A certain Chairman of Academy City in Danmachi

by Elesecroisa

After the battle, Accelerator was lost in another world. How will he return home?

10. Chapter 10

/Disclaimer:I do not own Toaru or Danmachi/

A week ago…

"Well, I've finally arrived." His voice echoed, a declaration brimming with excitement to the world itself. Thud! The large bag on his shoulder was casually dropped to the ground, sending a cloud of dust swirling into the air around him. He stretched, gazing up at the towering wall before him, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. The colossal sight before him was strangely captivating.

"What a long journey." He hoisted the bag onto his shoulder again with his staff, then turned, casting a long glance toward the gates of Orario. From the bustling crowd to the divine pathways leading into the dungeon beneath the earth.

He blended into the long, winding line of people waiting to enter the city through the main gate. While others fidgeted impatiently, he leisurely weaved through the rows of transport carts, cheerfully bypassing obstacles.

The soldiers of the Ganesha Familia meticulously inspected each person passing through the gate, a strict measure to prevent intruders or potential threats. Yet, he calmly walked past their stern gazes, as if he were an invisible figure unworthy of attention.

"That guy is probably somewhere around this city too." He muttered, a cheerful smile forming as he thought of someone who must have decided to come to Orario before him. This particular thought only deepened his curiosity about the hidden corners of the city.

He stepped through the gate, and the scene before him came alive with noise and activity. Rows of bustling shops, houses of diverse architectural styles intermingling to create a vivid tapestry—this was truly a vibrant hub. Shops eagerly welcomed customers, old men hawked their wares, and children ran around with noisy laughter. Orario wasn't just a city; it was the center of countless dreams, carrying untold stories of journeys.

"Well then, let's explore this city!"

…

"Hah… Hah…" The sound of heavy breathing echoed through the streets of Orario. A golden-haired elf, drenched in sweat, had just emerged from the dungeon after an intense training session. Her legs felt like lead, each step heavy on the cobblestone road.

"Aiz was harsher than usual today…" Lefiya muttered, her face showing exhaustion but still glowing with admiration for her comrade. She looked down at her trembling hands, her fingers still numb from continuously casting spells and blocking the swift, heavy strikes of the level 6 adventurer.

But it wasn't just the training with Aiz that had left her so drained. After the session, Lefiya had consumed several magic potions to recover her mind, then continued experimenting with the basic magic circles she had read about in books. However, nothing came easy.

She recalled her encounters with level 2 monsters in the dungeon. The spells she had painstakingly learned seemed almost useless. They only slowed the monsters' advance momentarily before everything returned to normal. She sighed, feeling as though all her efforts were going nowhere.

The memory of studying with the Mad Wizard the day before made her shiver involuntarily. The past few days had been a nightmare. The "basic" equations—as Accelerator called them—in mathematics, physics, and chemistry had become a haunting obsession.

"Why are there so many types of magic…?" Lefiya blurted out, recalling the stressful session when she had curiously asked about other forms of magic beyond magic circles, rituals, and known spells. His answer had completely shocked her.

"Idol Theory, contagious magic, the three aspects… These are entirely different things. Why is magic so complicated?!" Lefiya screamed, clutching her head in frustration. The sight of the flustered golden-haired elf drew strange looks from those around her—from the half-beast people on the sidewalk to the passersby—who then quietly moved away.

The diversity of magic had completely shattered Lefiya's current understanding. There were too many variations, classifications, and unique characteristics she had never imagined. She had once thought elves were the best at studying magic, but her teacher had completely dismissed that notion. The Mad Wizard had even bluntly declared that he was far from being an expert.

"Then what the hell is a magic expert? And why hasn't anyone like that appeared yet?"

The magic circle alone proved the endlessness of magic. Lefiya looked at her hand, where a small glowing orb hovered. This was the result of two days of training—but such small magic circles were utterly useless in dealing damage.

She sighed, feeling as though the new knowledge had only added to her burden. "Does Riveria know about this?" She wondered but wasn't sure.

"Ahhh… The expedition is coming up, and I've made so little progress." Four days had passed since studying with the Mad Wizard, but her training in magic circles still wasn't enough to deal significant damage to monsters. And her research into the magic broom was still at a standstill.

She should have told him that she was training for the upcoming Familia expedition. The thirst after training made her throat feel like it was on fire. She glanced at the bustling crowd of merchants on both sides of the street, the feeling of thirst growing more intense.

Lefiya pulled out a brown wooden pocket watch with green leaf patterns, designed in the style of her homeland. It was still early before her lesson with the Mad Wizard. She probably had enough time to rest for over two hours before heading to today's teleportation point. Luckily, the guidance bracelet indicated that the location was quite close.

She stopped at a small drink stand, ordered a cup of water, and sat down on a bench, sighing deeply. When the cup was brought out, Lefiya realized it had no ice and wasn't very cold. She must have forgotten to ask for ice in her exhaustion. She felt disappointed but then had an idea. A small magic circle appeared on her finger without incantation, and a cool breeze gently blew into the cup.

"Magic is really convenient," Lefiya muttered, taking a sip of the chilled water. She had to admit, it was useful after all.

…

In the bustling streets of Orario, the figure of 'Him' drifted by like a passing breeze.

This city—a place where dreams and challenges converged, where people from all over the world gathered to delve into the mysteries beneath the earth—had unknowingly drawn him in. He weaved through the crowded streets, his eyes constantly lingering on the colorful shops and small stalls packed closely together. Curiosity drove him to explore every corner of the city, and before long, a small but diverse collection had formed in his bag.

He dashed into a small weapon shop tucked away in a corner of the commercial district, where he found a dagger with a sharp blade and a faint glow emanating from its edge. It seemed like an ordinary magical weapon. He set it down and moved to a larger shop next door. Here, gleaming swords hung on the walls, their blades reflecting light and creating dazzling glimmers. Adventurers came and went, carefully examining each item. In the center of the shop, a beautiful and intricate sword caught his eye. It looked incredibly cool, and it would surely make an impression if used. After a thorough inspection, he realized that, in terms of quality, this sword was only slightly better than the dagger from earlier, but its price was many times higher.

"How interesting!" He smiled, reaching through the glass and protective layers, gently taking the sword to examine it before slipping it into his bag. Hoisting the bag onto his shoulder, he hummed a strangely cheerful tune, bypassing the adventurers hired to guard the place, and left the shop.

Continuing his journey, he stepped into a luxurious jewelry store, where sparkling items were displayed in glass cases. A silver ring with intricate carvings and a small gem emitting a soft glow caught his attention. Without much thought, he took it and quickly left.

Turning to the right, he discovered a small bookstore on the edge of the residential area. The quiet space was filled with the scent of old paper. He picked out a few worn leather-bound books, some containing histories of Orario, dungeon maps, and even one written in the hieroglyphic language of the gods.

Then he stopped at the central market, where stalls were packed closely together, bursting with color and sound. The aroma of spices, fresh fruits, and street food blended together, creating a lively atmosphere. He wandered through the stalls, occasionally stopping to admire the exquisite handicrafts—from gemstone bracelets to small paintings depicting the mysterious dungeon.

After leaving the bustling market, he continued to wander the streets of Orario, his bag now filled to the brim with "interesting" items he had collected. Suddenly, a sweet, enticing aroma filled the air, making him pause.

A small, distinctive stall stood out with a hand-scrawled wooden sign: "Delicious Jagamarukun, the cheapest in Orario!" The person behind the counter was none other than the goddess Hestia, her sparkling eyes and enthusiastic smile drawing in passersby.

He, with his already bulging bag, stopped in front of the small stall. The smell of crispy fried potatoes wafted through the air, blending with the lively atmosphere, making it impossible for him to leave immediately.

"What are you selling?" he asked, a half-smile flickering across his face like a gentle breeze.

"Jagamarukun! The most delicious food in Orario! Only 30 Valis, try one and you'll love it!" Hestia replied, her excited voice adding to the liveliness of the small stall.

He picked up a piece, took a bite, and nodded. "It really is delicious! I'll take this, then."

Then, in the blink of an eye, he swiftly took the entire stall, from the hot Jagamarukun to the small table and even the cooking utensils. Everything was neatly packed into his large bag, which somehow remained the same size as before, making the situation even more absurd.

Hestia, still smiling proudly at her creation, hadn't noticed anything unusual. He shrugged, turned, and walked away, humming his familiar tune.

When she finally turned around, Hestia's jaw dropped as she stared at the empty space before her. Her stall was gone!

"What… what just happened?!" the goddess exclaimed in panic. Her eyes darted around, searching for her beloved stall and Jagamarukun, but all she saw was an empty void.

Then, as if a lightbulb went off in her mind, her divine intuition pointed her in the direction the "thief" had gone. "You! Stop right there!" Hestia shouted, running after him, her blue-black hair flying in the wind.

He, still strolling leisurely through the crowd, glanced back and saw the goddess charging toward him. A mischievous smile spread across his face.

"This goddess is more interesting than I thought. Well, she is a deity after all, hahaha!"

And so, the chase began, in the midst of a lively Orario!

…

She looked up at the sky, where white clouds drifted lazily. Lefiya recalled the encouraging words from Aiz, Riveria, and the other members of the Loki Familia. They always placed their trust in her, but did she truly deserve such expectations?

"Hahaha..."

A sudden laugh broke her train of thought. Lefiya turned around, her gaze immediately drawn to a figure rushing past. A man clad in a long, dark cloak that seemed to devour all light. Over his shoulder, he carried a large staff, with a heavy bag dangling from it. His messy black hair added to his chaotic appearance, but what struck Lefiya the most were his crimson eyes, glowing faintly beneath his hair—eerily similar to her teacher's. He was skipping cheerfully along his path.

The stranger's figure gradually faded into the distance. Lefiya turned back to her cup of water, but before she could take another sip, a loud shout from behind startled her.

"Shakti! Someone stole my Jagamarukun stall!"

"Are you sure, Goddess? I haven't seen anyone suspicious pass by," Shakti, the captain of the Ganesha Familia, replied skeptically.

"I'm certain. I can feel it," Hestia insisted.

"Really? I've been patrolling this area for a while now and haven't noticed anything unusual," Shakti said, her tone still doubtful.

Just then, another member of the Ganesha Familia rushed over, whispering something into Shakti's ear. Her eyes widened in shock upon hearing the news.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN THE CULPRIT BEHIND THE THEFTS STILL HASN'T BEEN FOUND? Nearly 16 items stolen from shops across the city in just a week, including expensive magical swords, and no one has caught a single clue?" Her shout immediately drew the attention of the surrounding crowd. A few citizens turned to stare at her.

"Ahem... Everyone, please carry on with your work!" Shakti said, her face red with embarrassment. The crowd quickly returned to their daily routines, and Shakti continued her conversation with her subordinate.

"Yes, Captain. Currently, search teams have been mobilized, but there are still no leads on the mastermind," the soldier reported, his face showing clear exhaustion.

"Alright. Keep searching. We need to recover all 16 items for the victims," Shakti ordered. The soldier nodded and hurried off.

"Seventeen," a small but frustrated voice interjected. "Mine makes it seventeen. Someone stole my entire Jagamarukun stall and ran off!"

The petite goddess Hestia, unmistakable with her prominent chest, spoke up, her eyes welling up with tears.

"I'm sorry, Goddess, for not believing you earlier. Do you remember anything about the thief? You said you were selling when the stall suddenly disappeared, right? What method did they use?"

"I already told you, I don't remember clearly... But my intuition tells me someone stole my Jagamarukun and left. When I turned around, the entire stall was gone! I chased after them but couldn't catch up..." Hestia sniffled, her voice filled with frustration.

"Sigh... This is getting really complicated," Shakti muttered.

"Um... Are you all looking for the culprit?"

A gentle voice spoke up. Shakti and Hestia turned to see Lefiya standing there.

"I know which direction he went," Lefiya said. After all, she still had some time before her afternoon lesson.

...

Under the blinding midday sun, He glided through the bustling streets of Orario, his long black cloak fluttering in the gentle breeze. During his aimless journey, He stopped in front of a tavern that seemed to have been built long ago, except for its brand-new door. Dim light seeped through the frosted glass windows.

Just then, the creaky wooden door opened, and a figure stepped out. A calm young man with white hair and sharp, crimson eyes.

The moment He's red eyes met the cold gaze of the white-haired man, the air seemed to freeze for a brief moment. Accelerator paused, a look of annoyance flashing across his face.

"What are you doing here?" Accelerator asked bluntly, not hiding his irritation.

He stopped, tilting his head as if pondering the answer. "I'm just... wandering around," He replied, his tone light but with a hint of detachment, making his words sound both true and false. "Orario is beautiful, don't you think?"

Accelerator crossed his arms, scrutinizing Him from head to toe. "Wandering? That's all?"

"Just that," He shrugged, smiling cheerfully. "I have nowhere to go, and no one's waiting for me."

Accelerator looked Him over once more, then nodded.

"That does seem fitting for you."

"Haha... You understand me best... Besides, this place is the center of the world. If I stay here, I can witness more stories." He paused for a moment, as if remembering something. "Ah... Speaking of which, I need a place to stay. Can you help me?"

Accelerator didn't respond immediately, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered the request. After a moment, he sighed, his annoyance softening. "Why?"

"A place... to stay," He repeated slowly, the smile never leaving his lips. "I need somewhere to rest after exploring this city. Can you help?"

Accelerator remained silent for a while, as if weighing his options. Finally, he sighed and shook his head, his cold gaze softening slightly. "Fine. If you promise not to cause trouble, I can arrange a temporary place for you. But if I find out you're causing problems, don't expect any mercy."

He burst into laughter, the sound echoing like a lively gust of wind. "I promise. You're so kind, Accelerator."

"Let's go. We're being watched. I don't want outsiders seeing me talking to thin air."

"So... kind..." He drawled, elongating each word teasingly.

Accelerator frowned slightly, a flicker of annoyance in his eyes at the mocking tone. He let out a small huff, turned, and walked away without bothering to respond. He hoisted his bag onto his shoulder and followed closely behind. Amid the bustling crowd of Orario, two figures—one cold and white, the other mysterious and black—walked side by side.

…

The group coincidentally met on the road, and an unusual team formed to chase down a thief.

"So, you're a mage from the Loki Familia, right?"

Lefiya walked alongside her two new companions: a petite but energetic goddess—Hestia—and a serious, composed warrior—Shakti, the captain of the Ganesha Familia. After a moment of hesitation, she began introducing herself.

"That's right! I'm Lefiya Viridis, from the Loki Familia," she said with a slight bow, her voice carrying the politeness characteristic of an elf.

Hestia immediately responded, her eyes sparkling: "I'm Hestia! A charming goddess and, um... currently trying to recover my stolen stall."

Shakti nodded, offering a faint smile. "I'm Shakti Varma. Thank you for your help, Lefiya. Now, tell us about the person you saw."

Lefiya hesitated, brushing a strand of her golden hair as she quickened her pace. "I'm not sure if it's the person we're looking for, but before you arrived, I saw someone suspicious running past. They were wearing a black cloak and looked... strange."

Hestia tilted her head, curious. "Strange how?"

"Well..." Lefiya hesitated. "I can't quite describe it. But they passed by me with a huge black bag on their shoulder."

Shakti and Hestia stared at her with skepticism. 'That's it?'

"They came from the direction where Goddess Hestia was running... and their demeanor was very suspicious," Lefiya quickly added.

Shakti shook her head, her expression thoughtful. "Are you sure that's the person we're after?"

Lefiya shook her head, admitting: "Not entirely, but my intuition tells me they're highly suspicious."

"Then we'll check it out," Shakti decided. "We don't have any other leads anyway. Besides, if an adventurer's intuition is this strong, even if they're not involved in this case, they might be connected to something else."

"You really trust me?" Lefiya asked, slightly surprised.

Shakti smiled and winked. "Of course. After all, many cases have been solved thanks to adventurers' intuition."

…

"Huhuh... This is hopeless," Lefiya complained, gently helping Goddess Hestia down from her back. Shakti had stepped aside to talk with her Familia members.

"Ahhh... I'm exhausted," Hestia stretched, her shoulders sore after the long run through the city. Or rather, after being carried on Lefiya's back for most of it. The group had been weaving through Orario's crowded streets for hours, and now, with the sun past its peak, they still hadn't found any trace of the thief. The fatigue from her morning training session was catching up to Lefiya, leaving her nearly drained. Goddess Hestia didn't look much better.

Amid the city's noisy clamor, a strange sound suddenly rang out. Lefiya's face turned slightly red.

Grumble...*

The sound was so clear that she could only lower her head in embarrassment. Shakti turned back after her discussion, smiling teasingly.

"Well, it seems everyone's hungry."

Lefiya hung her head, mumbling: "Sorry... I guess my stomach growled."

At that moment, a similar sound came from Hestia. But instead of being embarrassed, the goddess jumped up in protest.

"See! I'm not the only one who's hungry! I told you we should eat first before continuing!"

Shakti chuckled, then waved her hand to signal a stop. "Alright, before we go on, let's refuel. This one's on me."

A short while later, the group stopped at a street food stall near the central square. The mouthwatering aroma of grilled meat skewers was irresistible to Lefiya. Shakti bought a stack of skewers for the group, and Lefiya and Hestia began eating heartily.

"Wow, this is delicious! *Chomp... Chomp...*" Lefiya exclaimed between bites, her eyes sparkling.

"So good!" Hestia agreed, but in her excitement, she stuffed the entire skewer into her mouth, making her words incoherent.

Shakti watched them, smiling softly. "You're quite an interesting elf, Lefiya. But maybe eat a bit slower. You too, Goddess."

Hestia continued eating, ignoring her words, while Lefiya immediately stopped, trying to swallow the meat in her mouth.

"Sorry... I didn't realize how hungry I was." She should've eaten right after her training session. Now... this is so embarrassing.

But then, an idea flashed in her mind. She looked at Shakti with a mischievous smile. "In that case... Shakti, you should try one too. I'm sorry for eating so much by myself."

She held out a skewer toward Shakti. "Now, say 'ahh' and open your mouth!"

Shakti was momentarily stunned by Lefiya's unexpected action, but faced with the young elf's sincerity, she couldn't refuse. "Alright, but this is the first time I've been fed by an elf I just met."

…

Tap... Tap...*

The rhythmic sound of footsteps and the gentle tapping of a staff on the stone road continued to echo. He walked leisurely beside Accelerator, his demeanor calm and carefree.

"By the way, where's that companion of yours? The cute demon girl."

"Qliphap is currently with Ayla."

"I see."

"Do you plan to meet the child?"

"Let's leave that for later. After all, that child probably won't remember me…" His voice slowed, as if avoiding the topic, and Accelerator didn't press further.

"Did you come to this city alone?" Accelerator asked, his tone as indifferent as ever.

"Of course," He replied, turning to look at Accelerator with a faint smile. "Who else do you think I could've come with?"

"What about that goddess?"

"Which goddess?" He raised a finger to his head, thinking for a moment, then clapped his hands together.

"Oh... You mean that tanned mummy goddess? She said she's observing the consequences of your actions in this world."

"Is that so?" Accelerator shrugged, showing no particular interest.

"Yeah, and she also told you not to interfere too much in this world's affairs anymore."

"No need to remind me." Accelerator's voice was cold but firm. "I have no intention of doing so anyway." The fate of this world should be decided by its own people. Humans must survive and overcome their own struggles. That was the decision he had made after spending a few years in this world.

He continued walking, his mind lost in thought. The earlier conversation with 'It' had left him with much to consider. After a while, he turned to look at Him.

"Hey, you." Accelerator asked. "'It' mentioned some tasks for me. Do you know anything about them?"

He paused, a flicker of irritation in his eyes. "I already told you, I don't know." His voice carried a hint of frustration. "I'm just a fragment left behind in this world. How could I possibly know what the original is thinking?" He replied with a touch of annoyance. "I don't even know why I exist here. Maybe I'm just a pawn of His, no different from a shadow on the wall."

Accelerator fell silent, slightly surprised by His lament.

"But..." He suddenly changed his tone, accompanied by a faint smile. "I guess I do know a little about what He wants you to do."

"Huh?" Accelerator raised an eyebrow, his voice full of skepticism.

Before he could ask further, the surroundings had already changed. The once-crowded street was now eerily empty, devoid of any people. Accelerator stopped, his eyes quickly scanning the area. It seemed like some kind of magic or similar ability, reminiscent of the crowd-dispersing magic from his world. "If you want a private conversation, this is the best way, right?" He spoke up, his smile enigmatic.

"About the task He assigned to you, I can guess what it is."

"..."

"Normally, chaos envelops all things."

He paused for a moment, then continued. "The lords maintain the balance so that Chaos doesn't consume the worlds. But some lower beings from Chaos—or what humans call demons—are drawn to these worlds and attempt to invade them. Normally, this is difficult because the universe's membrane prevents such intrusions."

"It's because of my arrival." Accelerator spoke up, his tone cold but thoughtful. "It seems that when I fell into this world, I created a hole or something similar, weakening the world's natural defenses."

"Exactly, it's your fault—an outsider. Never mind how you managed to survive and infiltrate our realm. The path you took inadvertently brought demons to this planet. And your task is to fix that."

"Understood." The problem was entirely his fault, but it made the deal with 'It' even more unreasonable. However, he set that aside for now. There was still too little information to make sense of anything. He turned to Him and asked, "If the demons have already come to this world, why haven't we seen any activity in the past few years?"

"As if I know for sure." He pulled out a bottle of water and drank the liquid inside. "I'm not even a complete fragment, just a discarded shell. I only know the basics and a few leftover memories, and I've deduced the rest from there."

"So you're not certain."

"No, how could I be? What I showed you earlier is just my understanding of the world. I don't even know why the demons wanted to come to this world in the first place…" Then he fell into deep thought, muttering something too softly for Accelerator to hear.

'But perhaps now I understand a little.'

Accelerator closed his eyes, digesting the information he had just heard. His thoughts raced, trying to connect the missing pieces. "Perhaps they're waiting for the right moment," he muttered, pondering what the demons of Chaos might be like. If they were lower beings from the realm where concepts were formed... "Or maybe they're just acting on instinct, drawn by the concepts they embody."

"Could be," He nodded. "But either way, you've grasped part of it. Your task now is to find a way to close the hole you created before things spiral out of control."

Accelerator opened his eyes and looked at Him. "Thank you."

"No problem. As long as you chat with me a bit more, that's enough."

"Fine." He sighed. After all, He had helped him with this matter.

"Hehe… Then I won't hold back." He immediately moved closer to Accelerator and began rambling about his journey.

…

"Phew! I'm so full! It's been a long time since I've eaten this much!" Hestia said, rubbing her belly, her eyes shining with satisfaction.

Shakti and Lefiya exchanged glances, impressed not only by the petite goddess's impressive appetite but also by how she enjoyed every bite with such joy. Shakti spoke up, curious: "So... does the goddess not usually eat this well?"

Hestia gave a sheepish smile, her cheeks puffing up and turning red, making her look both adorable and slightly embarrassed. "That's right," she replied. "Usually, I only eat enough to get by. Don't think being a goddess means living in luxury. In fact, sometimes I even have to go hungry."

"Don't you have a Familia?"

"I do. My Familia is very important to me." The goddess smiled as she thought of her child. "That's why I need to get my Jagamarukun stall back. I can't afford to be a burden to that child."

Shakti smiled slightly. "The goddess is truly remarkable." But then, she pulled out a stack of documents and placed them on the table. "But now, there's a problem. We don't have any truly effective method to find the thief." Shakti spoke up, her arms crossed.

"This thief has been reported for several days now but still hasn't been caught. In fact, there's no information about him at all, which shows he's not an ordinary criminal." Shakti presented the report she received from her subordinates about the items the thief had stolen. They included jewels, weapons, magic books, and even... Hestia's Jagamarukun stall. The stolen items seemed completely random, following no particular pattern.

"The only clue we have is from Lefiya, who reportedly saw him." Shakti turned to look at Lefiya. "Black hair, red eyes—a rather unreliable identifier. But if needed, we can search the city's archives for people with similar features."

The city's archives store detailed information about every resident, tightly managed by the Guild. The information is strictly confidential, especially the data of high-level adventurers, which is stored with even greater care. However, this also makes searching for information about a thief with such simple features more difficult.

"But I doubt someone like him would be in the archives."

"Why is that?" Lefiya asked curiously.

Shakti pulled out a list and pointed to a few shops. "Some of the shops he robbed were guarded by level 3 adventurers, and even some level 4s. Yet he still managed to sneak in and take everything without leaving a trace. Therefore, he can't be a low-level criminal. He's likely level 3 or higher."

This was a big problem. The number of adventurers level 3 and above isn't large. Aside from major familias like Freya or Loki, the number of level 3 adventurers in other familias can be counted on one hand. With such a small number, and still no leads on the thief's identity after over a week, it's highly likely he entered the city through unofficial means or is using a fake identity.

"So, is there no other way?" Hestia's eyes welled up as she heard this, her small hands unconsciously clutching the hem of her thin dress. She didn't want to become a freeloader, a burden to Bell once again. "If I can just get my stall back, I'll do my best to repay everyone…"

Lefiya fell into deep thought. There had to be a way to find the thief. From what she'd heard from Shakti and Hestia so far, it seemed no one had seen him except her. Was there a way to pinpoint his location? Someone so... abnormal. Lefiya's eyes suddenly lit up as an idea flashed in her mind. She felt this method might solve the problem.

"Perhaps... we don't need to find him the usual way." An abnormal person might require an abnormal method.

"Huh?" Shakti looked at her skeptically. "What do you mean?"

Lefiya didn't answer immediately. She quickly stood up and walked to a nearby bush, where hazel branches stretched out in the faint light. She picked a Y-shaped branch, her hands deftly beginning to work.

"Lefiya. What are you doing?"

"It's called Dowsing."

"Dowsing?"

"It's an ancient method of searching," Lefiya explained as she returned. "We can use it to find energy or objects." She had read about it in a book titled *The Encyclopedia of Divination* that she randomly picked up at the library yesterday.

In the field of spirituality, there are many search methods, such as Scrying—using mirrors or reflective surfaces to find lost objects or predict the future; Pendulum, Cartomancy, and Astrology. However, Lefiya was only familiar with Dowsing and Scrying, along with a bit of Tarot from a book she borrowed from the library recently. In the current situation, Dowsing was the simplest and most feasible method.

Shakti raised an eyebrow. "You mean holding a branch and letting it guide the way? That doesn't sound reliable at all."

"That's right, but if there's no other way, why not try?" Lefiya replied, her hands beginning to draw magic circles on the branch. She wasn't entirely sure if this would work, as it was her first time practicing this method directly. The moon-like symbols helped clean the bark and carve the connection symbols, increasing the search's effectiveness. When the glowing characters appeared and covered the wooden surface, the branch emitted a soft light.

Recalling the image of him in her mind and letting her thoughts flow freely, a symbol gradually appeared on the branch, carved into it by a flame. A first circle with outlines surrounding it, symbolizing the sun, then a spiral swirling deep into the void at the center, as if everything would eventually become meaningless.

Hestia tilted her head, her eyes filled with hope. "If it can really guide us, that's amazing... I don't care if it's logical or not, as long as it works."

After finishing, Lefiya held up the Y-shaped branch. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and let her mind relax. In her mind, the image of the thief became clearer than ever. When she opened her eyes, she held the two ends of the branch with both hands, palms facing up, the bottom of the Y pointing forward, forming a 45-degree angle with the ground.

"Focus on the question," she whispered to herself. "How do I find him?"

She walked slowly, her hands holding the branch gently. Each step felt guided by an invisible force, and those behind her watched in silence.

"Are you sure this thing works?" Shakti asked, skepticism clear on her face.

"Not sure, but it's worth a try," Lefiya replied briefly, not looking back.

A few minutes later, Lefiya felt the branch tremble slightly in her hands, then slowly turn to the left. She stopped, watching the branch move with surprise.

"It's pointing the way!" Lefiya said, turning to look at the two.

"Really?" Hestia exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with hope.

"Let's go," Lefiya urged, walking faster as the branch guided her. Shakti and Hestia immediately followed, each carrying their own emotions—doubt, hope, and curiosity about the outcome of this strange method.

…

"And then I arrived here," He continued, stepping forward slightly and spreading his arms as if presenting a work of art. "Orario, the center of the world. A place where adventurers dive into the dungeon, familias vie for influence, and the street food makes you want to keep coming back for more."

"So what?" Accelerator asked, his tone tinged with boredom. He had been listening to Him ramble about various things He had done on His journey around the world for nearly 30 minutes now.

"I also saw some pretty interesting things," He said. "Like a goddess selling snacks at a small stall... Oh, I took a few. You should try them. Jagamarukun, right? They're delicious." He pulled out a few pieces of potato snack from his bag and ate them with relish, even trying to shove one into Accelerator's face. Accelerator swatted the potato away.

"Are you bragging about stealing from others?" He glared at Him, his voice tinged with annoyance.

"I'd call it... a 'free sample.'" He smirked mischievously, ignoring Accelerator's sharp gaze.

"Do whatever you want, just don't drag me into it," Accelerator said coldly, continuing to walk.

"Are you always this dry?" He sighed, pretending to be disappointed, but his eyes still sparkled with mischief. "Fine, to make you less boring, I'll change the atmosphere a bit."

He stopped, his body transforming in an instant. His hair grew longer, and a black veil appeared in front of his face, obscuring his androgynous features. A woman emerged, with long, glossy black hair, sharp crimson eyes peeking out from behind the black veil, and a mysterious beauty that was hard to look away from. The dark, ominous cloak from before now became a gentle cover, hiding the subtle allure of the woman within.

"How's this? Does this form make you a little more interested?" His voice was still His, but softer and more alluring.

Accelerator glanced over, his expression unchanged. "If you're waiting for me to compliment you, don't bother. Whether you change your form or not, you're still just as annoying."

"So cold." He chuckled lightly, his tone full of mockery. "You're really the type no one can please, huh?" He tried to lean closer to tease Accelerator but was immediately knocked back by the reflection of his power.

He puffed out his cheeks, smoothing his long hair, and said irritably, "Seriously, you're not gentle with women at all."

"Not with you. And someone like you doesn't even have a gender to begin with." Accelerator ignored Him and kept walking.

At that moment, a small sound came from the distance. Both of them turned their heads simultaneously.

An elf appeared, her golden hair cascading down her shoulders, her sapphire-blue eyes sparkling. Her head peeked out from behind an alley.

"Uhm... Hello."

He tilted his head, raising an eyebrow with interest. "What are you doing here, kid?"

…

The trio weaved through the crowded streets of Orario. The Y-shaped branch in her hand kept trembling, guiding them through narrow alleys, bustling squares, and stalls filled with adventurers.

"I think we're getting close!" Lefiya said, her eyes sparkling with hope.

Shakti walked closely beside her, her vigilant eyes scanning every corner. "Are you sure? If this is someone's prank—"

"It's not!" Lefiya interrupted, gripping the branch tighter. "It's moving faster and faster, which means we're getting closer to the target!"

"I hope so." Shakti shrugged, balancing Hestia on her back. "People are looking at us like we're idiots."

"No, they're looking at me," Hestia sighed, her face red with embarrassment.

"No, actually, they're looking at her." Shakti pointed at Lefiya, who was so focused on the branch that she completely ignored her surroundings.

"Either way, I don't care," Hestia complained, but her eyes showed a hint of curiosity. "But this method is really weird."

"It will definitely work!" Lefiya replied, almost shouting, without turning back. She was too focused on the branch's movements to notice the strange looks from the crowd around them.

They continued walking, and as the group passed a tavern, Lefiya suddenly felt an unusual aura. The laughter and chatter inside sounded louder than usual, and the atmosphere around them felt heavy. She paused briefly, sensing something was off. It was as if a fog was trying to cloud her mind, but at that moment, the branch in her hand began to tremble more intensely. Lefiya shook off the feeling, dispelling the fog in her mind.

"It's too crowded here," Hestia whispered, clinging closer to Shakti.

"Yeah, why is it so crowded here? Wait, Lefiya!" Shakti sighed, trying to push through the crowd to keep up with the agile elf ahead.

But as she passed a group of people gathered in front of a stall, Shakti accidentally bumped into the corner of the stall, knocking over a crate of fruits. Apples, oranges, and melons rolled everywhere, drawing shouts from the vendor.

"I'm sorry!" Shakti bent down to apologize, quickly picking up the fallen fruits. Hestia, still on her back, hurriedly bowed her head to explain.

"We didn't mean to! We're really sorry for the inconvenience!"

The vendor waved his hand, his face full of displeasure. "Be more careful! It's so crowded, and you still bump into people!"

Shakti gritted her teeth, not understanding why she felt so irritated by this. This was something that would never happen under normal circumstances when dealing with civilians. "I know, I know!" She quickly picked up the last few fruits and placed them back in the crate, then stood up, scanning the area for Lefiya.

But now, the petite figure of the elf had disappeared into the dense crowd.

"Where's Lefiya? I can't see her!" Hestia lifted her head, her voice anxious.

Shakti frowned, trying to look through the crowd but couldn't spot the familiar figure. "Damn it, this crowd is messing everything up!" She moved forward a bit more, hoping to find Lefiya, but the constant jostling made it harder than ever to move. Then she looked up at the rooftops…

"Goddess, can you handle a little bump?"

"What do you mean? Ahhh…"

…

Lefiya continued walking, her feet leading them through a narrow alley. The tip of the branch began to tremble more violently, its movements continuous as if signaling that the target was very close.

Lefiya slipped through the crowd effortlessly, as if nothing could hinder her progress. The noises around her grew distant as her mind focused entirely on following the vague hints the branch was giving… Left, right, then trembling until the tip of the Y-shaped stick pointed straight down. Finally, the branch drooped, motionless. Lefiya stopped, looking around. In front of her were rows of deserted houses, not a soul in sight. Huh? This was almost absurd. This was a very familiar area for the city's residents, but there wasn't a single person around at this moment.

"Shakti! Hestia-sama!" Lefiya called out, but no one answered.

She quickly walked forward, glancing around the area. Looking into the grocery stores and stalls, she saw no one, and all the houses were closed, with no sign of life.

"Shakti! Hestia-sama! Where are you?"

This time she shouted loudly, but still, no one answered. Biting her lip lightly, she frantically began scanning the area, only to find… nothing. Around her, along the streets stretching far into the distance, there was not a single living soul. No pedestrians, no vehicles… It was as if everyone had unanimously decided to leave at the same time, leaving the district completely deserted, except for her.

'Strange. Too strange. How could this happen? Could it be…' She swallowed hard, the strange events she had encountered increasing ever since she met the Mad Wizard. She ran quickly through the rows of houses, then slowed down, continuing her cautious journey forward. Each step she took echoed around her, reverberating in her ears and constantly reminding her of the emptiness surrounding her. When she reached a nearby intersection, she heard voices nearby.

'This voice sounds familiar.' She carefully approached the corner, peeking out to see two figures on the road.

'Seriously, you're not gentle with women at all.'

'Not with you. And someone like you doesn't even have a gender to begin with.' The two voices were discussing something about gender. Lefiya listened carefully… Why did the voice behind sound so familiar? Could it be…

She stepped out and looked at the two. A man with snow-white hair and the eyes of a beast was making an irritated face, and beside him was a woman who had fallen to the ground, wearing a long black cloak and a thin veil over her face, giving her an ethereal beauty. It was Accelerator, whom she never expected to see here, standing next to a strange woman.

"Uhm... Hello," Lefiya stammered, her voice slightly hesitant.

The woman looked at her, her crimson eyes flashing with interest. "What are you doing here, kid?"

…

Lefiya stepped out from the corner, clutching her staff tightly as she approached the two. The woman stood up, brushing the dust off her long black cloak, her crimson eyes sparkling with undisguised curiosity as she looked at Lefiya. Immediately, she closed the distance to the shy elf, grabbing her hands and pressing herself close.

"I didn't expect someone to find this place... Tell me, how did you manage to get here?"

"Ahh… Uhh… I used magic to find this place." Lefiya, caught off guard by the sudden questions, stammered as the beautiful woman approached. She could see the ruby-like eyes and the mysterious beauty hidden behind the thin black veil. The breath of this enigmatic woman brushed against her, making her face flush red.

"Uhm… It's not exactly magic, but a dowsing method to locate objects."

"Using dowsing to find this place? You're really interesting!"

"Uhm… Who are you?"

"...Are you talking about me?"

In response to the question, Lefiya nodded innocently.

"Yes."

Hearing this, the woman covered her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter.

"I'm just a traveler exploring Orario. But I'm more curious about who you are."

"I'm Lefiya, a mage from the Loki Familia."

"A mage from the Loki Familia, huh… That's interesting."

"Oh. And you, what's your name?"

"Uhuhh… Hehehehahaha…"

When Lefiya asked that, the woman suddenly clutched her stomach and burst into laughter. She rolled on the ground, laughing and kicking her legs in the air, completely different from the mysterious aura she had earlier. *Clack…* The sound of a staff echoed as Accelerator approached the two.

"Lefiya, what are you doing here?"

"Uhm, I'm looking for a thief. More importantly, sir. What are you doing here?"

"I'm just talking to this nuisance." He glared at the woman who was still laughing uncontrollably, then stomped his foot. The woman was flung into the air and landed with a painful *thud*.

"Ah… That hurts… You're not gentle with women at all."

"You're not a woman."

"Right now, I am!" The woman propped herself up, dusting off her cloak, then turned to Lefiya. "You just called this grumpy stick 'sir,' didn't you?"

"Yes, he's Mad Wiz… I mean, Accelerator. He's the one teaching me magic," Lefiya replied, glancing at Accelerator, who seemed completely indifferent.

"Hahaha… Now I understand why he took you as his student," the woman laughed loudly, turning to look at Accelerator. "You've got potential, kid."

"Tch…"

"Thank you… But why is this district so empty?" Lefiya asked, noticing the strange atmosphere around them.

"The entire district?"

"Yes. The entire district is empty, as if everyone just disappeared."

When Lefiya finished speaking, Accelerator turned and glared at the woman. She tried to act innocent to avoid the issue.

"Well, I didn't think it would spread this far."

"Wait, so you're the one who made the entire district like this?" Lefiya looked at the woman in surprise.

"Yes… This guy wanted a private conversation, so I used my power to keep everyone away."

"I didn't tell you to clear out an entire district!" Accelerator growled, his voice icy. "Now undo the spell and return to your original form."

"Fine, I've already undone the spell. But is it really necessary to return to my original form?" The woman combed her long black hair with an obsidian comb, dark flowers somehow flowing from her hair. "This form isn't so bad, is it?"

"Do you want a trip to the moon?"

"Oh, that sounds romantic. How do you plan to do it?"

Accelerator said nothing, just coldly stared at the woman.

"Haha… But not the way you're thinking." The woman took a step back, then turned around, her black cloak fluttering in the air, obscuring her body. And then, as the cloak settled…

"Ta-da…" In place of the beautiful woman stood a man with messy black hair and shimmering crimson eyes hidden behind a veil, the black cloak covering his body. He pulled a bag and a staff from inside his cloak and slung them over his shoulder.

"How's that for a surprise, kid?" He turned to Lefiya, who was still wide-eyed.

For a moment, Lefiya's eyes shone with astonishment. Her hair stood on end, and she quickly raised her hand.

"It's you."

"Huh… Have we met before?" He tilted his head in confusion.

"You're the one who stole various items around the city and made a goddess cry."

"Well, I'll take that as a compliment."

"No! That's not a compliment!" Lefiya replied sternly. "Now, where are the items you stole?"

"Oh, they're in this bag." He gently placed the bag on the ground and opened it. A flood of items spilled out, more than anyone could imagine. From jewelry, books, a few swords, and expensive grimoires, even a Jagamarukun stall somehow fit inside the bag.

"Why did you steal these things?" Lefiya asked, her eyes full of curiosity.

"I just found them interesting, thought I'd take a look and return them later."

"That's still stealing!" Lefiya retorted strongly.

"If that's the case," Accelerator interjected, his voice cold, "How do you plan to return the potato snacks you ate?"

He immediately changed the subject, his tone evasive. "Well… I just stole for fun."

"How can you steal just for fun?" Lefiya looked at him, clearly displeased.

"Ah, how should I put it… I used to live in a very boring place. So, when I came here, I got excited. These items help me understand this place better."

"No matter how curious you are, stealing is wrong!"

"Haha, I get it."

"As an adventurer, I'll detain you here until the authorities arrive. Now, sort out the items you stole by their respective shops. But wait, first, tell me your name."

"My name?... Uhm…" He froze for a moment, his mouth fumbling as if he hadn't prepared an answer.

"Call him The Fool… No, call him Wander." Accelerator stood nearby, decisively giving him a name.

"Wander, that doesn't sound bad. Yes, call me Wander!"

"Wander? What a strange name." Lefiya muttered.

Accelerator glanced into the distance and then turned to Lefiya:

"Lefiya, this bastard is an acquaintance of mine." Accelerator handed Lefiya a heavy bag of money.

"Bail him out, use this money to compensate the victims. Then, show him around the city."

"Huh… Okay."

"Oh, I'm being bailed out?" He laughed.

"You wanted to tour the city, right? Besides, it's better if someone keeps an eye on you."

"Thanks. In return, I'll tell you something."

"What?"

"If 'It' is anything like me, then 'It' might do anything just for entertainment. But be careful—'It's' idea of fun won't be normal, and it might affect those around you."

"I understand." Accelerator replied curtly, his expression unchanged, then turned to leave. After all, he was no stranger to people with twisted hobbies.

"Sir, what about today's lesson?" Lefiya called after him, her voice tinged with worry.

"You're off today. If you want, we can make it up later," Accelerator replied, his steps not slowing down.

"But sir, there's something I want to ask…" Lefiya hesitated, her hands unconsciously clutching the hem of her robe.

"What?" Accelerator stopped and turned to look at her. His sharp gaze made her falter for a moment, but she took a deep breath to calm herself.

"The magic I learned from you isn't effective against monsters in the dungeon. I used it on level 2 monsters, but it didn't do much."

"That's natural." Accelerator replied, his tone matter-of-fact. "Free-form magic isn't enhanced by the Falna the gods grant. Moreover, the spells you've learned so far are just the basics."

"Is there any way you can help me improve faster?" Lefiya continued, her eyes pleading. "I'll be joining an expedition to the lower floors soon. And… there's also the matter of the broom. I haven't made much progress in researching it."

Accelerator frowned slightly, his gaze thoughtful as he looked at her. In just two days since starting her training, Lefiya had mastered most of the basic spells. Although their damage output was only equivalent to a level 2 esper, mastering something almost entirely new in such a short time was still impressive. Improving and learning higher-level magic circles didn't significantly increase their damage output. After all, those spells were designed to suit him—someone who only needed the properties of the spells since he could amplify their power many times over through vector manipulation.

'The kid still needs more time to study until she finds her own unique way of using magic. This can't be rushed. But if the expedition is coming up, she should focus on practical combat training rather than trying to learn something entirely new. If possible…' His eyes reflected Wander's figure.

"Lefiya," he called.

"Yes?" She immediately straightened up, her eyes wide with anticipation.

"First, you never told me about this expedition." His voice lowered. "Second, magic can't be rushed. As for the broom, I told you to figure it out yourself."

Lefiya lowered her head, but before she could respond, he continued: "I'll give you a hint. If you fully understand the structure of magic circles, you can improve even the magic enhanced by Falna. Try combining what you've learned with the existing magic on your Falna."

"Yes, sir…" Lefiya replied softly, but her shoulders still slumped. Her face showed clear dissatisfaction, as if these words weren't enough to resolve all her doubts.

"Keep studying hard. You still have plenty of time."

"Yes, sir."

"And tomorrow, we'll continue practical training. Don't pass out too quickly."

Without another word, Accelerator turned and disappeared between the rows of houses, leaving Lefiya standing there in an eerie silence.

"That guy's really something, huh?" Wander spoke up from behind, still sorting through the pile of items.

"Yeah." Lefiya nodded, sighing. Plenty of time? How could that be, when she was about to join an expedition?

"So… what's this about magic circles and a broom?" Wander asked curiously, stopping his work and turning to look at her.

"About this, maybe I…" Lefiya frowned slightly, her gaze shifting as if trying to avoid the topic. Her hesitation only made Wander more interested.

Seeing her hesitant demeanor, he quickly guessed a few things. "That bastard's really careful, huh," he smirked, trying to lighten the mood. "But you don't need to worry. I'm not an outsider, as you can probably tell, right?"

Lefiya was silent for a moment, weighing his words. Considering how he could change genders or clear out an entire district, it was clear he was also a mage like her teacher. Finally, she sighed, her shoulders relaxing a little. "Haizz… it's not a big deal. It's just an assignment from Mad Wizard. The thing is—"

Her words were cut off by a shout from above.

"Lefiya!"

At the same time, someone landed on the ground. On their back was Hestia, clinging tightly, her face pale.

"Shakti, I'm not feeling well…" Hestia weakly exclaimed, her hand covering her mouth as if trying to hold back nausea.

"Sorry, Goddess. This was the fastest way." Shakti bowed her head, gently setting Hestia down. The goddess staggered to her feet, trying to catch her breath after the terrifying journey across the rooftops.

"Ughh…" Hestia panted, clutching her stomach, trying not to vomit everything she had eaten for lunch.

"Lefiya, where did you go?" Shakti turned to look at her with a hint of irritation.

"Sorry, I was too focused on chasing the thief. But don't worry, I found him." Lefiya pointed at Wander, who had just finished organizing the items and was leisurely enjoying a freshly fried Jagamarukun.

"Oh, don't worry; he's not going anywhere."

"That's good." Shakti sighed, then bowed to Lefiya. "Thank you for your help. Without you, finding this thief would have been much harder. Even running across the rooftops, I couldn't locate this place until recently."

Lefiya turned to look at Wander, who just whistled and pretended to look away.

"Well, I'll take him into custody now." Shakti stepped forward with a serious expression.

"Wait!" Lefiya stopped her. "I have a favor to ask. Shakti, this person is someone I know. Can you bail him out so he can be released early?"

Shakti frowned, her eyes showing doubt. "Even if you say that, he's offended many influential people in the city. It'll be hard to convince them."

This was a city of adventurers, and issues like this could still be influenced by the power of high-level adventurers. However, it would still be difficult when the mastermind was someone without influence. The annoyed merchants could apply pressure since they had been inconvenienced.

/What are you doing? This is my Jagamarukun stall. Don't keep eating./

/I'm about to be arrested. You can't stop me from enjoying my last meal./

/No, I won't let you do that. That's my money./

The sounds of an argument echoed from behind. Lefiya was silent for a moment, then opened the large bag of money and handed it to Shakti. "I have some money here to compensate the victims. Can you use it to appease them?"

"Compensation?" Hestia quickly ran over to Lefiya to look at the bag of money.

"Wait a moment, Goddess Hestia. We'll have to follow the proper procedures. Don't worry, we'll compensate you soon."

Shakti opened the bag, her eyes scanning the high-value Valis inside. All of them were platinum Valis. The amount was clearly enough to satisfy the involved parties and the troublesome loudmouths.

"Alright. I'll try, but this will take time."

"Thank you!"

"However, first…"

She approached Wander, handcuffing him with a practiced motion.

"This is the security service of Orario, operated by the Ganesha Familia. You're under arrest for multiple counts of theft from weapon shops and auction houses. Please comply with the regulations…"

Wander just shrugged, smiling leisurely. "So I'm getting the full treatment. How nice."

…

Inside the library, the dim light from the lamps reflected off the wooden bookshelves, each scratch and darkened hue on the wood seeming to hold secrets from centuries past. The air carried the faint scent of damp paper, mingled with the subtle aroma of aged pinewood.

Accelerator glided past the rows of bookshelves. His fingertips lightly brushed over the spines of the books, flipping through titles that had faded with time. He pulled out about a dozen books, all related to mysterious rituals and ceremonies from the collection.

"These are the last books of this category, right, Irena?"

"Yes, Master."

He carried the stack of books to the large wooden table at the center of the room, where the warm orange glow of the lamp illuminated the blotchy ink stains on the old pages. He placed each book down, arranging them neatly in a row before sitting in the chair.

Without hesitation, he prepared a few tools: a silver mirror, a withered branch, and an old music player. After a moment of hesitation, he finally set the music player aside. Using white chalk, he drew a magic circle on the table. A three-pointed star is drawn at the center of the circle, with each of its three edges pointing toward three different items.

When everything was ready, Accelerator closed his eyes, bowed his head, and began murmuring incantations. His voice was steady and low, echoing in the silent space of the library.

Only when he felt a faint vibration in the air and a dim light appeared at the center of the circle did he open his eyes, glancing at his hands as if something had been drawn out through Reflection. He nodded slightly.

Not letting himself get distracted for too long, Accelerator quickly cleaned up the tools, carefully placing the music player back into his pocket, and returned to the stack of books. Opening a few of them, he began adding some content to their pages.

"Irena, move these books to the top shelves," he called out to his artificial intelligence after finishing his work.

"Yes, Master."

"Irena, how's the progress on analyzing that device?"

The device he referred to was a strange cylindrical object, carefully sealed in the deepest room of the research facility. About a year ago, when he accidentally discovered it, the surrounding area had been severely corrupted by chaos, but the device itself remained completely intact, as if protected by some mysterious power.

"Currently, there's still no detailed information on how the device operates," Irena replied, her tone slightly tense. "It seems to reject all signals and energy we input for analysis. However, we've discovered an important detail while trying to decode its exterior: the device is called Specineff."

"Specineff, huh…" He pondered for a moment, his eyes showing deep thought. "Irena, temporarily halt all other research and focus all resources on analyzing Specineff. I'll join you as soon as I finish here."

"Yes, Master," Irena agreed, and the screen on the table quickly turned off to carry out the order.

He also left the room shortly after. In his mind, there was still important work to complete for Lefiya's upcoming expedition.

…

The setting sun dyed the massive Babel Tower red, its long shadow covering a part of Orario.

"Well, that was quite an interesting experience. Although… a bit time-consuming." Wander chuckled, his eyes sparkling as if the incident wasn't serious at all.

"I wouldn't call being locked in an iron cage an interesting experience."

Wander and Lefiya were walking together in Orario's central square, where the towering Babel Tower stood majestically against the sky, a symbol of the city's grandeur. The tower's height was awe-inspiring, with sunlight reflecting off its shimmering glass panels, creating a scene both dazzling and imposing. Around the base of the tower, a bustling crowd moved about, painting a lively picture of the city's vibrancy.

Merchants with carts full of goods, adventurers in colorful attire, and ordinary citizens hurriedly navigating the streets. Laughter, bargaining, and footsteps blended together, creating a wordless symphony of urban life.

"You see, Orario is always like this," Lefiya said, her eyes scanning the souvenir stalls and fast-food stands. "Bustling, noisy, and full of life."

"That's wonderful." Wander looked around, his eyes stopping at a small souvenir stall where a mother and child were standing. He quickly approached the stall, which displayed various wooden models of famous adventurers in the city.

"Wow, this statue is so cool! Mom, I want it!" The boy pointed at the finely carved statue of Finn—the Braver—on the shelf, pleading with his mother.

"But… it's a bit too expensive for our budget," the mother replied hesitantly.

Seeing this, Wander immediately stepped into the shop and picked up the item the boy had pointed at.

"1,000 Valis." The price was indeed high for a souvenir like this.

"Here you go." He pulled out some leftover money from his pocket. "950 Valis."

The shopkeeper looked at him for a moment, then nodded. "Fine, here you go." He quickly took the Valis and handed over the item.

Wander swiftly took the statue, a sly smile on his face. He approached the boy and held out the item. "Hey kid, you really like this, don't you? So, do you want it?"

The boy nodded eagerly, his eyes shining. "Yes, I do!"

Wander smirked. "Want it? Then what will you do for me? Ridiculous." He then turned and walked away, leaving the mother and son stunned.

When he returned to Lefiya, he smiled brightly as if he had just done something praiseworthy.

"You didn't stop me?"

"I thought the leftover money after compensation and fines would be used for something more decent…" Lefiya replied, her voice softening, her gaze fixed on him. "But I didn't expect you to use it to mess with a child."

Wander just laughed, shrugging as if completely satisfied with his prank. Then Lefiya continued.

"Besides, that item could've been bought for a third of the price if you looked in the shops further inside," Lefiya said calmly.

"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" Wander exclaimed, his face looking like he had just lost a fortune.

"Your spending habits aren't my concern," Lefiya shrugged. "Besides, you didn't actually buy the item. You just wanted to tease a child. If you had intended to spend properly, I would've helped. But now… you're broke, aren't you?"

"Arghh... My money..." Wander clutched his head in distress, then looked at Lefiya with an accusing gaze. "You're starting to become just as bad as your teacher."

"I'm not the one who started this." Lefiya replied, her voice tinged with annoyance. "Besides, I wouldn't have done this if you hadn't deliberately stepped out of the bars and made us wait nearly an hour to get released." She had indeed become more irritable after wasting so much time bailing him out.

"Haha… I just wanted to see what it felt like to escape prison," Wander laughed awkwardly, trying to lighten the mood, then muttered under his breath. 'Besides, I could've escaped completely if you hadn't screamed and pointed at me.'

"See what it felt like?" Lefiya shook her head. "Next time, try not to bother others, okay? I don't have time to waste on your silly pranks."

Wander shrugged. "Alright, alright. I promise to give you a heads-up next time so you can prepare."

"No need. Next time, I'll let you face the consequences," Lefiya replied, turning her back and walking away, her pale golden hair swaying gently in the breeze.

Wander watched her go, chuckling as he followed. "You're adorable when you're angry, Lefiya."

Lefiya turned back, her cheeks flushed, her eyes glaring at him sternly. Then she turned away and walked three steps ahead of him. Wander followed her, whistling cheerfully.

"Where are you planning to go now, Lefiya?"

"I don't know. I was thinking of returning to the mansion to study some more magic. What about you? Do you have any other places you want to visit in the city?"

"Nope!"

"Huh?" Lefiya turned to look at him, full of suspicion.

"Actually, I've already been to almost every place in this city," Wander replied, his eyes sparkling with mischief. He smiled, looking straight at her. "But I'm more curious about what you just mentioned. What's this about a broom and magic circles?"

"Oh, it's just related to what Accelerator taught me. It's…" Lefiya explained about learning magic circles from Mad Wizard, receiving the broom, the issues with the damage output of her spells, and the upcoming expedition.

"The problem is, I haven't made much progress in the past two days. My magic studies have stalled." When she realized that her self-taught magic didn't trigger the effects of the Falna granted by the gods, the destructive power of her spells significantly decreased. This was completely opposite to Mad Wizard's magic.

"How is Mad Wizard's magic so powerful?" The disparity in power between their magic was immeasurable.

Wander listened silently, pondering for a moment before speaking.

Wander listened quietly, then spoke up after a while. "It seems Accelerator has built a rather unique system to optimize magic. I don't know much about magic circles, but it seems he possesses a special skill to amplify energy output. However, I'm more intrigued by the broom you mentioned. Can you show it to me?"

"What for?" Lefiya turned to look at him, full of suspicion.

"Hahaha… No need to be so wary. I won't steal it. And perhaps I can help you understand it a bit better." He winked at her. Lefiya thought for a moment. If she had help from a mage similar to her teacher, she might understand the magic broom faster.

"Fine, but if you do anything suspicious, I won't hold back." Lefiya replied, her eyes shining with a bit of excitement. "I left it at the mansion. Wait for me a moment."

Quickly running into the mansion, Lefiya returned with the broom in hand, her eyes immediately drawing curious glances from those around her. Slightly embarrassed by the curious stares, she hurried over to Wander and held out the broom.

"Here, this is it."

Wander tilted his head, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, it looks… just like a regular cleaning broom."

"This is a magic broom!" Lefiya retorted, her cheeks flushing red at his teasing remark.

"Haha, alright, calm down," Wander laughed, taking the broom from her. He turned it over, examining it as if it were a rare antique. "Admittedly, it's quite shiny. But it still looks like a regular broom."

He slowly channeled a bit of energy into the broom, his sharp eyes briefly showing curiosity. But in an instant, he shrugged and tossed the broom back to Lefiya.

"This thing isn't bad, actually. So… does it have a name?"

"Asmodeus," Lefiya replied, hesitating slightly.

Wander's eyes widened in surprise, then he burst out laughing. "Haha, Asmodeus? Really, Accelerator? Do you know what this name means?"

"Do you know something about this broom?" Lefiya asked, her eyes full of hope.

"Haha, of course I do. I know what it is and who created it. And the meaning behind its name. Perhaps only Accelerator would be crazy enough to name a broom like that."

The meaning of some names can be abstract and hard to grasp. The name given to this broom is no exception. A name that embodies destruction and temptation to the absolute, granting it immeasurable power and wisdom.

However, with that power comes the calamity awaiting the user if they are not capable of controlling it.

Yet, when he held the broom in his hands, he felt no trace of that power. This only proved that the one who modified and crafted this broom had poured all their skill and effort into sealing its power.

"Hey Lefiya, Accelerator really values you."

"So, what does the name mean?" Lefiya asked impatiently, eager to solve the mystery that had been bothering her for days.

Wander smiled mysteriously, crossing his arms. "I can't tell you directly. The creator of this thing isn't the lenient type. I can only give you a hint: you need to perform a ritual to activate it."

"Huh? Can't you help me more than that?" Lefiya widened her eyes, looking at him.

"No can do. The conditions set by its creator are quite tricky. If I reveal too much, you might never be able to use it again," Wander shrugged, smiling meaningfully.

"Ugh…" Lefiya sighed, looking sadly at the broom in her hands.

"But hey," Wander suddenly said, his mischievous smile returning. "You helped me today, so I'll return the favor a bit. Tomorrow, I'll have a small gift for you. For now, goodbye!"

With that, he turned and walked away, not giving her a chance to say anything more.

"Oh, and remember to hug the broom while sleeping to increase interaction. It's quite effective, after all, it's a very arrogant broom, hahaha."

Lefiya stood there, watching his figure disappear, her mind swirling with thoughts about the broom. "A ritual? Maybe the library at the mansion has the books I need."

Suddenly, she remembered something important. He was out of money! She immediately turned around and shouted:

"Don't go stealing again!"

But Wander's figure had already vanished. Lefiya sighed, shook her head, and quickly made her way to today's teleportation point.

…

From an outsider's perspective:

Lefiya tightly hugged the broom in her arms and left after her conversation with Wander.

The crowd around her began to take notice, some whispering to each other, their eyes flickering with curiosity and confusion.

"Who is she talking to?" a woman whispered to her friend.

"I don't see anyone next to her…" the fruit vendor nearby frowned, his eyes scanning the area as if searching for something.

"She's walking around with a broom, muttering incomprehensible things. She must be exhausted and gone mad…" another person shook their head, their tone a mix of pity and doubt.

A child tugged at their mother's hand, pointing at Lefiya. "Mom, is that lady okay? Why is she talking to herself?"

The mother quickly pulled her child away, whispering, "Don't stare like that. She might be some kind of strange mage. You shouldn't meddle in their business."

…

Lefiya stepped into the quiet library of the laboratory, where the light from the crystal chandeliers above illuminated rows of neatly arranged bookshelves. The faint scent of old paper wafted through the air, bringing a familiar and comforting feeling. She set the broom down in a corner, carefully leaning it against the reading table before beginning her search. Today, Irena wasn't here; she must have gone somewhere. But did Irena even need to go anywhere? Lefiya wasn't sure.

"Rituals… rituals…" Lefiya muttered, her eyes scanning the titles on the shelves.

Finally, she found a few old books with brown leather covers, the titles on the spines nearly faded but still legible: *Basics of Magical Rituals and Activation Methods*. She pulled it from the shelf, feeling its weight and the thick layer of dust on it.

Sitting down at the table, Lefiya quickly flipped through the first few pages, which introduced the basic types of rituals. Bold, capitalized text caught her eye:

"Every magical ritual requires three main elements: a catalyst, focused energy, and a connection to the caster's will."

She frowned, reading more slowly:

1. Catalyst: The object containing the magic, often an item of significance or one inscribed with magical symbols.

2. Focused Energy: The power needed to activate the ritual, usually drawn from the mind, natural elements, or other energy sources.

3. Will: An essential component, guiding and connecting the energy to the catalyst. The stronger the will, the more successful the ritual.

"The catalyst is obviously the broom," Lefiya murmured, her hand lightly touching the broom. "Focused energy… I can use my mind, but the problem is…"

She flipped to the section on performing rituals, her eyes stopping at a page detailing the rules to follow.

"For a ritual to succeed, the following rules must be observed:

- Perform the ritual in a quiet place, free from external distractions.

- Follow the specific symbols or instructions on the catalyst, as each ritual is uniquely designed.

- Conduct a safety ritual before attempting any part of the main ritual."

A safety ritual? A few brief notes were written on a separate sheet of paper attached to the book. Since Lefiya hadn't performed the ritual yet, she skipped over it and continued reading:

"Some catalysts are inscribed with patterns, symbols, or sigils representing magic circles. To activate them, these symbols must be accurately reproduced, either by drawing them on a flat surface or using specific materials."

She quickly flipped to the back of the book, where there was a section on materials and how to draw magic circles. A small note at the bottom made her pause:

"Caution: Some catalysts require rituals to be performed under special conditions, such as during a full moon or by someone with a unique connection to the catalyst."

Lefiya bit her lip, looking back at the broom. "Timing and special symbols…"

She set the book down, deciding to take the broom to the garden to experiment with some basics before diving deeper. Perhaps she should practice the safety ritual first.

…

"Hey, um... Miss Aiz? There's something I want to tell you!"

They had been training for four days, having just finished a rather intense practice match atop the city walls. Just before sunrise—the time they had decided to end things—Bell approached Aiz, his face flushed and flustered.

"It's, um, well... tomorrow, you see? My supporter won't be able to come to the Dungeon tomorrow due to some housing issues, so, um... I thought maybe I wouldn't go either, so, um... I was thinking... maybe tomorrow we could... Instead of just in the morning..."

"...Train... all day?" Aiz finished his sentence for him.

"Y-yes!" Bell stammered, nodding repeatedly.

Aiz sheathed her sword before gazing up at the sky in quiet contemplation. She was supposed to train Lefiya at that time... but Lefiya and Aiz were part of the same familia. They could meet up whenever they wanted. Besides, to be honest, Aiz wanted to spend more time with Bell to improve his combat skills. The short time before sunrise wasn't enough. That's why, with a silent apology to Lefiya, Aiz agreed.

"Alright." That was the story Aiz personally recounted to Lefiya, including the apology, and it was also the reason why the elf couldn't train with her today.

There were three days left until the expedition. Today was supposed to be Lefiya's fourth training day with Aiz, as she had started a day later than Bell. But that morning, she found herself trudging down the bustling main street in a foul mood. Her blue eyes were almost completely lifeless, and her usually graceful elven features carried a silent hostility. She clutched her beloved staff to her chest, resentment flooding her entire being.

"He's not even part of our familia... he's not even part of our familia... he's not even part of our familia...!"

How shameless! How disgraceful! I can't believe it! Each condemning thought choked her breath, all directed at that boy. The audacity to monopolize the Sword Princess for an entire day. Just thinking about it made her blood boil. Unable to protest to Aiz, Lefiya instead directed her tearful barrage of blame at the boy.

"That brat is terrible, isn't he, Asmodeus?" There was no response, the broomstick strapped to her back remained as still as ever. Despite her research into the ritual, she still couldn't activate the broom. Perhaps it required a specific symbol or timing she hadn't figured out yet.

"Sigh..."

The path she was walking was on North Main Street, not far from her familia's home. She was on her way to the Dungeon to practice a bit on her own. The clear blue sky stretched obnoxiously above her, shining down on the bustling cobblestone streets.

"—Viridis?"

It hit her ears just as her vision nearly darkened with anger. The sound of her name.

"Huh?" She turned around and saw a young elf girl standing a few steps away.

She had long black hair reminiscent of a shrine maiden, and her eyes glowed like a pair of crimson rubies. A snow-white combat outfit covered her slender frame up to her neck, topped with a short cloak. Beside her, a golden-haired god waited patiently. The sight made Lefiya stop in surprise.

"Miss Filvis..." she muttered under her breath.

The girl in white, Filvis, also looked surprised. A Level 3 mage swordsman and captain of the Dionysus Familia, she had fought alongside Lefiya and others on the front lines during the incident on the 24th floor a few days ago. This chance encounter made both of them pause. As passersby jostled them from all sides, the dignified golden-haired god—Dionysus himself—spoke up.

"Is this the colleague you mentioned, Filvis? Thousand Elf?"

"Y-yes, she is." Lefiya stood frozen in place. This was her first time meeting the god of the Dionysus Familia in person, and she found herself at a loss for how to react. However, Dionysus simply smiled, looking at her with his glass-like eyes.

"I've heard a lot about you from Filvis. May I invite you for a cup of tea? I've been hoping to express my gratitude to you."

The three of them made their way to a crowded outdoor café at a small corner of North Main Street. From their round table facing the street, they were surrounded by the sounds of busy footsteps and lively chatter on all sides.

"I understand you looked after Filvis on the 24th floor. I'd like to once again express my deepest gratitude. If it weren't for you, I might have lost her, and for that, I owe you, Lefiya Viridis."

"It's nothing, really. I've lost count of how many times Filvis has saved me..."

Lefiya felt immensely grateful for Dionysus's praise. Dionysus ordered them tea and fruit tarts. The sweet aroma of the pastries mixed with fresh red and blue berries was enough to make Lefiya's mouth water.

"Loki would surely wring my neck if she knew I was relying on you like this," the golden-haired god joked oddly. Lefiya's impression was that he was an extremely refined and sociable god. At the same time, there was something enigmatic about him. In fact, his glass-like eyes seemed to peer straight into her soul. He was an embodiment of an all-knowing deity, always cautious, and she could see why he made his sharp assessment of Loki as "a wise god."

Filvis sat silently as the two conversed, having been forced to accompany them. She didn't touch her tea or pastries and simply acknowledged the exchange between Lefiya and Dionysus.

"...I believe I've grasped what happened there at this point, but I'd like to hear from others who were involved. How did you feel about the events on the 24th floor?"

Their pleasantries ended, and Dionysus's face turned stern. Instinctively, Lefiya straightened her posture, taking a few moments to think about her response. While it was true that Loki mostly regarded the other god as nothing more than a parasite, the two had been comparing notes more frequently since the Monsterphilia incident—or so she had heard. There was no way Dionysus hadn't met with Loki about the recent events in the Dungeon.

So, it wouldn't hurt to talk to him. After making that judgment, Lefiya conveyed her opinion as a direct witness.

"—Magic stones inside creatures that even the gods knew nothing about? A crystal orb that could mutate monsters? Just thinking about it makes my head ache."

Dionysus listened silently before placing his forehead in his palm and sighing heavily. As Filvis watched, his glass-like eyes turned to Lefiya.

"Thanks to the information you and the others brought back, we've made progress in identifying the true identity of the enemy. A third force linked to the remnants of the Evil God, the being Olivas Act only referred to as 'Her'... Lefiya Viridis, I must tell you—the sense of impending danger I feel is very real."

He continued, his stern expression suppressing his emotions.

"It's almost as if the peace of this city is being silently eroded from within..."

Lefiya had heard Filvis mention that a member of the Dionysus Familia had been killed before Monsterphilia. Remembering this, she listened quietly to Dionysus's every word.

"While much of the responsibility may fall on the Loki Familia, we also want to do everything we can. You can come to us anytime you need."

"T-thank you. Thank you very much."

Lefiya averted her eyes in response to the god's offer. The sounds of the bustling street enveloped them in the moments between their words.

"Thinking about it, how are the preparations for your expedition going? I hear you'll all be heading into the deep levels soon," Dionysus said cheerfully, completely contrasting their previous topic as he brought his teacup to his lips. He caught the furtive glances from female customers around them. There was something odd about his smile—a saccharine mask—that made Lefiya tense. She answered carefully, deliberately omitting the finer details of what was happening within her familia.

"Everything is progressing as planned. We'll be departing in three days."

"Three days..." Dionysus murmured with a faint smile.

"Filvis has been worried, you know. About you and the expedition." Both Lefiya and Filvis were startled. "She's been talking about you nonstop since the incident on the 24th floor. Even more than she talks about herself."

"L-Lord Dionysus!"

The elf girl in question stood up from her seat, causing Lefiya's eyes to widen in shock. Her voice caught in her throat, Filvis's pale cheeks flushed, and her eyes darted everywhere but at Lefiya.

"This is the first time I've seen her let someone affect her like this in a long time. I think you're the type cats like, aren't you?"

"Um... What exactly do you mean by that...?"

At Lefiya's confused inquiry, Dionysus's lips curled into a mischievous smile befitting a god.

"When Filvis first joined the familia, her fastidiousness was truly annoying. To the point where she wouldn't let anyone get close. Just like a cat, you see."

"I... I'm not sure I understand what you're saying. How does that relate to the current situation?"

Dionysus seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself, his shoulders shaking with glee. The way he ignored Filvis's protests as he revealed her past gave her the impression of a mischievous child. Even Lefiya couldn't help but giggle to herself at Filvis's panic. Try as she might to suppress her emotions, she simply couldn't hold it back under the stares of the two. Her face was now a brilliant red.

"May I ask what your plans are for today?" Dionysus gently inquired, his gaze soft as he looked at the two elves.

"Today? Uhm... I was planning to go to the Dungeon this morning to practice some magic, but it's almost noon now, so I'll have to head back..."

"Would you mind if I joined you?"

A voice rang out beside them. Appearing before the group was a tall, slender figure clad in a simple black outfit that concealed every contour of his body. A long cloak draped over him from head to toe, its hem fluttering with each step, like a ghost gliding through the night.

His face was unremarkable, with messy black hair, pale skin, and glowing red eyes peeking out from beneath his bangs. Slung over his shoulder was an old wooden staff, with a large bag dangling from its tip. As he approached, he set the bag down and bowed his head in greeting.

"Why are you here?" Lefiya asked in surprise, her eyes fixed on him.

"Well, I did say I'd see you today. Mind if I join?" He—Wander—shrugged, turning to the golden-haired god.

"Feel free," Dionysus smiled, gesturing to an empty chair nearby.

Wander pulled the chair out and sat down casually. However, his presence immediately put Filvis on edge. The elf silently placed her hand on her weapon, her sharp gaze never leaving him. Lefiya, sitting beside her, also looked uneasy, occasionally glancing at her friend.

Dionysus raised a hand, signaling:

"Filvis, calm down."

"But Lord Dionysus..."

"Are you going to argue with your god, Filvis?"

The reminder silenced Filvis, though her dissatisfaction was still evident. She slowly sat back down but kept her wary eyes on Wander.

Dionysus turned to Wander, smiling lightly:

"My apologies for that. She's a bit too cautious with strangers."

"Haha, it's fine. It's actually kind of fun to have someone be so wary of me," Wander replied nonchalantly.

"It's not Filvis's fault, Lord Dionysus," Lefiya huffed, turning to glare at Wander. "This guy's appearance is anything but trustworthy. He always gives off this villainous aura!"

"Badmouthing someone right in front of them isn't nice, Lefiya," Wander said calmly, tapping the table lightly.

"But I'm not wrong!"

"..."

"You two are quite interesting. So, are you two friends?" Dionysus laughed, but his sharp eyes didn't leave Wander.

"Friends? No way!" Lefiya exclaimed, shaking her head vigorously. "He's a thief I caught yesterday. Someone just vouched for him, so I have to keep an eye on him."

As the conversation increasingly revolved around him, Wander remained calm, pulling a book from his bag and flipping through its pages leisurely. Lefiya glanced at it, unable to help but wonder if he had stolen it.

'Greek Mythology? What's the meaning of this?' she wondered.

"So you're a thief!" Filvis said coldly, her gaze piercing through Wander.

"Filvis, don't act rashly! He's returned everything, and I'll make sure he doesn't cause any more trouble," Lefiya quickly explained.

However, Filvis's cold gaze didn't soften, only growing more tense.

"Lefiya, that's not what Filvis meant," Dionysus interjected with a teasing smile.

"Lord Dionysus..." Filvis frowned slightly.

"Alright, I'll stop joking. Otherwise, Filvis here might really get mad at me," Dionysus shrugged, then quietly observed Wander with a mix of interest and scrutiny.

Wander watched the scene unfold before him, then suddenly smirked. He stood up, pulled something small from his bag, and unexpectedly knelt on one knee before Lefiya.

"Lefiya, you've touched my heart," he said in a solemn tone, though his eyes sparkled with mischief. "Please accept this gift as a token of my sincere feelings."

Lefiya's eyes widened, her face turning bright red. Under the astonished gazes of everyone, Wander held up a golden ring that sparkled brilliantly. The ring was intricately carved, with a sun symbol at its center, surrounded by a strange spiral.

"What the hell?!" Lefiya shouted, both flustered and angry.

Filvis immediately stood up, her sharp gaze like a dagger aimed at Wander. Her hand was almost on her sword, ready to draw.

But before Filvis could act, Lefiya had already jumped up, angrily punching Wander on the head.

"You idiot! Don't joke around like that in front of everyone!" she yelled, her face as red as a ripe tomato, her fists pounding on his back.

Wander chuckled, rubbing the spot where he'd been punched, but maintained his teasing tone:

"Honestly, I just wanted to see how you'd react. You didn't disappoint."

Lefiya gritted her teeth, turning her face away, still fuming. But her eyes inadvertently glanced at the ring, sensing something unusual about it.

Dionysus chuckled softly, breaking the tense atmosphere.

"You certainly know how to surprise people. But what's the meaning of this gift?"

Wander shrugged, tossing the ring into the air and catching it deftly, replying lightly:

"Consider it a small gift to make up for bothering Lefiya. After all, she had to keep an eye on me all day yesterday."

Lefiya crossed her arms, huffing, but said nothing more. Filvis, though seated again, kept her suspicious gaze on Wander.

Wander tossed the ring toward Lefiya, who fumbled to catch it.

"Take this, Lefiya. It might help you with your broom research, or even assist you in casting magic."

"Oh... thank you," Lefiya replied, taking the ring and examining it. The golden ring looked quite simple, except for the sun symbol with the strange spiral engraved on it.

"Well, I'll take my leave now. Some people are about to arrive," Wander said, picking up his bag.

"Hey, this afternoon, go have fun with your girlfriend. I'll handle the extra lessons with the staff."

"Oh, thank you... Wait, girlfriend!? Our relationship isn't like that!" Lefiya shouted, her face turning red.

"Hahaha..." Wander laughed loudly as he strode away. His laughter echoed even after his figure disappeared around the winding road.

Lefiya let out a sigh, trying to calm her emotions. She turned to Dionysus, who was now giving Filvis some instructions.

"Don't let me stop you from strengthening your relationship with one of Loki's people. In fact, I've told you that you should do everything in your power to cooperate with them. You wouldn't go against your god's will, would you?"

Cutting off Filvis's flustered protests with a smile, he turned his gaze to Lefiya.

"Lefiya Viridis, if it's not too much, I hope you and Filvis can get along. There's been a bit of a rift between her and the others in our familia."

With a hint of fatherly affection in his eyes, he added, "I'd really like to see her smile again."

With that, Dionysus stood up from his seat.

"If you'll excuse me," he said before leaving the café and disappearing into the crowd. The two elf girls were left alone at the table.

Their eyes met. Filvis's lips twitched with resignation.

"If... if it's really not too much trouble, I'll go with you," she said, her face red and her eyes looking away.

"...Alright. We'll go together."

Lefiya could feel her own face heating up at Filvis's embarrassment. She smiled sweetly.

…

In the garden in front of the laboratory.

Accelerator was sitting and reading a book while waiting for someone to arrive. The black cat on the table wagged its tail, occasionally blocking the book he was reading.

Tick tock… Tick tock… The pocket watch he had placed on the table ticked softly. More than an hour had passed, and the person he was waiting for still hadn't arrived. Accelerator wasn't annoyed, just calmly asking the cat.

"Qliphap, can a teacher punish their student if she skips class?"

"Nehehe… That's normal, master."

…

"Who does that guy think he is?!" Lefiya said sharply, her voice like a blade, as the two elves bathed in the phosphorescent light of the labyrinth-like walls of the Dungeon. They were on the fifth floor of the Dungeon. Right after parting ways with Dionysus, they had set off for the upper floors so Lefiya could practice her magic, as planned.

As the two passed one group of adventurers after another, Lefiya vented all her pent-up grievances about that Bell guy to her elven friend. Filvis, catching on to the situation, couldn't help but force a wry smile at her disgruntled comrade.

"This reminds me of my familia. We also have someone like Aiz, who always looks out for the other members. You should see the fights I've had with my friend over her…"

Her voice carried a hint of nostalgia, her gaze drifting forward. A trace of sadness lingered on Filvis's face, tinged with melancholy, enough to make Lefiya's criticisms pause. An older member of her familia… A friend she often quarreled with… Could she have lost those companions in the Nightmare of the 27th Floor? How many lives had that tragic event taken?

Lefiya fell silent for a moment; then, in a deliberately loud voice, she launched into her tirade again, first about Aiz and the others, then about the boy and his many faults. She wouldn't let her friend succumb to her pain.

Filvis responded with a smile, her crimson eyes narrowing.

"So, how do you want to train now?"

"I want to spar."

"Spar? But you're a pure mage. Is that okay?" The difference between a pure mage and a magic swordsman was vast. A frontline fighter who used short spells and a rear cannon capable of changing the tide of battle. Frontline adventurers needed to constantly move, engaging in a kind of sword dance and preparing for even the most unexpected situations. In contrast, chanting was the only thing that mattered for pure mages fighting in the rear.

"It's fine. My teacher and Riveria are pure mages who still fight on the frontlines. Don't hold back. I've been trained before."

"But… Alright. Let me help you. Shall we begin?" Filvis drew her wooden staff.

Lefiya readied her own staff in response. "A-Alright! I'm ready!"

And so, Lefiya's training began again, only this time with Filvis instead of Aiz.

…

The first thing rear mages like Lefiya needed to prioritize was spellcasting—as her elven friend eloquently explained.

"Now, talking won't do any good if we don't practice.

Shall we begin?" Filvis drew her wooden staff.

Lefiya readied her staff in response. "A-Alright! I'm ready!"

And so, Lefiya's Simultaneous Casting training began again, only this time with Filvis instead of Aiz.

"I know I said to ignore all defensive movements, but you should maintain a minimum level of personal defense—like blocking my attacks."

"R-right!"

Swinging her non-lethal staff instead of her usual sword, Filvis began to charge. She lunged at Lefiya with sharp movements, quickly closing the distance between them, and Lefiya shifted her focus to counter every attack, using every staff technique Riveria had drilled into her. Lefiya's dodges were neat. Accelerator's magical attacks had allowed her to start sensing the slightest changes to predict attacks and minimize damage. It wasn't perfect, but it was enough to deal with Filvis. Lefiya began chanting immediately, but Filvis interjected.

"Don't rush without thinking. Don't pre-charge your spells with magical energy. Wait until the latter half of the chant is recited before releasing it."

"I understand!"

Filvis's theory was absolutely correct—Lefiya was increasingly getting signs that she needed to focus more on the timing and usage of her magical energy, as well as how she weaved her spells. Fighting against another mage was far different from fighting a swordsman. She had learned that lesson from Aiz. Quickly stopping her chant, Lefiya used her steps to dance with Filvis. Their spells were the music, and their steps became the dance. Like a pair of forest fairies, hands intertwined on a meadow, they danced gracefully as one led and the other followed. They formed a studied waltz under the fluorescent light of a Dungeon alcove.

Her steps carried her nimbly across the floor, her lips weaving the words for her next song—and something deep within her answered.

"Loose your arrows, fairy archers. Pierce, arrow of accuracy—Arcs Ray!"

But this time, she wanted to do something different. After many trials, Lefiya realized she had never truly been creative with her magic.

As soon as the chant finished, a small magic circle appeared beneath her heel. A sudden force pushed her body in a flexible direction, taking her out of Filvis's reach. From the tip of her staff, a beam of light shot out at an astonishing speed, heading straight for her opponent.

Filvis was caught off guard by the bold maneuver, unable to prepare. She was forced to use her scabbard to block the beam, but was still pushed back a few steps.

Filvis looked at Lefiya in surprise, her eyes shining with admiration. "Amazing! You did very well just now."

"Thank you!" Lefiya replied, but then she winced, looking down at her feet. "Ahhh..."

"Lefiya, are you okay?" Filvis asked, worriedly stepping closer.

"It's fine! I've been through much worse training." She forced a smile, trying to reassure. "That mad mage is truly a teacher from hell."

Filvis smiled faintly, but her eyes still couldn't hide her concern. She decided to let Lefiya rest for a bit before they continued their training.

"I'm curious. How exactly did that teacher teach you?"

"Ahh… Uh…" Lefiya hesitated at Filvis's question. After a moment of thought, she decided to speak up. After all, Accelerator had only warned her to be careful about his magic, but everything else was fair game. Lefiya began to complain to Filvis about the mad mage's brutal training methods.

"He's a teacher from hell, huh." The conversation gradually turned into badmouthing some mad mage.

"That's right, he's a terrible teacher." But Lefiya's eyes didn't hold much blame.

"Perhaps some part of my common sense has changed after being his student." Closing her eyes, Lefiya thought for a moment, then smiled, her gaze shyly lowering. Filvis then noticed the item on Lefiya's back.

"But I'm curious. Why are you carrying a broom?"

"Ahh… This?" Lefiya took the broom off her back. "This is a magic item my teacher gave me. He told me to figure it out on my own. Even though I've tried everything, it hasn't responded." Lefiya held the broom out to Filvis. Currently, the magic broom looked no different from an ordinary broom. Filvis studied the broom thoughtfully.

"May I examine it?"

"Of course!"

Filvis gently took the broom, feeling its texture. The surface was smooth and dark brown, with grain patterns running along its length that seemed to carry some meaning. She channeled a bit of energy into it and felt.

'The energy is absorbed but there's no response.' After a thorough examination, Filvis sighed before handing it back to Lefiya.

"I can't quite understand how this broom works. Even using a broom as a magic tool is already strange." Filvis became pensive.

"I think the broom has grain patterns that symbolize some kind of magic. Maybe it needs something to recognize its owner?"

Lefiya looked closely at the natural wood grain.

'Owner recognition.' The wood grain looked natural but was actually arranged in some pattern. A phrase from the mad mage came to her mind.

'Magic circles can be created through various means. Remember that.' Why hadn't she thought of this? Holding the broom, she felt happy. If she analyzed the wood grain and the design of the broom carefully, she might find its symbol.

"It seems you've thought of something."

"T-thank you so much! It's thanks to your help that I—"

"Oh, please. The foundation was laid long before I happened to pass by. This is just the result of your hard work."

Still gripping her staff, Lefiya felt her cheeks heat up at the friendly praise. The things Aiz and the others had taught her were finally taking root. She wasn't just being praised; it felt like her mentors were too, and that thought manifested as a mix of pride and happiness welling up inside her. Filvis's eyes softened as she noticed Lefiya's shy, downward gaze. The two faced each other in the middle of the room, shoulders relaxed.

"But it's true, Miss Filvis. Your instructions are very easy for me to understand. Even I feel like things will work out in the end. Don't you think you have a talent for teaching?" Lefiya continued, not wanting the topic to end.

"…That's a fortunate accident. I don't have a talent for guiding others," Filvis replied curtly, though her bluntness was more a side effect of embarrassment than cold rejection. She closed her eyes.

Lefiya couldn't resist a small smile, seeing the pink tinge on the other elf's somber face. Though she had sensed it before their training began, the two were truly growing closer. The cold distance between them when they first met had almost disappeared.

Exchanging thoughts, emotions, overcoming the battle on the 24th floor together—their hearts and minds had never been so tightly connected. Perhaps just as Dionysus had described, Filvis had let Lefiya into her heart.

That thought made Lefiya incredibly happy. But she couldn't stop the small voice inside her that longed for more. A desire that only Filvis could fulfill.

"I, um… Miss Filvis?" Lefiya began, her cheeks flushing, drawing the elf's gaze.

"What is it, Viridis?"

"I was wondering if… perhaps… you could call me Lefiya from now on?"

Filvis stiffened. Then she too turned bright red. An awkward silence enveloped them as Filvis hesitated, the true meaning behind Lefiya's request slowly dawning.

"I-I can't."

"Oh, please!"

"I said I can't!"

"I'm begging you!"

"Stop chasing me!"

"I'll chase whatever I like!"

The pair nearly shouted at each other, their faces red. Filvis found herself overwhelmed by Lefiya's request, her body leaning forward and her voice shrill. Finally, she turned away, avoiding eye contact. Seeing this, Lefiya realized she might have gone too far and quickly restrained herself. Filvis still refused to look at her. Her lips parted once, twice, and then, in the softest voice, so quiet it was almost inaudible—

"—L-Lefiya…"

Her entire face was a deep, radiant red, glowing all the way to the tips of her ears.

Hearing her name, Lefiya felt her face grow brighter, until it was almost shining, and she let out a joyful "Thank you!" A satisfied smile spread across her face. Filvis still refused to lift her head, which made the other girl giggle as happiness filled her. The two elves, though different, sat there in comfortable friendship, the walls of the Dungeon almost forgotten.

"Can I… ask you something?" Filvis asked.

"Huh? What is it?"

"You… really intend to join the expedition, don't you?"

A silence fell over them as Filvis finally returned to normal. The expedition she mentioned, of course, was the upcoming Loki Familia expedition.

"…Yes. I'll be going with Aiz and the others to the unexplored depths of the Dungeon."

The journey would begin in three days.

Riveria and Finn had straight-up told her she would be joining the main party with the goal of reaching the 59th floor—they would need the combined strength of the entire faction to undertake this venture into the Dungeon. She would serve as both a kind of fortress and a rear support for Aiz and the other first-class adventurers. Hearing this, Filvis turned her face away, her ruby eyes looking down at the ground.

"Ah…" A single word escaped her thin lips. She fell silent for a moment, a trace of anguish lingering on her face, as if she was desperately trying to keep her emotions inside. As Lefiya watched, her eyes finally opened.

"Filvis, I know this isn't easy, but don't worry. I promise I'll come back safely—all of us will, together."

Filvis lifted her head, her eyes meeting Lefiya's. There was something in those eyes, a mix of trust and fear, that made Lefiya's heart feel heavy.

"Lefiya," Filvis called her name softly, but still seemed hesitant.

"Hm? What is it?"

Filvis paused, her gaze wavering as if struggling with herself. But in the end, she shook her head, a faint smile appearing on her lips. "No, it's nothing. Just… be careful, okay?"

"Of course!" Lefiya smiled, raising her hand as if to reassure. "I'm not the reckless type!"

But then, Lefiya suddenly remembered the time. She let out a small cry, her expression slightly flustered.

"Ah… Sorry, Filvis, I need to go now to make it to the Mad Wizard's library before it's too late!"

She turned and left, her steps quick and hurried. In her mind, Lefiya was calculating the time to reach the library and find the ritual book she needed. The upcoming expedition required thorough preparation, and she didn't dare waste a single moment.

Filvis stood still, watching Lefiya's figure disappear. Her hand rose slightly, as if to call her back, but then stopped midway. Her lips pressed together, her eyes filled with sadness.

"Lefiya…" she whispered, but the sound was only loud enough for herself to hear.

She wanted to say something, but the words seemed stuck in her throat, unable to come out. Complex emotions swirled in her heart: worry, concern, and a sense of helplessness at not being able to support her companion in the dangerous journey ahead.

Lefiya's figure had now vanished from sight, leaving only a quiet emptiness and stillness around her. Filvis sighed, lowering her hand, her heart still filled with unspoken words.

"May you be safe…" Filvis murmured, her voice like a prayer, soft but sincere.

She stood there for a moment longer, then turned and walked away.

…

The Evening Before

Inside the small but cozy room, the soft glow from the lamp cast a warm, golden-orange light over everything. Chloe was changing her clothes after a long, tiring day. As she shook out her old pants to fold them, a faint *clink* sounded, and a small piece of armor, resembling a fragment of a shield, fell out of her pocket.

She paused, bending down to pick it up. The dull metal piece had a few long scratches but still retained its sturdy shape. Chloe examined it, her fingers lightly tracing the rough edges, her eyes reflecting a mix of pensiveness and gentleness.

"What's that?" a voice called from behind.

Chloe turned to see Lunoire—her former enemy turned roommate—leaning against the table, her curious gaze fixed on the armor piece in Chloe's hand.

"A memento," Chloe replied, her tone calm but tinged with softness. She held the piece up to the light from the window, highlighting the worn details on its surface. "From a knight who once saved me."

Lunoire raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Was that person important to you?"

Chloe smiled faintly, her gaze distant as if recalling a memory from the past.

"Perhaps not. But thanks to him, I'm still standing here today." Compared to back then, she had changed so much.

Lunoire didn't press further, simply nodding in understanding, respecting the quiet weight of Chloe's words.

Chloe walked over to her desk, gently opening the top drawer and placing the armor piece inside. She closed the drawer, then climbed into bed, turning off the magical lamp before drifting off to sleep.

"If I get the chance, I'd like to return it to him."

…

"Goodnight, Ayla."

"Goodnight, Marina."

After bidding her roommate goodnight, Ayla snuggled into her warm blanket. Soon, her eyes closed, and she drifted into a deep sleep.

Flickering, hazy images flashed in her mind. Before long, Ayla found herself standing in a strange, floating space. A white expanse surrounded her, but it wasn't cold or empty. Instead, shimmering ribbons of color, like rainbows, moved gently through the air, blending with the space to create a mystical beauty.

"Wow…" Ayla murmured, her wide eyes filled with wonder.

Curious, she ran around, her small feet gliding through the suspended streams of light. With the vivid imagination of a child, Ayla began to envision herself as an explorer, then a princess searching for treasure.

Then her gaze landed on something sparkling in the distance. "What's that?" Ayla whispered, her eyes lighting up with curiosity.

She ran closer and discovered a small, transparent box floating in the space. Inside the box was the faint outline of a young girl, hazy but clearly human-shaped. Ayla crouched down, greeting her politely:

"Hello! Who are you?"

But the figure didn't respond, standing still as if unable to speak. Ayla tilted her head curiously, and to her surprise, the figure inside mirrored her movement.

"Do you understand me?" Ayla asked, her eyes hopeful.

The figure nodded. A bright smile spread across Ayla's face. "That's great!"

She gently picked up the box, cradling it like a new friend. "Do you want to take a walk with me? Though… there's not much to see here."

The figure didn't react, but Ayla kept chattering away, leading the box around the space. However, after a while, she began to feel bored.

"There's nothing to do here…" Ayla sighed, sitting down on a ribbon of blue light. "How about I tell you a story? But…" She paused, hesitating. "I don't remember many stories. My uncle's house doesn't have many books…"

As soon as she finished speaking, a storybook suddenly appeared before her. Its cover glowed softly, as if a gift from this strange space.

Ayla smiled happily. "Look! We have a story to read now!"

The figure peered curiously at the book.

"Do you want me to read it to you?"

The figure slowly nodded.

Ayla opened the book and began reading aloud, sharing the story with her friend in the box.

/ The Story of the Young Girl and the Knight

A young girl trained to be an assassin grew weary of her life. One day, she decided to leave the organization. After enduring many hardships, she finally escaped the place that had imprisoned her for years. For the first time, she felt freedom. No more cold orders, no more harsh surveillance—she walked through new lands with excitement and relief. But her joy didn't last long.

As she passed through a dense forest, something sinister began to stalk her. By the time she realized it, strange noises surrounded her. From the bushes and shadows, terrifying creatures emerged: goblins with sharp claws, ferocious wolves, and above, harpies screeching.

She drew her dagger, her sharp eyes scanning every movement. She had been trained to fight, but the sheer number of enemies overwhelmed even her assassin skills. She fought desperately, each strike felling a monster. Sweat dripped down her forehead, blood soaked her clothes, but they kept coming.

Surrounded, exhausted, and desperate, she thought she wouldn't survive. But just then, a man in silver armor emerged from the foliage, a large sword glowing brightly in his hand. He charged into the horde, his powerful strikes clearing the goblins and wolves in seconds.

But the battle wasn't over. The harpy, the leader of the monsters, swooped down with a piercing shriek. Its claws aimed straight for the knight. Though he tried to block, the harpy's powerful swipe tore off his arm.

The girl watched in horror as blood gushed from his wound, but the knight stood firm. With his remaining hand, he gripped his sword, pouring all his strength into one final strike, ending the harpy. Its massive body crashed to the ground, and silence returned.

A piece of armor from the knight's arm fell, rolling to the girl's feet. She bent down, picked it up, and clutched it tightly. Her eyes wide, she stared in awe at the brave man before her.

The knight, his face bloodied and weary, turned to her. He stepped closer, his deep voice resonating: "Are you okay, kid?"

She looked up, her sharp eyes now filled with fear. The instincts of an assassin, deeply ingrained, told her to trust no one. She stepped back, suspicion and anxiety overshadowing her gratitude.

Without a word, she turned and ran, her footsteps quickly disappearing into the forest's shadows. In her hand, she still clutched the silver armor piece.

She didn't look back. His calls faded until only the sound of her pounding heartbeat remained.

From that day on, she never saw the knight again. /

Ayla checked the back of the book but found nothing. She looked up at the hazy figure in the box.

"The ending is so confusing. Why did the story end so abruptly? Do you know why?"

The figure shook its head.

"Well, the story's over. I'm glad you listened to me. I don't want to keep calling you 'you' forever," Ayla said, her eyes sparkling with determination. "I'll give you a name. Hmm… What name would suit you?"

She tapped her chin thoughtfully, then her face lit up with a bright smile. "I'll call you Lumina! You're like a little light, always accompanying me and lighting up my dreams."

The figure inside the box shimmered slightly, but this time, it didn't seem to agree. Ayla tilted her head, confused.

"Hmm? You don't like it?" She asked, staring intently at the box. The figure's glow intensified for a moment, then dimmed. Suddenly, strange symbols began to etch themselves onto Ayla's palm.

Ayla gasped, staring at the unfamiliar markings. Despite their odd, otherworldly form, she somehow understood them perfectly.

"Noctis…" she murmured, the name slipping from her lips as if it had always been there. "That's your name, isn't it?"

The figure shimmered brighter, as though affirming her words. Ayla smiled warmly. "Noctis… it's nice to meet you. Let's be friends, okay?"

But before she could say more, the space around her began to tremble. The ribbons of color shattered like glass, scattering into countless motes of light.

"Wait! What's happening?" Ayla cried, clutching the box tightly. The figure inside seemed calm, its presence steady, even as everything dissolved into blinding white.

A sudden flash enveloped her, and Ayla found herself blinking against the warmth of morning sunlight. The chirping of birds outside greeted her as she opened her eyes to the familiar ceiling of her room.

She sat up slowly, her heart still racing. Her hand instinctively reached out for the transparent box, but it was gone.

"It was just a dream…" she whispered, then paused. Her eyes widened as she looked down at her palm. The strange white markings were still there, faint but unmistakable.

"Noctis," she said softly, her voice tinged with wonder. A smile spread across her face as she traced the markings with her fingers.

"I'll see you again," Ayla promised.

With that, she hopped out of bed, her heart light and her spirit renewed, ready to face the day ahead.

...

Roar… Roar…

The howling winds screamed as if trying to tear the world apart. A violent storm swirled, forming a massive vortex where relentless gusts carried destruction. Dark clouds loomed overhead, lightning crackling amidst the chaos, creating an atmosphere of suffocating turmoil.

A blinding bolt of lightning split the horizon, illuminating a scene of devastation. In that fleeting flash, a lone figure stood firm on the edge of a cliff, coldly gazing down at the raging storm below. Without hesitation, the figure stepped toward the crevice and calmly leaped into the swirling chaos where the winds roared endlessly.

The protective and measuring devices surrounding the figure were engulfed by a mysterious blue liquid, temporarily rendered useless. But no one cared. As soon as the figure entered the terrifying whirlwind, their body was torn to shreds. Yet, the fragments quickly reassembled, restoring the original form as if physical destruction meant nothing to them.

The figure continued forward, pushing through the furious winds to reach the eye of the storm—a place that was once meant to seal a greater catastrophe but no longer served its original purpose.

"Well, this is horrifying."

Surrounding the figure were countless dragon corpses, piled high and untouched by the storm. Their melted bodies fused together, forming grotesque and terrifying shapes.

"Sigh… I didn't expect that child to actually pull this off."

At the center of the storm, the sky was obscured by ash and crimson flames. A colossal figure, larger than a mountain range, lay motionless—the One-Eyed Black Dragon, a creature once the embodiment of eternal terror. Its impenetrable black scales were now cracked, charred, and stained with dark red blood.

Its single eye, once blazing with fury and pride, now lay empty and dull, like a bottomless abyss. Its horns were shattered, and its massive wings curled limply, draped over the ground like a shroud of defeat. Charred fissures scarred the earth around it, remnants of the horrific battle that had taken place.

Standing out amidst the ruins was a small white spear, glowing amidst the darkness. The spear, delicate as if it didn't belong to this world, pierced through the dragon's chest, pinning its massive body to the ground. Its gentle light seemed to declare an effortless victory over the once-invincible nightmare.

Around it, the surviving dragons cowered in absolute terror. They no longer charged to destroy but desperately tried to flee the storm, as if escaping the spear's light was their only hope for survival.

A voice rang out, soft yet brimming with power:

"This can't be allowed. This world needs danger to grow. You can't just take that away so easily."

The figure's cloak fell away, revealing a woman with chocolate-brown skin and long silver hair. Her eyes shimmered, as if changing colors at will, with teardrop and diamond-shaped marks beneath them. Her body was adorned only with strips of white cloth, accented by pyramid-shaped ornaments.

She raised her hand, and droplets of water gathered, swirling around the dragon corpses. Her voice echoed with authority:

"In the name of Nephthys, goddess of protection and funerals… Let the waters of the Nile bring life, restoring the souls of the departed."

The corpses began to tremble, attempting to rise again, but…

Bang!

The white spear suddenly flared. Branches of light split from its shaft, spreading everywhere, piercing through the air and pinning each soul back in place. Some souls, unable to withstand the opposing forces, were torn apart completely, vanishing into nothingness.

Nephthys smiled faintly, her eyes gleaming with intrigue:

"This… isn't as simple as I thought."

She manipulated the water, trying to envelop the spear and consume it. But…

Bang!

A branch of the spear suddenly shot out, hurtling straight toward her.

Ping!

The spearhead was blocked by a defensive barrier of water surrounding her body. Unlike before, she realized that a direct hit from this attack would leave her far from unscathed. The spear branch quickly retreated, returning to the main spear, silent as if it had never moved.

Nephthys shook her head slightly, her silver hair swaying in the wind. A faint smile crossed her lips:

"Haha… I tried not to use too much power to avoid drawing the attention of the other gods. But it seems this won't be so easy."

Her gaze turned toward the distance, where the city of Orario loomed faintly in the dark landscape.

"Wait a little longer… Once I'm done here, I'll come to you, my dear child."

/I apologize for being quite busy lately, so I haven't had much time to write. Thank you for your feedback; I'll try to review and adjust things to make them more suitable. As for why Chloe "rip off" Accelerator, she was actually just teasing him. My close friend occasionally does the same to me, and of course, I only pay them back with the "usual" price of the product, and we both end up happy. I thought that was normal, but maybe it's not so normal after all, huh? :) /