Just a heads up, it's unlikely that I will portray a character who is not an OC (Original Character), so if you read and only see the name, feel free to search for their appearance because they are characters from two different works, Dungeon and Fate. Also, to make it clear, I included some Fate characters to have their proper positions in the world, so in terms of background, it's all within the Danmachi world, nothing beyond that. So, forget about the Fate rules in this regard.

Enjoy your reading!


In the pulsating heart of the city of Orario, in the bustling commercial district, the sound of lively conversations and clinking glasses filled the air. This sector was a popular gathering place for adventurers, a location where stories and information intertwined in a dance of swords and magic.

Seated in a food cabin near a fireplace, a group of adventurers engaged in fervent discussion about the recent events that had shaken the city. Their voices, filled with excitement and concern, captured the attention of those around them.

"Have you heard about the attack on the Animusphere mansion?" asked a red-haired adventurer with a keen gaze. Her tablemates immediately leaned in to hear the story, with a burly warrior showing particular interest.

"Olga Marie Animusphere, the powerful leader of the Guild? Has something happened to her?" nodded the red-haired adventurer.

"Yes, she appears to be fine, but she was found with injuries caused by the explosion during the attack. Nothing serious, at least," she said with a slightly hostile tone.

The sturdy man with piercing eyes, sitting at the same table, leaned forward. "And the attacker? Does anyone know who it was?"

A third adventurer with black hair and lively eyes intervened with a somber tone. "That's not all. Bete Logar, Vaganard of the Loki Family, also endured a brutal fight. He was hospitalized after a confrontation with an unknown elf."

The adventurers' eyes widened, their minds filled with questions. The burly warrior clenched his fists, expressing his excitement.

"An attack on Olga Marie's mansion and a violent fight with an elf? Are these events somehow connected? Could there be a link between them?"

The adventurer pondered for a moment. "I doubt it. It seems there are forces at play openly challenging the prestigious families in Orario. This is not something we can ignore."

The sturdy adventurer looked around the tavern, realizing that others were also engaged in heated conversations about the same events. "We're not the only ones interested in this. Other adventurers are restless about what's happening. What do you think, Medea? As a member of the Loki Family, you must have more information than we do." The adventurer glanced towards the silent elf in the corner of the table and locked eyes with her.

Medea glanced between her colleagues and her wine glass. "Captain Finn gave us a brief summary of Logar-san's situation, but he requested that we refrain from hasty actions, stating that the situation had already been resolved." She took a sip from her glass. "Of course, that only calmed down the younger members. Having an executive left in such a terrible state, bedridden, is obviously alarming for a family of our stature," the elf affirmed.

"Tehehe! Medea-chan still proudly boasting about being part of the Loki Family, as adorable as ever. But don't you find it exciting? I mean, there are these super-strong and unknown guys roaming around. It just motivates me to become stronger," said the enthusiastic adventurer.

"You're not one to talk, Fergus. You've always been bragging about being one of Freya's lapdogs! Nevertheless, we agree. I would have liked to witness the fight between Logar-san and the half-elf whose name I don't know," Medea said, slightly annoyed by the larger adventurer but still intrigued.

"Kunihito! Kunihito Xiloscient, that was his name," the black-haired adventurer spoke.

His companions immediately looked at him with a judgmental gaze, one that said, "Wait, you said that with too much certainty."

"What's up? I saw the whole fight yesterday…" He nervously said.

The red-haired adventurer leaned over him across the table and grabbed him by the shoulders, shaking him. "Uh-huh! We're dying of curiosity here, and you saw everything and didn't tell us anything. What's your problem, Arash?! Are you stupid or something?" she said angrily.

"I… I'm sorry! B-Boudica!" Arash, the newly named adventurer, apologized.

Fergus then pulled Boudica away from Arash with one of his hands. "So, Arash, you saw it all. How was the fight? What triggered the confrontation? Who was this Kunihito?" The questions came quickly.

Arash could feel the pressure of his companions gazes, expecting the best possible answer. "Alright… Let's start from the beginning. Vaganard was spouting some nonsense that I didn't quite understand while drinking, and apparently, it irritated the half-elf, which led to the conflict." The man paused, taking a sip of his drink.

"And the fight, how was it?" Boudica questioned.

Arash looked directly into her eyes "It was brutal! It was like two animals facing each other, but this Kunihito, in particular, had a killer instinct that I've never felt before, not even in the dungeon. To be frank, he reminded me a lot of those Evilus guys from a few years ago! But Vaganard didn't seem to stand a chance. Every time he tried something, the half-elf seemed superior, and there was something in particular that caught my attention." Arash then leaned back in his chair.

"When Vaganard seemed to be turning the tide of the fight, a purple aura started surrounding the half-elf's body… After that, it seemed more like a beatdown than a fight. I should also mention that there were moments when he moved in an unusual way, like when we use abilities. It could be something related to that. So, here's the question…" Arash looked around at everyone who was paying attention.

"It seemed like they didn't even put much effort into the fight. In fact, he started giving Vaganard a good lecture before stopping the fight altogether and leaving because he said he had become sober. Don't ask me about that." Arash finished recounting and then finished his drink with a gulp.

Fergus took a sip of his own drink. "And what's your opinion as an adventurer on this event? And about this Kunihito?" The sturdy adventurer trusted the judgment of his long-time comrade, especially when it came to other adventurers. He believed that Arash had a good eye for assessing others.

Arash seemed slightly conflicted about what to say next. "To be completely honest, I'd rather never cross paths with that man in unfavorable situations. If it came to a confrontation, I'd surrender on the spot. Of course, I'd try to avoid getting to that point." The adventurer informed.

"Ohh! The only time I've heard you speak like that was about my captain. Does that mean this elf is as strong as my captain?" Arash felt the weight in Fergus's words and the pressure in his gaze.

An appropriate and honest response was necessary in situations like this "If it were a one-on-one confrontation, there wouldn't be a world where I would choose to face that half-elf. So yes, he's stronger than the King of Orario." He spoke seriously.

A tense atmosphere settled at the table, and silence reigned…

HAHAHAHA

The laughter of the two adventurers echoed through the table, normalizing the mood.

"Hahahaha! Sure, sure, and Loki is an honest god! Hahahaha." Fergus laughed.

Medea felt bothered by the insult to her Goddess but didn't comment.

Boudica then took the lead in the discussion. "But seriously, Arash, is this Kunihito as strong as they say?" The redhead questioned.

Amidst the laughter, Arash took another sip of his drink and replied "Well, from what I could see, he needed to use skills or magic to overcome Vaganard. But we also have to consider that he's a swordsman and was clearly at a disadvantage. It's hard to say if he's strong or weak based on just that fight." The young man informed.

"I see. I guess I'll have to see for myself." Boudica said, slightly drawing her sword from its sheath and putting it back. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, probably due to the alcohol.

"He would wipe the floor with you!" Fergus exclaimed.

Boudica grabbed Fergus by the cheeks and started squeezing. "How dare you, you treacherous little man! Do you think I couldn't take you down along with Orario?!?!" This was a classic moment where the redhead drank.

"What!? Stop it!!!" Fergus howled in pain, trying to push the intoxicated redhead away. Arash tried to separate them, but the level difference made it easy for him to be subdued.

Meanwhile, Medea remained calm, looking at her wine glass "Kunihito Xiloscient, huh? I wonder what kind of person he would be… But one thing's for sure, what he did won't go unpunished." Medea's thoughts were interrupted when the wine started pouring into her glass.

The waitress refilled her glass, which drew some looks from the men at her table due to her well-endowed figure, especially when she turned around.

"I would make a mess of that little one there, huh, Arash? Have you heard the saying the dwarves have about the smaller they are, the bigger and softer their breasts? That's what they used to say about our old captain, hahahaha!" Fergus rudely said, causing discomfort and irritation among the women at the table.

"I hate men!" Both Medea and Boudica thought.

Meanwhile, the flames danced in the fireplace, and the conversation continued. The groups of adventurers felt the urgency to unravel the mysteries behind these attacks.

(At the end of that morning)

Hestia had finally finished her shift. Today had been a busy day for her. Apparently, the adventurers were more active than usual due to a fight and an attack on the Guild leader.

As for her? Well, Hestia didn't have time to waste on such nonsense. She had her own responsibilities to fulfill, like ensuring a meal for her and her son tonight, among other things… Actually, that was her only responsibility.

Don't get me wrong, she wasn't useless. She just had some bad luck early in her career, which resulted in her current living conditions.

Well, she had a roof over her head, almost always had a good meal to eat, and a wonderful son… A son who was going through a rebellious phase, unfortunately. He had come back late yesterday, full of injuries, almost giving her a heart attack! At least, he had the decency to apologize, but he didn't tell her what had happened.

Heavens, it wasn't easy being a Goddess like her, or rather, it wasn't easy being herself.

Lost in thoughts, the Goddess bumped into someone and fell straight to the ground. It was like bumping into a pole, perhaps?

Still slightly dazed, the Goddess began to complain "Are you a com—" However, her voice was interrupted when the hand of the supposed aggressor grabbed her jaw.

A bright light filled the area "You know, I consider myself a very merciful person, but there's one thing I don't tolerate at all… The lack of tact from those who don't show me the proper respect." The Goddess felt the hot energy in her jaw increasing more and more.

Then, she fell to the ground like a leaf. "Let this be a lesson. If a child from the Far East spoke like that to an adult, I guarantee they would go straight to the whip with nails. Consider yourself lucky." The man in question stated.

Hestia was momentarily speechless, looking at the man before her. Her heart raced, and there was a mixture of surprise and fascination in her gaze.

Kunihito, the young warrior from the Far East, looked at Hestia with a mischievous smile on his lips. He had instantly recognized the figure as a divine being but decided to test her reaction before introducing himself.

"Forgive me for the abrupt entrance, Miss Goddess. I just wanted to make sure you knew that respect is important in all cultures, no matter where we come from," he said, extending his hand to help her up.

Hestia, now with a mix of confusion and curiosity, accepted Kunihito's hand and stood up. Her eyes shone with newfound excitement. Perhaps this unexpected encounter was a sign that something exciting was about to happen in her life.

As Hestia rose with Kunihito's help, she felt a vibrant, electrifying energy emanating from the young warrior. His striking, piercing blue eyes seemed to hide secrets and adventures that captured the Goddess's attention. She had never known anyone with such a commanding presence.

"Thank you for your help," said Hestia, feeling a bit shy under that intense gaze. "You caught me by surprise. I wasn't expecting such… drama." Kunihito smiled, displaying an amused expression.

"Ah, but life is full of surprises, isn't it? Sometimes, the best friendships begin with a little stumble on the way or two great friends trying to kill each other. But, I must admit, you have a unique way of catching attention." His eyes fell upon her ample bosom, and the Goddess felt a warmth rush to her cheeks as she struggled to maintain her divine composure.

She was accustomed to being revered and respected, but Kunihito's captivating presence seemed to defy her expectations and ignite a flame of excitement within her.

"You're an adventurer, aren't you?" Hestia asked, curious to learn more about that enigmatic half-elf before her.

"Yes, I am. I come from distant lands where strength and discipline are sacred values," replied Kunihito, his voice conveying a mixture of pride and arrogance. "I recently arrived in this city, in search of new adventures and challenges. And it seems I've already found one, bumping into you."

Hestia couldn't deny the attraction she felt toward Kunihito's words and magnetic presence. She longed for some excitement and fun in her life, and perhaps this mysterious warrior could provide just that.

"Apologies again for the scare, Miss Goddess. My name is Kunihito," he said with a courteous tone, keeping his hand extended. Hestia, still a bit taken aback by Kunihito's imposing presence, reached out and shook his hand with a slight smile on her lips.

She felt an electric current pass through her body the moment their hands touched, awakening a sensation she hadn't experienced in a long time.

"I'm Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth!" she introduced herself, keeping her gaze fixed on Kunihito's intense eyes. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Kunihito."

Rumble

The sound of a growling stomach echoed loud enough for Kunihito to hear. Hestia blushed like a tomato. The half-elf had an immense desire to laugh at the situation, but he decided to let that part slide.

"Are you hungry?"

(Scene jump)

As an apology for the frivolous first impression, to say the least, the half-elf insisted on treating Hestia to a nice meal, which she tried to refuse. However, thanks to the previous event, Kunihito had all the arguments to convince her to go out for lunch.

While enjoying their meal, Kunihito couldn't help but notice the radiant expression on Hestia's face. Her eyes shone with admiration and fascination as he observed her carefully. With his playful spirit, he decided to test the limits and character of the Goddess of the Hearth.

"You know, Hestia, they say that deities have incredible powers and special abilities," commented Kunihito with a mischievous smile on his lips. "But I bet even a Goddess like you wouldn't be able to surpass my talent for balancing a spoon on my nose." Hestia raised an eyebrow, surprised and curious at the same time.

She didn't expect such an unusual challenge, but her competitive nature immediately awakened. "Oh, is that so? You think you're unbeatable when it comes to balancing spoons on the nose?" Kunihito nodded confidently.

"No doubt about it. I'm the undefeated champion of the Far East in this skill. But, of course, if you think you can beat me, I'm willing to accept that challenge and even pay a sum if you can surpass me." Hestia's eyes practically turned into dollar signs as she looked around for a spoon.

She found a soup spoon on the table and, with a graceful motion, balanced it perfectly on her nose. Kunihito's eyes widened in surprise and admiration.

"Impressive! You're truly talented, Hestia," exclaimed Kunihito, applauding enthusiastically. "I was just joking, but you've shown that you shouldn't be underestimated." The half-elf burst into laughter.

Hestia's expression changed from surprise to irritation. She crossed her arms and gave Kunihito an indignant look. "You tricked me! How could you be so irresponsible?"

Kunihito, still recovering from laughter, tried to calm Hestia "I'm sorry, Hestia. I didn't mean to upset you. It was just an innocent prank, I swear. I just wanted to see your funny side." Hestia huffed and looked away, feeling embarrassed for falling for Kunihito's prank.

However, even though she was annoyed, she couldn't help a slight smile forming on her lips. Kunihito's ability to bring fun and joy into her life was something she cherished.

Eventually, Hestia gave in to the amusement and started laughing along with Kunihito. She realized that while he had deceived her, he was also capable of bringing a genuine smile to her face.

Hestia was delighted by Kunihito's presence. He brought a light and joy that she hadn't felt in a long time. His mischievous personality and his ability to take her out of her daily routine fascinated her. She was attracted to his confidence and charisma, but she also noticed a hidden seriousness in his eyes… and something dark.

As they spent time together, Hestia began to realize that Kunihito was not just a fun-loving man but someone who didn't fully understand her needs and desires. She seemed to sense the loneliness he carried within himself and at the same time offered him hope for a brighter future, perhaps even without him realizing it.

In contrast, Kunihito continued to interact with Hestia, unable to ignore her warm and charming nature. However, in contrast to his personality, he maintained a cold and calculating mindset, staying alert for any signs of weakness or manipulation.

Although Hestia might appear naive and innocent, Kunihito suspected there was more to her than meets the eye. He watched her closely, evaluating her actions and words for any hidden intentions.

To him, trust was not easily given; it was something to be earned and repeatedly verified.

Kunihito didn't allow his emotions to blind him. He knew the world was a place full of power games and manipulation, and he wasn't willing to be an easy prey. Every word from Hestia was analyzed for possible subtexts, and he was always prepared to deal with any situation that might arise.

While Hestia grew closer to him, showing interest and affection, Kunihito kept his defenses up. He carefully considered each of her actions, questioning her true motivations. He understood that affection could be a powerful weapon, capable of distracting and weakening the less attentive.

As pleasant and captivating as Hestia's presence might be, Kunihito never forgot his cautious stance. He knew that in the world they lived in, trust was a risk that couldn't be taken lightly. He strove to maintain control over his emotions and stay one step ahead in every interaction with Hestia.

As their friendship grew, Kunihito continued to observe Hestia closely, questioning her true intentions and maintaining a rational and distant approach. He knew that, in the end, survival and success depended on his ability to discern the truth behind appearances and act according to his own interests.

He knew that in the ruthless world they lived in, unchecked trust could lead to ruin. He was determined not to be swayed by fleeting emotions but to protect himself and ensure his own success, regardless of the circumstances.

(A few hours later: Guild)

Eina was in her office at the Guild, surrounded by piles of papers and reports, trying to deal with the turmoil that had settled in. The attack on Chief Olga Maria had left the Guild in a state of chaos, and the lack of accurate information only worsened the situation.

As she tried to focus on her task, her mind wandered to Kunihito. She had heard rumors about his alleged battle against Vaganard from the powerful Loki Familia. The news had made her apprehensive and worried about the young adventurer's fate. And to make matters worse, she had discovered that Kunihito had not joined any Familia, which meant he could no longer enter the dungeon.

These revelations left Eina restless and feeling powerless. She wished she could help Kunihito, offer some support, but she felt constrained by the rules and restrictions of the Guild. The uncertainty about his whereabouts made her even more uneasy, and the lack of concrete news only heightened her anguish.

As she struggled with these thoughts, the office door abruptly swung open, making her jump in her chair. There stood Kunihito, standing with a mischievous smile on his lips. Eina felt a whirlwind of mixed emotions inside her, relief at seeing him safe, surprise at his sudden appearance, and a hint of irritation at having been startled.

"Kunihito! You… you scared me!" she exclaimed, placing her hand on her chest, trying to calm her racing heart.

Kunihito tilted his head, amused by her reaction. "Sorry, Eina, I couldn't resist playing a little prank on you. I wanted to see your reaction " he said, with a teasing sparkle in his eyes.

Eina frowned, a mix of relief and irritation evident on her face "That's not funny, Kunihito! You disappear out of nowhere, rumors circulate about your battles, and here I am worried, trying to make sense of what happened!" she vented, her voice laden with concern and frustration.

Kunihito let out a soft laugh and approached her, his smile softening "Eina, my dear, I'm sorry for causing you so much worry. I'm fine, you can relax," he reassured her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.

Eina's irritation began to dissipate slowly as she looked into Kunihito's eyes and sensed the sincerity in his words. Deep down, she knew he wasn't acting irresponsibly or frivolously. He was a brave and determined adventurer, willing to face the challenges presented to him.

However, a hint of curiosity and playfulness arose within her. Now that Kunihito was there, unharmed and in good spirits, she could seize the opportunity to show him that she could play as well.

With a mischievous smile, Eina looked into his eyes and replied, "Alright, Kunihito. I think you owe me a little compensation for scaring me like that. And I think I know exactly how you can repay me."

Kunihito arched an eyebrow, intrigued "Oh, really? I'm curious to know what you have in mind, Eina." The half-elf smiled, feeling a wave of confidence and daring.

"How about a challenge? Whoever wins will have the other do as they ask." Kunihito's eyes sparkled with amusement, and he promptly accepted the challenge proposed by Eina.

Eina and Kunihito locked eyes for a brief moment, feeling a sense of camaraderie forming between them. Both knew that this moment of lightheartedness was a temporary refuge amid the tumultuous reality surrounding them.

Eina put a hand on her chin, pretending to ponder with a serious look. "Hmm, I think I'll test your dexterity and agility skills. Let's play a target hitting game. You'll have three attempts to hit a target that I'll place on the wall."

Kunihito raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Eina's choice "A target hitting game, huh? Sounds fun. I'm ready to accept the challenge."

Eina took a small paper target and fixed it on the office wall at a reasonable distance.

Kunihito positioned himself, focused and determined to showcase his skills. He released the first arrow, which flew through the air towards the target but narrowly missed the center, hitting the edge instead.

Eina smiled, satisfied with the close competition "Not bad, Kunihito, but it's still not in the center. You have two more attempts," she teased, enjoying the friendly competitive atmosphere.

Kunihito remained calm and focused. He launched the second arrow, which this time hit the target but still not in the center. Only one attempt remained to decide the winner.

Eina watched attentively as Kunihito prepared for his final throw. He took a deep breath, channeling his skills and experience as an adventurer. With a smooth and precise movement, he released the arrow, which flew towards the target and hit the bullseye right in the center.

Eina applauded, genuinely impressed by Kunihito's ability "Congratulations, you did it! Well done, it seems I've been defeated in this challenge. You're truly skilled, Kunihito."

The half-elf smiled, feeling victorious. "The expected outcome, but I think it's time for you to fulfill my wish!" With these words, Kunihito's cheerful demeanor dissipated.

"Eina-san, my order is simple. Never manipulate anyone with good intentions again, no matter the reason or for whom you do it!" The half-elf said with utmost seriousness, recalling the case of Bell Cranel. Eina widened her eyes in slight shock.

As the lighthearted atmosphere slowly dissipated, Eina felt torn between concern and relief that Kunihito had suddenly appeared. There were still many unanswered questions and rumors surrounding his sudden disappearance and possible involvement in the battle against Bete of the Loki Familia.

Eina knew that the only possible involvement the Loki Familia, Bell, and Kunihito could have had was that incident. Could that have been the root of the conflict? And given the seriousness with which the half-elf spoke, had she done something that truly negatively influenced this situation… She didn't know, and she didn't have the courage to ask at that moment.

"R-Right," she replied with a trembling voice.

She looked at Kunihito with an inquisitive gaze, wanting to know the truth behind the rumors. But before she could formulate a question, he flashed a mischievous smile and took a step closer to her.

"Did you miss me, Eina?" He teased, leaning slightly to whisper in her ear. "Don't worry, I came back safe and sound. You can't get rid of me that easily." Eina felt a shiver run down her spine and blushed slightly at Kunihito's sudden proximity.

"You disappear for days and now you show up out of nowhere, scaring me. How did you expect me to react?" She retorted, trying to maintain her professional composure.

Kunihito laughed lightly, enjoying Eina's reaction "Sorry about that, Eina. I just wanted to catch you off guard. Didn't you enjoy my triumphant entrance?"

Eina crossed her arms and gave him a challenging look "Triumphant entrance? It looked more like a game of tag. You really can't take anything seriously, can you?"

Kunihito made an innocent expression and raised his hands in surrender "Okay, okay. I admit I can be a bit too playful sometimes. But you can't deny it's fun, right?"

Eina sighed, giving in to Kunihito's peculiar charm. Although she was annoyed by his sudden departure and worried about the rumors surrounding him, she couldn't deny the excitement he brought with him. It was actually nice to see him more cheerful than usual, considering his tendency to be aloof.

"You're unbearably annoying, Kunihito, but I have to admit that life here at the Guild gets a little livelier when you're around," she admitted with a faint smile.

Kunihito let out a warm laugh and placed a hand on Eina's shoulder "Well, I'm glad to bring some excitement into your life. And I promise I'll explain everything that happened. But for now, let's enjoy this moment. After all, who knows when we'll have another chance to have fun like this?"

Eina nodded, allowing herself to relax a little in Kunihito's presence. Although there were many serious matters to be discussed, she decided to set them aside temporarily, knowing she couldn't resist the contagious energy he emanated.

As the relaxed atmosphere continued to envelop Eina and Kunihito, he decided to reveal a bold goal for the future.

With a serious and determined look, he locked eyes with Eina and said, "You know, Eina, I've been thinking a lot about my future as an adventurer. And I've come to a decision. I want to become a member of the Hestia Familia."

Eina widened her eyes in surprise.

She knew that the Hestia Familia was far below the average and that Hestia wasn't an influential Goddess. However, she couldn't understand why Kunihito would need her help specifically to climb the ranks of the familia.

"Kunihito, why do you specifically need my help? There are many more experienced members in the Guild who can assist you in joining that familia," Eina asked, curious and somewhat perplexed by his choice.

Kunihito smiled mischievously and leaned in a little closer to Eina, capturing her full attention. He replied in a teasing tone "Behind every legendary adventurer, there's always their hot advisor, and that's where you come in, Eina."

Eina instantly blushed, feeling slightly uncomfortable with Kunihito's suggestive tone.

However, she couldn't help but feel flattered by the veiled compliment "Kunihito, you don't need to use those words to get my help. If you're genuinely interested in joining the Hestia Familia, I'll do my best to assist you," she responded, trying to maintain her professional composure.

Kunihito laughed, easing off the playful banter. "I know, Eina, I know. Sorry if I went a bit overboard. But seriously, I trust you. You're smart, competent, and have a deep knowledge of the Guild. I believe that with your guidance, I can stand out in the Hestia Familia. I've even had a conversation with the Goddess…" Eina nodded, appreciating the trust Kunihito placed in her. She also recognized the importance of her role as an advisor and supporter of adventurers, and she was willing to help him on his journey.

"Alright, Kunihito. Let's start by creating a plan for you to progress in the Hestia Familia. I'll do my best to assist you in this endeavor," she affirmed, determined to fulfill her role with excellence.

"By the way, I'm not a member yet, but that's beside the point." Eina opened and closed her mouth, about to say something, but decided against it. After all, that was typical of Kunihito.

She had also been wondering for some time about his clothes and equipment. He was only wearing the lower part of his attire, with his torso exposed. It was strange to see him without that dark cloak covering his face… Well, she wasn't complaining about the view. It wasn't unpleasant at all.

(A few hours later)

After several hours of preparation, Kunihito finally left Eina's office but encountered some familiar faces along the way.

"The Loki Familia, huh?" he thought categorically.

Two faces were familiar, accompanied by two other adventurers he didn't recognize. The Sword Princess and Nine Hells were with them, standing in front of the members of the Loki Familia.

"Hello! I'm Kunihito Xiloscient, but I imagine after yesterday's events, you already know who I am. I'll get straight to the point because I want to keep it brief. Bete Loga, what's your current condition?" the half-elf asked, curious about his opponent's state.

The members of the Loki Familia appeared visibly uncomfortable in responding, especially after the threat Kunihito had made to Bete.

Riveria took the lead and replied "Bete is recovering. He was severely injured but is receiving the necessary care." observing Kunihito's reaction.

Kunihito let out a sigh of relief and smiled at the situation "Wonderful, he'll probably survive. I appreciate the information," the half-elf said before turning to leave.

Meanwhile, Riveria took the opportunity to approach Kunihito, seeking to dissipate the tense atmosphere. She genuinely felt curious about him, despite their differences.

"Mr. Xiloscient, we don't understand your concern for Bete, but if we have further information about his condition, we will share it with you," Riveria said in her smooth and diplomatic voice.

Kunihito glanced suspiciously at Riveria before responding sarcastically "Oh, really? Can I trust you to keep me informed? I have no reason to believe your empty words," he retorted, demonstrating his mistrust.

Just the contact with elves seemed to sour Kunihito's mood.

Lefiya, who had remained silent until then, grew increasingly frustrated with Kunihito's attitude. However, she held her tongue, fearing any negative reaction from him.

The tension in the room escalated when Medea, the pure-blooded elf accompanying Riveria, could no longer contain her irritation at Kunihito's behavior. She abruptly stepped forward, her expression indignant and slightly aggressive.

"You have quite the audacity, half-elf. How dare you treat my mentor with such disrespect? Your arrogant words and unfriendly attitude are unacceptable," declared Medea, her voice filled with indignation.

Kunihito crossed his arms, maintaining his cold and defiant gaz "I have no interest in pleasing or respecting anyone based solely on their bloodline. Respect is something that must be earned through individual actions and merits. I don't recall your mentor doing anything to deserve even a shred of my respect," he replied firmly.

The room fell silent, everyone attentive to the clash between Medea and Kunihito. Riveria, while desiring to maintain peace, couldn't ignore the half-elf's confrontational stance.

"Medea, please, let's stay calm. We can't allow our emotions to interfere with our interaction with Mr. Xiloscient." Riveria requested, trying to defuse the situation.

However, Medea didn't back down, and her defiant gaze intensified "I don't care if you're a powerful adversary, half-elf. I won't tolerate your arrogant and disrespectful attitude. You'd better reconsider your words and actions, half-breed," she warned, her voice filled with determination.

Kunihito released a disdainful smile, his seemingly unshakable antipathy towards the elves "Do you think your bloodline makes you superior to me? Sorry, but I don't care about your empty beliefs. I will continue to be who I am, regardless of what you think of me," he retorted, making his contempt for Medea's attitude clear.

Lefiya, who silently observed the discussion, felt a mixture of frustration and fear. She knew she couldn't confront Kunihito directly, but she also felt the need to defend her mentor and friend, Medea.

While tension persisted between the Loki Family members and Kunihito, Ais remained silently observing, her curiosity growing about the half-elf's unique abilities and personality. She knew she needed to find a balance between her intrigue and caution towards him.

The tension in the room continued to escalate as harsh words were exchanged between Medea and Kunihito. Ais watched closely, her serious expression revealing the internal struggle she had regarding the half-elf.

Meanwhile, Riveria tried to intervene once again, seeking to ease the hostile atmosphere hanging over them. She approached Medea and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Medea, I understand that you're concerned about my safety, but we also need to consider where we are. She wouldn't want us to get involved in unnecessary conflicts, especially here." Riveria said in a calm and conciliatory voice.

Medea let out a heavy sigh, her gaze still filled with suspicion, but she complied with her mentor's guidance. She stepped back, though keeping her guard up, ready to respond if Kunihito provoked further.

Kunihito, on the other hand, remained motionless, his expression serious and indifferent. He seemed largely unaffected by the animosity that had formed in the room. However, his interest in knowing Bete's condition was the only thing that sparked his attention.

"I understand there may be distrust, but I came here for a single purpose. To know about Bete Loga's condition after our battle," Kunihito said, his voice maintaining a cold and direct tone.

Ais, who had remained silent until then, finally decided to speak up. Her curiosity about Kunihito's abilities and unique strength began to outweigh the caution she felt.

"What would that mean to you?" Ais questioned, her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.

Kunihito fixed his piercing gaze on Ais, pondering for a moment before responding.

"It would mean that my opponent wasn't as weak as I imagined. And it would also lead me to consider that perhaps you, members of the Loki Family, are not just another group of ordinary adventurers relying on history." he replied, a hint of respect emerging in his voice.

Riveria, attentively observing the interaction between Ais and Kunihito, noticed a subtle sign of progress. She knew that the conversation was far from resolving all the conflicts between them, but it was a small step towards mutual understanding.

As the atmosphere in the room gradually calmed down, Lefiya remained silent, still frustrated with Kunihito's demeanor. She understood she couldn't confront him openly, but her fear and disgust towards him continued to grow.

After the brief dialogue with Ais, Kunihito felt that he had obtained enough information about Bete's condition. He maintained his serious demeanor, but a flame of determination burned in his eyes.

"Thank you for informing me. Now that I know he recovering, I can move on." Kunihito said, his voice echoing in the silence of the room.

With those words, he turned to leave, leaving the Loki Family intrigued and curious about his next steps.

Ais, who still had many questions in mind, hesitated for a moment before calling out to him "Wait! Before you go, there's something I'd like to know… about your abilities and extraordinary strength, where do they come from? How are you able to defeat someone like Bete so effortlessly?" Ais inquired, her expression revealing her quest for answers.

Kunihito turned slowly to face Ais, his eyes conveying a mixture of mystery and determination. "My abilities are the result of something that obviously doesn't concern you," he replied rudely.

Ais frowned, unsatisfied with the evasive response. Before she could press Kunihito further, Riveria intervened "Ais, maybe it's best to leave some questions unanswered for now. Mr. Xiloscient has his own secrets and motivations, just like we do. Perhaps, over time, he may decide to share more with us," Riveria suggested, her voice conveying wisdom and patience.

Ais reluctantly nodded, realizing the wisdom in her mentor's words. She still had many doubts but recognized that time and trust would be crucial in unraveling Kunihito's secrets.

"If you'll excuse me, I need to take my leave for now," he said, starting to move away slowly. "But I have a feeling our paths will cross again soon. And next time, I hope we can share more than just sharp words." His voice echoed in the air, leaving a palpable tension behind.

The eyes of each member of the Loki Family followed his movements, curious about what he had in mind.

Ais remained silent, her expression pensive as she watched Kunihito walk away. There was something about him that deeply intrigued her, sparking an insatiable desire to unravel his secrets and understand his true nature.

Riveria, on the other hand, felt a shiver run down her spine, a sense that something significant was about to happen. She knew that the half-elf seemed to be an unpredictable element, capable of disrupting the "peaceful" balance of their lives in the Labyrinth City.

Medea, despite her resentment, couldn't deny the uneasiness she felt. A mixture of fear and fascination consumed her, fueling a curiosity that ate away at her from within.

As Kunihito disappeared down the corridor, the room fell into tense silence. With these words, the Loki Family gathered in a silent pact, ready to face the challenges that fate had in store for them.

(To be continued…)


I have to say, it was wonderful to write this chapter. Kunihito is a lot of fun to write when he's not in a bad mood, but as soon as he sees an elf, he goes back to his usual self, haha. We introduced new characters, likely future ones, as I said, when the prologue ended, I have more freedom to write a more dynamic chapter like this one. So, any opinions, critiques, or something you'd like to add? I can tell you one thing, reading the revisions makes me even more excited to release the next chapters, so I really appreciate your feedback, my readers, you rock!