of Agriculture, Demeter had many dealings with the Miach Familia.

In the past, the two Familias had collaborated frequently.

But after the decline of the Miach Familia, Miach had rarely visited.

In fact, he had almost stopped coming altogether.

Demeter hadn't expected to see Miach here today.

"Long time no see, Demeter," Miach greeted with a gentle nod, then introduced Orsted. "This is Orsted from Hestia Familia."

"Hestia's Familia?"

"I didn't expect Hestia to have established a Familia just a few months," Demeter covered her mouth in surprise.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Demeter," Orsted introduced himself.

Then, system prompted.

'Sign in!'

[Sign-in successful. Congratulations, host, for obtaining Natural Breath!]

[Natural Breath: Those with the Natural Breath are protected by nature, loved by all living things, and possess strong resistance to all elements.]

With such a description, Orsted wasn't entirely sure what Natural Breath was for.

However, what Orsted didn't know was that the moment he obtained Natural Breath, Demeter's eyes suddenly brightened.

Demeter didn't know what had happened to Orsted, but she felt a very familiar aura suddenly emanate from him.

As the Goddess of Agriculture, she had dealt with nature in Heaven and continued to do so after descending to the lower world.

She was intimately familiar with nature.

She was certain that the aura now radiating from Orsted was nature itself.

Demeter loved nature deeply, which was why she spent most of her time in this manor outside Orario.

This place had the strongest natural resources near the city.

However, the aura emanating from Orsted was anything she had felt before.

So strong, in fact, that she felt an irresistible urge to embrace him.

Miach: "..."

"Demeter?" Miach looked at the scene in confusion.

Orsted: ???

Orsted was equally baffled.

He had been pondering the uses when a fragrant scent filled his nostrils.

The next moment, his vision went dark, and he felt a soft, warm pressure against his face.

"Ah, sorry, sorry! I just like this child so much that I couldn't help myself," Demeter said, though she didn't seem particularly apologetic.

Her body had moved on its own, pulling Orsted into a tight embrace.

Even after realizing what she had done, Demeter didn't let go.

Instead, she hugged him even tighter.

Miach: "-_-"

"What on earth is going on?"

'How could Demeter act so familiarly with someone she just met?' These thoughts swirled in Miach's mind.

"Demeter, I think you should let go of Orsted."

"If you keep hugging him like that, he might suffocate," Miach said kindly, noticing Orsted's struggles.

"Oh, oh!"

"Sorry, sorry," Demeter finally loosened her grip.

As soon as she did, Orsted instantly retreated ten meters, looking at Demeter with a mix of fear and bewilderment.

'Damn, gods are terrifying'

What was with Demeter's strength?!

He hadn't been able to break free and had nearly suffocated.

"Ah, ah, I'm sorry, Orsted," Demeter said with a smile.

Despite his fear, Orsted resisted the urge to flee immediately.

He still needed the materials to craft the Grimoire.

"I'd like to purchase some medicinal herbs..." Orsted said after taking a deep breath to calm himself.

"No problem," Demeter agreed without hesitation.

Miach: "..."

'This is definitely strange.:

'It wasn't this easy when I came to Demeter to buy herbs before.'

'There's something unusual going on between these two.'

'Demeter seems unusually fond of Orsted.'

Miach narrowed his eyes slightly, silently observing the interaction.

Orsted was also surprised.

Miach had warned him that the herbs he needed were in high demand and might be difficult to obtain.

Yet Demeter had agreed so readily.

Was there some kind of catch?

Sure enough, Demeter spoke again.

Orsted braced himself.

'Here it comes.'

However, what Demeter said next caught him off guard.

"Orsted, I may visit you in the future. Don't turn me away when the time comes."

Hearing this, Orsted tilted his head slightly.

"That's it?"

---

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Chapter 50: Finally Made One!

Chapter 50 - Finally Made One!

Although Orsted didn't fully understand what was going on with Demeter, he successfully purchased the herbs he needed.

He wasn't sure if he could complete his first Grimoire tonight, but he was determined to try.

"Orsted, I can't help but feel like you're quite popular with women," Miach remarked with a smirk as they walked back.

"Huh?"

"Are you saying Demeter likes me?" Orsted wasn't stupid and immediately caught the implication.

"Ah, this is the first time I've seen Demeter hug someone like that," Miach replied with a grin.

Hearing this, Orsted's mind flashed back to the anime.

When Hestia and Bell were on a date, Demeter had shown up with a group of goddesses to interrupt them.

Demeter had hugged Bell without hesitation, giving him a facial cleanser.

Thinking of this, Orsted blurted out, "I don't believe it."

His tone was firm.

Miach: "..."

Miach didn't understand why Orsted was so serious, but in his memory, Demeter had never hugged anyone else.

Many goddesses in heaven had no interest in male gods.

Compared to romantic relationships, those goddesses preferred to watch drama and gossip.

He didn't know why only Hestia and a few others were called virgin goddess.

What was the reason?

Miach couldn't recall.

His mind began to wander.

"Miach, what's wrong?" Orsted asked, noticing Miach's distracted expression.

"I was just thinking about why Hestia and a few others are called virgin goddess."

"Demeter and the others clearly haven't been involved with anyone either, so why don't they have that title?"

Miach didn't hold back and shared his thoughts.

Orsted realized he might have stumbled upon some incredible secret.

"Why do you look so surprised?"

"Do you think she was shameless?" Miach teased, noticing Orsted's shocked expression.

"No, that's not it." Orsted quickly shook his head.

The two chatted and laughed as they made their way back to Orario.

"Let's part ways here."

"Remember to save a copy for me when you finish making them."

"Of course." Orsted nodded.

Miach nodded in return, then turned and headed toward his shop.

However, after a few steps, he seemed to remember something and turned back.

"I'll have Naaza wait for you at Babel square tomorrow morning," Miach called out before continuing on his way.

Orsted didn't respond but watched Miach's retreating figure for a moment before turning toward Hestia Familia Mansion.

When Orsted returned, Hestia and the others hadn't come back yet.

But that was to be expected.

Although Orsted had visited three places in a row, it was still afternoon.

Hestia had mentioned before leaving that they would explore Orario.

If Orsted wanted to see Hestia and the others, he'd likely have to wait untill evening.

But Orsted didn't mind.

Although they were companions, it wasn't realistic-or healthy-for Orsted to keep them tied to his side at all times.

Hestia and the others had their own lives and responsibilities.

Orsted went straight to the workshop and immersed himself in crafting the Grimoire.

The process took over five hours.

When it was finally done, Orsted looked at the book floating in front of him.

"The first Grimoire is complete!" he murmured to himself.

The light from the book dimmed, and it slowly descended into Orsted's waiting hands.

With Mystery and Mage, the necessary Development Abilities for crafting a Grimoire, Orsted had everything he needed-and at the highest level.

Orsted didn't know what EX rank corresponded to, but it was likely the highest.

Holding the Grimoire, Orsted paused for a moment before opening it.

As the book opened, a white light burst forth, illuminating Orsted's face.

Within the light, countless magical runes flooded his mind, accompanied by strange, otherworldly voices.

To others, these voices might have been incomprehensible, but Orsted, understood perfectly.

These were the Magic Chants from the world. Those who heard them would inevitably gain a spell.

The type of spell depended on the individual's luck.

The Grimoire was a tool that connected to the source of the world.

For most people, opening the book would vaguely guide them to a spell that suited them.

But Orsted was different.

He remained fully conscious, which meant he could actively choose his spell.

However, being able to choose didn't guarantee he could find the spell he wanted.

The Grimoire could only maintain a connection to the source for a limited time.

Even if one was conscious and capable of choosing, finding the desired spell within that time frame was unlikely.

Moreover, staying too long like this risked mental assimilation.

Orsted didn't dare linger too long. His mental strength wasn't strong enough yet.

So, he selectively chose a spell and withdrew from the it.

---

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Chapter 51: I'm Making Grimoires!

Chapter 51 - I'm Making Grimoires!

"Miracle? What kind of magic is this?"

The magic Orsted had obtained was called Miracle.

The only thing he could grasp was that this magic would activate when he truly desired something to develop in a specific direction.

As for what would happen afterwards, Orsted had no idea.

"Why does this feel like making a wish?" Orsted muttered to himself, stroking his chin as he pondered.

After a moment of hesitation, he shook his head, deciding to set aside his thoughts and focus on crafting the grimoires.

Before Orsted could finish his second grimoire, Hestia and the others returned.

"Orsted?"

Hestia called softly as she opened the door to the workshop, finding Orsted deeply engrossed in his work.

"Hmm?"

"Is it already this late?" Orsted glanced up, surprised to see Hestia, Lili, and Tifa standing there.

"You're still making magic items at this hour?"

Hestia stepped inside, followed by Lili and Tifa, and surveyed the cluttered workshop with a mix of surprise and concern.

Orsted had mentioned earlier that he was going to buy materials, so Hestia had assumed he was working on another magic item.

After all, in her mind, the only thing Orsted would need materials for was crafting magic items.

"No, I'm making a grimoire," Orsted replied, shaking his head before returning to his work.

"!!!"

"?!"

Hestia was stunned, Lili was surprised, and Tifa was confused.

"You all go ahead and rest. I'll be done soon," Orsted said without looking up, his focus entirely on the task at hand.

Seeing Orsted so absorbed, Hestia and the others exchanged glances but decided not to disturb him.

After giving Orsted a meaningful look, Hestia gently ushered Lili and Tifa out of the workshop.

Once they were in the main hall, far enough from the workshop to ensure their voices wouldn't carry, Hestia finally let out her excitement.

"Haha, Orsted is truly my lucky star!"

Hestia had been amazed when Orsted made those magic items.

He didn't even have Development Ability of Mystery, yet he succeeded.

But now, he was making a grimoire?

That should require Development Ability of Mage.

Anyways, Hestia had complete faith in Orsted and was certain he would work miracles again.

"Orsted-sama is truly amazing." Lili remarked, not finding Hestia's reaction unusual.

"Hey, what's a grimoire?"

Tifa asked, the only one unaware of the importance of what Orsted was making.

"Oh, I forgot you're new to all this."

"A grimoire is..." Realizing Tifa's confusion, Hestia began to explain.

After hearing Hestia's explanation, Tifa finally understood just how valuable a grimoire was in this world.

"So, in the future, all members of our Familia can awaken magic?" Tifa asked, her eyes lighting up.

"Exactly!"

"That's why I'm so excited."

"With Orsted able to make grimoires, every member of our Familia can awaken magic," Hestia nodded enthusiastically, still unable to contain her joy.

Magic was notoriously difficult to awaken naturally.

Ninety percent of adventurers in Orario couldn't awaken magic through normal means.

But with a grimoire, magic could be awakened one hundred percent of the time.

With mana and the unique spell, adventurers gained an entirely new combat capability.

In other words, with Orsted's ability to craft grimoires, the Hestia Familia had already surpassed other Familias at the starting line.

"I feel like our Familia has a bright future," Hestia said, her eyes shining with hope.

Lili and Tifa couldn't help but agree.

However, as Hestia's expression began to shift toward something more ecstatic, the two exchanged awkward glances.

Their goddess seemed a little too excited.

But the next moment, their minds began to race as they imagined the possibilities.

Lili already had Cinder Ella, but it was supportive in nature.

She longed for offensive magic and was eager to see what Orsted's grimoire could offer.

Tifa, who had never been exposed to magic, was equally excited.

She couldn't wait to discover what kind of thing she might awaken.

Orsted, of course, was unaware of the future the three were envisioning.

At the moment, he was entirely focused on crafting grimoires.

Two hours later, Orsted completed his second grimoire.

"There's only one copy. It wouldn't be fair to give it to anyone first."

"I'll wait until I've made a second one," Orsted murmured, holding the grimoire in his hands.

---

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Chapter 52: Naaza Erisuis

Chapter 52 - Naaza Erisuis

The next morning, Orsted and the others were ready to explore dungeon.

Hestia, as usual, was still fast asleep in her room.

Orsted left a note for her, then departed with Lili and Tifa.

"By the way, Tifa, are you sure you don't want to wear any equipment?" Orsted asked, glancing at Tifa.

She looked much the same as when she'd been summoned, except for the pair of ordinary boxing gloves she now wore.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I don't like wearing equipment," Tifa replied with a smile.

"That kind of equipment isn't suitable for Tifa. She's better off fighting lightly like this," Lili chimed in.

As she spoke, Lili recalled the strength Tifa had displayed during their training session at the previous day.

She couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy.

Tifa's strength was impressive-perhaps not on par with Orsted's, but definitely greater than Lili's.

And Lili wasn't weak anymore.

She could now handle killer ants and hellhounds.

Yet Tifa's power far surpassed hers.

Lili suspected that Tifa could probably take on a Minotaur alone.

Hearing this, Orsted recalled scenes of Tifa's battles from his previous life and nodded in agreement.

Indeed, Tifa excelled in hand-to-hand combat and was incredibly agile.

Wearing equipment, even light armor, would only hinder her.

Although Tifa couldn't use Sun Breathing with her fists, Orsted respected her choice.

"Oh, by the way, today, besides the three of us, there's a new member joining our team," Orsted added, remembering that Lili and Tifa didn't yet know about Naaza.

"A new member?" Lili looked puzzled.

"Is it a girl?" Tifa asked with a smile, clearly intrigued.

"Why do you assume it's a girl?" Orsted replied, slightly exasperated.

"Haha, because you're so handsome, Orsted. It's easy for you to attract girls," Tifa teased.

"I'm handsome, thank you."

"But you're right-it is a girl."

"Naaza from the Miach Familia," Orsted revealed.

"Naaza?"

"Isn't she afraid of monsters?"

"We invited her several times, but she always refused," Lili said, surprised.

She knew very well that Orsted wanted Naaza as the team's pharmacist.

Lili greatly admired Naaza's potion-making skills and fully supported Orsted's efforts to recruit her.

However, despite multiple invitations, Naaza had always declined, citing her fear of monsters.

So it was unexpected that Naaza had agreed after just a few days.

What had changed?

Lili's expression shifted from surprise to curiosity.

Tifa, too, looked puzzled, though her confusion stemmed from not knowing who Naaza was.

Orsted nodded and explained Naaza's situation in detail.

"That's wonderful," Lili said, genuinely happy for Naaza.

She didn't feel the same defensiveness toward Naaza as she did toward Tifa.

Naaza didn't seem to have any romantic interest in Orsted, so Lili didn't see her as a "threat."

Tifa, on the other hand, was a different story.

Even though Tifa was a fellow Familia member, Lili couldn't help but feel a bit "hostile" toward her.

Of course, this "hostility" only surfaced when it came to Orsted.

Otherwise, Lili and Tifa got along quite well.

"It's great that she's able to overcome her fears," Tifa said, hearing Naaza's story for the first time.

She was genuinely happy for her.

Orsted, however, wasn't paying attention to their conversation at the moment.

He was too busy wailing internally.

"It's over."

"Freya's started again, hasn't she?!" Orsted thought, feeling the burning gaze from Babel.

"Damn."

Under Freya's intense gaze, Orsted forced himself to ignore the discomfort and continued chatting with Lili and Tifa as they walked toward Babel.

***

Meanwhile, on the top floor of Babel, in a spacious room with floor-to-ceiling windows, Freya stood by the window, looking down at the city below.

She was dressed elegantly, a faint smile playing on her lips.

"After just two days, that child's soul has grown even more dazzling."

"It's truly irresistible. I want to hold him in my arms and cherish him," Freya murmured softly, her voice echoing in the room as she touched her chest.

***

At the entrance to the dungeon, Naaza was already waiting.

She stood there, hands clasped in front of her, exuding a gentle aura that starkly contrasted her previous demeanor.

"Naaza, congratulations on stepping out of the shadows," Lili said warmly as they approached.

"Thank you," Naaza replied with a gentle nod.

"You must be Naaza Erisuis, right? I'm Tifa Lockhart, the new member of the Hestia Familia."

"It's nice to meet you," Tifa said, extending her hand.

"I'm Naaza. It's nice to meet you too, Tifa," Naaza replied, shaking Tifa's hand with the same gentle expression.

While Lili and Tifa greeted Naaza, Orsted stayed quiet.

He was busy signing in.

Orsted hadn't expected the sign-in prompt to trigger when he met Naaza this time, as it hadn't before.

It was an unexpected surprise.

But surprises like this were welcome.

Orsted hoped there would be more of them.

---

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Chapter 53: Let's Go!

Chapter 53 - Let's Go!

[Sign-in successful. Congratulations to the host for obtaining Forging: EX]

Orsted: "Hmm..."

'System, are you trying to turn me into an all-round adventurer?'

'With Mystery, I can craft magic items, and with Mage, I can create grimoires.'

'And now, with Forging, I can not only make equipment but also forge magic swords!'

Orsted fell into deep thought.

Forging was a skill tailored for blacksmiths.

With the Forging development ability, one naturally gained an edge in crafting equipment.

As long as the materials weren't vastly inferior, gear forged by a blacksmith would always outshine that made by one without it.

And now, Orsted had acquired the Forging: EX development ability.

In other words, he had reached the pinnacle in this field-a master craftsman.

With enough materials and the will to do so, Orsted could forge the world's most powerful equipment, weapons, and magic swords.

He could craft magic items, produce grimoires, and now forge top-tier equipment and magic swords?

What was next?

Brewing potions?

Growing medicinal herbs?

Orsted didn't believe the system wasn't grooming him to be an all-round adventurer.

'Why is it like this?'

"Miach-sama must have told you." Orsted's slightly distracted expression led Naaza to mistakenly assume he was unsettled by her appearance.

She smiled and spoke softly.

"No, I was just lost in thought," Orsted replied, shaking his head.

He glanced at Naaza's exposed white arms and offered a gentle congratulations.

"Congrats on overcoming your psychological trauma."

"Let's go," Naaza said with a warm smile.

The group nodded and proceeded inside, descending into the dungeon.

Lili and Tifa weren't just worried about Orsted-they were also concerned for Naaza.

Although she insisted she'd moved past her fears and no longer dreaded monsters, who could say for sure how she'd fare?

Fortunately, Naaza's condition matched her claims.

When she encountered her first monster again, she instinctively stepped back, but in the next moment, she summoned her courage, drew her bow, and felled a Kobold with a single shot.

"Congratulations, Naaza," Orsted said after watching her dispatch the monster he'd deliberately left for her.

"What precise archery," Tifa remarked, looking at Naaza.

"Thank you," Naaza replied.

"It seems the Miach Familia will soon reclaim its former glory," Lili added with a smile.

"Thank you for the kind words," Naaza responded. "But Miach-sama has said he won't expand the Familia recklessly."

"He plans to take the elite route moving forward." She smiled as she explained.

"The elite route? That's a solid plan," Orsted agreed.

Indeed, focusing on quality over quantity was a wise choice.

Take the Astraea Familia from a few years back: every member was an elite, none below Level 3, and with just eleven members, they ranked among Orario's prominent Familias.

"Yes," Naaza affirmed.

With that, the four of them ventured deeper into the dungeon, breaking through floors one by one.

As their adventure officially began, Orsted took the chance to gauge Tifa's strength.

She was formidable-monsters on the upper floors posed no challenge to her.

This wasn't surprising; Tifa had been part of AVALANCHE, so she was far from a mere decorative fighter.

Soon, they reached the middle floors.

This time, Orsted didn't aim for the fifteenth floor specifically, opting instead to explore the thirteenth.

In the past, he'd sought out Minotaurs to earn excelia.

Now, that wasn't necessary-hellhounds and some middle floor monsters would suffice.

While slaying these monsters wouldn't greatly enhance his abilities, he couldn't focus solely on himself.

Neither Lili, Tifa, nor Naaza was ready to face a Minotaur.

Lili lacked the strength to handle one.

Tifa, newly exposed to middle-floor monsters, wasn't yet acclimated, and Naaza, having just returned to the adventuring frontlines, was still adjusting.

Before she'd stepped away, Naaza had only recently ranked up.

She could manage weaker monsters, but Minotaurs were another matter-especially now, as she needed time to regain her footing.

Though they weren't hunting Minotaurs specifically, Orsted and his group still slew monsters as they progressed, gradually descending to deeper.

Returning from the middle floors in a single day was impractical, so they planned to fight their way through, as Orsted and Lili had done before.

Orsted's luck remained as dreadful as ever-in a good way.

Along the journey, he gathered a wealth of rare materials and an abundance of drops items.

When it had been just him and Lili, the drop items were plentiful, but with Tifa and Naaza added to the mix, it grew even larger.

As they pressed forward, slaying monsters along the way, they soon reached the fifteenth floor-the point where Minotaurs began to appear.

Orsted grew especially vigilant.

With Lili, Tifa, and Naaza in tow, he wasn't sure if the latter two could handle a Minotaur, so he stayed on high alert.

Before long, the group encountered their first wave of Minotaurs on this expedition.

---

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Chapter 54: Captain Orsted [PS Bonus]

Chapter 54 - Captain Orsted

The first wave of Minotaurs that the group faced today was not large-only seven.

Orsted took down five of them single-handedly.

He left the remaining two for Tifa, Lili, and Naaza to handle.

Along the way, Orsted had already gauged Tifa's strength.

Although dealing with a single Minotaur was somewhat challenging for her, it was still manageable.

With caution, killing a Minotaur shouldn't pose a problem.

The other Minotaur was handled by Lili and Naaza together.

Lili wasn't a match for a Minotaur on her own, but with Naaza supporting her, it wasn't an issue.

Even with this arrangement, Orsted kept an eye on both battles.

As for the Minotaurs Orsted took on?

Before his rank up, he could kill several Minotaurs at once with Sun Breathing alone.

Now, having ranked up and gained Eternal Arms Mastery, it was even easier.

Compared to before, Orsted had essentially swapped muskets for cannons, and killing five Minotaurs in seconds was child's play.

Tifa had little experience fighting dungeon monsters like these.

The weaker monsters they'd encountered earlier were easy for her to defeat, so her inexperience hadn't been apparent.

But now, facing a Minotaur that matched her strength, Tifa's weakness became clear.

Lacking experience with these monsters, she was very passive during the fight.

However, Orsted could see that Tifa was adapting quickly.

She went from being chased and battered by the Minotaur to fighting back and landing hits on it.

Lili and Naaza, on the other hand, didn't share this flaw.

Though neither was as strong as a Minotaur, they had plenty of experience fighting monsters.

Plus, Naaza was clever.

Together, they had no trouble dealing with their Minotaur.

When the Minotaur targeted Lili, Naaza shot an arrow at it, dealing damage and drawing its attention.

Then it was Lili's turn.

As soon as the Minotaur shifted toward Naaza, Lili used sun breathing, pulling its aggression back to her.

Once its focus returned, Lili avoided direct confrontation, instead darting around to provoke its attacks while occasionally striking it herself.

The Minotaur, caught between the two, was completely outmaneuvered.

Orsted was pleased with this and felt reassured.

Though all three performed well, Orsted planned to give them special training once they reached the eighteenth floor, teaching them more skills and techniques for fighting monsters.

As the first and strongest member of the Hestia Familia, Orsted had naturally become its captain.

Guiding the familia to grow stronger was his responsibility.

While Naaza wasn't officially part of the Hestia Familia, she would be traveling with them moving forward, and Orsted had no intention of leaving her out.

Soon, the three finished off their opponents.

"Phew, I'm exhausted, but it feels so rewarding," Lili said, picking up the magic stone that dropped from the Minotaur's remains with a bright smile.

Though she and Naaza had taken it down together, her involvement gave her a strong sense of accomplishment.

This was a Minotaur-something she'd never dared imagine defeating in the past.

"Here." Naaza handed Lili a potion.

"Thanks!" Lili accepted it without hesitation, offering her gratitude before drinking it down.

Orsted had invited Naaza to join the team because of her skill in crafting potions.

Since she handled the group's supply, there was no reason to refuse her offer.

Naaza nodded slightly, then took the remaining potions and approached Tifa, handing her a bottle.

"Thank you, Naaza," Tifa said, accepting it with a smile.

Unlike Lili, she didn't drink it right away. Instead, she examined it curiously.

"Is something wrong?" Naaza asked gently, noticing Tifa's reaction.

"No, it's just my first time seeing a potion like this. I'm curious about it," Tifa explained before opening the bottle and drinking it all.

"If you're interested in potions, we can talk about it sometime," Naaza offered, slightly surprised by Tifa's curiosity.

"Really?" Tifa's eyes lit up.

"Yes," Naaza confirmed with a nod.

"Thank you so much, Naaza!" Tifa exclaimed, overjoyed, and hugged Naaza excitedly. Naaza patted her back gently, and Tifa quickly released her.

Naaza then walked over to Orsted.

"Here, Orsted."

Despite having just seen him dispatch five Minotaurs effortlessly without expending much energy or taking damage, she still offered him a potion.

She'd prepared it beforehand to restore stamina and heal injuries.

Orsted didn't refuse. He took it but didn't drink it, slipping it into his pocket instead.

"I'll have it later," he said.

The group rested briefly, and then resumed their journey.

Along the way, they defeated more Minotaurs and collected various materials, eventually reaching the safe zone on the eighteenth floor.

"I'm all sweaty. Tifa, Naaza, let's go take a bath!"

As soon as they arrived, Lili tossed her backpack to Orsted, grabbed Tifa and Naaza by the hands, and dashed into the forest.

Orsted watched their retreating figures with a faint smile before picking up the backpack and following behind.

---

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Chapter 55: Curious Naaza

Chapter 55 - Curious Naaza

While Lili and the others went to bathe, Orsted remained on guard nearby.

Sitting on the ground, he examined the materials in his hands, contemplating their potential uses.

These were Minotaur horns-drop items known for their exceptional hardness, making them ideal for forging weapons.

Orsted was now considering what kind of equipments he could craft from them.

On a previous trip with Lili, Minotaur horns had dropped after he defeated them.

Back then, lacking a way to process, he'd sold them off.

But now, having acquired the Development Ability of forging, Orsted could put these materials to good use.

"Although Lili uses Sun Breathing in combat, she prefers dagger-type weapons," he mused.

"However, Sun Breathing requires a sword to maximize its potential-using a dagger would weaken its power."

"In that case, a compromise might work: a short Katana, like the kind Ichimaru Gin wielded."

"As for Tifa, her attacks rely on fists and gloves."

"Ordinary combat gloves aren't quite suitable for her style. I'll research and craft a magic item tailored for her."

"For Lili's weapon, I'll experiment-combine the Mystery and Forging to see if I can create a magic sword that absorbs mana and is indestructible."

"For Naaza, an archer who uses a bow and arrows, retrieving arrows after every shot is a hassle."

"I'll craft a quiver that automatically recovers them-much more convenient. If possible, I'll also work on making her arrows as durable as an indestructible weapon."

Staring at the materials on the ground, Orsted muttered to himself.

Naturally, the items for Lili and Tifa would be free, as they were his familia members.

For Naaza, though not a familia member, he'd charge only a modest fee as a fellow party member.

With his plans set, Orsted got to work.

Lili's weapon would require proper forging tools, which he didn't have on hand-unlike magic items, weapons couldn't be shaped solely with mana.

Tifa's gloves, however, could be crafted directly as magic items.

Selecting a Minotaur horn and gathering additional materials from Lili's backpack, Orsted began the process.

A blue light flared as his mana enveloped the materials, lifting them into the air, wrapped in a glowing aura.

Meanwhile, Lili, Tifa, and Naaza were bathing in a nearby pool.

"What a dreamlike scene!" Tifa murmured, gazing at the ceiling with a hint of awe.

Though she knew this was a fantasy world, the sight of glowing crystals illuminating the cavern instead of sunlight still amazed her.

"The ceiling is studded with luminous crystals that brighten and dim," Naaza explained gently.

"They seem to shift with the surface's day and night cycle."

"When it's daytime above, the crystals glow; when it's night, the safe floor darkens. Judging by their light now, nightfall is probably near."

"Let's finish bathing soon and set up camp."

"I see," Tifa replied, nodding in understanding.

She glanced at Lili, who sat beside her, eyes fixed on Orsted's direction.

"Lili, why are you staring over there?" Tifa asked, puzzled.

"Are you worried Orsted might peek?" Naaza teased, a playful smirk tugging at her lips.

It was meant as a joke, but Lili nodded earnestly.

"Yeah."

Naaza's smirk froze.

She sank halfway into the water, stunned.

Tifa, unfazed, merely raised an eyebrow in mild surprise-she didn't mind if Orsted saw her, so she didn't react strongly.

"Lili, what happened when you and Orsted came down here?"

Naaza asked, half her face submerged, bubbles rising as she spoke.

Realizing she might have said too much, Lili stiffened.

After a moment, she let out a dry laugh, hoping to brush it off.

But Naaza and Tifa weren't buying it.

They fixed her with expectant stares, silently pressing her to spill the details.

Unable to withstand their gazes, Lili's cheeks flushed slightly as she recounted what had happened on their last visit.

Even as adventurers, girls couldn't resist a good gossip session.

By the end of Lili's tale-Naaza and Tifa's eyes sparkled with intrigue.

Unaware of the commotion, Orsted had finished crafting Tifa's gloves.

Orsted imbued the gloves with the maximum potential the materials could support: they could amplify Tifa's strikes from one to five times their normal power.

Worn by her, they'd let her hit with fivefold strength-though overusing that power risked damaging the item.

"Done."

---

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Chapter 56: Ais: I Saw

Chapter 56 - Ais: I Saw

"Ais? Why are you here?"

Just after finishing magic item, Orsted sensed a presence beside him.

Turning around, he saw Ais leaning forward, hands on her knees, and flinched in surprise.

Ais's presence was almost imperceptible.

Even though he'd been fully focused on process, Orsted remained attuned to his surroundings-yet he hadn't noticed her approach until she was right there.

"You can make magic items?"

Ais didn't answer his question.

Instead, she tilted her head slightly, her tone laced with curiosity as she sought confirmation.

She'd just witnessed Orsted's hands glowing with light, and when it faded, a pair of items appeared.

Items that can be created like that were classified as magic items.

She knew this much.

It was her first time seeing one crafted before her eyes, and the maker was someone she'd been thinking about lately.

She hadn't expected to encounter Orsted again after just three days, here on the 18th floor.

That he could craft magic items was surprising.

Perhaps Riveria and the others were right-Orsted might the person who brought those books.

The elven boy before her was full of unexpected talents.

She'd have to tell Riveria and the others about this when she returned.

Ais's reaction made Orsted's eye twitch slightly.

He'd asked her a question, only for her to respond with one of her own.

But knowing her personality, he let it slide.

"As you saw, I was indeed making a magic item," he admitted.

There was no point in denying it when she'd seen everything. As he spoke, he tucked the items away.

"So, you just got back from an expedition-why aren't you resting at your base?"

Orsted asked, curiosity piqued as he stowed items.

His question stirred memories of the past few days.

On her way back from the dungeon, she'd crossed paths with Orsted and watched him kill Minotaurs with ease.

At the time, she hadn't thought much of it-only that he was strong.

But later, when she saw Lili's swordsmanship and learned that Orsted had taught her, Ais felt a spark of interest.

She wanted to spar with someone who wielded such refined skills.

Yet, having only just met him, she couldn't bring herself to ask.

She'd set the thought aside, not dwelling on it too deeply.

Lili's swordsmanship, she presumed-was impressive but not invincible.

There were those who could counter it, like herself.

A spar with Orsted would be ideal, but if it didn't happen, she could always ask Finn instead.

For the past few days, she'd stayed with the Loki Familia as usual, with no plans to return to the dungeon.

That changed yesterday when Finn and Riveria mentioned that Orsted might be able to craft grimoires.

That piqued her interest intensely.

No adventurer could resist the allure of grimoires.

Even as a Level 5 adventurer, Ais was no exception.

She possessed only one magic-Ariel and longed to awaken another to bolster her strength.

But grimoires were rare in Orario, nearly impossible to come by.

Even when one surfaced, the Loki Familia might miss it, snatched up by another familia unnoticed.

It all came down to luck.

If Orsted truly could craft grimoires, Orario would have its own grimoire-making mage.

The Loki Familia might secure some, and she could potentially obtain one too.

She didn't let her hopes soar too high, but the possibility gnawed at her.

So, that morning, she'd left the familia and headed for the dungeon.

Before entering, however, she'd seen a guild notice: Hestia Familia's adventurer, Orsted, had ranked up from Level 1 to Level 2.

That realization hit her hard.

She'd ranked up from Level 1 to Level 2 in a year-a record dubbed the fastest in Orario's history.

Yet Orsted had done it in under a month.

It was unprecedented, unimaginable.

And there was more.

Knowing he'd just ranked up, she recalled that, at Level 1, Orsted had defeated Level 2 monsters like the Minotaur with ease.

How had he achieved such power at Level 1?

She burned to know, but as a near-stranger, she had no right to ask.

His secrets weren't hers to pry into.

So, despite her curiosity, she'd pressed on with her original plan and entered the dungeon-never expecting to find Orsted on the 18th floor, crafting a magic item before her eyes.

Snapping out of her reverie, Ais looked at Orsted and said softly, "Congratulations on reaching Level 2."

Once again, she hadn't answered his question.

Orsted: ...

---

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Chapter 57: So Strong![PS Bonus]

Chapter 57 - So Strong!

"In other words, you couldn't sit still, so you came back to the dungeon?"

Orsted and Ais sat side by side under a large tree.

"Yeah," Ais nodded gently, then turned to look at him.

She didn't say anything, just gazed at Orsted quietly.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" Her unwavering attention made Orsted shift uncomfortably.

Though Ais's gaze lacked the intensity of Freya's, it carried a sharp, piercing quality.

Noticing his discomfort, Ais realized she'd been too obvious.

She quickly averted her eyes. "Sorry."

Seeing Orsted had rekindled her desire to spar with him-a urge she couldn't suppress, leading to her staring.

When she apologized, a thought struck Orsted.

He recalled the anime-how Ais had taken an interest in Bell Cranel due to his rapid growth, curious about how he'd gotten stronger so quickly.

Was she giving him the same look now? Was he getting the protagonist treatment?

Just as Orsted opened his mouth to speak, footsteps approached.

He and Ais turned toward the sound.

Lili, her hair still wet, emerged alongside Tifa and Naaza, walking toward them.

"Sword Princess?"

As they drew closer, Lili spotted Ais beside Orsted.

Her voice faltered, caught off guard. She clearly hadn't expected to see Ais here.

Naaza, however, remained unfazed, her expression calm as ever.

"Naaza, who is she?" Tifa whispered to Naaza.

"Sword Princess, a first-class adventurer of the Loki Familia..." Naaza murmured back, briefly explaining Ais's identity to Tifa.

"Orsted-sama, what's going on?" Snapping out of her surprise, Lili turned to Orsted for an explanation.

"When you were bathing, Ais happened to show up, so we started talking," Orsted replied simply.

"Very suspicious..." Lili muttered, eyeing Ais with a skeptical squint.

That was classic Lili-wary of any girl who got close to Orsted, especially potential rivals.

Even Tifa hadn't escaped her scrutiny.

Only Naaza seemed exempt from this treatment.

After the brief exchange, the group set out to find a campsite.

They soon located an open space and quickly pitched two tents-one large, one small.

"Ais, you can rest with Lili and the others," Orsted offered.

As the Hestia Familia grew stronger, they'd inevitably cross paths with the Loki Familia.

Building a rapport with Ais couldn't hurt-especially at no cost to him.

"Thank you," Ais replied, accepting without hesitation.

She'd entered the dungeon on a whim this time, unprepared with a tent or supplies, planning to stay at an overpriced inn in Rivira.

A ready-made tent was a welcome alternative-she'd rather avoid Rivira's exorbitant rates if possible.

With the tents set up, the group cooked a simple dinner to tide them over.

"Alright, dinner's done. Now I'll give you some special training and share all the experience and skills I know."

Lili, Tifa, and Naaza hadn't yet responded, but Ais's eyes lit up beside him.

She'd been pondering how to broach the topic of sparring with Orsted to test his strength-now he'd handed her the perfect opportunity.

Lili and the others had no objections.

Orsted's demonstrated prowess was more than enough to warrant learning from him.

Since it was training, they went one at a time.

Lili was first.

For nearly a decade, Lili had been a supporter, observing countless adventurers in combat and secretly picking up fighting techniques.

Her frail physique had kept her from practicing-until she met Orsted.

After he taught her Sun Breathing, her strength grew through training, finally giving her the ability to fight monsters.

Over time, she'd begun adapting those learned skills into her own.

But her knowledge was haphazard, lacking structure.

Before his the system sign in, Orsted hadn't possessed reliable combat skills to teach her.

Now, with Eternal Arms Mastery, it was different.

Even a sliver of this expertise was enough for her to study and learn over a month.

Lili was trying her best.

Faced with Orsted's skills, she couldn't fully grasp their depth.

Instead, she committed every word and movement to memory, planning to apply them in future battles.

Naaza and Tifa followed the same approach-memorizing rather than learning in the moment.

Ais, watching from the sidelines, was a different story.

As a Level 5 adventurer, her strength, experience, and insight into fighting were exceptional.

While Lili and the others couldn't appreciate Orsted's lessons, Ais could.

Each explanation and demonstration struck her like a revelation.

Her eyes grew brighter with every word.

"So strong..." she murmured.

---

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Chapter 58: Let's Head Out![PS Bonus]

Chapter 58 - Let's Head Out!

Orsted didn't mind Ais observing from the sidelines.

The combat skills and experience he was teaching were basic.

As a Level 5 adventurer, Ais surely knew these fundamentals already.

Whether she watched or not made little difference.

Still, Orsted had considered sparring with her.

He hadn't forgotten the boost to his Status after sparring with Ryuu.

Not only had his basic abilities surged, but his Development Ability had jumped a rank.

The effect was too good to ignore.

Orsted didn't realize, however, that the skills he was teaching weren't as simple as he thought.

Even Finn had recognized Orsted's strength just from his aura-without ever witnessing his fights firsthand.

Ais, at Level 5, paled in comparison to Finn across the board.

Even the basic lessons he taught Lili and the others offered Ais a substantial insights.

As she observed Orsted guiding Lili and the others, Ais felt a growing excitement.

Though she gained much from watching, it paled compared to what she'd learn from sparring with him directly.

Yet she had no pretext to ask-having only met Orsted twice, their relationship remained distant.

She couldn't help but envy Lili, Tifa, and Naaza, who were sharpening their skills under his tutelage.

Her desire to spar with him intensified, but she stayed silent until Orsted finished the training session.

As the ceiling crystals dimmed, night fell over the eighteenth floor.

Late that night, when all was quiet, the large tent housing Lili and the others rustled softly.

A blonde figure slipped out.

Ais approached Orsted's tent with light steps, her expression hesitant.

Her hand hovered near the entrance, reaching out then pulling back, torn between opening it and retreating.

Inside, Orsted's eyes fluttered open.

Ais's presence was subtle, nearly undetectable, but her indecision betrayed a faint trace of her aura, alerting him.

"Ais?" Orsted parted the tent flap and saw her standing there, uncertainty etched on her face.

"It's late-what's wrong?" he asked softly, mindful not to wake Lili and the others.

His sudden appearance startled Ais, breaking her reverie.

She quickly composed herself.

"Orsted, can I ask a favor?" After a deep breath, she met his gaze with resolve.

"?" Orsted didn't reply, instead tilting his head with a puzzled look, inviting her to elaborate.

Seeing his cue, Ais pressed on without hesitation.

She explained her desire to spar with him.

Orsted's eyes brightened instantly.

He'd entertained the same idea earlier but held back-they'd only met twice and weren't close enough for him to suggest it.

He'd planned to wait until they knew each other better.

Now, Ais had come to him first.

It was a rare opportunity.

Orsted craved strength and wouldn't pass up a chance to boost his Status through sparring.

He'd seized the opportunity with Ryuu, and he wouldn't miss it with other powerful adventurers either-especially not with Ais stepping forward now.

Hearing her request, he agreed without a second thought.

"Let's head somewhere farther off so we don't disturb Lili and the others," Orsted said quietly, slinging his weapon onto his waist as he stepped out of the tent.

"Yeah," Ais nodded softly.

The two slipped away side by side, disappearing into the forest.

Lili, Tifa, and Naaza slept soundly, oblivious to their departure.

After a day of fighting monsters and enduring Orsted's training, exhaustion had claimed them.

Their sleep was deep-short of a major disturbance, nothing would rouse them.

---

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Chapter 59: Fighting Ais!

Chapter 59 - Fighting Ais!

A few minutes later, Orsted and Ais arrived at another space.

This was a bit far from their tent, so they didn't have to worry about disturbing Lili and the others.

"Ais, go all out. Don't hold back," Orsted said gently after arriving at the place.

He turned to face her.

As soon as he finished speaking, Orsted drew the sword at his waist and charged toward Ais.

His sudden movement caught Ais off guard-she hadn't expected it-but her reflexes were lightning-fast.

The moment Orsted launched his attack, she unsheathed Desperate and raised it to block.

CLANG!

The sound of metal clashing rang out, accompanied by a fierce burst of air that rippled from the point where their blades met.

The gust lifted their long hair, sending it dancing in the wind.

'So strong! This kind of power is definitely not Level 2!'

Ais thought, her eyes contracting slightly as she felt the force transmitted through her sword.

'This speed-it's not something a Level 2 adventurer could possess.'

Ais had gathered intell about Orsted.

The Guild had announced his rank up, so she knew his official level.

Yet the speed and strength he'd just displayed far exceeded what a Level 2 adventurer should be capable of.

He was already performing at Level 3...

Orsted had only recently ranked up, yet he had this kind of strength!

Could he have been hiding his true level?

Was he not Level 2, but Level 3 all along?

A whirlwind of thoughts raced through Ais's mind in that fleeting moment.

But the next second, she cast them aside and focused entirely on the fight.

Whether Orsted had concealed his level or not, it wasn't her place to pry.

Digging into someone without cause was rude-it could even turn allies into enemies.

Ais had no desire to strain her relationship with Orsted over something like that.

True to her nature, Ais followed his request without question.

When Orsted told her to go all out, she didn't hesitate or worry about whether her full strength might seriously injure him.

Increasing her strength slightly, she gripped Desperate tightly.

The weapon surged with force, and with one swift strike, she sent Orsted flying backward.

Orsted flipped mid-air and landed steadily on the ground.

The moment his feet touched down, Ais shot toward him like an arrow loosed from a bow.

Seeing her approach, Orsted's eyes gleamed with excitement.

He took a bold step forward and charged to meet her.

BANG!

Their next collision dwarfed the first.

Both Orsted and Ais had poured far more strength into this strike than before.

Even Ais, feeling the sheer strength behind Orsted's attack, felt her eyes flicker once more.

'Level 4?!' she thought, her instincts screaming the truth.

His power had undeniably reached Level 4.

Just moments ago, it had been Level 3-how had it spiked again so quickly?

Orsted hadn't used any visible skills.

Was this his hidden potential?

For a Level 2 adventurer to unleash Level 4 strength was almost unthinkable.

Yet Ais kept her surprise buried, her expression unchanged.

Wielding Desperate, she launched into a relentless assault.

Facing Ais's fierce onslaught, Orsted remained calm.

It was a grueling challenge, but his face betrayed no strain.

A closer look might reveal the faintest curve at the corner of his mouth.

Orsted was enjoying this.

The rising intensity of the battle, the growing strength he felt within himself-how could he not be thrilled?

Orsted knew his own strength well, but sparring with Ais was pushing him further.

His power was climbing steadily in the heat of combat.

It reminded him of his fight with Ryu.

He was certain this was tied to his development ability of Leap.

In his previous sparring session with Ryu, the boost hadn't been as pronounced as it was now.

If his strength had increased by about 10% against Ryu, here it was 20%-maybe more.

Ryu had remarked that his strength already rivaled Level 3.

Now Hestia had updated his status, and his basic abilities had risen again, making him even stronger.

Now, facing Ais, his strength surging far beyond what it had been before.

Jumping to Level 4 had boosted his strength by roughly a fifth.

If he could increase this development ability further-to B or A-might it double his strength outright?

Orsted had a theory: perhaps Bell'd aunt owed her incredible strength to a similar ability.

Constantly challenging powerful monsters and adventurers could have honed it to perfection.

It was just a hunch, of course-nothing he could confirm.

Still, it solidified his resolve.

He needed to seek out more high class adventurers stronger than himself to spar with.

The mounting pressure from Ais snapped him out of his thoughts.

He couldn't afford to lose focus.

The clash of their weapons echoed relentlessly, fierce gusts of wind sweeping through the clearing.

Fortunately, they were in an open space-if this had been a forest, the shockwaves from their strikes would have torn it to shreds.

The battle raged on for over two hours before finally coming to a halt.

Exhausted, Orsted collapsed onto the ground, sprawled out without a care for appearances.

Beside him, Ais-sporting a few minor injuries-knelt halfway and gently poked his cheek with one finger.

"Are you okay, Orsted?" she asked softly.

The scene felt oddly familiar.

---

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Chapter 60: Why Am I So Powerful?

Chapter 60 - Why Am I So Powerful?

"I'm fine."

Lying on the ground, Orsted gazed at the sporadic light filtering through the ceiling, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

After sparring with Ais this time, Orsted could clearly feel his development ability growing.

During their fight, he had visibly become more powerful.

Otherwise, Ais wouldn't have sustained even minor injuries.

After all, Ais hadn't held back.

Under normal circumstances, Orsted's strength should have peaked as Level 3.

But when facing opponents far stronger than himself, his development ability of Leap allows him to improve rapidly mid-battle.

During his clash with Ais, his strength had risen to Level 4.

Ais hadn't gone easy on him, fighting with her full might.

In such a scenario, only someone with strength above Level 4 could have a chance to injure her-and even then, it was largely due to Eternal Arms Mastery.

His base strength as Level 3, combined with Leap and combat skills refined through Eternal Arms Mastery had enabled him to leave a mark on her.

It was an impressive feat.

Hearing Orsted's response, Ais didn't press further.

She quietly sat down beside him.

"Hey, Orsted, why are you so strong?" A flicker of confusion passed through Ais's eyes as she murmured, almost to herself.

She had entered the world of adventurers at eight years old, earning her current strength through seven years of relentless battles.

She wasn't sure if Orsted was hiding his true level, but her keen senses told her the strength he'd just displayed had grown during their fight.

It wasn't hidden strength, nor was it magic or skills-Orsted had genuinely improved in the heat of combat.

Even Ais felt a thrill at the thought.

It was the first time she'd seen an adventurer grow so quickly in battle, jumping nearly a full level.

Hungry for strength herself, she couldn't help but fixate on Orsted's situation.

"Why am i so powerful?"

Hearing Ais's quiet muttering, Orsted paused.

Was he stepping into Bell story again?

In the anime, Ais never voiced it outright, but her actions showed a strong curiosity about Bell's rapid growth, a desire to understand how he became so strong so fast.

Now, with Orsted, she was asking it directly.

After a brief moment of surprise, he collected himself.

"Who knows? Maybe it's fate," Orsted said with a smile, shaking his head.

"I can't tell you how to boost your strength quickly, but I can help you another way."

"You're welcome to spar with me anytime."

Revealing his system was out of the question-it wouldn't even help if he did.

Sun Breathing was only for his Familia, wasn't something he could share with Ais.

The only practical aid he could offer was sparring.

In their recent confrontation, Orsted had noticed Ais's combat skills were far inferior to his own, thanks to Eternal Arms Mastery.

If not for her overwhelming raw power, she wouldn't have stood a chance.

Had her strength been one rank lower-Level 4-he was confident he could have defeated her.

During the fight, she'd even started picking up on his techniques as they clashed.

Orsted didn't mind.

He'd gained something too.

He hadn't updated his status yet, but he could feel his development ability Leap strengthening.

When he did update his status again, his basic abilities would surely see another dramatic spike.

They'd surged after his sparring session with Ryu, and it made no sense for them to stay stagnant after facing Ais.

The thought made him chuckle.

Hearing Orsted invite her to spar anytime, Ais's eyes brightened slightly.

She opened her mouth to thank him, but before she could, she noticed his expression. Confusion clouded her face.

"What are you laughing at?" Ais tilted her head, staring at Orsted with a blank look.

"You smile when you think of happy things," Orsted replied.

How could he not be happy? He'd ranked up just days ago.

A few more battles like this, and he'd likely amass enough excelia to rank up again.

Ais couldn't grasp Orsted's situation and simply stared at him, puzzled.

Orsted had no intention of explaining further.

Seeing he wouldn't elaborate, Ais watched him silently for a few seconds before turning away.

She joined him in gazing at the ceiling.

After a quiet moment, they rose and left the area.

The next morning, after a simple breakfast, the group packed up their tents and started toward the surface.

"Sword Princess, are you coming back too?" Lili asked curiously, glancing at Ais as they walked through the forest.

She'd softened her tone-no trace of yesterday's hostility remained.

One bout of antagonism was enough; any more might upset Orsted, and Lili didn't want that.

"Yes, I need to head back too. It's on the way, so I'll travel with you guys," Ais replied with a slight nod.

---

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HestiaXOrsted ~~

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Chapter 61: Insane Growth

Chapter 61 - Insane Growth

After Orsted's training session on the safe zone yesterday, Lili and the others had noticeably improved.

Tifa wielded the magic glove crafted by Orsted, and her power had increased.

Moreover, she had worked diligently when Orsted taught them combat skills.

When facing a Minotaur again today, Tifa held the upper hand from the start of the battle and maintained firm control throughout the fight.

It took her only one minute to defeat the Minotaur.

Although Lili and Naaza's battle wasn't as impressive as Tifa's, it was a marked improvement over yesterday.

The day before, Lili had been injured by a Minotaur while working with Naaza, but that didn't happen today.

The Minotaur didn't harm Lili at all and was ultimately slain through their combined efforts.

The situation was looking very promising.

Orsted was quite pleased with these developments.

Such progress in just one day was remarkable.

"They've put the skills you taught them to good use," Ais said calmly as she observed the fight alongside Orsted.

A larger-than-usual number of Minotaurs had spawned this time, but aside from those left for Tifa, Lili, and Naaza to handle, the rest were swiftly dealt with by Ais and Orsted.

With their overwhelming strength, they killed the monsters instantly and then watched the others' battles unfold.

Ais could see that they were effectively applying the skills Orsted had taught them-and doing so with surprising precision.

Considering that Orsted had only trained them for two hours, split among the three of them, their progress was already impressive.

"Yeah," Orsted replied with a faint smile.

The rest of the journey passed without incident.

Orsted and his group fought their way from the 18th floor back to the surface.

"Then let's part ways here," Ais stood in front of the Guild, bidding Orsted farewell.

"If you ever want to spare with me, feel free to seek me out," Orsted said with a slight nod.

"Thank you," Ais replied softly before turning to leave.

"Orsted-sama, we're back!" Not long after Ais departed, Lili and the others emerged from the Guild.

"Let's head home," Orsted said with a nod.

The four of them left the Guild together, walking side by side.

In front of the Miach Familia shop, Naaza stood on the street outside, gazing at the shop's sign with a slightly dazed expression.

After a moment, she stepped forward and gently pushed the door open.

"Welcome! How can I assist you- Oh, Naaza, welcome back!"

Miach, standing behind the counter, looked up.

He began his usual greeting out of habit but paused when he saw Naaza, a warm smile spreading across his gentle face.

"I'm back, Miach-sama," Naaza said softly, a smile gracing her lips.

'She's finally moved past it. That's wonderful,' Miach thought as he listened to Naaza's gentle tone.

He could tell she had overcome her psychological scars and no longer feared monsters.

She had been reborn.

Meanwhile, Orsted returned to the Hestia Familia's mansion with Lili and Tifa, where they were immediately greeted by Hestia's enthusiastic welcome.

She flung herself into Orsted's arms, clinging to him tightly.

"Welcome back, Orsted!!"

"Hestia-sama, we're back too!" Lili protested, noticing Hestia's eyes were only for Orsted.

Seeing Hestia draped over him, Lili reached out to pull her off, clearly displeased.

"No way! Let me go-this is how Orsted and I get along!" Hestia clung to Orsted even tighter, as if glued to him.

Watching the two bicker, Orsted shook his head helplessly.

He glanced at Tifa, who was smiling as she observed the scene, and gave her a wry, resigned smile.

After the commotion settled, the group entered the mansion.

"Come on, Orsted, hurry up! I'll update your status!"

Hestia waved her hands excitedly, clawing the air with a lovesick grin on her face.

Seeing Hestia's antics, Lili slapped a hand to her forehead, looking exasperated.

Tifa, unfazed, continued to watch with a smile.

Orsted gave a small chuckle, then removed his shirt, lay on the sofa, and waited quietly for Hestia to update his status.

===

[

[Name]: Orsted

[Level]: 2

Strength: S900

Endurance: S921

Dexterity: S945

Agility: S912

Magic: E423

[Magic]:

Instant

-Can Instantly appear infront of anyone.

-No chanting required.

Miracle

-Your wish may be granted

[Skill]:

Developement Ability: Leap G

]

===

"Except for Magic, all four basic have reached S!" Hestia exclaimed, beaming with pride as she examined Orsted.

"My Orsted really is the best!"

"But wait-your Development Ability increased again?"

"That's so fast! And you even gained new magic? What happened that I don't know about?!"

After her initial excitement, Hestia's attention shifted to the changes in Orsted's Development Ability and the new magic, her curiosity piqued.

Orsted took the parchment Hestia had printed and began explaining as he reviewed it.

"Oh, I see! So that's how it works," Hestia said, nodding along.

"Sparring with opponents stronger than you can boost your Development Ability?"

"Then you should train more with Ais. Oh, and if you get the chance, spar with that Ryuu too!"

"But I can't believe you made two magic grimoires yesterday and used one yourself!"

Hestia's tone shifted to surprise before she turned to Orsted with a grin.

"In that case, let's make more for Lili and Tifa later."

"I was planning to do that even if you didn't suggest it."

"Thank you, Orsted," Tifa said gently from her seat nearby.

"Thank you, Orsted-sama!" Lili chimed in, then leaned over to peek at the parchment.

"Your basic abilities are still improving as quickly as ever. It's incredible!"

She then turned to Hestia with an impatient nudge. "Hestia-sama, please update my Status too!"

"I think my adventures over the past two days have paid off-I must've improved a lot!"

"Alright, I'll update you right now," Hestia agreed.

"Me too, Hestia!" Tifa added.

"Yup, you're next after Lili," Hestia replied with a nod.

---

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Chapter 62: Finn's Description

Chapter 62 - Finn's Description

While Hestia was updating Lili's Status, elsewhere, at the Twilight Manor-Ais, who had parted ways with Orsted, had just returned.

"Ais, are you heading to the dungeon again?"

Riveria, standing in the second-floor corridor, frowned as she looked down at Ais, who had just stepped in from the first floor.

"Yes," Ais replied, nodding gently without hesitation.

Hearing this, Riveria pressed a hand to her forehead in exasperation.

"Don't push yourself too hard, Ais," she said kindly.

"It's absurd to dive back into the dungeon right after returning from an expedition."

"I understand," Ais nodded again, her tone soft.

"You clearly don't," Riveria retorted, unconvinced.

"Regardless, you're not allowed to go into the dungeon for the next week."

"Take some proper rest."

"But, Riveria, I want to go," Ais said, frowning slightly as she pushed back.

"Ais?" Riveria's brow furrowed deeper.

"What's the reason?"

This was unusual.

Ais had never openly rejected such a request before.

Even if she might sneak off to the dungeon later, she'd typically agree verbally.

This was the first time Riveria had heard such a direct refusal.

Ais fell silent for a moment, then spoke slowly.

"Orsted went to the dungeon. I want to follow him and spar with him."

"I can learn more powerful combat skills that way."

Riveria: "..."

"Come with me!!!"

***

The three executives of the Loki Familia-Finn, Riveria, and Gareth-had gathered, along with Ais and their goddess Loki.

"Alright, Ais, tell us everything," Riveria said after assembling the group.

"You dragged me all the way here-what shocking thing happened?"

Loki asked with a grin, lounging on the desk with her legs crossed and arms folded.

Ais glanced at Finn, Gareth, and Loki, hesitated briefly, then began recounting her recent experience in the dungeon.

"Magic item?"

Gareth mused after hearing her story, his brow creasing.

"I didn't expect Orsted to be crafting magic items."

"It seems our suspicions were right-Orsted might be preparing to make a grimoire."

They had previously speculated that Orsted might be planning to create a grimoire.

At the time, they weren't certain.

But now, hearing that Orsted could craft magic items, Gareth was convinced.

Crafting magic items required the Mystery Development Ability, and if Orsted possessed it, those blank books were almost certainly for grimoires.

Making a grimoire also required the Mage Development Ability, but that was easier to acquire.

As long as an adventurer had magic, there was a chance to unlock it upon rank up.

With Mystery already in hand, Orsted would likely gain Mage at his next rank up.

Once he had both, creating a grimoire would only be a matter of time.

"I told you, Riveria, you should've gotten closer to Orsted," Loki teased with a smug smile.

"He's got the Mystery."

"If you spend more time with him, you might trigger it when you rank up next."

Riveria couldn't help but roll her eyes.

In her current state, ranking up could take years.

Her stats were sufficient, but her excelia-the great feat required for a rank up-were sorely lacking.

She estimated it'd be one or two years at least.

Still, Loki had a point.

Associating with an adventurer who had Mystery could increase the odds of unlocking it.

Perhaps she should take Loki's advice and reach out to Orsted.

"Hold on, Ais-are you serious about what you just said?" Gareth interjected, his tone skeptical.

He could accept that Orsted crafted magic items, but Ais's claim that Orsted's combat skills were terrifying.

Ais might not match Finn or Gareth, but among the Loki Familia, she boasted the strongest close-combat prowess of anyone below their tier.

Other first-class adventurers like Bete, Tiona, and Tione couldn't best her.

How could Orsted, a rookie who'd just reached Level 2, outshine her in combat skill?

Ais didn't respond verbally, merely nodding in silent affirmation.

"This is downright unbelievable," Gareth said with a sigh.

"I used to think Orsted just had exceptional swordsmanship," he continued, "but it seems that's not the whole story."

"This elf you met might be an all-rounder."

"But Finn, you don't seem surprised at all."

From the start, Finn had worn a calm smile, even when Ais claimed Orsted's combat skills were extraordinary.

Unlike Gareth, who'd been shocked, Finn's expression hadn't flickered once-as if he'd already known.

"Well, I had a hunch," Finn replied with a gentle smile.

"I've never seen Orsted fight, but I've witnessed his incredible aura firsthand."

"It left me in awe. Someone with that kind of presence isn't weak or ordinary."

Riveria: "..."

Loki: "..."

Gareth: "..."

---

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Chapter 63: Familia's Growth

Chapter 63 - Familia's Growth

Holding the parchment in his hand, Orsted's eyes lingered on his Development Ability.

Previously, he had sparred with Ryuu, a Level 4 adventurer, leaping three levels to challenge her.

Under the effect of tenfold boost, his Development Ability had jumped from I to H.

Now, he had leapt four levels to spar with Ais, advancing it further from H to G.

The difficulty of increasing a Development Ability increases with each rank.

For example, Riveria had gained her first Development Ability, Mage, upon joining the familia.

Yet, after thirty years, it had only risen from I to E-a mere four ranks.

In contrast, Orsted had advanced two ranks in just a few days.

This rapid progress was undoubtedly due to the tenfold boost, but the act of leaping levels to fight adventurers far stronger than himself played a crucial role as well.

Orsted had unlocked the Leap Development Ability as a Level 1 adventurer after slaying those Minotaurs.

This feat had been recognized by the Falna.

After two consecutive fights, Orsted had pinpointed its exact effects and the conditions for use.

The higher the opponent's level, the greater the power he could wield, and the more exp he earned, accelerating his growth.

It was an ability tailored for ranking up through overwhelming challenges.

'Fighting Level 5 adventurers gives rewards like this.'

'If I take on Level 6 or even Level 7 opponents, won't i rank up even faster?'

Orsted murmured to himself, stroking the parchment as names surfaced in his mind: Finn and Gareth of the Loki Familia; Allen, Hedin, Hogni, and Ottar of the Freya Familia-the only melee adventurers above Level 6 currently in Orario.

After a moment of contemplation, Orsted set his thoughts aside.

Glancing around the empty hall, he stood and headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner.

Orsted's cooking skills were neither exceptional nor poor; the foods he made were decent enough.

Sometimes he'd bring food from outside, but occasionally he cooked himself.

Back in the church, there'd been no proper kitchen-just a makeshift stove.

Chopping vegetables on bedside table had been a hassle, limiting him to simple dishes.

Now, in their new residence, he had the freedom to cook as he pleased.

During the process, Hestia and the others poked their heads into the kitchen.

Seeing Orsted cooking, they offered to help, but he shooed them out.

Hestia and Lili were utterly hopeless in the kitchen-technically capable of cooking, but the results were disastrous.

Tifa, however, was quite skilled.

She'd handled the cooking when they camped in the dungeon the previous night.

Still, Orsted didn't let her stay, instead instructing all three to wash up and join him for dinner later.

Half an hour later, Orsted, Hestia, Lili, and Tifa sat around the table, laden with several appetizing dishes.

"It smells amazing~~ As expected, Orsted's cooking is the best!"

Hestia exclaimed, eagerly grabbing her cutlery and digging in without a hint of decorum.

Table manners were a foreign concept in the Hestia Familia.

Seeing Hestia's enthusiasm, Lili quickly joined her, worried that any delay might leave her with scraps.

Orsted and Tifa, however, didn't rush.

Even as the food vanished rapidly, they ate at a leisurely pace, unconcerned about going hungry.

Soon, the meal was devoured.

Looking at the satisfied faces of those slumped in their chairs, Orsted stood to clear the tableware as usual.

But Tifa beat him to it, gently pushing him back down.

"I'll handle it," she said.

"Then I'll leave it to you, Tifa," Orsted replied with a gentle smile, not protesting.

"Mhm." Tifa nodded with a smile, then tossed a piece of parchment to Orsted before starting to clean up.

Orsted caught it, intending to ask something, but his words caught in his throat as he read the contents.

===

[

[Name]: Tifa Lockhart

[Level]: 1

Strength: I96

Endurance: I98

Dexterity: I99

Agility: I99

Magic: I0

[Magic]:

[Skill]:

]

===

Tifa's status was unremarkable compared to Orsted's explosive growth.

Her two days of adventuring had raised her basic abilities by nearly 400 points-impressive, but no magic or skills had emerged.

Yet, this was only "ordinary" next to Orsted.

For anyone else, such progress would mark her as a prodigy among prodigies.

Who besides Orsted could achieve this in a single day?

Orsted, however, wasn't surprised by Tifa's rapid improvement.

She'd been practicing Sun Breathing lately, and had faced Minotaurs head-on from the moment she became an adventurer.

It'd be odd if she didn't improve this much.

"It looks like I need to craft another grimoire soon for Tifa and Lili. I can't play favorites," Orsted muttered to himself, noting Tifa's zero Magic stat among her otherwise stellar numbers.

Just as he finished, another parchment appeared before him.

"Here, Orsted-sama," Lili said, leaning across the table with one hand extended, a parchment pinched between her fingers.

Orsted nodded gently, took it, and began to read.

---

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Chapter 64: A Forge

Chapter 64 - A Forge

===

[

[Name]: Liliruca Arde

[Level]: 1

Strength: B765

Endurance: B768

Dexterity: A812

Agility: A854

Magic: C642

[Magic]:

Cinder Ella

-A transformation magic that allows the user to alter their appearance into that of another person they've seen.

[Skill]:

Artel Assist

-Enhances the user's carrying capacity.

]

===

"Hey, Lili, you're ready to rank up!" Orsted's eyes brightened slightly as he examined the parchment.

"Yes, I can rank up, but I want to train my ba to S first," Lili replied, beaming with a smile and nodding eagerly like a squirrel.

"Orsted-sama's basic abilities reached SSS, so I can't just rank up at B so casually."

"Still, I'm setting a limit-this month."

"If I can't push my stats higher by then, I'll give up and rank up," she added, shifting her tone to reflect her resolve.

"Huh? Why?" Orsted asked, caught off guard.

"Lili wants to get her alias alongside you at the Denatus," Hestia interjected before Lili could respond.

"Hehehe~" Lili scratched her head shyly, her plan exposed.

"Having an alias isn't exactly a good thing. I'd rather skip it," Orsted said, his eyes twitching at the mention of titles.

He had no interest in the Denatus-the assembly where gods bestowed often embarrassing aliases on adventurers-and secretly hoped it would never convene again.

Those mischievous gods could stay in the heavens for all he cared.

"It doesn't matter to me," Lili said with a lovestruck grin.

"As long as I can get an alias alongside Orsted-sama, I don't care what alias they give me."

To her, sharing an alias-bestowal moment with Orsted felt hopelessly romantic.

Orsted's eyes twitched again. 'It might not matter to you, but it does to me.'

"Don't worry, Lili-I'll make sure its a good one," Hestia said with a sly, almost sinister chuckle.

Lili: "..."

Orsted: "..."

"By the way, Hestia, I have a favor to ask," Orsted said after a brief silence, recalling something.

"Of course, Orsted! What is it?" Hestia's eyes sparkled as she nodded enthusiastically.

"I'd like you to help me buy a forge," Orsted said without hesitation.

Hestia blinked, momentarily stunned.

'A forge? Isn't that for blacksmiths? Why does Orsted need one?'

Then, realization hit her.

Her eyes gleamed, and she leapt onto the table, closing the distance to Orsted in an instant.

Gripping his shoulders, she gasped with rapid breaths, "Orsted, you can forge weapons?!"

"Uh... yes, I can," Orsted stammered, startled by her sudden fervor.

"Haha! Orsted really is the best!" Hestia crowed, hands on her hips, face tilted skyward as she laughed without a shred of dignity.

Lili and Tifa, who was washing dishes nearby, turned to look, their eyes wide with surprise.

Orsted said nothing, merely rubbing his forehead.

Hestia's goddess-like image seemed to erode further every day since they'd met.

"Oh, right-Orsted, Lili, Tifa, skip the dungeon for a few days," Hestia said after climbing back to her seat, her laughter subsiding.

"The Monster Feria's coming up. Let's have some fun instead."

"The Monster Feria?" Orsted mused. "It's already that time?"

"Orsted-sama! Let's take a break and enjoy it," Lili said, her eyes lighting up at the mention of the festival.

"Yeah, alright."

Speaking of the Monster Feria, he recalled how, in the anime, Freya had released monsters captured by the Ganesha Familia to test Bell, sparking chaos.

That shouldn't happen this time.

Which brought up another thought-where was Bell Cranel?

There'd been no sign of him.

Had he joined another familia? It seemed plausible.

In the anime, Bell had faced rejection everywhere until Hestia took him in.

But Orsted's presence in this world had altered so much-perhaps enough to create a butterfly effect.

Could Bell have lost his chance to rise because of him?

'Well, whatever. It's not my problem.'

'Let's make another grimoire first.'

'I'll give one to Tifa and one to Lili.'

'As for sparring with Ryuu, that can wait until tomorrow.'

After a quick farewell to Hestia and the others, he headed to the workshop to begin crafting a new grimoire.

The sooner they get magic, the better.

Unbeknownst to Orsted, as he worked, a cart piled with straw rumbled slowly toward Orario from beyond its walls.

Atop the straw, two figures lounged with legs crossed, their faces obscured by feathered hats.

Beside them sat a girl with short blue hair and glasses, her delicate features framed by a thoughtful expression.

"Hermes-sama, why the sudden decision to return to Orario?" she asked.

"There's something I want to confirm," the man called Hermes replied, lifting his feathered hat to reveal a handsome, roguish face.

He gazed at the clear night sky with a faint, enigmatic smile.

---

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Chapter 65: Freya: Orsted~[PS Bonus]

Chapter 65 - Freya: Orsted~

After completing the grimoires, Orsted gave one to Lili and another to Tifa.

"Is this a grimoire?" Lili asked, her eyes wide with wonder as she examined the simple, hefty book in her hands.

"It's my first time seeing one."

Tifa, who had also received a grimoire, remained silent, her fingers gently tracing its cover with a thoughtful expression.

"Go ahead and use them," Orsted said with a nod.

"When you open a grimoire, it connects you to the source of magic."

"Under its power, you'll awaken a spell that suits you."

"Thank you, Orsted-sama!" Lili replied eagerly, barely containing her excitement.

Without hesitation, she sat on the ground, opened the grimoire, and began reading.

A brilliant light enveloped her.

Tifa moved three meters away.

She settled down, opened her own grimoire, and was soon bathed in the same light.

Their figures flickered faintly within the light.

"Orsted, now that you can craft grimoires, what's your plan?" Hestia asked, breaking her silence with a warm smile.

Though she had only descended to the lower world a few months ago, she understood how coveted grimoires were among familias.

With Orsted's ability to create them, the Hestia Familia could forge powerful alliances if managed well-a tremendous opportunity for their familia.

Still, she left the decision to him.

If he was willing, they'd pursue it. If not, it wasn't worth forcing.

Orsted caught the unspoken meaning in her words.

"I'll prioritize making grimoires for our familia in my spare time," he said with a smile.

"After that, I'll consider Hephaestus."

"As for others, Hestia, I'll leave that to you."

"Which familias do you think we should work with? Let's go with those."

Hestia nodded, her smile widening.

"Alright, I'll scout familias and see who we can partner with to build those connections."

Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, she added, "But don't overdo it, okay? I don't want you pushing yourself too hard."

"I know," Orsted assured her.

He glanced outside.

"It's still early. I'm going to find Ryuu."

"Go ahead," Hestia said without objection.

Knowing Orsted's ability to grow stronger required sparring with stronger opponents, she had no issue with him seeking out Ryuu.

She'd even encouraged him to keep training with Ais.

Orsted nodded, casting a final glance at Lili and Tifa, who were still immersed in their grimoires.

He turned to leave the mansion, but before he'd taken a few steps, Hestia's voice called out.

"Hey, Orsted... would you go on a date with me?"

He froze, then turned to face her, surprise flickering in his eyes.

Hestia's usual playful grin was gone.

Her hands were clasped tightly in front of her, her cheeks flushed, and even her ears were tinged red.

Her shy, expectant gaze met his, brimming with hope.

Orsted didn't know how to respond at first.

A date? He'd never considered it.

In the anime, Hestia had gone on a date with Bell because she loved him.

But now... did Hestia feel that way about him?

Her eyes, so earnest and unguarded, left no room for doubt.

They were the eyes of someone in love-eyes Orsted recognized from countless moments in his past life.

Facing her vulnerable expression, he hesitated, then nodded.

Hestia's face lit up with a radiant smile.

"Great! Let's make it the day after tomorrow. Don't tell Lili or Tifa, okay?"

"Okay," Orsted said softly, nodding again.

Without another word, he turned and left, heading toward the Hostess of Fertility.

After he was gone, Hestia perched on the only chair in Orsted's workshop, her feet swinging idly.

She gazed at Lili and Tifa, now cocooned in glowing light, and grinned with quiet pride.

"Heh, Lili, Tifa, I'm taking the lead," she murmured, her voice smug.

"I'll be waiting for you at the front."

Meanwhile, in the grand halls of Folkvangr, home of the Freya Familia, Freya sat on the edge of her bed in a lavish, ornate room.

In her hands was a piece of paper bearing a portrait of Orsted, his hair tied back in a ponytail.

If Ais were there, she'd have recognized it instantly as the guild's notice of Orsted's rank up, posted just a day ago.

Somehow, it had found its way to Freya.

Freya's breaths came in hushed, trembling whispers as her fingers caressed the portrait.

A soft moan escaped her lips, and her hand drifted to her breast, her touch lingering as her eyes fixed on Orsted's image.

"I didn't expect it," she continued, her tone low and reverent.

"In less than a month, you already ranked up."

---

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Chapter 66: Mia's Thoughts

Chapter 66 - Mia's Thoughts

Walking toward Hostess of Fertility, Orsted murmured softly, "Hestia..."

He was utterly unaware of how Hestia had changed.

He couldn't pinpoint when Hestia had fallen for him, and the uncertainty gnawed at him.

In the anime, Hestia saw Bell as her first familia member-precious, but not romantic.

Only after Bell's hardwork did her feelings deepen into love.

Without that turning point, she likely would've treated him solely as her first companion.

After all, a god falling for a mortal was rare.

But what about me?

Orsted thought.

Nothing extraordinary has happened to me-no moment that could be called a turning point.

So why? Why does Hestia love me?

He didn't understand. Not at all.

"Huh, I'm here," he said, snapping out of his thoughts as he reached the tavern.

"Orsted, nyaa!" called Anya, spotting him instantly.

She grabbed his hand and tugged him inside. "Come in, come in!"

"Ryuu, your Orsted's here!" Anya shouted the moment they entered the tavern.

The patrons barely glanced up, but three heads poked out from the kitchen like stacked hamsters: Syr, Chloe, and Lunoa.

"Ryuu, your guy's here," Lunoa teased from the bottom.

"Seems this Orsted's got it bad for you, Ryuu," Chloe added with a sly grin, her eyes glinting mischievously.

Ryuu ignored them and stepped out of the kitchen, her expression calm.

"Orsted-san, are we continuing tonight?" she asked evenly.

Her words sent a ripple through the kitchen.

Lunoa and Chloe gasped, hands flying to their mouths, while Anya spun around, eyes wide.

"Ryuu, have you and Orsted gotten that close, nyaa?!"

Ryuu's question, innocent to her, sounded scandalous to others, sparking a misunderstanding.

But even if she'd known, she likely wouldn't have cared.

Ryuu was oblivious in her own way, slow to pick up on such nuances.

Nearby adventurers perked up at the commotion.

"Orsted?" one muttered.

"The fastest-ranking adventurer!" another exclaimed, glancing over.

"Looks just like the guild's poster."

His companion nodded. "First member of the new Hestia Familia, right?"

"It's wild. Ranked up in less than a month."

"Smashed the record for fastest rank up."

"How'd he do it?"

"Heard the guild kept his exploits under wraps. Gotta be something big."

"Should we ask him?"

"You ask!"

"Why me? You go!"

"You brought it up!"

As the table's chatter spread, more adventurers noticed Orsted.

Whispers grew, eyes turned his way, and the attention made him uneasy.

"Ryuu, meet me at the usual spot," Orsted said quickly, then slipped out of the tavern.

The crowd's gaze shifted to Ryuu, but she didn't flinch.

Unfazed, she walked back to the kitchen.

Though Orsted was gone, the tavern buzzed louder, his name on everyone's lips.

"What a shock," Mia mused from behind the bar, having just heard of Orsted's rank up.

"To rank up that fast, his soul must shine bright."

She frowned slightly, muttering to herself,

"Hope that kid can handle it."

Mia knew her goddess, Freya, too well.

When Freya set her sights on someone, she'd stop at nothing to claim them.

If Orsted joined her familia early, fine.

If not, Freya might pull something... extreme.

Mia wouldn't put anything past her.

Shaking her head, she let it go.

Orsted wasn't her concern, no matter how promising he seemed.

Unaware of the tavern's gossip, Orsted hurried to the city wall where he and Ryuu had sparred before.

The wall was shrouded in darkness, silent and still.

He sat on the ground, leaning back on his hands, and gazed at the starlit sky.

No matter the world, the night sky always brimmed with stars.

But the constellations of his past life were gone.

Still, as he traced the stars, he noticed patterns forming, their shapes a mystery he couldn't unravel.

He could only marvel at the cosmos' enigma.

Ryuu didn't keep him waiting long.

An hour later, she arrived.

---

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Chapter 67: Son of Nature? [PS Bonus]

Chapter 67 - Son of Nature?

It was late, so when Ryuu arrived, Orsted got straight to the point: he wanted to spar.

Ryuu agreed without hesitation.

She'd already guessed his intent, arriving dressed as she had last time, weapons in hand.

After a brief exchange, they began.

Once again, Ryuu was stunned by Orsted's progress.

Just days ago, he'd been at Level 3 strength, but now he'd reached Level 4, only slightly below her in every aspect.

His combat skills were flawless, so honed that he fought her to a draw.

She couldn't land a single hit on him.

Days earlier, she'd defeated him with ease.

Now, he matched her step for step.

Shock coursed through Ryuu, mingled with excitement.

The stronger Orsted grew, the more he could help her.

'It has to be you,' she thought, her resolve hardening.

'Only you can save the Astraea Familia.'

With that conviction, she threw everything into the fight.

The sparring lasted an hour, leaving both Orsted and Ryuu sprawled on the ground.

Unlike before, when Ryuu could crouch beside Orsted and tease him, poking his cheek to check if he was okay, this time she was just as exhausted.

They lay silently, staring at the starry sky, their panting gradually easing.

After a long pause, their breathing steadied.

Ryuu turned her head, studying Orsted's face in the dim light.

"Orsted-san," she said softly, "what's changed with you these past few days?"

Orsted smiled, recalling Ais asking a similar question after their last spar.

"Sorry, Ryuu, I can't explain how I'm getting stronger."

"No, that's not what I mean," Ryuu said, shaking her head.

"I won't pry about your strength."

"I'm talking about the unique aura around you."

She'd noticed it back at the Hostess of Fertility.

After a few days apart, Orsted exuded a gentle, comforting presence that made her feel at ease, almost urging her to step closer and bask in it.

She'd restrained herself, but the feeling lingered, nagging at her.

Years ago, she'd sensed a powerful aura from the benefactor who saved the Astraea Familia-a figure shrouded in mystery, their face unclear, radiating strength but lacking the soothing warmth Orsted now carried.

Was she wrong? Was Orsted not that benefactor?

No, she couldn't be mistaken.

The powerful aura Orsted bore matched that savior's, unmistakable in its intensity.

But this new, gentle aura was different, absent from her memories of that day.

Perhaps the benefactor's powerful aura dominated then, suppressing this softer one?

Lost in thought, Ryuu recalled the savior who'd appeared on the battlefield, blocking the attack at the last moment to save her familia.

That figure's strength was undeniable, but it didn't carry the warmth Orsted now radiated.

Orsted's voice broke her reverie.

"Ryuu, you can feel it?" he asked, surprised.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Ryuu blinked, caught off guard.

"Your aura's so obvious-how could I not feel it? It's like being wrapped in a mother's embrace."

Orsted's eyes widened.

The thing Ryuu described could only be the Natural Breath he'd gained from signing with Demeter.

It was his only trait resembling an "aura."

"It's something else," he explained, deciding honesty wouldn't hurt.

"An elven gift, tied to nature itself."

Hestia, Tifa, and Lili hadn't mentioned anything unusual, so he'd assumed the Natural Breath was subtle, barely useful after acquiring it.

He hadn't expected Ryuu, an elf, to sense it so vividly.

Ryuu's voice trembled. "Orsted-san, what are you?"

Most elves, including Ryuu, grew up in forests, surrounded by nature's embrace.

Yet none carried its aura as Orsted did.

If she hadn't felt that comforting warmth herself, she might've doubted him.

But now, she couldn't deny it.

Orsted shrugged, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"I don't know how to explain it. It awakened up a few days ago, that's all."

There was no way he'd reveal the truth behind it-not that he could, even if he wanted to.

Ryuu fell silent, her gaze drifting back to the sky.

After a long moment, she murmured,

"Orsted-san... are you the son of nature?"

Orsted stared at her, bemused. "What?"

---

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Chapter 68: Orsted's Scent

Chapter 68 - Orsted's Scent

'Son of Nature?' Orsted thought, bemused.

He'd transmigrated into this world with his past life's memories intact.

He knew the term "Son of Nature."

Thousands of years ago, Riveria's ancestor-was called the Son of Nature.

'Me, the Son of Nature? That's absurd.'

Orsted shook his head at Ryuu's words.

"No, I'm not the Son of Nature," he said firmly.

"I only awakened this by accident."

Ryuu didn't respond, her gaze lingering on him with quiet suspicion.

Feeling her eyes, Orsted shifted uncomfortably.

"Hey, Ryuu, have you ever thought about adventuring again?" he asked.

Ryuu froze, then fell silent.

Orsted cursed himself.

He'd blurted out the first question that came to mind, not considering the weight it carried.

He'd once thought of inviting Ryuu to join the Hestia Familia, but not now.

They'd only sparred a few times-hardly a deep bond.

Bringing it up could stir painful memories, not build trust.

He thought of the Astraea Familia, Ryuu's comrades, slaughtered years ago by the Juggernaut.

"Sorry, Ryuu," he said quickly.

"Huh? Why are you apologizing?" Ryuu asked, puzzled, her expression free of the anger he'd braced for.

"Uh... nothing," Orsted mumbled, realizing Ryuu hadn't shared her true identity with him.

His apology must've seemed out of nowhere.

"Orsted-san, are you asking me to join your familia?" Ryuu said after a pause, her eyes steady on his.

"Yeah," Orsted admitted, nodding.

He hadn't meant to say it now, but the thought had crossed his mind.

In the anime, Ryuu eventually joined the Hestia Familia.

Who wouldn't want her?

"Sorry, Orsted-san," Ryuu said gently.

"I'm alone now, but my comrades are still out there, waiting."

"They're not in Orario, but they'll return someday. When they do, I'll rejoin my familia."

"So, I can't join yours."

Orsted blinked, confused.

'The Astraea Familia... still exists? Her comrades are alive?'

In the anime, the Astraea Familia clashed with the Rudra Familia in the Dungeon, their battle drawing Juggernaut.

The monster wiped them out, leaving Ryuu as the sole survivor.

But now, Ryuu claimed her familia was intact, its members merely away from Orario, with her waiting for their return.

'If they're alive, why is she here alone?'

"You'll understand someday," Ryuu said with a faint smile, reading his skepticism but offering no answers.

Orsted didn't press her, though curiosity gnawed at him.

The Astraea Familia's fall was a fixed tragedy.

Yet Ryuu's words suggested a different reality. Had the familia avoided destruction?

'Butterfly effect?' Orsted mused. 'I've heard of changes rippling after a transmigrator arrives, but before?'

Walking down Orario's dim streets, he rubbed his forehead and sighed.

"What's going on?"

He was glad the Astraea Familia might be safe-its loss had always pained him in his past life.

But this deviation unsettled him.

The world he thought he knew was slipping out of alignment, altered before he'd even awakened in it.

'This isn't the world I knew,' Orsted realized, pausing to gaze at the starry sky.

'Since I arrived, it's become something new.'

Shaking his head, he continued toward home, the empty streets echoing his steps.

When he arrived, Hestia, Lili, and Tifa were already asleep.

Careful not to disturb them, Orsted slipped into his room, collapsed onto his bed, and drifted off.

Morning came with a weight pressing against him.

Orsted opened his eyes to find Hestia's cherubic face inches from his, her soft breaths warm against his cheek.

'Hestia... how'd she get in here?' he thought, his mouth twitching.

Back in church days, Hestia would often sneak onto the sofa at night, sprawling across him as she slept.

After Lili joined, she'd stopped-mostly.

Apparently, old habits died hard.

Not wanting to wake her, Orsted gently slid Hestia onto the bed beside him, rose quietly, and left the room.

Unbeknownst to him, moments after he closed the door, Hestia's eyes fluttered open.

She glanced toward the doorway, a sly grin spreading across her face.

Burying her nose in Orsted's pillow, she giggled.

"Hehe, Orsted's scent~"

---

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Chapter 69: Monster Feria

Chapter 69 - Monster Feria

The Monster Feria, co-hosted by the Guild and the Ganesha Familia, was a yearly spectacle- an event where Ganesha Familia members captured and tamed monsters, parading them in Orario's for a thrilling monster taming show.

It drew crowds, dazzling the city with its chaos and charm.

But beneath the fanfare, it served a deeper purpose: a calculated plan by Ouranos and Ganesha to prepare Orario for Xenos.

Ouranos knew Xenos-monsters with human-like intelligence -would eventually be exposed.

To ease their integration, he needed Orario's residents to grow accustomed to monsters.

The Ganesha Familia, known for taming monsters rather than despising them like other familias, was the perfect ally.

When Ouranos shared his vision, Ganesha agreed without hesitation.

He funded the Monster Feria annually, taming hordes of monsters and bringing them surface.

Over time, Orario's citizens became desensitized, their fear of monsters dulled.

If the Xenos' existence broke, the city might have enough mental cushion to accept them-or at least not riot.

Years of festivals had worked.

Crowds thronged the thoroughfare, their cheers echoing, the air thick with excitement.

Vendors lined the road, their stalls wafting warm aromas of sizzling barbecue and sweet confections.

Ribbons and fragrant flowers adorned the street, more vibrant than usual, while ropes crisscrossed overhead, strung with fluttering flags.

The banners bore twin emblems: ferocious lions for the monsters and elephant heads for the Ganesha Familia.

Children's laughter rang out, painting the scene in festive hues.

Orsted trailed quietly behind Hestia, Lili, and Tifa, his arms laden with half-eaten snacks.

The trio couldn't resist the street's temptations, darting between stalls to buy treats, taking a bite or two, then passing the rest to him.

Over twenty snacks now weighed down his hands, and no amount of nibbling seemed to dent the pile.

The scene felt oddly familiar.

Orsted's mind drifted to his past life, to snack streets where he'd seen boyfriends dutifully clutching food while their girlfriends shopped.

'Just like this,' he thought, a wry smile tugging at his lips.

Hestia, Tifa, and Lili were unstoppable, and as their familia companion, what could he do but indulge them?

Shrugging, he popped a piece of snacks into his mouth.

Meanwhile, on the second floor of a caf" overlooking the street, a figure in a dark blue hooded robe sat at a table.

The warm wood-grain decor framed her, but even with her face shadowed, her fair skin hinted at unearthly beauty.

Such was the effortless allure of Freya, goddess of beauty.

Freya gazed out the window, her attention fixed on the bustling street.

A faint creak broke her focus as the door opened, wood scraping against the floor.

Two presences entered. She turned slowly to face her invited guests: Loki and Ais.

Loki's light red hair and rumpled shirt gave her a careless air, while Ais, adorned in elegant attire with a sword at her hip, wore her usual blank expression, as if untouched by the world.

Loki yawned, scratching her head.

"Nobody visits a temple without a reason-bah, wrong line. This ain't the Twilight Manor."

"Anyway, you've been poking around lately, Freya. I was gonna track you down, but you beat me to it. So, what's your game?"

In the anime, Loki had summoned Freya to this caf", but in this world, Freya had called the meeting.

Her lips curved into a foxlike smile. "Just looking for some fun, Loki."

"Thought I'd give you a heads-up. Don't worry-it won't step on your toes."

Loki's eyes narrowed."Knew you didn't invite me for tea."

"Let's be clear: if you mess with me, I won't hold back. I'll skin you alive."

Their gazes locked, a silent clash of divine wills rippling through the room.

The was caf" emptied to begin with, leaving only Freya, Loki, and Ais-they'd booked the place themselves.

Loki broke first, slumping slightly.

"It's about a guy, isn't it?" she asked, voice tinged with suspicion.

Freya's smile deepened, but before she could answer, her eyes flicked to the street.

Ais's gaze followed, her expression shifting subtly.

Loki, catching their distraction, turned to look.

'Isn't this, Orsted!' she muttered, spotting the familiar figure amid the crowd.

---

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Chapter 70: Something Came Up

Chapter 70 - Something Came Up

Loki turned to look at the street below and spotted Hestia.

She let out a surprised exclamation.

Fortunately, the bustling noise below drowned out her voice, so Hestia didn't hear her.

Otherwise, she would have surely looked up.

Though Hestia remained oblivious, Orsted, with his keen hearing, caught Loki's voice.

His eyes instinctively darted toward the sound.

Noticing the three figures, Orsted's mouth twitched.

Without hesitation, he grabbed Hestia's hand and bolted forward.

"Orsted-sama?" Lili, confused by his sudden action, hurried to keep up.

Tifa didn't follow immediately.

Instead, she glanced at Loki and the others, her gaze settling on Ais.

After meeting Ais's eyes, Tifa smiled, nodded politely, and then turned to catch up with Orsted.

"Hey, that's the guy you met, right, Ais?"

"He's quite the looker-handsomer than most male gods!" Loki, catching sight of Orsted's appearance, raised an eyebrow.

She quickly pieced together Orsted's identity and turned to Ais with a grin.

"Yes, that's Orsted," Ais replied with a slight nod.

"You know him?" Freya, seated across from them, had already looked away.

Her brow furrowed slightly at Loki and Ais's conversation.

"Hm?"

"Wait-don't tell me he's the one you're interested in?" Her eyes gleamed as Freya's frown sparked a theory.

If true, this would be entertaining.

As rivals, Loki relished the thought of Freya targeting Hestia's Familia, leaving Hestia scrambling to counter her moves.

The chaos would be delightful.

Freya didn't respond.

She gave Ais a long, probing look, then stood and left without a word.

Her abrupt departure puzzled Loki.

"What's her deal? Leaving without saying anything?" Loki muttered after Freya was gone.

The next moment, she shouted in outrage.

"That jerk invited me out and then ditched me with the bill?!"

"Ais, let's go too. Time to soak in the festiv atmosphere," Loki said, downing her coffee in a huff and standing up.

"Yes," Ais agreed.

Meanwhile, Orsted had swiftly pulled Hestia away from the area.

He wanted nothing to do with Freya and preferred to avoid her entirely.

"What's wrong, Orsted?" Hestia asked, puzzled by his urgency.

Though confused, she hadn't resisted his pull.

In fact, holding his hand made her oddly happy.

They ran for a hundred meters before Orsted finally stopped.

The moment they did, she checked on him.

"Your rival Loki was back there, staring at you," Orsted said, his mind racing for an excuse.

He couldn't admit he was avoiding Freya-not out of fear, of course.

So, Loki became the scapegoat.

In Hestia's eyes, Loki was her sworn enemy, the kind of person she'd bicker with on sight.

"Huh? Why run from Loki-sama?" Lili, who had caught up, tilted her head in confusion at Orsted's words.

"Because that woman and I can't stand each other. We argue every time we meet," Hestia said, crossing her arms with a huff.

"Oh... I get it," Lili replied.

Her eyes flicked to Hestia's chest, then to the memory of Loki's flatter figure.

She nodded, suddenly understanding their rivalry.

Tifa, a step behind, overheard the exchange.

In her mind, she compared Hestia to the red haired goddess she'd just seen.

Covering her mouth, she stifled a giggle.

They really were opposites.

"Alright, enough about that. Let's keep exploring," Orsted said, eager to move on.

"By the way, are you all going to the show?"

"Yes! I've always wanted to see it, but I never had the chance. Plus, it's no fun going alone," Hestia said excitedly.

"Let's go together!" Lili chimed in.

"Sounds good," Hestia decided, seeing Lili's enthusiasm.

Tifa had no objections.

The group headed toward the coliseum.

Halfway there, they ran into Eina and Misha.

"Orsted! Perfect timing-please help me!" Eina's eyes lit up when she saw him.

She hurried forward and grabbed his hand.

Hestia: "..."

Lili: "..."

Tifa: "..."

"Haha, sorry! Something came up!"

Misha called out awkwardly to the three before dashing off.

"What?!" Lili snapped, realizing what was happening.

Furious, she started to chase after Orsted to pull him back.

Tifa gently stopped her.

"Something's going on nearby. Miss Eina needs Orsted's help, so let's not interfere," Tifa said calmly.

She sensed several disturbances in the area.

Eina likely needed Orsted to handle one of them.

"I guess..." Hestia sighed.

Eina had looked genuinely anxious, so she didn't protest.

As a reasonable goddess, she trusted there was a good reason.

Lili calmed down, though she still pouted unhappily.

"Don't worry, I'll make sure Orsted makes it up to you later," Tifa said, taking Lili's hand and leading her toward the coliseum.

She comforted her like one would a child.

Lili pursed her lips but said nothing.

"Hestia, come on!" Tifa called.

"Coming!" Hestia replied, hurrying after them.

---

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Chapter 71: Tione: He's handsome!

Chapter 71 - Tione: He's handsome!

"What happened?" Orsted asked as Eina dragged him along.

Though he asked, Orsted already had a hunch.

Could Freya be stirring trouble for him, like she did with Bell?

But Orsted was quite strong.

The monsters tamed by the Ganesha Familia for the Monster Feria wouldn't be a match for him.

"Monsters have escaped and are wreaking havoc on the streets."

"Orsted, please help find and eliminate them," Eina said, turning to explain before pleading earnestly.

Seriously?

"I understand," Orsted replied, stopping to nod in agreement.

Though he didn't know Freya's motives or plans, this was Eina's request, and Orsted wouldn't refuse.

With a light tap of his foot, he launched himself like a gust of wind, landing on the tallest chimney nearby.

As he appeared, Orsted noticed a familiar figure on another chimney to his left.

It was Ais.

Ais sensed Orsted's presence and gave him a slight nod.

Orsted nodded back, then gestured that he was moving out.

In an instant, his figure vanished.

Ais paused briefly before disappearing as well.

Orsted didn't know what Ais was dealing with.

Sensing monsters on East Street, he rushed there immediately.

Unlike Ais, who had Ariel, Orsted relied on Instant.

Earlier, while strolling with Hestia, Lili, and Tifa, he'd explored East Street thoroughly.

Now, he could teleport to the spot he'd visited.

In moments, Orsted appeared before a monster.

Several Ganesha Familia members, wearing their signature masks, were struggling against it.

Behind them lay injured Orario residents.

The Ganesha Familia members were clearly outmatched; otherwise, they'd have defeated the monster already.

The moment Orsted arrived, he struck.

To the onlookers, the monster was cleaved in half, dissolving into ashes.

Orsted glanced at the group, said nothing, and used Instant again.

After some moments, he killed every monster in the vicinity.

With the area clear, Orsted paused.

Instead of returning to Eina, he used Instant once more, appearing on a rooftop.

"Goddess Freya," Orsted said softly, his expression complex as he faced a hooded figure.

"Oh my, you found me?" Freya replied, unsurprised.

She smiled gently, her tone warm.

"You're quite perceptive, aren't you?"

Orsted didn't answer.

He studied her expressionless, choosing not to ask why she'd orchestrated this.

He knew, for Freya, this was trivial-a playful whim she wouldn't dwell on.

She acted on impulse, and pressing her for answers would yield nothing.

Seeing Orsted's silent gaze, Freya remained quiet too.

She observed him with a smile, as if memorizing every detail.

The longer she looked, the more her eyes gleamed, making Orsted's scalp prickle.

Without hesitation, he used Instant to leave.

"Hehe, such an adorable child," Freya murmured, chuckling as Orsted vanished.

She wasn't surprised, only amused.

Meanwhile, on another area, Loki Familia were battling monsters.

These weren't usual tamed monsters but a vine-like plants resembling flora.

Fighting them were the Hiryute sisters and Lefiya.

The monster's body was tough.

Tione and Tiona, who'd come to enjoy the Monster Feria unarmed, struggled to damage it.

Rather than fight recklessly, they played support, letting Lefiya take the lead with her magic to destroy the monster.

But they hadn't anticipated the monster's sensitivity to magic.

The moment Lefiya started chanting, the monster, entangled by Tione and Tiona, shifted its focus.

It lunged at Lefiya with startling speed.

Neither Lefiya nor the sisters could react in time.

They watched helplessly as monster attacked toward her.

With Lefiya's delicate frame, a single hit could leave her gravely injured.

But fortune favored the girl.

Orsted appeared just in time.

Spotting the attack, he acted without thinking, slicing the monster in half with a single strike.

"Orsted!"

Tiona shouted, overjoyed to see him as her worry for Lefiya eased.

"So this is the person you mentioned?"

"He's as handsome as you said," Tione remarked.

Hearing Tiona's greeting, she pieced together Orsted's identity and raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Tiona hadn't exaggerated.

Orsted's looks could indeed outshine most gods.

Orsted, however, was momentarily disoriented.

Instant let him teleport to places he'd visited, but it didn't reveal what was happening there.

Arriving to an immediate attack had thrown him off.

Still, he quickly assessed the situation.

"Nice work, Orsted!" Tiona cheered, running over to give him an enthusiastic thumbs-up.

"You're welcome," Orsted replied with a gentle nod.

"So you're Orsted. Seeing you in person beats all the rumors," Tione said, strolling over to size him up.

"Rumors?" Orsted's eyes twitched.

What was that supposed to mean?

Unbeknownst to him, Lefiya stood nearby, staring at him.

Her eyes held a mix of confusion and faint delight.

"Such a comforting presence..." she murmured.

---

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Chapter 72: Meeting Loki

Chapter 72 - Meeting Loki

"Huh?"

Orsted, mid-conversation with Tione and Tiona, paused and turned around.

Who would say something so easily misunderstood in public?

Seeing it was Lefiya, he wasn't surprised.

'My aura must draw elves in, making them feel at ease. That's why she spoke without thinking,' Orsted thought, observing Lefiya's expression.

"Lefiya, what's wrong?" Tione asked, concerned.

She and Tiona, noticing Lefiya's odd behavior, were taken aback.

Tiona watched the girl with equal worry.

Shy Lefiya, saying such a thing in public with that demeanor?

Something was off.

At Tiona's voice, Lefiya snapped out of her trance, the soothing aura fading.

Realizing her outburst, her cheeks flushed crimson.

Covering her face, she bolted away in embarrassment.

"Lefiya!" Tiona shouted, chasing after her.

"Sorry, Orsted, we'll catch up another time," Tione said, bidding him farewell before following her sister.

Orsted: "..."

Watching the three disappear, he was momentarily speechless.

"Not bad, kid. You got Lefiya blushing," a playful voice called from behind.

Orsted turned to see Loki, in a shirt and cropped pants, sauntering toward him with a grin.

"Goddess Loki," he greeted with a slight nod.

Though Loki and Hestia bickered constantly, Orsted showed her respect.

"Up close, you're practically perfect."

"No wonder Tiona said you outshine the male gods," Loki said, stroking her chin as she eyed him from every angle, clearly impressed.

"Thank you," Orsted replied with a polite smile.

"Eh, you're handsome, but guys aren't my thing," Loki said with a shrug, heading toward where the Hiryute sisters had gone.

Orsted's eyes twitched.

'I'm not your type? Well, you aren't either-flat as a board.'

Just then, Loki spun around, startling him.

He worried she'd sensed his thoughts.

But Loki only smirked and offered a warning.

"Watch your back. Someone's got their eye on you."

With that, she strolled off.

Orsted wasn't shocked.

He'd just met the person Loki meant-Freya.

Still, thinking ahead, unease churned within him.

Freya's attention was no small matter.

Her charm was nearly inescapable.

The only way to break free would be to send her back to Tenkai, but that was impossible.

No mortal, save a god, could resist her allure.

Orsted hadn't confronted her earlier for that reason.

If he'd tried, her charm might've ensnared him, turning him into her thrall on the spot.

Perhaps Bell, with his Liaris Freese, could resist her.

But Bell was nowhere to be found.

And even if he appeared, there was no guarantee he'd awaken that skill again.

For now, Freya seemed untouchable.

"Orsted!" Eina's voice broke his thoughts.

Turning, he saw her running toward him.

Her guild uniform was restrictive, but Eina's figure still moved gracefully, catching Orsted's eye for a moment.

"Phew, thank you so much, Orsted," Eina said, catching her breath as she reached him.

"No problem. I'm part of Orario-it's my duty to help," Orsted replied with a smile.

"I'm heading to meet Hestia and the others for the monster show. Want to join us, Eina?" he offered.

"Oh, I'd love to, but I still have to maintain order after the monster breakout," Eina said, shaking her head with an apologetic smile.

"Fair enough," Orsted said, nodding.

"I'll go find Hestia and the others then."

As he turned to leave, Eina called out.

"Orsted, wait! I'm busy today, but I'll be free soon."

He paused, puzzled. "Oh?"

"So, if you're up for it, let's watch the monster show together tomorrow," Eina said, her cheeks tinting pink as she spoke earnestly.

"Tomorrow?" Orsted hesitated, then offered,

"How about the day after? I should be free then."

"Perfect! It's a deal-the day after tomorrow," Eina said, her face lighting up with a delighted smile.

---

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Chapter 73: Lefiya

Chapter 73 - Lefiya

Orsted and Eina agreed to watch the show together the day after tomorrow and then parted ways.

Soon, he went to the coliseum.

Despite the breakout outside, the coliseum remained unaffected, buzzing with excitement.

The monster show was in full swing, and it took Orsted over ten minutes to find Hestia, Lili, and Tifa.

"Orsted-sama, you're here!" Lili beamed, scooting closer to Hestia to make room for him.

"All done?" Hestia asked with a smile.

"Yeah, it's handled."

"No more interruptions, so I can enjoy the day with you all," Orsted said, settling beside Lili with a gentle nod.

"What happened out there?" Tifa, seated on Hestia's other side, asked curiously.

Lili and Hestia turned to Orsted, their eyes bright with interest, eager to know why Eina had pulled him away.

"Some Monsters tamed by the Ganesha Familia for the show escaped and caused chaos on East Street."

"I was roped in to help," Orsted explained with a grin.

"You're a hero for the day," Hestia teased, raising an eyebrow.

East Street was packed, and the monsters must have caused damage.

Orsted stepping in to protect residents made him a hero in her eyes.

At her playful jab, Orsted's mouth twitched.

Pulling a neatly wrapped small cake from his pocket, he unwrapped it and gently pressed it to Hestia's lips.

"Eat this," he said.

"Hehe!" Hestia giggled, delighted to be fed by Orsted.

She held the cake with both hands, nibbling contentedly.

"Orsted-sama, I want one too!" Lili's eyes sparkled as she watched, leaning closer.

Orsted didn't disappoint.

He took another cake, offering it to Lili in the same way.

Then he handed the last one to Tifa.

"Thank you," Tifa said with a warm smile, starting to eat.

Orsted had bought the cakes on his way as an apology.

He'd promised to spend the day with them but got dragged away mid-event.

The trio clearly appreciated the gesture, happily munching while watching the monster show.

They chatted about the performance, completely forgetting Orsted's earlier absence.

They didn't stay at the coliseum all day.

After about an hour, they left to explore East Street, sampling its array of delicacies.

How their stomachs managed it was a mystery.

They kept eating without pause.

'Do girls have a second stomach?' Orsted wondered silently.

Then again, he had no room to judge.

Thanks to Hestia and the others enthusiasm, he'd eaten even more than they had.

Yet his abdomen showed no sign of it, as if the food vanished inside him.

As the sun set, they returned to the mansion.

"That's a lot," Orsted said, setting down bags of purchases and rubbing his wrists.

Despite his strength, capable of carrying far more, his wrists felt oddly sore-a psychological quirk, perhaps.

"Well, Orsted and I are off to see Hephaestus."

"You two stay here," Hestia said, brimming with energy despite the long day.

She placed her hands on her hips, addressing Lili and Tifa.

"Alright. Lili's going to practice her new magic, so I won't tag along," Lili said.

Usually glued to Orsted, she opted to stay and train her recently acquired spell.

"I'll join you, Lili," Tifa offered with a smile.

She hadn't practiced since the previous night, and Monster Feria had kept her busy all day.

Now was her chance.

"Okay, Tifa, let's go!" Lili nodded, taking Tifa's hand and heading to the backyard.

"Come on, Orsted. Let's find Hephaestus to buy a forge," Hestia said, grabbing his hand and leading him out of the mansion.

Orsted didn't resist, letting her pull him toward the Hephaestus shop.

Meanwhile, at the Twilight Manor...

"Lefiya, what's wrong?" Tiona asked, munching a sandwich in the dining hall.

She eyed Lefiya, who seemed lost in thought, with concern.

"Yeah, you've been off since we got back. Are you okay?" Tione, beside her sister, frowned, equally worried.

"Lefiya, are you alright?" Ais, seated across from Lefiya, added softly.

Having just returned with Loki, she'd only now noticed Lefiya's daze.

"I'm fine," Lefiya replied with an awkward smile.

"You don't look fine," Tione said, rolling her eyes.

"We're friends, right? If something's up, just tell us. We'll help," Tiona pressed.

Ais stayed silent but set down her spoon, her gaze fixed on Lefiya.

Under the scrutiny of three, Lefiya couldn't hold out.

Blushing, she began to explain what had happened.

---

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Chapter 74: Meeting Tsukabi Again

Chapter 74 - Meeting Tsukabi Again

"You mean you felt a comfortable aura when you were close to him?"

Tiona's eyes sparkled with excitement after hearing Lefiya's story.

"Well, I'm not sure why, but I did feel a comforting presence from him, like returning to a warm embrace," Lefiya said, nodding affirmatively.

"That's fascinating. I didn't expect something like this," Tione mused, touching her chin with interest.

"But why didn't I sense anything unusual about Orsted?" she added.

It was her first time meeting him, and she hadn't noticed any aura.

'Does Orsted have a special aura? No, I didn't feel anything either,' Ais thought silently, recalling her encounters with him.

"I didn't sense it either," Tiona said, shaking her head.

"Hey, maybe because Orsted's an elf, only elves can feel it?" she suggested.

"That's possible," Tione agreed, her eyes lighting up.

"Lefiya, are there other elves in the Loki Familia you could ask?"

"Huh? No, there aren't any," Lefiya replied, startled, shaking her head vigorously.

"After leaving the school district and joining the Loki Familia, I've been mentored by Lady Riveria."

"I have friends, but none are elves."

In the Loki Familia, Riveria was the elf she interacted with most, but Lefiya revered her as a teacher and elder, not a peer.

"Oh, right-Riveria!" Tione said, snapping her fingers.

"Let's tell her about this."

She hadn't thought of Riveria earlier...

Now that Lefiya mentioned her, it clicked.

Grabbing Lefiya's hand, Tione left her meal unfinished and hurried out of the dining hall.

Tiona and Ais followed close behind.

"So, that's why you're here?" Riveria said, setting down a book and rubbing her forehead, her tone tinged with exasperation.

"Yep! Riveria, want to test it out?" Tiona grinned.

The more she learned about Orsted, the more his uniqueness intrigued her.

Lefiya's claim of a comforting aura-unfelt by Tiona, Tione, or Ais-piqued her curiosity, and she was eager to uncover the reason.

Tione stayed quiet, but her eyes gleamed with anticipation.

Even Ais watched Riveria expectantly, her golden eyes wide.

Riveria sighed, glancing at Lefiya.

"Are you certain, Lefiya? This isn't a joke?"

"N-no, Lady Riveria! I'd never jest with you," Lefiya said, trembling slightly before meeting Riveria's gaze firmly.

"I truly felt a comfortable aura from him."

"Alright, I believe you," Riveria said, softening.

"I'll reach out to Orsted."

She'd planned to contact him later, but now it seemed a visit to the Hestia Familia tomorrow was in order.

Riveria rubbed her forehead again.

"Awesome! Let us know what you find out," Tiona said, practically bouncing with excitement.

"Out, all of you. Stop pestering me," Riveria said, shooting Tiona a mock glare before shooing them away.

Once they, Riveria returned to her book.

But after a moment, she closed it with a sigh.

Their interruption had broken her focus.

Thoughts of Orsted filled her mind.

"An aura only elves can sense..." she murmured, gazing at the night sky through the window.

"It feels like the elven princess from thousand years ago."

"Since Orsted appeared, my predictable life has started to shift," she thought.

"I'll visit tomorrow to understand this sooner."

Orsted, unaware of their discussion, was being led by Hestia to the Hephaestus Familia.

"Hey, Orsted, good to see you again!" Tsubaki greeted as they entered the shop.

Hephaestus was there too.

Tsubaki strode over, slinging an arm around Orsted's shoulder with a grin.

"I was just thinking of tracking you down."

"How about crafting a few more magic items for me?"

Her casual closeness pressed her figure against him, but Orsted barely noticed.

Instead, his attention was caught by a faint sound in his mind.

---

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Chapter 75: Need a grimoire?[BONUS]

Chapter 75 - Need a grimoire?

[Random sign-in triggered. Would the host like to sign in?]

Orsted wasn't surprised that the sign-in didn't trigger during his first meeting with Tsubaki.

It had happened before with Naaza-the sign-in didn't trigger initially but did on their second meeting.

What caught him off guard was that the same person could trigger multiple sign-ins.

Two rewards at once, likely tied to Tsubaki and Hephaestus.

He'd already signed in with Hephaestus once, and now it triggered again.

Did this mean the number of sign-ins per person was unpredictable?

Or was it truly random?

Orsted wasn't sure and didn't dwell on it.

'Sign in.'

[Sign-in successful. Congratulations to the host for obtaining Mixing: EX!]

[Sign-in successful. Congratulations to the host for obtaining Excalibur Proto!]

At the first prompt, Orsted remained calm, but the second made his pupils shrink.

Excalibur Proto!!

He projected his mind into the system panel, spotting a resplendent knightly sword, its sealed form radiating restrained power.

His heart raced.

It's real!

Unbeknownst to Orsted, his quickened pulse was misinterpreted by Tsubaki, who still had her arm around his shoulders.

"What's this? Heart racing because I'm holding you?"

"Got a crush on me?" Tsubaki teased, sensing his pulse spike.

She assumed it was her closeness, grinning playfully.

Orsted snapped out of his excitement, catching her words.

Rolling his eyes, he slipped free of her arm, exasperated.

"I'm not here to flirt, Tsubaki."

Hestia, who'd started toward them in a jealous huff over Tsubaki's familiarity, paused at Orsted's response and nodded approvingly.

Hephaestus, watching from behind her desk, chuckled with amusement.

"Alright, Hestia, what's the visit about?" Hephaestus asked, cutting through the moment to focus on business.

"Oh, right! Hephaestus, you've got spare forges, yeah?"

"Sell me one," Hestia said, stating her purpose.

"A forge?" Hephaestus raised an eyebrow, surprised. "What for?"

"Heh, it's for Orsted," Hestia said, smirking proudly with her hands in her pockets.

"Orsted?" Hephaestus's surprise deepened, her gaze shifting to him.

A spark of realization flickered in her mind.

"No way he's forging," Tsubaki interjected, asking directly, "What do you need a forge for, Orsted?"

"I want to craft equipments for Lili and Tifa," Orsted said openly.

He saw no reason to hide it.

As the Hestia Familia grew, he'd be forging their equipments himself.

Keeping this secret could cause misunderstandings, especially since Hestia had previously sought equipment from Hephaestus, who offered a 20% discount for her sake.

If Lili and Tifa's equipments changed without purchases from Hephaestus, it might seem like Hestia was bypassing her friend's generosity.

Orsted didn't want to risk even a slight rift between Hestia and Hephaestus, whose friendship spanned eons.

While a fallout over this was unlikely, he preferred transparency to avoid any tension.

By being upfront, he ensured Hephaestus knew the Hestia Familia would forge its own equipment, not buy from rival smiths.

"I knew it-you can forge," Hephaestus said, as if confirming a suspicion.

"Hah! Orsted's incredible. He crafts magic items, grimoires, and now equipment too," Hestia boasted, hands on her hips, beaming with pride.

"Wait-grimoires?" Hephaestus caught the detail, her eyes widening.

"Grimoires?" Tsubaki echoed, stunned.

"Yup! Orsted's made three already," Hestia said, her grin turning sly, like a fox eyeing a deal.

"I came today to get a forge for him and to share the news."

"Interested? Need a grimoire?"

Hephaestus took a deep breath, silent for a moment.

"Orsted, you're truly something else."

---

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Chapter 76: Excalibur!??[BONUS]

Chapter 76 - Excalibur!??

Hephaestus gazed quietly at the magic sword on her desk, lost in thought.

Across from her, Tsubaki stood with arms crossed, frowning, equally absorbed.

After a long pause, they slowly returned to reality.

"How enigmatic is Orsted?" Hephaestus murmured, rubbing her forehead with a helpless sigh.

"He crafts magic items, grimoires, and now forges magic swords."

"That's three Development Abilities-yet he's only Level 2."

Crafting magic items requires the Mystery.

Creating grimoires demands Mystery and Mage.

Forging weapons needs no specific development ability, but forging magic swords requires Blacksmith.

Orsted's creation of a magic sword confirmed he possessed Blacksmith.

Acquiring three Development Abilities typically requires reaching at least Level 4, as adventurers can select one per rank up.

Orsted's feat at Level 2 was extraordinary.

"Could he have a special bloodline, like the Crozzo family?" Tsubaki suggested, rubbing her forehead.

She and Hephaestus had just escorted Orsted and Hestia to an empty forge, where they witnessed Orsted craft a high-tier magic sword-the very weapon now on the desk.

"No way. Orsted's a proper elf," Hephaestus said, dismissing the idea.

His pointed ears and elven features were unmistakable to anyone with eyes.

Tsubaki, stumped by Orsted's prowess, chuckled awkwardly.

"Haha, yeah, that was a silly guess."

"Lady Hestia's incredibly lucky," she added, her tone turning wistful.

"To find someone like Orsted."

"Indeed," Hephaestus agreed, nodding.

"I can't help but envy her."

An adventurer who rose to Level 2 in mere weeks, having three Development Abilities after a single rank up-such talent was staggering.

Even the Hephaestus Familia, a renowned forging familia, coveted someone like Orsted.

"Hey, Hephaestus, can I get first dibs on that grimoire you traded for with the Hestia Familia?" Tsubaki asked, grinning.

"Isn't that obvious?" Hephaestus replied, giving her a flat look.

"You're the captain. Leaders get priority on treasures like that."

What was the point of leadership without perks?

Responsibility alone wasn't enough.

"Heh, just checking," Tsubaki said, flashing her bright grin.

Her face narrowed thoughtfully.

"Orsted's forging skills are top-notch. I need to talk shop with him more."

"Between his magic items and magic swords, I bet he could shave years off my research."

"A few chats, and I might crack my next breakthrough."

"I'm all for it," Hephaestus said, "but Orsted's likely too busy."

The Hestia Familia was still growing.

Orsted wouldn't have time to spare for research discussions, no matter how friendly their Familias were.

Adventuring would take precedence.

"Yeah, you're right," Tsubaki admitted, her enthusiasm dimming as she rubbed her forehead.

"Still, I'll find a way."

"Speaking of which, I didn't expect Orsted to forge a magic sword," Hephaestus said, shifting topics.

"Elves usually despise them."

Magic swords-prone to breaking after use-are seen as impure by elves, who value purity and permanence.

"He's not your typical elf," Tsubaki said with a faint smile.

"Most elves are standoffish, avoiding physical contact."

"But Orsted? I slung my arm around him, and he didn't flinch."

Hephaestus fell silent, pondering the anomaly.

Meanwhile, at the Hestia Familia's residence...

"La la la, magic sword, magic sword, Orsted can forge a magic sword!" Hestia sang, twirling a feather duster as she cleaned the living room.

"La la la, magic items, grimoires, magic sword-a glorious tomorrow awaits!"

Her off-key notes echoed.

Thankfully, Orsted wasn't there to wince.

Why use a feather duster?

Hestia was simply in high spirits.

Orsted, meanwhile, was in his workshop.

He stared at the system panel, deep in thought.

"My earlier guess is proving true," he murmured.

"The system's shaping me into an all-round adventurer."

With a thought, light flashed in his hand, and a magnificent sword appeared.

Excalibur Proto.

---

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Chapter 77: It's Time

Chapter 77 - It's Time

Excalibur Proto!

Wielded by Arthur Pendragon, this radiant blade was forged to vanquish otherworldly threats intent on destroying the planet.

Excalibur Proto bears thirteen seals, restrictions set by Proto Arthur and his Twelve Knights of the Round Table.

Under normal conditions, six seals can be released.

To access the blade's full might-more than seven knights must approve, acting as a second scabbard to its strength.

Orsted studied the sword in his hand, its sealed aura humming faintly.

He sank into thought.

Emm, I'm not Arthur Pendragon.

Why do I need their approval to unlock its full power?

Would the Knights even recognize a stranger like me?

This system was a tease.

It handed him a weapon but left the fine print unresolved.

"Forget it," Orsted muttered, sighing.

"At least I can wield its power up to six seals, like Altria's Sword of Promised Victory. It's not a loss."

"Speaking of Altria, if I have Excalibur, could Avalon be next?" he wondered silently, tossing the sword back into the system inventory.

"Come on, system, hook me up with Avalon next sign-in."

A sword without a sheath was impractical.

Leaving Excalibur Proto exposed-or worse, gathering dust in the system space-wasn't an option.

Orsted moved swiftly, selecting materials in his workshop to craft a sheath.

He aimed to make it a magic item, as an ordinary sheath felt unworthy of such a weapon.

With his EX Mystery-he could theoretically forge a knockoff Avalon, given the right materials.

But without resources, he was limited.

In minutes, a gorgeous pseudo-Avalon took shape.

Due to the materials' quality, Orsted kept it simple, enchanting it with durandal attribute.

He flourished the sheath, then summoned Excalibur Proto, tossing it upward.

The blade slid perfectly into place with a crisp, satisfying clink.

Orsted nodded.

He swapped out his old sword at his waist for Excalibur Proto.

Perfect.

Work didn't stop there.

Tsubaki had commissioned five magic items for 50 million valis before they parted.

Orsted saw no reason to delay.

Unlike grimoires or magic swords, which required hours of meticulous labor, magic items were a breeze.

He hammered out all five in half an hour.

Grimoires demanded intense focus, weaving spells into pages over hours.

Magic swords needed relentless forging to imbue magical properties.

Only Orsted could call crafting magic items "simple"-if Asfi heard him, she'd likely seethe at his nonchalance.

Finished, Orsted left the workshop and returned to his room.

After a quick wash, he sank into his warm bed, drifting into sleep.

The next morning, a familiar weight woke him.

"Hestia..." Orsted sighed, eyeing Hestia sprawled beside him in an odd sleeping pose.

Since her impromptu date invitation two nights ago, Orsted couldn't see her the same way.

Before, her midnight visits barely fazed him.

Now, her sleeping form sent his heart racing.

Taking a deep breath, he tore his gaze away, slipped out of bed, and left the room.

After washing up, Orsted headed to the kitchen, preparing breakfast for everyone.

Soon, Hestia, Lili, and Tifa stirred, joining him at the table.

They ate in comfortable silence until Lili spoke up, swallowing a bite of toast. "Hestia-sama, Orsted-sama, Lili won't be joining you today."

"Tifa and I plan to test our magic in the dungeon."

"She's right," Tifa added.

"We decided last night after practicing in the courtyard. The dungeon will be perfect for testing our spells."

Orsted and Hestia paused mid-bite, exchanging a glance.

Their eyes mirrored the same thought:

A day alone together?

"No problem," Hestia said, recovering with a grin.

"I've got errands anyway."

"In that case, I'll craft a few more grimoires," Orsted said, smiling.

Lili nodded, pleased. "Good luck, then!"

---

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Chapter 78: Riveria

Chapter 78 - Riveria

Hestia wasn't kidding when she said she had errands to run.

After Lili and Tifa left the villa for the dungeon, Hestia gave Orsted a quick look and headed out.

Orsted didn't idle.

He strode to his workshop, ready to craft grimoires.

He had plenty of blank books, but materials for grimoires were scarce.

His current stock would suffice for only two more.

To make more, he'd need to buy supplies from the Demeter Familia.

The thought of his first meeting with Demeter gave Orsted a headache.

Her overwhelming "love" had nearly dragged him into a nostalgic spiral.

"Maybe I can ask Miach to handle it," Orsted murmured.

He really didn't want to face Demeter again.

"It's settled. Miach can run the errand," he decided.

"He wants a grimoire anyway, so it's only fair."

With that, Orsted dove into crafting. Hours slipped by as he wove into the pages.

Finally, his fourth grimoire was complete.

"Phew," Orsted exhaled, holding the grimoire.

"Magic items, magic swords, grimoires-I'm practically funding the entire Familia."

He knew many things, but time was his bottleneck.

Strengthening himself through dungeon runs took priority; crafting was a luxury for rare free moments like this.

Setting the grimoire aside, he prepared for the next.

But before he could start, a chime echoed through the villa-a doorbell, a feature common in Orario's grand residences.

"Who could that be?" Orsted muttered.

He left the workshop, crossing the courtyard to the gate.

Spotting the figure waiting, he froze.

"Riveria?!"

Why was Orario's strongest mage here?

Shaking off his confusion, Orsted hurried to greet her.

Riveria's eyes softened as Orsted approached, a faint daze in her expression.

Lefiya hadn't lied-Orsted radiated an aura that soothed her, a comforting presence akin to nature itself.

She recalled records of the elven princess from a thousand years ago, whose similar aura drew elves to her, forming the elven royal family.

Many believed that princess was nature's incarnation, a belief that solidified her lineage's rule.

None since had matched her-until Orsted.

Riveria's trance didn't escape Orsted, but he brushed it off, inviting her inside with a polite smile.

In the living room, he offered Riveria a cup of tea, setting it before her on the table.

She accepted it with a nod, placing it down gently.

"May I ask what brings you here, Riveria-san?" Orsted asked, his tone calm yet curious, a hint of puzzlement in his gaze.

His composure startled Riveria.

As an elven royalty and Loki Familia's deputy captain, she was accustomed to reverence from her kind, even from elves in rival Familias like Freya's.

Orsted's casual treatment-as an equal, not a superior-was unprecedented.

But given his uniqueness, she wasn't entirely surprised.

"Forgive my unannounced visit," Riveria said softly, her voice measured.

"How could a visit from Orario's strongest mage be a disturbance?" Orsted replied, his gentle tone disarming.

Riveria's expression grew complex. "Someone in my Familia prompted me to investigate a certain... phenomenon."

"I didn't expect it to be true."

Orsted wasn't fazed by her vagueness.

He'd pieced it together-his brief encounter with Lefiya must have revealed Natural Breath.

Lefiya wouldn't hide such a discovery from her mentor.

"You seem aware of your condition," Riveria said, noting his silence.

"Do you have any plans?"

If Orsted's aura became public, it could shake the elven community.

A thousand years ago, such an aura birthed the royal family.

By that logic, Orsted could claim legitimacy as a new royal-a threat to the current elven king, Riveria's father.

Though she'd left the royal family, Riveria cared for her father's safety.

She needed to know Orsted's intentions.

If he harbored ambitions, she'd urge her father to step down to avoid conflict.

"You're overthinking, Riveria-san," Orsted said.

"The past is the past. I've no desire to become an elven royal."

"At most, I might recruit a few elves to the Hestia Familia as we grow."

He understood her concern.

The Natural Breath mirrored the elven princess's thousand years ago, but times had changed.

Elves were loyal to their established royalty.

Claiming leadership would only spark chaos, potentially fracturing their society.

Orsted wanted no part in that.

Relief washed over Riveria.

Despite her estrangement from the royal family, she dreaded elven infighting.

"Thank you," she said, standing and bowing deeply, hands clasped before her.

Orsted blinked, caught off guard.

"You're... welcome?"

---

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Chapter 79: Riveria's Thoughts

Chapter 79 - Riveria's Thoughts

Riveria understood the magnitude of the situation.

If other elves discovered Orsted's soothing aura, and if he chose to embrace it, he could rally the elven race with a single call, igniting a tidal wave of loyalty.

The upheaval might be chaotic, but it could crown him the new elven royal, supplanting the current lineage.

Yet Orsted rejected that path.

As the former elven royalty, Riveria knew the royal family's sway.

In the elven capital, a single decree could mobilize 90% of elves worldwide, their obedience unwavering.

During Orario's darker days, when the Loki Familia battled the Evilus, Riveria, as the exiled princess, had commanded countless elves from various Familias.

Their unquestioning allegiance underscored the royal family's unparalleled influence.

Orsted's sacrifice was immense, a truth only Riveria could fully grasp.

He accepted her gratitude with calm composure.

Orsted knew the natural breath would still draw nearby elves, much like Riveria's own influence in the canon.

A single request could sway them-without the burdens of royalty.

Ryuu, for instance, had already pledged her aid after their second sparring session, offering help so long as it didn't cross her moral lines or harm those she cared for.

"By the way, Riveria-san," Orsted said, sipping his tea, "you didn't come just to confirm my aura, did you?"

Riveria paused, taking a sip of her tea before responding.

"I heard you bought blank books from the old bookstore."

"Are you crafting grimoires?"

Orsted's eyes widened. "Wait-those blank books were yours?"

He'd wondered how such tomes ended up in Orario's market.

Riveria's involvement explained it.

"So, you're making grimoires too?" he asked, surprise tinged with curiosity.

His knowledge of Riveria suggested she has the Mage but lacked Mystery.

Was she researching to trigger Mystery upon her next rank up?

Adventurers could influence Development Abilities through dedicated effort before rank up.

By immersing themselves in related tasks-Falna might register the aptitude, unlocking the ability upon the next level.

If Riveria was studying grimoires, her Mage prowess could indeed pave the way for Mystery.

It was a plausible theory, but Orsted wasn't sure.

"I suspected you were studying grimoires," Riveria said, a knowing look in her eyes.

"If so, we could collaborate when time allows."

"Your Mystery and my Mage could complement each other."

Orsted's face froze, caught in a dilemma.

Should he admit he didn't need to study-that he'd already crafted multiple grimoires, with a fourth completed just hours ago?

"What's wrong?"

Riveria asked, noting his complex expression, her brow furrowing in confusion.

Was discussing grimoire crafting a sensitive topic?

"Ahem," Orsted cleared his throat.

"Actually, I've already made grimoires."

Riveria's calm facade shattered.

Her eyes contracted, disbelief flooding her features as a storm churned within.

A Level 2 adventurer like Orsted shouldn't have the qualifications for grimoire crafting, which demanded both Mystery and Mage-two Development Abilities.

She'd assumed Orsted was researching, like her, aiming to trigger complementary abilities.

Her plan was clear: combine her Mage with his Mystery, study together, and unlock new potential upon their next rank ups.

But Orsted had already succeeded.

Her first instinct was that he was exaggerating.

Yet, his earnest gaze dispelled the thought-he had no reason to deceive her.

How could a Level 2 craft grimoires?

Riveria's mind raced.

She'd spent over a decade researching Mystery without success, her efforts yielding no breakthrough.

The realization hit hard, her breathing quickening.

"Are you alright?" Orsted asked, concern lacing his voice.

"Phew," Riveria exhaled, shaking her head.

"I'm fine. Sorry for that display."

"No need to apologize," Orsted said, waving it off.

"By the way, I was about to start my second grimoire of the day. Want to observe?"

As a fellow elf, he saw no harm in offering a gesture of goodwill.

Watching his process might not grant Riveria Mystery, but it could inspire her research-and earning the favor of a beautiful girl like her was no small gain.

Riveria's eyes widened, startled.

"Truly?"

"Absolutely," Orsted replied.

"If you're interested, follow me to the workshop."

Her heart leaped at the opportunity.

Observing a grimoire's creation could unlock insights she'd chased for years.

She stood, her tea forgotten, ready to witness Orsted's craft.

---

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Chapter 80: Date Gone Wrong

Chapter 80 - Date Gone Wrong

Orario is a vibrant microcosm.

Living here means navigating a web of relationships, whether you like it or not.

Orsted wasn't fond of these social intricacies, but he knew they were unavoidable.

His dealings with Hephaestus and Tsubaki had taught him that.

Engaging with the Loki Familia was equally essential, especially with Riveria, one of its three executives and deputy captain.

Connecting with her was a direct line to the Familia's influence.

Time slipped by, and evening descended.

Hestia had been out all day, leaving Orsted alone in the mansion.

Riveria's visit had filled the afternoon, though she'd since departed, her expression faintly dazed as she left.

Orsted didn't dwell on her thoughts-he had other priorities.

Freshly washed, he donned a moon-white robe and left the mansion, heading for Amor Square.

Only an hour remained until his appointment with Hestia.

As a man, Orsted refused to be late for a date.

He used Instant, teleporting swiftly along the route.

Halfway, he paused.

Instant only worked for places he'd visited, and he'd never been to Amor Square.

From there, he walked, arriving in ten minutes.

Amor Square was Orario's infamous dating hub.

Beyond passing adventurers, it teemed with couples, their affection palpable.

Today, though, he was here to dish it out, not eat it.

He'd be the one with Hestia, turning heads among the lovestruck crowd.

Still, waiting alone by the square's hot spring, Orsted felt a flush of embarrassment as couples strolled past, their laughter and whispers amplifying his solitude.

His pointy ears reddened under the scrutiny.

Yet something else gnawed at him.

"Is it my imagination, or is someone watching me?"

The sensation of hidden eyes prickled his senses, and it wasn't just one pair-multiple presences lurked in the square's shadows.

A memory from the canon surfaced.

In the anime, Hestia had bathed at goddess bath before her date with Bell, catching Demeter's attention.

Other goddesses, sensing a rare romantic venture from the virgin goddess, followed her, crashing the date when they confirmed Bell as her partner.

Orsted's situation differed.

His record-breaking rank up had made him a known figure.

Unlike Bell's relative obscurity, Orsted's presence in Amor Square-dressed for a date-would scream "Hestia's partner" to any goddess trailing her.

"This is bad," Orsted muttered, a cold sweat breaking out.

His fears were spot-on.

In the square's periphery, a gaggle of goddesses, intrigued by Hestia's unprecedented date, had shadowed her to confirm her suitor's identity.

"Is that him?" one whispered, peering from behind a statue.

"That's Orsted, fastest to break Orario's rank up record," another confirmed.

"He's dressed up, standing here at this hour. It's definitely him."

"Even if he's not, that handsome elf is worth a look."

"I'm going in. You?"

"Together!"

"Can't miss a catch like that!"

"Isn't that Orsted?" a voice exclaimed, sparking a frenzy.

"Charge!" With a collective shout, the goddesses surged from their hiding spots, rushing toward Orsted at the hot spring's edge.

Across the square, Hestia, spotting Orsted, had begun jogging toward him, her face alight with excitement.

But as the swarm of familiar figures erupted, her joy turned to horror, her body freezing mid-step.

"Nooo! Stop! Don't touch my Orsted!" she wailed, tears streaming as she sprinted forward.

Halfway, darkness clouded her vision.

A sudden lift yanked her upward, and she found herself soaring through the air, cradled in Orsted's arms.

"Huh?" Hestia blinked, her grief morphing into confusion.

Orsted, using Instant, had evaded the goddesses' charge.

"There! Chase them!" a goddess below shouted, spotting the airborne pair.

The mob pivoted, racing after Orsted and Hestia.

Amid the chaos, Demeter lingered behind, stroking her cheek with a wistful smile.

"Oh, Orsted, so popular. He's dating Hestia, but I wouldn't mind a date with him myself."

Orsted, clutching Hestia, glanced down at the pursuing goddesses.

'This date's off to a wild start.'

---

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Chapter 81: Confession

Chapter 81 - Confession

The goddesses of revelry, with their boundless energy and penchant for chaos, were relentless.

Orsted and Hestia leaped across Orario's rooftops, the goddesses hot on their heels, refusing to lose sight of their quarry.

An hour of frantic evasion passed before Orsted finally shook them off, using Instant to outmaneuver the divine mob.

The chase, however, hadn't gone unnoticed.

It sparked a commotion on Southwest Street, with adventurers and residents buzzing about goddesses pursuing someone.

The tale spread like wildfire, becoming Orario's latest gossip.

Orsted, oblivious to the rumors, caught his breath after spiriting Hestia to safety.

The date he'd anticipated was derailed by them.

"Those pests," Hestia huffed, arms crossed, her chest heaving with indignation.

She'd summoned the courage to ask Orsted out, only for these goddesses to ruin it.

Now Southwest Street was abuzz.

Appearing together would draw every eye, killing any chance for a quiet date.

Other streets, shrouded in midnight darkness, weren't romantic alternatives.

"We'll try again another time," Orsted said, offering a gentle smile.

He reached out, ruffling Hestia's hair to soothe her.

Hestia's frustration melted under his touch.

"Fine. If we can't date, staying here's just as good."

She looped her arms around his, resting her head on his shoulder with a contented sigh.

They'd taken refuge atop an abandoned clock tower, a hideout mirroring the one Hestia and Bell used in canon to escape similar pursuit.

It was Southwest Street's only sanctuary from the goddesses' reach.

Orsted gazed at Hestia, her simple joy in his presence stirring something within him.

Without thinking, he pulled her into his arms, enveloping her in a warm embrace.

Hestia froze, caught off guard.

She often snuck into his bed at night, curling against him in sleep, but this was the first time Orsted had initiated such closeness.

Her cheeks flushed, heart pounding at the unexpected intimacy.

"Hey, Hestia," Orsted said softly, resting his chin on her head, "why do you like me?"

He didn't want to be as oblivious as Bell, missing the cues of her affection.

Hestia, easing into the moment, found her voice.

"From the moment we met, Orsted, I was drawn to you."

"Your rapid improvement, your crafting of magic items, grimoires, and magic swords-you're an extraordinary adventurer."

"Everything about you captivates me."

She tightened her embrace, her face buried in his chest, voice soft.

Their first meeting replayed in her mind-her thirtieth failed attempt to recruit adventurers, trudging toward her church, dejected.

Orsted had stopped her, declaring his intent to join the Hestia Familia and build it with her.

An elf, coveted by every major Familia for their talent, chose her fledgling group.

His earnest words rekindled her hope after relentless rejections, sparking an immediate fondness.

Orsted became her most trusted confidant, surpassing even Hephaestus.

His subsequent feats-record-breaking growth, versatile craftsmanship-deepened her admiration.

To Hestia, Orsted transcended mortal limits, more akin to a god than an elf.

Yet, as Lili, Tifa, and others entered his orbit, her affection turned to unease.

Learning of his dungeon encounter with Ais, alongside bonds with Eina, Ryuu, Naaza, Tsubaki, and Hephaestus, heightened her fears.

In mere weeks, seven women had gravitated toward him.

The growing tally sparked a crisis.

Fearing Orsted's effortless charm would draw more, she'd acted, inviting him on this date to stake her claim.

Orsted, unaware of her inner turmoil, was stunned by her answer.

"Just because of that?"

"Isn't it enough?" Hestia replied, lifting her head, eyes wide with sincerity.

He paused, then chuckled.

"Yeah, I suppose it is."

Gods, like mortals, were swayed by brilliance, moved by fleeting moments, and devoted through emotion.

Hestia's affection was no anomaly.

A faint smile curved his lips.

Gazing at her earnest expression, he leaned down, his lips brushing hers in a sudden, tender kiss.

---

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Chapter 82: Hestia's Love [18+]

Chapter 82 - Hestia's Love [18+]

Love sparked by a fleeting heartbeat is rare.

More often, affection blooms from admiration of someone's excellence.

Hestia's feelings for Orsted were firmly the latter, kindled by his relentless brilliance.

When Orsted and Hestia returned to the mansion, Lili and Tifa weren't present.

The quiet halls hit different, and Orsted glanced at Hestia, her tight dress showing off her curves.

His face got hot, and Hestia's cheeks turned pink, both feeling the vibe of being alone.

Something heavy hung in the air, like they were about to cross a line.

Their eyes locked, and neither blinked.

Orsted, being an elf, was Hestia's height, his face looking softer in the moment.

Hestia's heart did a flip.

Her virgin body was buzzing, and she stepped closer, hugging him tight.

Her huge boobs pressed into his chest, and Orsted's breath caught.

"Hestia..." he said, voice low.

"Shh, Orsted," she whispered, all warm and nurturing, like she was comforting a child by the fireplace.

But her body was saying something else, her pussy already tingling.

Her hug got tighter, and Orsted's hands grabbed her hips, digging into her dress.

Hestia's pulse was racing-she'd never been touched.

She pulled back, her big eyes soft but curious, like she was seeing him for the first time.

"Orsted, you're so precious to me," she said, her voice full of that love.

"Like my everything."

Orsted's eyes flashed, his cock stirring in his pants.

He wasn't just some calm elf-he had a dominant streak, and it was waking up.

He closed the gap, kissing her hard, his tongue pushing into her mouth.

Hestia moaned, her kiss sloppy but eager.

Orsted's hands slid to her ass, squeezing hard, and Hestia squeaked, her pussy getting wetter.

They stumbled to her room, door slamming shut.

Orsted hands shook as he pulled off her dress, her big boobs bouncing free, nipples hard as fuck.

Orsted's cock jumped, straining against his pants as he stared.

"Damn, Hestia."

Hestia blushed, shy but horny as heaven.

"I've never... done anything," she mumbled, biting her lip.

"But I want to take care of you."

Orsted smiled at her words.

"Me too," he said.

"Show me."

Hestia smiled, all sweet and hearth-warm, guiding him to the bed.

"Lie down for me," she cooed.

Orsted yanked off his tunic, his slender frame ripped with surprising strength.

Hestia's eyes widened, her pussy dripping as she saw his cock bulging through his pants.

"S-so big," she murmured, her hands on his chest, then lower, tugging his pants down.

His cock sprang out, thick and hard, and Hestia's breath hitched.

She leaned in, kissing him again.

Then she slid down, a maternal vibe kicking in as she looked at his cock like it was something to cherish.

"Let me make you feel good," she said, her voice all warmth.

She wrapped her lips around his cock, sucking slow at first, her tongue clumsy but eager.

Orsted groaned, his hands in her hair, loving the wet heat of her mouth.

Hestia's blowjob was messy, all slurps and soft moans, her goddess scent-like warm bread and crackling fire-filling the air.

She looked up, eyes big and nurturing, like she was proud of pleasing him.

"Fuck, Hestia," Orsted grunted.

Her sucking got faster, her hands cupping his balls, curious fingers playing with them.

She was fascinated, squeezing gently, making him hiss.

Hestia's pussy was soaked, her thighs slick as she bobbed on his cock.

She pulled off, lips wet, giggling.

"You like that, don't you?" she teased, all cute but dirty.

Orsted's control snapped.

He grabbed her, flipping her onto the bed, his slender frame looming with raw power.

"My turn."

He spread her thighs, her pussy dripping wet.

He dove in, licking her clit hard, making Hestia scream.

"Ahh!" she gasped, her hands in his hair, hips bucking.

Orsted's tongue worked her pussy, then slid to her ass, kissing and teasing the tight hole.

His fingers pushed into her pussy, pumping fast, then slipped to her ass, stretching her gently.

Hestia's scent was like home-warm, safe, but so fucking erotic.

She came hard, her pussy clenching, juices soaking his face.

Orsted wasn't done. He climbed over her, his cock rock-hard.

"You're mine now," he said, voice low and commanding.

He slammed into her, his cock stretching her tight, virgin walls.

Hestia cried out, pain and pleasure mixing.

Orsted fucked her hard, his slender frame carrying unreal strength, pounding her into the bed.

Hestia's boobs bounced, nipples hard, and she moaned, "A-ahh, harder!"

Her pussy gushed, cumming again as he railed her.

Orsted pulled out, flipping her over.

"Let's do this right," he said, laying back and pulling her into a 69.

Hestia's ass was in his face, her pussy dripping over his mouth.

She giggled; grabbing his cock and sucking it deep.

Her hands played with his balls, groping and tugging, her fingers exploring every inch.

Orsted groaned, his tongue diving into her pussy, then her ass, kissing and licking.

His fingers fucked her pussy and ass, in and out.

Hestia came again, her pussy spasming on his tongue, her moans muffled by his cock.

She sucked harder.

Orsted's tongue and fingers worked her over.

She came a third time, screaming into his cock, and Orsted growled, his own orgasm close.

He flipped her again, pushing her onto her back.

Orsted slammed into her pussy, fucking her raw, her boobs jiggling with every thrust.

Hestia's pussy clenched, cumming yet again, her hearth warmth wrapping around him like a blanket.

"Orsted, yes!" she screamed, her body shaking.

Hestia's final orgasm hit, her pussy milking him.

They collapsed, Hestia's boobs pressed against his chest, both panting.

"You still haven't cum." Orsted smirked.

"You can work again," he muttered, making her giggle.

Once again they started their love-making session.

After an hour, Lili and Tifa were back from the dungeon.

Hestia, back in her usual dress, slipped out of her room, cheeks still pink.

Orsted followed.

"Orsted-sama, did you sneak off for a date without telling Lili?" Lili asked, eyeing Hestia's ornate, unfamiliar dress.

It screamed a special occasion-shopping or, more likely, a date.

Hestia's usual outfit never changed otherwise.

Had Lili and Tifa not returned early from the dungeon, staying in, her question might've been a smug declaration.

Neither knew of Orario's latest gossip about the goddesses' chase.

"Just a dinner outing," Hestia replied instead.

She skipped into her room, her mood buoyant despite the date's chaos.

"Hestia-sama, what did you eat? Next time, Lili wants to join you and Orsted-sama," Lili said, trailing her with a teasing grin.

"How was your day?" Tifa asked, falling into step beside Orsted, her voice overly gentle.

"Not bad," Orsted replied.

"This afternoon, Riveria visited."

"We had a good talk. Then I went to dinner with Hestia."

"How about you? How's the training?"

"It's a secret for now," Tifa said, pressing a finger to her lips with a playful wink.

"You'll be surprised next time we go to the dungeon."

"Looking forward to it," Orsted shrugged off.

Tifa said nothing more, but her hand slipped into his, fingers intertwining.

Orsted stiffened briefly at the unexpected touch.

Tifa, sensing his reaction, stifled a laugh.

She didn't let go, instead guiding him toward the main hall, her grip warm and steady.

'Hestia, Lili, Tifa-this is getting complicated,' Orsted thought, sighing inwardly.

Choosing one would hurt the others.

'The boat will straighten at the bridge. I'll figure it out.'

Inside, Orsted handed Lili and Tifa the two grimoires he'd crafted that day.

Though they'd gained new magic the previous night, more spells were always welcome-adventurers could wield up to three.

Unlike skills, which depended on luck and aptitude, magic was capped.

Lili and Tifa wasted no time, using the grimoires under Hestia's watchful eye.

Orsted stayed, but his focus drifted.

'Sign in!

The sign-in had triggered during Riveria's visit, but he'd delayed until now.

[Sign-in successful. Congratulations to the host for obtaining the Noble Phantasm, Avalon!]

Avalon, the fabled scabbard of King Arthur was a barrier-type Noble Phantasm.

Its powers were legendary: immortality, halting aging; rapid healing of all wounds; and, when its true name was invoked, it dissolved into countless invisible particles, forming an absolute defense.

This barrier repelled all attacks, ignored magic, and could reflect assaults-an invincible shield.

Orsted's heart raced.

He'd just acquired Excalibur Proto, and now its the scabbard followed.

'Avalon, the everdistant utopia.'

With Avalon, he was near-invincible. Unleashed, it could fend off any foe.

Yet he tempered his excitement.

Its full power demanded immense mana.

Without careful use, it was a temporary shield, not a permanent one.

He wouldn't grow arrogant.

The pseudo-Avalon he'd crafted for Excalibur Proto was now obsolete-perhaps Tsubaki would buy it?

"Hey, Orsted!" Hestia's voice snapped him back.

"I'm expanding the Familia. What about recruiting some elves?"

"Expansion sounds good," Orsted said, nodding.

"But why elves specifically?"

"It's about your elven habits," Hestia explained, hands on hips.

"You've accepted Lili and Tifa, but other races might be trickier."

"As our Familia's leader, you'll interact with everyone."

"Elves, being your kin, you're less likely to reject."

Orsted murmured, "Kin?"

Riveria's visit flashed in his mind.

"Alright," he agreed, a thoughtful glint in his eye.

Meanwhile, at the Twilight Manor, Riveria sat in her study, a book open before her.

Her distracted gaze betrayed her thoughts, far from the pages.

Stirring questions about Orsted's future-and her own.

---

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Chapter 83: Connect With Orsted!?

Chapter 83 - Connect With Orsted!?

Riveria was astounded by Orsted's feats.

His grimoire-crafting process was masterful, rivaling a seasoned mage with decades of experience.

As a pure elf, other than magic he shouldn't have additional abilities outside the Falna.

Could a skill explain it?

Finn's skill granted temporary Development Abilities, but auxiliary ones like Mystery or Mage via skills were unheard of.

And a Level 2 have both Mystery and Mage was shocking enough.

But the process of making Grimoires-left Riveria reeling.

Her own pursuit of grimoire-making had led her to Altena, where she studied under a revered mage renowned for crafting grimoires.

Many of Altena's grimoires bore his mark.

She'd paid handsomely to observe his process.

Yet even that mage's skill paled beside Orsted's.

Riveria, though unable to craft grimoires herself, had a discerning eye.

That mage required a full day per grimoire; Orsted completed one in just over four hours, a fraction of an afternoon.

A child elf, plus a Level 2, crafting magic items and grimoires, and bearing the soothing aura from a millennium ago-Orsted was cloaked in mystery, igniting Riveria's curiosity.

She even mused that ancient heroes, lauded in legends, paled before him.

Those heroes relied on spirits sent by gods; Orsted stood alone, bolstered only by Falna.

While Falna accelerated growth, it demanded effort.

Without diligence, it was useless.

When Orsted joined the Hestia Familia, it was a nascent group with him as its sole member.

His rise-record-breaking in mere weeks-was his own.

Ancient heroes, even with spirit aid, couldn't match that pace.

Riveria's book lay open, its pages untouched as her thoughts swirled.

'Visit Orsted more often,' she thought.

'I'll supply materials, he crafts grimoires, and we sell them at market price. A fair deal.'

A faint noise interrupted her.

Glancing up, she spotted four heads stacked at the door, peering in-Ais, Tiona, Tione, and Lefiya, their eyes bright with curiosity.

Riveria chuckled at their squirrel-like huddle.

"What are you four doing?"

"Uh, haha, Riveria, we just wanted to ask about Orsted," Tiona said, scratching her head with a sheepish grin.

Caught, they stepped into the room, no longer hiding.

They'd rushed over after hearing Lefiya's report, fresh from showers after a day out.

"Lefiya was right," Riveria said gently.

"Orsted has a unique aura that comforts elves."

"Spending time with him might yield unexpected benefits, though I can't say what for certain."

She'd noticed it that afternoon in Orsted's workshop.

Prolonged exposure to his aura subtly enhanced her mind, surpassing her usual meditation.

The boost was faint, only evident after parting, as his comforting presence masked the change while near him.

Riveria hesitated to share this widely-it could disrupt Orsted's life.

But with Ais, Tiona, Tione, and Lefiya, she felt safe.

It could benefit Orsted, too, aiding his Familia's recruitment.

"I knew it! His aura felt so soothing," Lefiya exclaimed, bouncing forward, her excitement uncontained.

"Ow, Lefiya, you stepped on my foot!" Tiona yelped.

"Sorry, Tiona!" Lefiya squeaked, flustered.

Riveria sighed, a fond smile tugging at her lips.

"You four should connect with Orsted when you can. It'll be good for you."

"Eh?" the quartet chorused, blinking in unison.

---

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Chapter 84: Eina's Romantic Gift!?

Chapter 84 - Eina's Romantic Gift!?

The early morning sun bathed Orsted's workshop in a warm glow.

He sat by the window, a faint blue light dancing in his hands as he crafted magic items with practiced ease.

The mansion was quiet.

Hestia, Lili, and Tifa had left at dawn, following last night's decision to recruit new Familia members.

Orsted had opted to stay behind, tasked with transforming the materials from their last dungeon expedition into magic items.

Lili's weapon remained unmade, as did Tifa's and Naaza's quiver.

New recruits would need equipments too-Orsted couldn't play favorites.

The materials sufficed for over twenty magic items, a morning's work.

He focused on two of magic items for: boosting strength, and enhancing speed.

Tifa's gloves already amplified power, so she needed only magic items with speed enhancement.

By noon, a neat stack of glowing items lined his workbench.

Soon Orsted left the mansion, honoring his promise to Eina.

They'd agreed to meet at the Ganesha Familia's arena on East Street to watch the monster show.

After a ten-minute walk, Orsted spotted Eina at the arena's entrance, her eyes scanning the crowd.

Her face lit up when she saw him, and she hurried over, her usual Guild professionalism softened by excitement.

"Orsted, you're here!" Eina's voice was gentle, lacking her workaday vigor.

"Sorry for keeping you waiting," Orsted said with a touch embarrassed.

Though not late, her early arrival made him feel he'd delayed her.

"No, I got here early," Eina shook her head.

She stepped aside, gesturing toward the arena.

"Let's go in. I heard today's show includes a Minotaurs training session."

She hesitated, her hand twitching as if to grab his, then pulling back.

Orsted, amused, recalled her boldness two days ago when she'd dragged him to handle Guild business.

Smiling, he took her hand, leading her toward the gate.

Eina's cheeks flushed at his initiative.

She'd held his hand before, but always in urgency-never like this, on a date.

Her heart raced, unguarded by her usual composure.

Orsted met every criterion she sought in a partner: handsome, seemingly delicate, younger, and reliant on her guidance.

His strength belied his gentle appearance, and his frequent visits to her at the Guild deepened her affection.

She'd never voiced it, but seeing him with Hestia, Lili, and Tifa two days ago stirred envy, not just jealousy.

That pang had spurred her impulsive invitation to join him at the Monster Feria.

She'd regretted it instantly, fearing rejection, but Orsted's agreement had thrilled her.

After work, she'd requested a few days off, arranging this afternoon's outing.

She'd arrived near noon, waiting nearly half an hour, her careful dress reflecting a newfound attention to detail.

Though a date, Eina shied from calling it such.

Inside the arena, they found seats and chatted, watching the monster show unfold.

They avoided romantic topics, discussing dungeon adventures and daily trifles.

After over an hour, they left the arena, wandering East Street at Eina's suggestion.

Two days prior, she'd watched Orsted, Hestia, and the others stroll, snacking from stalls, and envied their carefree joy.

Today, she wanted that experience.

Soon, Orsted's hands brimmed with snacks, mirroring that earlier scene.

Eina sampled each, passing the rest to him, her choices deliberate yet playful.

The afternoon blurred into a montage of stalls, laughter, and shared bites.

As evening fell, Eina turned to Orsted, reluctance in her eyes.

"Thank you for today, Orsted. Until next time." She leaned forward.

"Thank you, Eina," Orsted gently patted her head.

"See you."

"Oh, and I've got a surprise for you in a few days. Look forward to it." With a final wave, she turned, her figure fading into the street's bustle.

"Surprise?" Orsted murmured, blinking.

A smile tugged at his lips as he headed home.

---

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Chapter 85: Mage's Medal[BONUS]

Chapter 85 - Mage's Medal

"Phew, I'm exhausted," Hestia groaned, flopping onto the sofa like a deflated balloon.

"Expanding a small Familia is tougher than I thought."

"No surprise there," Lili said, sprawling beside her, staring at the ceiling.

"We're only recruiting female elves. That's a tall order."

Tifa, ever practical, set glasses of juice before them and Orsted, who'd returned shortly before.

Orsted raised an eyebrow.

"Wait, not just elves, but female elves only?"

Hestia grinned, undeterred.

"Exactly. You're the only male we need in this Familia, Orsted."

"No other guys allowed."

"Absolutely," Lili chimed in, nodding vigorously.

"Orsted-sama's enough. No other men for the Hestia Familia."

"I agree," Tifa added, her smile teasing as she glanced at Orsted.

"An all-female Familia sounds perfect, don't you think?"

Orsted's mind screamed, 'Yes!' but he kept silent, his silence a grudging assent.

Their logic was... uniquely their own.

Shifting gears, he retrieved the morning's work-a batch of magic items-and handed Tifa a pair of boots styled like Lili's.

"Flying Cross," he said.

"Boosts speed. Lili's wearing hers now."

Tifa's eyes sparkled at the glowing boots.

"Magic items?"

Hestia clapped excitedly. "Try them on, Tifa!"

She harbored no jealousy over lacking one herself.

Orsted had already given her a protective magic item, sufficient for a goddess without any duties.

Magic items were for adventurers, not to be wasted on her.

Tifa slipped off her old shoes and donned the Flying Cross, giving a lively hop.

The motion drew eyes-Lili's, in particular, who glanced from Tifa's figure to her own, then to Hestia's, and back to herself.

A wave of envy hit her.

"Grah! Take that, Oppai!" Lili lunged at Tifa, her playful tackle sparking chaos.

"Lili, stop!" Tifa squeaked, flustered.

Hestia laughed-until Lili, spotting her amusement, dragged her into the fray.

The living room erupted into a tangle of giggles and mock struggles, the scene teetering on absurd.

Orsted took one look and went to his room.

Safely behind closed doors, he turned to the system.

Meeting Eina at noon had triggered a sign-in, but he'd postponed it until now.

'Sign in!'

[Sign-in successful. Congratulations to the host for obtaining the Mage's Medal!]

"Mage's Medal?" Orsted frowned.

He probed its details.

The Mage's Medal, a linking item from an unknown mage world, allowed a mage leader to amplify their team's magic by 100%.

Crafted as a buff magic, it was a masterpiece.

Orsted's eyes gleamed.

"Now that's something."

The Hestia Familia lacked pure mages currently.

If in future, there is a mage team of Hestia Familia.

This medal could double their might, a game-changer.

If revealed, it'd spark a frenzy-Riveria would lose her composure.

Her Level 6 magic, already bordering Level 7, could hit Level 8 with this boost.

But Orsted wouldn't part with it.

The Hestia Familia needed every edge.

"Hestia's got to recruit elves fast," he mused.

"Their natural affinity for magic makes them ideal for this."

Elves, closest to nature, were magic's best conduits.

A team of elven mages wielding the medal would elevate the Familia to new heights.

Eager to share, Orsted returned to the hall-only to freeze.

The playful scuffle had escalated, the trio now a giggling, tangled heap.

He retreated, deciding to broach the topic later.

---

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Chapter 86: Target : Goliath[BONUS]

Chapter 86 - Target : Goliath

Hestia stood at the mansion's door, brimming with determination.

"Orsted, Lili, Tifa, while you're in the dungeon, I won't sit idle."

"I'll recruit new Familia members. Just wait and see!"

Orsted waved lightly.

"Looking forward to it."

"Go for it, Hestia-sama!" Lili gave out a supportive smile.

"You've got this, Hestia," Tifa added.

With that, Orsted, Lili, and Tifa parted ways with Hestia, heading toward Babel.

Orsted sighed, rubbing his forehead.

A familiar, searing gaze prickled from above-Freya, perched somewhere high, watching from Babel.

'Again?'

He could do little but ignore the goddess's relentless scrutiny.

Once inside the dungeon, her eyes couldn't follow.

The trio reached babel, where Naaza awaited.

The Miach Familia's shop, was too far from Hestia Familia Mansion for her to detour, so they'd agreed to meet here before dungeon dives.

Orsted had initially recruited Naaza as the team's pharmacist, envisioning her crafting potions for future expeditions.

Potions, while portable, could run dry in prolonged campaigns.

A dedicated pharmacist ensured supply.

Unexpectedly, the system had granted Orsted Mixing.

Still, he kept Naaza on-her skills were valuable, and he had no desire to juggle yet another role alongside forging magic items, grimoires and magic swords.

"Good morning, Orsted, Lili, Tifa," Naaza greeted, her smile gentle as always.

"Morning, Naaza," Lili replied brightly.

"Good morning," Tifa echoed.

Orsted skipped pleasantries, handing Naaza a sleek quiver.

"For you."

Naaza's brow furrowed as she accepted it.

"What's this?"

"A magic item," Orsted gave her a quick look.

"It auto-retrieves arrows you shoot."

"No need to collect them post-battle."

"Also comes with thirty high potions."

Naaza's eyes widened, a rare grin breaking through her calm.

"Auto-retrieves arrows? Perfect for me."

"Thank you! I'll get those potions to you soon."

The quiver's enchantment was simple, not costly, but tailored for an archer like her.

Her delight was palpable.

She paused, then added, "Since you make magic items, could you craft some arrows with effects?"

"I haven't tried arrows before, but I can experiment," Orsted agreed.

"Thank you," Naaza softened her tone.

"Let me know how many potions you need."

"Speaking of," Orsted said, "want a magic item? Like Lili's."

Naaza's eyes lit up.

"The ones boosting strength and speed? Yes!"

"Alright. For you, teammate discount-two high potions for both," Orsted offered.

A single high potion cost over 50,000 valis; two was a steal compared to the 100 million valis he'd charged Tsubaki for seven pricier magic items.

"Deal," Naaza said without hesitation.

"I'll deliver them soon."

With that, the group entered the Tower, descending into the dungeon.

As adventurers capable of tackling the middle floors, the upper floors held no challenge.

They beelined for the passage to the deeper strata, aiming for the seventeenth floor.

"I wonder if Goliath's refreshed," Orsted mused, his pace brisk.

A week had passed since the Loki Familia's recent expedition.

Goliath hadn't appeared, likely felled by another major Familia-perhaps Loki's, post-expedition, or another group earlier.

Orsted hoped for the latter.

He needed excelia to rank up, and among middle-floor threats, only Goliath sufficed.

"Orsted-sama, you're targeting Goliath?" Lili's voice trembled with worry.

"Isn't that too risky?"

She knew Orsted strength was formidable, but Goliath was a Level 4 monster rex.

Their group seemed outmatched.

"Don't underestimate me," Orsted ruffled her hair with a grin.

"I don't fight battles I can't win."

Lili hesitated, then nodded.

"Alright. If it goes south, we can escape."

"Let's head straight to the seventeenth floor."

"Tifa, Naaza, thoughts?" Orsted asked.

"I'm in," Tifa giggled.

"Same," Naaza agreed, quiver at the ready.

"Then it's settled. Seventeenth floor, here we come!" Orsted declared.

"Let's go!" Lili cheered.

---

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Chapter 87: Ais: Orsted!?[BONUS]

Chapter 87 - Ais: Orsted!?

Thanks to the magic items boosting Lili, Tifa, and Naaza's speed, the team's pace was blistering.

A journey to the seventeenth floor, typically half a day, took them just over an hour.

At the Big Wall of Grief, Lili's tension dissolved into a sigh.

"No Goliath. What a shame."

She'd been on edge about facing the monster rex, but the silent wall, devoid of the monsters presence, left her oddly disappointed.

"No big deal," Orsted looked unfaze.

"If Goliath's not here, we'll hunt Minotaurs instead."

Lili nodded, echoed by Tifa and Naaza.

"Let's do it."

The group retraced their steps, ready to engage the seventeenth floor's denizens.

Their earlier forced march had bypassed monsters to reach here, leaving them empty-handed.

Now, it was time to hunt.

As they engaged, Orsted's eyes sharpened, catching Tifa and Lili's magic in action.

Tifa's spell, Explosion, was a berserk-type magic, ill-named for her graceful demeanor.

It surged her strength fivefold, at the cost of heavy mental stamina.

Her prowess, amplified by the gloves and now Explosion, stacked buffs to devastating effect.

A single punch obliterated a Minotaur's head.

Lili wielded a fire spell, its flames roasting a Minotaur alive.

Naaza's arrows, empowered by magic items pierced with precision, downing another monster in tandem with Lili's fire.

Their synergy was near-instantaneous.

Tifa sidled up to Orsted, a playful glint in her eye.

"Surprised?"

"Very much."

A faint smile tugged at his lips.

"With your strength, the middle floors are no threat-except maybe Goliath."

The middle floors' Level 2 monsters, led by the formidable Minotaur, posed little challenge.

Stronger beasts existed, but only marginally.

With ample high potions to restore mind, Tifa, Lili, and Naaza could dominate, even without Orsted's aid.

Lili, buoyed by their success, approached with Naaza.

"Orsted-sama, why not push to the nineteenth floor?"

Naaza nodded.

"I've never been past the eighteenth. I'm in."

Orsted raised an eyebrow.

"Really?" He turned to Tifa.

"Your thoughts?"

"Stronger monsters mean faster growth," Tifa said, her confidence shining.

"I'm in the game."

"Then it's settled," Orsted said.

"To the deeper floors."

The nineteenth floor awaited, a dense maze of emerald foliage and towering trees.

Unlike the Minotaur-heavy fifteenth to seventeenth floors, its ecosystem teemed with variety of monsters of all Level 2, but numerous and relentless.

In their first half-hour, the group faced four monster types.

Orsted intercepted most, giving Lili, Tifa, and Naaza room to hone their skills.

The varied foes once again sharpened their combat finesse.

Orsted watched everything with approval.

They anchored on the nineteenth, planning to fight until dusk before retreating to the safe zone for rest.

Unbeknownst to them, an hour after they'd left the seventeenth floor, the Loki Familia arrived at the Big Wall of Grief- Finn, Riveria, Ais, Tione, Tiona and Lefiya.

The elite group pressed onward, their purpose unclear, missing Orsted's group by a hair.

The nineteenth floor's tangled paths kept Orsted's group focused, unaware of the Loki Familia's deeper dive.

But fate aligned later that evening in Rivira.

"Orsted?"

Ais's voice cut through Rivira's bustle, her eyes wide with surprise as she spotted him with Lili, Tifa, and Naaza.

---

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Chapter 88: Murder

Chapter 88 - Murder

"I didn't expect to see you here," Orsted smiled and then glanced at Finn behind her.

Among the group, Finn was the only one Orsted hadn't met.

He'd crossed paths with the others before.

"First time meeting," Finn said, stepping forward.

"I'm Finn Deimne. Pleased to make your acquaintance."

"Orsted," Orsted replied.

"The pleasure's mine."

"We're heading to Rivira," Finn gestured towards the adventurer-built town lay on the 18th floor.

"Join us?"

Orsted had planned to find an open spot outside Rivira to pitch tents with Lili, Tifa, and Naaza, but Finn's invitation changed things.

"Sure, let's go together," he agreed.

The decision was low-risk, and Orsted could handle it.

Besides, another motive stirred: this might be when Ais and the Loki Familia first encounter the Jewel Fetus, tied to the corrupted spirit clone.

In recent events, Ais faced defeat here against Revis, a formidable foe.

Orsted wanted to join her in facing Revis, hoping to defeat or kill the creature.

Doing so could yield enough excelia to rank up without waiting for Goliath.

Revis, at her debut, was peak Level 5, overpowering even Ais.

Had Finn not intervened, Ais might have died.

The group trekked toward Rivira.

Along the way, Orsted sensed awkwardness.

Tione and Tiona openly studied him, whispering to each other.

Ais and Lefiya were subtler, stealing glances no one else noticed.

Tione and Tiona's scrutiny didn't faze Orsted, but Lili bristled.

"Jormungand, Amazon, can you stop staring at Orsted-sama?"

"We're just curious about Orsted," Tiona said blithely.

"Riveria told us to get closer to him."

Tiona's words spilled out before Tione could stop her, and Orsted caught a flicker of panic in Tione's eyes.

Sure enough, Riveria grabbed Tiona's ear, dragging her aside.

"It hurts, Riveria! I won't do it again!"

Tiona wailed, unable to resist the Level 6 elf, pleading like a scolded child.

"Keep spouting nonsense, and I'll tie a boulder to you and sink you in the sea," Riveria hissed, her eyes twitching.

Tiona clamped her mouth shut, hands covering it, her expression comically meek.

But the damage was done.

Orsted, Lili, Tifa, Naaza, and even Finn turned to Riveria, surprise in their eyes.

Finn, who'd heard Riveria's report on Orsted's grimoire-crafting yesterday, hadn't expected her to urge Ais and the others to connect with him.

Was this the same reserved Riveria he knew?

Riveria's composure faltered under their stares, a rare flush creeping in.

Salvation came unexpectedly.

A one-eyed man with an eyepatch-Bors Elder-emerged from a Rivira shop.

"Bors?" Finn said, recognizing him.

"Loki Familia?" Bors muttered, scratching his forehead in frustration.

"Of all times..."

"What's wrong?" Finn asked, sensing trouble in Rivira.

Bors's agitation suggested something dire.

"You're here just in time. Come see," Bors said, motioning for Finn to follow.

Finn didn't hesitate, and the group trailed Bors to an inn carved from a natural cave, Bors's Inn.

A crowd clogged the entrance, blocking access.

"Move!" Bors roared, his voice parting the adventurers like a blade.

His authority in Rivira was clear.

The crowd gaped at Finn and the Loki Familia, stunned by their presence, but parted further.

Orsted and others followed Bors inside, reaching a room deep within.

The sight inside silenced Ais and the others.

The cave room was drenched in blood, a headless male corpse sprawled on the floor.

Clothed only below the waist, its muscled frame spoke of rigorous training.

The shattered head confirmed Orsted's suspicion: this was the moment Ais first faced Revis.

'Revis would appear soon.'

Orsted's eyes narrowed, anticipation coiling within him.

---

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Chapter 89: Jewel Fetus

Chapter 89 - Jewel Fetus

The murder was tied to the Guild's machinations.

Fels had discovered the Jewel Fetus and tasked two Familias with retrieving it.

One was Hashana Dorlia, a Ganesha Familia member-the robust corpse now lying headless in Bors's Inn.

The other was a female adventurer from the Hermes Familia.

Hashana had secured the Jewel Fetus, and the Hermes Familia's female adventurer met him to receive it.

After the handover, Hashana's lust got the better of him, and Revis, exploiting the moment, tracked the Jewel Fetus's location.

Learning its whereabouts, Revis killed Hashana, crushing his head in a brutal display.

The grisly scene fell under Bors Elder's purview as Rivira's manager.

With Hashana's head obliterated, identifying him by face was impossible, leaving his Falna as the only clue.

Bors had just retrieved a Status Unlock Potion, an illegal concoction made by those with the Mystery Development Ability.

Properly administered, it forcibly revealed a locked Falna's stats and details.

Bors applied the potion, exposing Hasana's Falna.

Unable to read the sacred text himself, he prepared to find an elf fluent in it.

"Wait, no need. I can read it," Riveria said.

"So can I," Ais added.

Bors paused, then nodded.

"It's yours, then."

Riveria knelt beside the corpse, examining the Falna, while Ais stood nearby.

Reading the sacred text, both women's lips parted in shock.

"His name is Hashana Dorlia," Riveria said.

"Ganesha Familia," Ais confirmed.

The name stunned everyone present.

"No way, Hashana?" Bors roared, incredulous.

"The Hard Fist Fighter?"

The others, though less vocal, were equally shaken.

Hashana was a Level 4 adventurer.

His killer had to be at least Level 5-a chilling prospect in Rivira.

Speculation erupted.

Hashana had arrived with a robed woman yesterday, and his half-naked state suggested he was killed during intimacy.

This narrowed the suspect pool, with some pointing to the Ishtar Familia's combat courtesans.

Eyes turned to Ais, Tiona, and Tione, all Level 5 female adventurers.

Riveria was dismissed-elves' renowned purity ruled her out.

Bors and an inn worker scrutinized Tiona's figure, shaking their heads.

"Not her," Bors sighed.

"Agreed," the worker said.

Tiona fumed, restrained only by Lefiya and Tione's calming words, preventing her from lashing out.

The scrutiny shifted to Ais and Tione.

Ais ignored it, unfazed.

Tione, however, exploded.

"My chastity belongs to Finn! Call me that again, and I'll mince your filthy parts!"

Lefiya and Tiona scrambled to calm Tione, her outburst cowing Bors and the worker into silence.

Bors noticed Tifa and Naaza nearby but dismissed them.

Naaza, a Level 2 Miach Familia member, lacked the strength to kill Hashana.

Tifa, adventuring with Naaza, was assumed to be similarly Level 2-adventurers of like strength teamed up, a common rule.

Lili didn't fit the robed woman's profile.

The commotion fizzled out.

Orsted observed silently.

Finn and Bors scoured the room, unearthing clues.

A commission parchment in Hashana's belongings revealed the murder's motive: the robed woman, likely Revis, seduced Hasana to steal the Jewel Fetus.

Failing to find it, she destroyed his head in rage.

Finn pieced together the events, concluding the killer remained in Rivira.

He ordered Bors to seal the town and search all adventurers, including Orsted's group.

If Finn lived in a modern world, he'd be a detective.

Bors, leveraging his authority, locked down Rivira and summoned everyone.

Adventurers, aware of the murder, cooperated despite grumbling.

Orsted stood with Finn's group, scanning the gathered crowd.

He felt probing gazes-many from elves, drawn to his aura.

Riveria, beside him, noticed too.

She patted his shoulder.

---

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Chapter 90: She's Here!

Chapter 90 - She's Here!

Following the fervent gazes, Orsted saw a crowd of elves-mostly female-fixated on him.

His aura, beloved by his kind, was no secret, but he'd met few elves beyond Ryu, Riveria, and Lefiya.

Adventuring and staying at the mansion kept him isolated, and even during the Monster Feria, no other elves had crossed his path.

Lili noticed the stares, her heart sinking.

'Orsted-sama's popularity is great, but it's bad news for me.'

Finn and Bors soon announced the body search, met with groans from the crowd.

Some, however, were eager-female adventurers swarmed Finn, demanding he search them personally.

Female elves, meanwhile, encircled Orsted, not for searches but with joyful expressions.

"Hey, Orsted-san, search us!" several female elves chirped, aware of his Level 2 rank-up from the Guild's bulletin.

Their enthusiasm overwhelmed Orsted, squeezing Lili out.

"Damn elves! Orsted-sama's mine!" Lili shouted, trying to push through but failing, her pallum stature no match for the crowd.

"Enough, all of you, over here," Riveria commanded, stepping in.

Her authority held sway.

The female elves, reluctant, shuffled toward her.

Orsted exhaled.

"What a hassle."

"Orsted-sama, are you okay?" Lili darted to his side, concern in her eyes.

Tifa and Naaza, unfazed by the elf frenzy, approached with amused smiles.

"Pervert," Naaza teased lightly.

Orsted shot her a look.

"You're a hit with them," Tifa said, grinning.

"Yeah, Orsted-sama," Lili added, eyes glinting.

"Those were so eager, like they wanted to devour you."

"Even for an elf, that's intense."

"I'm... unique among my people," Orsted admitted, nodding.

"So, they are drawn to me."

"Then you should join us for recruitment next time," Lili said, excited.

"With you, we won't come back empty-handed like yesterday."

"Alright," Orsted agreed.

He'd stayed behind yesterday for Eina's date and to craft magic items, but with no conflicts now, his natural aura was too valuable to waste.

The Mage's Medal awaited a mage corps-female elves would be perfect as Hestia Familia's firepower.

"Perfect!" Lili beamed.

"I'll push recruitment tomorrow. With you, Orsted-sama, we'll succeed."

"Thanks for the effort," Orsted said, gently ruffling her hair.

"It's my honor to help the Familia."

Orsted nodded, saying nothing more.

"Lili, Naaza, Tifa, don't just stand there-help out!" Riveria called from nearby.

"I'm off," Lili said, trotting over.

Tifa and Naaza followed, nodding to Orsted.

A bad feeling hit Orsted, sweat beading on his forehead.

In a flash, he vanished, using Instant to escape.

His instincts were spot-on.

Seconds later, Finn poked his head out, ready to call Orsted for the search.

Finding him gone, Finn muttered, "Where'd he go?" Then, slapping his forehead, he added,

"Right, he's an elf."

Finn returned to the search, undeterred.

Orsted reappeared in a Rivira clearing, sitting on a large rock.

"If I'd stayed, Finn would've roped me into searching."

"No way I'm letting guys poke at me."

His elven mysophobia, milder than most, tolerated women but recoiled at men.

Like any elf, he preferred the company of the attractive, shunning the unsightly.

As night fell, Rivira's crystal ceiling dimmed, signaling the 18th floor's evening.

Orsted moved to a cliff, overlooking the town.

His eyes narrowed, spotting Ais and Lefiya chasing a Renard adventurer.

'She's here.' Orsted's eyes gleamed, a smile flickering.

Using Instant, he sped toward them.

---

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Chapter 91: Fighting Together

Chapter 91 - Fighting Together

Orsted's first time in Rivira left him with visiting few areas, limiting Instant.

Racing toward Ais and Lefiya, he relied on raw speed.

A shrill flute pierced the air above Rivira, followed by a deafening roar.

Houses collapsed, and a massive monster's bellow echoed, smoke and flames rising from the town.

Orsted paused, glancing back, then shook his head and sped toward Ais.

Revis had unleashed Violas-enhanced plant monsters-to pin down Finn and his team.

Her next move would be seizing the Jewel Fetus from Ais.

Lili, Tifa, and Naaza were in Rivira, but safe.

With Finn, Riveria, Tione, Tiona, and Rivira's adventurers, the Violas posed little threat.

Lili and Tifa's protective magic items, and Naaza's presence, ensured their safety.

Ais's side, however, was perilous.

After a moment's hesitation, Orsted pressed toward Ais.

Ais and Lefiya, noticing Rivira's chaos, started back to join Finn but were halted.

A Viola burst from the rock face, its massive form blocking their path like a mudslide.

"Ais-san!" Lefiya cried, paralyzed.

She knew Violas reacted to magic; chanting would draw their wrath before she could finish.

Ais didn't falter.

Drawing Desperate, she cleaved the Viola in two.

But more erupted from the ground, charging them, and Lefiya screamed, "How?!"

A sword cut through, and the new Violas shattered, crumbling to ash.

"Orsted-san!" Lefiya shouted.

Orsted had arrived from the cliff.

Nodding to Lefiya, he joined Ais, and together they killed the Violas in seconds.

"Impressive, nearly as strong as the Sword Princess," Lulune Louie, the Hermes Familia adventurer who met Hashana, gasped.

She gaped at Orsted, wondering when Orario gained such a formidable adventurer.

No one answered her awe.

Ais and Orsted regrouped with Lefiya and Lulune.

"Thank you, Orsted," Ais said, nodding softly.

"You're welcome," Orsted replied.

"Ais-san, Orsted-san, we need to join captain!" Lefiya urged, eyeing Rivira's ongoing Viola assault.

"We can't leave yet," Orsted shook his head.

"You and Lulune go."

"Huh? Why?" Lefiya looked a bit puzzled.

Orsted turned, staring ahead.

Ais's gaze followed, fixed on a figure in heavy black armor approaching slowly.

Lulune trembled.

"That's the one! They're wearing Hasana's gear."

"They killed him!"

The figure vanished.

Orsted and Ais disappeared simultaneously.

Lefiya and Lulune stood bewildered.

A gust of wind pressure hit, hurling them back.

Struggling against it, Lefiya glimpsed the clash: Orsted and Ais had intercepted the black-armored figure.

Their weapons collided, shockwaves rippling from the impact.

'So fast-they're already fighting!' Lefiya thought, stunned.

Pain snapped her back as she hit the ground.

"Lefiya, you and Lulune leave," Orsted called.

"Yes!" Lefiya replied, grabbing Lulune and the wrapped Jewel Fetus, sprinting toward Finn.

"Don't even think about it!" a cold female voice rang from the armor, the figure vanishing again.

"You don't get to," Orsted and Ais countered.

They reappeared mid-air, Orsted and Ais blocking the armored figure's pursuit.

Lefiya realized the figure targeted her and the Jewel Fetus, accelerating toward Finn.

Explosions echoed behind, but Lefiya ignored them, running faster.

A soft landing followed, then a heavy thud.

Under Orsted and Ais's gazes, the black armor crashed down, splitting to reveal a bandaged male face on a female body.

"Well done," the figure said.

Revis tore off the face's skin, revealing short red hair and a striking face.

---

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Chapter 92: Excalibur

Chapter 92 - Excalibur

Revis grows stronger by consuming magic stones.

She's an accomplice of the corrupted spirit, not a subordinate but a collaborator.

Her mission here was to retrieve the Jewel Fetus, taken from the 30th floor by Hasana.

Unfortunately, Hasana and Lulune completed their handover too swiftly.

By the time Revis arrived, the Jewel Fetus had changed hands, sparking the murder.

Realizing Lulune, Ais, and others held it, Revis attacked Rivira with Violas to distract Finn and his group, then targeted Ais's group.

"Orsted, be careful," Ais ignored Revis's taunt and softly warned Orsted.

In their earlier clash, Ais had sensed Revis's strength-near Level 6, far surpassing her own Level 5.

Without Orsted's aid, she couldn't have held her off.

Alone, neither could match Revis.

"Got it," Orsted replied, focusing intently.

His full strength reached Level 4, short of Level 5.

In this fight, he planned to assist Ais, not lead.

Revis's target was the Jewel Fetus, but she knew defeating Orsted and Ais was a prerequisite to pursuing Lefiya.

With no time wasted, Revis attacked.

Her combat skills and experience were elite, and she quickly deduced that targeting Orsted, the weaker link, was key.

Eliminating him would leave Ais vulnerable.

Revis abandoned Ais, relentlessly pursuing Orsted with lethal intent.

Ais, anticipating this, guarded him, thwarting Revis's attempts to land a crippling blow.

Despite being the weakest, Orsted's combat skills and experience outshone both.

Revis's every assault was countered by his deft maneuvers, bolstered by Ais's harassing strikes.

His prowess stunned Revis..

"Remarkable!" Revis exclaimed mid-battle.

"Thanks," Orsted replied with a smile.

"Ais, hit her with everything. Don't worry about me."

Avalon's healing ensured Orsted could shrug off non-fatal wounds, given enough magic.

But Ais, unaware, hesitated. "But-"

"Trust me!" Orsted urged.

Ais frowned, then nodded.

"Alright. Stay sharp."

She shifted tactics, unleashing her full strength on Revis.

Yet, even with Ais's all-out assault and Orsted's support, they couldn't land a decisive blow.

Revis, seizing an opening, slashed Ais aside and struck Orsted, her blade carving a deep gash.

Blood sprayed, and Revis smirked coldly.

But her triumph faded as Orsted's counterattack landed-a sword slash from shoulder to waist, blood gushing from her wound.

Revis hadn't realized Orsted had baited her, exposing a flaw.

With Avalon's healing, he could risk non-lethal hits, using the moment to wound her gravely.

Her blood arced across the sky as she reeled back, disbelief etched on her face.

She'd been certain her strike would incapacitate Orsted.

Instead, he stood vibrant, unscathed by her blow, delivering a devastating counter.

Noticing his knowing smile, Revis realized she'd been outplayed.

Her cold glare locked onto Orsted, memorizing him.

But Orsted ignored her, shouting, "Ais!"

His slash, though severe, wouldn't kill Revis.

Ais had already activated Ariel.

Wrapped in emerald gusts, she surged above Revis at blinding speed, raising Desperate for a piercing strike.

Revis, spotting Ariel, squinted.

"So, you're Aria!"

Ais froze.

The pause gave Revis an opening.

Violas erupted from the ground, shielding Revis and separating her from Ais.

Ais snapped back, but it was too late.

The Violas enveloped Revis, absorbing Ais's attack and blasting Revis toward the river.

"Aria, I'll kill you next time," Revis declared coldly, vanishing into the water.

Orsted teleported to the cliff's edge with Instant.

The river ran scarlet, but Revis was gone.

Raising Excalibur Proto, Orsted unleashed its light blast.

A golden torrent flooded the river, engulfing it under Ais's shocked gaze.

---

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Chapter 93: WTF!

Chapter 93 - WTF!

Minutes earlier, Lefiya and Lulune reached Finn and the Loki Familia in Rivira.

Before Lefiya could speak, the Jewel Fetus in her arms awakened.

It possessed a Viola, morphing into a defective corrupted spirit clone.

"What's that?" Finn frowned, directing the battle against the Violas swarming Rivira.

"I don't know, Captain," Lefiya shook her head.

"But it's tied to Hasana and Lulune's mission handover."

"Lulune?" Finn glanced at Lulune, intending to question her, but the chaos left no room for distraction.

"Lefiya, use your magic," Finn ordered.

Rivira's Viola infestation was too vast for local adventurers alone.

Lefiya was ideal for clearing them.

"Yes, Captain!" Lefiya agreed, then hesitated.

"Wait, Captain-Ais and Orsted are fighting an enemy nearby."

Finn's gaze shifted to the distant battle.

"Strong fluctuations."

"But with Orsted there, they'll manage. Tione, Tiona, handle this."

He'd heard from Ais about Orsted's strength-Level 2 but with Level 4 power.

Paired with Ais, they could fend off a Level 6 foe briefly.

Level 6 adventurers were rare, concentrated in the Loki and Freya Familias, making such a threat unlikely.

"Yes, Captain!" Tione and Tiona, battling Violas nearby, responded.

They dispatched their foes and charged the defective clone.

"Lefiya, don't stand there-cast your magic to clear these Violas," Finn urged, seeing her pause.

He turned to Lulune. "You help with the monsters too."

Wielding his spear, he dove back into the fray.

Nearby, Lili, Tifa, and Naaza fought Violas as a unit.

Violas were formidable, outmatching any of them alone.

Together, they excelled: Tifa handled melee, Lili unleashed firepower, and Naaza provided long-range support.

Their seamless coordination reduced Violas to ash, one after another.

Rivira's adventurers, also battling Violas, were stunned.

"Their teamwork's incredible-so fluid."

"These tough monsters fall easily to them."

"Who are they?" one asked.

"Don't know the others, but the archer's Naaza," another replied.

"Heard she hadn't dived in ages. When'd she show up here?"

"Who cares? Their synergy's unreal. They could steamroll the middle floors."

Envy aside, the adventurers refocused on their own Viola fights, exchanging quick words before diving back in.

Lili, Tifa, and Naaza buzzed with excitement.

"Didn't expect to face Level 3 monsters here. Lucky us!" Lili said, her spell weaving as she struck Violas with her weapon.

She knew these Violas were Level 3, far above their Level 2.

Fighting them would boost their basic abilities upon next update.

Tifa, grinning through her melee flurry, shared Lili's excitement.

Naaza, silently firing arrows, mirrored their joy with a subtle smile.

For other adventurers, dungeon battles were perilous, but they...

Naaza cherished this dynamic, knowing her Miach Familia would eventually expand, making these moments fleeting.

Suddenly, pillars of flame erupted to their left-Riveria, incinerating Violas with her magic.

"Nine Hell, lives up to her name," Lili murmured, envying the dazzling display.

"You'll get there," Tifa said, landing beside her with a smile.

"I will!" Lili nodded firmly.

With Orsted's guidance and her effort, she'd reach that level.

A deafening roar interrupted, drawing Rivira's attention.

A golden torrent surged skyward, engulfing the Great Tree Labyrinth and striking the 18th floor's wall.

The indestructible barrier melted visibly, a massive breach forming.

The light blast persisted for half a minute, leaving a bottomless abyss and a hundreds-meter-wide cave in the wall, shrouded in smoke.

"WTF!"

Finn, Riveria, and all of Rivira gasped, stunned by the devastation.

---

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Chapter 94: Aria

Chapter 94 - Aria

Ex--calibur!

Orsted's shout unleashed a golden light blast from Excalibur Proto, sweeping across the entire floor.

The river below dried instantly, the radiant torrent replacing its flow, surging into the vertical shortcut waterfall on the 18th floor's wall.

The modest river entrance expanded dozens of times, the wall visibly melting under the onslaught.

A deafening, earth-shaking roar followed.

Ais had never witnessed such brilliance.

The light seemed to weave past, present, and future into an unyielding belief, forming an indestructible force that obliterated all in its path.

She'd never seen an attack so devastating.

When Ais snapped back, the light had faded.

The river beneath the cliff was gone, its channel merged into a bottomless abyss.

"She's likely dead," Orsted murmured, eyeing the transformed terrain.

The landscape was unrecognizable.

This was why he'd avoided using the weapon earlier.

Fighting in Rivira risked turning the town into a crater, sparing no adventurer.

He and Ais had struggled to hold Revis at bay, unable to shift the battlefield.

But Revis's taunt-"Aria"-had stunned Ais, disrupting their plan and sending Revis to this cliffside.

The edge, far from Rivira's buildings and adventurers, was ideal.

Orsted seized the chance to unleash Excalibur Proto.

"Even knowing its power, this destruction exceeds my expectations," Orsted muttered.

Riveria's magic, like Rea Laevateinn, scorched surfaces with limited range, but Excalibur had plowed the floor, reshaping the terrain entirely.

"You're incredible, Orsted," Ais said, recovering from the shock.

Still enveloped in Ariel, she glided to his side.

Her gaze lingered on Excalibur Proto.

The torrent had erupted from its ornate blade, resembling a magic sword yet distinct.

Magic swords had use limits, and none she knew could unleash such force.

A top-tier magic sword would've shattered after that blast, drained of magic.

Orsted's sword remained intact, piquing her curiosity, though she held her questions.

"Thanks," Orsted smiled.

"Let's join Finn and the others."

Ais nodded, and they sped toward Rivira's center.

Finn's group, having nearly eradicated the Violas with Riveria and Lefiya's magical barrage, approached from the opposite direction.

Rivira's remaining Violas were left to local adventurers.

The two groups met unexpectedly.

"Ais, what happened?" Finn asked, concern etching his face.

Ais stayed silent, her expression heavy, signaling something had shaken her.

Finn, reading her mood, didn't press.

He turned to Orsted for answers.

Lili, Tifa, and Naaza, who'd rushed over, voiced their worry.

Excalibur had alarmed them, fearing for Orsted.

They'd abandoned their Viola fights to check on him.

"I'm fine. We handled the enemy," Orsted said, patting Lili's head and glancing at Tifa and Naaza, easing their concern.

The trio sighed in relief.

After brief exchanges, Finn approached Orsted.

"A word, Orsted?"

Orsted nodded to Lili and the others, following Finn aside.

"What happened?" Finn asked, his tone gentle but urgent.

The devastation had stunned him, but Ais's state worried him more.

Orsted recounted everything: the fight with Revis, her pursuit of the Jewel Fetus, and her taunt calling Ais "Aria."

"Aria?" Finn's brow furrowed.

"Thanks for explaining," he sighed.

He understood Ais's distress now.

Finn opted not to address Ais directly, leaving it to Riveria.

She'd raised Ais like a daughter, making her better suited to handle this.

---

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Chapter 95: Goodbye

Chapter 95 - Goodbye

The Viola attack left Rivira ravaged, with most buildings needing reconstruction.

Bors's Inn stood unscathed.

Orsted, Lili, Tifa, and Naaza checked in, resting while locals rebuilt.

As non-residents, they had no obligation to help-assisting was a favor, not a duty.

The abyss carved by Orsted remained unknown to most.

Finn, Riveria, and a few others knew but kept silent without Orsted's consent.

Orsted didn't care.

Rivira's adventurers, focused on rebuilding, had no time for rumors.

A blast of such power was beyond their concern.

They prioritized their homes and businesses.

"Sign in!"

Meeting Revis had triggered a sign-in.

[Sign-in successful. Congratulations to the host for obtaining a Random Summoning Card]

'Another card?' Orsted mused, intrigued.

'Another childhood friend?'

His prior card summoned Tifa, embedding vivid memories of their childhood friendship.

The memories felt so real that Orsted accepted Tifa seamlessly.

This new summon would likely follow suit, though its gender was uncertain.

"I'll use it on the surface." he decided.

Exhausted, he fell asleep.

Unbeknownst to Orsted, on the 25th floor, a battered red-haired figure crawled ashore from a turbulent river.

Missing an arm, a leg, and with a gaping abdominal wound, she clung to life.

Orsted and Ais would've recognized Revis.

Excalibur hadn't killed her.

Its force pierced the 18th floor's ceiling, propelling her to the 19th floor's river.

She drifted, unconscious, to the 25th, awakening in agony.

"Damn that adventurer," Revis muttered, her face dark.

"Why hold back? Scared of collateral damage? Hypocrite."

She'd thought the blast would end her, but its power opened an escape.

Grazed by the light, she survived, barely.

Crawling upright, she hunted river monsters, devouring their magic stones to recover.

"Next time, I'll kill him," Revis vowed, swallowing another stone.

Orsted slept soundly, unaware.

The next morning, he parted with Finn's group.

The Loki familia aimed deeper, while Orsted, Lili, Tifa, and Naaza returned to the surface.

Lili and Tifa, after days of training and the prior night's battle, insisted on updating their Falna.

"Goodbye, Orsted," Ais waved

"I'll visit when I can," Riveria said with a smile.

"Later, Orsted! Dungeon dive together sometime," Tiona called.

"Orsted-san, may I visit?" Lefiya asked shyly.

"Anytime," Orsted said, ruffling her hair, making her blush.

After brief farewells, they parted.

"Orsted's too popular," Lili muttered on the return.

Orsted rubbed her head, turning her frown into a bright smile-easily soothed.

The group reached the surface, exchanged their magic stones for valis, and returned to the mansion.

"No recruits yet, Hestia-sama," Lili said, consoling Hestia, who slumped on the sofa.

"But tomorrow, with Orsted-sama, we'll definitely get elves."

Hestia, dejected, ignored her.

Spotting Orsted, she dove into his arms, nuzzling for comfort.

Lili yanked her back. "Hestia-sama, you're too old for such close contact with Orsted-sama!"

"Lili, don't you want your Falna updated?" Tifa reminded.

"Oh, right!" Lili released Hestia, plopping onto the sofa.

"Hestia-sama, update my status quick!"

Hestia blinked at Lili's confidence.

"So sure after just a few days?"

"I feel it-this adventure pushed my abilities further" Lili said, nodding eagerly.

"Please, update me!"

"Fine, fine."

---

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Chapter 96: Status Updates{Tifa and Lili}

Chapter 96 - Status Updates{Tifa and Lili}

[

[Name]: Liliruca Arde

[Level]: 1

Strength: S900

Endurance: S921

Dexterity: S945

Agility: S912

Magic: S923

[Magic]:

Cinder Ella

-A transformation magic that allows the user to alter their appearance into that of another person they've seen.

Skynet

- Create a magical network for group conversations

[Skill]:

Artel Assist

-Enhances the user's carrying capacity.

Developement Ability: Supporter, Stealth, Hunter, Level Leap

]

"Lili, you've gained Leap!" Hestia exclaimed.

Orsted had explained the ability's power, and seeing it manifest in Lili filled her with joy.

"Really?!" Lili grabbed the parchment, eyes sparkling as she confirmed the development ability.

"Orsted-sama, I have your development ability!" she said, eager to share with Orsted.

Then...

Realizing Orsted had left to avoid her and Tifa's updates, she dressed and darted out to find him, brimming with excitement.

"Can't calm down, can she?" Hestia sighed, shaking her head like a weary adult.

"Tifa, your turn."

"Coming, Hestia," Tifa stepped forward.

[

[Name]: Tifa Lockhart

[Level]: 1

Strength: D532

Endurance: D511

Dexterity: D508

Agility: D534

Magic: F319

[Magic]:

Berserker

[Skill]:

]

"What did you three do? Two days, and such gains!" Hestia marveled.

Lili's jump from B to S was shocking, given how basic abilities increase at higher ranks.

Tifa's too rivaled their growth.

Hestia noted. "You fought Level 3 Violas, so this boost makes sense."

"We hit trouble in the dungeon," Tifa said, taking the parchment.

She recounted their adventure: the Rivira battle, Violas, and teaming with the Loki Familia.

"Such trouble?" Hestia asked, her lip curling at the thought of Loki, her rival.

Shaking it off, she added, "I'll update Orsted. His gains should outshine yours."

Hestia dashed out, Tifa trailing.

Orsted was petting Lili's head like a kitten, her face blissful as she nestled against his legs.

Hestia's arrival shattered the moment.

"Orsted, time for your update!" Hestia announced.

Lili, pouting, stepped back, letting Hestia proceed.

She knew Orsted had faced a Level 5 adventurer with Ais, possibly defeating her.

His gains would likely surpass hers and Tifa's.

Orsted complied, removing his shirt and lying on the bed.

Blue light filled the room as sacred text swirled, updating his Falna.

[

[Name]: Orsted

[Level]: 2

Strength: EX1999

Endurance: EX1999

Dexterity: EX1999

Agility: EX1999

Magic: EX1999

[Magic]:

Instant

-Can Instantly appear infront of anyone.

-No chanting required.

Miracle

-Your wish may be granted

[Skill]:

Developement Ability: Leap E, Charisma

]

"Ah, Orsted!" Hestia squealed, ecstatic at his status.

Lili and Tifa crowded in.

Lili cheered, while Tifa smiled, more reserved.

Orsted sighed, exasperated.

'Hestia, copy the details and let me see instead of dancing on my back.'

'You'll paralyze me!'

Tifa intervened, prompting Hestia to dismount and copy the details to the parchment, handing it to Orsted.

"Hey, Orsted, which development ability will you pick?" Hestia asked, leaning on his shoulder.

"Charisma," Orsted said.

"Why?" Hestia tilted her head.

"It might be useful later," he replied.

Hestia blinked, a bit puzzled.

"Hestia-sama, I want to rank up now!" Lili piped up.

---

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Chapter 97: Another Date!?

Chapter 97 - Another Date!?

Lili ranked up to Level 2, while Orsted reached Level 3.

Knowing the development ability of Leap, Lili chose it without hesitation, while Orsted selected Charisma as his development ability.

Orsted wasn't sure why Charisma was an option, but he sensed it could counter Freya's charm.

This was merely a hunch, its true effect unknown.

For Tifa, despite her sufficient excelia to trigger a rank-up, neither she, Orsted, nor Lili considered it.

Her basic abilities were too low.

Like Lili, Tifa needed all five basic abilities at S before advancing.

The Hestia Familia aimed for both quantity and quality.

"Hey, what'd you say?" Hestia asked, hands on hips, eyeing Lili with excitement.

"Huh? What?" Lili blinked, caught off guard.

"You said Orsted should join me to recruit members," Hestia reminded.

"Oh, that!" Lili raised her hand like a student tattling. "Hestia-sama, Orsted-sama's a hit with female elves."

"In Rivira, they swarmed him, pushing me out!"

"Really?" Hestia turned to Orsted.

"I suppose," Orsted nodded.

"Then, Orsted, skip the dungeon for two days and recruit with me!" Hestia's eyes gleamed.

After three days of failed recruitment, she saw a chance to redeem herself, envisioning dozens of members.

"Alright, I'll join you tomorrow," Orsted agreed.

"Yes, Orsted!" Hestia jumped into his arms.

"Hestia-sama, stop jumping on Lord Orsted!" Lili huffed, grabbing Hestia's legs to pull her off.

Hestia still clung to Orsted's waist.

Orsted and Tifa exchanged amused glances.

After the commotion, they headed to the kitchen, preparing and enjoying a hearty dinner together.

Hestia, Lili, and Tifa planned a hot spring bath in the villa.

Orsted, meanwhile, carried materials to his workshop to craft new magic items for the incoming Hestia Familia members.

Orario had abundant materials, but those for magic items were scarce.

Most were exported to Altena, as few in Orario could craft them.

The same applied to grimoire materials.

Conversely, materials for magic swords and potions were plentiful, with many blacksmiths and pharmacists in Orario ensuring demand.

Orsted's materials were mostly self-gathered from the dungeon, with a few purchased.

His EX Mystery allowed him to use materials others overlooked, letting him acquire some on the surface.

This expedition's materials yielded about fifteen magic items, less than last time.

He planned to use the rest for research, blending forging and Mystery to develop a durable magic sword- for normal use.

An hour and a half later, Orsted finished crafting all fifteen magic items.

Checking the time, he saw it was still early.

After a moment's thought, he left the workshop, heading to the Hostess of Fertility.

He aimed to spar with Ryuu, testing Leap's effectiveness post-rank-up.

Leap boosted strength against higher-level opponents, its effect scaling with the level gap.

Now at Level 3, its boost against Ryuu should weaken.

Orsted wanted to gauge the net effect.

At the Hostess of Fertility, Freya's absence-rare for her-meant Horn was herself, not Freya in disguise.

"Orsted, here for Ryuu again?" Syr called from the entrance, waving with a bright smile alongside Anya.

Orsted nodded warmly.

He didn't enter, as Anya had already dashed inside to fetch Ryuu.

"Nyaa, I'll get Ryuu!" Anya chirped.

"Orsted-san, same spot. I'll be there soon," Ryu said, her words sparking Syr and Anya's imaginations, their eyes darting between them.

Neither Orsted nor Ryuu minded the misunderstanding.

Orsted nodded and headed to their usual sparring wall.

---

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Chapter 98: Thoughts

Chapter 98 - Thoughts

Sitting quietly on the dim city wall, Orsted recalled his memories of the anime.

'Lili's arc is next, but she's already in Hestia's Familia, so that's out."

'Then Ottar trained a Minotaur as Bell's sparring partner, but with my strength, Freya wouldn't plan that.'

'Ais is likely on the lower floors with Finn and the others now.'

'She'll face Udaeus and slay it alone, boosting her basic abilities and earning enough excelia for Level 6.'

'Then Loki's Familia embarks on another expedition, reaching the 59th floor.'

'When Loki's Familia returns, Bell and his team are chased to the safe zone by those lured monsters.'

'Hestia, with Hermes, Takemikazuchi members, and Asfi, sneaks into the dungeon to save them.'

'Next is the Apollo Familia's War Game. I'm unsure if it'll occur, so I'll skip it.'

'If it does, Hestia would send that creep back to Tenkai, clearing him from Orario.'

'Then the Ishtar Familia incident-Freya forces Ishtar back to Tenkai.'

:The Xenos arc follows. I'm not sure if it'll happen, so I'll set it aside.'

'Then the forced expedition-Bell faces Goliath, gets battered, loses arm functionality, but counters and ranks up again.'

Orsted frowned.

'In the anime, Astraea's Familia was annihilated due to Juggernaut's emergence.'

'But Ryuu mentioned last time that Astraea's Familia is fine. What's going on?'

If Astraea's Familia avoided its canon fate, Orsted would be thrilled for Ryuu.

Yet, this deviation from his knowledge unsettled him.

The story was veering unrecognizably.

Bell hadn't appeared, so how could the story proceed?

Orsted grumbled silently, abandoning his mental recap.

Gazing at the stars, he idly traced their connections, seeking new constellations as he had before.

Meanwhile, the Hostess of Fertility closed.

Ryuu, after cleaning, changed into combat gear and headed to the city wall.

Syr watched Ryuu's departure, hand on her chest.

As Freya's double, she shared the goddess's senses and felt her intense love for Orsted.

This affection bled into Horn, stirring thoughts of Orsted that she couldn't shake.

Seeing Ryuu head to their sparring spot, Horn felt a pang of unease.

"Don't tell me you're falling for him too," Mia asked, arms crossed, leaning against the tavern's doorframe.

Horn, unusually, didn't retort.

She was unsure if Freya's feelings or her own drove her thoughts.

Silent, she dared not answer.

Mia's eyes twitched, glancing at Ryu's path, then back at Horn.

Sighing, she shook her head and returned inside.

'I'm too old to meddle in young folks' love,' she thought.

Pausing, her expression turned odd.

Freya's eons old-is she young or not? Never mind.

At the Folkvangr, Freya, reading late, sneezed abruptly, unladylike.

"Who's talking about me? Loki?" she muttered, rubbing her nose.

---

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[Sorry for the shorter chapter these days. We'll have long chapters from next week]

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Chapter 99: Platonic

Chapter 99 - Platonic

After leaving the Hostess of Fertility, Ryuu arrived at the city wall where Orsted waited.

"I'm here," Orsted smiled as Ryuu approached.

Ryuu nodded gently, stepping to a spot two meters before him.

Her nose twitched.

Orsted's expression turned complex.

'You look like a sniffing puppy.'

Ryuu snapped back, realizing her odd behavior.

Her cheeks flushed slightly.

Quickly, she handed him a prepared item.

"What's this?" Orsted asked, confused, but a magic sword appeared in his hand instead, deepening his puzzlement.

"A gift," Ryuu said, her face still red.

"Why a gift?" Orsted pressed, curious about her intent.

"Just take it," Ryuu insisted, avoiding explanation.

Seeing her resolve, Orsted hesitated, then nodded, accepting it.

'I'll return the favor later. Exchanging gifts isn't bad.'

"Let's begin," Ryuu said, pleased he accepted.

She drew her Alf's Justitia, assuming a combat stance.

Orsted unsheathed his old weapon, readying himself.

Instantly, both vanished, reappearing in a clash.

Without words, they unleashed full strength, controlling their battle's impact to avoid damaging Orario's city wall.

A Level 4 adventurer's fight could devastate, as seen when Bell, at Level 3 with Level 4 strength, wrecked part of Orario battling Asterius.

If Orsted and Ryuu fought unrestrained, the wall would be rubble.

After minutes of sparring, Orsted gauged Leap's improvement.

Its effect had shifted.

At Level 3, the boost against Ryuu weakened.

Against stronger foes like Ais, Leap could push him to Level 5, matching her without Excalibur Proto.

Orsted's status already placed him at Level 4 without Leap.

With it, he could rival Ais.

Previously, he matched Ryuu; now, he surpassed her.

Yet, sparring with Ryuu remained valuable.

Ryuu, aware of his superior strength, saw no reason to stop either-she improved by addressing her weaknesses through him.

Despite years apart from Astraea's Familia, she never ceased training, seizing this chance to grow.

They sparred for an hour before halting.

Ryuu lay panting on the ground, Orsted half-kneeling beside her, playfully poking her cheek.

"You okay, Ryuu?"

Ryuu rolled her eyes at his mischievous grin, turning away.

Orsted chuckled, delighted.

Their first spar left him exhausted, Ryuu poking his cheek, teasing his stamina.

He'd felt awkward, as if she'd called him a weak pup.

Their second bout ended in a draw.

Now, he'd reversed the roles, relishing the moment.

Next, he vowed to do the same with Ais, who'd teased him similarly in Rivira.

The "shame" demanded repayment.

Despite her irritation, Ryuu smiled at Orsted's joy.

Her soft laugh caught him off guard.

Their eyes met, sharing an unspoken spark, and they burst into laughter together.

Orsted flopped beside her, sprawling in a star shape.

They closed their eyes, savoring the gentle breeze, faint smiles lingering.

---

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Chapter 100: Recruitment

Chapter 100 - Recruitment

After resting against the wall for half an hour, Orsted and Ryuu stood, bid each other farewell, and returned to their respective residences.

When Orsted arrived, Hestia and the others were already asleep.

They weren't concerned about Orsted's nighttime outings, which was quite normal.

Orsted had only gone out at night twice, both times to spar with Ryuu, a fact Hestia and the others had known for some time.

So, when they noticed Orsted was absent after he left, they weren't worried and went to bed.

Orsted entered his room, set the Grimoire aside, and held the magic sword Ryuu had given him.

It was a fire-attribute magic sword with a red hilt.

Based on the mana emanating from the blade, it could unleash firepower equivalent to a Level 5 spell.

Such a magic sword could fetch several million Valis, and combined with the Grimoire, the total value was nearly 20 million Valis.

Orsted was surprised that Ryuu had given him such a valuable gift so suddenly.

While a Level 4 adventurer like Ryuu could afford such a gesture, what truly astonished him was the magic sword itself.

Elves typically despised magic swords, and Orsted had never told Ryuu he was fine with them.

Yet, she had chosen this as a gift.

Orsted doubted Ryuu would misjudge something like this.

Most likely, she had learned about his situation from somewhere.

After a moment of silence, Orsted shook his head, deciding not to dwell on it.

He placed the magic sword down and picked up the Grimoire.

With one magic slot still available, he hesitated briefly before opening the Grimoire.

White light enveloped Orsted's body as he re-entered the source of magic.

The light persisted for half an hour before fading.

When Orsted slowly opened his eyes, he muttered, "Cause and effect?"

"How did I end up with such a... spirit-like-no-shining magic?" Feeling the newly acquired magic, Orsted's expression turned odd.

What frustrated him most was that, like his Miracle, this new magic was incomprehensible.

Truly incomprehensible.

Rubbing his forehead in annoyance, Orsted sighed.

Of his three magics, only Instant was usable; the other two remained a mystery.

His luck was something else.

"Forget it," he muttered. "I'll just wash up and go to bed."

The next morning, Hestia woke Orsted-an unusual occurrence, as Orsted and the others typically woke her.

It showed how much Hestia cared about expanding her Familia.

"Orsted-sama, have a safe journey and good luck!" Outside the Hestia Familia villa, Lili stood on her tiptoes, waving.

She wasn't accompanying Orsted and Hestia today.

Instead, Orsted had tasked her and Tifa with purchasing materials.

Time was tight.

Except for a few days during the Monster Festival when Orsted relaxed, his schedule was packed.

"Don't forget to visit the Miach's shop and ask to help buy the materials I need," Orsted called back to Lili and Tifa as he followed Hestia.

"Don't worry, Orsted-sama!" Lili shouted in response.

Satisfied, Orsted turned and quickened his pace to keep up with Hestia.

"By the way, Hestia, where are you recruiting new Familia members?" Orsted asked curiously.

When he had joined the Hestia Familia, he had sought her out on North Street, and an excited Hestia had promptly taken him to the second floor of a library to receive her Falna.

Before that, Hestia had struggled to attract new adventurers without success.

Orsted hadn't asked about it at the time, but now his curiosity was piqued.

"The square," Hestia replied matter-of-factly, turning to face him.

"It's crowded with people. I've been running around various squares in Orario these past few days."

Orsted blinked. "...Is that so?"

Thinking of an entire day spent running around, Orsted broke into a cold sweat.

"How about we go to the Guild, request a commission, and pay to have them post a notice?" he suggested.

Recruiting adventurers by wandering aimlessly seemed inefficient.

"Do you think I didn't consider that?" Hestia said.

"Lili suggested it on the first day of recruitment. But the Hestia Familia isn't well-known."

"Even with you, the fastest-ranking adventurer, we can't attract many."

"Our Familia has only existed for less than a month, and it's small. Not many adventurers would join a Familia like ours."

She sighed.

"Plus, elves are a sought-after race. I've been asking every elf I meet, but most already have a Familia, and those without one aren't interested in joining us."

Orsted nodded.

Lili would have suggested the Guild notice immediately, yet it hadn't worked.

He opened his mouth to offer some comfort, but before he could speak, a blonde female elf with a striking figure approached them, her cheeks flushed.

"Lady Hestia, are you still recruiting Familia members?" the elf asked shyly, glancing at Orsted.

Hestia blinked in surprise.

"Wait, aren't you the elf I spoke to yesterday? You refused then."

The blonde elf froze.

Orsted stifled a laugh.

Just tell us if you're recruiting or not.

---

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Chapter 101: New Members

Chapter 101 - New Members

Although Hestia wasn't the sharpest, Orsted's suggestion quickly brought her back to focus.

She eagerly welcomed the first member recruited today.

The blonde female, named Elenoir, was an elf who had recently arrived in Orario.

Elenoir's goal was to become a mage, but learning magic wasn't so simple.

While training in her village, she studied magic theory and practiced combat skills.

Her plan was to serve as a melee adventurer until she learned magic, then transition into a mage.

Orsted deeply admired Elenoir's ambition.

He was eager to have mage members in the Familia, as the mage medal he possessed was useless without them.

Only with a group of mages would it serve a purpose.

'I need to speed up the Grimoire's process,' Orsted thought, walking down the street, his gaze fixed ahead.

'I hope Miach brings back the materials I requested.'

Although Elenoir had joined the Familia, Hestia hadn't yet engraved her Falna.

She planned to do so that evening.

For now, they continued searching for new recruits.

With Orsted's presence, recruiting elves was remarkably easy.

In a single morning, Orsted and Hestia recruited twenty female elves.

Hestia deliberately avoided male elves, or the number could have been even higher.

After recruiting twenty female elves, Hestia decided to stop.

The Hestia Mansion couldn't accommodate more, and she didn't want the Familia to grow too quickly and risk instability.

Accompanied by the group of female elves who would soon become their companions, Orsted and Hestia headed toward home

The group, consisting entirely of elves except for Hestia, with Orsted as the sole male elf, formed a striking sight.

It drew the attention of vendors and passing adventurers, who whispered among themselves.

It wouldn't be long before word of this spread, though Orsted didn't care about the attention.

"Hey, Orsted, this is a friend I made after descending to the mortal world," Hestia said excitedly, pulling a black-haired woman in a tight purple skirt toward him.

"She left Orario before, but now she's back and wants to join my Familia!"

Earlier that day, after leaving with Hestia, Orsted had used a random summoning card.

Unlike Tifa, the newly summoned character didn't appear immediately, and Orsted received no memories of her.

Confused, he consulted the system, which advised him to wait.

Though unsure why, Orsted trusted the system and focused on recruiting female elves with Hestia.

On their way back, the summoned character appeared in an astonishing way-she was Hestia's friend.

The system had altered Hestia's memories, making this woman her friend without Hestia noticing anything unusual.

Orsted couldn't help but marvel at the system's power.

Hestia was a god of this world, yet the system could manipulate her memories.

It was incredible.

Orsted also gained new memories of himself and the black-haired woman.

"I'm Senie. It's a pleasure to meet you, Orsted-kun," she said warmly, extending her hand with a subtle wink.

Senie, a human from a future version of a world called Earth, was an esper who could control wind and was a formidable fighter.

Orsted estimated her strength to be comparable to a Level 4 adventurer, adding another powerful member to the Hestia Familia.

"I look forward to working together," Orsted replied, a faint twitch in his eyes as he shook Senie's hand.

"Hey, Orsted," Hestia whispered, leaning close.

"Senie's strong, with spirit bloodline and wind control. Keep it a secret."

Even that detail was arranged.

The system was truly remarkable.

After brief introductions, the group headed back to the Hestia Mansion.

The journey took just over ten minutes.

Upon arrival, Hestia eagerly began engraving Falna for the new members.

Orsted couldn't be present, as all the recruits were female.

Though the twenty female elves wanted Orsted to stay, Hestia firmly declined their request.

Hestia noticed the elves' obvious affection for Orsted but remained unfazed.

She had already confessed her feelings to Orsted, and he had accepted, so she had no worries.

She trusted him.

Senie was the first to receive her Falna and thus the first to emerge.

"Ser Orsted, I'm eager for your guidance," Senie said with a playful glint in her eyes, sitting beside Orsted on the mansion's front steps.

She leaned in and gently tapped his forehead.

Orsted: "..."

---

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Chapter 102: Demeter's Question

Chapter 102 - Demeter's Question

Lili and Tifa returned in the afternoon.

They didn't bring back the materials for crafting the Grimoire, but they brought news.

Miach had asked to meet Orsted.

Orsted agreed without hesitation.

The absence of Grimoire materials clearly indicated a problem.

Miach hadn't told Lili and Tifa anything, instead requesting a meeting with Orsted.

There had to be a reason.

At the location Miach had relayed through Lili and Tifa, Orsted spotted him.

Miach was seated at an open-air table outside a tavern.

"Hey, Orsted, it's been a while," Miach called out warmly, waving as Orsted approached.

"It's only been a few days," Orsted replied, nodding.

"How've you been?"

"Thanks to you, the Familia's situation has been steadily improving," Miach said gratefully.

Since Naaza had resumed dungeon expeditions, the Miach Familia's fortunes had risen.

Orsted's tenfold boost affected Naaza as well.

The magic stones dropped when Naaza defeated monsters were ten times larger than usual-not in quantity, but in quality.

Though Naaza had only joined Orsted for two dungeon runs, her gains were substantial.

She'd even repaid one-fifth of the debt owed to the Dian Cecht Familia.

Surprised by the magic stones, Naaza noticed Orsted and the others didn't comment, so she kept quiet, sensing the change was tied to their team but unsure why.

She chose to stay silent and profit quietly.

Orsted's tenfold boost was peculiar.

When adventuring with him, dropped magic stones and materials were enhanced, but the basic abilities of others, aside from Orsted himself, remained unaffected.

Orsted found this odd but hadn't uncovered any explanation.

Over time, he stopped dwelling on the first reward ability he'd received.

Orsted accepted Miach's gratitude calmly, knowing the reason behind it.

"Let's get to business," Miach said gently. "I visited Demeter's manor, but she wouldn't sell me the materials. She insisted you come in person."

Orsted fell silent, a touch exasperated.

He'd asked Miach to go precisely to avoid Demeter.

Yet, she'd specifically requested his presence.

"Demeter mentioned visiting the Hestia Familia villa several times but missing you," Miach continued, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"She said she misses you and hopes you'll visit her."

"Just her bad luck. I'm at the villa sometimes," Orsted said, rubbing his forehead with a wry smile.

He prepared to go himself.

With twenty elves in the Familia, all eager for Grimoires to learn magic, he couldn't delay.

He wanted to form a mage team-perhaps even a mage corps-to utilize the mage medal.

"Sorry," Miach said softly, seeing Orsted rise.

"It's not your fault. I'll handle it," Orsted reassured him, shaking his head.

"To be honest, I hope you'll see Demeter," Miach added.

"She seems to care about you, and... something feels off with her. I hope you can be there for her."

"Something's off?" Orsted echoed.

Indeed, in the anime, Hestia attended a divine banquet where Demeter sensed something amiss with Dionysus.

She secretly investigated his Familia, only to be ensnared and threatened by him.

Many of Demeter's adventurers faced life-threatening crises, and several perished.

If Miach, typically oblivious to such nuances, could sense something wrong with the ever-cheerful Demeter, it likely involved Dionysus.

But so soon? Had Demeter already uncovered something about his Familia?

It seemed unlikely, but possible.

With these thoughts, Orsted arrived at the Demeter Familia's manor outside Orario.

Demeter herself greeted him, waiting in the courtyard's pavilion.

As Orsted appeared at the gate, she hurried to welcome him.

Unlike their first meeting, Demeter didn't overwhelm him with affection.

Her face was etched with sorrow, her expression so visibly troubled that even someone as unperceptive as Miach could notice.

"What happened?" Orsted asked with concern, forgoing mention of the materials.

At his caring tone, Demeter looked up, a flicker of melancholy in her eyes.

"Orsted, if you found a friend straying down a dangerous path, how would you save them?" she asked softly.

Orsted was certain now-Demeter had discovered something about Dionysus and was troubled by it.

He didn't respond, unsure how to answer.

Demeter offered a faint smile. "Sorry," she murmured.

"Orsted, can I... hold you for a moment?" Before he could reply, she stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him and resting her face against his chest.

"Your presence is so comforting," she whispered.

Orsted: ...

"Demeter, some things are better left alone. Don't dig too deep," he said after a moment's hesitation, his tone gentle but firm.

The Demeter Familia was vital to him, as they provide the materials for his Grimoires.

Just kidding, he can't let this cutie be sad, can he?

He offered only a kind warning, leaving the choice to her.

Demeter stiffened slightly in his arms. After a pause, her voice came, soft and resolute. "I understand..."

---

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Chapter 103: New Home

Chapter 103 - New Home

After spending two hours with Demeter, Orsted returned home with the materials.

This time, Orsted obtained twice as many Grimoire materials as before-enough to create at least twenty Grimoires.

The materials he'd gathered from the dungeon, along with blank books, were sufficient.

However, this was still far from enough.

The Hestia Familia would continue to grow, and with each member having three magic slots, twenty Grimoires wouldn't suffice.

Orsted planned to keep purchasing materials from Demeter, which was why he wanted her Familia to avoid trouble.

Returning to the villa, Orsted immediately began crafting Grimoires.

He had already distributed the benefits for new members before leaving for Demeter's manor that afternoon.

Twenty-one members joined the Hestia Familia this time.

Except for Senie, all were elves.

Over half aspired to become mages, while the rest, like Ryuu, aimed for melee combat.

Orsted's schedule was tight.

Crafting a single Grimoire took time, and even working tirelessly without sleep, completing twenty would take three to four days.

This left him no time to personally prepare melee weapons or defensive gear for the new members.

Instead, Orsted tasked Lili and the others with taking the new members to Hephaestus to select equipment.

With the Hestia Familia's current wealth, each member could afford a first-tier weapon worth tens of millions of Valis, but Orsted opted for restraint, authorizing Lili to purchase third-tier equipment.

If new members wanted stronger gear, they'd need to earn it through effort.

In the future, when Orsted had more time, he might forge powerful equipment for them himself. For now, he was too busy.

"Lili, Tifa, Senie, Elenoir, and the others are in your hands," Orsted said early the next morning, standing with Hestia at the mansion's entrance.

"If anything goes wrong, use Skynet to contact me immediately. I'll rush over as fast as I can."

Skynet, Lili's second magic, was an auxiliary communication spell.

It allowed her to create a magical network for group conversations, though it consumed significant mind power/mental.

Lili had only used it once since acquiring it and hadn't touched it since.

"I understand, Orsted-sama, Hestia-sama," Lili said firmly, placing a hand on her chest.

"Rest assured, we'll bring everyone back safely."

"Lili's right," Tifa added gently.

"We'll take good care of Elenoir and the others." Senie, holding a small jug of wine and sipping quietly, said nothing-a true drinker.

"Orsted-sama, Hestia-sama, don't worry," Elenoir said confidently.

"It's just the upper floors. We trained extensively in our villages before coming to Orario."

"We may not handle Level 2 monsters, but upper-floor monsters are no threat."

"Exactly," another elf chimed in.

"Please trust us."

"Orsted-sama, Hestia-sama, await our good news!"

"Ser Orsted..."

As Elenoir spoke, the other elves echoed her confidence, assuring Orsted and Hestia.

"I wish you all success," Orsted said with a nod, offering his blessing.

"Don't push yourselves too hard," Hestia added, waving with a warm smile.

With Lili, Tifa, and Senie-who rivaled a Level 4 adventurer-the group faced no real danger on the upper floors.

Orsted wasn't overly concerned.

Though Lili didn't know Senie's full strength, she trusted Orsted completely.

Neither was worried about the new members' first adventure.

After a brief farewell, the group, led by Lili, Tifa, and Senie, headed toward Babel.

Orsted didn't join them, as his time was too limited.

Crafting Grimoires kept him occupied, and leading new members into the upper floors would be a waste of time.

Since the new members were all elves, they accepted Orsted's absence as the Hestia Familia's captain for their first adventure without complaint.

Moreover, Orsted had hinted he was preparing gifts for the new members.

Elenoir and the others were eagerly anticipating them.

"I should get back to crafting Grimoires," Orsted said, watching the group's figures fade into the distance.

"Thank you for your hard work, Orsted," Hestia said softly.

"It's not hard. It's all for the Hestia Familia," Orsted replied, shaking his head.

He turned and entered the mansion.

Hestia glanced toward Lili and the others' departing figures, then hurried after Orsted.

"Hey, Orsted, our home's too small," Hestia said.

"We need a bigger home. What do you think? With just over twenty new members, the rooms are already at capacity."

"If we don't upgrade, we can't recruit more."

"That makes sense," Orsted agreed, nodding.

The Hestia Familia aimed to be elite but needed numbers.

Orsted found Hestia's proposal practical.

"I'll ask Hephaestus to help me look for a new home," Hestia said.

"Please do, Hestia."

"Heh, it's the least I can do. You're the one working hard, Orsted."

"Let's work together to make the Hestia Familia stronger."

"Absolutely, together!"

---

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Chapter 104: With Hephaestus

Chapter 104 - With Hephaestus

For the entire day, Orsted remained in the workshop crafting Grimoires.

Hestia went to find Hephaestus, leaving Orsted alone in the mansion.

Crafting Grimoires was tedious.

It required sitting still for hours to guide the source of the world into a blank book.

Once the source appeared, special spell fixed it into a source channel.

Opening the grimoire would then draw the user's soul into the source, allowing them to acquire their own magic spell.

The process couldn't be interrupted, as stopping would sever the connection.

Only those who had mastered mage and mystery to the extreme could make something like that.

Though Riveria had been studying about Grimoires, even if she acquired mystery, she couldn't craft one immediately.

To succeed, Riveria would need to raise her mage and mystery to at least D or C.

In Orario, besides Orsted, only Fels had developed mage and mystery to such an extreme.

Having lived over 800 years, Fels had reached an extraordinary level.

Yet, even Fels couldn't match Orsted's unparalleled mastery of mage and mystery.

Given enough rare materials, Orsted could handcraft all manner of fantastical items.

From morning to evening, Orsted stayed in the workshop, crafting two Grimoires.

He considered starting a third but stopped, knowing Lili and the others would soon return.

Unable to join the new members for their first adventure, he had seen them off to the dungeon.

Now, he wanted to welcome them back.

Gazing at the clouds outside, Orsted left the workshop, sat on the mansion's front steps, and waited.

He wasn't idle, though.

Using materials Lili and Tifa had bought with his atlas, he began crafting magic items on the steps.

Orsted's time was stretched thin, but as the captain of the Hestia Familia, he bore the responsibility of strengthening and developing the Familia.

An hour later, they appeared at the mansion's gate.

Orsted immediately rose, opened the gate, and greeted them.

"Orsted-sama, we've fulfilled our mission and brought Elenoir and the others back safely," Lili said, beaming despite her massive backpack.

"I'm back, Orsted," Tifa said softly.

"Ser Orsted....." Senie chimmed in.

"Orsted-sama, we've returned!" Elenoir and the other elves chimed in unison, their voices loud and synchronized, drawing curious glances from passersby.

Noticing the all-female elves, onlookers were visibly surprised.

"Welcome back," Orsted said warmly.

For their first adventure, Elenoir and the others had only minor injuries-a strong outcome for novice adventurers.

The elves adored Orsted, and his simple greeting brought bright smiles to their faces.

"Let's head inside," Orsted said, stepping aside and leading the way to the mansion.

The group followed eagerly.

At the entrance, they noticed the magic items scattered on the steps.

Lili and Tifa were unfazed, but Elenoir and the others' eyes sparkled.

Elves, naturally attuned to magic, could sense its presence even without acquiring it.

"I'll distribute these later," Orsted said, noting their excitement.

He had plenty of magic items.

These were what he'd crafted today.

However, he hadn't given them to Elenoir and the others yet, as there weren't enough for everyone.

Orsted wanted to avoid favoritism, which could cause issues, so he planned to wait until he had sufficient quantities, just as with the Grimoires.

"Thank you, Orsted-sama!" Thry others shouted in unison, their excitement echoing.

Their synchronized speech suggested they'd practiced in secret.

The group entered the mansion.

"Orsted-sama, where's Hestia-sama?" Lili asked, noticing the goddess's absence.

"Hestia went to look at homes," Orsted explained.

"Our home is too small, so we discussed buying a larger one. She's with Hephaestus today, checking out options."

"I was hoping Hestia-sama could update Elenoir and the others' Status upon our return, since it's their first adventure," Lili said.

"In that case, we'll wait for her," Lili added with a nod.

"Alright," Orsted said. "Go wash up for now."

Unbeknownst to Orsted, Hestia would return that evening with a grand surprise.

---

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Chapter 105: Another Member!?

Chapter 105 - Another Member!?

Orsted examined the materials Lili had brought back, his face alight with surprise.

The collection was massive-dozens of times greater than what he and Lili had gathered on the upper floors before.

Back then, Orsted's tenfold boost had ensured substantial gains for him and Lili.

This time, however, he hadn't joined, so their drops should have been normal.

Under typical circumstances, over twenty people adventuring on the upper floors would get slightly more magic stones than Orsted and Lili had previously.

Yet, this collection dwarfed their earlier efforts by a wide margin.

'Could it be that anyone I acknowledge as a companion benefits from the tenfold boost?'

Orsted mused.

It wasn't limited to the Hestia Familia-Naaza, who had teamed up with Orsted, had also been affected.

When Orsted and his group encountered Ais on the 18th floor, they still received the boost on their return, but Ais didn't, as Orsted hadn't considered her a companion, merely an acquaintance.

Naaza, however, was someone he recognized as part of his team.

'This is bizarre,' Orsted muttered.

After a moment's silence, he sighed.

'Forget it. I don't get it, but it's beneficial, so no need to overthink it.'

With that, he resumed crafting magic items.

Two hours later, Lili interrupted to call him for dinner, and Orsted paused his work.

The materials Lili and the others had brought back were nearly depleted.

Still, Orsted had crafted enough magic items.

After dinner, Orsted distributed the magic items to Elenoir and the other new recruits, ensuring each received two.

Initially, Elenoir and the others were stunned, having expected perhaps one item per person, or even just a few shared among them.

But Orsted handed them out generously.

Shock gave way to excitement.

One by one, Elenoir and the others approached Orsted, each giving hugs and planting a kiss on his cheek.

Though elves naturally possessed magic, these girls hadn't yet learned to wield magic, so the items were currently unusable.

Still, they would become powerful tools once they mastered magic.

Lili tugged at them from behind, trying to keep Elenoir and the others away from Orsted, but her small frame was no match for the group.

By the time they dispersed, several lip prints adorned Orsted's face.

Fortunately, most female elves didn't wear lipstick, or his face would have been covered in red marks.

"Stupid elves!" Lili huffed, glaring at Elenoir and the others, her indignation oddly adorable.

They ignored Lili's outburst, watching her with amused interest.

"Orsted's quite popular with others," Senie teased, smirking at Lili.

"You'd better keep an eye on him, or they might steal him away."

Tifa stifled a laugh, her eyes twinkling with the same mischievous thought.

The elven girls nodded thoughtfully at Senie's words, their gazes brightening.

Lili, seeing this, darted to Orsted like a bristling kitten, spreading her arms to shield him from the others.

They only grinned wider at her protective display.

During the day in the dungeon, Lili had been a commanding presence-heroic, decisive, orchestrating battle plans like a captain.

But back at the mansion, when it came to Orsted, she transformed into a petulant girl, a kitten guarding her treasure.

The stark contrast charmed Elenoir and the others.

Orsted found Lili's behavior endearing and gently ruffled her hair.

She instantly calmed, a hint of contentment on her face.

At that moment, Hestia's voice rang out from outside.

"I'm back, Orsted! Come help me move some stuff!"

"Moving stuff? What did Hestia-sama bring back?" Lili murmured, snapping out of her daze as curiosity piqued the group.

Everyone headed outside.

Opening the door, Orsted and the others saw Hestia holding several heavy books.

Behind her stood Eina, also carrying a stack of books.

A wooden cart behind them was piled high with more.

"Hestia, Eina, what's all this?" Orsted asked, voicing everyone's curiosity.

"Hehe, good stuff! Hurry and help move it inside," Hestia said with a grin, flashing her teeth, urging them along without explanation.

Orsted didn't press further.

He rallied others, and they began collecting the books from the cart into the mansion.

"Eina, what's going on?" Orsted asked quietly, sidling up to her as they worked.

"These are all intelligence," Eina replied, giving him a playful wink.

"Intelligence?"

---

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Chapter 106: Hestia's Hardwork(She's Too Excited)

Chapter 106 - Hestia's Hardwork(She's Too Excited)

"Orsted-sama, these are the adventure records of various large Familias."

"With this information, we can avoid many pitfalls in the future," Lili said excitedly, clutching a book in the room temporarily converted into a library.

"Is this really, okay?" Orsted asked, turning to Eina with a hint of concern.

He'd pieced together the situation.

Eina had resigned from the Guild and was set to join the Hestia Familia.

Most of these books were copies she'd made at the Guild, detailing dungeon explorations by various Familias, including extensive data on the lower and deep floors.

Normally, accessing information about the lower and deep floors required payment.

These information, hard-earned by major Familias, weren't free.

Only other prominent Familias could access them without cost.

Smaller groups like the Hestia Familia, with no contributions to those floors, had to pay.

There was no such thing as free information, and the Guild needed funds to operate.

Yet Eina had brought all this intelligence from the Guild.

"No problem," Eina said with a satisfied hum.

"This is a perk for Guild members. The Guild allows employees who've served to take some necessary information when they become adventurers."

"So, I copied everything and brought it here."

"That generous?" Orsted asked, skeptical.

"Otherwise, why do you think Guild staff are so sought after by major Familias?" Eina replied, chuckling.

"Every day, adventurers try to poach us. But hardly anyone who joins the Guild wants to become an adventurer, and resignations are rare-none in decades."

Orsted recalled his early days as an adventurer, frequenting the Guild.

Idle adventurers often flirted with staff, chatting and extending invitations.

He'd thought they were joking, but now he realized they were after this very benefit.

"The Guild only gives three days to copy, though," Eina continued.

"How much can you transcribe in that time? To take more, I've been copying non-stop for three days."

"My hands are practically broken. Orsted, you owe me a reward," she added playfully, leaning closer.

"Alright, name your reward," Orsted said with a smile, then raised an eyebrow.

"But copying this much in three days? That's unreal."

The volume of intelligence Eina brought was staggering.

Even working tirelessly, she couldn't have copied it all in three days-maybe a fifth at most.

"Oh, that?" Eina grinned. "I read most of it while at the Guild and wrote it down at home."

"As a rookie adventurer advisor, I had to know a lot, so I studied the Guild's intelligence guides."

"To retain it, I'd jot it down and review it at home. Over the years, it piled up."

"What I copied these past three days was mostly lower and deep-floor data. The upper and middle-floor info is from my notes over the years."

"That's some dedication," Orsted said, genuinely impressed.

"When I became an advisor, I had big dreams," Eina admitted.

"I wanted to mentor an adventurer who'd rise to first-class status. I worked hard for years, but it was disappointing."

"No standout adventurers emerged, and many died. Still, my efforts weren't wasted-I met you, Orsted."

"But rather than guiding a first-class adventurer, I'd prefer to adventure with you. I look forward to working together."

She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, her tone warm and sincere.

"Likewise, Eina," Orsted replied. "Oh, I need to find Hestia for my status update."

"Catch you later." With a nod, Eina left the room.

"Is this the surprise?" Orsted murmured, recalling Eina's hint after their date a few days ago.

He smiled faintly.

It was indeed a major surprise.

This intelligence would accelerate the Familia's growth and help avoid certain crises-a tremendous boon for an adventuring group.

Shifting his gaze, Orsted saw Lili, eyes gleaming as she pored over a book, and Tifa, quietly flipping through another.

The corners of his mouth lifted slightly.

He walked over, picked up a book, and began reading.

Meanwhile, in Hestia's room, her hands were nearly sparking from the effort.

The influx of new members was exciting, but updating their status was exhausting.

"Next!"

"Next!" Hestia's voice rang out every minute.

---

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Chapter 107: Adventuring Again

Chapter 107 - Adventuring Again

In the next few days, Orsted stayed in the Familia's mansion for five consecutive days.

In that time, Orsted finished crafting all the Grimoires and distributed them.

During this period, Hestia secured a new home, fully affordable with the Hestia Familia's current resources.

The new home was named Hearth Mansion.

After the purchase, the Hestia Familia relocated there.

Hestia also gathered many materials for crafting Grimoires from Babel, and Orsted obtained additional supplies from Demeter.

This ensured enough Grimoires for distribution.

Elenoir, the twenty elves, and Eina each received one.

Of the twenty-three Grimoires, twenty-two went to Eina, Senie, Elenoir, and the other elves, with the last given to Tifa.

Among Elenoir and the elves, fifteen awakened elemental magic, while five gained auxiliary magic.

Eina awakened lightning-based elemental magic.

Senie and Tifa both awakened auxiliary magic enhancing physique.

Orsted wasn't surprised by Tifa's physique enhancement, given her melee focus.

Senie, an esper who controlled wind, awakening a physique magic was unexpected, but Orsted said nothing.

It complemented her unique abilities.

On the sixth day, Orsted finally returned to the dungeon.

Before leaving, he entrusted the mage medal to Eina.

The medal required the holder and affected individuals to be in the same area for its blessings to apply.

Since Orsted wouldn't be adventuring with Lili and the others this time, he left it with Eina.

The decision to adventure solo was unanimous within the Hestia Familia, including Hestia.

Orsted's growth was too rapid, and constantly adventuring with Lili and the others would hinder him.

After a Familia meeting, they agreed Orsted should explore the middle or lower floors alone, without Lili and the others.

Lili and the others would guide Elenoir, Eina, and the new recruits from the upper to lower floors, fostering their growth.

Orsted's contributions-magic items and Grimoires-had already consumed much of his time.

He hadn't entered the dungeon for five days as of yesterday.

Continuing this way would only bog him down further.

Neither Hestia nor Lili wanted this, urging Orsted to focus on deeper floors to grow stronger, rather than spending time on them.

They'd catch up after growing stronger.

Even Eina, who joined to adventure with Orsted, shared this view.

She didn't want to burden him and aimed to adventure together once she was stronger.

Orsted would craft Grimoires and magic items when he had time, but not at the expense of his own progress.

After considering their arguments, Orsted agreed.

With over twenty new members, he was too busy to adventure.

Further expansion would consume all his time.

Ranking up quickly would benefit the Familia most.

"I'm off," Orsted said on the dungeon's third floor, waving to Lili and the others with a smile.

"Goodbye, Orsted!" Eina stood on her tiptoes, waving back.

"Don't overdo it," Tifa said, smiling as she waved.

"Orsted, don't go too deep," Eina cautioned, ever the rookie adventurer advisor.

"Orsted-sama, may your fortunes flourish," Elenoir and the other elves said, waving in turn.

"Safe travels, Orsted," Naaza added.

Orsted nodded, turned, and left.

"Orsted-sama's begun a new adventure. We need to work hard to follow his footsteps," Lili said, clenching her fists as Orsted's figure faded, her voice rallying the group.

"Oh!" Elenoir and the others responded in unison.

The group swept through the passage, dominating the upper floors with ease.

Meanwhile, Orsted, shortly after parting, began using Instant to speed through the dungeon.

His target was the floors beyond the eighteenth.

With Instant, he saw no need to linger.

Previously, he avoided using it to stay with Lili and the others.

Now alone, he prioritized efficiency.

After several uses of Instant, consuming most of his magic power, Orsted reached the 18th floor.

Glancing at the rebuilt Rivira, he headed toward the 19th floor entrance.

At the same time, on the deep 37th floor, the loki familia was preparing to return.

---

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Chapter 108: Another Sign In!

Chapter 108 - Another Sign In!

The monsters on the middle floors were no longer useful to Orsted.

They had some value when he was Level 2, but Orsted's Level 2 journey was completed alongside Riveria alone.

After leaving the 18th floor, he headed straight for the lower floors, bypassing the 18th to 24th floors entirely.

Having never ventured beyond the 19th floor, Orsted relied on the intelligence map Eina had provided.

It took over an hour to reach the lower floors, arriving at the 25th.

[Random sign-in triggered. Would the host like to sign in?]

Orsted: ...

Was it because he'd entered the lower floors?

No need to dwell on it.

'Sign in!'

[Sign-in successful. Congratulations to the host for obtaining the Falna Amplification Card!]

Falna Amplification Card: Designate an adventurer team to amplify. Those blessed by Falna receive a fivefold increase in status growth during adventures.

Orsted blinked, a wry smile forming.

The system seemed to be nudging him about the Hestia Familia's new members, as if it disapproved of them slowing him down.

Why else would it grant such a reward right after he left the team to adventure solo?

This card was a tool to accelerate the Hestia Familia's growth.

Lili and the others could now benefit from it.

Though it was only a fivefold increase compared to Orsted's tenfold boost, and limited to status improvement without affecting magic stones or drop items, it was still a massive advantage for the others.

Without hesitation, Orsted activated the reward.

He wanted the new members to grow quickly and join him in conquering the lower and deeper floors.

Adventuring alone long-term would be dull.

'Designate the Hestia Familia team!'

The card dissolved into specks of light and vanished.

Unbeknownst to Lili and the others on the upper floors, they'd received a boost.

They'd likely be thrilled when Hestia updated their status tonight.

Setting this aside, Orsted resumed his journey.

"I wonder if that monster rex, Amphisbaena, is still around," he mused, walking along the riverbank extending from the Great Falls.

"If it is, I can handle it with my strength."

"Even if I can't win, an excalibur shot could finish it. That'd secure the excelia needed to rank up from Level 3 to Level 4."

Starting from the 25th floor, a massive waterfall, dubbed the Great Falls by adventurers, dominated the landscape.

Spanning hundreds of meters wide and towering several times higher, its waters shimmered with azure light due to reflections, earning its name.

The falls flowed from the 25th to the 27th floor, flanked by downhill passages and stairs, where Orsted now walked.

The roaring water crashed endlessly, its sound filling the air, complemented by the blue glow-a scenic wonder for strong adventurers.

For the weak, it was a graveyard.

"Like those monsters from the river," Orsted said lightly, killing a group that emerged from the water.

The lower floors hosted Level 2 and Level 3 monsters.

Level 3 monsters offered some value, but Level 2 ones were useless to him.

As a group of blue-shelled merman crabs scuttled from a passage, Orsted barely paid attention.

These aquatic monsters, unique to the Water Labyrinth, were manageable even for Level 2 adventurers if their weaknesses were exploited.

To Orsted, they were trivial.

Collecting the magic stones, Orsted pulled out the material radar to gather resources while moving.

The more materials, the better.

Killing and collecting, he swiftly passed through the 27th floor and reached the 28th, a safe zone like the 18th.

Orsted had no intention of stopping, as it was still early, and he aimed for the 29th.

However, a particular material forced him to pause.

"Well, look at that," Orsted said, eyes gleaming at an ore embedded in the ground, faintly glowing.

It was mythril placer, a rare ore known but misunderstood.

Most saw it as decorative silver, valued for its nighttime fluorescence, rarely collected or traded.

Orsted, however, knew its true purpose: the primary material for crafting spatial storage magic items.

He'd programmed his material radar to detect it, and it had located the ore upon reaching this floor.

Wasting no time, Orsted used his old weapon as a makeshift shovel and began digging.

Soon, he unearthed a head-sized chunk of mythril placer.

Holding the ore, Orsted's had a satisfied smile.

He retrieved various materials from his backpack and started crafting a storage magic item on the spot.

The dungeon lacked storage solutions, relying on supporters to carry loot.

With storage magic items, the Hestia Familia could forgo supporters, relying solely on adventurers.

---

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Chapter 109: Loki Familia's Benefits

Chapter 109 - Loki Familia's Benefits

Magic items are the easiest to craft among the things Orsted has mastered.

He can create one in just five minutes. However, crafting storage magic items took twice as long-about ten minutes.

Examining the five rings in his hand, Orsted narrowed his eyes slightly.

"I'll call you Hestia's Rings. Naming them after Hestia feels fitting."

He slipped two onto his left hand's fingers and stored the remaining three in one of Hestia's Rings.

Glancing at his backpack, Orsted waved his hand, instantly transferring it into another Ring.

"Phew, no more lugging this around. Much lighter," he said, stretching with a relieved tone.

Patting his legs, Orsted stood and resumed his journey.

But before leaving the twenty-eighth floor, he encountered familiar figures.

"Orsted, didn't expect to run into you here," Finn said with a warm smile. "Heading to the deeper floors?"

"Orsted-san, it's been a while!" Tiona exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement.

"Ser Orsted, good to see you," Lefiya said, her enthusiasm tempered by elven reserve, though her eyes sparkled.

Tione, more composed, gave a nod and a simple, "Long time no see."

"Likewise," Orsted replied, greeting Tiona, Lefiya, and Tione before turning to Finn.

"The monsters on the middle and lower floors don't challenge me anymore, so I'm aiming for the deeper floors. Whether I go that far depends."

"I see," Finn nodded, understanding.

He'd learned of Orsted's unique strength from Ais recently and wasn't surprised he was on the lower floors, even expecting him to venture deeper.

"Where are Ais and Riveria?" Orsted asked, curious. Finn's group typically included them, but they were absent.

Realizing the answer mid-question, Orsted wondered if Ais was staying on the thirty-seventh floor, as in the anime, with Riveria accompanying her.

"Ais's situation is complicated," Finn said with a wry smile. "She wants to stay in the dungeon a day or two longer. Riveria's with her."

Finn and Riveria hadn't found a chance to guide Ais recently. He hoped Riveria would seize this opportunity.

"Got it. I might run into them then," Orsted said, nodding with a smile.

"If you do, please look out for them," Finn said earnestly. "If possible, join Ais and Riveria."

He was uneasy about leaving them in the deep floors, but Riveria had insisted, so he hadn't refused. Still, he worried.

Orsted's presence would reduce their risks significantly, given his strength. The memory of Orsted's golden torrent-a week ago, piercing the eighteenth floor's ceiling-lingered vividly.

"I'll team up with them if we cross paths," Orsted agreed without hesitation.

"Great, see you next time," Finn said. Orsted nodded to the others, passed them, and headed toward the passage to the twenty-ninth floor.

The group didn't leave immediately, watching Orsted vanish down the passage.

"Orsted-san's exactly like my ideal Argonaut," Tiona said dreamily once he was out of sight.

She hadn't witnessed Orsted's battles, but Ais had shared two incidents. First, as a Level 1, Orsted slew three Minotaurs.

Second, a week ago in Rivira's attack, Level 2 Orsted helped Ais defeat an adventurer even she struggled against, then unleashed a golden torrent that shattered the ceiling between the eighteenth and nineteenth floors.

That ceiling, part of a safe floor, wasn't easily broken-unless the dungeon itself acted. Yet Orsted had blasted through, causing the eighteenth floor's river to flood the nineteenth in a surreal spectacle.

These feats outshone the protagonists of heroic tales, captivating Tiona.

"Definitely," Tione agreed. Orsted's performance in Rivira matched the epic heroes of legend, especially that golden torrent.

"I wish Ser Orsted were in our Familia," Lefiya murmured.

"I'd love for him to be in the Loki Familia too, but we missed our chance," Finn said, a touch of regret in his voice. Orsted's potential was magnetic, even stirring envy in Finn.

With Orsted, the Loki Familia could surge past the Freya Familia within half a year, becoming Orario's top Familia.

Shaking his head, Finn urged, "Let's head back."

Tiona, Lefiya, and Tione turned, following Finn toward the surface.

---

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Chapter 110: Ais Fighting

Chapter 110 - Ais Fighting

On the other hand, after parting with Finn and the others, Orsted rushed to the deeper floors as quickly as possible.

Finn's group had just separated from Ais and Riveria, so the two likely hadn't yet encountered Udaeus.

If Orsted hurried, he might catch Ais battling Udaeus alone.

Driven by this goal, Orsted reached the thirty-seventh floor-the chamber of Monster Rex Udaeus-in just an hour.

Following Eina's map, Orsted navigated the thirty-seventh floor, searching for signs of Ais and Riveria. Soon, he found them.

"Orsted?" Riveria said, surprised to see him appear.

"Hey, long time no see," Orsted replied, waving with a smile.

"You're already tackling the deep floors," Riveria said, quickly regaining her composure and offering a warm nod.

Ais remained silent, giving only a slight nod. Her gaze lingered on Orsted, a flicker of melancholy in her eyes.

"I ran into Finn and the others on the way. They mentioned you were here, so I came," Orsted explained.

"Then let's adventure together," Riveria invited with a slight nod.

"Sure."

The three formed a party. Aside from her initial nod, Ais stayed quiet, springing into action the moment a monster appeared.

With a few swift strikes, she felled a Level 4 monster, before Orsted could act. He didn't comment.

Orsted understood Ais was grappling with inner turmoil, her heart heavy with complexity.

As a friend who'd fought beside her, he saw no reason to interfere. Only by defeating Udaeus alone, letting her pent-up emotions dissipate, and receiving Riveria's comfort might Ais return to her usual self.

So, Orsted refrained from fighting, instead chatting with Riveria while keeping an eye on Ais's safety.

"I'm sorry, Orsted," Riveria said, aware Ais's behavior was excessive, grateful Orsted didn't intervene.

"No need to apologize. I know Ais is struggling," Orsted said gently, shaking his head. "Are you planning to comfort her?"

"For now, Ais's issues can't be resolved," Riveria sighed. "We can only wait."

She'd long noticed the weight of depression in Ais. Until it lifted, no amount of persuasion would help. She'd known about Ais's fixation on Aria for a week but hadn't acted, waiting for the right moment. Ais's request to stay in the dungeon, with Riveria accompanying her, was to seize that chance. Yet, Ais remained unchanged.

Orsted didn't press the topic further. With little else to discuss, he and Riveria began exchanging magical knowledge.

During their talk, Riveria realized Orsted's understanding of magic far surpassed hers. Many terms he used were familiar yet elusive-she grasped their surface meaning but not their depth. After her initial shock, she accepted this as expected. Only those who've mastered Mystery and Mage to the extreme can craft Grimoires, and Orsted's prowess in both was likely unparalleled.

"Thank you for your guidance," Riveria said, offering a bag of magic stones. "This is my gratitude."

Orsted blinked, caught off guard. He hadn't expected payment. Their exchange felt like a mutual discussion, not a lesson. But he realized his expertise in magic far outstripped Riveria's-what seemed like a conversation was, to her, a masterclass.

Understanding this, Orsted accepted the bag without hesitation. "You're welcome."

"Orsted, may I seek your guidance on magical knowledge again?" Riveria asked, her eyes brightening. "I can pay as I did today."

Stronger Mage development amplified magic power and efficiency. Her brief exchange with Orsted had already yielded immense insight.

She couldn't pass up such a chance to grow. Riveria, ever humble, had once studied under Altena's revered Grimoire-crafting mage to learn their craft. Orsted's youth didn't deter her from seeking his wisdom.

"If I have time, sure," Orsted replied, slightly surprised but agreeable. Paid consultations were a fair deal.

"It's a deal," Riveria said eagerly, her tone firm to seal the agreement, as if fearing Orsted might reconsider.

Her expression-rarely so animated for the composed Nine Hell, Loki Familia's deputy captain and Orario's strongest mage-drew a slight smile from Orsted.

Ais, silent throughout, listened without interjecting.

A sudden roar echoed through the passage, and a massive black figure rose from the ground.

"Monster Rex Udaeus!" Riveria exclaimed, startled, instinctively shifting into a combat stance.

"Riveria, Orsted, let me handle it!" Ais, silent until now, finally spoke.

Drawing her Desperate, she charged at Udaeus.

---

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Chapter 111: Ais: Can I?

Chapter 111 - Ais: Can I?

[Random sign-in triggered. Would you like to sign in?]

Watching Ais charge toward the monster, Orsted paid little mind, focusing instead on the system prompt in his head.

The sign-in was random as ever.

It triggered when he entered the lower floors, but not the deep floors.

Now, with the appearance of Monster Rex Udaeus, the system prompted again.

What would he get this time?

'Sign in!'

[Sign-in successful. Congratulations to the host for obtaining a Random Summoning Card!]

'Another one,' Orsted muttered.

'Wonder who'll be summoned this time. I'll use it back on the surface. For now, let's hold off. No telling if the summoned character will be strong. Someone like Senie is fine-she'd hold her own here-but a weak one would be a burden.'

Glancing at the card in his system space, Orsted left it untouched and turned his attention back to Ais.

Something felt off with the surrounding mana. He noticed Riveria on high alert, ready to chant at any moment.

"Stay calm, Riveria," Orsted said softly. "This could be Ais's chance to vent her pent-up emotions."

Riveria froze, then nodded. Letting Ais face Udaeus alone might indeed help her release her inner turmoil. The thought lifted her spirits, though she remained poised to act.

Orsted stayed silent. He, too, wanted to challenge Udaeus-its defeat would secure the great feat needed to rank up from Level 3 to Level 4. But he held back. Ais was a friend, and she needed this fight to purge her distress. High-level excelia could wait; giving Ais this moment was rarer.

Orsted refused to become the kind of person he despised.

Udaeus, a Level 6 Monster Rex, outmatched Ais's Level 5 strength. Early in the battle, Udaeus dominated, pummeling Ais and tearing her clothes, nearly dislodging her breastplate. She dodged and fled, barely able to counterattack.

Soon, Udaeus landed a heavy blow, sending Ais tumbling across the ground, gravely injured.

"Ais!" Riveria cried, instinctively preparing a spell.

Orsted stopped her. Ais, rising from a half-squat, also spoke. "Don't, Riveria. I have to defeat it alone. Orsted, I'm counting on you, too." Blood trickled down her forehead, but she ignored it, pleading with them not to interfere.

Riveria hesitated, gripping her staff tightly, but ultimately relented, respecting Ais's resolve.

"Come on, Ais," Orsted said with an encouraging smile.

Ais didn't respond, her expression dazed, as if lost in memory. Her eyes hardened with determination. The next moment, Ariel erupted around her, and she surged forward.

This time, Ais unleashed her full potential. Amplified by Ariel, her speed, strength, and reflexes soared. She dodged Udaeus's Level 6 attacks with precision, countering swiftly. In two rounds, she severed one of its arms.

Roaring, Udaeus plunged a hand into the ground, drawing a massive black sword.

"Udaeus is using a weapon!" Riveria gasped, her eyes widening in disbelief.

This was unprecedented. Udaeus had been defeated many times, but never with a weapon. Orsted, however, knew why. In one-on-one duels, when at a disadvantage, Udaeus would wield this black sword-as it did against Ais in the anime, and later against Ottar, who claimed the sword.

The Goibniu Familia later forged it into a sword.

Even with the sword, Udaeus couldn't withstand Ais's onslaught. She struck it 353 times with Desperate, shattering its massive magic stone into sparkling particles that dissipated in the air.

Orsted winced-such a stone could've fetched over 100 million Valis.

But it was Ais's victory, and he had no claim. Fortunately, Udaeus dropped items, including that black sword, which Ais gave to Orsted.

He accepted it gladly, having stepped aside for her sake.

"Thank you, Orsted," Ais said softly, gratitude in her eyes.

Orsted smiled and nodded.

After slaying Udaeus, Ais achieved her goal but earned a stern, motherly scolding from Riveria, who healed her while lecturing. Orsted watched quietly, staying out of it.

Under Riveria's guidance and comfort, Ais emerged from her depression, her face free of its former gloom.

But the moment she recovered, Ais approached Orsted. "Orsted, can I spar with you in the future?"

"Eh? Sure," Orsted agreed, caught off guard but pleased. Sparring with Ais would benefit him, too.

---

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Chapter 112: Luck

Chapter 112 - Luck

Even though she defeated Udaeus at Level 5, Ais remained unsatisfied.

She had seen Orsted, at Level 2, confront the red-haired female adventurer she found formidable, unleashing a devastating attack to finish her off.

Ais wanted to understand the source of Orsted's strength.

This curiosity began when she first met Orsted on the eighteenth floor, before encountering the red-haired adventurer.

She'd planned to follow Orsted into the dungeon often, seeking a chance to spar with him.

But subsequent events, including the adventurer's attack, sidelined her intentions, leaving no room to reconnect or propose sparring.

Now, with those events behind her, Ais was ready to pursue her goal.

For Orsted, sparring with Ais was highly beneficial. It accelerated his development abilities beyond his level.

At Level 2, Orsted had sparred with Level 5 Ais.

Now at Level 3, the benefits from sparring with her would be less.

But that didn't matter. Once Ais returned to the surface and had Loki update her status, she'd likely rank up to Level 6, restoring the three-level gap.

The excelia from overcoming such a disparity would remain substantial.

Even if Ais hadn't suggested it, Orsted would've found a way to propose it.

Since learning that sparring with higher-level adventurers could boost development abilities, Orsted had considered this strategy, even contemplating a match with Ottar.

After Udaeus's defeat, Ais stopped fighting, leaving Orsted to handle the monsters.

Previously, he'd been focused on finding Ais and Riveria, ignoring the monsters he encountered.

Now, on the deep floors, he unleashed his full strength.

"Incredible," Riveria said, awestruck. "I'd heard Orsted was powerful, but seeing it myself-he's extraordinary. What's his secret? Could he truly be a hero from the tales?"

Ais, however, was lost in thought, murmuring, "Orsted's grown stronger again."

When they fought the red-haired adventurer together, Orsted's strength was at most strongest Level 4.

Now, he displayed the prowess of a first-class adventurer-close to her own Level 5, though not quite equal.

Only a week had passed since their last encounter.

In just seven days, Orsted had grown immensely.

The gap between adventurer levels was significant.

While a strongest Level 4 might hold their own against a Level 5, a serious Level 5 would quickly overpower them.

Yet Orsted, still Level 3, now rivaled a Level 5 without faltering.

"How did you get so strong?" Ais whispered, watching Orsted dispatch monsters with ease.

Her fascination with Orsted deepened.

Riveria overheard this time, observing Ais's entranced expression in silence.

"Has Orsted ranked up again?" Riveria wondered quietly.

Whether he had or hadn't, it was staggering. If he was still Level 3 with first-class adventurer strength, that was remarkable.

If he'd ranked up to Level 3, having gone from Level 1 to Level 2 and now to Level 3 in under half a month, the speed was even more shocking.

Riveria kept her thoughts to herself.

If Orsted didn't share his status, speculating aloud could strain their rapport.

Unaware of Ais and Riveria's musings, Orsted focused on collecting magic stones. His luck held strong-just a dozen monsters yielded two drop items.

"You're incredibly lucky," Riveria said, snapping out of her reverie with a smile.

"Congratulations."

"This is just the start," Orsted replied, grinning. "There's more to surprise you."

"Really? I'm looking forward to it," Riveria said, her curiosity piqued.

Ais, too, was drawn in by Orsted's words.

Soon, they understood his meaning.

As Orsted slew monsters, drop items piled up relentlessly, leaving Riveria and Ais nearly speechless.

"Riveria, am I dreaming?" Ais murmured, watching Orsted pick up yet another drop item.

"No, it's real," Riveria replied, her voice dazed.

---

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Chapter 113: Hestia's Rings!

Chapter 113 - Hestia's Rings!

"What happened to you?" In the Twilight Manor, Finn, Loki, and Gareth stared at Ais and Riveria, who sat dazed on the sofa.

After exchanging glances, they voiced their concern.

Ais and Riveria had returned an hour ago but had been sitting in a trance, doing nothing. This baffled Loki, Finn, and the others.

At the door, Tione, Tiona, and Lefiya peeked in like curious squirrels.

Nearby, Bete leaned against the wall, one foot propped up, arms crossed, eyes closed. His wolf ears twitched occasionally, betraying his attention.

"Hey, Finn, how many drop items can someone typically get in a day on the deep floors?" Riveria snapped out of her daze, turning to Finn and Loki with a complex expression.

"Depends on luck," Finn replied, pondering.

"If you're lucky, maybe five or six drop items after a full day of fighting."

"Orsted fought just a few battles and got over a dozen drop items," Ais said, speaking for Riveria.

"On the way back, he picked up nearly eighty more."

Silence fell over the office.

It lasted two seconds before Tiona, eavesdropping at the door, burst out, "You're kidding!"

"I'm not, Tiona," Ais said earnestly. "I saw the drop items from the monsters Orsted killed with my own eyes."

The office went quiet again.

Finn broke the silence with a strained laugh. "Haha, seems Orsted's got some serious luck."

Truthfully, he was burning with envy for the Hestia Familia, tempted to poach Orsted.

His talent was staggering-ranking up from a rookie in half a month, matching Ais's Level 5 strength at Level 2 with strongest Level 4 combat power, crafting magic items and Grimoires at Level 2, and now displaying terrifying luck.

He was a heaven-blessed prodigy.

Why wasn't he in the Loki Familia?

As captain, Finn suppressed the urge. "It's beyond good luck-it's insane," Loki growled, teeth gritted.

She'd been stunned by Orsted's fortune, then hit with the realization he belonged to Hestia's Familia.

The thought of such a perfect adventurer in Hestia's camp made her seethe, itching to storm the Hestia Familia and vent her jealousy.

The others, seeing Loki's reaction, found it unsurprising.

Orsted's name had come up often, and they all knew the feud between their goddess and Hestia.

Loki's agitation was expected; calmness would've been odd.

Riveria, shaken from her fixation on Orsted's luck by Loki's outburst, smiled and shook her head. "By the way, Finn, I have something to show you." She reached into her cloak and pulled out a ring.

"A magic item?" Finn asked, puzzled.

"This is Hestia's Ring, a storage magic item Orsted made. I bought it from him for 100 million Valis," Riveria explained.

"Hestia's what!?" Loki added world-by-word.

Finn's eyes widened. "How much can it hold?"

"T-this..."

"I'm not sure yet, but Orsted said it can store supplies the size of our room," Riveria said, shaking her head.

"To the warehouse!" Finn declared, standing abruptly.

The others followed suit, even Tione, Tiona, and Lefiya straightening up.

The group marched to the Twilight Manor's warehouse.

The warehouse guards, startled by the arrival of their Familia's leaders, relaxed only after Finn assured them nothing was wrong.

But Finn and the others ignored them, focused on their goal.

Inside, Finn urged, "Riveria."

"I know," Riveria said, their long partnership making words unnecessary.

She activated Hestia's Ring.

A suction force erupted, pulling items into the ring. In two minutes, a third of the warehouse's supplies vanished, filling the ring.

Finn's eyes narrowed, a grin spreading across his face. "No more supply issues for expeditions."

"Orsted's incredible," Loki said, her smile genuine despite praising a rival's Familia member.

"I'll contact suppliers to stock up for the next expedition," Gareth said calmly, then left the warehouse.

"Hey, Riveria, does Orsted have more Hestia's Rings?" Finn asked, turning to her with anticipation.

One was great, but more would be better. The price? No issue.

"I tried to buy more, but Orsted only sold me one. They must be rare," Riveria said uncertainly.

"I'll find him!" Finn vowed.

Meanwhile, Orsted, traveling with Ais and Riveria, returned to Hearth Mansion.

It was daytime, and only Hestia was home, the others in the dungeon.

Surprised to see Orsted back so early, Hestia pounced, wrapping herself around him.

"Orsted, you're back!"

"I'm back, Hestia," he said, steadying her.

"Since you're back early, go on a date with me!" Hestia chirped.

"A date? Sure."

---

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Chapter 114: Tearful Lefiya

Chapter 114 - Tearful Lefiya

The date with Hestia was ruined by those goddesses, and Orsted felt he owed her a proper one.

After all, his date with Eina had gone smoothly, and their last ruined date, after their lovemaking, had left him determined to make it up to her.

Surprisingly, Hestia asked him out again before he could suggest it. Orsted had no reason to refuse.

Unbeknownst to him, their date would face relentless interruptions, doomed to fail.

"Hey, Orsted, does this dress look good?" Hestia twirled in a light blue dress, stopping to face Orsted with expectant eyes. Their first stop was a clothing store.

"You'd look stunning in anything, Hestia," Orsted said, his smile warm with admiration.

Though petite, Hestia was a natural clothes hanger. Her curvaceous figure-full bust, slim waist, and long legs-paired with her radiant face made any outfit dazzling. To Orsted, she was breathtaking.

Initially, he'd viewed Hestia with the awe one feels for a goddess from his past life's anime. But after their lovemaking and the ruined date that followed, his perspective shifted. Now, he saw her as a woman, a girlfriend, and he cherished this new Hestia deeply.

"Hehe," Hestia giggled, her face lighting up with joy at his praise.

She slipped into the fitting room, changed back, and had the clerk pack the dress while picking another to try on.

The Hestia Familia was flush with wealth. Even before, with just Orsted and a few others, his tenfold boost and uncanny luck had raked in fortunes.

Now, with over twenty new members, the boost persisted, amplified by material radars Orsted crafted for Lili and the others.

Add in the magic items he'd sold, and the Familia's assets exceeded a billion Valis.

Hestia could splurge without restraint, short of absurdity. Even Hearth Mansion had been bought outright.

Soon, Hestia emerged in a new outfit: a trendy wide shirt and hot pants. The ensemble gave her a pure, sweet aura, accentuated by her twirling ribbons.

"Looks amazing," Orsted said, his admiration unreserved, a hint of captivation in his eyes.

"Hehe," Hestia beamed, delighted.

As she prepared to try another outfit, a voice Hestia loathed interrupted.

"Little runt, you're here too?"

Orsted and Hestia turned to see Loki sauntering toward them, hands on hips, exuding mischief. Behind her trailed Ais, Tione, Tiona, and Lefiya.

Loki's eyes locked on Hestia, ignoring Orsted entirely. Hestia mirrored her, and the two instantly descended into bickering and grappling.

Orsted sighed, knowing the date was over-ruined again.

"Sorry, Orsted," Tione said, offering an awkward smile.

She could tell Orsted and Hestia were on a date, but Loki had spotted them and charged over despite their attempts to stop her.

"It's fine," Orsted said, waving it off with a wry smile. "They're fated to clash on sight. I'm used to it."

At the Monster Feria, he'd whisked Hestia away from Freya partly to avoid Loki. If Loki had seen Hestia, she'd have ditched Freya to provoke her, ruining their day.

"Yep, doomed rivals," Tiona said, laughing, hands behind her head.

Lefiya looked conflicted, as if she wanted to speak to Orsted but hesitated.

Before she could, a sultry yet gentle voice cut through. "Oh my, Hestia, Loki, shopping for clothes too?"

All eyes turned to a silver-haired goddess in a shimmering dress, smiling warmly-Freya, the Goddess of Beauty. Behind her stood a towering figure, Ottar, Orario's strongest adventurer, guarding her silently like a sentinel.

"Freya?" Loki blurted, startled. "What are you doing here?"

"Hey, Freya, long time no see," Hestia said casually, waving.

Freya returned the smile. "Need fashion advice, Hestia?" she asked, deftly inserting herself into the goddesses' spat.

The tension dissolved instantly, leaving Tiona stunned. "Whoa, no more fighting?"

"Good thing, though," Tione said, chuckling.

Lefiya, interrupted by Freya, glanced at her goddess before turning to Orsted, eager to greet him.

But another voice cut in, halting her words and pushing the anxious elf to the brink of tears.

---

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Chapter 115: Hermes

Chapter 115 - Hermes

"Are you Orsted?" A gentle male voice reached their ears.

Unlike before, this voice was soft but distinctly masculine.

Orsted and the others turned to see a blonde man in a feathered hat, his face kind, approaching them.

A blue-haired girl with glasses trailed behind.

"Hermes-sama," Tione called out.

"Hermes, what're you doing here?" Tiona asked bluntly, skipping formalities.

It was Hermes, the God of Messengers, a wandering deity known for his restlessness.

"Asfi wanted to buy clothes, so as her patron god, I tagged along," Hermes said with a smile.

Behind him, Asfi rolled her eyes.

'You wanted to check out Orsted and used me as an excuse, you jerk,' she thought.

Tiona and the others caught the gesture, instantly seeing through Hermes's lie.

They knew he was here for Orsted.

"Hermes," Orsted said, nodding politely but coolly.

He didn't care for Hermes.

The god was a troublemaker, stirring chaos everywhere.

In the anime, Hermes was behind the Goliath, the Ishtar Familia's kidnapping of Bell, and the Xenos incident.

Orsted wanted no part of him, keeping his courtesy distant.

Hermes sensed Orsted's resistance-the forced smile was too obvious.

His own smile faltered.

Trouble. First meeting, and he's already wary.

Why? He'd hoped to chat and build rapport, but now he felt a headache brewing.

"Hermes, come join us?" Freya called, waving from nearby.

Hermes froze.

'Crap, Freya's watching.'

This just got worse. Though reluctant, he plastered on a smile and walked over.

"Hermes, what brings you here?" Hestia asked, her tone dripping with disdain.

"When did you get back?" Loki added, smirking. She knew Hermes's knack for mischief, only slightly less than her own.

He'd been gallivanting outside Orario-why return now, and why target the Hestia Familia?

"Asfi needed clothes, so I came along," Hermes repeated, slipping into the goddesses' conversation.

"Liar," Tiona muttered.

"Why not call him God of Lies instead of Messengers?" Tione suggested.

"I'd go further," Asfi said, adjusting her glasses.

"God of Scoundrels fits better."

"Perfect!" Tiona's eyes sparkled.

"How about God of Troublemakers?" Orsted joined in, intrigued.

"Even better," Tione agreed, grinning.

"No, no," Asfi countered, shaking her head.

Their loud banter echoed through the store, audible to everyone, including Hestia.

Hermes's mouth twitched, his embarrassment palpable.

Asfi, I'm your patron god! Do you have to roast me like this? I have dignity!

"Pfft!" Hestia burst out laughing.

"Sorry, Hermes, I usually hold it in, but this is too much."

"Let me laugh for a minute. Even your own captain's dragging you."

Loki's grin stretched wide, nearly rivaling Apollo's.

"Oh, Hermes," she chuckled.

Freya, more refined, covered her mouth, giggling softly.

Hermes: "..."

As evening fell, the scene shifted.

"That's it! Bye, Freya, Hermes, flat-chested Loki!" Hestia called.

"Who're you calling flat-chested, little runt?!" Loki snapped.

"Let me at her-I'll crush that runt!"

"Calm down, Loki," Hermes said.

"Look at me, roasted by my kids all day, and I'm not mad."

"You're not the same! She's a runt!"

"They're gone, Loki," Freya noted.

"Hmph, I'll let it slide this time, but next time I'll squash that runt's assets," Loki huffed.

"Ais, Tione, Tiona, Lefiya, let's go."

Hestia and Loki departed with their Familias, leaving only Hermes and Freya.

"I'll head back, Freya," Hermes said, sensing trouble and eager to slip away.

"Wait, Hermes," Freya smiled and added.

"It's been a while. Let's find a place to catch up."

"Can I say no?"

"Of course not."

---

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Chapter 116: He's special

Chapter 116 - He's special

"Hey, what happened to make you ditch your travel plans and come back?"

In a private room of a tavern, Freya leaned on the table, eyeing Hermes with a playful smirk.

Before he could answer, she continued,

"Don't tell me you're after Orsted."

Her eyes glinted coldly, and Hermes knew a wrong answer could unleash her wrath.

Still, he opted for honesty.

"Haha, sorry, I came back for Orsted," he admitted with a sheepish grin.

"Give me one reason not to tear into you."

"It's about Zeus and Hera's Familias," Hermes began.

"After those Familias fell, an elf couple from Zeus and Hera's ranks poured everything-magic, skills, their lives-into enhancing Orsted's potential."

"They died two years after his birth, asking Zeus to stay out of his life."

"Zeus guarded Orsted's village from afar until recently, when Orsted slipped away."

"He tracked me down, begging me to find him."

"I agreed, and soon learned Orsted became an adventurer, ranking up in under half a month."

Hermes knew this from Zeus, believing the elf couple's sacrifice explained Orsted's rapid growth.

"Zeus and Hera? So Orsted's tied to that old geezer and that hag," Freya mused, the chill in her eyes softening.

Knowing Hermes meant no harm to Orsted, she relaxed.

"Alright, Hermes, you can approach him, but on one condition."

"What?"

Hermes groaned, rubbing his forehead as he walked down a dark street.

***

"Orsted's the heir of Zeus and Hera's Familias."

"Why do I, tasked by Zeus to look after him, need to meet some unrelated goddess's terms to get near him?"

"Hermes-sama, this is already a win," Asfi replied, her tone dripping with scorn.

"Given Lady Freya's track record, you're lucky she didn't send you back to Tenkai."

Their patron god's knack for trouble promised a hectic future for their Familia.

"Don't be so harsh, Asfi," Hermes forced a smile.

Meanwhile, Freya, now in a flowing skirt, lounged on her throne, legs crossed, swirling a wine glass.

"What do you think, Ottar?" she murmured, as if to herself.

"A pure warrior, brimming with fighting spirit. A formidable foe," Ottar replied, his voice low from the shadows, a rare spark of battle lust in his usually stoic eyes.

From the moment he saw Orsted, Ottar sensed an intense thurst for fighting.

It had been over a decade since he'd felt such fervor-last seen in the Zeus and Hera Familias' champions, who crushed him in his youth.

They'd shown him what true strength meant.

Over the years, Ottar had chased their shadows, closing the gap but never catching up.

Even now, at his peak, he felt inferior to those four legends.

To encounter such thing in Orsted was thrilling.

He yearned to challenge Orsted, to clash in a fierce duel.

But he restrained himself.

He was no longer the reckless youth of fifteen or seven years ago.

His strength far outstripped Orsted's, and suppressing it for a fight wouldn't satisfy him.

He'd wait for Orsted to grow-or join him as an ally.

"As expected, Orsted's special."

She narrowed her eyes.

"Ottar, how strong is Orsted now?"

"He's beyond Level 4's limits, among the strongest at that rank," Ottar said after a pause.

"I see. Alfia's legacy, perhaps," Freya murmured.

"Ottar, I have a task for you."

---

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Chapter 117: Her Rank Up

Chapter 117 - Her Rank Up

Orsted didn't know what Freya was planning.

He was carrying bags, trailing Hestia as she skipped toward Hearth Mansion.

"Today's date got messed up again, but I'm still happy," Hestia said, stopping abruptly.

She turned, hands behind her back, beaming at Orsted.

Orsted sighed softly, his tone gentle. "Let's try another date soon."

Two dates in a row had been ruined, and he doubted Hestia was as cheerful as she appeared.

He was determined to make it right.

"Deal!" Hestia chirped.

Who'd complain about more dates with someone they loved?

If Orsted didn't need to adventure in the dungeon, she'd drag him out daily.

But she wasn't that greedy.

Hestia stopped skipping, sidled up to Orsted, and hugged his arm, leaning against him with a content smile.

Orsted smiled back, unresisting, and they strolled to Hearth Mansion.

It was late, and when they arrived, Lili and the others were already back, gathered in the hall.

"Orsted-sama, you're back!" Lili greeted him first.

"Hey," Orsted said, setting the bags down and ruffling Lili's head gently.

"Hehe," Lili giggled, basking in the affection.

Despite being fifteen, she acted like a child around Orsted.

Tifa and the others smiled at the scene, then turned to Hestia, who was grinning beside Orsted.

"Hestia, it's time to update our status," Tifa said.

"Hm, it's been two days. Let's do it," Hestia agreed.

"Everyone, to my room."

"Yes, Hestia-sama!" the group replied.

Hestia grabbed her shopping bags and bounded off.

"Orsted-sama, Lili's gonna get her status updated. I'll be back to hang out after," Lili said reluctantly, trailing the others.

"See you later, Orsted-sama," Elenoir called.

"Catch you soon, Orsted," Tifa added, waving as they followed Hestia.

As the living room emptied, Orsted raised an eyebrow.

"Hestia's reaction was off this afternoon. Now I get it-she didn't update their status last night."

Yesterday, Orsted had used the Falna Amplification Card on their team, boosting their growth fivefold during adventures.

Hestia would've noticed the spike during updates and been eager to share the shock.

Her excitement when he returned made sense, but asking for a date instead of mentioning it was odd.

It clicked-she hadn't updated their status yet, so she didn't know.

Sure enough, Hestia's startled shout echoed from her room.

Orsted smirked and headed to his workshop.

He'd gathered plenty of materials today and needed to craft them into magic items.

Tomorrow, he'd take a half-day to forge weapons, using Udaeus's black sword to make something for Ais.

"Tifa, Level 2!" Hestia's voice rang out.

Orsted paused.

After him and Lili, Tifa was the Hestia Familia's third Level 2.

Grinning, he set down his tools, left the workshop, and headed for Hestia's room.

He didn't know Hestia, Tifa, and the others were also buzzing about this.

They met at a corridor corner.

"Orsted, Tifa wants your help picking her development ability," Hestia said, beaming.

"Which one's best?" Tifa asked softly, handing over her status parchment.

"I'm thinking Leap like you and Lili. What do you say?"

Orsted glanced at it.

[

[Name]: Tifa Lockhart

[Level]: 1

Strength: S999

Endurance: S999

Dexterity: S999

Agility: S999

Magic: S999

[Magic]:

Berserker

[Skill]:

[Developement Ability]: Fighter, Hunter, Level Leap

]

"Pick Leap," he said.

---

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Chapter 118: Hug me

Chapter 118 - Hug me

Tifa had ranked up, choosing Leap as her development ability, just like Orsted and Lili.

Leap was a powerful ability.

After updating Tifa's status, Hestia was bursting to share her excitement with Orsted.

"Orsted, Orsted, you won't believe this! Something happened to Elenoir and the others today."

"Their basic abilities are at F now, and even their magic hit G. If they keep this up, they'll reach S in about ten days!"

As Hestia spoke, Elenoir and the others beamed with pride.

A thousand-point boost in just two days of adventuring-who wouldn't be thrilled?

"Alright, don't get too full of yourselves," Orsted said, frowning at their smug looks.

"Your progress is thanks to me."

He hadn't planned to bring it up, but their pride needed checking.

After a moment's thought, he decided to reveal the Falna Amplification Card.

Elenoir and the others were stunned, barely believing it.

Such a thing existed?

But since it came from Orsted, whom they adored, their initial disbelief faded.

They trusted he wouldn't lie to dampen their spirits.

No wonder their updates showed such a leap from the day before.

Yet, far from disappointed, they felt warmed and proud.

Their captain, Orsted, had crafted this powerful ability to boost their growth, showing how much he valued them.

How could they not feel cherished and honored?

"Hehe, my Orsted's the best!" Hestia, unfazed, flung herself into Orsted's arms, nuzzling him with pride.

"Hestia-sama, stop hugging Orsted-sama! Lili's jealous!" Lili tugged at Hestia's foot, trying to pull her off.

"Oh, Lili, Tifa, these are for you," Orsted said, chuckling as he patted Hestia's head.

He pulled out the last two Hestia's Rings and handed them to Lili and Tifa.

Of the five rings he'd made, Orsted kept two, sold one to Riveria, and now gave these to Lili and Tifa.

Lili's eyes sparkled as she snatched one, slipping it onto her ring finger with a dreamy look, picturing a romantic scene.

Orsted: ...Uh.

Tifa calmly took hers and put it on.

Elenoir and the others' eyes lit up, as if struck by an idea.

"Orsted, I want a ring too!" Hestia spun around, spotting the rings on Lili and Tifa.

A spark of envy flared as she glared at Orsted.

Sensing trouble, Orsted quickly explained Hestia's Ring's storage function.

The clarification calmed the room.

"But I still want one," Hestia insisted. "Make me a ring, Orsted."

"Then make one for me too, Ser Orsted," Senie said, smirking from the sidelines.

"Orsted, me too," Eina chimed in.

"Elenoir wants one!" Elenoir added.

"I'd like one..."

"Orsted-sama..."

Senie's request triggered a cascade.

Eina, Elenoir, and the others clamored for rings, unrelenting in their demands.

Overwhelmed, Orsted promised to make one for each, finally quelling the uproar.

"Hey, Orsted-sama," Lili said, studying her ring.

"You mentioned mythril is found in the dungeon, though rare, right? Why not commission the Guild to collect it?"

Orsted blinked. The Guild! Why hadn't he thought of that? Commissions could solve everything.

"Lili, can you handle it?" he asked, eager to delegate.

Hestia's Rings were too valuable-the more, the better.

"Leave it to Lili, Orsted-sama!" Lili replied, buzzing with enthusiasm.

"I'll go with you to the Guild tomorrow," Eina said, smiling at Lili.

"Sure, but why're you going, Eina?" Lili asked, curious.

Eina's visits usually had a purpose.

"I want to convince Misha to join us and snag more Guild intel," Eina said, adjusting her glasses.

"Brilliant!" Orsted exclaimed.

"Eina, I'll make you shorthand pens-magic items that work without magic, perfect for copying info fast."

"You can get Misha to use them for intel."

Eina: "..."

"Of course you'd think of exploiting loopholes, Orsted," she said, half-exasperated, half-amused.

---

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Chapter 119: Hephaestus Familia?

Chapter 119 - Hephaestus Familia?

After chatting with Hestia and the others, Orsted dove back into crafting magic items.

Hestia and the group knew he was swamped, so they left him undisturbed.

Orsted used up all the materials he'd gathered over the past two days, along with those from Lili and the others, including drop items.

He didn't stop until one in the morning.

"This should be enough," Orsted muttered, eyeing the dozens of rings on the workbench.

With a wave, he swept them into Hestia's Ring, stood, and left the workshop.

In his bedroom, Orsted washed up in the attached bathroom, dried his hair, and collapsed into sleep.

The next morning, he left Hearth Mansion for the forge he'd bought from Hephaestus.

Before heading there, he stopped by the Hephaestus shop to find Tsubaki.

"She's not here?" Orsted said.

"Then please pass a message. If Tsubaki returns this morning, tell her to meet me at the forge. If it's the afternoon, have her come to Hearth Mansion."

He was speaking to Hephaestus Familia adventurer who managed their material inventory.

Tsubaki had asked him to craft some magic items, which he'd finished but hadn't delivered.

Now was the perfect time.

"Got it. I'll tell the captain when she's back," the adventurer replied.

Besides finding Tsubaki, Orsted was there to buy materials from the Hephaestus Familia.

He'd spend the morning forging, starting with Udaeus's black sword, then studying the Durandal Magic Sword, which required plenty of resources.

Nodding, Orsted left with a hefty bag of materials.

Hephaestus, like Tsubaki, wasn't at the shop, and no one knew where she'd gone.

Orsted didn't mind.

At his private forge, he got to work.

Since Hephaestus and Tsubaki last saw his skills-when he forged a magic sword-Orsted hadn't touched a furnace.

Yet, his expertise remained sharp.

He fired up the furnace, and as it roared to life, he pulled out Udaeus's black sword and began his second forging.

The black sword was a rare material Orsted wouldn't waste on experiments.

This time, he was crafting weapons.

The drop item was large enough for two weapons.

With auxiliary materials, they'd be first-tier.

Orsted had also bought orichalcum and adamantite from the Hephaestus Familia.

He aimed to forge two first-tier Durandal weapons, rivaling Ais's Desperate.

With his EX Blacksmith, only Hephaestus could match or surpass him.

Same with Goibniu.

Tsubaki needed one or two days for a first-tier weapon.

Tiona's Urga took multiple blacksmiths days of sleepless work.

Ottar's sword was even tougher.

But for Orsted, a first-tier weapon took one to two hours.

And he forged two simultaneously.

In two hours, a short and longsword gleamed on the table.

"The short one's for Lili, the long one for Eina," Orsted decided.

Lili was his first companion, and Eina had supported him early on.

He saw no favoritism in this.

Others, knowing his bonds, wouldn't object.

Storing the swords in Hestia's Ring, Orsted grabbed materials for the Durandal Magic Swords.

It required altering the sword's structure, material synthesis, and special techniques.

Orsted didn't know how Welf crafted it in the anime or what methods he used.

Here, he planned to blend Mystery, Blacksmith, and mage.

With materials prepped, Orsted dove into his research.

Meanwhile, at Hearth Mansion, Hestia, unusually homebound, was hosting two surprising guests.

"I never expected Finn the Braver and Riveria the Nine Hell to visit. Quite a rare occasion," Hestia said, smiling as she served them tea and sat across from them.

She knew Orsted had ties with the Loki Familia, like Ais, but Finn, the captain, and Riveria, the deputy, visiting was unexpected.

"Thank you," Finn said, politely acknowledging the tea.

"We're here to see Orsted. We have something to discuss."

"Really? That's a shame-he's at Hephaestus's place," Hestia said, nodding before her expression turned regretful.

"Hephaestus Familia?" Finn and Riveria exchanged puzzled glances.

"Why's he there?" Riveria asked after a brief hesitation.

"Hmph, Orsted's crafting equipment."

Take that!

Be jealous that I've got an all-star like Orsted in my Familia, hehe!

---

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Chapter 120: What? Sign In Again!

Chapter 120 - What? Sign In Again!

"Let Loki come next time," Hestia smiled at Finn and Riveria as they walked away.

Finn and Riveria exchanged glances, looking a bit amused.

Hestia was a perfect foil for their own mischievous Loki.

At the mansion's entrance, Hestia watched them fade into the distance, ready to head inside.

But a gentle voice stopped her.

"Hestia-sama?"

"Who're you?" Hestia turned, eyeing a girl with long curly hair, hands clasped behind her back.

"I'm Aerith Gainsborough, a friend of Orsted's," the girl said.

"I just arrived in Orario and heard he's with your Familia. May I join, Hestia-sama?"

"Orsted's friend?" Hestia's eyes lit up.

"Absolutely, come in! I'll engrave your Falna right away." She grabbed Aerith's hand, excitedly pulling her inside.

Meanwhile, in Orsted's forge within Hephaestus Familia territory, he was deep into studying the Durandal Magic Sword.

His hands paused as a new memory surfaced.

"Aerith?"

Orsted had meant to use yesterday's Random Summoning Card after returning to the surface.

Hestia's date request sidetracked him, and Tifa's rank-up and crafting kept him busy.

This morning, he'd remembered and used it after leaving Hearth Mansion, but nothing happened.

Senie's delayed appearance had prepared him for this, so he stayed calm.

He hadn't expected the summoned character to emerge now-Aerith.

The new memory was jarring.

When he summoned Tifa, Orsted gained memories of growing up with her.

In those, he vanished from her sight, summoned to this world, or so Tifa believed.

But this new memory added a sequel: after disappearing, Orsted didn't arrive in Danmachi directly.

Instead, he appeared elsewhere in Final Fantasy, meeting Aerith and forging a close bond.

Only after that did the system bring him here.

The vivid memories made Orsted rub his forehead.

"Feels too real, like I lived it."

He shook it off. "If I have these memories, Aerith's likely here, probably with Hestia."

"The summoning card would've drawn her to me otherwise."

"Still, if she doesn't show up by the time I finish this sword, I'll look for her."

Muttering, Orsted resumed forging the Durandal Magic Sword-his second attempt after rethinking his approach.

Not long after, two figures entered the forge.

"This one's more refined than the last, distinct from a standard magic sword," Tsubaki said, picking up Orsted's first attempt and running her palm over it.

"Orsted, are you working on a Durandal Magic Sword?"

"Yeah, I've got some time today, so I'm experimenting," Orsted replied.

"Tsubaki, give me a moment. I'll hand over your magic items after this sword's done."

"Orsted, with forging skills like yours, why not join my Familia?" Hephaestus, who'd arrived with Tsubaki, teased as she watched him work.

Orsted froze mid-hammer, looking up at Hephaestus with an odd expression.

His sudden pause startled Hephaestus and Tsubaki.

Tsubaki had spoken earlier, and Orsted hadn't even glanced up.

Why react to Hephaestus?

"Orsted, you're not actually considering it, are you?" Tsubaki exclaimed.

"No, no," Hephaestus said quickly, flustered.

"I adore you, but you're Hestia's child. I can't take you into my Familia."

"That was a joke-don't take it seriously."

Orsted snapped out of it, shaking his head with a grin.

"You're overthinking it. I just remembered something funny."

'Funny, alright,' he thought.

'The moment Hephaestus spoke, the system triggered a sign-in."

'Third time now. Does the system have a crush on her or what?'

---

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Chapter 121: Finn: Why isn't he in loki familia?

Chapter 121 - Finn: Why isn't he in loki familia?

Seeing that Orsted had no intention of switching Familias, Hephaestus exhaled in relief.

She admired Orsted deeply-his forging skills surpassed even Tsubaki's. As the goddess of forging, how could she not be drawn to such talent?

But Orsted was Hestia's first child and the captain of her Familia.

Poaching him risked a rift with Hestia, and Hephaestus valued their millennia-long friendship too much to jeopardize it.

Yes, Orsted's addition would revolutionize the Hephaestus Familia, but so what? Hephaestus wasn't ambitious.

Her Familia thrived steadily, and she was content. Stealing Hestia's star wasn't worth it.

Tsubaki, however, felt a pang of regret. She genuinely liked Orsted's forging prowess.

As Orario's premier blacksmith, she coveted forging talent. If Orsted joined, they could discuss techniques endlessly.

Still, it was a fleeting wish-she'd never seriously considered poaching. If she had, she'd have hounded Orsted at Hearth Mansion daily.

Tsubaki fell silent, focusing on Orsted's forging. His earlier magic sword revealed a shift in approach.

Though she couldn't grasp the specifics-it felt like forging hell-she was eager to learn.

Orsted, skilled in magic items and Grimoires, was likely Orario's top candidate for crafting Durandal Magic Swords. Observing him was invaluable.

Hephaestus shared her sentiment.

Crafting a Durandal Magic Sword was not easy to taught or she'd have taught Tsubaki long ago.

Orsted's work could elevate Tsubaki, benefiting the Familia.

Half an hour passed in focused silence.

As Orsted hammered, and Hephaestus and Tsubaki observed, a familiar voice broke the quiet.

"Tsubaki, Hephaestus, you're here too?"

"Shh!" Hephaestus and Tsubaki, without looking, instinctively shushed the newcomers in unison.

Finn and Riveria, just entering the forge, blinked at their synchronized reaction, confused.

Then they spotted Orsted behind them, hammering a glowing red sword blank.

Sensing faint magical ripples from the blank, Finn's eyes twitched. "No way..."

Riveria, seeing the same, mirrored his shock, her eyes flickering.

Silently, she tallied Orsted's feats: Magic items, Grimoires, absurd luck, ranked up in half a month, first-tier combat power at Level 2.

Now he's forging magic swords? Will he brew potions next?

"Tsubaki, what's happening?" Finn whispered, sidling up to her.

"Don't bug me," Tsubaki snapped, eyes glued to Orsted.

Finn was stunned. He and Tsubaki had been allies for years, and he knew her well, yet she brushed him off.

It underscored the significance of Orsted's forging to her.

Finn settled down, observing Orsted. The more he watched, the more alarmed he grew.

That magical fluctuation-comparable to Riveria's spells? Is he forging a Level 6 magic sword?

Orsted's dossier flooded Finn's mind, now with a new line: Level 6 magic sword forger.

His eyes burned with desire.

'I want him. If only Orsted were in the Loki Familia!'

---

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Chapter 122: What's That!?

Chapter 122 - What's That!?

Not long after Finn and Riveria arrived, Orsted finished his second experimental Durandal Magic Sword.

Instead of smiling, he sighed heavily. "Failed."

Finn, about to congratulate Orsted on forging a magic sword, froze, his face a mix of shock and disbelief. Riveria was equally stunned, thinking: Versailles.

Only Tsubaki and Hephaestus, in the know, weren't surprised.

"Failure's normal. Keep at it," Tsubaki said, slinging an arm around Orsted's shoulders with a grin.

"Do more research and experiments," Hephaestus added, smiling encouragingly. "I believe you'll succeed, Orsted."

"Wait, Tsubaki, Hephaestus, what's going on?" Finn asked, snapping out of it. "Didn't the sword work? What's this about failure?"

He was genuinely confused. The sword radiated Level 6 magical fluctuations-clearly a success. Why were Orsted, Tsubaki, and Hephaestus calling it a failure?

Riveria shared his bewilderment.

"Oh, that?" Tsubaki said, realizing they were out of the loop. "Orsted's trying to forge a Durandal Magic Sword that absorbs the user's magic and ambient magic to cast spells instantly without breaking."

"This sword matches a standard magic sword's power, but for Orsted's goal, it's a miss."

Orsted aimed for a sword that drew magic from both the user and the environment, amplifying minimal input into devastating output, akin to Excalibur's explosive power.

Relying solely on the user's magic would limit its potential, especially for his initial target, Lili, and now the entire Hestia Familia.

Once perfected, he'd craft one for each member, boosting their average combat power to Level 5 or 6.

Even then, he'd ensure his mages continued their own growth, not relying solely on the swords.

"A Durandal Magic Sword that casts instantly and absorbs magic?" Finn's eyes widened, then gleamed with excitement. "Orsted, the moment it's ready, tell me. I'll order ten."

Orsted blinked. "If I perfect it, Hestia Familia gets first dibs. Also, Finn, can you let go of my hand?"

"Oh, sorry," Finn said, releasing him with an embarrassed chuckle.

"If you have spares, please let us know," Riveria said gently, stepping forward.

"Uh, sure?" Orsted hesitated, then nodded.

Weapons were meant to be used, but equipping outsiders versus his own Familia was tricky.

Still, he reasoned that if he sold Level 5 firepower swords, he'd craft Level 6 ones for his Familia.

In a conflict, the gap would favor Hestia's side.

"Fair warning, if I succeed, they'll cost a fortune. Prepare to pay big," Orsted said, smirking.

Finn's face stiffened, then turned wry. He'd never felt short on funds until meeting Orsted.

Beyond the Durandal swords, Finn's visit was to buy Hestia's Rings, priced at a steep 100 million Valis each. He wanted three more, but couldn't afford extras with expedition costs looming.

Finn explained his purpose.

"Hestia's Ring?" Orsted wasn't surprised. "I'm out for now-you'll need to wait until I craft more."

He knew the rings' value, especially for the expedition-loving Loki Familia.

With Hestia's Rings, they could carry more supplies, freeing supporters for combat and adventuring-a major boon.

"No problem," Finn said, smiling. "I'll pay a deposit. Just notify me when they're ready, ideally within ten days."

"I'll do my best," Orsted replied.

"What's Hestia's Ring?" Tsubaki asked, curious, overhearing them.

"A storage magic item," Orsted answered.

"Whoa, that exists?" Tsubaki's eyes widened.

"I want some!"

Orsted grinned. "One hundred million Valis each."

Tsubaki: ...

---

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Chapter 123: Apollo

Chapter 123 - Apollo

After collecting the deposits from Finn and Tsubaki, Orsted headed back to Hearth Mansion, carrying two Durandal weapons and two magic swords.

His first task was to confirm if Aerith had sought out Hestia. If not, he'd search for her.

Upon entering the hall, he heard two silvery laughs. Peering around a pillar, Orsted saw Hestia and Aerith chatting on the sofa, both smiling warmly.

They were clearly hitting it off.

"Aerith?" Orsted called softly.

"Long time no see, Orsted," Aerith said, standing and turning to him.

A glint of excitement flickered in her eyes, but she remained composed, hands behind her back, smiling gently.

Aerith could be lively or serene. Now, she was the latter.

"Orsted, you've got so many childhood sweethearts! Aerith's a gem," Hestia said, rising and bounding into Orsted's arms, grinning up at him.

Hestia was visibly pleased with Aerith. When it came to Orsted's connections, she was far more accepting than in the anime, unfazed by delicate ties like childhood friends.

"Haha, Aerith's great," Orsted said, scratching his head awkwardly.

In his summoned memories, Aerith was indeed near-perfect-hard to fault, easy to praise.

"I've engraved Aerith's Falna. She's part of our Familia now," Hestia said, nodding. "You'll need to prepare her equipment."

Orsted nodded, understanding. Hestia meant Grimoires, magic items, and equipment.

He'd been crafting these tirelessly, aiming to fully outfit the Familia, but time and materials limited him to Grimoires.

He planned to make more for everyone.

He turned to Aerith. "Good to see you, Aerith."

Orsted sat in the hall, chatting with Aerith and Hestia, mostly about Aerith.

Her vague account revealed she was summoned before Final Fantasy VII's plot began, like Tifa.

After a while, Orsted left Aerith with Hestia and headed to the Tower of Babel.

Hestia was right-Familia members' gear shouldn't vary too much. Aerith, newly joined, needed her share, but Orsted's stock was empty. He'd check the Tower for magic item materials and hunt for deals.

His EX Luck held true.

At Babel, shops were restocking materials. Though some were pre-reserved, plenty remained.

Orsted swept through, buying every usable resource.

His lavish spending-tens of millions of Valis without haggling-made shopkeepers see him as a god of wealth.

Even large Familias haggled fiercely for discounts, but Orsted paid full price without blinking.

"Come back soon, sir!" a shopkeeper called.

Orsted stumbled, nearly tripping. The tone was so brothel-like, even Entertainment District madams couldn't match its sleaze.

Laden with materials, Orsted trudged back to Hearth Mansion.

By evening, Lili and the others were back, but something was off.

"Orsted-sama, we clashed with the Apollo Familia," Lili reported immediately.

Orsted's eyes lit up. "Really?!"

"Uh, Orsted-sama?" Lili blinked, stunned by his sparkling gaze.

She rubbed her eyes and ears, ensuring she hadn't misheard, before saying cautiously, "What's with that reaction?"

The others were equally baffled. Why was their captain thrilled about a conflict with the Apollo Familia?

"Ahem," Orsted coughed, realizing he'd overdone it. "In that case, Hestia, let's challenge the Apollo Familia to a War Game."

Hestia: ...

"Orsted, something's up with you," Hestia said, eyeing him warily.

"No, no," Orsted said, waving it off. "I just want to send that sleazy Apollo back to Tenkai ASAP, so he stops creeping on me."

Everyone: ...

---

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Chapter 124: Aerith and Orsted's joy

Chapter 124 - Aerith and Orsted's joy

Hestia didn't want to discuss about Apollo yet. She had already dragged Elenoir and the others to her room to update their Falna.

Since learning that Elenoir and the others were boosted by Orsted's powerful "magic item," amplifying their Falna growth fivefold.

She vowed to update their status daily, reveling in the thrill of watching their basic abilities soar.

Even Orsted's rapid growth paled in comparison-his was singular, while over twenty members now surged together.

As a goddess, nothing beat seeing her Familia's Falna skyrocket.

Hestia, once daunted by the constant bloodletting, was now energized.

Orsted figured she'd spill divine blood for Elenoir and the others without blinking.

While Elenoir and the others followed Hestia, Aerith, newly arrived, stayed behind.

Orsted, with ample materials, was crafting magic items and a Grimoire for her in the workshop.

Aerith, with nothing to do, sat on a nearby sofa, quietly watching him work and chatting occasionally.

Their talk often drifted to Aerith's old world. Knowing she was summoned, Aerith had been vague around Hestia to avoid confusion, ensuring Orsted understood but Hestia didn't. Now, alone with Orsted, she spoke freely.

"I never thought you'd end up in a world like this after vanishing, Orsted," Aerith said, elbows on her knees, chin in hands, smiling. "And at fifteen? You're adorable."

When she met Orsted, she'd just lost her mother and was adopted by her foster mother, a time of deep grief.

Orsted's sudden presence helped her heal, becoming a vital emotional anchor, surpassing even her foster mother.

But after two years, he vanished under a mysterious force. She'd thought she'd never see him again.

Eight years later, a voice in her mind summoned her here, flooding her with knowledge of this world and Orsted's role. She sought Hestia immediately, expecting hurdles but finding none.

Hestia, Orsted's patron goddess, welcomed her warmly, engraving her Falna without hesitation.

That moment confirmed Aerith could stay with Orsted. Seeing him again, still a fifteen-year-old boy, surprised her.

Eight years had passed for her, but only five for him. Once a year older, Orsted was now younger, shifting from a brotherly figure to a younger sibling she couldn't resist teasing.

"I never expected we'd reunite," Orsted said, focused on the Grimoire, not turning. The three magic items for Aerith were already done.

The system's memories felt so real that Orsted fully embraced them as his past. His feelings for Aerith and Tifa were genuine.

Reuniting with Aerith after their separation left him dazed, then joyful, though he noted she'd aged slightly compared to his memories.

"Tell me about your life these past few years, Aerith," Orsted said, more curious about her experiences than the age gap.

"I was just about to," Aerith said, smiling. She launched into her story.

At seventeen, Aerith was pre-Final Fantasy VII plot. Her life had been calm-no Shinra encounters, no Zack, no plot involvement.

"Good to know you're safe," Orsted said, smiling.

Aerith's tragic fate in the game had pained him in his past life.

Now, summoned before her story began, she'd live in this world by his side.

He'd ensure no misfortune befell her. With the Hestia Familia, her future was bright, free from the sacrificial burden of saving her planet.

"Stay with me from now on, Aerith," Orsted said calmly, still working.

Aerith paused, her expression softening.

"Yes, Orsted!" she replied warmly.

---

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Chapter 125: War Game

Chapter 125 - War Game

Orsted hadn't anticipated Apollo moving so swiftly.

Hestia had rejected Orsted's proposal to provoke the Apollo Familia, but Apollo took the initiative to come to them.

"What should we do?" Hestia asked, holding an invitation to the Banquet of the Gods and glancing at Orsted.

"Isn't it obvious? He's up to no good, likely targeting our Familia," Orsted said, grinning.

In the anime, Apollo used this tactic: hosting a banquet, framing Hestia and Bell before the gods, and forcing a War Game.

After learning of Lili and the others' clash with Apollo's Familia, Orsted suspected Apollo was after someone in their group-either him or Lili's team.

His first instinct was to challenge Apollo to a War Game, crush his Familia, disband it, and send Apollo back to Tenkai to stop his antics. But Hestia had vetoed it.

In the anime, Apollo's goons injured Bell, only for Apollo to play victim, parading fake injuries to gain sympathy and coerce Hestia into a War Game. This time, however, Lili confirmed that Apollo's men, who provoked them, were genuinely thrashed-badly.

Lili had even faced off against Hyakinthos, Apollo Familia's Level 3 captain.

Hyakinthos tried to aid his men but was blocked by Lili and Tifa, both having Leap, which boosted their power against higher-level foes.

With full S-rank basic abilities at Level 2, and Tifa's exceptional status, they outmatched typical Level 2s.

Tifa, with prior combat experience, nearly rivaled a Level 3. Senie didn't even need to step in.

Hyakinthos could only watch his men get beaten before fleeing when Lili and Tifa showed mercy.

Despite their strength, Apollo likely dismissed the Hestia Familia, bolstered by his medium-sized Familia of over a hundred members, including several Level 2s and Hyakinthos.

Orsted could read Apollo's arrogance without effort. At the Banquet, Apollo would probably declare war on the Hestia Familia, aiming to seize everything, just like in the anime.

"I think so too," Hestia sighed.

"I didn't want to mess with Apollo, but since he's asking for it, I'm not to blame. Orsted, get ready and come with me tonight. We'll accept Apollo's challenge and play his War Game. What terms should we set?"

"Disband his Familia and send Apollo back to Tenkai. Get him off the mortal plane," Orsted replied instantly.

"Ugh, he's so gross. Let's do it," Hestia agreed, nodding.

Neither doubted their Familia's victory. Outside, the Hestia Familia was barely known, only gaining notice for Orsted and Tifa's rapid rank-ups via Guild announcements.

Lili's rank-up hadn't even registered publicly. Few knew their true strength-only Hestia and Orsted did.

This obscurity likely emboldened Apollo. But with him making the first move, Hestia saw no reason to hold back.

Apollo's Banquet of the Gods was grand, drawing nearly every deity in Orario.

The gods were surprised; it hadn't been a month since Ganesha's last banquet. Apollo rarely hosted, making this notable.

What shocked them most was Apollo's rule: each god had to bring a Familia member.

Sharp deities sensed a scheme.

Mischief-loving gods thought: Apollo's stirring trouble. He's after someone's child. I can't miss this-who's he targeting?

For fun-seeking gods, drama was divine.

By evening, ornate carriages gathered at the Guild-managed mansion's gates.

---

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Chapter 126: Another Sign In

Chapter 126 - Another Sign In

Orsted and Hestia arrived with Miach and Naaza.

Hestia had suggested inviting Miach's Familia, noting their improved but still modest circumstances.

A shared high-end carriage added flair to their entrance.

Orsted stepped off first, turning to assist Hestia.

She beamed, radiant in her formal attire.

Orsted wore a moon-white elven robe, a style he'd taken to after buying it that afternoon.

His silver hair, elegant robe, and striking features drew every eye.

Gods and adventurers disembarking from carriages stole glances, their faces flashing with awe.

Orsted's presence briefly overshadowed Hestia, but she wasn't bothered-she glowed with pride.

Orsted's brilliance reflected on her as his patron goddess.

"Orsted's practically divine. No one here-god or adventurer-holds a candle to him," Miach said, approaching with Naaza, his tone warm.

"Thanks for the compliment," Hestia replied, accepting it for Orsted with a grin.

Orsted smiled and nodded in gratitude.

"Let's go, Orsted," Hestia said, slipping her arm through his like a lady.

"Miach, after you," Orsted gestured.

Miach nodded, offering his hand to Naaza, who took it.

The four ascended the stairs, entering the opulent Guild-managed mansion on North Street's elite block.

Built for divine banquets and occasionally leased to wealthy merchants, it exuded grandeur.

Flanked by gods and adventurers in lavish attire, Orsted and his group moved gracefully, chatting lightly as they climbed the grand staircase to the second floor.

The palace's splendor awed most adventurers, who gawked at alabaster statues and ornate decor despite briefings from their gods.

Naaza couldn't resist eyeing the sculptures.

Orsted, however, remained unfazed, his gentle smile steady as he escorted Hestia, ignoring the extravagance.

The banquet hall on the second floor was a spectacle: crystal magic stone chandeliers hung from lofty ceilings, long tables groaned with rare delicacies, and luxury defied description.

A familiar voice greeted them.

"Orsted, over here!" Tsubaki, in a broad-shouldered kimono, waved from a table.

Hephaestus, in a red dress, stood beside her, smiled softly.

Orsted's mouth twitched at Hephaestus's sight.

Last night, after finishing Aerith's Grimoire, the system triggered a sign-in.

===

Remodeling Ointment : Repairs bodily damage. Contains excessive energy, fatal to mortals. Recommended for gods.

===

Orsted had been dumbfounded.

A reward he couldn't use, meant solely for gods?

His mood soured.

Hestia, protected by the Familia barrier, didn't need it. Was it trash?

Then it clicked: Hephaestus, born with half her face disfigured, hid it under an eyepatch.

A dab of the ointment could restore her.

Realizing it came from his third Hephaestus sign-in, Orsted's initial amusement at the system's "favoritism" turned to unease.

The ointment was tailor-made for her, making him wonder if Hephaestus was the system's darling.

Seeing her tonight, his expression grew complex.

Hestia, privy to the ointment's existence and granted its use by Orsted, was thrilled.

She darted towards Hephaestus.

"Hephaestus, come to my place tonight! I've got something amazing for you!"

---

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Chapter 127: Loki: Orsted!!

Chapter 127 - Loki: Orsted!!

After Hestia trotted over, Orsted nodded to Miach and Naaza, and the three followed.

"Orsted, you're stunning today. None of those male gods hold a candle to you," Tsubaki eyed his outfit and appearance with a sigh, praising him unabashedly.

Miach, behind Orsted, smiled in agreement.

Orsted's usual charm was amplified by today's attire, radiating a luminous allure.

"Orsted, long time no see," a gentle voice called.

They turned to see Demeter, in a pink dress, hands clasped before her, smiling as she approached.

Unlike Orsted's group, she came alone, surprising them, though they didn't pry.

"Long time no see, Demeter," Orsted replied softly, nodding.

Demeter greeted Hestia and Miach, then joined their divine chat.

Orsted, Tsubaki, and Naaza, not wanting to interrupt, talked among themselves.

"How do I look, Orsted?" Naaza asked, lifting her skirt's hem and twirling slightly, cheeks flushed.

"Beautiful."

"Thanks to you," Naaza said softly, touching her restored arm.

"Naaza, your arm's healed? Orsted's doing, I bet," Tsubaki said, slinging an arm around her with a grin.

"Yeah, thanks to Orsted," Naaza replied calmly.

As they spoke, two more gods approached with their adventurers.

"Hey, Orsted-kun! Been a while," Hermes called, waving in a quirky suit and tie, followed by Asfi in a dress and Takemikazuchi in a suit.

Takemikazuchi's body language screamed distaste for Hermes.

"Lord Hermes," Orsted greeted.

"Hermes, Takemikazuchi," Tsubaki said.

"Lord Hermes, Lord Takemikazuchi," Naaza added.

"Hey, Orsted, I've been wanting to chat, but no chance. Got time after the banquet?" Hermes asked, smiling.

"Uh..." Orsted hesitated, about to decline, when Hestia swooped in, yanking Hermes away.

"Hermes, you're here! Let's catch up-been ages!"

Orsted: Nice save, Hestia.

He'd dreaded dealing with the troublemaker.

Takemikazuchi nodded to Orsted's group and followed Hestia.

The gods joined the divine huddle, leaving Asfi behind.

Orsted barely knew her, but his charisma quickly warmed the air.

A few exchanges dissolved any awkwardness, and the conversation flowed easily.

A sudden voice cut in.

"Sir, may I have your name?"

They turned to see a female elf in a dress, hand on her chest, gazing at Orsted with reverence.

"Orsted. And you?" Orsted replied gently, unsurprised.

"Lord Orsted, I'm Lilith Kolantel, an adventurer of the Tarassa Familia. If you ever need aid, please call on me," Lilith said respectfully, then departed.

Tsubaki and the others gaped, ready to ask what just happened, but more elves approached, each showing Orsted respect, as if he were elven royalty.

The scene stirred a memory in Tsubaki: Orario's Dark Age, when elves flocked to Riveria, deferring to her.

Is Orsted elven royalty like Riveria? she wondered, her eyes glinting with intrigue.

Asfi, observing, saw a spark of revelation behind her glasses.

This is big.

"Phew, finally done," Orsted said, handling the last elf guest.

"Orsted..." Naaza began, about to ask.

"Hey, Orsted, long time no see! Miss me?" Loki sauntered over in a red suit, Ais trailing in a green dress.

Naaza: "..."

---

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Chapter 128: You want a fight!?

Chapter 128 - You want a fight!?

As soon as Loki arrived, she ditched Ais to bicker with Hestia, leaving Ais standing beside Orsted, looking dazed.

Their squabble drew fun-loving gods to spectate.

Some glanced at Orsted, intrigued by the elves' earlier reverence toward him-a deference typically reserved for Riveria of the Loki Familia.

Many, like Tsubaki, speculated Orsted might be elven royalty.

The gods refrained from asking outright, finding the mystery more entertaining to unravel slowly, perhaps with some amusement along the way.

Orsted felt uneasy from the gods' probing stares.

Though less intense than Freya's, they were close enough to unsettle him.

Speak of the devil, and she appears.

Freya glided in, captivating everyone.

Gods and adventurers alike flushed, shyly averting their eyes, even women like Naaza.

Her charm was universal.

Orsted's pulse quickened slightly, but he remained clear-headed, unlike the others enthralled by Freya's allure.

His Charm development ability shielded him, though he noted it was stronger now than during their clothing store encounter, where he'd been as smitten as the crowd, heart racing and eyes lingering.

Today, he found her beautiful but felt only a mild flutter, no urge to stare.

"Has my Charm ability improved?" Orsted mused, stroking his chin, lost in thought.

He missed the shift around him until a pale, elegant hand entered his view, pinching his chin and tilting his face up.

"Long time no see, Orsted," Freya purred, one hand caressing his cheek.

"Can I have a sweet dream tonight?"

"Nope," Orsted said, blinking and refusing flatly.

Freya froze, stunned by his bluntness, then laughed, her eyes gleaming with deeper affection.

Hestia, noticing the exchange, abandoned Loki mid-spat and zipped over, swatting Freya's hand away.

"Don't even try it!"

"Freya's no good, Orsted," Hestia warned, shielding him like a child.

"She devours everyone-men, women, no exceptions. A kid like you'd be swallowed whole!" Freya, unfazed, maintained her faint smile.

Orsted glanced at Freya, then shifted to Ottar, the towering figure beside her.

"You want a fight?"

Ottar, stoic but radiating intent, replied softly,

"I hope to battle you someday."

The words stunned the onlookers.

Gods, who'd watched Orsted grow, knew Ottar never targeted the weak unless Freya commanded.

He challenged only equals or superiors, as he had against Zeus and Hera Familia champions.

Ottar's invitation signaled he saw Orsted as a future peer, acknowledging his potential to reach his level.

This was huge news.

Gods, initially curious about Orsted's record-breaking rank-ups and the elves' reverence, now fixated on him intensely.

"I'm in," Orsted said, smiling at Ottar's unveiled fighting spirit.

The banquet hall erupted in cheers, the gods' excitement echoing beyond the walls, drawing curious glances from passing adventurers.

---

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Chapter 129: Freya: I alone am the honoured one

Chapter 129 - Freya: I alone am the honoured one

Backstage in the banquet hall, Apollo, yet to make his entrance, had observed the entire scene.

His expression was fervent.

"Did you hear that, Hyakinthos? Orsted won Ottar's respect!" he roared excitedly.

"Do you know what this means?"

It meant that if he could snatch Orsted from Hestia before he matured, Apollo's Familia could secure a spot among Orario's elite, potentially rivaling Freya and Loki's Familias in a triadic power balance.

Apollo felt lucky to have spotted Orsted early.

If he could orchestrate a War Game and claim Orsted, his Familia's rise was assured.

The more he thought about it, the more thrilled he grew, oblivious to the seething anger in Hyakinthos's eyes.

Hyakinthos wasn't upset by Apollo's ambitions but by Orsted himself.

Why did Orsted captivate Apollo so? That favor should be his. Yet, he masked his fury, bowing slightly.

"It's an honor for Orsted to serve you, Lord Apollo," he said softly.

"I'll cherish him when the time comes," Apollo replied, stepping out to greet the gods as host.

Apollo didn't act immediately.

The Banquet of the Gods had just begun, and he wanted the deities to enjoy themselves before launching his plan.

After brief pleasantries, he retreated, leaving the floor to the gods.

The gods soon showed Orsted what a banquet was.

Each brought a Familia member, and dancing swept the hall.

Apollo's rule ensured most gods brought opposite-sex adventurers, though some goddesses brought same-sex ones.

Male gods, however, avoided male partners to ensure dance pairings.

As gods led their adventurers in elegant ballroom dances, the hall's atmosphere turned romantic.

Orsted didn't care for dancing-he didn't know how.

Hestia, bickering with Loki after shooing Freya, seemed uninterested too.

Perhaps she knew Orsted couldn't dance.

In Tenkai, Hestia had learned ballroom dancing with Hephaestus, but without Orsted's skill, she skipped it.

Tonight, her focus was Apollo's inevitable challenge.

But while Hestia abstained, another stepped up.

"Orsted, may I have this dance?" Naaza asked, kneeling on one knee, gloved hand extended like a knight.

Orsted blinked.

Shouldn't men invite women? Why was Naaza asking him instead of Miach?

He scanned for Miach, spotting him with Hermes.

Miach raised his wine glass in silent encouragement, while Hermes grinned mischievously, echoing the gesture.

Orsted's eyes twitched, turning back to Naaza, still kneeling with a fervent gaze.

Hesitating, he said, "How about I invite you instead, Naaza?"

He couldn't stomach being the "princess" to her "knight."

The role reversal felt too stark.

Naaza smirked slyly, grabbed his hand, and pulled him into the dance.

Flustered but unwilling to embarrass her, Orsted went along.

His presence, already a spectacle after the elves' reverence and Ottar's challenge, drew eyes.

Sixty percent of the hall-gods and adventurers-watched Orsted and Naaza dance.

"Miach, you let Naaza steal my man! We're done when we get back!" Hestia, restrained by Asfi, fumed.

"Hermes, you're next-Orsted's gonna thrash you!"

Nearby gods smirked, enjoying the drama.

Loki, scheming, rallied deities to block Hestia from Orsted's view, maintaining the illusion she was still arguing with her.

Freya, lingering at the banquet, watched the dance with crossed arms.

"Ottar, can we herd a Minotaur swarm here?"

"Impossible, Lady Freya," Ottar replied. "But you could invite Orsted to dance."

"Good idea. I'll do it later."

Orsted's learning curve was sharp.

Under Naaza's lead, he picked up ballroom dancing quickly, finishing without mishap. Just as he exhaled in relief, another hand appeared.

"Orsted, care to dance with me?" Freya asked softly, her violet eyes glinting.

Feeling her intensifying charm, Orsted's eyes twitched. He extended his hand slowly.

"I'd be honored..."

Her gaze warned that refusal might trigger her divine power.

His Charisma, though strong, might not hold. Better to play along for now.

---

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Chapter 130: Freya: Orsted~~!!

Chapter 130 - Freya: Orsted~~!!

Freya's charm was overwhelming, radiating passively in everyday moments.

When unleashed deliberately, it could sway all of Orario.

In the anime, after Bell rejected her confession, Freya waged war on the Hestia Familia, activating her charm to turn Orario into her personal Hakoniwa, manipulating even those immune to her power to make Bell believe he belonged to her Familia.

Staring into the violet glint of Freya's eyes, Orsted decided resisting her outright was unwise for now.

Until his Charm leveled up, he'd avoid pushing her to despair.

A premature showdown could mirror the anime's crisis, but this was reality-outcomes weren't guaranteed.

One misstep, and he might not even get a chance to unleash Excalibur.

Facing Freya's fervent gaze, Orsted accepted her dance invitation to avoid provoking her wrath.

Freya was breathtaking, rivaling Hestia's beauty, her faint fragrance intoxicating.

Despite his ability, Orsted's heart raced at their close contact, though he kept control, unlike their earlier clothing store encounter where he'd been as smitten as the crowd.

Freya's eyes, holding his hand tightly, blazed with unconcealed adoration.

Orsted, inches away, couldn't miss it.

Feeling awkward under her stare, he asked,

"Lady Freya, does my soul truly shine as you desire?"

A question that had nagged him.

"Haha, clever boy," Freya said, smiling softly, sidestepping a direct answer.

"Your soul dazzled me at first glance, filling me with joy. I couldn't look away, wanted to claim you."

"But I held back, curious to see how your light would evolve as you grew. I was right-your soul's radiance grows ever brighter."

She paused, gently caressing his face, trembling as if touching a lover.

"Orsted, I won't meddle too much in your path."

"Let me see how brilliant your light can become, whether it will truly captivate me."

Freya released him, abruptly leaving the dance and the banquet, heading outside.

Ottar glanced at Orsted and followed her.

Orsted exhaled.

Freya hadn't lost patience.

He returned to his spot by the sidelines, drawing curious gazes from gods puzzled by their mid-dance parting.

They darted looks between him and Freya, eager for gossip.

Just as Orsted thought he'd found peace, Ais appeared, extending her hand.

"Orsted..." she said quietly.

His eyes twitched, but he placed his hand in hers.

Freya was a goddess, so dancing with her was unavoidable.

Naaza's invitation as an adventurer was one thing, but rejecting Ais's now would be rude.

After a moment's thought, he joined her.

Loki, spotting Ais's move, abandoned teasing Hestia to intervene.

Before she could, Hermes and Asfi intercepted her, pinning her as they had Hestia.

"Haha, same boat now, Loki!" Hestia crowed, still trapped.

"What's so funny? Orsted's dancing with my Ais!" Loki shot back.

Hestia, realizing this, struggled anew.

"Hermes, you're dead!"

"Lord Hermes, I'm done here," Asfi said, turning to him.

Hermes paled, sensing trouble.

"I'm ready," he said with a forced laugh.

"I should be dancing with him. I should've just gone for it," Hestia fumed, watching Orsted and Ais on the floor.

"Did I mess up?" Miach muttered, doubting himself.

Thinking Hestia, a virgin goddess, lacked dance experience with men and that Orsted couldn't dance, he'd urged Naaza to teach him.

Meanwhile, Freya, having left the banquet, rode a carriage back to Babel.

Alone inside, with Ottar inexplicably driving, she slumped in her seat, lips parted, murmuring softly.

"Orsted~"

---

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Chapter 131: Demeter's Dance

Chapter 131 - Demeter's Dance

The Banquet hosted by Apollo stretched far longer than in the anime.

In the anime, Apollo pounced after Bell's dance, framing Hestia and Bell.

This time, over an hour had passed since the banquet's opening speech, yet Apollo remained absent.

Orsted was puzzled but had little time to dwell on it.

After dancing with Ais, he sought Hestia, finding her and Loki restrained by Hermes and Asfi.

Orsted's arrival prompted Hermes to release them.

Hestia and Loki, freed, rushed to Orsted and Ais, demanding dances.

Orsted, having learned to dance, agreed.

Ais didn't refuse either.

The four took their partners and returned to the floor.

Hestia, dancing with Orsted, griped loudly about his "first time" being "stolen," her ambiguous phrasing embarrassing Miach nearby.

Loki mirrored her antics, bumping into her mid-dance.

Their force nearly caused Orsted and Ais to collide face-to-face, almost kissing.

Realizing this, Hestia and Loki sobered, united in their resolve: Orsted (Ais) is mine!

The dance ended, and Orsted led Hestia off the floor.

"What's Apollo up to?" Hestia muttered, arms crossed, frowning.

"This is weird."

Orsted shared her confusion.

In the anime, Apollo acted swiftly. Why the delay now?

Unbeknownst to Orsted, Apollo was in a backstage room, brooding darkly.

His hesitation stemmed from fear.

Freya's earlier teasing of Orsted wasn't unusual-she often flirted with male gods at banquets.

But inviting Orsted to dance signaled deeper interest, a troubling sign.

Orsted, recognized by Ottar, likely had a radiant soul, ripe for Freya's fixation.

Apollo, wary of her, wasn't sure if she truly targeted Orsted.

If she did, his plan was risky.

If not, he could vie for Orsted against Hestia.

Torn, he stalled, unable to decide.

Orsted, unaware of Apollo's turmoil, was soon invited again-this time by Demeter.

Hestia, slightly miffed, didn't object.

Demeter was a close friend, and her manor supplied crucial Grimoire materials.

Hestia wasn't overly bothered by Orsted dancing with others; it was common at banquets and showcased his appeal, which she took pride in.

Her real gripe was Naaza claiming his first dance.

With that gone, she was less possessive.

"Orsted's quite the catch," Hephaestus said, smiling beside Hestia as Orsted and Demeter took the floor.

"Can I dance with him later?"

"Sure, Hephaestus," Hestia agreed, her best friend's request an easy yes.

Hephaestus nodded.

"Then, Lady Hestia, count me in," Tsubaki chimed in, peeking out from beside Hephaestus.

"Eh? Tsubaki, you tinker with gear all day-can you dance?" Hestia asked, surprised.

"Rude! I'm a blacksmith, but still a woman. I've learned this stuff," Tsubaki huffed.

"Oh? Alright, go dance with Orsted if you want," Hestia said, raising an eyebrow.

Her approval flipped a switch.

Female elves, who'd greeted Orsted earlier and lurked nearby, swarmed forward.

"Lady Hestia, may I have your permission?"

"Lady Hestia..."

"Gah!" Hestia gaped at the dozen-plus elves encircling her, jaw nearly hitting the floor.

She'd forgotten Orsted's allure.

Meanwhile, Orsted and Demeter danced, hands and shoulders linked.

Mid-step, Demeter spoke softly, her tone pleading.

"Orsted, my Familia may be targeted over past events. Do you have any solutions?"

"Targeted?" Orsted frowned slightly.

---

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Chapter 132: Hestia Familia Vs Apollo Familia

Chapter 132 - Hestia Familia Vs Apollo Familia

Orsted understood Demeter's veiled plea.

Though she didn't elaborate, her words hinted at trouble: despite abandoning her probe into Dionysus, her earlier actions weren't fully concealed.

Dionysus likely knew, and his retaliation against her Familia loomed.

Without aid, her Familia would suffer.

"I'll find a way," Orsted said after a pause.

"Thank you," Demeter replied softly.

Their dance ended, but as Orsted moved to rest and await Apollo's move, Hephaestus approached, smiling and extending her hand.

Orsted sighed inwardly.

Glancing at Hestia, who showed no objection, he took Hephaestus's hand and joined her on the floor.

"What were you whispering about?" Hestia asked Demeter, curious despite her ease with their dance.

"I asked Orsted for help," Demeter said, smiling.

"Oh?" Hestia nodded, planning to quiz Orsted later.

For the next hour, Orsted was swept into dance after dance, barely catching a breath before another invitation came.

Only his stamina kept him going.

After his final dance with an admiring female elf, Apollo finally emerged.

Standing on a high platform, Apollo raised his hands and called, "Everyone, are you enjoying the banquet?"

The crowd's attention shifted to him.

Fun-loving gods, suspecting Apollo's mischief, perked up with anticipation.

Apollo descended, striding toward a specific spot.

The hall's lights dimmed, a spotlight illuminating his path-to Hestia and Orsted.

Gasps rippled through the gods.

"Hestia?"

"Apollo's targeting Hestia?"

"Is it her child he's after?"

"Three Hestia Familia members ranked up this month-crazy fast. Apollo must want one."

"Freya danced with Hestia's kid earlier. Is she eyeing him too?"

"Poor Hestia, caught between Freya and Apollo."

The gods buzzed, noting Orsted's rapid rank-ups, now amplified by Freya's interest.

"Hey, Hestia, long time no see," Apollo said, glancing at Orsted before addressing her venomously.

"My Familia's been 'well cared for' by yours lately."

"Oh, absolutely. Lili and the others gave your lot a warm welcome," Hestia shot back, sneering.

"Tell them to watch out next time."

"My members were gravely injured by your Familia. I demand compensation," Apollo said, his face twisting maliciously.

A second spotlight revealed several Apollo Familia members, genuinely injured, groaning in pain-unlike the feigned wounds in the anime.

"Lili and Tifa went too easy," Orsted said with a faint smile.

Apollo froze mid-speech.

"Who's your target, Apollo? Me? Lili? Tifa?" Orsted asked, smiling.

Apollo's expression faltered, but before he could respond, Orsted cut in.

"Doesn't matter. We'll take you on. How about a War Game to settle our dispute?"

Apollo squirmed under Orsted's piercing blue gaze, feeling exposed.

The surrounding gods erupted in chatter, thrill-seeking deities buzzing at "War Game."

Loki led the charge.

"Apollo, take the kid's challenge! Start the War Game!"

"She's right, Apollo. You want Hestia's stuff, don't you? This makes it legit," another god jeered.

"Apollo..."

The gods' clamor grew, roasting Apollo.

Glaring at Hestia, he snapped, "Hestia, does your Orsted speak for you?"

"Fully," Hestia said, her aura towering despite her stature.

"Apollo, will you accept the War Game or not?"

"You-you-I'll take it!" Apollo, his momentum crushed, pointed at Hestia, fuming as he agreed.

"Oh!"

"Accepted!"

"To the Guild for War Game approval!"

"Emergency Denatus! Call the others!"

"I'm pumped!"

"A grand spectacle at last!"

Excited cheers echoed, the gods' fervor shaking the hall, audible even outside as passersby glanced curiously.

---

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Chapter 133: Kiss by her???

Chapter 133 - Kiss by her???

The gods were itching to drag Hestia and Apollo to the Guild for an immediate War Game agreement, but it was late, and their sense of decorum prevailed, sparing the Guild staff.

The banquet wrapped up without further ado.

Unfazed by the looming War Game, Hestia hopped into a spacious carriage with Hephaestus, heading to Hearth Mansion.

The carriage easily fit two, with room for a third. Tsubaki, not joining them, took her and Hephaestus's original carriage back to the Hephaestus Familia shop.

"Hey, what're you rummaging for this late?" Hephaestus asked, sitting on Hestia's bed, arms crossed, watching Hestia dig through a cabinet with her hips in the air.

"Hehe, something amazing. Orsted got it somewhere-says it can reshape a god's body," Hestia replied, still searching. She'd hidden the precious item well.

That morning, after receiving the small box of Remodeling Ointment from Orsted, Hestia thought instantly of Hephaestus's facial scar. She planned to give it to her, but Apollo's banquet invitation delayed her.

She'd stashed it, intending to present it tonight. As Hephaestus's closest friend, Hestia knew how deeply the scar troubled her.

Since Tenkai, Hephaestus had masked half her face with an eyepatch, hiding it from view.

Hearing this, Hephaestus blinked, then jolted upright. "Reshape a god's body? That's incredible!" she exclaimed, striding toward Hestia. "Wait, reshape a god's body?"

"Exactly what you're thinking," Hestia said, unearthing the tiny iron box, smaller than a third of her palm, cradling it like treasure.

Hephaestus trembled, staring at it in disbelief. "Hestia, you're not pulling my leg, are you?" she asked, voice quivering.

"Orsted's never lied to me. He didn't say where it came from, but he was certain this ointment can reshape a divine body," Hestia said, chin high.

"I wanted to give it to you right away, but Apollo's invitation got in the way."

"You're really giving this to me?" Hephaestus asked, eyeing the box warily. "You know how valuable this is, right?"

"We've been friends for eons. Of course I'm giving it to you," Hestia said, tiptoeing to hug Hephaestus's neck, pulling her down slightly. "Stop dawdling-use it! Want me to apply it, or you got it?"

"Thank you, Hestia," Hephaestus said after a long pause, staring at the box.

Meanwhile, Orsted gathered the Hestia Familia at Hearth Mansion. Sitting on the main sofa, legs crossed, he addressed them softly.

"It's settled. Our Familia will face Apollo's in a War Game. Tomorrow, Hestia will sign the agreement at the Guild, then head to Babel for a Denatus to set the format, win conditions, and stakes. What form do you think it should take?"

Orsted had pushed for a War Game since the Apollo Familia's clash with Lili's group, though Hestia initially refused. Apollo's provocation at the banquet made it inevitable.

"Lord Orsted, this mess started with us. We should settle it," Lili said after a hushed discussion with the others.

"Unless it's critical, please stay out and let us handle it, okay?"

"I'd be delighted if you can manage," Orsted said, smiling, agreeing without hesitation. He was eager to see their performance.

He opened his mouth to discuss formats, but the hall's door burst open. Hephaestus charged at Orsted with startling speed, Hestia hurrying behind.

Lili and the others gaped, confused, until Hephaestus reached Orsted, threw her arms around his neck, and pressed her unadorned lips to his.

"Thank you, Orsted!" she exclaimed.

The room froze in shock.

---

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Chapter 134: Backstabbed by Hephaestus: Hestia's Epic Comeback

Chapter 134 - Backstabbed by Hephaestus: Hestia's Epic Comeback

The next morning, Hestia, stewing over her best friend's "theft," dragged Orsted out, her face sour with jealousy.

She knew Hephaestus's kiss was just exuberant gratitude, and Orsted had merely accepted it passively, but Hestia couldn't shake her irritation.

Her best friend and her beloved had crossed a line, even if unintentionally.

Still, she didn't throw a tantrum. "Listen, Orsted, if you don't get me a gift later, I won't forgive you," she huffed, stomping ahead. "Not some store-bought trinket-make me another of those equipment rings you crafted."

"Alright, I'll make one when we're back," Orsted said, chuckling at her pouty, princess-like demeanor.

They soon reached the Guild, buzzing with rare activity. Gods, seldom seen here, mingled with adventurers drawn by the news. Apollo, flanked by a few Familia members, waited at the counter.

Orsted and Hestia's arrival sent the Guild into a frenzy.

"Hestia's here!"

"Sign the agreement, Hestia!"

"Quick, then we'll head upstairs to set the War Game rules!"

"Been ages since a War Game-I'm stoked!"

"What format will Hestia and Apollo pick?"

"Can't wait!"

"+1 for hype!"

"+10086 for hype!"

"The agreement's ready, and I've signed," Apollo said, sliding it toward Hestia. "Your turn."

"Hmph!" Hestia snorted, grabbing the quill and signing without hesitation.

The Guild erupted, cheers from thrill-seeking gods and adventurers echoing as staff sighed, rubbing their foreheads.

"To the assembly hall! Let's set the War Game rules!"

"Hurry, Hestia!" The gods swarmed, ushering Hestia and Apollo to the elevator.

Only gods could enter the 30th-floor assembly hall for the Denatus, leaving adventurers behind. Orsted stayed put.

As the gods ascended, adventurers dispersed, rushing to spread word of the War Game, eager to broadcast it across Orario and beyond.

Orsted shook his head at their zeal. Some lingered, mostly elves-some familiar, like the female elf from Rivira and the banquet, others new, likely drawn by his aura.

Even elven Guild staff joined them at the counter.

"Orsted-san, need any help?"

"Orsted-san, I can ask my god to transfer to Hestia's Familia to assist."

"Orsted-san, I can too..."

"Orsted..."

The fervor stunned onlookers-adventurers and non-elf staff gaped at the elves' eagerness to aid Hestia's Familia.

Orsted waved it off. "Thank you, but we've got this.

Just wait for our victory," he said gently, thanking each elf before heading to Hearth Mansion.

Lili and the others wanted to handle the War Game themselves.

As captain, Orsted backed them, planning to equip them with more gear.

He'd also address Demeter's issue.

Fueled by adventurers and Guild notices, news of the Hestia-Apollo War Game swept Orario.

"Interesting. Apollo's got his eye on Orsted, huh?" Finn mused in his Twilight Manor office, chin propped on his hands, a sly smile playing.

The Loki Familia's first-tier adventurers were gathered.

Unlike most, the Loki Familia knew Orsted's extraordinary talent, luck, and strength.

Finn even fantasized about poaching him. Apollo's move was a fool's errand-a mantis challenging a chariot.

"Captain, should we do something?" Tiona asked, grinning.

"Like what?" Finn said, puzzled.

"Betting! Our Familia's strapped for cash-this is a jackpot chance," Tiona said excitedly. "Nobody knows Orsted's true strength.

They think Apollo's got the edge. We can clean up!"

Her words sparked gleams in everyone's eyes, a hungry heat spreading through the room.

---

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Chapter 135: Planning for Demeter

Chapter 135 - Planning for Demeter

Hearth Mansion was quiet, with only a few servants hired by the Hestia Familia tidying the vast hall.

Orsted dove into his workshop, crafting magic items.

He made two types: one set for Demeter, another for Lili and the others.

For Lili's team, he prepared Light, Flight, and equipment items, planning to add more for the War Game.

A day's work would suffice, and materials weren't an issue-Demeter had sent a massive batch that morning.

Concerned for her Familia's safety, Demeter had seized her dance with Orsted at the banquet to request aid.

Orsted agreed, but it demanded substantial materials.

Though a low-tier Familia of mostly farmers, Demeter familia was Orario's largest supplier, boasting vast resources and wealth.

Without specifying needs, Demeter had her members gather all available materials overnight, delivering them at dawn.

The messenger promised more were coming.

The morning's haul alone was staggering-enough for 100 equipment items and dozens of other magic items.

Orsted, shocked, questioned the messenger, learning Demeter's influence as a supplier earned her favors from many Familias, who readily shared their own stockpiles.

An adventuring Familia, even one as renowned as Orsted's, wouldn't get such treatment.

Marveling at Demeter's clout, Orsted worked swiftly, crafting items.

Dionysus's subordinate, Filvis was powerhouse who likely targeted Demeter's Familia in the anime.

To counter her, Orsted needed potent magic items.

These would focus on defense, not offense, and he had a plan.

Demeter's materials, including rare deep-floor resources, allowed him to craft freely.

His first item, a ring, took half an hour. "The Demeter Ring," he muttered, naming it. It had one ability: spatial defense, a barrier-like shield that autonomously distinguished friend from foe, triggering as needed.

It could withstand a top Level 6 adventurer's full attack.

Stronger defense required better materials, but Orsted had a workaround-link multiple Demeter Rings.

Ten together could form a barrier to block Level 7 attacks, covering Demeter's manor.

This was step one.

Step two was crafting spatial transfer triggers for each Demeter Familia member, linked to the rings, to teleport them back to the manor if attacked.

Current materials fell short, so Demeter's members would need to stay within the manor once the barrier was up, only venturing out with triggers.

This was Orsted's limit in aiding Demeter against Dionysus.

Her plight also sharpened his vigilance

His ties to Demeter likely made him a target. While he could handle himself, his Familia was vulnerable-Level 5 equipment wouldn't stop Filvis.

He planned a central magic item for Hearth Mansion, paired with spatial transfer triggers for each member.

If attacked by a force above Level 5, they'd teleport back instantly. Hestia's Familia barrier would keep them safe.

As time ticked by, Orsted's workbench filled with rings.

He'd grown fond of ring-shaped items, a habit starting with Hestia's Ring.

He wondered about the Guild commission for mythril placer but refocused, deciding to visit Demeter next.

---

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Chapter 136: Orsted, You've been busy...

Chapter 136 - Orsted, You've been busy...

Before Orsted could head to Demeter's manor outside Orario, Hestia returned from Babel.

"The War Game's format is set: siege warfare," she announced, taking a gulp of water. "It'll be at the Shreme Old Castle Ruins, an ancient city outside Orario."

"Apollo's Familia defends and likely headed out to prepare. We're the attackers, departing in five days. The war starts in a week."

"Siege, huh?" Orsted said, mildly surprised.

He'd expected a different format, given how much stronger the Hestia Familia was compared to the anime.

But siege warfare mirrored the original, which suited him fine-it would let Lili and the others shine.

"Didn't Lili and the others insist on handling it without you?" Hestia continued.

"This week gives them time to boost their strength."

For most Familias, a few days wouldn't matter, but not for Hestia's.

With five days to adventure and train-amplified by the Falna Amplification Card-Lili, Elenoir, Aerith, Eina, and the new recruits could make leaps.

Hestia knew Orsted's "gifts" accelerated their growth. Some, like Elenoir or Aerith, might even rank up.

"Speaking of which, should I update your Falna?" Hestia asked, noting Orsted hadn't had one in days.

"Sure," Orsted agreed after a pause.

===

[

[Name]: Orsted

[Level]: 3

Strength: C651

Endurance: D568

Dexterity: C617

Agility: C677

Magic: D567

[Magic]:

Instant

-Can Instantly appear infront of anyone.

-No chanting required.

Miracle

-Your wish may be granted

[Skill]:

Developement Ability: Leap E, Charisma F

]

===

Orsted's basic abilities had hit D or above, but no rank-up was possible-his great feats/excelia were insufficient.

"Your growth is unreal, Orsted," Hestia said, peering at his status from his shoulder.

"Two days in the dungeon, and you've pushed most of your Level 3 stats to C, except magic. Incredible."

She'd long accepted Orsted's anomaly, but his progress still awed her.

Two days for such gains? Without mental preparation, she'd question her divine senses.

Orsted knew why: his tenfold boost.

Higher levels typically slowed Falna growth, but not for him.

The system's additive boost made his rapid gains inevitable.

"But your Charisma is skyrocketing. What's the trick?" Hestia asked, pointing at the F-rank Charm on his status, baffled.

Orsted nodded, equally puzzled. Charm's rocket-like rise from I to F confirmed his hunch: it bolstered resistance to Freya's charm, evident from his restraint at the banquet.

The priority was understanding how Charm improved-crucial to counter Freya's potential Hakoniwa if she snapped.

He and Hestia discussed Charm's mechanics.

Mid-talk, Hestia hesitated, then ventured, "Orsted, could your Charm be spiking from... too much contact with girls?"

Orsted didn't dismiss it, sinking into thought. After a long pause, he met Hestia's gaze.

"Hestia, does Charm grow faster the more girls like me?"

"Eh? Could be," Hestia said, startled.

"Elenoir, Aerith, and the others adore you, always clinging to you. That might explain the surge."

"But wait-you're in the workshop most nights, so... Orsted, you've been working hard..."

She trailed off, flustered. "No, wait, we're talking Charm improvement! Why's this about that? What's with that pitying look?"

Orsted blinked, caught off guard by her tangent, as their Charm discussion veered into chaos.

---

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Chapter 137: Demeter's...!

Chapter 137 - Demeter's...!

Orsted, feeling like a beleaguered worker after Hestia's comment, left Hearth Mansion in a huff, heading for Demeter's manor.

He'd taken half of Demeter's morning material delivery, crafting ten Demeter Rings and ten spatial transfer triggers.

The rest went into thirty more triggers as rewards for Lili and the others, to be distributed that evening.

The Demeter Ring used minimal magic until attacked, then drained a Level 1 adventurer's magic instantly.

Level 2s could sustain it with constant use of potions, but that was the trade-off for powerful items like a spatial defense barrier capable of withstanding Level 6 or 7 attacks.

Demeter's vast resources could maintain it.

Orsted could craft self-sustaining magic items that absorbed environmental magic, but those were basic, lacking advanced functions like spatial defense.

With time, he might combine Mystery and magic to create such items, but his schedule was packed.

At Demeter's manor, she greeted him warmly, her worried face brightening.

She knew his arrival meant her request was fulfilled, as he'd promised during their banquet dance.

Her smile masked anxious eyes, which Orsted noted. He wasted no time, presenting the Demeter Rings and triggers.

Learning their functions, Demeter apologized briefly before rushing to arrange their deployment.

Soon, Orsted's sharp senses detected a faint, near-invisible spatial defense barrier enveloping the manor, imperceptible to most.

Without crafting the rings himself, even he'd struggle to notice it.

Filvis likely couldn't either-she'd be repelled if she approached with malice.

Sipping tea in the reception room, Orsted waited.

High heels clicked, and Demeter returned, her face and eyes now radiant with relief.

"Thank you, Orsted," she said, sitting across from him with a lady's grace, her earlier urgency gone.

She was at ease, no longer plagued by sleepless nights over her Familia's safety.

The ten-ring barrier ensured her members' protection.

"For the next few months, keep your Familia inside the manor," Orsted advised seriously.

"If they must leave, ensure they carry a trigger. You too, Demeter."

He'd crafted the rings to safeguard her Familia and secure his Grimoire material supply, not to see them falter.

"Understood," Demeter replied, then grinned playfully.

"You named the defensive item after me, Orsted. Got a crush on your me?"

Orsted: (Ъ_Ъ)

Her crisis resolved, Demeter reverted to her teasing self, a playful glint dancing in her honeyed eyes.

Orsted opened his mouth to retort, but a shadow loomed.

"Thank you, Orsted," Demeter murmured, her expression tender.

"...You're welcome," Orsted blinked, caught off guard by the softness in her voice.

Before he could process it, Demeter closed the distance, her hands cupping his face as she pressed her lips to his in a sudden, searing kiss.

A jolt ran through Orsted, eyes widening at the warmth of her plush lips.

"Mmm..."

The sound escaped her, soft and teasing, as she tilted her head, deepening the kiss.

Orsted froze for a heartbeat, but then his hands found her waist, pulling her closer.

His lips moved against hers, tentative at first, then eager, matching her rhythm.

"mmph..."

Demeter's fingers threaded into his hair, tugging lightly.

"Haa... mmm..."

She pulled back just enough to breathe, her lips brushing his as she smirked, eyes half-lidded.

Orsted stole a final, soft kiss-a gentle peck-drawing a delighted hum from the goddess.

Leaving the manor, he returned to Orario, stopping at the Hephaestus Familia shop to deliver Tsubaki's ordered Hestia's Ring.

Demeter's materials included mythril placer, enabling more rings.

He didn't see Hephaestus, maybe rattled by thier kiss, and after a brief chat with Tsubaki, headed to Twilight Manor to drop off Finn's three rings.

Declining Finn's dinner invite, he returned to Hearth Mansion.

"All done?" Hestia asked, handing him water as he sank onto the sofa.

"Yeah," Orsted nodded.

"What's up with Demeter?" Hestia pressed, her curiosity from the banquet resurfacing.

"Her Familia's being targeted by a malicious group. She asked me to craft protective magic items for their manor," Orsted explained, smiling.

"As for the mastermind, Hestia, it's better you don't know. It'll only stress you out. There's no evidence yet, and they haven't shown themselves."

"Fair enough," Hestia said, raising an eyebrow but trusting Orsted's judgment. "Just don't overdo it."

She had faith in him-her first, most capable, and favorite Familia member.

Lili and the others soon returned, and Hestia whisked them to her room. "Let's go, time for Falna updates!"

Lili: ...

Eina: ...

Tifa: ...

Senie: ...

Aerith: ...

Elenoir: ...

---

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Chapter 138: Hestia Familia's Strength

Chapter 138 - Hestia Familia's Strength

After five days of intense preparation, Orsted remained cloistered in Hearth Mansion, dedicating himself to crafting magic items and Grimoires within his workshop.

Demeter's generosity continued unabated, as she sent another substantial batch of Grimoire materials, delivered without cost by her Familia members.

Even after receiving the initial Demeter Rings, she kept the supply flowing, intent on securing additional spatial transfer triggers to allow her Familia members greater freedom of movement outside their manor.

The relentless deliveries left Orsted in awe of Demeter's wealth.

Batch after batch arrived, prompting him to wonder just how vast her resources were.

Nevertheless, he accepted every shipment, utilizing half as payment to craft thirty spatial transfer triggers for Demeter's Familia, which her members collected without requiring his personal delivery.

From the materials, he produced ten Grimoires, constrained by time from making the full thirty possible, and allocated the remaining resources to magic items.

Previously, material scarcity had thwarted Orsted's ambition to fully equip the Hestia Familia from head to toe.

Demeter's bounty changed that, enabling him to enhance Lili and the others with three new magic items:

1. A necklace that enhanced endurance, self-powered by absorbing ambient magic.

2. A ring that boosted mental strength (magic), designed for the Familia's elven mages but usable by all, also self-powered.

3. A bracelet that, when activated with the user's magic, tripled physique, with duration tied to mental strength, ideal for mages with high magic but weak physicality.

The bracelet required user magic.

Those with low mental strength could sustain it for mere seconds, but mages, excelling in magic, thrived with it.

High-level mages like Riveria, a Level 6, boasted physiques rivaling Level 3 or 4 adventurers, enabling feats like surviving the Spirit Clone's magic in the anime.

The Hestia Familia, however, stood apart.

Orsted mandated that all members-melee or mage-achieve S-rank in all basic abilities before ranking up.

With his resources, anything less was unacceptable.

Those who ranked up prematurely wouldn't be expelled but would lose access to his magic items and Grimoires.

To support mages, he tailored their items, though melee members benefited equally.

Over the five days, three melee elven women ranked up, opting for S-rank upgrades like Lili.

Orsted didn't push them-maxing higher stats was grueling, and few matched Tifa's potential.

Lili, with two S999 stats at Level 2, regretted her hasty rank-up and vowed to aim for max status next, unless stalled for months.

By the War Game's eve, the Hestia Familia had six Level 2+ adventurers, including Orsted.

The rest, led by Elenoir's mage elves, lagged in non-magic stats but were poised to rank up in ten to fifteen days.

Orsted also stockpiled potions, cramming Lili's team's bags with recovery elixirs, unveiling his potion-crafting skill.

Hestia, overjoyed, clung to him until Lili intervened.

He presented Lili and Eina with their first-tier Durandal weapons, met with envy but no resentment, as the Familia congratulated them warmly.

He also supplied two magic swords for emergencies.

With preparations complete, Orsted and the Hestia Familia departed for the Shreme Old Castle Ruins.

---

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Chapter 139: Shreme Old Castle

Chapter 139 - Shreme Old Castle

The Shreme Old Castle Ruins were a distant trek, requiring a full day's carriage ride from Orario.

This prompted Orsted and the Hestia Familia to depart two days early.

The area was notorious for bandits, but the Guild had tasked Ganesha Familia members with clearing them out and maintaining order, barring other Familias from approaching.

War Games attracted meddling from unscrupulous gods, and Ganesha's eleven first-tier adventurers-even just a few-ensured control.

The day-long journey was the most time Orsted had spent with Lili and the others recently.

Since Elenoir, Eina, and the new recruits joined, Lili's team had been dungeon-diving while Orsted, tied up with various tasks, stayed behind.

Nights found him in the workshop, tirelessly crafting magic items and Grimoires for the Familia, leaving little time for bonding.

Lili and the others cherished this rare chance, eagerly sharing their recent adventures.

Orsted listened intently.

Under Lili and Tifa's lead, Eina and the recruits had ventured from the upper to the middle floors.

Their rapid growth, bolstered by Orsted's magic items and Grimoire, made the middle floors manageable.

Even Elenoir and the new adventurers had slain Minotaurs, often teaming up like Lili and Naaza once did.

This prowess led the three elven women, who ranked up just before departure, to choose Leap as their development ability without hesitation, mirroring Orsted's own.

"Leap's a game-changer," Orsted said, smiling. "I'd love for every Familia member's first development ability to be this."

"Yes, Orsted-sama!" Elenoir vowed.

"Won't let you down, Orsted," Eina pledged.

"I'll get it too, Orsted," Aerith chimed in.

The unranked mages-Elenoir, Eina, Aerith, and others-assured him they'd prioritize Leap over Magic, the typical mage choice that boosted magic power and efficiency.

Their trust in Orsted was absolute, bordering on fanatic; they'd likely follow any command, though he'd never demand their lives.

Senie, however, was indifferent, fixated only on Orsted and wine.

During adventures, she played guardian, rescuing trapped Familia members with her superior strength.

Orsted spent the day absorbing their tales.

At dawn, they reached the Shreme Old Castle Ruins' outskirts.

Ganesha Familia guards, led by Shakti Varma-Ganesha's captain, greeted them.

"This is the Shreme Old Castle Ruins. Proceed on your own," Shakti said.

Orsted hadn't expected her presence but shrugged it off.

After they left, Shakti instructed a subordinate to notify Orario of their arrival via discreet means.

With a day before the War Game, Orsted's group set up camp nearby.

In his tent, the Familia crowded together, unbothered by the tight space.

"How do you plan to tackle this War Game?" Orsted asked.

Lili and the others had insisted he stay out unless critical, and he'd agreed.

He wanted to know their siege strategy to gauge their approach.

They exchanged glances, each sporting a faint, cryptic smile. "It's a secret," Lili said. "You'll see, Orsted-sama."

So mysterious. What's the big surprise?

"Orsted-sama, since the War Game's tomorrow, can you teach us magic today?" Elenoir asked, pulling a Grimoire from her bag, eyes gleaming.

Knowing Orsted crafted Grimoires, they trusted his magical expertise to boost their skills.

Others, especially the elven mages, brandished their magic weapons, staring at him eagerly. The day passed swiftly, filled with magical lessons.

The War Game day dawned. Lili and the others rose early, buzzing with excitement, ready for battle.

Orsted noted their high spirits, fitting for the challenge ahead.

Meanwhile, Orario thrummed with unprecedented energy.

The Guild's hype had drawn crowds from beyond the city, packing Orario to bursting for this rare spectacle.

At the Babel's assembly hall, Hestia emerged from a passage. "Hey, you made it," Loki crowed, her grin dazzling with mischief.

"What's your deal, Loki?" Hestia asked, wary of her rival's glee.

"Hehe, thanks a ton," Loki said, forgoing their usual spat. "Here, Soma's finest." She handed Hestia a wine jug, smirking.

"Hey!" The gods in the hall gasped in unison, Hestia included. Loki, unfazed, grinned wider, basking in the uproar.

---

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Chapter 140: Apollo: Nah, I'd win

Chapter 140 - Apollo: Nah, I'd win

After a commotion, the gods soon calmed down.

A group of gods stood by the window, peering down at the scene below.

Whether their divine eyesight truly pierced the distance or they were just posturing was unclear.

"It's getting lively," Loki said, pressing her face to the glass, grinning.

"Lord Hermes, is it really fine for me to be here?" an adventurer asked, standing out in the gods-only Assembly Hall.

Only one god could flout such rules: Hermes, the premier troublemaker since Loki toned down.

"No worries, these folks won't mind," Hermes said, chuckling at the gods glued to the window.

He pulled out his pocket watch, its cracked face showing noon's approach.

Snapping it shut, he looked skyward and boomed, "Ouranos, grant us your divine power!"

His voice rippled through space, reaching some unseen realm.

The air quivered, and a steady, ancient voice, laced with divine authority, echoed from the Guild, resonating across Orario.

Every god in the city-whether in the Assembly Hall, their Familia residences, or skulking in taverns and alleys-snapped their fingers in unison.

Hestia joined them.

Instantly, screens materialized in voids across taverns, streets, and corners-not mirrors, but divine mirrors, imbued with clairvoyance to view distant events.

Orario erupted, crowds cheering at the screens.

These mirrors, a rare divine power permitted in the lower world, let gods spectate far-off spectacles like War Games with their Familias.

The screens revealed the Shreme Old Castle Ruins, revamped by Apollo's Familia, showcasing an ancient city under a sun flag, sprawled across endless plains.

Eyes scanned for figures, quickly spotting Apollo Familia members on the city walls, their faces grim and vigilant, scouring the plains for hidden foes.

"Apollo's kids look tense," a god remarked.

"Hestia, where's Orsted and his team?" Hermes asked, scanning the mirror for the Hestia Familia but finding no trace.

"There! Orsted's right there!" Hephaestus exclaimed, pointing at a screen with a smile.

The gods' gazes snapped to it, then froze in shock.

"Hestia, what's going on?" Miach asked, voicing their confusion.

The screen showed Orsted perched on a boulder, one leg bent, the other dangling, his left hand resting on his knee.

He smiled ahead, radiating ease, as if on a scenic outing rather than a War Game-utterly relaxed.

"Lili and the others caused this mess, so they're handling it themselves," Hestia said, her grin wicked.

"They told Orsted to stay out unless they fail. Then he'll step in."

The gods gaped.

Those unaware of Hestia's Familia's strength-or Orsted's-thought her mad.

How could she let her members act so recklessly?

Apollo's Familia numbered over a hundred, led by Level 3 Hyakinthos, with several Level 2s and a swarm of Level 1s.

Hestia's Familia, barely thirty strong, was mostly new recruits.

Only Orsted, Lili, and Tifa were Level 2. Even united, their odds against Apollo were slim, yet they sidelined Orsted, a prodigy Ottar acknowledged.

What gave them such confidence?

Gods in the Assembly Hall weren't alone in their bewilderment.

Across Orario, others mocked Orsted's leisurely pose, deeming him foolish for not joining his team.

Without Hestia's explanation, they saw only recklessness.

"Just watch," Hestia said, her smile unwavering.

She shot Apollo, seated nearby and visibly stung, a contemptuous glance. "I'm not handing my Orsted to that creep."

Apollo smirked.

"Nah, I'd win."

The gods settled, intrigued.

Hestia wasn't foolish-she must have a plan or hidden ace.

They returned to spectator mode, eyes locked on the divine mirrors.

Meanwhile, on the plains outside the Shreme Old Castle Ruins, Orsted sat on his boulder, gazing at the ancient city with a serene smile, murmuring, "Come on, everyone!"

---

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Chapter 141: Lili's Magic

Chapter 141 - Lili's Magic

Lili and the Hestia Familia were poised to crush the Apollo Familia.

Days earlier, Lili and Tifa had overpowered Hyakinthos together.

Now, bolstered by five days of intense growth, their strength had surged, joined by three new Level 2 melee elves.

The unranked members' basic abilities neared S-rank, and Orsted's arsenal-magic items, potions, and spatial transfer triggers-ensured their edge.

If danger struck, the triggers would whisk them back to Hearth Mansion's safety.

As a final safeguard, Senie's Level 4-equivalent strength, even without Falna, loomed as backup.

Though confident in the outcome, Orsted was eager to see Lili's team in action.

Future expeditions, especially in deep floors, demanded teamwork over individual prowess.

A scattered team risked disaster, even with intelligence.

Someone needed to lead cohesively, and this War Game would test their mettle.

After gazing at Shreme Old Castle Ruins, Orsted produced a bead.

With a tap, it dissolved into light, forming a screen before him-a custom magic item for remote viewing, inspired by the divine mirror and akin to Fels's crystal ball from the anime, given to Ais via Lulune of Hermes's Familia.

Orsted dubbed it a "magic mirror," distinct from the gods' divine mirror, projecting images directly into the air unlike Fels's limited crystal.

As Orsted activated it, Orario's gods and adventurers gawked, toggling between his screen and their divine mirrors.

"Is that a divine mirror?" an adventurer muttered, bemused by the recursive sight.

"Hestia's Familia has magic items," another noted.

"This War Game won't be a slaughter."

Magic items, unlike magic swords, offered diverse abilities, some game-changing.

Recognizing Orsted's item, adventurers sensed an upset, their interest piqued.

What seemed a one-sided Apollo victory now promised intrigue, spreading through Orario's taverns and streets.

Gods echoed their curiosity.

"Ottar, did he give Orsted that item?" Freya asked in Babel, eyes narrowing at the divine mirror's feed.

"It resembles a divine mirror, but I doubt even he could craft such a high-level item," Ottar replied calmly.

"Given Hestia's Familia's material stockpiling, Orsted likely developed Mystery to an advanced degree swiftly. He probably made it himself."

Freya paused, her gaze on Orsted's image intensifying with fervor.

In the Assembly Hall, Hestia faced a barrage of questions but clenched her teeth, refusing to boast about Orsted's prowess, ignoring the gods' prodding.

Beneath the Babel, in the Guild's prayer room, Fels-a skeletal sage who'd mastered Mystery and resurrection magic centuries ago-emerged before Ouranos's altar.

"Ouranos, no objections now, right?" he asked.

"Wait until this War Game ends," Ouranos replied, his divine mirror fixed on Orsted, as if weighing a decision.

Fels's words hinted at a dungeon issue requiring Orsted's involvement.

"Understood, but I recommend Orsted regardless," Fels said, sinking into the shadows.

Ouranos remained still, silently studying Orsted's image.

The divine mirror's divine power was flawless-Orsted felt no spying sensation despite Orario's scrutiny. He focused on Lili's team through his magic mirror.

"Just like the anime," he murmured, smiling. "Lili's magic is perfect for this."

---

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Chapter 142: Asfi: This...

Chapter 142 - Asfi: This...

In the mirror's display, Lili activated a strengthening item crafted by Orsted, who had anticipated her plan.

Cinder Ella allowed her to transform into any race with a similar physique.

The strengthening item bypassed this limit, enabling her to assume forms with vastly different body sizes.

In the anime, Apollo's dwarves, battered by Lili's team, were sidelined, recovering in their residence, unfit for this War Game.

Unable to mimic a dwarf to infiltrate Shreme Old Castle Ruins, Lili used the item to become an Apollo Familia member with a starkly different physique.

Leah, a Hestia Familia melee member, wielded magic that minimized a person's presence for five minutes, rendering them nearly invisible.

With Leah's aid, Lili brazenly slipped into the castle, located her pre-marked Apollo Familia target, knocked them out, and hid them.

Disguised as that member, she posed as a cargo handler, probing the Apollo Familia's defenses.

The ruse was flawless-no one suspected her. Lili mapped out their patrol routes, defenses, and layout, strolling through the castle multiple times undetected.

In Orario, Apollo, watching via divine mirror, seethed, cursing his Familia's obliviousness. Hyakinthos, holed up in his room, ignored the breach, fueling Apollo's rage.

How could he, previously humbled by Lili and Tifa, assume victory?

Fun-seeking gods, including Hermes and Hestia, savored Apollo's meltdown, their faces alight with amusement.

Apollo, regaining composure, glared at Hestia's smugness. "Don't gloat yet, Hestia," he growled. "So what if your Familia sniffed out our setup? Our numbers crush you."

He boasted of his seven or eight Level 2s, confident they could neutralize Orsted and Lili and Tifa, leaving Hestia's rookie elves defenseless.

But his words backfired.

Lili sprang into action, using unknown means to summon Tifa and the others, hidden outside, into the castle.

She orchestrated a precise strike on the defense's weak points. In half a minute, Apollo's formation collapsed, shredded by elemental magics.

Familia members fell, their fates unclear, as Apollo's legs buckled, collapsing in despair.

How could Hestia's rookies wield such power? Their melee and magical prowess rivaled Level 2s, overwhelming his forces.

Even Hyakinthos and his Level 2s stood no chance. Apollo's gaze drifted to Hestia, her malicious grin and icy stare chilling him as visions of defeat flooded his mind.

In Babel, Hermes whispered to Asfi. "That glow from Hestia's kids-it's magic items, right?"

Asfi, stunned, struggled to process. Over twenty Hestia Familia members, each with five magic items?

Her own decades of crafting yielded just a dozen permanent items, yet Hestia's team was decked out.

"Yes, Lord Hermes," she said, breathless. "Each has five magic items. That light is their power."

"Orsted, you're full of surprises," Hermes murmured, tipping his hat with a sly smile.

Meanwhile, Orsted's magic mirror revealed Lili's strategy. "Perfect use of Cinder Ella," he said, smiling.

Orario exploded as Hestia's assault unfolded, the city buzzing with shock and awe at their dominance.

---

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Chapter 143: Elf-to-elf

Chapter 143 - Elf-to-elf

"Damn, what kind of skill is this? That Pallum's inside the castle but coordinating with Hestia's team outside."

"She's a walking command hub!" an adventurer exclaimed, eyes glued to the divine mirror.

"Look, Apollo's folks are ignoring Hestia's team again."

"It's that female elf's magic," another noted, spotting Leah's presence-dampening spell.

"What are those two women doing at the gate?" someone asked, as Tifa and Aerith approached the castle entrance.

"That woman's gorgeous. Hestia's got such a beauty? She's my goddess now," a smitten adventurer declared.

"Uh, mate, Orario's crawling with actual goddesses," another retorted.

"Tch, forget those fun gods. Who is she?"

"Think her name's Tifa."

"Ranks up fast-not as quick as Orsted, Hestia's captain, but faster than Sword Princess Ais."

"Impressive. My kind of goddess!"

"All of Hestia's members, except Orsted, are women-and stunning. Even that Pallum sneaking in is a cutie."

"Gods, I'd kill to join Hestia's Familia. Surrounded by beauties, Orsted's living the dream."

"Keep dreaming. They only take women, besides Orsted."

"Hestia recruits female elves to avoid elven contact issues."

"Elven habits?"

"Yeah, elves hate touching non-elves. But elf-on-elf? No problem."

"How do you know all this?"

"Researched it when I heard about this War Game. Hestia's details are scarce, though."

"Share the intel, man!"

"Hundred thousand Valis."

"Stingy bastard."

"I worked hard for this. Pay up."

"Are there really so many mages in Hestia's Familia?"

"Most prefer magic, yeah."

"Besides a few melee elves, they're mostly mages. Not surprising."

"Wait, Tifa's got magic too-support type, like that other elf's, and it works on others."

"That other one's Aerith. Looks odd with that huge staff."

"There's light coming off them. What's that?"

"Aerith's aiming at the gate!" As Aerith raised her staff, gods and adventurers gasped, sensing her intent.

"That gate's reinforced thick. Aerith's a newbie in Hestia's Familia-she can't have that power."

"Tifa might, she's ranked up."

A deafening explosion cut through the mirror. Seconds later, the Apollo-reinforced gate shattered under Aerith's staff strike.

"What the hell? Aerith smashed it to bits with one hit!" an adventurer shouted.

"That's Level 2 power!"

"Magic-boosted, no less!"

"Hestia's hiding monsters like her!"

"Tifa's stronger, though. Aerith needed Tifa's magic to pull that off."

"Nah, that light on Aerith isn't Tifa's magic."

"It's magic items," a sharp-eyed adventurer said. "Aerith's got an enhancement item."

"Magic items on a rookie? Insane!"

"Apollo's crew finally noticed-they're attacking Aerith and Tifa!"

"So many guards at the gate. They're done for," someone warned, as Apollo's wall archers and gate guards surged toward the pair, arrows nocked.

Adventurers in Orario tensed, pitying the two beauties facing a hail of arrows.

But a monstrous magic torrent-interwoven elemental spells-erupted, slamming the wall. Apollo's archers had no time to react, engulfed in the blast.

A massive, hundred-meter gap tore through the fortified wall.

Glowing afterimages-Tifa, Lili, and Hestia's team-rushed the gap and gate at blinding speed, clashing with Apollo's forces.

---

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Chapter 144: Is this hestia familia!

Chapter 144 - Is this hestia familia!

A Few Minutes Earlier

Lili, after mapping the Apollo Familia's defenses and gauging their strength against her own team's, reached a clear verdict: no strategy needed-just charge.

The Apollo Familia's setup baffled her.

Only two Level 2 adventurers and a gaggle of Level 1s guarded the front walls and gate, while the rest, including Hyakinthos and the other Level 2s, held the castle's inner checkpoints.

Why bother with tactics? Crush the front line, then gang up on the inner defenses.

Still, Lili wouldn't risk her team recklessly. "Engraved in the sky, my voice reaches afar-Soralis!" she chanted, activating her third magic, a sound transmission spell, to contact Tifa and the others outside Shreme Old Castle Ruins.

"Hello, can you hear me?" she tested.

"Loud and clear! Orders, Lili?" Tifa replied.

Lili sighed.

"Cut the theatrics. Prepare to attack. No plan needed-just hit hard."

"Apollo's got two Level 2s and a bunch of Level 1s at the wall and gate. The rest, including Hyakinthos, are deeper inside."

"We'll steamroll the front, then take the inner guards together."

"What about Hyakinthos?" Tifa asked.

"Lord Orsted, can you handle him?" Lili asked via Soralis, relaying the castle's layout.

Orsted, watching through his magic mirror, smiled. "I'm on my way."

Unable to use Instant here-he pocketed the mirror and sprinted toward the ruins.

"Great! We'll clear the front and wait for you, Lord Orsted!" Lili said, thrilled, before issuing orders.

"Tifa, Aerith, go all out. Tifa, imbue your weapon with Explosion magic."

"Aerith, activate all enhancement items."

"Smash the gate. Leah, cloak Tifa and Aerith with your magic."

"Melee team, once the gate's down, activate your items and reinforce them fast to wipe out the gate guards."

"Elenoir, use your item and magic shield to block our magic fluctuations."

"Elenoir, Eina, mages-full item activation, sync your magic, and hit the wall with a combined blast to disable Apollo's forces."

"Senie, get to me quick to hold the second checkpoint and buy time."

"Got it!" Tifa replied.

"Understood!" Aerith echoed.

"Leave it to me," Senie drawled.

Days of adventuring had forged the Hestia Familia into a tight-knit unit.

Lili's Soralis and command talent earned their unwavering trust.

Her orders were law, proven flawless in past battles.

For this War Game, Tifa and the others deferred to her leadership, expecting a complex plan after her infiltration.

Her call for a brute-force assault was a welcome surprise-no plan meant no complications.

The team sprang into action.

Elenoir, boosted by her mental strength-enhancing item and a potion, maxed her magic, deploying a magic shield to cloak their fluctuations.

Elenoir, Eina, and over a dozen Level 1 mages,

with magic and fully activated items, chanted in unison.

Their combined spell, amplified by magic badges, hit Level 4 but remained concealed by the shield, unnoticed by Apollo's forces.

Leah cast her presence-dampening magic on Tifa and Aerith, who dashed to the gate undetected.

Only when they activated their items and magic, causing fluctuations, did Apollo's guards notice-too late.

Aerith's staff, glowing blue, slammed down, obliterating the gate in an explosion.

Apollo's wall guards, enraged, nocked arrows and began chanting, aiming to cut them down.

But before they could act, a colossal elemental torrent-woven by the mages-erupted, engulfing the wall.

The blast's sheer power overwhelmed the unprepared guards, blasting a hundred-meter gap and sending them flying, gravely injured.

Seven or eight glowing figures-Tifa, Aerith, and the melee elves-surged through the gap and gate, clashing with Apollo's guards like wolves among sheep.

Screams rang out as the Hestia team tore through dozens of Apollo adventurers, toppling even the Level 2s in a minute.

Tifa's squad stood unscathed, dominating the field.

Whole Orario, watching via divine mirrors, were stunned into silence by the one-sided carnage.

---

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Chapter 145: So Strong

Chapter 145 - So Strong

In Twilight Manor, Finn and the Loki Familia watched the divine mirror Loki had set up before leaving.

The Hestia Familia's display of power drew Finn's narrowed gaze.

"Orsted's members are all remarkable talents," Finn said, impressed.

"Indeed," Riveria agreed.

"A dozen Level 1 mages casting together rival Lefiya's full-strength magic."

Lefiya, though Level 3, unleashed first-tier destructive magic at her peak.

Yet Hestia familia's Level 1 elven mages, with their fused spell, matched or surpassed that power.

Their talent was undeniable-a pity they weren't Loki's.

"If they were ours, I'd train them like Lefiya, aiming for her level," Riveria said, sighing.

"So strong! They might even surpass me someday!" Lefiya chirped, eyes sparkling at her kin's prowess.

"The melee members, too-their skills suggest S-rank abilities. They're already matching Level 2s," Tiona added.

"Is Hestia's whole Familia going elite?"

Tifa hadn't shown her full strength, but Aerith and the melee elves had, their prowess-bolstered by S-rank stats and magic items-rivaling Level 2s.

Tiona recognized this, having hit S-rank herself. Not all Loki Familia members maxed stats before ranking up; many settled for B or C.

"Tifa's beyond a fresh Level 2," Tione said. "Her strength, speed-everything's at the peak."

"Haha, true," Finn said, eyes on the mirror.

"But I'm not shocked by Hestia's Familia anymore."

"You're numb from Orsted's antics," Gareth chuckled.

"His brilliance feels normal now."

Tiona and Tione exchanged glances, nodding.

Compared to Orsted's feats, S-rank melee members seemed plausible.

This reaction rippled through Orario's major and mid-tier Familias.

Discerning observers, noting Hestia's strength, grew intrigued.

"What's with these mages?" Bete suddenly growled.

All eyes snapped to another divine mirror, widening in disbelief.

Elenoir, Eina, and Hestia's mages had entered Shreme Old Castle through the gap blasted by their combined magic.

Though the wall guards were battered, some Apollo members recovered with elixirs. Spotting the mages, they attacked-but Elenoir and her team didn't counter with spells.

Instead, they charged at breakneck speed, wielding magic staves like clubs, knocking out over a dozen Apollo members in one swing.

A lone Level 2 Apollo adventurer dodged, stunned.

"What the hell? Aren't you long-range mages? Level 1s?"

"How are you this fast and strong, one-shotting Level 1 melee fighters?"

Orario's spectators shared his confusion.

The mages surrounded the Level 2, bludgeoning him unconscious with their staves, joining his fallen comrades.

"It's... satisfying, clubbing people like this," Eina said, eyeing her staff.

"Maybe I should switch to melee."

Her words dumbfounded Orario further.

A mage, enjoying melee and contemplating a career change?

"Hestia's Familia has a weird vibe," an adventurer muttered in a tavern, echoed by others across the city.

What mage clobbers melee fighters with a staff? Melee mages?

The absurdity united Orario's reactions in a chorus of bewilderment.

---

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Chapter 146: Lili's Tactics

Chapter 146 - Lili's Tactics

Just as everyone puzzled over the unconventional tactics of the Hestia Familia's mage, the image in one of the magic mirrors shifted.

Lili's figure appeared in the frame, accompanied by Senie, who wore a form-fitting outfit that accentuated her striking figure.

The two stood on an aerial corridor within the castle, smiles gracing their faces as they advanced toward the opposite end.

Facing them were members of the Apollo Familia.

Despite a massive explosion near the city wall, the guards here remained steadfast, holding their defensive positions without taking action.

This surprised Lili, but she quickly understood why.

The Apollo Familia members were overly confident in their own strength.

Even after hearing the violent explosion from the front, those unaware of the situation firmly believed their comrades could handle it.

Their task was simply to guard this corridor.

"Lili, Senie? I didn't expect you to break through the blockade and reach this point," said Daphne, the captain of the Apollo Familia's Level 2 adventurer team, tasked with defending this position.

Behind them loomed the throne tower, where Hyakinthos resided.

Despite the chaos outside, Hyakinthos seemed oblivious, sitting calmly in the tower as if detached from the events.

He appeared supremely confident in his subordinates.

And why not? The disparity in strength between the two sides was immense.

In Hyakinthos' eyes, only Orsted, Lili, and Senie possessed notable strength within the Hestia Familia.

The other members had joined the Hestia Familia recently, and according to Guild intelligence, they were all Level 1.

In contrast, his side boasted over a hundred members, including eight Level 2 adventurers.

His forces had even ventured as a group to defeat the Monster Rex Goliath.

With such power, what was there to fear from a Familia with only three Level 2 members and a handful of Level 1 newcomers?

Even if Orsted overcame the Apollo Familia's many obstacles to reach him, Hyakinthos was unafraid.

He envisioned defeating Orsted decisively, crushing him underfoot and proclaiming that only he deserved Lord Apollo's favor.

Such were Hyakinthos' delusions.

Unbeknownst to him, the Apollo Familia had already been routed.

The only intact unit was the team led by Daphne and Cassandra on the aerial corridor.

And now, that team had engaged Lili and Senie in combat.

"Lord Orsted will arrive soon, but he won't be fighting you. Your opponents are us," Lili said with a smile, continuing to advance.

"Archers, step forward and fire at will. Mages, prepare your spells and await my signal," Daphne ordered, frowning slightly at Lili's words.

She had no interest in banter and issued her commands decisively.

This corridor was the only path to the throne tower where Hyakinthos awaited. If the enemy wished to pass, they had to cross this chokepoint-a perfect target for her forces.

Daphne didn't bother ordering the archers to form a specific formation; she simply commanded them to shoot.

As for the mages, she would wait for the optimal moment to unleash their spells.

She knew Lili's reputation: a former supporter from the Soma Familia who joined the Hestia Familia, transitioned to an adventurer, and rapidly reached Level 2.

The archers' arrows were unlikely to harm her.

After all, Lili wouldn't stand still and let herself be shot.

But that didn't matter. Daphne's true target was the charming woman beside Lili.

Senie, a recent addition to the Hestia Familia, lacked the experience to evade the archers' volleys.

As for Lili, Daphne trusted her mages to handle her.

Once Lili began dodging, Daphne could time her mages' spells to strike her.

She had three Level 2 mages at her command.

The magic power of Level 2 mages was formidable, and even though Lili had recently reached Level 2 and had a record of teaming up to stall Hyakinthos, she couldn't possibly withstand their combined assault.

Otherwise, mages wouldn't be so coveted by every Familia.

Even if the spells missed, Daphne and her two Level 2 melee comrades could launch a surprise attack to deal heavy damage to Lili.

That was Daphne's plan.

But while the plan was sound, reality proved harsh.

As her orders were issued, the archers and mages acted accordingly.

The archers loosed their arrows, but halfway through their flight, the arrows halted, suspended in midair as if frozen by an invisible force.

They neither continued forward nor fell to the ground.

"What is this?" Daphne and her team gasped, stunned by the sight.

They couldn't comprehend what was happening.

It wasn't magic-there were no magical fluctuations. Was it a skill?

But what kind of skill could produce such an effect?

Moreover, only Lili and Senie were present, and they were far from the arrows.

Skills weren't magic, so how could they exert such an effect from a distance?

"Surprised, aren't you?" Senie said with a laugh, observing Daphne and her team's bewilderment.

Her laughter made it clear to Daphne that Senie was responsible for the phenomenon.

Daphne instantly realized Senie wasn't a mere newcomer but a potentially formidable foe.

"Forget Lili! Direct all your spells at Senie!" Daphne shouted to her mages.

Then, turning to her two melee companions, she ordered, "You two, follow me! We'll take down Lili quickly!"

Without hesitation, Daphne charged forward, her companions following closely behind.

Seeing this, Lili grinned, drawing the Orsted Blade-a weapon crafted for her by Orsted, as she had named it-and rushed to meet them.

Three Level 2 opponents? Lili wasn't intimidated. She was confident in her abilities and unafraid of the challenge.

If she weren't certain of her strength, why would she have come here with only Senie?

In an instant, Lili clashed with Daphne and her two companions.

As the Orsted Blade met Daphne's weapon head-on, Lili's other hand was already in motion.

A burst of fire erupted from her palm and surged forward, striking the two adventurers trailing Daphne and halting their advance.

Then, with a swift motion, Lili raised her foot and delivered a kick to Daphne's stomach at a speed the captain couldn't counter.

With a sound like rushing air, followed by a loud crash, Daphne was launched backward, slamming into the tower wall over ten meters away.

---

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Chapter 147: This is...!?

Chapter 147 - This is...!?

Lili was indeed fearless against Daphne and her team.

A week ago, Lili teamed up with Tifa to hold back Hyakinthos, even managing to suppress him.

Now, a week later, Lili's strength had grown significantly.

Her basic abilities had reached C rank, and with magic items boosting her power and her mastery of Sun Breathing, she was more than capable of handling Daphne and her allies.

Even if Tifa were here, she could likely defeat Daphne and her team in an instant.

Everyone in the Hestia Familia knew Lili's true strength.

But the gods and adventurers of Orario were unaware.

They saw Lili only as a Level 2 rookie, promoted less than a month ago.

Yet this Level 2 rookie displayed astonishing power.

Daphne, a seasoned Level 2 on the verge of reaching Level 3, lasted just one round against Lili before being kicked into a wall.

Before striking Daphne, Lili effortlessly neutralized the two other Level 2 Apollo Familia members attacking alongside her.

Such strength could convince some she was Level 3.

And it wasn't just Lili-Senie's performance was equally astounding.

The mages of the Apollo Familia had unleashed their spells by now.

But an invisible barrier seemed to shield Lili and Senie, blocking the magic entirely.

This barrier was precise, extending just one meter.

The spells cast by the Apollo Familia's mages barely left their wands before exploding within a second, stopped by the barrier.

The mages, physically frail, were caught in their own blasts, left severely injured and wailing on the ground.

Nearby, Senie smiled, one hand subtly extended toward the mages.

It was clear she was responsible, though no one could discern how.

The gods and adventurers wracked their brains but couldn't unravel the mystery.

In Babel's assembly hall, the gods, stumped, turned to Hestia for answers.

"It's a Familia secret. No prying, thank you," Hestia replied, rolling her eyes at their curiosity.

Why would she reveal her Familia's abilities? Sharing such details would only invite trouble.

Besides, Senie's esper heritage wasn't something to discuss lightly.

The gods, expecting Hestia's refusal, shifted their attention elsewhere when no answers came.

Meanwhile, in Folkvangr and Twilight Manor, some recognized the truth.

"It's aerial magic-a powerful aerial magic," said Ottar and Ais, speaking simultaneously from their respective strongholds.

"Aerial magic?"

"It does seem like it," Finn said in the Twilight Manor, his eyes brightening at Ais's words.

"Orsted's companion wields potent aerial magic, invisible when cast, without the slightest magical fluctuation."

"The arrows from the Apollo Familia's archers and the spells from their mages backfired due to this aerial magic," Ais explained, nodding.

Without her own affinity for aerial magic, she might not have noticed Senie's technique.

"Invisible aerial magic? That's truly fearsome," Finn remarked. He and the others trusted Ais implicitly, and her words made Senie's ability seem daunting.

Even Finn couldn't detect the aerial magic in Senie's actions. Facing such magic in battle would be troublesome.

Fortunately, while the gods of the Hestia and Loki Familias clashed, their members maintained a decent rapport.

At Folkvangr, Ottar shared his own observation.

Unlike Ais, he lacked aerial magic, but as Orario's mightiest adventurer, his instincts and perception were unmatched. He'd spotted something amiss in the magic mirror's image.

"Aerial magic?"

"This woman, Senie, just joined the Hestia Familia recently. How could she manage such a feat?" Freya asked, frowning slightly in surprise.

"To achieve this, I believe one would need top-tier aerial magic," Ottar said after a pause.

Freya's eyes narrowed further.

"Orsted's Familia is full of remarkable talents," she said with a sweet smile, her gaze gleaming with intrigue.

Other gods in Orario, unlike those of the Loki and Freya Familias, didn't discern Senie's aerial magic.

But that didn't stop them from recognizing her power.

Both gods and adventurers marveled at the Hestia Familia's strength, growing increasingly curious and interested.

Some eyed the Familia with a glint of malice, as if pondering whether they could exploit it for amusement.

Soon, a shared thought crossed the gods' minds, and smirks spread across their faces.

"Lord Hermes? Why the creepy grin?" Asfi asked in the assembly hall, uneasy at the sight of Hermes's barely contained smile.

Hestia, overhearing, glanced over. Seeing Hermes's expression, she felt a sudden chill.

"Something bad's coming..." Hestia muttered, rubbing her arms as the air seemed to grow colder.

---

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Chapter 148: The Last Showdown

Chapter 148 - The Last Showdown

"Cassandra!" Sliding down from the wall, Daphne's forehead was covered with blood, and blood trickled from the corners of her mouth.

She ignored her own injuries and staggered toward Cassandra, paying no heed to the two melee members who had attacked Lili with her.

"What an enviable friendship." Not far away, Senie walked slowly toward them, smiling as she approached.

Daphne ignored Senie entirely, instead pulling a potion wrapped in cotton from her chest pocket and feeding it to Cassandra.

Adventurers' potions are often specially treated to withstand battle damage.

Daphne's was no exception. The potion, carefully stored in her inner pocket, remained intact despite Lili's kick to her abdomen.

"Don't come closer," Daphne warned, turning her attention to Senie after seeing Cassandra's injuries heal quickly. She glared warily and shouted.

Senie ignored her, continuing to advance while saying, "Don't worry, as long as you stay put and don't make a move, I won't attack you."

Senie had learned much about the Apollo Familia in recent days, particularly about Daphne and Cassandra.

To some extent, Daphne and Cassandra were in a similar position to Orsted, all targeted by Apollo and coerced into joining his Familia.

Unlike Orsted, who could resist and fight back, Daphne and Cassandra were powerless and forced to comply.

Senie bore them no ill will.

She had been called here by Lili to keep the Apollo Familia's Level 2 members pinned down, preventing them from interfering with Tifa, Eina, and the others.

However, neither Senie nor Lili had anticipated how weak the Apollo Familia would be.

In just a few rounds, Tifa, Eina, and others had already defeated the members guarding the city walls and gates.

Now, Tifa and the others had joined Orsted and were heading this way.

Seeing Senie pause and refrain from further action, Daphne exhaled in relief.

But her relief was cut short by a sharp pain in her abdomen.

She suddenly remembered her two companions were still fighting Lili and quickly turned to look.

Her pupils shrank at the sight.

Her two companions, far from overpowering Lili in a two-on-one fight, were being thoroughly beaten by her alone, fleeing in disarray with injuries covering their bodies.

Noticing Daphne's gaze, Senie smiled and said, "Don't move, or I'll have to put you down like that girl."

Though she had no desire to harm Daphne or Cassandra, Senie wouldn't let Daphne interfere with Lili.

"I won't try anything," Daphne replied, her heart tightening. She instinctively hugged the still-unconscious Cassandra closer.

At that moment, Hyakinthos, who had been sitting confidently in the tower, finally sensed something was wrong and emerged.

He stepped out to a scene of chaos: his Familia members littered the ground.

Archers and mages alike lay defeated, their fates uncertain.

Only Daphne and the two Level 2 melee fighters remained. The melee fighters were being overwhelmed by Lili alone.

Daphne crouched protectively in front of Cassandra, warily eyeing Senie in her purple, form-fitting outfit.

"What is going on?" Hyakinthos roared, furious at the sight.

"Don't you trust your eyes?"

"If they're useless, maybe you should donate them," a calm voice replied.

Hyakinthos would never forget that voice. Its owner was the one vying for Apollo's favor, sparking this war game.

He looked up to see Orsted approaching slowly, surrounded by Hestia Familia members.

Though he walked unhurriedly, Orsted's presence, flanked by his allies, carried an imposing aura that unsettled the conscious Apollo Familia members. Upon seeing Orsted, Senie, who had been watching Daphne, and Lili, who had been dominating the two Level 2 fighters, stopped and turned to join him, standing at his left and right.

"Lord Orsted, soldiers against soldiers, generals against generals. Lili and the others have cleared all obstacles for you. The stage is yours," Lili said respectfully, placing a hand on her chest and bowing slightly.

Orsted felt an odd pang of embarrassment at Lili's formal words.

Suppressing the feeling, he focused on Hyakinthos, meeting his hateful glare with calm resolve.

Hyakinthos looked at Orsted as if he were a mortal enemy.

"You bastard!"

Orsted didn't care to guess Hyakinthos' thoughts or delve into his mind.

He only knew the man before him had to be dealt with.

Orsted and Hestia had planned Apollo's punishment before the Banquet: to send Apollo back to heaven and disband his Familia.

In the Anime, after the Apollo Familia's defeat, Apollo merely disbanded his Familia and was exiled from Orario, not returned to heaven. Hyakinthos, though resentful, wasn't extreme and left with Apollo. But this time, with Apollo facing divine repatriation and his Familia's dissolution, Hyakinthos, who revered Apollo above all, would never relent and would become a lifelong enemy of the Hestia Familia.

Enemies had to be eliminated.

War games permitted killing.

Excalibur Proto appeared in Orsted's hand. He walked toward Hyakinthos with steady calm.

Unbeknownst to Orsted, his appearance reignited excitement among Orario's gods and adventurers watching the war game.

"Oh! Orsted's finally here! Let's see what you've got!" Hermes shouted in Babel's assembly hall.

The other gods and adventurers buzzed with anticipation. Orsted hadn't acted since the war game began.

As the central figure of this conflict, his confrontation was crucial.

The siege battle's outcome hinged on this moment.

It was the climax of the war game.

How could they not be eager? They awaited Orsted's performance with bated breath.

---

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Chapter 149: They Won!

Chapter 149 - They Won!

More than ten minutes had passed since the war game began.

In that time, the gods and adventurers of Orario witnessed the might of the Hestia Familia.

A dozen Level 1 mages jointly cast mixed magic, obliterating the Apollo Familia's reinforced ancient castle with a single blow, severely injuring the adventurers on the wall.

These mages didn't even resemble typical mages. Their skills surpassed many melee adventurers.

Their wands could fell Level 1 adventurers nearing an upgrade, outmatching even melee fighters.

Meanwhile, the true melee adventurers were no less impressive.

Aerith smashed the massive city gate to pieces with a single strike.

Alongside Tifa and seven or eight other melee adventurers, she toppled dozens of Apollo Familia members in a mere minute, leaving them no chance to recover with potions.

Even more astonishing were Lili and Senie.

Lili single-handedly defeated three Level 2 Apollo Familia members, including Daphne, who was on the cusp of Level 3, yet was gravely injured by Lili's kick.

The other two were completely dominated by Lili from start to finish.

Senie's feats were even more baffling. The gods couldn't discern what ability she used to mysteriously incapacitate the Level 2 mages, Level 1 archers, and scattered melee adventurers guarding the aerial corridor.

Her effortless demeanor suggested she hadn't even exerted herself, as if she were holding back.

The gods and adventurers dared not imagine Senie's true strength.

With insights from perceptive adventurers, the gods and others learned that the glow enveloping the Hestia Familia members came from magic items, each member equipped with one or more.

Such resources were unthinkable for a fledgling Familia like Hestia's, established barely a month ago.

Yet the Hestia Familia proved it real, showing the world it was no illusion.

The Hestia Familia was extraordinary, powerful, and shrouded in mystery, compelling others to unravel its secrets.

Orsted's arrival heightened the gods' excitement and anticipation.

With such remarkable members, how formidable would Orsted, the captain who commanded the entire Familia, be?

They eagerly awaited Orsted's performance, hoping for even greater surprises to sate their restless curiosity.

As Hyakinthos saw Orsted's actions, he seemed to grasp something.

He drew his weapon, and advanced toward Orsted, his pace quickening until he charged.

"Go to hell, Orsted!"

"Oh!"

"It's begun, it's begun!"

"Phoebus Apollo is attacking. How will Orsted respond?" Seeing Hyakinthos' ferocious charge, gods cheered, and adventurers, wiping wine from their lips, stared at the magic mirror with fervent eyes.

Both gods and mortals were captivated by Orsted's moment.

But the next instant, they were stunned.

"Did I see that right?" one adventurer muttered, dazed.

"If my eyes aren't failing, was Phoebus Apollo killed instantly by Orsted?" another said, equally shocked.

"Yes, Hyakinthos was killed instantly by Orsted," a god, fond of mingling with adventurers in taverns, confirmed.

He'd been drinking in excitement moments ago, but now his mouth hung open, wine spilling from his glass into his collar, unnoticed.

What had they just witnessed?

Hyakinthos, who led the Apollo Familia to defeat Goliath, a Level 3 adventurer, charged at Orsted and was felled by a single swing of his sword.

Was this a jest?

Except for the Freya and Loki Familias, who knew Orsted's strength, others were dumbfounded by the sheer shock.

A Level 3 adventurer, a captain who'd vanquished Goliath, was no ordinary foe, yet Orsted dispatched him with a casual strike.

Such power rivaled Level 4, and only a top-tier Level 4 could kill Hyakinthos so swiftly.

How long had it taken Orsted to rise from Level 1 to Level 2? Less than a month, wasn't it?

A Level 2, promoted in under a month, wielded the might of a leading Level 4.

This revelation jolted the gods and adventurers, leaving them reeling.

After a long pause, a cough broke the silence, and the tavern erupted.

Roars and cheers filled the air, the crowd in a frenzy.

They'd expected Orsted to deliver a surprise, but not one this monumental.

A Level 2 matching Level 4, leaping two full levels-how extraordinary.

The gods, in particular, were astounded.

A two-level combat gap hadn't been seen since the Zeus and Hera Familia's era.

This fervor wasn't confined to one tavern. All of Orario resounded with cheers, the atmosphere electric.

The shouts of gods, adventurers, and residents intertwined, echoing across the city.

"Lady Freya, my intuition was right. Orsted has Level 4 strength!"

"I saw," Freya replied.

"Ottar, deliver that item to Hermes in a few days."

"Yes, Lady Freya!"

---

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Chapter 150: The Winners

Chapter 150 - The Winners

Orsted didn't want to waste time on Hyakinthos.

As Hyakinthos charged with a ferocious expression, Orsted moved in a flash, slashing his neck with Excalibur Proto.

War games permit death, so no one present questioned Orsted's killing of Hyakinthos.

Or rather, they did react. On the Apollo Familia side, Daphne, still conscious, and the two Level 2 adventurers were nearly paralyzed with fear at the sight.

Familia members know their own strengths, and Daphne and the others were well aware of Hyakinthos' power.

It was precisely because of Hyakinthos' strength that they followed his orders without question, never thinking his decision to stay in the tower was careless.

Orsted, praised and acknowledged by Ottar, was known to be formidable.

Having witnessed the strength of Lili and Senie firsthand, they were even more convinced of Orsted's prowess.

After all, a Familia's captain is typically its most capable member. For Orsted to lead the Hestia Familia, his strength surely surpassed that of his comrades.

But they hadn't expected Orsted to be this overwhelming.

Hyakinthos' attack was swift, yet he couldn't even graze Orsted's clothing. Orsted killed him before he could react.

They couldn't even track Orsted's speed.

"This war game is over, don't you think?" After killing Hyakinthos, Orsted shook the blood from Excalibur Proto, sheathed it, and turned to the stunned Daphne and her allies with a smile.

"...Yes, it's over."

"Hyakinthos fell in battle. Your Hestia Familia has won," Daphne replied, snapping out of her daze.

Orsted's gentle smile sent a shiver through her, but she spoke clearly.

As Daphne's words landed, thousands of miles away in Orario, the gods declared the war game concluded, with the Hestia Familia as the victor.

Orario erupted once more, the cheers that had briefly subsided resounding across the city.

Oh!

The war game lasted less than half an hour, yet the audience was thoroughly satisfied.

Initially, Orario's gods, adventurers, and residents had expected the Apollo Familia to dominate.

By all appearances, the Apollo Familia held the advantage.

But the tables turned dramatically, with the Hestia Familia unleashing astonishing power.

With just over twenty members, the Hestia Familia shone brilliantly.

The Apollo Familia, with over a hundred members, crumbled in under ten minutes against their assault.

Moreover, Orsted, the captain of the Hestia Familia, appeared at the climax, displaying combat prowess rivaling a Level 4 adventurer, securing the war game's final victory with overwhelming might.

Though the anticipated scenes didn't unfold, the Hestia Familia's performance surpassed all expectations.

In Orario, many unaffiliated adventurers were already preparing, eager to visit the Hestia Familia after the war game to request membership.

The Familia's display made it clear to anyone with sense that their future was bright.

Joining the Hestia Familia promised rapid growth.

Like the elves recently recruited by Hestia, seen in the magic mirror.

Adventurers wished time would hasten, ending the war game so they could seek out the Hestia Familia's base.

"After this triumph, Hestia will seize the moment to recruit new members," thought adventurers unaware of the Hestia Familia's stance.

They didn't know Hestia had no intention of expanding.

Having recruited over twenty new members recently, Hestia saw how busy Orsted was and felt pained.

Why would she add to his burdens?

The current roster was ideal.

Orsted, Lili, Tifa, Aerith, Eina, Elenoir, and others were growing swiftly. Even without new recruits, the Hestia Familia's strength would only increase.

They could become even more elite and powerful than the Astraea Familia.

While Orario buzzed with excitement, in the assembly hall on Babel, a certain god slumped to the ground, staring in terror.

After witnessing Orsted slay Hyakinthos, Apollo knew there was no escape.

A fate worse than Hyakinthos' death awaited him.

As expected, before the gathered gods, Hestia stood over Apollo, one hand on her hip.

"Look up, Apollo," she commanded sternly.

Apollo slowly raised his head, his trembling pupils and panicked face meeting Hestia's gaze.

"I won the war game. Curious about your punishment?" Hestia's blank expression shifted to a radiant smile.

The smile was bright, but to Apollo, it was demonic.

The surrounding gods leaned in, eager to hear Hestia's verdict.

Hestia didn't disappoint, proclaiming loudly, "The Apollo Familia is disbanded. Apollo is sent back to heaven, never to return to the mortal world. That's all!"

"Oh!"

"No!" The gods' gleeful cheers mingled with Apollo's terrified screams, echoing through Babel, lingering long in the air.

---

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Chapter 151: This is the Hestia Familia

Chapter 151 - This is the Hestia Familia

Once the winner of a war game demands the opposing Familia's disbandment, all assets of the dissolved Familia transfer to the victor.

Though Apollo was perverse and his methods vile, divine rules bound him to accept Hestia's punishment after losing the war game.

Under the Guild's and gods' oversight, he disbanded the Apollo Familia, liquidated its assets, and handed them to Hestia.

Despite Apollo's flaws, the Apollo Familia's wealth was impressive-700 to 800 million valis, substantial for a D-rank Familia.

Their deepest dungeon delve reached only the 20th floor, led by Hyakinthos.

Such wealth, despite limited exploration, stemmed from years of accumulation.

After disbanding the Apollo Familia, Apollo voluntarily returned to heaven under the gods' witness.

That day, after seven years, Orario's adventurers and residents again beheld a god's sacred return.

A radiant pillar of light pierced the sky, signaling a deity's departure from the mortal world.

"Let's go, Orsted. Time to head back," Hestia said, nodding with satisfaction at the holy light before turning to leave for the Hearthstone Manor.

Orsted glanced at the divine ascent, then followed.

But then, Hermes called out, "Wait, Hestia! Many adventurers want me to ask if you're open to recruiting new members."

"What?" Hestia froze, her twin ponytails bristling. "No way! I'm done recruiting. I won't let my Orsted suffer any more!" She darted to Orsted's side, clutching his arm and glaring at Hermes.

Hermes blinked, confused.

What did recruiting members have to do with Orsted suffering?

Had something happened he wasn't aware of?

Hestia offered no explanation, simply dragging Orsted away from the "trouble spot."

Hermes stood baffled.

"Orario's unaffiliated adventurers are going to wail," Loki said nearby, smirking.

"Haha, true," Hermes replied with a wry smile. "After this war game, everyone sees the Hestia Familia's potential. They all want in."

"Too bad Hestia's not letting anyone hitch a ride," he added, shaking his head.

The other gods, overhearing Hermes and Loki, chuckled.

They understood the adventurers' coming despair.

The Hestia Familia's war game performance had sparked widespread interest, with many eager to join.

Over the past two days, unaffiliated adventurers had diligently gathered information on the Hestia Familia.

Their findings caused a stir.

Those already drawn to the Hestia Familia's display grew even more determined to join.

Before the war game, only a few had investigated the Familia and chosen not to join.

Some were newcomers to Orario, drawn by the Guild-promoted war game.

Others, long-time residents, hadn't found a suitable Familia, settling in Orario without fully embracing adventuring.

These adventurers knew little of the Hestia Familia initially.

At most, they'd seen Guild notices about Orsted, Lili, and Tifa's upgrades but hadn't dug deeper.

They knew Orsted as the record-breaking adventurer but were unaware of how swiftly he'd shattered those records.

Now, their research revealed the Hestia Familia's reality.

Established just over a month ago, its first member, Orsted, had been an adventurer for the same period. In that time, he not only rose from Level 1 to Level 2 but, as a Level 2, wielded High Class Level 4 combat power.

The second member, Lili, came from the Soma Familia as a mere supporter, barely noticeable.

Yet, soon after joining Hestia, she upgraded.

Now, she could take on three Level 2s single-handedly, dominating them.

Tifa joined after Lili.

Senie, Elenoir, Eina, Aerith, and others followed, members for just half a month.

In that time, Tifa rose from Level 1 to Level 2, effortlessly defeating veteran Level 2s.

With Tifa's magic boosting her, Aerith shattered a massive city wall with a single strike.

Senie alone suppressed three Level 2 mages and numerous Level 1 mages and archers.

The Hestia Familia's mages, capable of blasting fortified walls with combined spells and felling near-ranked up Level 1 adventurers with their wands, had also joined only half a month ago.

Other melee members easily dispatched veteran Level 1s.

In just over a month, the Hestia Familia had grown to this level.

Anyone with sense could see the Hestia Familia was on a path of rapid ascent.

No one would ignore a Familia with such potential for growth.

Yet, they restrained themselves, appealing to the approachable Hermes to probe Hestia's stance.

The outcome was as Loki predicted: Orario's adventurers would soon lament.

A promising Familia stood before them, yet they couldn't join.

"Hermes, Naaza has been working with Hestia Familia since her recovery. You can inform the others," Miach said with a smile before leaving.

Hermes narrowed his eyes, tipping his hat.

Miach was truly fortunate.

"Got it. I'll pass it on."

---

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Chapter 152: It's time

Chapter 152 - It's time

After leaving the Guild and returning to his Familia's residence, Hermes informed his members of Hestia's decision and Miach's message.

The rookies, hoping to join the Hestia Familia, wailed as Loki had predicted.

The Hestia Familia, newly established, seemed to possess a method to accelerate its members' growth.

Joining now would not only ensure rapid progress but also secure the coveted status of founding members.

With that status and their growing strength, they could reap significant rewards as the Hestia Familia developed-strength, fame, wealth, and more.

Yet, despite their hopes, the reality was crushing.

No matter how unacceptable, the truth stood: the Hestia Familia wasn't recruiting. Could they join behind Hestia's back?

Impossible.

Some, however, heeded Miach's words relayed by Hermes and, after careful thought, chose a different path.

If they couldn't join the Hestia Familia, the Miach Familia was a viable alternative.

Miach's message implied close ties between the Miach and Hestia Familias.

Joining the Miach Familia would forge a connection, however slight, to the Hestia Familia.

If the Hestia Familia continued its adventuring success, the bond between the two Familias would strengthen.

Joining the Miach Familia wasn't a bad choice.

Though the Miach Familia currently had only Naaza, that was no issue.

It would grow. Joining now, with dedication, could elevate them to senior roles in the future.

If they couldn't feast on meat, they could at least sip the broth.

With this clarity, some adventurers began seeking the Miach Familia's base, ready to join.

Miach likely never anticipated his offhand remark would yield such results.

At the very least, Daphne and Cassandra were already preparing to join the Miach Familia, as in the Anime, after learning Hestia's Familia was closed to new members.

Gaining two Level 2 adventurers for free after watching a war game-Miach would likely marvel, saying that aligning with Hestia was like eating ten meals in three days.

But those were tales for another time.

The focus shifted to Orsted.

Orsted and Hestia had returned to Hearth Manor, the Hestia Familia's residence.

Hestia had brought only Orsted to witness Apollo's return to heaven.

The others awaited them at the Familia's base.

As Orsted and Hestia appeared, Lili and the others swarmed them.

"Lord Orsted, Lady Hestia, this was so sacred," Lili said excitedly, the moment they gathered.

All of Orario, including Hearth Manor, had seen the divine ascent.

Lili and the others had been mesmerized by the holy pillar of light piercing the sky.

Thankfully, the light didn't linger long, and they soon regained their composure.

Even after it faded, the others were still enthralled. Seeing Orsted and Hestia return, they eagerly shared their awe.

"Doesn't do much for me," Hestia said with a shrug, heading into the hall.

Orsted patted Lili's head gently and followed.

Lili and the others hurriedly trailed behind.

Soon, everyone gathered in the hall.

"Alright, I have an announcement," Hestia said, hands on hips, her tone serious.

"The Apollo Familia's assets have been liquidated-over 800 million valis."

"To celebrate our war game victory, we're all going to the Hostess of Fertility Tavern for a feast tonight."

"The rest will be divided among you. Tomorrow's a day off-go buy what you like."

The victory was a team effort, and the Apollo Familia's assets were won through the war game.

Hestia didn't want to add them to the Familia's coffers.

The Familia's wealth far exceeded this sum, so she saw no issue in sharing it to bring joy to her members.

Since Elenoir and the others joined, they'd been tirelessly adventuring in the dungeon. It was time for a break to explore Orario.

"Oh!" The group cheered loudly at Hestia's words.

After the cheers, Lili and the others began whispering among themselves.

Occasionally, someone approached Orsted, quietly asking if he'd join them shopping tomorrow, inviting him along.

Orsted smiled at the enthusiasm.

His Familia members adored him, making him feel like the group's favorite.

"Well, since everyone's inviting me, how about we all go shopping together tomorrow?"

"Is that okay, Hestia?" Orsted suggested, overwhelmed by individual requests.

"Sure, it's settled," Hestia said with a smile, no objections.

"Oh! Thank you, Lady Hestia!" the group exclaimed.

"Huh? Why thank me?" Hestia asked, puzzled.

"We thought you'd keep Lord Orsted to yourself, but you're letting him come with us!"

"Well, I did want him all to myself, but seeing how hard you all worked in the war game, I couldn't say no."

Orsted: "..."

"Keep to yourself? Let him go?" he thought, bemused by the phrasing.

Meanwhile, at the Hermes Familia's residence, Ottar handed Hermes a box.

"This is from Lady Freya. Follow her instructions precisely," Ottar said calmly before leaving.

Hermes held the heavy box, his expression wry.

"Really," he muttered with a bitter smile.

---

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Chapter 153: Chasing Again

Chapter 153 - Chasing Again

"Ah!"

"What are these guys doing?"

"They didn't pester Orsted when we sent Apollo back to heaven."

"Why are they causing trouble now while we're shopping?"

"It's not even a date!"

On the streets of Orario, Orsted and his group ran swiftly, Hestia shouting loudly from Orsted's arms.

Behind them, a throng of goddesses chased with smirks on their faces.

"I've heard these goddesses have terrible taste, and today I see it's true," Eina said, glancing back at the shameless goddesses, her tone sharp.

"That's why many gods in Orario are seen as idle troublemakers by adventurers, just like these ones," Lili added, looking back with an exasperated expression.

As Lady Hestia said, these goddesses were utterly frivolous.

Yesterday, when Orsted accompanied Hestia to witness Apollo's return to heaven, no goddesses had chased them.

Yet today, as the Hestia Familia went shopping, these goddesses swarmed from every corner, disrupting their outing and even touching Orsted-an outrage.

"I knew gods weren't what I imagined, but they're so... ordinary," Tifa said with a wry smile.

"They don't feel divine at all. They've completely blended into mortal life," Aerith remarked, observing the pursuing gods with a grin.

"Don't expect too much from gods. Many shirk their duties and meddle in chaos instead," Elenoir said, rolling her eyes in frustration.

She'd planned to buy clothes and swimsuits today, hoping Orsted would admire her choices, but that was ruined.

The other elves shared her displeasure, their faces sour.

Among them, only Orsted and Senie remained unfazed.

Orsted was used to these goddesses.

His last date with Hestia had been spoiled by them during the Monster Feria, so today's antics stirred no reaction.

Senie, with her mischievous streak, found amusement in Lili and the others' irritation, relishing the chaos for reasons unknown.

The Hestia Familia fled in front, pursued by a gaggle of goddesses, creating a bizarre spectacle on Orario's streets.

It wasn't until evening that they shook off their pursuers.

The goddesses had chased them for half the morning and all afternoon, their stamina inexplicably relentless.

In the end, the group's shopping plans were completely derailed.

They returned to Hearth Manor under the setting sun, dejected.

"Those jerks make me so mad," Hestia fumed, slumping on a sofa in the manor's hall, arms crossed, cheeks puffed like buns.

Her rare chances to shop with Orsted were always interrupted.

At the Monster Feria, Orsted was dragged off to play soldier.

Their second date was ruined before it began by these goddesses.

The third date went undisturbed, but they ran into Loki, Freya, and Hermes.

Now, on the fourth outing, these nuisances struck again.

Hestia had never enjoyed a proper shopping trip or date.

She was furious, and Lili and the others were equally glum. The day should have been joyful, but those idle goddesses ruined it.

"Well, since shopping's off, let's celebrate in the courtyard," Orsted suggested with a smile, seeing their mood. "How about a barbecue tonight?"

At this, the group's gloom lifted, their eyes sparkling.

"Yes, a barbecue feast sounds perfect!" Hestia exclaimed, her excitement returning.

"It'd be dull with just us," Lili said, nodding. "Lord Orsted, Lady Hestia, why not invite other friendly Familias to join?"

Elenoir and the others nodded eagerly, envisioning a lively barbecue.

Though elves hailed from nature's tribes, they weren't like the fruit-eating, elves of fantasy novels Orsted recalled from his past life.

In this world, elves ate meat like humans.

"I'll invite Misha to join. We didn't settle things earlier, so tonight's a great chance to talk," Eina said with a smile.

"It'll be livelier with more people. Lili, you handle the invitations," Hestia said, delegating with a nod.

"Leave it to me, Lady Hestia," Lili agreed readily.

"Then I'll go buy barbecue ingredients," Orsted said, standing.

"I'll come with you, Orsted," Tifa said, rising.

"Me too, Brother Orsted," Aerith added, standing as well.

"Orsted, I'll leave the ingredients to you," Hestia said. "Elenoir and I will prepare the barbecue equipment."

"Sister Senie, everyone's got a task. What about you?" Lili asked, eyeing Senie.

"Well... I'll buy some wine?" Senie replied, caught off-guard after trying to stay unnoticed.

She tilted her head, pondering briefly.

The group paused at her response, then burst into laughter. That was so Senie!

---

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Chapter 154: Old Friends and New

Chapter 154 - Old Friends and New

This time, Orsted and his companions were undisturbed.

"It's been a while since I went shopping with Brother Orsted like this," Aerith said with a gentle smile, carrying two bags.

"Yes, it's been ages since I walked with Orsted," Tifa added softly from his other side.

They flanked Orsted, one on each side.

Their words held a deeper meaning, understood only by themselves and Orsted.

They weren't referring to events in Orario but to their time in another world before being summoned here.

Both missed the days spent with Orsted in that world.

Orsted's eyes softened at their words.

The memories, or rather experiences, arranged by the system felt utterly real-indistinguishable from truth.

Orsted embraced them as his own. Tifa and Aerith's words stirred those vivid recollections.

"It has been a while," Orsted said with a gentle smile, taking Tifa and Aerith's hands, one in each of his.

"Let's walk together."

Startled by his sudden gesture, Tifa and Aerith soon beamed.

"Yes, let's walk together!" they said in unison.

As they strolled, Tifa and Aerith shared small, everyday stories from their lives after parting with Orsted in their original world.

Previously, they'd only summarized major events for Orsted. Now, they recounted charming, mundane details.

Orsted listened attentively, offering comments and laughing along the way.

Time passed as the trio shopped for ingredients and chatted.

They returned to Hearth Manor empty-handed.

The reason? They'd bought too many ingredients, so Orsted stored them in the Hestia Ring.

With over twenty Hestia Familia members and plans to invite other Familias, they expected at least forty guests.

Just to be safe, Orsted had prepared double the needed ingredients.

Six hands between Orsted, Tifa, and Aerith couldn't possibly carry it all.

Upon arriving at Hearth Manor, before even entering, Orsted saw the courtyard fully set up by Hestia and the others.

Four large charcoal grills and dozens of tables and stools were neatly arranged, laden with tableware and drinks.

Hestia seemed to be treating the barbecue like a grand banquet.

But that was fine.

The courtyard also hosted members and gods from other Familias.

Lili had worked quickly, inviting and gathering everyone.

Miach, Naaza, Daphne, and Cassandra from the Miach Familia were present.

Remarkably, Daphne and Cassandra had already joined Miach's Familia so swiftly.

Next were Takemikazuchi and Mikoto from the Takemikazuchi Familia.

Orsted wasn't close with Takemikazuchi, having met him only once at the Banquet.

But Hestia and Takemikazuchi were old friends, having worked at the same stall before Orsted joined.

It was no surprise Lili invited them.

Then came Hephaestus and Tsubaki.

The Hephaestus Familia was too large to invite entirely, so Lili had only asked Hephaestus and Tsubaki to come.

Hephaestus, dressed like a mature woman, had shed her usual eyepatch.

Her uncovered face radiated confidence and beauty as she chatted and laughed with Miach.

"Hey, Orsted, you're back," Hephaestus called out, ever attentive to Orsted, her everything.

Spotting him at the entrance, she left Miach and Takemikazuchi to approach him.

"Yep, I'm back," Orsted replied with a nod, then glanced curiously elsewhere.

"Lili invited them too?"

He shook his head, amused.

Hestia and Loki were bickering in the courtyard, surrounded by onlookers: Elenoir, Ais, Tione, and Lefiya, all brought by Loki.

"Not exactly," Hephaestus said, a bit embarrassed.

"I ran into Loki on the way. She tagged along uninvited after hearing about Hestia's barbecue feast."

On her way with Tsubaki, Hephaestus had encountered Loki returning to Twilight Manor with Ais and the others.

Learning of the event, Loki shamelessly joined.

Hephaestus hadn't objected.

Others might not know, but she understood that despite Hestia and Loki's constant quarrels, they shared a deep bond.

They were bickering friends-if one faced trouble, the other would step in if able.

It was just their unique way of friendship.

"Hey, Orsted, good to see you again," Miach said, approaching with Takemikazuchi, a warm smile on his face.

"Thanks for the invite, Orsted," Takemikazuchi added, scratching the back of his head.

"Miach, Takemikazuchi, welcome," Orsted replied with a nod.

The group headed inside.

Orsted retrieved the ingredients from the Hestia Ring, and the barbecue feast began in earnest.

---

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Chapter 155: Argonaut

Chapter 155 - Argonaut

Orsted didn't need to handle the barbecue this time.

Elenoir and the others insisted he relax, eagerly taking on the grilling duties themselves, leaving Orsted to sit and wait for the food.

Members from the Miach and Takemikazuchi Familias also pitched in with the barbecue.

A feast like this was dull without participation.

Miach and Takemikazuchi grilled skewers, chatting intermittently.

Even Hestia and Loki were at it, fiercely competing over adjacent grills as if trying to outdo each other.

With nothing to do, Orsted sat aside, waiting to eat.

But he didn't wait long.

Ais, equally clueless about grilling, approached and sat beside him.

"Orsted, congratulations," she said, referring to the war game victory.

"Thanks," Orsted replied, understanding her meaning.

"Hehe, Orsted, thank you so much this time," Tiona said, joining them with a plate of freshly grilled barbecue, courtesy of her and her sister.

Tione, still at the grill, kept working.

Ais couldn't grill, and Loki's competitive grilling with Hestia produced barely edible results, so Tiona and Tione handled the cooking.

Tiona brought the food, while Tione stayed at the grill.

"Here," Tiona said, handing skewers to Orsted and Ais.

"Thank you? For what?" Orsted asked, confused, taking a bite of the perfectly cooked skewer.

"The Loki Familia made a fortune off this war game," Lili interjected, approaching with a plate of barbecue, Elenoir beside her with another.

Both handed skewers to Orsted.

Orsted, still puzzled, accepted the food.

"Loki's Familia was nearly bankrupt after our last expedition's losses," Tiona explained, scratching her head awkwardly.

"When Apollo targeted you, I suggested to Finn we start a betting pool. The odds were fifty-to-three against Hestia's Familia."

"Hardly anyone bet on you-only one or two, and even then, minimally. So, their valis went to us."

"Finn said he'll send some magic book materials in a few days as thanks," Ais added.

"Exactly. Hope you don't mind, Argonaut," Tiona said, nodding.

"So that's it. No worries," Orsted said, understanding. He bit into Lili and Elenoir's skewers.

"But why 'Argonaut'?"

"Your performance reminds me of the Argonaut from the Hero's Tale," Tione said, arriving from the grill.

"That's why Tiona calls you that."

"Lord Orsted is truly a hero," Lili said, agreeing with Tiona's nickname.

"Lord Orsted is my hero," Elenoir added with a smile, her voice loud enough for nearby Hestia Familia members to hear.

"Lord Orsted is my hero!" the other elves chimed in, their voices ringing out in unison, drawing attention.

"He's quite the star," Loki teased, squinting at Hestia as they grilled.

"Hmph!" Hestia snorted, turning away.

But then, an unwelcome voice echoed.

"Oh, a party, Hestia? Can I join? I brought ingredients!"

The courtyard gate was open for the barbecue, allowing anyone to enter.

Hestia and the others turned toward the familiar voice.

Seeing the newcomer, Hestia's face fell.

"Hermes, why are you here?"

"Hey, Hermes, long time no see!" Loki waved cheerfully.

"We met yesterday," Hermes replied.

"You're no fun anymore," Loki said, raising an eyebrow.

It was Hermes, accompanied by his captain, Asfi, each carrying two bags with wine bottles peeking out.

Hestia, already annoyed, glared at Hermes' smile, ready to demand why he'd come.

But before she could speak, her eyes widened at the sight behind him, and her scream filled the courtyard.

"Why are you all here too?"

"You chased us all day and won't leave us alone even at night!"

Behind Hermes was the same group of goddesses who had hounded Hestia and Orsted all day.

"Don't be so stingy," the lead goddess said, smiling, ignoring Hestia's frustration.

"We're here to support your barbecue feast. You should welcome us." She and the others headed to the grills with their ingredients.

"No thanks needed!" Hestia snapped, returning to her grilling duel with Loki.

She couldn't exactly drive them out.

These goddesses, though annoying, bore no real grudge against her-just idle deities stirring trouble.

Kicking them out would seem petty.

Frustrated, Hestia vented on the grill.

Elenoir and the others exchanged glances, shook their heads, and smiled.

With the goddesses' arrival, the barbecue's atmosphere grew livelier, the courtyard brimming with laughter.

Amid the festive chaos, Orsted, drawn by Ais, slipped away from Hearth Manor with her.

---

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Chapter 156: Fels

Chapter 156 - Fels

"Did you feel that thought too?" On the dark street, Ais asked Orsted beside her.

While eating barbecue at Hearth Manor, she'd suddenly sensed a vague thought urging her to leave. Curious, she slipped out quietly.

To her surprise, Orsted had followed, sensing the same call.

"Yeah, I felt it," Orsted said, equally surprised.

He knew who might be behind it.

Only fels could project thoughts into his mind.

It could be someone else, but Orsted felt Fels was most probable.

The thought carried a mysterious aura, and in Orsted's experience, only Fels exuded such enigma.

"It's incredible that something can transmit thoughts into my mind," Ais said, her tone surprised despite her usual blank expression.

Following the thought's guidance, they reached the designated spot.

"Greetings, Sword Princess of the Loki Familia, Orsted of the Hestia Familia," a tall, slender figure in a black robe emerged from the dark alley, face obscured, voice addressing them.

Orsted's suspicion was confirmed: it was Fels.

But why had Fels summoned him and Ais?

He hadn't yet encountered the heretics.

Calling Ais made sense-in the Anime, Fels entrusted Ais with handling the monster incident on the 24th floor, where she faced Revis again and overwhelmed her with upgraded strength.

But Orsted had already defeated Revis, so Ais wouldn't encounter her now.

"Who are you? Why summon us?" Ais asked calmly.

Orsted stayed silent, watching Fels, awaiting an explanation.

"I have a commission for you," Fels began.

'I didn't expect Fels to entrust this task to me alongside Ais,' Orsted mused as they walked the dim street.

"But we should meet the other client. Seems the Hermes Familia can't escape this trouble."

Ais walked beside him, observing quietly without speaking.

"Ais, how long are you going to stare?" Orsted asked after several minutes. "Is there something on me?"

"No, I just didn't expect to share a mission with you," Ais replied, a hint of joy in her voice.

"Happy to work with me?" Orsted smiled, catching her emotion.

Indeed, he'd accepted Fels' commission.

The reward was generous-100 million valis for Orsted alone, with Ais receiving the same. Fels' wealth was staggering for such a task.

The Hermes Familia's reward was unclear but likely substantial, or Lulune, their money-driven member, wouldn't risk it, mobilizing the entire Familia.

Considering Fels' 800-year lifespan and mastery of mystery and magic, Orsted wasn't shocked by such riches-Fels could rival a nation's wealth.

Beyond the reward, the Guild connection mattered.

Fels was Ouranos' personal agent, handling sensitive tasks.

Accepting this commission was essentially taking on Ouranos' assignment.

Completing it would put the Hestia Familia in Ouranos' sights.

This wouldn't yield overt favors, but Ouranos might offer discreet support.

The Hestia Familia didn't need it now, but it could be valuable later. Orsted hoped it wouldn't come to that.

"Well, I'm very happy," Ais replied earnestly to Orsted's playful question, surprising him with her sincerity.

Orsted stared at her, caught off-guard.

Ais held his gaze, unflinching.

After a moment, Orsted looked away.

"I'm honored to earn such praise from the Sword Princess," he said with a faint smile, calming the odd feeling within.

"I'm happy too," Ais said, her response puzzling.

Orsted blinked. Wasn't she already happy? Why again?

He didn't press, shifting to a new topic as they walked and talked, soon returning to Hearth Manor.

There, the others had noticed their absence and were frantically searching.

Seeing Orsted and Ais at the gate, Hestia and Loki rushed over.

"Orsted!"

"Ais-tan!"

Orsted: ...

Ais: ...

---

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Chapter 157: With Ais!

Chapter 157 - With Ais!

"Orsted, what were you doing with that girl from Loki's Familia just now?" In the hall, Hestia asked Orsted, arms crossed, her face displeased.

After the banquet, everyone cleaned the courtyard and returned to their homes.

The Hestia Familia members entered Hearth Manor.

It was late, so Lili and the others went to wash up. Afterward, Hestia and Orsted settled in the hall.

"Have you heard of the skeleton in the Guild?" Orsted asked with a smile, sidestepping her question.

"That skeleton said to appear at night in the Guild?"

"You went out because of it?" Hestia realized.

"Yep. That skeleton is Fels, Ouranos' personal assistant," Orsted explained.

"He issued a commission to me and Ais on Ouranos' behalf. I accepted."

He recounted his reasons for agreeing.

"Really? That's not bad," Hestia said, touching her chin thoughtfully before nodding.

A connection with the Guild could allow minor infractions to be overlooked discreetly, even if the Hestia Familia couldn't break surface rules.

Fels' commission, issued for Ouranos, implied a secretive task.

Completing it would earn the Hestia Familia a favor from Ouranos.

As long as they didn't overstep or act openly, the Guild might turn a blind eye to small matters.

This was undoubtedly beneficial.

Hestia saw no issue with Orsted taking the commission.

Orsted had planned to adventure with Lili and the others tomorrow, but this commission broke that promise.

Fortunately, Lili and the others were understanding.

Learning it was a Guild task, they didn't blame Orsted, instead urging him to stay safe.

The next morning, Orsted, Lili, and the others left Hearth Manor for Babel.

They soon reached the plaza outside Babel.

Naaza, Daphne, Cassandra, and Ais were already there.

"Let's go," Orsted greeted Naaza and Ais with a smile.

Lili and the others were headed to the 15th through 17th floors.

Up to the 18th floor, Orsted and Ais shared their route, so they didn't part immediately, heading to the middle floors together.

At the 15th floor, Orsted bid farewell to Lili and the others, who stayed to adventure, and continued with Ais to the next floor.

"Lord Orsted, we'll get stronger fast and fight by your side soon," Lili called, standing on tiptoe and waving as Orsted and Ais left.

Though in the same Familia, they couldn't keep up with Orsted's pace, forcing him to venture to lower floors alone-a lingering concern for them.

To catch up, Lili and the others dove into the dungeon relentlessly, striving to grow stronger.

Orsted didn't reply, just waved back.

"Hey, Orsted, is it safe for your Familia to adventure on the 15th floor?" Ais asked as they walked the passage to the 16th floor.

"Minotaur, a Level 2 monster, is common there-too much for Level 1s. A small number is manageable, but a monster party could spell trouble."

She was worried, despite the Hestia Familia's war game prowess.

The dungeon wasn't the surface; unpredictable dangers like monster feasts, which her own Familia had barely escaped on their last expedition, loomed.

"It's fine. I gave Lili and the others life-saving measures. They'll be okay," Orsted said with a smile.

Then he turned the conversation. "Ais, do High Class adventurers in your Familia take commissions?"

"Hm? I do, depending on the task," Ais replied, caught off-guard.

"I want them to train Lili and the others in combat," Orsted explained.

"But aren't you stronger?" Ais asked, puzzled.

"I can't be in multiple places at once. I need those adventurers to guide them," Orsted said, smiling.

Lili and the others had gained the ability to leap with their development ability of leap upon ranking up.

Orsted wouldn't let that go to waste.

The best way was to have High Class adventurers spar with them.

Orsted could do it, but alone, he'd limit their gains by splitting his attention.

He'd considered Ais before, but Apollo's interference delayed the plan.

Now, with five Hestia Familia members capable of leaping, Ais alone wasn't enough. Orsted was testing her response.

"In ten days, the Loki Familia heads on another expedition," Ais said.

"Tiona and Tione should be free and willing to take it. I'm not sure about Bete, but I can ask."

She didn't consider Finn or Gareth.

"Great, thanks," Orsted said.

---

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Chapter 158: Adventuring Together

Chapter 158 - Adventuring Together

Soon, Orsted and Ais arrived at a tavern in the newly rebuilt town of Rivira.

When Ais casually uttered the embarrassingly childish code "Kururing," Orsted couldn't help but want to cover his face.

But such embarrassment was unique to Orsted.

For someone like Ais, blurting out the code carried no shame; it even seemed cute.

At least Orsted found her endearing as she said it.

After the code, the tavern owner let Orsted and Ais into a back room.

The owner seemed practiced, as if handling such clandestine meetings was routine.

The room was dark, illuminating only when Orsted and Ais entered.

"Hmph, sorry to keep you waiting, collaborators," came a familiar yet exaggeratedly dramatic voice, dripping with Chuunibyou flair.

Orsted and Ais turned toward it.

"Hey! Sword Princess! And Orsted!" Lulune, throwing off her black robe, gasped upon seeing Ais.

"It's really you? Took this commission for the fat reward, huh?" Orsted sighed, eyeing Lulune.

Last time in Rivira, she'd nearly been robbed for taking Fels' commission.

Yet here she was again, undeterred by greed.

"I didn't expect you two as mission partners," a familiar voice said from Lulune's side.

Asfi, captain of the Hermes Familia, emerged from the shadows with her group.

"Lord Orsted!" a male elf adventurer from the Hermes Familia bowed slightly in greeting.

Orsted nodded back. After recent events, his reputation had spread among Orario's elves.

Many unaffiliated elves longed to join the Hestia Familia, but with recruitment closed, they felt regret.

When encountering Orsted, they didn't pester but offered respectful greetings before leaving politely.

Close proximity to Orsted, sensing his aura, often sparked deep respect.

This elf, meeting Orsted for the first time, had heard of him and now understood why others revered him.

"I figured," Orsted said, unsurprised that Asfi and her group were his partners.

"You're sharp," Asfi replied, studying him intently.

She was curious about Orsted, driven by her god Hermes' fixation.

Hermes was obsessed, constantly tasking her with gathering real-time information on Orsted, a task still ongoing.

Orsted's war game performance and the Hestia Familia's abundance of magic items-intriguing for Asfi.

"Let's talk on the move," Asfi said, glancing at Ais before addressing them both.

The group left the tavern, continuing their discussion en route.

"This commission is to investigate a monster army on the 24th floor," Asfi explained.

"Adventurers reported it a week ago, but the Guild's only acting now."

The delay was unusual.

Typically, dungeon anomalies prompted swift Guild action, entrusting strong Familias to handle them.

Time was critical in the dungeon's volatile environment.

But a week had passed.

Recalling Lulune's past misadventure, Asfi suspected the Guild hid secrets.

This mission felt off.

She didn't intend to probe, though. A task with such a high reward-100 million valis-wasn't simple.

With Orsted and Ais involved, she shared what she knew before they faced the mission's challenges.

Orsted and Ais showed no reaction.

Orsted already knew the mission's details, and Ais was unfazed.

Seeing their calm, Asfi sighed inwardly, rubbing her forehead.

Both were formidable. Orsted was an enigma, and Ais had reached Level 6 just a week ago.

In contrast, Asfi was a Level 4 adventurer, with the rest of her team at Level 3.

If the mission turned abnormal, the Hermes Familia might become a liability.

She had a bad feeling.

The group reached the incident site on the 24th floor as Asfi's unease grew.

---

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Chapter 159: They are fighting the monster rex

Chapter 159 - They are fighting the monster rex

What Orsted didn't know was that while he and Ais were heading to the monster site on the 24th floor, Lili and the others had already reached the 17th floor.

After slaying a minotaur, Lili turned to Tifa and the others.

"There's been no news of Goliath being defeated recently. Should we check it out?"

"No need," Elenoir shook her head.

"Lord Orsted and the Sword Princess just went that way. Even if Goliath wasn't defeated before, they'd have handled it by now."

"I think we should take a look," Eina countered. "Goliath doesn't always appear to block adventurers. Maybe he didn't show up when Orsted and Ais passed."

"I agree," Aerith nodded.

"If we find Goliath, we can take him down. Those who haven't ranked up might do so today."

"I don't mind," Elenoir shrugged, smiling.

"It's a short trip. Eina's right-Goliath might still be there. Let's try our luck."

The others had no objections.

"Then let's head to the 17th floor," Tifa said, waving them forward.

The group moved toward the 17th floor.

Soon, a monster's roar echoed from the otherside.

Excited shouts from Lili and the others followed.

"He's really there! Perfect!"

"Elenoir, Eina, combine your magic!"

"Aerith, form the A-type attack formation!"

"Senie, defend with full force-keep Goliath at bay!"

"Tifa, we'll snipe together as the situation demands!"

"Yes!"

A massive roar and explosion soon erupted...

The 17th floor was separated from the 18th by a free passage.

As the battle began, the explosions carried, audible even on the 18th floor.

Adventurers in Rivira and those stationed in the wild heard the commotion.

"Someone's fighting Goliath!"

"It actually showed up!"

"I went twice before and never saw it," Bors muttered, stepping out of his shop, gazing toward the passage with frustration.

Adventurers had reported Goliath's presence, causing trouble, so Bors had rallied Rivira's residents and wild-stationed adventurers to confront it.

Twice they'd gone, only to return empty-handed.

He planned another attempt tomorrow, but now Goliath had appeared, already engaged in battle.

"Bors, they might not be targeting it specifically," an Amazon said.

"I know. Gather everyone and move out fast," Bors replied.

"Goliath's here now-we can't let it slip. If they're attacking on purpose, we'll watch. If they're in danger, we help. If it's a chance encounter, we strike."

"Got it. I'll round up the group," the Amazon said, hurrying off.

In under five minutes, a large group assembled at Rivira's entrance.

Some were Rivira residents, others wild-stationed adventurers, all responding swiftly. They'd tackled Goliath before.

Goliath's presence on the 17th floor hindered weaker or smaller adventurer groups, who were vital customers for Rivira. Each loss hurt the town.

Wild-stationed adventurers joined for the thrill and the rewards of contributing to Goliath's defeat.

Led by Bors, the group rushed toward the passage.

The closer they got, the louder the roars grew.

"They're likely here to fight Goliath. Wonder which Familia they're from," Bors mused.

If they were just passing and got ambushed, most teams would retreat or flee to the 18th floor.

But minutes had passed with no one emerging, and the explosions grew more frequent and intense.

Any fool could tell this was a deliberate assault on Goliath, likely by a team evenly matched with it-not a top-tier, large-scale Familia.

"Speed up!" Bors shouted, taking the lead.

The others, understanding his urgency, quickened their pace.

Most entered the passage, leaving only those with siege equipment trailing slowly.

Bors and his group raced through, reaching the glowing entrance of the Wall of Sighs after a minute.

A shrill roar hit their ears.

Stunned briefly, Bors and the others stepped out without hesitation.

Light reflected in his eyes as Bors gaped at the sight.

"Hestia Familia!"

---

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Chapter 160: Goliath's defeat

Chapter 160 - Goliath's defeat

Damn, what did he see!

The Goliath, which they'd needed numerous magic swords, massive siege equipment, a dozen Level 3s, and many Level 2s to defeat, was now a battered, bloody mess, letting out shrill, pitiful howls.

The others shared Bors' shock and thoughts.

Before them, Goliath, the 17th floor's monster rex, was being pummeled by a fusion magic blending various spells.

The magic's power was immense, enough to wound Goliath.

His body bore numerous injuries from the bombardment, alongside cuts from bladed weapons, fist marks nearly the size of a human head, and wounds from strikes.

Looking at the Hestia Familia's combatants darting across the battlefield, Bors and the others instantly understood the wounds' origins.

The cuts came from Lili and other blade-wielding members.

The fist marks could only be Tifa's, who fought with her fists.

How Tifa produced such massive marks was a mystery-until they saw.

When Tifa struck, magical fluctuations emanated from her hands.

Her punch landed, and a huge fist mark appeared on Goliath's body.

The stick marks, though, puzzled Bors as he watched Aerith swing a long staff with vigor, despite her ladylike demeanor.

How did this girl manage it? Tough yet delicate.

But recalling Aerith's war game feat three days ago-smashing people with one swing-Bors dismissed "delicate" from her description.

Who calls such a fierce girl delicate?

Yet this wasn't what stunned Bors most.

What truly shocked him was another sight.

Goliath was clearly targeting the Hestia Familia's magic team.

Though their fusion magic was powerful and injured Goliath, it lacked strong blocking force.

What pinned Goliath was another power-aerial magic.

The magic blasted Goliath's upper body, while a fierce wind gripped his legs, its terrifying force evident even from a glance.

This wind halted Goliath's advance, allowing only a single strained step.

Bors and the others turned instinctively toward the source.

There, Senie stood, one hand on her hip, the other pointed at Goliath, utterly relaxed.

A powerful wind swirled around her, spinning ceaselessly.

Anyone with eyes could see Senie unleashed the wind restraining Goliath.

Bors and the others were dumbfounded.

Who was this queen of the Hestia Familia with such terrifying power?

Another shrill roar from Goliath rang out.

The magic bombarding him ceased, as Eina and the others' spell had ended, requiring a new chant to continue.

Realizing he couldn't reach Elenoir and the mages, and with their magic gone, Goliath's limited intellect made him shift targets to Lili and the melee fighters wounding him.

Bors and the others, previously fixated on the mages, now focused on Lili and the melee team.

They were stunned again.

The Hestia Familia's melee adventurers glowed faintly with magic, moving at terrifying speeds-some as afterimages-darting around Goliath, exploiting his weaknesses to inflict new wounds.

Ten melee fighters attacked from all sides, leaving Goliath unable to retaliate.

Each time Goliath tried to strike back at an attacker, another hit landed elsewhere.

Goliath was overwhelmed, unable to counter effectively.

Even when he managed a strike, Lili and the others deflected it, minimizing damage.

Senie's aerial magic further restricted Goliath's movements, making him a plaything for the melee team.

Bors knew his own team couldn't fight so cleanly.

They approached Goliath with caution, extensive preparation, and ample supplies, never daring to treat it so casually.

He wondered if it was his imagination, but the Hestia Familia's melee fighters seemed to wield Level 2 strength, with Lili and Tifa nearing Level 3-close to his own.

The battle didn't last long. Elenoir and the mages' fusion magic returned.

Its terrifying firepower tore a massive wound in Goliath, prompting another roar.

The long-range fusion magic dealt the heaviest blows, outstripping even Lili's relentless melee attacks.

Watching the battle, Bors and his group stood dazed.

The Hestia Familia's melee fighters ran with confident smiles.

The mages, orderly and solemn, wielded wands, unleashing powerful magic to bombard Goliath head-on.

Senie, standing alone, effortlessly pinned Goliath with her wind.

A thought struck Bors, his breath quickening.

As underdogs, they treated monsters like lambs to slaughter, forging legendary heroic tales for their Familia!

Familia myths!

---

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Chapter 161: They are so strong

Chapter 161 - They are so strong

Soon, in full view of the crowd, Goliath, a Level 4 monster rex, was defeated by Lili and the others.

Before turning to ashes, Goliath dropped a magic stone, and a massive drop item.

Killing a monster rex indeed yielded rich rewards.

The item were top-quality, worth tens of millions if sold, even if not used by the Familia.

"Oh!"

Seeing Goliath slaughtered like a lamb by Lili and the others, the adventurers from the safe floor, led by Bors, were thrilled-more excited than the Hestia Familia themselves-and swarmed around them.

"Well done, Hestia Familia!"

"You're the first to defeat Goliath without a single Level 3, using just a few Level 2s and over twenty Level 1s, and with no resistance!"

"Yeah, the disbanded Apollo Familia fought Goliath with their whole group. They succeeded but took heavy losses-not as effortless as you!"

"Hey, Lili, is Lady Hestia really set against recruiting new members? I'd join and just smash stuff!"

"Sorry, Lady Hestia says no new members for now. Maybe later," Lili replied.

"Really? Then I'll apply to my god when you do recruit."

Lili: ...

"Aerith, you were so heroic! That stick swing pierced my heart!"

Aerith: ...Thanks, I guess.

"Tifa, your punches were incredible. Interested in a coaching commission?"

Tifa: Sorry, I'm focused on adventuring to grow stronger, not taking heavy commissions.

"Elenoir, how do you combine magic without it exploding?"

Elenoir: Sorry, it's a Familia secret.

"Where's Orsted? Why isn't your captain here?"

Eina: Sorry, Orsted's on a deeper floor for a task.

"I'll write today's events into a biography so all of Orario knows the Hestia Familia's heroic deeds!"

Everyone: ...

"What did you do before adventuring?"

"Huh? Me? I was a bard."

"!"

The adventurer wasn't joking. After returning to the surface, he wrote and spread the tale of what he witnessed.

This propelled the Hestia Familia to fame again, becoming the number one Familia in the hearts of many rookie adventurers.

But that was later.

On the safe floor, Lili and the others were mobbed by adventurers, chatting eagerly.

"Congratulations," Naaza said, approaching with Daphne and Cassandra to offer their regards.

Lili's team had insisted on facing Goliath alone, so Naaza and the others stayed back, observing from afar until the fight ended.

"Thank you, Naaza," Lili smiled.

At Bors and the others' warm invitation, Lili's group headed to the 18th floor's safe area for a brief rest.

Meanwhile, Orsted and his group neared a parallel path to the monster incident site.

The path was teeming with monsters from floors beyond the 18th, their numbers shocking Lulune and the others.

Hundreds filled the visible stretch, with more likely out of sight.

"Get ready," Asfi said after observing.

"No, let us handle it," Orsted interjected.

Ais leapt down without a word.

Tempest surged forward, her aerial magic unleashed.

Fierce winds erupted on the path, and monsters turned to ashes under Ais's assault.

Orsted followed, drawing Excalibur Proto, becoming a shadow that cleared the monster army alongside Ais.

"Watching them fight, they seem so in sync," Lulune mused from the cliff, an odd thought striking her.

Asfi, beside her, rolled her eyes.

In minutes, Orsted and Ais cleared the path, leaving magic stones scattered on the ground.

Monsters that would trouble Level 2 and 3 adventurers were fragile as tofu in their hands.

"Ais, Orsted, you're amazing!" Lulune exclaimed, bounding up to them as Asfi and the others descended.

It was her first time witnessing such a devastating fight-so many deadly monsters reduced to ants.

"Don't pick those up now; they're too much to carry," Asfi advised Orsted, who was collecting magic stones.

"No issue," Ais replied, also gathering stones.

Asfi: ...

"I have the Hestia Ring. It can hold plenty," Orsted said, raising the ring with a smile.

"Hestia Ring?" Asfi frowned, puzzled.

Then, seeing a magic stone vanish into the ring, she understood and gasped.

"You! You can craft spatial magic items!"

---

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Chapter 162: We meet again

Chapter 162 - We meet again

After collecting all the magic stones and storing them in the Hestia Ring, Orsted and the others moved toward the monster site.

Soon, they reached the end of the passage.

A massive, grotesque wall of swollen flesh, glistening eerily, blocked their path entirely.

Unlike the surrounding stone walls, this flesh wall was alien in structure and nature.

This was a cave, now overrun with thick vines.

No wonder so many monsters were trapped on the path-cut off from their hunting source with no way forward.

The vines sealing the site were tough, impervious to mid-floor monsters, preventing deeper progress.

"There are other paths. Let's check them," Asfi suggested, adjusting her glasses.

"Don't split up. This place is dangerous-separating risks being picked off one by one," Orsted warned, stopping Asfi's plan to divide the Hermes Familia.

In such an unusual place and situation, splitting up invited trouble.

Orsted knew this from novels in his past life. Fiction often drew from reality, sometimes understating it.

This incident felt especially ominous.

In the Anime, splitting up might have been fine.

But with Revis already killed by Orsted's Excalibur Proto, only the Olivas Act should remain.

Yet, that wasn't certain.

Without Revis, that guy might have new allies.

What if they targeted lone adventurers?

Olivas Act, with near-Level 5 strength, could overpower even Asfi, let alone other Hermes Familia members.

If the creature had allies, they'd be formidable too.

It was a tamer, controlling monsters, and any allies likely shared that skill.

Orsted recalled those violas here, strong enough to hurt Level 5s Tiona and Tione with punches, suggesting Level 3 strength.

In the movie, Olivas alone scattered the Hermes Familia. If attacked while split up, they'd be doomed.

Hearing Orsted, Asfi paused, then heeded his warning, abandoning her plan.

"These are alive," Ais said suddenly.

All eyes turned to her as she poked the grotesque wall. It quivered under her touch, bouncing like a meatball.

"Let's break it. There's a path behind," Orsted suggested.

No one objected.

Unable to split up or explore other routes, they had to proceed this way.

The cave was vast, and this wasn't the true end. Destroying the flesh wall should open the way.

Orsted drew Excalibur and unleashed a small attack.

A golden torrent surged, striking the wall head-on.

A huge gap opened instantly, reeking of a foul stench. Everyone covered their noses.

Despite the odor, they focused on the gap, revealing a path beyond.

They stepped through.

At the passage's end, in a gloomy tunnel lit by crimson light and lined with flesh, a male voice spoke.

"Intruders-adventurers, it seems," the man in a robe and mask said, gazing at a crystal ball. "Took them long enough. The Guild's slow."

"Revis, you going out?" he asked indifferently.

"Snap."

"Let me handle it," came a cold reply from a dark corner, staring at two figures in the crystal ball.

If Orsted were here, he'd recognize Revis-alive, despite his belief that he'd destroyed her.

She seemed stronger than before.

"This time, I'll erase my past shame!" Revis glared at Orsted's image in the crystal ball, her expression icy.

Unaware of this, Orsted and his group entered the mutated tunnel.

But as they stepped in, they were spotted.

Someone manipulated the flesh wall to seal the gap, cutting off their retreat.

Orsted frowned but remained calm.

"This place is definitely wrong," Asfi sighed.

She'd initially thought dungeon caused this, not human touch.

But this deliberate sealing confirmed human interference.

Sure enough, the flesh wall shifted, and Violas surged out, swiftly attacking.

"Split up, now!" Asfi ordered her team.

But before the Hermes Familia could react, Orsted and Ais struck the charging violas.

But ..

Asfi's eyes twitched.

"So annoying," she sighed.

Light footsteps echoed.

A figure emerged from the darkness, stepping into view.

Orsted and Ais' eyes widened.

"Nice to see you again, Aria, and the elf who nearly killed me!" the woman said coldly.

---

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Chapter 163: That's my fight

Chapter 163 - That's my fight

"You're still alive!" Orsted's eyes narrowed, disbelief flashing as he faced Revis.

In Rivira, he'd unleashed Excalibur.

Though he didn't see it strike Revis directly, she'd fallen into the river just as the light followed.

Yet, she hadn't been obliterated.

A moment later, Orsted nodded, understanding.

"The power collapsed the floor's ceiling, letting you escape by chance."

"Lucky indeed," Revis sneered, drawing a red, oddly shaped sword from the ground. "I've been thinking of you, unknown elf."

She charged, her form a shadow rushing toward Orsted and the others.

Orsted expected Revis to target Ais, given her past confusion with Aria.

But Revis came straight for him.

Before he could react, Ais appeared in front, blocking Revis' strike.

"Orsted, leave her to me," Ais said softly.

"Alright, she's yours," Orsted replied, nodding. Ais could handle Revis, whose strength had surged after her recent rank up.

Orsted needed to protect Asfi and the others.

The Creature, with near-Level 5 strength and control over Violas, was too much for them.

Uncertain if reinforcements would arrive like in the anime, Orsted couldn't leave them vulnerable.

With Orsted's approval, Ais unleashed her power.

Her upgraded strength sent Revis flying with one blow.

"You've ranked up?" Revis gasped, shocked.

She'd devoured magic stones to grow stronger, seeking vengeance against Orsted. Yet, in just ten days, Ais had surpassed her, delivering a crushing blow.

Before, Ais had been far weaker.

Only one explanation fit: Ais had ranked up, her abilities enhanced.

"I just didn't want to lose to you," Ais said lightly. "I don't need tempest now." She flashed forward, attacking again.

"Don't underestimate me!" Revis roared, charging back.

The two clashed fiercely.

Meanwhile, as Ais sent Revis flying, the Creature blocked Orsted's path.

Walls expanded rapidly, forming a new barrier that separated Orsted's group from Ais.

"Trying to split us up?" Asfi frowned. "There's more than one enemy."

"Expected," Orsted said. "Don't worry about Ais. Keep moving forward."

He led them toward the unblocked passage.

Asfi glanced at the new wall, then followed. Orsted was right-Ais could handle anything on this floor.

They needed to worry about themselves. The enemy who'd appeared had Level 5 strength, and any allies wouldn't be much weaker.

Though unconcerned for Ais, they couldn't abandon her and pressed on.

Soon, they reached the vast cavern of the incident site, where the crimson pillar produced nutrients for monsters.

Now, flesh walls covered the ceiling, walls, and floor.

The crimson pillar, wrapped in parasitic Violas, absorbed its oozing nutrients.

A small spot on the pillar-the Jewel Fetus-caught Orsted's eye immediately.

But there was no time to focus on it.

The cavern's master emerged to greet them.

"Welcome to my domain, adventurers!" A man with a weird mask stepped forward.

As he spoke, the ground shook, and Violas erupted, lunging at the group.

"You handle the Violas. I'll take him," Orsted said, drawing Excalibur without looking back.

He flashed forward.

The Creature, Olivas Act, didn't expect Orsted's decisiveness. Caught off-guard, he couldn't command the Violas to stop Orsted in time.

By the time he reacted, Orsted was upon him.

In a panic, Olivas deployed a defense and counterattacked.

They clashed directly.

Olivas, a key figure in the 27th floor nightmare six years ago, was resurrected by the Corrupted Spirit, his strength reaching Level 5.

This was Orsted's first true fight against an equal.

It felt different-past bouts were mere sparring.

Orsted's strength, paired with Eternal Arms Mastery, overwhelmed Olivas after a few rounds, forcing him to summon Violas to disrupt Orsted.

Asfi and the others swiftly attacked, clearing the Violas to ease Orsted's pressure.

Unbeknownst to them, the Jewel Fetus on the pillar stirred, its eyes opening, fixing on Orsted in battle. It stretched its infantile limbs.

A shrill cry echoed through the cavern.

---

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Chapter 164: Olivas Act

Chapter 164 - Olivas Act

This sudden change startled everyone.

Orsted, locked in combat with Olivas, glanced over instantly.

The Jewel Fetus, once parasitic on the Crimson Pillar, had fused with the body of the Violas coiled around it.

The Viola's body merged into the pillar, swelling to fill the entire cavern.

Dozens of tentacles, as thick as the pillars, sprouted from it. The oppressive aura it exuded rivaled Level 6 adventurers.

As another roar echoed, the tentacles lashed out like cloaks. The swollen flesh exploded under their force, and the cavern began to collapse.

"Get out now!" Asfi shouted, ignoring the smaller Violas around them.

She tossed explosives, blasting a path, and led Lulune and the others toward the exit.

Orsted's eyes twitched, but he followed swiftly.

This hadn't happened in the Anime.

Why now?

Puzzled, Orsted trailed Asfi's group, escaping the monster incident site.

Ais needed no concern.

Though naive, she wouldn't sit idle in danger. Despite her fixation on Revis, she valued her life.

Sure enough, soon after Orsted's group fled, Ais blasted Revis out of the site, shifting their battle outside.

As Ais exited, the massive site collapsed, revealing the Viola's body, now parasitized by the Jewel Fetus and fused with the Crimson Pillar.

"What happened there!" Though the 24th floor wasn't a safe zone and had seen recent monster activity, adventurers were still present.

Orsted's group's commotion drew their attention first.

Many rushed toward them.

"This oppressive aura-Level 6!" Asfi's eyes trembled, eyeing the Corrupted Viola.

"Hahaha, the goddess graces us with her presence-what an honor," Olivas' wild voice boomed from atop the Corrupted Viola.

Orsted rubbed his brow, glancing at Ais, still fighting Revis and ignoring the chaos here, and sighed.

Fine, if she's not handling it, I will.

He eyed the Corrupted Viola.

After a moment's thought, Orsted pulled several magic items from the Hestia Ring.

"Asfi, take these. One set per person. Return them later," he said, tossing necklaces and rings to her.

Asfi, vigilantly watching the Corrupted Viola, hadn't expected Orsted's call.

She caught the items, about to ask their purpose, when she felt their magical fluctuations.

"These are all magic items!" she exclaimed, stunned. "Powerful ones!"

Recalling Orsted's instructions, she quickly distributed them to her team.

Asfi equipped hers and activated it with magic.

The item's effect hit her instantly, her eyes gleaming. She looked at Orsted with burning admiration.

"Why the stare?" Orsted asked, unnerved, as he prepared to act.

"Teacher, will you take a student?" Asfi asked, her gaze intense.

Orsted's lips twitched. "No way!"

Calling him teacher already?

No time for students.

Though rejected, Asfi wasn't discouraged.

She watched Orsted's retreating figure with fangirl-like awe, her usual serious demeanor gone.

"Captain, stop daydreaming and help!" Lulune's voice snapped her back.

Olivas had commanded the Violas to attack, and Lulune's team was defending and countering.

Asfi shook herself and joined the fight.

Meanwhile, Orsted reached the Corrupted Viola, engaging it.

Its tentacles, massive and thick, smashed deep craters into the ground, sending gravel flying.

A direct hit would be devastating.

Orsted had no intention of clashing head-on. He opted for guerrilla tactics, weaving and striking.

But despite its size, the Corrupted Viola's attacks were swift, nearly shadowing Orsted.

Olivas, not idle, coordinated with it, striking from the side.

Orsted dodged a tentacle, only for Olivas' attack to follow. He raised Excalibur to block, but the hasty defense buckled, and he was blasted back.

Before landing, another tentacle grazed him, leaving wounds. Avalon's power quickly healed them.

Since his last fight with Revis, this was Orsted's first time sustaining such injuries in true combat.

Yet, he felt no panic-only a rare fire igniting within, a surge of passion.

Smiling faintly, Orsted pushed himself to his peak.

Using instant, he charged with relentless momentum.

"Fight to your heart's content!"

---

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Chapter 165: Don't call me Teacher!

Chapter 165 - Don't call me Teacher!

Orsted's strength was Level 5, though his rank was only Level 3, and the mechanics of his development ability were highly unconventional.

If an enemy's strength reached a certain threshold, it was treated as that level for Orsted.

However, when facing multiple foes, leap prioritized the strongest enemy. It only activated against the most powerful opponent.

The Corrupted Viola's strength reached Level 6, while Olivas's was Level 5-two to three levels above Orsted's Level 3.

The development ability targeted the strongest, meaning in this battle, it granted him a three-level boost.

Originally, Orsted's combat power, enhanced by leap, pushed his status to the peak of Level 5.

This strength was nearly comparable to Level 6.

Without Olivas' interference, Orsted could have directly challenged the Corrupted Viola, much like Ais faced monster rex Udaeus.

But Olivas, increased the battle's pressure significantly.

Though Level 5 wasn't Level 6, Olivas remained a threat, especially when coordinating with the Corrupted Viola.

As long as Olivas assisted, Orsted couldn't fully engage, forced to watch for openings that could cause serious trouble.

Eternal arms mastery was formidable, but he couldn't ignore distractions.

Facing multiple enemies, he had to split his focus, unable to concentrate solely on one.

The battle-one elf, one Creature, one monster-was ferocious.

From the monster site, destroyed by the Corrupted Viola, they fought out to the path leading to it.

The path was scarred, pocked with deep craters from the Corrupted Viola's attacks.

Smoke filled the air, one area shrouded in dust, with relentless explosions echoing.

"Falgar, handle this. I'm supporting Orsted!" Asfi, having cleared most Violas with her Hermes Familia, entrusted the rest to her deputy, the Weretiger Falgar, and activated her Talaria to join Orsted's fight.

"Leave it to us, go support!" Falgar shouted back.

With Orsted's magic items boosting their strength, they could handle the remaining Violas without Asfi.

Soon after, adventurers drawn by the commotion arrived.

"What happened here?" a burly dwarf in armor asked, stunned.

Wasn't there a monster party here before?

"The Guild must've sent a team," another said.

"But isn't that Falgar's crew from the Hermes Familia?"

"How's he that strong? That's Level 3, right?"

"This is a lie about their level. I'm reporting this to the Guild later."

"Take me with you. I hate sneaky types!"

"Oh no, they've spotted us," Lulune groaned, noticing the adventurers on the cliff.

They hadn't held back against the Violas, or they'd have been killed.

"No helping it. Our level deception was bound to come out," Falgar said calmly.

"Might as well show off. The Guild can fine us if they want."

On Orsted's side, the battle had shifted after minutes of intense fighting.

Under siege from the Corrupted Viola and Olivas, Orsted was in constant danger.

Only Avalon's healing kept him standing against their combined assault.

As the fight wore on, development ability of leap grew stronger, unnoticed.

He fought with increasing ferocity, becoming evenly matched-no, dominant.

Proof was Orsted now ruthlessly overpowering Olivas.

Bloodied, clothes tattered, and armor damaged, Orsted bore no wounds, thanks to Avalon.

His smile was radiant and Excalibur carving deep wounds into Olivas.

The Corrupted Viola wouldn't let its ally be slaughtered, lashing out with tentacles.

Orsted easily parried, even landing counterstrikes.

When Asfi arrived, she saw Orsted fending off the Corrupted Viola while dominating Olivas.

"Teacher's strength has grown even more!" Asfi exclaimed, her eyes alight with admiration.

"Hm? Asfi, take this guy. Don't let him interfere!" Orsted, noticing her, tossed the battered Olivas her way.

With Olivas distracting him, he couldn't fully engage the Corrupted Viola.

Now, with Asfi handling Olivas, Orsted could go all out.

Could Asfi handle him?

The magic items weren't weak, and Olivas, heavily wounded, was diminished.

If Asfi couldn't manage, she didn't deserve to be the captain of the Hermes Familia.

"Yes, Teacher!" Asfi shouted, charging Olivas.

"Don't call me Teacher!"

---

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Chapter 166: So Strong

Chapter 166 - So Strong

After Asfi took over Olivas, Orsted had no more distractions and fought the Corrupted Viola with full force.

He could use Excalibur to vaporize it instantly, but this wasn't a safe floor, and Ais and Revis were fighting somewhere unknown.

Using Excalibur's power risked hitting Ais, which would be disastrous.

So Orsted chose to defeat the monster with his own strength.

He ignored minor attacks that wouldn't incapacitate him, letting Avalon heal the wounds.

A massive tentacle swung with a piercing whistle.

Orsted didn't dodge, meeting it head-on with Excalibur.

The force pushed him back over ten meters.

Though it seemed he was overpowered, he wasn't.

While retreating, Orsted severed the attacking tentacle.

He then darted away instantly.

Seconds later, several more tentacles crashed where he'd stood.

The Corrupted Viola was enormous, with numerous tentacles.

Its attacks were powerful and swift, making it a formidable foe.

Orsted had just dodged one assault when, still airborne, four tentacles swept from both sides, threatening to envelop him.

A direct hit would wound even him severely.

But using instant, Orsted vanished.

He reappeared on one of the tentacles, sprinting toward the Viola's body.

Running on an enemy's body often deterred attacks, as they risked self-harm.

Yet the Corrupted Viola didn't care.

Even with Orsted on its tentacle, it swung others without hesitation.

A dozen tentacles blanketed the sky, covering all escape routes.

"Monsters are troublesome. They don't care about self-damage," Orsted muttered helplessly, vanishing again as the tentacles fell, obliterating where he'd been.

He reappeared on another tentacle.

Each tentacle he reached was one he'd already traversed.

Using instant, he could navigate the tentacles to reach the Jewel Fetus and destroy it.

But the situation wasn't ideal.

The Corrupted Viola cared nothing for its tentacles' damage.

In half a minute, it destroyed all the tentacles Orsted had touched.

He could no longer use instant to close in on the Jewel Fetus.

To destroy it, he had to fight head-on, cripple the Corrupted Viola, sever all its tentacles, and approach openly.

From the battle, Orsted confirmed this Corrupted Viola differed from the what

Ais faced in the Anime.

It was a defective clone-Level 6 in strength but lacking rapid regeneration.

Its severed tentacles hadn't regrown.

If Orsted could cut them all off, victory was his.

But it was no easy task.

The Corrupted Viola was powerful and fast.

Without instant, Orsted would've been overwhelmed multiple times.

"I'll have to endure a bit more pain," he said, touching his aching shoulder, grimacing.

Avalon healed wounds, but the pain lingered.

Since the fight began, Orsted had been injured countless times, each wound searing with pain.

Yet, his resilient spirit and Eternal Arms Mastery kept the pain from hindering him.

Resolved, Orsted ignored distractions and prepared to face the Corrupted Viola.

As it closed in, waving its tentacles, he narrowed his eyes, and charged with a gust of wind.

A deafening roar shook the sky.

Meanwhile, the Hermes Familia's battle ended.

Falgar and nearby adventurers had cleared the Violas.

"What happened here?" an adventurer asked Falgar.

"We don't know," Falgar shook his head.

"But a Level 6 monster appeared."

The crowd gasped. Level 6 was far beyond their ability to handle, even Level 3 monsters being a struggle.

"Don't worry. The Sword Princess and Orsted are here, fighting it," Falgar said with a laugh.

Exposing their level deception warranted a little shock for the crowd, not enough to terrify them.

"Wait, Sword Princess makes sense, but why Orsted?" an adventurer asked, catching Falgar's words.

"There's a Level 6 monster and a foe strong enough to fight the Sword Princess. She's handling that one," Falgar explained.

"Orsted's taken on the Level 6 monster, still fighting. Feel those battle tremors?"

He pointed toward the explosions.

The adventurers swallowed hard.

"You're saying Orsted is fighting a Level 6 monster?"

"The battle's ongoing, so yeah." Falgar shrugged.

"..."

---

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Chapter 167: This is a level 6 adventurer

Chapter 167 - This is a level 6 adventurer

After hearing that Orsted was fighting a Level 6 monster for so long without falling, the adventurers were amazed.

They wanted to witness this epic scene, straight out of heroic tales.

With eager hearts, they donned concealment items and followed Falgar's group quietly toward the battlefield.

The closer they got, the stronger the battle's tremors felt.

Those active on the 24th floor had faced or seen Goliath fought in Rivira. The fluctuations ahead dwarfed Goliath's.

This was the work of a High Class adventurer-Level 5 or 6, they couldn't judge from Falgar's words alone without seeing.

Some had even witnessed the 27th floor's Amphisbaena battle.

Yet, these tremors didn't confirm the monster surpassed Amphisbaena.

Soon, they reached the battlefield.

Two fights unfolded-one large, one small.

The smaller was Asfi versus the Creature, his identity exposed.

No one recognized him, though.

Only Falgar and Lulune paid attention to Asfi's fight, rushing to aid her.

The rest were drawn to the massive Corrupted Viola.

Its colossal body and tentacles smashed craters and gullies with each strike.

Such destructive power was unimaginable.

One tentacle could sweep them all away.

An adventurer's face paled, then flushed with fear and excitement.

"That's a Level 6 monster!" he exclaimed. "I saw Ganesha's Familia fight Amphisbaena. It couldn't cause this destruction!"

He wasn't part of Ganesha's Familia but had watched their battle from afar.

Amphisbaena was strong, but not this devastating. It would fall quickly to this monster.

His words carried weight, having seen Amphisbaena's strength, and he had no reason to lie.

This monster was truly Level 6.

Adventurers' eyes glazed, then burned with awe. Seeing a Level 6 monster, akin to Udaeus, was a rare thrill.

From their cliff vantage, they saw Orsted dodging and striking the Corrupted Viola.

"Amazing! He severed a massive tentacle in one strike!" an adventurer gasped.

The tentacles' destructive power required Level 5 strength to block, yet Orsted did so effortlessly, countering with a clean cut.

This confirmed his status.

They'd pegged him at Level 4 during the war game, underestimating him.

Orsted was at least Level 5, possibly Level 6.

Curiosity surged.

How did a rookie adventurer gain such power in just over a month?

But their focus was the battle.

Watching Orsted fight, they widened their eyes, not wanting to miss a moment.

A Level 6 battle offered invaluable lessons.

Many admired Orsted's strength and journey, worshipping the strong as was this world's rule.

They hoped he'd triumph.

Some grumbled inwardly-why wasn't Hestia familia recruiting? They'd join in a heartbeat.

Unaware of this, Orsted poured his focus into the Corrupted Viola, ignoring the onlookers.

His armor was ruined, clothes bloodied and tattered, but no wounds remained, thanks to Avalon.

He'd severed over a dozen tentacles, leaving just over ten still lashing.

If he maintained this pace, victory was certain.

But a question gnawed at him.

'Why did the Jewel Fetus target me instead of Ais after possessing the Viola?'

---

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Chapter 168: How is this possible?

Chapter 168 - How is this possible?

After the Jewel Fetus parasitized the body of the Violas, it may not have encountered Ais, so it targeted Orsted, the strongest in the team.

However, after the site collapsed, Ais and Revis appeared, but the Jewel Fetus ignored Ais, fixating on Orsted, which baffled him.

Even if the Jewel Fetus lacked intelligence, it should have prioritized Ais, the daughter of Aria, after parasitizing.

Why did it ignore Ais and focus on him today?

Even with Asfi's arrival, it didn't glance at her, as if Orsted was its sole target.

Though the Jewel Fetus had a head but no face, Orsted felt its relentless stare, as if it wanted him gone.

'Who did I offend to be targeted by the Clone Spirit?'

A complete Spirit clone had Level 7 strength.

In the Anime, Loki familia's High Class adventurers barely defeated one.

Without Riveria's last-second magic blocking the clone's attack, the Loki Familia would have been gone.

In his current state, Orsted was no match for a Level 7.

"Well, if it comes, I'll unleash Excalibur's full power. One shot, and even a level 8 dies," he thought.

Despite his confusion, Orsted kept moving, resisting and attacking relentlessly.

Injuries piled up, but Avalon healed them swiftly, leaving him unscathed.

He'd grown accustomed to this, even numbed to the pain.

To onlookers, his reckless style-ignoring injuries-was shocking.

Adventurers on the cliff gaped, mouths widening unnoticed, witnessing such a desperate fight for the first time.

Compared to Orsted, their adventures seemed trivial.

Even High Class adventurers from large Familias couldn't match this.

Watching Orsted, a surge of passion stirred in the adventurers after their initial shock.

His disregard for injury resonated deeply, embodying an extraordinary adventure they couldn't replicate but could witness.

They shouted toward the battlefield, cheering Orsted on.

The noise reached Orsted even amid the chaos. Glancing over, he saw adventurers on the cliff.

"When did they get here?" he thought, amused.

Fighting while being cheered felt oddly satisfying, like showing off.

Though battered and exchanging blows with the Corrupted Viola, the spectacle thrilled him.

As a Level 2 to the world, fighting a Level 6 monster was a boast-worthy feat.

Whether it raised suspicions or not, letting adventurers see him hold his own filled Orsted with pride.

Suddenly, his stamina seemed to recover, and his combat power surged.

Unsure why, he welcomed the advantage.

The boost tilted the battle.

Orsted began overpowering the Corrupted Viola.

Its dense tentacle attacks, once barely manageable, were now fully blocked.

Unlike before, when he could only parry a few tentacles before dodging with Instant, he now countered and severed them.

"Have I gained a skill?" Orsted wondered, sensing the growing power.

Since the surge, his strength kept rising.

Initially uncertain, he now believed he'd acquired a skill.

New skills were often used unconsciously, as he was now.

This wasn't leap but another boost. With three non-auxiliary magics, it had to be a skill.

He'd had none until now-this was his first.

Excited, Orsted's attacks grew fiercer, steadily overwhelming the Corrupted Viola.

In minutes, he severed its remaining dozen tentacles, leaving it a limbless husk, unable to attack.

Adventurers on the cliff roared with excitement, more thrilled than Orsted.

Ignoring them, Orsted felt a pang of emotion facing the defeated monster.

Raising Excalibur high, he prepared a small burst to finish it.

But then, the Corrupted Viola, silent save for roars, spoke.

"Orsted!"

"!"

---

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Chapter 169: Confused Orsted

Chapter 169 - Confused Orsted

"!"

When Orsted heard the Corrupted Viola speak and call his name, his eyes widened.

He'd never revealed his name to the Jewel Fetus.

Though he'd fought Revis before, she didn't know his name, as she called him an "unknown person" earlier.

And Asfi had only called him "Teacher" since the Corrupted Viola emerged.

Did the adventurers' cheers reveal his name to the Jewel Fetus?

But Orsted dismissed the idea.

It spoke again.

"Orsted, I've finally found you. Merge with me!"

Orsted's eyes shrank further.

This echoed what the Spirit clone said to Ais in the Anime.

What did it mean, "finally found me"? Did it know him? Impossible.

As a pure-blooded elf, he had no connection to spirits.

Why claim it had waited long and wanted to merge?

What was this? Despite his confusion, Orsted didn't stop.

Excalibur burst, unleashing a small golden torrent that engulfed the tentacle-less Corrupted Viola.

Without its tentacles, a modest blast sufficed.

In an instant, the torrent turned the area into gold.

After a few seconds, sensing the Corrupted Viola's destruction, Orsted recalled Excalibur into Avalon.

The golden light receded, revealing a massive crater.

The Corrupted Viola was gone.

Before Orsted could relax, louder cheers erupted nearby.

He turned to see adventurers on the cliff, dancing and jumping, more excited than him, as if they'd defeated the monster.

Rolling his eyes, Orsted didn't bother greeting them.

He vanished using instant, searching for Ais.

He hadn't checked on her fight with Revis.

With Ais's upgraded strength, Revis was no match.

Would Ais kill her? In the Anime, Revis escaped.

Soon, Orsted found Ais.

Her breathing was rapid, but her clothes and armor were intact, unlike his own tattered state.

She'd clearly just finished fighting.

"Orsted," Ais nodded.

"How'd it go?" he asked.

"She's stronger than before. I couldn't take her down quickly," Ais said, frustrated. "After your attack, she got scared and fled."

Even with her current strength and tempest, Ais had suppressed but couldn't kill Revis.

When Revis fled, Violas blocked Ais, letting her escape.

Orsted sighed.

Revis was too resilient. She survived his unrestrained attack and now escaped Ais.

Plot inertia? Was she fated to survive?

No matter-Revis wasn't a major threat.

"Let's regroup with Asfi and head back to the surface," Orsted said.

Ais nodded, following him.

Before finding Ais, Asfi, with Falgar's help, had killed the wounded Olivas and awaited Orsted and Ais.

Adventurers surrounded them, buzzing with talk of Orsted, filled with respect and admiration.

Seeing Orsted, they waved excitedly, greeted him, or bowed respectfully, brimming with enthusiasm.

Having watched his fight, they'd become his fans.

Some greeted Ais, but her curt nods ended their attempts.

Orsted responded briefly, citing a task to leave.

The adventurers didn't press, waving goodbye with smiles.

"Teacher, you're quite popular," Asfi said with a faint smile as they joined her.

Ais glanced at Orsted, surprised by the title.

"Don't call me Teacher!" Orsted corrected, rolling his eyes.

"Enough nonsense. The situation's clear. Let's go back."

"Yes, Teacher!" Asfi replied.

"Don't call me Teacher!"

---

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Chapter 170: Hermes wants to see

Chapter 170 - Hermes wants to see

On the safe floor, Hermes appeared for reasons unknown.

"Tch, Freya's really overbearing. Making me do her dirty work and take the blame," Hermes muttered, half-lounging on a tree branch in a forest, tossing a strange orb.

On a nearby tree, Jose, a Level 3 adventurer from the Hermes Familia, looked on helplessly.

"Lord Hermes, if Lady Asfi finds out, I'm not covering for you," Jose said. He'd stayed on the surface to protect Hermes when Asfi and the others left for their mission.

Asfi knew their god's knack for stirring trouble and making enemies.

Without a guard, Hermes might be sent back to heaven by some impulsive foe.

But Jose couldn't outwit Hermes, who sweet-talked him into bringing him to the dungeon.

Jose knew Hermes was up to no good, so he preemptively distanced himself from the mess.

Hermes smirked, unfazed. Blame all you want-you brought me here. Asfi will know, and no excuse will save you.

"I wonder when Orsted will return," Hermes mused, eyeing the orb.

He was here on Freya's orders.

She'd shadowed his investigation of Orsted, and to appease her, he agreed to a task.

He thought it'd be minor, but it was outrageous: deliver this orb to the 18th floor and activate it when Orsted appeared.

Hermes knew the orb contained divine power and godly pressure. Activating it would trigger a monster party.

He wasn't sure of the consequences, but the dungeon would go berserk.

If discovered, the Hermes Familia would face severe Guild punishment.

He could've sent a subordinate, but Hermes wanted to see Orsted's reaction to a monster party firsthand, so he coerced Jose to bring him.

He'd learned Ais and Orsted were on a joint mission with his Familia.

They'd likely return with Asfi's group, who could protect him if the dungeon rioted.

For Ais, he'd have Jose lie, saying Loki needed her back on the surface.

Orsted wouldn't leave immediately-his Hestia Familia members were resting on the 18th floor.

Hermes was thrilled to hear from Rivira adventurers about Lili and the others' feats.

As Orsted's subordinates, their strength would bolster him, fueling Hermes' hopes for Orsted's rapid rise.

Seeing Hermes ignore him, Jose sighed.

"Why the sigh, Jose? Check the passage for Asfi's group and report back," Hermes said, smiling.

"Fine," Jose sighed again, jumping down and heading to the passage from the 18th to the 19th floor.

Luck was on his side. Soon after arriving, Orsted and the others emerged.

"Ais, maybe it's just a hunch, but I feel we're in the same boat," Orsted said hesitantly in the dark passage.

"Hm? What do you mean?" Ais tilted her head, puzzled.

"We're both being targeted by whoever's behind the Jewel Fetus," Orsted said, sharing his theory.

He was certain the Corrupted Spirit was after him, just like Ais.

Their situations were similar.

Ais nodded, a slight smile curving her lips.

Despite the dim passage, Orsted caught her expression and frowned.

"Is that funny?" he asked.

"Not funny, but I'm a bit happy," Ais said, returning to her blank look, her tone oddly cute.

Orsted: ...

Being targeted made her happy? Annoying.

But knowing Ais's slow, quirky thinking, he let it go.

They soon exited the passage.

"Finally back to the safe floor. Let's rest briefly and head to the surface," Asfi said.

"Sounds good," Orsted agreed.

They moved forward.

But a voice rang out.

"Captain!"

"Jose!"

"No way!" Asfi's eyes twitched, spotting Jose, muttering in disbelief.

---

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Chapter 171: That troublemaker was here

Chapter 171 - That troublemaker was here

Asfi clearly remembered assigning Jose to watch Hermes before heading into the dungeon, tasking him with preventing their god from causing trouble again.

But why was Jose here now?

"Care to explain, Jose?" Asfi's eyes sharpened, a suspicion forming.

"Don't look at me like that, Captain. You know Lord Hermes' nature," Jose said, shrugging helplessly.

Asfi's rising anger faded instantly.

Indeed, their god's unreliable antics were to blame.

Falgar and the others sighed deeply, sharing her frustration.

Orsted and Ais exchanged glances.

Ais looked puzzled, while Orsted was exasperated.

Recalling the Anime, Orsted thought: Could Hermes have snuck into the dungeon?

Given his fearless, troublemaking nature in the Anime, it was plausible.

Orsted opened his mouth to question Jose, but Asfi spoke first.

"Sorry, Teacher, Sword Princess, let's part here. I'll handle the report and won't trouble you further."

Asfi clearly wanted to keep what came next from Orsted and Ais.

Orsted stayed silent, dropping his question.

"Alright," he nodded, turning to Ais. "See you."

Ais nodded back, unopposed.

They parted ways. Orsted and Ais, not resting on the safe floor, headed straight for the 17th floor's entrance.

Asfi's group, led by Jose, went to find Hermes.

"Where's Orsted?" Hermes asked immediately, seeing Jose return with Asfi's group but no Orsted.

His entire reason for coming to the dungeon was Orsted. Without him, this was pointless.

"Teacher and Ais continued to the surface," Asfi said, visibly annoyed.

"Teacher? Since when is Orsted your teacher?" Hermes, no fool, caught her meaning instantly.

But then he froze. "You said Orsted and Ais are heading back?"

"Lord Hermes, why are you here without Guild approval?" Asfi countered, frowning.

Gods sneaking into the dungeon was taboo. If caught, their Familia faced severe Guild punishment.

Hermes ignored her, muttering, "No, this won't do. I came to stir things up for Orsted. I can't let him leave."

With that, he activated the strange orb with a special technique.

A sacred pressure swept out.

Asfi and the others' eyes widened.

"Lord Hermes, you-!" Asfi was speechless.

She'd felt this pressure before-arcanum, the power of a god.

Their god had unleashed divine power in the dungeon. Was he trying to get them killed?

"Stop fooling around, Lord Hermes!" Falgar roared.

The others gritted their teeth, aware of their god's reckless act.

"As you see, you must protect your god now," Hermes said, waving with a smile.

The Hermes Familia glared, itching to knock sense into him but powerless.

Sure enough, the 18th floor shook violently.

A monstrous roar erupted from the passage between the 17th and 18th floors.

The sound carried far, heard by all on the safe floor.

"An earthquake? But didn't Hestia's Familia just defeat Goliath?"

"Why's it back?"

In Rivira, Bors emerged from his shop, staring grimly at the passage.

He knew that roar well, having faced its owner often.

But Goliath was defeated half a day ago, its refresh cycle far from complete. Why now?

And this roar was louder, fiercer than before.

Other shop owners and adventurers spilled out, eyes fixed on the passage.

A stronger tremor hit.

An explosion followed from the ceiling, a massive gap opening.

A huge figure crashed onto the safe floor.

"You're kidding-Goliath broke through the ceiling onto the safe floor!" Bors muttered, incredulous.

Meanwhile, Orsted, rushing toward the 17th floor's entrance with Ais, halted, spotting the massive figure.

His mouth twitched.

Confirmed: that troublemaker was here.

This was likely his doing!

---

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