Ren sighed as he felt a headache form on his head. Seems like Another girl, an elf, this one a high elf, has a bone to pick with him now.
Rubbing his head, he wondered if he had been cursed to be hated by women. Sapphire hated his guts and basically NTR'ed him for that shitstain, Yanderes hate him, like that woman.
~~~
A 16-year-old Ren Cruz squeaked weakly as he and an old man tried to merge themselves on the wall at the sight of a door being broken down.
"I'm~ Here~" A chunk of the door was broken off as a woman peeked out on it.
"AH!" The duo shouted hugging each other close!
~~~
That was bloody terrifying. Starting that day, he never regretted his runes as they saved him his life. Speaking of his life, just like what he said earlier, Ren now has another woman after his life.
"My, oh my, Cruz, I didn't expect you to get the anger of the woman whom you just saved," Oh, the old bat was here as well.
"Shut up," Ren said, wincing a bit as he kicked-up from his position on the ground, landing perfectly and taking out some books for magic manipulation. "It's a curse," Ren told her, ignoring the annoyed glare the high-elf gave him.
Unknown to most people, due to being an advanced and experienced MMO player, he was able to find the perfect spots and calculate the time to farm monsters for easier money. This is a deeply guarded secret that he even made sure to use his runes that in the moment of his death, his body would be destroyed. And his soul as well.
Well, most people can get a good 25, 000 Vallis a day, in a party of level 1, but, he was able to effectively and efficiently gather around 1 to 10 million Vallis a day. But now, since he has new magic to abuse, I mean train with, he could effectively increased his daily wage and quit as a contractor for Mia and not work anymore.
"But you're more durable than you look, to be able to catch a speeding, heavy high elf," Lenoa said, chuckling at the look Riveria gave her. "And not only that, but you were also prepared for a fight instantly,"
"My teacher taught me well," Ren said with a smile, "Trust me, I needed to be able to protect myself even while sleeping," Ren told her, making the witch chuckle.
"Yeah, knowing your teacher, he would have done that," Lenoa said. "Cruz, I want you to meet, Riveria Ljos Alf," Lenoa said, pointing to the green-haired high elf. "You two will be bumping into each other a lot from now on,"
Ren nodded at Riveria, before blinking several times. Looking at the ground, he saw his glasses were broken and released an annoyed sigh. Picking it up, he fixed it and put it on.
"Cruz, Ren Cruz," Ren introduced himself and the high elf nodded.
"A pleasure," Riveria said with a nod.
"Well, I should get going, I need to drop by at the dungeon to test this spell," Ren said with a smile, waving his hand as he exited the building.
A Cold-gazed Ren Cruz stood alone on the 20th floor, surrounded by a sea of flame, no blood on his sight, the area was only lit by the singing flames, their light reflecting on his eyes, all around him, scattered crystals of different kinds and the remains of slowly crumbling monsters missing huge chunks of them.
"Vasilissa Dolofonos," Ren whispered while drawing a wind rune on the air that sucked every magic crystal towards his bag.
"A perfect magic for me," Ren smirked as he left the area. He started to hunt more, Efficiently, and effectively. Drawing his Kopis, Ren's blade met with a sword.
Dark eyes widened as he looked at the sword.
"I see,"
-
Arriving back in the Hostess, it was around 4 in the afternoon. Blinking, he could only watch Anya try to touch Ryu. It reminded him of someone playing with a cat.
Walking towards them, Ryuu jumped back towards him. Reacting on instinct when she bumped into him, she turned around and was about to slam him when she felt pain on her wrist.
Ren's arm was raised and he had used his elbow to stop and block the blow, which ended up hurting her a bit.
"Now, now Ryuu. I know you love me, but are you really gonna slap me for being away from you for just a few hours?" Ren asked flirtatiously with a grin.
"Don't kid yourself," Ryuu stopped talking and her eyes widened. She heard a gasp from Syr and their other co-workers. After all, here stood their only male employee and he was in a rough shape.
His goggles were cracked and broken on the right side that which showed the majority of his right eye. His mask has been tattered but still covered his face. His left arm was on a sling while on his right hand was a cane. He was also putting more force on his left leg than usual. From what can Ryuu see, his right eye was narrowed hard with dried blood around them.
Smiling, Ren put his hand down and limped towards the hostess. "You coming? Boss ma'am would get mad if you slacked off here," He said, looking at Ryuu.
"What happened to you nya?!" Anya said worriedly, rushing in front of her friend and co-worker.
"You should rest, Ren," Syr told him with a sigh. He was in a very bad shape than she had seen before
"I'm good, I already visited my friends' clinic. I just need to rest for a few days and I'm good," Ren said with a smile, aimed at the silver-haired girl.
"What happened to you?" Mia asked, looking at her brother-disciple
"I killed a black giant on the 17th floor," Ren said. "Luckily, I enchanted my items to be unbreakable, or else, I would have been a paste on the ground,"
"Oh, a black giant? An irregular rex," Mia whispered, looking at Ren with a grin. "Congrats! You're now eligible to level up,"
"Huh, neat," Ren said with a shrug. He just wanted to sleep and cuddle with his pillow. Since he was a lonely bastard. "I even forgot to bring my spear," Ren said, catching Anya's attention. So Ren used a spear like she did. Maybe they could spar. "If my mentor was here, he would have beaten me up for being stupid," Ren said, limping inside the hostess.
"Well, looks like Ren is getting close to your levels and it only has been three years," Mia told the girls with a smirk, while Anya perked up.
"Oh, maybe I'll train with Renya sometime," Anya said with a smile as one by one the girls went inside the hostess.
Interlude: The goddess of war
Walking through the city of Orario has always granted me a lot of things. They made me able to see my future children and add them to my service.
Now, I am walking through the streets, wrapped in a cloak only to bump into one of my children.
"Nya! Sorry nya. I wasn't looking, I'm sorry- Lady Frenya!" The voice of the younger sister of my Familia's vice-captain. Although she might not have been a part of my familia for along time, she is still one of my children.
"Hello, Anya," I told her with a smile, only for it to widen as I saw someone else.
"Is everything alright, Anya?" The voice came from a young man with dark eyes that burned with knowledge. His lower face was hidden by a mask, his dark hair was draped over his shoulder, and was tied in a ponytail. Although, what caught my attention was the symbols sewn on his jacket. Nordic runes, made by Odin and perfected by the celts. Only a few should be able to use them other than the Gods, but this young man used them and was quite innovative with them.
I could see how he used them. Enhanced durability, resistance to wear and tear, he even gave it a Durandal attribute. Each rune was perfectly put in place in a way that they will support and enhance each other.
"Oh, I'm fine, Rennya," Rennya? It seems like Anya and this man are quite close. Anya knows how to pick them, oh my! Are they perhaps on a date? "Rennya, this is lady Freya, my Goddess," Anya said with a smile aimed at the masked young man.
"Hello, I'm Ren Cruz, I live in the hostess of Fertility with Anya, a pleasure to meet you," The young man, Ren said with a bow. Oh my, he is respectful too. I could only smile at Anya before nodding at Ren. I accept him for you, my dear child.
"A pleasure to meet you too. I am Freya," I introduced myself and watched his eyes display many emotions.
"Why don't you talk with your Goddess, Anya? I'll take care of the groceries," Ren told her warmly before bowing at me and walked away.
Disappointing, they were not on a date. but they are close. I watched him walk away and take a glimpse at his soul.
It was beautiful. It was a kaleidoscope of Blue, Green, violet, and Blue-violet. He would be a perfect fit for Anya.
"Okay, nya!" Anya said with a smile and looked at her Goddess. "It is a pleasure to see you again, milady," Anya said, bowing to me, I can only smile at her.
"It is fine Anya. I have missed you too. Shall we take a seat?" I asked her, gesturing towards a bench for the two of us to sit on.
"Yes, Nya," Anya said. As the two of us sat down, I remember the times I watched her train with her brother.
"Have you been doing well?" I asked gently, looking fondly at one of my children.
"Yes, nya. Although, Mama Mia drives her kittens hard, nya," Anya said with a smile.
"So, are you and Ren, close?" It was rare for me to be able to speak with my children freely, however, I am open with them, and I will tease them as well.
Although, I already knew the answer.
"Yes, Nya! He is very funny and amazing! He taught me some fun stuff and we play together a lot!" Anya said happily, tail wagging in excitement.
"Is that so?" It seems like I was right. Anya is fond of the young man.
"Yes, Nya! He taught me solve a puzzle cube," Anya said, puffing her chest out proudly with a smile. "It took me three hours to solve it at first but now, I can solve it in under a few minutes,"
"That is an improvement, may I take a look at this puzzle?"
"Oh, here, I brought a small one with me," I watched as Anya take out a small cube with each side having different colors and they were jumbled.
"Interesting," it seemed complicated. I could only watch in fascination as Anya started to twist and turn the cube for a few minutes.
"Ta-da!" Anya said with a proud smile, showing the completed puzzle. It is impressive.
"May I?" I asked Anya, holding my hand out for the cube. She gave it to me and now that I held it. It seems like it is made of some sort of wood, and it was carved with some runes as well.
I noticed that someone hidden quite well flinched ever so slightly from the shadows. Giving her back the cube, I gave her a fond smile.
"Do you still miss your brother?" Anya's reaction and aura showed it. Her ears dropped along with her tail.
"No. I'm just an abandoned kitty now milady. I'm happy with Mia and the others at the Hostess," It was a lie, to both reassure me and herself. This is not what I wanted when I separated you two.
"Is there something wrong, Anya?" Ren's voice asked. He was quicker with the groceries and/or I must have been talking with Anya for long. Looking at her, she perked up quite a lot. On his hand was a wooden cart with supplies and groceries. His voice, although straight, showed concern and worry for my child.
"Nope, I'm fine nya!" Anya said happily, standing up in front of the young man. I can see her tail move around happily.
"I see," Ren replied. "We should go, we don't want Mia scolding you again, do we?"
"No, Mama Mia would scold me again if come back late nya, nya," Anya said, the two shivering slightly. As the Goddess of Mia, I know how horrifying she is when angry, and it seems like Anya found out about it firsthand several times.
"It was nice meeting you lady Freya," I could see the young man bow. strange it seems like he is not affected by my charm, I see. He formed a rune and had it carved on his mask, and from the looks of it, it was from before he left.
"It's nice seeing you again, Lady Freya Nya," Anya bowed to me as well.
"The pleasure is all mine," I said with a smile. A young rune mage blessed with the ability to find out their uses and to manipulate them, along with a child of mine. Although, his heart has been broken and jaded through the years by an event.
Sitting on a chair in a room overlooking the city of Orario, I looked at the glass of wine and gently swirl its content. Just like a bottle of wine that aged well, I desire the children with the most potential to join my familia, and I saw one. However, I knew that if he joined my Familia, it would hinder his growth, and it would make dear little Anya sad.
"Is everything alright milady?" Ah, Ottarl, my most loyal child and my strongest. Your love for me is pure.
"If there is anything you need then we will give it to you, milady," Allen, the elder brother of Anya. It seems like he and my other executives are in the room as well.
"Everything is fine, my children. I have just found a very interesting individual, in a very interesting situation,"
"Shall we have him join us?" Ah, Hedin, my child, former king of the white elves.
"No, it would hamper him to join us. He is the type that will be able to grow the more perilous the trials he faces. And with his potential, he would be able to beat any one of the Gulliver brothers in a one-on-one. After all," Smiling, I drew a rune in the air and made them see the runic symbol Ren Cruz embroidered on his clothes. "He uses runes like I. And from the looks of it, he is blessed with them. In due time, he might even reach My dear Ottarl's level," What I said was no lie, Ren Cruz is a person that is blessed with the potential to use and weave runes and magic as much as he wants to.
I could feel the excitement coming out from my dear Ottarl. It has been too long since anyone had challenged him outside of his familia. Not since the members of the Zeus and Hera Familia.
"He does not look much," Allen scoffed. Now that he said it, it reminded me of what I saw earlier.
"He was the one that defeated the irregular Goliath that spawned on the 18th floor," I said, enjoying their surprise, "And from what I heard from Anya, he did it without having any armor, or taking his beloved spear out of his room, and he did it alone,"
"At least he will be worth something, milady," Allen scoffed.
"He was also out on a date with Anya earlier," I couldn't hide the smile and giggle at Allen's reaction to what I revealed. Despite, claiming you have already cut your ties with her, you still care for and love your sister, otherwise, you won't make that face. "They looked quite adorable together, he has my blessing,"
I could feel my smile get a little bit bigger when I felt his scowl and mutter things under his breath. It seems like he will increase his surveillance at the hostess more, to keep an eye out on his sister, and perhaps, kill Ren.
"Now, now, Allen, please head back ad have some rest, the others as well, except for you Ottar," I watched them bow and leave although, I can see Ottar's tiny smile and look. I knew he would also test Cruz in some way, to find out if he is worthy of the girl he had helped raise.
"Allen will try to find ways to keep the boy away from Anya," I could only smile at Ottar as I sit back down. "Ad you know that I will test him as well,"
"I know, you practically helped raise Anya like she was your own daughter/child,"
"Does he really possess the potential milady?" I could hear the excitement in his voice. It has been too long since my Ottar has fought an adventurer on the same level he had.
"Yes, even more. I know he would be able to surpass you one day," I said with a smile. "Although, don't kill him. Anya will be sad if you do and she might hate you for it,"
"I will, milady," Ottar said with a smile before looking at me. "They were not on a date. They just bought the groceries for Mia,"
"Yes, however, Anya is quite very fond of him,"
I could only hear him chuckle a bit. It seems like Ren Cruz will have a trial upon him.
Interlude: end
In the hostess,
Ren could be seen reading a book in his room before sneezing loudly.
"It's a cold night," He said, wrapping an orange cloth/muffler around his neck, hiding his bare lower face. Looking at his hand, he formed a magic circle that showed a compass only visible to him and sighed.
"Those two are more persistent than I thought," He looked outside the window only to blink at the sight of a male black-haired cat people clad in all black look at him and drag his thumb over his neck. He could only blink as the man disappeared.
"Well, seems like Bruno trading corp will need to... disappear," He whispered shoving his hands on his pockets.
"It's rude to barge in one's room," Ren said, glancing to the side, taking his hand out, and watched his spear go to his hand.
