Chapter 14 – First Spark
Hestia walked down the street with a spring in her step, practically skipping and humming with excitement. Her wonderful children had just handed her 81,000 valis. Initially, she thought they were giving her their entire earnings, but it turned out to be just a third—the familia's share only. Worried about how they had earned so much in a single day, Hestia expressed her concern, only for Peter to boast jokingly, "What else can you expect from someone who can defeat a level 5?"
Peter and Bell followed behind her, amused by her antics. Hestia practically skipped into a clothing shop, her eyes alight with excitement as she approached a mannequin draped in a dazzling silver dress. It sparkled as if adorned with diamonds, captivating both Bell and Peter's attention immediately. With a gasp of awe, Bell checked the price tag, only to be met with astonishment at the whopping 50,000 valis displayed there. Hestia confessed, "I fell in love with this dress while window shopping, but I didn't actually think I could afford it. Thanks to both of you, I can now buy it."
She bought the dress and had her measurements taken, arranging for delivery of the adjusted dress the next day. Meanwhile, Peter scoured the shop for an outfit for his date with Tiona. Amidst the shimmering array of clothing which this shop seemed to specialize in, he stumbled upon a golden coat adorned with intricate designs, reminiscent of an Indian sherwani. It was a departure from his usual style back in his old world, but amidst the diverse range of clothing styles in Orario, it seemed fitting. Satisfied with his choice, he made the purchase.
Peter then led them to a jewelry shop recommended by the salesman. As they perused the jewelry selection to complement Hestia's new dress, she hesitated, casting glances at the prices. Peter was reminded of his aunt in that moment, recalling how she had sacrificed so much for him as a single parent. Despite her own desires for nice dresses and jewelry, she had never been able to afford them. Peter vividly remembered how his aunt would always gaze longingly at the dresses and jewelry displayed in the shop windows as they walked past. This Goddess, just like his aunt had taken him in when he had nowhere else to go.
Gently, Peter reminded Hestia of the importance of representing the familia. "Remember, Hestia, your attire reflects the prosperity and image of our familia. Don't worry about the price. You have got to look your best."
Bell said jokingly, "You better obey our familia captain."
Hestia, puzzled, inquired, "Captain?"
Bell clarified, "The guild asked us to designate a familia captain now that we have multiple members. Ultimately, it's your decision, but considering Peter's strength, experience, and skills, he's the obvious choice."
Hestia exchanged glances between Peter and Bell, pondering his words. While Bell held a special place as her first familia member, she couldn't deny Peter's natural leadership qualities. He often took charge effortlessly, and she even found herself instinctively following his lead. His maturity, combined with his remarkable strength and skills, made him a clear candidate for the role. Hestia nodded in agreement, "I agree, Peter should be the captain."
Bell smiled, masking his feelings of inferiority, "Congratulations, Captain." Meanwhile, Peter reciprocated the smile and shook Bell's hand, while Hestia embraced him, planting a congratulatory kiss on his cheek. The decision settled, they continued browsing the jewelry.
After some consideration, they settled on a jewelry set priced at around 35,000 valis. Bell chimed in, "I hardly killed any monsters today. I don't deserve an equal share. Let me contribute more to the familia fund," he suggested.
Peter swiftly dismissed the notion, asserting, "Everyone in our team gets an equal share." He gestured to the 7,000 valis remaining in the familia fund from yesterday's earnings as reassurance.
Despite Hestia's lingering hesitance, they proceeded with the purchase.
Hestia finished updating peters status. He had insisted that she update his status first as he needed to get ready for his date. With a slight smile, she handed him the sheet.
Peter Parker
Lv. 1
Strength: I 3 — I 11
Endurance: I 0 — I 2
Dexterity: I 4 — I 11
Agility: I 6 — I 14
Mind: I 22 — I 40
Magic:
[Arachnostrand: No chant magic. Shoot webs from hands. ]
Skills:
[Spider Powers: Abilities akin to a spider's natural capabilities]
[Spider Sense: Can sense danger]
"You've made quite the improvement since yesterday," Hestia remarked. Peter barely spared a glance at his sheet before passing it to Bell, who examined it with curiosity before heading to the bathroom for a shower. Hestia couldn't help but observe, "He seems rather eager for his date, doesn't he?"
"Yeah," Bell responded, a tinge of jealousy evident in his tone as he imagined having a date with Ais. He removed his shirt and stretched out on the bed, exposing his back for Hestia to update his status. "Huh?" Hestia's surprise was evident as she updated Bell's status.
Curious, Bell grabbed the sheet as he rose from the bed.
Bell Cranel
Lv. 1
Strength: H 140 — G 248
Endurance: H 121 — G 232
Dexterity: H 152 — G 257
Agility: G 250 — F 368
Mind: I 0
Magic:
[ ]
Skills:
[ ]
His eyebrows shot up in surprise as he scanned the numbers. More than 400 points! That was over ten times the stats Peter had gained, and Bell had hardly even taken down a tenth of the monsters Peter had faced.
"How am I getting such a significant increase in stats, Goddess?" Bell inquired with genuine curiosity. However, Hestia's response surprised him; she replied with a hint of annoyance, "How should I know?" Bell couldn't fathom why she was suddenly upset. Meanwhile, Hestia silently cursed Ais Whas..Her..Name. It was clear that Bell's rapid increase in strength was directly linked to his infatuation with her.
Peter stepped out of the bathroom, the golden sherwani adorning him like a garment fit for royalty. Hestia and Bell couldn't hide their awe at his appearance. "You look like a prince," Hestia remarked, a playful edge to her tone. "Other goddesses will try to snatch you away if they catch a glimpse of you like this. They're all a bunch of perverts." Peter blushed at the compliment, feeling a mixture of pride and embarrassment at the attention.
Then, adopting a more serious tone, she cautioned, "Remember, don't spill any of your secrets to Tiona. Loki would pry them out of her," she said with a pointed look. With a hint of amusement, she added, "And take a taxi. You shouldn't walk to your date."
"A taxi?" Peter echoed incredulously. He supposed he shouldn't be too surprised; after all, the technology and terminology in this world were already a mishmash of the unexpected.
Hestia, assuming he didn't know what she meant, explained patiently, "Oh, you don't know what a taxi is? They're horse-drawn carriages you can rent in Orario. You just need to whistle really hard when you see one, and they'll stop for you."
Peter shook his head, a bemused expression on his face. How did a New Yorker end up in a medieval world, learning about taxis from a goddess?
As Peter departed, Hestia turned to Bell with a determined gleam in her eyes. 'I won't lose to Ais Whas... her... name,' she vowed silently. Leaning forward, she fixed her gaze on Bell, her intent clear. "Let's go on a date too, Bell," she proposed, a mischievous spark in her eyes.
Bell's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, you want to go on a date with me?" he asked incredulously.
"Of course I do! Why else would I ask you?" Hestia replied with a playful grin. "Let's go."
Bell hesitated briefly, his cheeks flushing crimson, before finding his voice. "Um, well, Peter took quite some time preparing for his date. He consulted me for restaurant recommendations and bought a new dress. I feel like I should make some preparations too," he explained, his tone uncertain. He couldn't shake the feeling of unworthiness. Why would a goddess want to go on a date with someone like him? Could a goddess even have a relationship with a mortal?
Hestia nodded thoughtfully. "You're absolutely right. A date should be special. We'll make proper preparations."
Tiona sighed dramatically as she found herself held hostage in front of the mirror. It seemed like the entire female contingent of the familia had invaded her room to help her 'get ready' for the date. Anakitty was treating her face like a canvas, using brushes and an arsenal of makeup products that could rival a master alchemist's collection. Seriously, why were there so many different kinds of brushes? Tiona felt like she was being assaulted by an army of fluffy bristles.
Every girl in the room vying for a chance to wield a makeup brush. Even Rakta Haze, the usually reserved Hume Bunny, had thrown herself into the fray, lunging for the brush that Anakitty wielded like a weapon. It was like watching a tiny rabbit challenge a fierce lioness, except in this case, the lioness happened to be a level 4 cat girl with a penchant for hissing warnings. Tiona couldn't help but marvel at Rakta's newfound boldness. Had she been taking secret courage lessons from the dungeon monsters or something?
And the advice! It was coming at her from all directions like a barrage of arrows in battle. Elfy, who had as much dating experience as a hermit crab, kept shouting instructions from the sidelines. It was like being in the middle of a chaotic battlefield strategy session, except instead of battling monsters, Tiona was battling her own reflection.
She couldn't help but wonder why everyone was making such a big deal out of this. It was just a date, not a royal wedding. Then again, with Loki's possessive tendencies, she hardly allowed the girls to date within the familia, let alone outside it. Dating someone from outside the familia was like breaking through the Great Wall surrounding Orario. Maybe they were secretly hoping Tiona's date would set a new trend, like a rebellion against the tyranny of Loki's restrictions.
Tiona sighed, pondering why everything had to be so complicated? Peter was her first boyfriend! Why did the familia have to meddle in her personal love life? While the girls cheered her on, hoping for some trashy romance novel fantasy to unfold before their eyes, her goddess and the top executives expected her to spy on her boyfriend!
This was her first date ever. Why was it so difficult to date her? Her reputation as 'the Crusher' certainly hadn't helped. And being an Amazon hadn't made it any easier, especially with that ridiculous tradition of only courting men stronger than oneself. She could count the men stronger than her on one hand, and most of them were in the Freya familia, drooling over that seductive goddess of theirs.
Okay, yes, it hadn't been the first time she'd been asked out. But the ones who had were drunk perverts who had thought she was a prostitute from the Ishtar familia. They had quickly scampered away, tails between their legs (some of them literally), when they realized who she really was.
The two primary goddesses of the Amazons hadn't exactly smoothed the path for their love lives. Goddess Kali had painted them as barbaric savages, and under her rule, the only men permitted in Telskyura had been relegated to being sex slaves. Tiona mentally shuddered at the dark memories of Telskyura, quickly pushing them aside. Today was a happy occasion, and she refused to let the shadows of her past darken it.
Top of Form
Goddess Ishtar had further sullied the Amazons reputation, branding them as whores. The amazon's fashion sense did not help regarding that matter. Sometimes, Tiona found herself wishing she could wear clothes that covered her up a bit more. Of course, this wish had absolutely nothing to do with her small boobs. Nope….not even a tiny bit.
Tiona was frankly tired of being an Amazon. If she weren't one, perhaps she would have had a happy childhood. Before being an Amazon, she was a woman! She wanted to know that she's attractive to someone... Well, at least someone she liked. She knew that being a high-class adventurer had its privileges, and she loved adventuring. But it sucked for dating. Especially for an Amazon.
She had hoped that a man would make the effort to invite her to dinner, or gift her flowers, or even a new hero book! As a beautiful woman, she felt she deserved at least that! Or was she not beautiful? She had begun to doubt it.
But then along came Peter, boldly proclaiming her beauty surpassing even Tione's, despite her assets – take that Tione. In what felt like a scene ripped straight from a cliché romance novel, he had challenged her to a fight for the honor of winning her heart.
She had expected him to loose, but she had resolved not to inflict too much harm upon him. She had planned to go out with him anyway, not on a date...but as friends.
Even Lefiya had conceded, "It was so passionate! Like something out of a romance novel! That human may be foolish... but he's also remarkably brave! It's a shame you're going to crush him."
Yet, against all expectations, he emerged victorious! Even the captain acknowledged it; he won fair and square... albeit in a weird 'webby' way. And the kiss that followed? Utterly romantic, by any measure! He had completely won her heart.
Tiona's train of thought was interrupted as Lefiya brought over some of her jewelry to lend for the date. The attention from all these girls was both irritating and endearing. She looked at her reflection, Annakitty had done a pretty good job at doing her makeup.
Glancing around the room, Tiona noticed that Tione was conspicuously absent from the female contingent surrounding her. A mischievous smirk tugged at her lips—Tione must be seething with jealousy. The room buzzed with unsolicited advice, each girl suddenly transforming into a self-proclaimed dating guru despite their complete lack of experience. Tiona couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. Here she was, about to embark on her first date, receiving tips from a squad of relationship rookies.
As she tried on Lefiya's jewelry, she couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. The absurdity of the situation was almost too much— an Amazon warrior, a feared adventurer, being fussed over like a bride by a gaggle of well-meaning but clueless friends.
Peter successfully hailed a taxi. "To Twilight Manor, please," he requested as he settled into the carriage. The driver nodded and flicked the reins, setting the cart in motion. The sound of wooden wheels clattering against the rocky pavement reverberated in Peter's ears, and he couldn't help but find the ride rather uncomfortable. With each jolt and shake, he pondered the possibility of inventing rubber tires to smoothen the journey. As he contemplated this, another thought crossed his mind: Did the concept of patents exist in this world?
He leaned forward and asked the driver, "Can you suggest any good places for a date?" The driver, without missing a beat, offered a range of options, from lively casinos to elegant theaters showcasing plays or musical performances. None of the options particularly appealed to Peter. He wasn't keen on gambling for a date, and musicals didn't pique his interest either. Perhaps someday he would check out a play, considering this world lacked movies.
Peter inquired about Dragon's Den, a pub recommended by Bell. The driver responded, "It's a fine establishment, sir, but it's often frequented by adventurers. Not the most ideal spot for a date, if you ask me. I'd suggest Fortuna's Gourmet instead."
Peter chuckled, "My girlfriend is an Amazon warrior. I doubt she'd fancy a place too upscale." The driver's eyes widened in recognition, "Ah, so you're the famous level 1 adventurer who defeated Loki Familia's Crusher?"
Surprised, Peter asked, "How did you know?" The driver grinned, "Word travels fast in Orario, especially when it comes to juicy gossip." Peter couldn't help but wonder how news spread so rapidly since morning. It wasn't like Orario had social media.
The driver then suggested, "I would recommend Hero's Heaven sir. It caters to adventurers and also is a bit classy. I think it would be a perfect place for your date."
Peter nodded. "I'll follow your recommendation. What's your name, by the way?"
The driver replied with a friendly smile, "It's John, sir."
As the carriage rolled along the cobblestone streets, Peter continued his small talk with John. They exchanged thoughts on the vibrant cityscape passing by, discussing notable landmarks and places of interest that Orario had to offer. From bustling marketplaces to serene parks, John shared insights into the myriad attractions scattered throughout the city.
They soon arrived at Twilight Manor, its grand silhouette looming against the evening sky. At the gate, the guards halted them with a stern inquiry, "State your business." However, as Peter stepped out of the carriage, he noticed a glimmer of recognition in the male guard's eyes. "Oh, it's you," the guard exclaimed before turning towards his companion. "Wait here, I'll call Tiona."
Meanwhile, the female guard's gaze lingered on Peter, her cheeks tinted with a delicate blush as she quickly averted her eyes when he glanced in her direction. Peter, feeling a tad self-conscious in his extravagant attire, couldn't help but chuckle inwardly at the unexpected attention.
Peter drew in his breath as he caught sight of Tiona's arrival. She moved with a confident stride, her bare feet making soft impressions on the cobblestones. In the dim light of the night, she seemed to radiate an inner glow, her skin aglow with a soft luminescence that drew the eye. Her attire, though revealing in the typical fashion of Amazonian dress, accentuated the lithe curves of her form, adorned with subtle makeup and delicate jewelry.
As Peter observed the unfolding spectacle, his attention was drawn to the windows overlooking the main gate, where several female members of the familia had gathered, their eyes filled with curiosity. Among them, a mischievous cat girl couldn't resist adding to the excitement with playful cat calls, much to Tiona's embarrassment.
From a second-floor window, Loki watched with an amused expression, clearly entertained by the scene below. Finally, as Tiona emerged from the gate, a faint blush adorned her cheeks, enhancing her charm as Peter gallantly took her hand and planted a kiss on it. The cat girl's calls grew louder, injecting the moment with a playful energy that only added to the whimsical atmosphere.
As Peter swung open the carriage door for Tiona, she wasted no time scrambling inside, eager to evade the embarrassing attention of her familia. Following her lead, Peter swiftly climbed into the carriage, catching snippets of whispered admiration from the assembled girls. The term "prince charming" floated to his ears, eliciting a grin as he settled in beside Tiona.
As the carriage started moving, Peter turned to Tiona and said, "You look absolutely amazing tonight."
Tiona blushed slightly and replied, "And you're looking good too, Prince Charming," she giggled.
"You heard that?" Peter asked, surprised.
She pointed to her ears and said, "Level 5 hearing here. I don't miss much."
Peter didn't know that leveling up improved senses too. Something to consider later. Tiona's fingers traced the intricate embroidery of his sparkly sherwani with childlike glee. "Seriously, this is a really nice suit," she said, admiringly.
Peter smiled, appreciating her enthusiasm. But then Tiona's expression turned thoughtful. "So, why?" she asked.
"Why what?" Peter responded, curious.
"Why did you choose me? You could have any girl you wanted. Why did you choose someone like me?"
Peter pondered the question. 'You are a doppelganger of my ex-girlfriend from another dimension' would probably be the wrong thing to say. He met her gaze and replied with a warm smile, "Because when I look at you, I see someone who's strong, brave, and kind. You're not just beautiful, Tiona—you're extraordinary. And I'd be a fool to let a chance with you slip by."
Tiona's eyes widened in surprise, then softened with emotion. "You really mean that?" she whispered.
"Every word," Peter said, his voice sincere.
"So where are we going?" Tiona asked, her curiosity evident.
Peter replied with a smile, "It's a surprise."
Tiona's eyes sparkled with excitement. "A surprise, huh? I can't wait to see what you have planned."
Peter chuckled. "You'll love it, I promise."
The carriage continued its journey through the bustling streets of Orario, the anticipation in the air palpable. Peter glanced at Tiona, her excitement infectious, and couldn't help but feel a swell of happiness at the thought of making this night special for her.
Peter and Tiona entered Hero's Heaven, an establishment that exuded sophistication, a step above the Hostess of Fertility in terms of refinement. Soft lighting bathed the polished interiors, creating an inviting atmosphere that beckoned them inside. A warm smile greeted them as a friendly waitress led them to a secluded corner table, where they settled in for the evening.
As they took their seats, Peter and Tiona absorbed the ambiance of Hero's Heaven. The air buzzed with the gentle hum of conversation, complemented by the soothing melody of background music. Their eyes caught sight of a small stage where musicians played various instruments, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. Peter's gaze wandered, taking in the diverse crowd—a mix of adventurers swapping tales of daring exploits and couples engaged in quiet conversation over candlelit dinners.
Another waitress approached, handing them their menus. Peter confidently ordered their best wine, but Tiona swiftly interjected. "Peter, do you even know what their best wine is?"
Peter's confidence faltered as he perused the wine menu, his eyebrows shooting up in disbelief at the staggering price of a single bottle of Soma wine—80,000 valis. Sensing his hesitation, he turned to Tiona, silently deferring to her judgment on the matter. With a nod of agreement, he let her take the lead in selecting their wine for the evening. As the waitress arrived with their chosen wine, they turned their attention to perusing the menu and placing their meal orders.
As Peter and Tiona immersed themselves in their evening, savoring the wine and each other's company, a disruption shattered the tranquility of Hero's Heaven. The door swung open with a jarring creak, drawing the attention of every patron in the tavern. Into the establishment stepped a figure exuding an air of arrogance, accompanied by a retinue of followers who trailed behind him like obedient shadows.
This newcomer, a cat person with small stature and piercing yellow eyes, commanded attention with every step, his presence unsettling the atmosphere of the tavern. Despite his diminutive size, there was an undeniable intensity about him, a sense of coiled aggression barely contained beneath the surface. His jet-black hair framed his angular features, adding to his aura of danger.
As he strode confidently across the room, the patrons of Hero's Heaven fell silent, their conversations tapering off into hushed whispers. Some cast furtive glances in his direction, while others averted their gaze altogether, as if afraid to meet his penetrating stare. The mood in the tavern shifted palpably, tension crackling in the air like electricity, as the newcomer took his seat at a nearby table, his smirk oozing with insolence as he fixed his gaze on Peter and Tiona.
His companions, a motley crew of similarly intimidating individuals, positioned themselves around him with an air of deference, their presence only adding to the sense of unease that now permeated the tavern. Despite the bustling atmosphere of Hero's Heaven, there was an unmistakable sense of foreboding that hung over the establishment, as if the arrival of this enigmatic figure had cast a shadow over the proceedings.
The cat man sneered at Tiona, his yellow eyes gleaming with malice. "So this is the famed Level 5 Crusher, the Amazon who lost to a level 1," he taunted, his voice dripping with scorn. The entire tavern grew even quieter, the tension palpable.
Peter glanced at Tiona, noticing her clenched fists and the fury in her eyes. He then turned his glare toward the cat man, who met his gaze with a penetrating stare and a smirk that screamed arrogance. The newcomer's black hair and cat ears added to his menacing aura, his very presence exuding a violent energy that made the other patrons shift uncomfortably in their seats.
Peter felt a surge of anger and protective instinct. "Who are you?" he demanded, his voice steady despite the turmoil within.
The cat man's smirk widened, his eyes never leaving Peter's. "Just someone who doesn't think much of weaklings," he replied, his tone filled with disdain. His companions chuckled, clearly enjoying the spectacle.
Peter's fists clenched under the table, but he kept his voice calm. "If you have a problem, take it somewhere else."
The cat man laughed, a sound devoid of humor. "Oh, I don't have a problem. I just enjoy watching someone who thinks they're strong squirm." His gaze shifted back to Tiona. "Isn't that right, Crusher?"
Tiona's eyes flashed with anger, but she remained silent, her fury simmering just beneath the surface. Peter was about to rise from his seat when Tiona grabbed his arm, her grip firm and urgent. "Peter, don't," she whispered, her voice tense. "He's Allen Fromel, the vice captain of the Freya Familia. A level 6. He's the fastest adventurer in Orario."
Peter paused, processing the weight of her words. The fastest adventurer in Orario? And this coming from Tiona, who could move so quickly she became a blur to him. The realization made him reconsider his next move, his anger tempered by a sense of caution.
Allen's smirk grew even wider, clearly relishing the discomfort he was causing. "Why bother whispering? I can hear everything you're saying," he sneered at Tiona before turning his mocking gaze to Peter. "What's the matter? Afraid to stand up to someone stronger?" he taunted, his eyes glittering with amusement.
Peter clenched his jaw, his hands balling into fists under the table. Allen's taunts bore down on him like a heavy weight, but more than that, his spider-sense was tingling—a clear warning not to confront this adversary. It was a primal alarm, blaring danger with every pulse. This wasn't a mere playground bully; this was a predator, and Peter knew he was woefully outmatched.
Author's Note: Again a big shoutout to Zanstel for beta reading this chapter and providing invaluable feedback to help me refine it.
