Chapter 11: Payment of old debts
This morning, no one could have suspected the events that would shake Orario. It began at the city gates, when Purhaan, the hume-bunny of the Thor familia, showed up driving a wagon with Arrauth, Viclaer and another person in a cloak with a hood pulled down over her face.
When they presented themselves at the gate, the guards were stopped in their inspection by their god, Ganesha, who motioned for them to pass without question. Although surprised, the guards of his familia obeyed all the same. Their god was known for his pranks, but not for being a fool, so he trusted him.
The god whit the elephant mask then left the scene, he knew more or less what he was up to and there was no way he would miss it. In a way, he was a little concerned.
The second to be surprised was Bell, when an elf he knew showed up at his familia's mansion that morning. He hadn't talked much with Ygannea during their stay, preferring to train with Mei and Ekkrit, but he'd seen enough to like her. She didn't give off that aura that elves usually had, that little unapproachable side. Even with Ryuu, it had taken time and trust before she lowered her defenses in his presence. And it had taken a life and death situation to solidify their bond.
But Yga was different, and not just because her breasts were larger than the average elf. She was softer, more smiling, more approachable in a way. Still, he was surprised to see her, especially when she mentioned doing him a favor.
A favour? Me?
Yes, I'm sorry to catch you unawares, but everything went pretty fast.
No worries, but... what do you want me to do? asked Bell, who still didn't why him.
Nothing in particular, just that you come with me today.
Is that all? Only that? He had the feeling that he was understanding the situation less and less.
Yes, let's just say that your presence should make my job much easier. Sorry to be so cryptic, but you'll understand later.
Hestia watched the scene from a distance. She sighed and finally spoke up.
Go whit her Bell. Knowing Thor, he probably has a good reason for asking you this. Although I'm sure it will cost me another headache.
Ygannea said nothing and simply gave him an amused smile. Once today's events were over, there would indeed be many gods who would be racking their brains. At least for those who would take things seriously, the majority would probably just enjoy this new distraction.
In front of the Guild, the cart carrying the strange hooded person was greeted by Thor himself, accompanied by Mei, Ekkrit and Thargar, who was carrying a rather large chest on his shoulder.
The god of thunder offered his hand to the mysterious person to get off the cart. She silently responded to his offer, revealing a slender, feminine hand. Smiling, the colossus led the way and entered the Guild. Without regard for the employees, he set off with a clear destination in mind.
Lord Thor, where are you going? said a random employee, trying to stop the god.
To Ouranos.
Obviously, this shocked some people and Royman was quickly warned, who came storming in, shaking his fat to try to block Thor's path.
Lord Thor! It doesn't work like that here!
When he dared to raise his head to meet the deusdea's gaze, he felt a violent cold sweat run down his back. He was under the full force of the aura and charisma of a god of war, a being of power. Even though Thor's powers were sealed, he still had a natural presence and a sobering build.
Move over, little guy. He said, putting a hand on the shoulder of the fat elf to push him aside, who, too intimidated, did not protest.
It wasn't long before the small group made their way into the heart of the Guild, to the dark room where Ouranos prayed to keep the Dungeon under control. Usually stoic, even he let out a sigh when he saw the lord of thunder enter this room.
Hello, Ouranos, long time no see.
Thor. Still as delicate as ever... What give me the pleasure of this disturbance?
Oh, me? nothing in particular, I'm just a simple attendant today, just here to escort a good friend.
Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Royman, who had pulled himself together and arrived at the chamber of Ouranos, Ganesha at his heels.
Lord Thor, your actions are unacceptable! The Guild will sanction you if you do this again! And who is this suspicious person you bring with you?
Thor was dying to slap the man's face, but even if he was unloved, smashing the Guildmaster's jaw would not be a wise move. So he took it in his stride and let the hooded person come forward. The latter pulled back her hood, revealing a young-looking female face. A beautiful woman with long brown hair and indigo eyes.
Astraea, goddess of justice.
Meanwhile, outside the Hostess of Fertility, two elves were facing each other. Ryuu was returning from an errand for Mia when Ygannea greeted her and asked her to spare some time. Normally she would have been suspicious, but the fact that Bell was accompanying the magician made her listen carefully.
You want me to come with you?
Yes, I'm sorry, I know I'm catching you unawares, but this is really important.
Why should I follow you? she asked with renewed suspicion. She wasn't the first to attempt such an action, usually it was to confirm her identity or try to get the bounty on her head.
Because what's about to happen will really change your life for the better.
This kind of talk would only make her more suspicious under normal circumstances, but since the little white-haired adventurer was with her, she was more open.
Bell, do you trust them? He was the only one she really believed in apart from her colleagues. Since their misadventure, there was a strong bond between them and a real trust. He could be a bit naive, but not that stupid.
Yes, the members of Thor's familia are good people. If they say it's important, I believe them.
The young man finally began to understand why he had been asked to help. He was there to bridge the gap between Ygannea and Ryuu.
Alright, I'll follow you, but Bell stays with us.
Of course.
The boy nodded his head in agreement. Even he understood that something important was about to happen and he wanted to be part of it, especially if it involved one of his best friends.
In Oranos' room, the surprise was palpable for some people, Royman in the first place.
L-l-l-lady Astraea!
Astraea, it is good to see you again in Orario. Although it was difficult to know if this was true, because Ouranos had this annoying habit of behaving like an actor with only one facial expression.
I would tell you that the pleasure is shared, Ouranos, if I were not obliged to return with a low profile and ask Thor to escort me.
That was not necessary, Orario is no longer the city you left almost six years ago.
Except that it wasn't quite right. The temptation to take her hostage to force Ryuu to show up and take the generous bounty on her head could lure those with the most... flexible morals. The beautiful goddess of justice didn't say anything at the time and only had a nervous little laugh before speaking again.
Oh, we'll talk about that, Ouranos, and you'll also take the opportunity to explain to me why the only child I have left has been treated like a criminal and forced to live in hiding for all this time.
Gale Wind. The god simply said.
The Gale is a criminal, a murderer! Royman raged.
The goddess of justice then turned to him and glared.
Ha? I don't remember her killing any innocent people. Ryuu only attacked members of Evilus. I admit, however, that her actions were somewhat drastic and motivated in part by revenge.
Drastic? She literally left piles of corpses behind her!
And without her action, the famous Dark Age of Orario would still be going on!
That was the paradox of the situation. Ryuu's actions, though reprehensible, were still the ones that had brought the city out of one of its darkest periods.
That is not the point, her actions are an affront to the authority of the Guild!
Silence you pig! shouted Astraea, glaring at him. Even with her powers sealed, she reminded him that she was a goddess and an embodiment of justice. Royman suddenly felt his fat oozing everywhere as he felt he was undergoing his own judgment. The authority of the Guild? Don't make me laugh. Your 'authority' only exists because the Denatus accept to follow the rules and respects Ouranos. I remind you that the Guild has no right to possess any armed force, you are totally dependent on the goodwill of the gods and familias to maintain your so-called authority. Do not pretend to be the embodiment of justice when it is not even you who holds its sword.
It was obviously not with her, the goddess of justice, that one had to go there. Astraea was normally gentler, but at the moment she was reminding all that her judgement could be much more ruthless. As for Thor, he was observing everything from his side, but he too offered a dark look to the Guild director.
You forget that it is my daughters who have fought, suffered and died to maintain your authority.
Other familias collaborate with the Guild in this way! And at that time back too, that was the case.
Ha? And who were you counting on? Loki? She only follows her own twisted plans, plays with you and double-crosses you at every opportunity. Freya? An eccentric who only acts according to her whims and over whom you have no control. Ganesha? I have great respect for him, but his children lack the power to deal with serious problems, and even more during those time.
The god whit the elephant mask was present, but said nothing. He was well aware that Astraea was not really criticising him and was stating facts. Especially since she was right. His familia was one of the largest in terms of numbers, but the vast majority of his children were level 1 or 2 and he only had eleven level 5 in his ranks, so it was still small in terms of proportions. And five years earlier, he had even less power. With the adventurers, it was quality that far outweighed quantity. The war against Rakia had clearly demonstrated this. You could field thousands and thousands of level 1, and a small group of level 5 and 6 would decimate them in a matter of moments. In fact, he knew that if very powerful familias like Loki's or Freya's went berzerk, he wouldn't have the power to stop them easily.
All of which proved Astraea right, at the time, his familia was one of the few that cooperated with the Guild without ulterior motives and had the power to do so. Only Ryuu's actions were remembered, but everyone had forgotten the sacrifice of Astraea and her familia.
Astraea. Ouranos calmly replied. I don't think you came to me simply to express your anger.
The brown goddess calmed down and turned away from Royman, who finally felt the pressure on him ease.
Indeed, I came here to make things right and to make sure that all old debts are paid.
What do you mean by that?
The goddess said nothing, turning her gaze to Thor, still in the background, who nodded to Thargar, who came forward and placed the chest he had with him beside Astraea. She opened it and revealed that it contained a large sum of money.
I am not fond of these methods, but so be it. Here are two hundred and fifty million varis, more than three times the bounty on Ryuu's head. I am willing to pay this amount as compensation for not holding my child, for my familia's overdue taxes, for the various fines you imagine or whatever you want to call them.
B-But... began Royman, troubled by the goddess' gesture. The familia Astraea...
Is alive! the goddess cut him off. We have certainly suffered great losses, to the point where I have only one member left. I took a... let's say five years off, which brought our activities to a standstill, but I never declared my familia dissolved, nor the Guild for that matter. she said, shifting her gaze to Ouranos.
Astraea was indeed raising an important point, in five years, neither Ouranos nor any Denatus had proclaimed anything against her familia. Ryuu had been listed as a criminal and gain a bounty on her head, but that was as an individual.
My familia is back, as for my only member, you will be kind, you will cancel the bounty on her head, restore her status as an adventurer and make her a free woman again.
Ouranos said nothing, his gaze passed over Astraea, the chest, Royman, before rising to the god of thunder.
Thor, I suppose this explains your eagerness to make this first expedition.
Which made sense, Astraea couldn't have raised that much money and secured it on her own. The Guild master also turned his gaze to the elephant god.
And from your big smile, I guess you were in too Ganesha.
Well, after all... I AM GANESHA! shouted the man concerned, before Thor followed up.
Well, some people here haven't forgotten their old debts. Is that your case Ouranos?
Sitting on his throne, the god remained silent for a moment, seemingly lost in thought, before answering.
No. I have not forgotten what we owe and to whom. Very well. Royman.
Yes, Lord Ouranos?
Quickly announce that the bounty on Gale Wing's head, Ryuu Lyon, is cancelled and that she regains her adventurer status. Also announce that the familia Astraea is back in town and will resume its activities.
Immediately.
He did not like it, but he obeyed anyway and two other Guild employees came to collect the chest.
Astraea, in payment for the services your familia has rendered us, the Guild accepts this amicable solution. However, I'm afraid I have to tell you that although the Guild has not taken any action against your familia, your former home is unfortunately no more.
I suspected as much. Anyway, there are only two of us at the moment and Thor has kindly offered to put us up for the time being.
I see. In that case, I wish you a safe return to Orario and hope that things will go better this time. If that's all, you can go.
Those present greeted the god and left the room. However, the silence was broken a few moments later.
Here is an interesting event Ouranos. said the strange voice of a hooded figure.
Indeed, Fels. As to whether this is a good omen or not, we'll find out in due course.
Considering the ties between Thor, Astraea, Hestia and Ganesha, should we consider including them in our plans for the xenos?
Eventually. But let's keep watching for now, be sure before we act.
Meanwhile, in the Hall of Thunder, the new home of Thor's familia, the situation was somewhat strange. Since Bell had vouched for him, Ryuu had agreed to follow Ygannea to their home, but then nothing. They'd been served some tea to tide them over and the buxom elf had stayed with them, saying that they had to wait for Thor's return.
Ryuu had glanced in Bell's direction, but he shrugged with a look as questioning as his own. So he didn't know anything either, he was only there to give her confidence. If Thor's familia had simply wanted the bounty on his head, they would have had it by now, so it must have been something else. She had many guesses in her head, but nothing would have prepared her for what was really in store.
We're home!
Thor's loud voice echoed throughout the house, Yga stood up and motioned for the two guests to come with her. Thor entered the great hall, accompanied by Mei, Ekkrit and Thargar, so far nothing new according to Bell. But he saw a woman beside them whose presence told him she was a goddess, but he didn't remember seeing her before.
Ryuu, on the other hand, was shocked to see this face from her past. She dropped her cup of tea to the floor. It was rare to see this elf so emotional, she who always kept an apparent calm and showed her emotions only with restraint. This was the first time Bell had seen her like this, her eyes wide, her legs shaking and her face showing a sudden loss of confidence. The reason was simple, Ryuu had never thought she would ever see Astraea again, she was too afraid of this reunion.
Lady... Lady Astraea... she struggled to say, her throat constricted by a flood of emotions. Even so, she began to take a few steps towards her, in an unsure manner.
I... I...
It was no use, the words refused to come out and she was barely able to think. All this caught her off guard, she was totally unprepared to face her goddess and confront her judgement. Astraea walked towards her, impassive, her face closed. No one said anything or interfered, for it was only between the two of them.
The goddess of justice said nothing, she simply raised her hand and the silence was only broken by the sound of the slap she had just given Ryuu. The latter was too shocked to really understand what was going on, but she accepted the gesture without saying anything, persuading herself that she deserved worse anyway.
This is for betraying our ideals in pursuit of simple revenge!
The elf said nothing and simply lowered her gaze, in front of her goddess, she felt like a little girl caught in the act. Then she felt Astraea's body pressed against hers and her arms closed around her body.
You stupid elf! Why didn't you come with me? Do you know how lonely I was without you?
The barrage of emotions Ryuu was trying to hold back finally broke and tears welled up in his eyes before spilling out in streams as she cried, joined by Astraea's. The elf in turn raised her arms and hugged her beloved goddess.
The other people around her stepped back and said nothing, giving them the privacy they needed to let the emotional release of this reunion flow freely.
After crying their eyes out, the goddess and the elf found themselves sitting at a table with new cups of tea. Both had red eyes, as well as red cheeks, a little ashamed of having let themselves go in front of everyone. Under Thor's watchful eye, the two women began to make up for lost time, five years, almost six. A drop in the ocean for an immortal goddess and a long-lived elf. But those years suddenly seemed like an eternity.
Ryuu first told succinctly what she had done with her life, her work at the Hostess of Fertility, how Mia and Syr had taken her in, giving her a taste for life. Astraea listened with a smile, even if inside she was more worried, knowing that the establishment was more or less under Freya's control did not necessarily reassure her. Then it was her turn to speak.
After I left, things quickly went downhill. As I ran away in a hurry, I had no money and few people to contact. After... what happened and the Guild putting a bounty on you, it got worse. The few people I knew outside the city turned their backs on me, no longer wishing to be linked to my name and several bounty hunters came after me. A goddess alone is nothing more than a person without power, he was probably hoping to take me hostage to force you to show yourself.
Ryuu looked down, realizing that her actions had had repercussions she hadn't thought of and had put Astraea in danger.
It was hard, I even thought about giving up and going back to the Tenkai at one point, but I preferred to hang on. I travelled, masked my divinity as much as I could, used disguises and never stayed in one place for long.
I am so sorry Lady Astraea, I never thought about the harm I did to you indirectly.
The goddess placed a gentle hand on her child's cheek and offered a tender smile.
What's done is done Ryuu. Even if the method and motives are questionable, your actions have punished people who deserved it and made this city more livable.
You... never thought of recruiting other people?
I did consider it at one point, but the few people who approached me were really just looking for the bounty on your head. And I don't think I was ready to start again, not while I had any hope of finding you.
The elf blamed herself, while she was rebuilding her life as a waitress, her goddess was clinging to the idea of finding what they had lost.
And a little over a year ago now, I met Thor by chance.
I found her in a miserable tavern, playing waitress among drunkards with hands that were a bit too wandering. began the colossus, interrupted by his captain, Mei, who was looking at him with an amused smile.
He recognized her right away and couldn't help but play the knight in shining armour. said the shivati with a teasing laugh.
B-but of course, I could never have left one of my divine sisters in such a bad situation. Answered the god of thunder, with a slight blush on his cheeks and a faraway look in his eyes.
On the other hand, considering the state in which you left the tavern, the bill was quite steep.
You should have seen it Ryuu, a real hero, even if five minutes later the situation had degenerated into a tavern brawl. But since it was frequented by ordinary people, my dear friend had a field day.
Once his arcanum is sealed, a god is no more powerful than an ordinary mortal. But in front of such people, Thor is still a colossus of more than two meters, all muscle and with a warrior experience counting in eons. So a tavern fight with him could be very painful.
Anyway, let's move on. We took Astraea under our protection and helped her to prepare her return. This required our installation in Orario and the possibility of getting our hands on a lot of money.
Is that why you settled in Orario? For my goddess?
Not just for that, but it weigh in a part in my decision, yes. And our expedition brought us the necessary funds for your return.
Excuse me, but I don't understand why the return of my goddess required so much money.
No one had told him and the Guild had not yet made its announcement, so it was left to Astraea to give Ryuu the good news.
I've made arrangements directly with Ouranos so that this whole affair will only be settled with a very large fine. Ryuu, in a few hours, the Guild will officially announce that the bounty on your head is cancelled and that you'll get your adventurer status back.
The elf said nothing, this deluge of news left her speechless.
And we will also announce that our familia is back and resuming its activities. That is, if you still want me as your goddess.
Astraea had done what was necessary to free Ryuu from her fugitive condition, but she didn't want to impose anything on her either. In almost six years, things had happened and maybe Ryuu didn't want her anymore, she would be sorry, but she would accept it, she had seen too much damage that possessive gods could do to their children. Ryuu finally woke up from her surprise and took her goddess' hands.
Of course I will! You are my one and only goddess. Even...even if the others are no longer here, you are still...my family.
Everything was going fast, but Ryuu was starting to regain her footing. In the last few years, she had found another home, and precious friends. Her connection with The Hostess of Fertility, Mia, Syr and the others was very precious to her. But in her heart, she was still a child of Astraea and lately, all the times she had fought alongside Bell had finally awakened the adventurer in her.
Thank you Ryuu. Almost six years ago I couldn't hold on to your hand, now I'll never let go. Well, on the other hand, we have to rebuild almost everything, so I hope you don't mind us staying at Thor and his familia for a while.
Oh, uh, no. But I'll have to get some things from the tavern and I have to warn the others and...
Astraea calmed her down with a finger on her lips, which silenced Ryuu. Like all the gods, she was the only one who could have physical contact with an elf so easily.
Don't worry, we'll go in time. Before that, there are... things, I'd like to check on this place.
What do you mean?
Ryuu, please, this time, trust me. It's nothing serious, I just want to be sure of something. And then, will your colleagues really die without you?
No, Anya will have to stop slacking off for once.
Ryuu's remark lightened the mood between the two women, who were gradually coming together. Astraea, in particular, could see what these almost six years had done to her last child.
Seeing that the two women had much to say to each other, Bell found that his presence was no longer necessary and returned home. Far from being blind, the goddess of justice missed nothing of the small glance that her child threw at Hestia's captain.
In any case, as Ouranos had promised, before the evening began, the Guild had made the announcement concerning Astraea's return and the cancellation of the bounty on Ryuu. Of course, the news spread like wildfire and many people, mainly adventurers, talked about it for hours.
Is Astraea really back?
The Gale is forgiven?
Wait, didn't they announce her death a few weeks ago?
Apparently it was a mistake, the only proof of her supposed death was a piece of her weapon.
Yeah, another guy who wanted to make a point by talking nonsense.
Basically, the news had not finished to make people talk about it.
At the Hostess of Fertility, as the staff, worried that Ryuu would not return, were preparing the place for the evening service, Anya suddenly appeared holding a paper in her hand.
Girls! Everyone! Big Nyaews! Look at this!
She showed the paper to all her colleagues and several pairs of eyes widened as they discovered the Guild's announcement. Obviously, this strange gathering attracted the attention of the boss of the place who was about to give them her best vocalizations to tell them to go back to work. But the cat-girl caught her unawares and thrust the paper under her nose.
Mama! Look at nyat!
And it was rare to see Mia openly reveal her surprise. Even she couldn't have predicted that.
Ryuu... she's not coming back then? one of the girls finally dared to ask the question that was on everyone's lips. Mia sighed and answered in her usual tone.
Whether she comes back or not is her choice. But life goes on and tonight's service will not make itself, so let's get to work.
The ladies obeyed, but the mood was not really there, the evening service was going to be gloomy. However, as the waitresses got back to work, Syr was still frozen, the paper in her hands.
Astraea was coming back, Ryuu was leaving with her. Just like that? So suddenly? Quickly, she understood who had participated in this, Thor's shadow was visible in this event. He had brought Astraea back to town and she had taken her... what?
At that moment, Freya really wondered for the first time what Ryuu meant to her. A distraction? A toy? Maybe at first. Syr's existence was basically just another distraction, and then she had met Ryuu in that alley. A welcome new distraction, even if her desire to thank Astraea for what she had for the city was just as sincere. But over time, she had grown accustomed to her presence. They had become close, friends... best friends even. In fact, before Bell entered the equation, Ryuu was probably the sole reason Syr existed.
Freya knew it wouldn't be forever, but she'd become so used to this life, this routine, her presence, that her sudden disappearance from the tavern left her troubled. And there was another worry, her instincts told her that Astraea was on the list of people that Syr should NEVER meet.
While everyone else was taking in the news, the two principals involved had moved on to a new place to chat and were now sharing a hot bath, which was more than welcome after such a hectic day. They may have been in the home of Thor's familia, but its members were doing their best to leave them alone.
Haaaaa! What a pleasure! said the goddess with a blissful expression. It's been so long since I've been able to enjoy a bath like this.
And if Ryuu was to believe what her goddess had told her, she must not have enjoyed many luxuries in recent years.
I knew that these years might have changed you Ryuu, but frankly, seeing you as a young maiden in love...
Astraea's remark caught the elf off guard and she almost lost her balance in the bathtub.
L-l-l-lady Astraea, I'm not in love! Ryuu shouted with terribly red cheeks.
Hooo? First, I remind you that it's useless to try to lie to a goddess. And secondly, I saw the little sidelong glances you were giving to Hestia's child.
Ryuu let herself sink, leaving only half of her head above water, ashamed that her goddess was bringing this subject up.
Very good choice by the way, from what I've heard about him, he's a very good young man. Good moral values, great sense of justice, unfailing kindness and a lot of potential. And he's got an absolutely adorable bunny face. I hope you'll manage to get your hands on him, my little Ryuu, and that you'll share him a little.
Lady Astraea!
Most people knew Astraea as a goddess of justice, who could be harsh but fair, a protector, a guardian of the innocent and an arm of the law. But in private, she could be a little more teasing. There were only three virgin goddesses in all, and Astraea was not on that list. And just because her familia recruited only women did not mean that she imposed chastity or that she herself was chaste. In fact, she could be quite... free minded on this subject.
Honestly, for him, I would have even made an exception on our recruitment criteria. Ha! my dear Alise, how proud you would be to see that our little Ryuu has grown up well. said the goddess, taking a prayerful pose on her last sentence.
Please, can we talk about something else? Tried the poor elf, whose mind was not going to hold up if her goddess continued to tease her like this.
As you wish. All right! Enough with the bath. Grab your towel, but don't get dressed just yet, we have something very important to do first. Said the goddess as she got up to leave the hot water, her child behind her.
The two women, each wearing only a large towel, returned to the room Thor had lent them for their stay. As soon as Astraea showed her the bed, Ryuu knew immediately what she wanted. She lay down on her stomach, loosening her towel so that her back was bare.
Before all these... events, I hadn't had time to update your status for a while if memory serves. After all these years, I'm sure you must have progressed. Maybe you'll even get to level 5.
I don't think so, I've just been working as a waitress for the past few years.
Well, we'll see about that.
Astraea sat on top of Ryuu and pricked her finger to let a drop of her precious ichor flow, before getting to work. The elf realised that she had missed all this. The feel of the bloodstroke on her back, the gentle warmth of the divine glyphs when her goddess tended to them, the curiosity she felt when she discovered the increase in stats, the joy when she obtained a new spell or skill, the feeling of pride when she reached a higher level.
Silently, the goddess worked and she stopped quickly, before speaking again.
Tell me Ryuu, do we agree that apart from your little hunt for Evilus members more than five years ago, you've been living as a waitress in a tavern ever since?
Erm... yes. said the elf, not really sure she understood what was going on.
Really? Then explain to me how your humble little life as a waitress would have allowed you... to reach level 6!
Level 6! she shouted in surprise as she sat up, nearly tripping her goddess. What do you mean, level 6? How could I have gotten two levels at once?
Ryuu rarely showed her emotions, but today she was too surprised to keep her cool.
Taking two levels in almost six years is nothing exceptional Ryuu. The accumulated excelia never goes away, it just hangs there waiting to be released. Well, let's calm down anyway. From what I see, you've only just reached level 6, all the stats are at I-0.
The goddess then took three pieces of paper on which she copied the status of the elf and put it under her nose. One sheet showed her final level 4 status, the second summarised her level 5 and the last showed her new level 6. Once they had finished the few necessary adjustments, including the selection of the new developmental abilities, the goddess let herself fall and lay on Ryuu's back, determined not to let her escape.
And now, you're going to tell me exactly what you've been doing these last few years.
Taking their time, Astraea pulled the words out of her child's mouth, who summarized most of her adventures. Her long hunt for the Evilus and those affiliated with them, the scuffles with the bounty hunters, her little intervention at the casino, all the times she had come to save Bell's bacon, which included the fight against the black Goliath, but also the crazy confrontations against the black minotaur or the sword princess, which, although defeats, were nonetheless good sources of excelia. And she also told her about her final encounter with Jura Halmer and the terrible days of trying to survive alone with Bell on the 37th floor.
Seriously, you're surprised you made it to level 6 after all that?
On second thought, it was a pretty good achievement, but it wasn't all that abnormal. And it was still a long, long way from Bell, who was breaking records for progress every month on average.
I can't wait to go and announce this to the Guild, people will really be forced to count with us now.
A one-member familia wasn't impressive, but when the member in question was level 6, it commanded much more respect. After all that, the two didn't sleep right away, instead they spent most of the night chatting, sitting in bed with each other, catching up on the precious time they had lost all those years.
They talked about the past as much as the future, mourning their former friends and promising to rebuild an even better Astraea familia to honour them. The goddess and her child fell asleep together late at night, happy to have found each other.
The elf's thoughts drifted before she fell asleep, however, as her new level 6 made her realise that new horizons were opening up to her. Perhaps now she could stand up to the Sword Princess, perhaps she could even become a role model for Bell and gain his attention.
But the moment came when all the emotions of the long day finally got the better of the elf and she fell deeply asleep against Astraea.