Break Time

A full week had passed since I started attending Asfi's classes. I spent those days inside the familia home after my classes were done.

The lessons went smoothly, beginning with learning how to balance with the sandals during flight. It started with small levitation exercises by focusing my strength on my feet and maintaining the same altitude.

Once I mastered that, I moved around in the air, gradually increasing my altitude. Day by day, my progress grew exponentially, leaving Asfi surprised by how quickly I could learn.

By the final day, Asfi and I were flying through the air, performing various acrobatics. Flying felt as natural as walking to me now. We soared until she turned her head toward me, amusement shining in her eyes.

"Not many people have dared to fly with these, but I can say you're one of the best to use them so far, even if you're just starting your flying career. But don't let it go to your head; one mistake could cost you your life if you're not leveled enough."

She wore a pair of special flying glasses during our sessions, and I guessed they were custom-made to complement the flying sandals. The two wings on each sandal even matched Asfi's attire, like the gear was meant for her.

"The downside of these sandals is that their maintenance is a bit expensive, which is why I only use them in special situations. If you ever want to buy a pair, I'll give you a good discount," she said, with a small smile.

I shook my head, declining politely. I didn't really need the sandals—I just wanted to experience the feeling of flying, and these winged sandals were the only way for me to do it.

"No need for that; I just wanted to touch the skies once. These classes were an experience that most in this world will never have. Now, let's head back home so I can figure out what to do next."

Asfi nodded, and we sped up our flight. The journey, which would have taken an hour of walking from Orario, now only took us a few minutes in the air. I had gained some incredibly useful skills—a skill that raised my potential even further.

With the ability to fly, I could navigate the dungeon more efficiently, travel the world without worrying about difficult terrain or harsh weather, and explore places I'd only imagined. But those plans would wait until I leveled up, at least to level 4. Once I reached level 4, I'd start my journey around the regions surrounding Orario.

The wind sent Asfi's and my hair swirling as we approached Orario from the sky. The city looked even more magnificent from above, especially as the sun began to set. We'd arrived just in time.

Passing over the massive city walls, Asfi and I landed in a quiet, dark alley, away from prying eyes. We removed the sandals and continued on foot back to our home.

"Why do you refuse to take Hermes' falna, if I may ask? I'm sure you know well enough that you won't lose your progress once you receive his blessing."

Asfi kept her poised, noble composure as she walked, her glasses catching a shaft of the setting sun. Her white cloak wrapped around her, offering warmth in the air that was growing colder by the second.

"You can head home on your own—I'm going to the Hostess of Fertility for some hot chocolate and steak. I'd invite you along, but I know that kind of place isn't for a noblewoman like you."

Asfi turned and gave me an annoyed look, clearly not pleased by the mention of her noble origins. I was about to walk away when I felt a tug on my sleeve.

"Wait... I don't know what Hermes told you about me, but I'm not that kind of noble. I don't mind going to places like that. I could use a nice rest after all the work we've put into your lessons and my usual tasks."

Turning back, I saw her standing close, and I shrugged, signaling for us to head there together.

"Wait, Asfi, should we invite Hermes? He enjoys good company, especially with nice food and drinks…"

Asfi stayed silent for a moment, her expression unchanging. It seemed she wanted a break from Hermes just this once.

"Absolutely not. Now come on."

Leaving no room for argument, Asfi led us toward the Hostess, and I followed her inside. The inn was bustling, though it seemed a bit less crowded than usual.

"Welcome, Niall! And… Perseus, nya! What brings you two here together? Are you looking for someone?"

Anya approached, her tail flicking with interest, eyes gleaming with curiosity. Before I could reply, she got a bonk on the head from Cloe, the black catgirl.

"Stupid! Is that how you greet customers, nya?! Sorry about her—please, take this table, Niall and Asfi, nya."

Anya cried out, hissing in pain as Cloe guided us to a table in the right corner of the tavern. She then hurried off, leaving us under the attentive care of Ryuu, the blonde elf.

"I'll have hot chocolate and another premium steak."

"Just some tea for me, thank you."

Ryuu nodded and left to place our orders. Asfi leaned back in her chair, and as she did, a couple of small cracks sounded from the wooden chair. She blushed slightly, her eyes darting to me.

"Sorry about tha—"

"Don't worry," I said, cutting her off. "I know you work like crazy, so it's perfectly understandable. It just puzzles me a bit that despite your higher level, your body can still feel worn down, like any human's."

Her embarrassment shifted into a mix of confusion and curiosity as she processed my words. Amid the laughter and chatter of the tavern, a brief silence settled over our table.

"I can't tell if you're implying humans are weak, or if you think level 4 is too low a level for someone to achieve," she replied. "Either way, someone at level 4 is leagues above a lower-level person—let alone someone without a blessing."

Our conversation was interrupted as Ryuu returned with our food and drinks, placing them on the table before excusing herself to attend to other customers. Without hesitation, I picked up the hot chocolate and began drinking it with ease.

"How do you not burn yourself drinking that so quickly?!" Asfi looked both bewildered and annoyed, watching as I drank without a hint of discomfort.

Normally, someone would feel serious pain drinking something that hot at such a pace. But I, on the other hand, seemed to be immune to nearly anything this world could throw at me.

I wasn't sure how I'd fare against much higher-leveled adventurers, but the more concerning part was that I didn't yet know if my regenerative abilities had any limitations.

---

An hour passed, and Asfi and I returned home. The familia house was rather empty, as most members were out on secret missions. Hermes, on the other hand, was fast asleep—until we woke him up.

"Oh, you're back! So, Asfi, how's Niall been progressing? If he's getting the hang of things, maybe I could send him on some more important missions involving those quirky sandals of yours."

Hermes threw his arm around my shoulder, grinning as the crystal lights around us filled the room with a warm glow, pushing back the cold outside. In one quick motion, Hermes moved around me, nudging me slightly away from Asfi.

"So, Niall," he began in a conspiratorial whisper, "how about a trip to the Pleasure Quarter tonight? You could relieve some stress, maybe even find a girl you like, hmm?"

His blonde hair swayed as he spoke quietly, trying to avoid Asfi's attention. But she wasn't one to miss anything.

"Hermes... Could you not drag Niall into your usual antics in the Pleasure Quarter?"

Hermes jumped, looking momentarily startled that she'd heard him. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he waved his hands defensively.

"Oh, please, Asfi! We won't get into any trouble, I swear! Niall could use a break to experience the outside world. All he's been doing is diving into the dungeon and attending classes—I want to show him the other side of Orario!"

Hermes raised his arms as though to represent the grandeur of Orario, its culture, and its vibrant traditions. He had a point; I'd spent my time here rather uneventfully, without exploring much of what the city had to offer.

With a sigh of defeat, Asfi turned and walked away, leaving me alone with the sly god. Hermes, brimming with excitement, pulled me along outside. I decided to go with it; a change of scenery couldn't hurt after spending so much time in the dungeon or training.

"Alright, Niall," Hermes said, walking beside me with his hands in his pockets and that ever-present smile," stick close to me because you could get lost in the crowd once we reach the Pleasure Quarter. The place is run by the Ishtar Familia and is packed at night with adventurers looking for the same kind of 'stress relief' I've been talking about."

We strolled through the streets, passing all sorts of people on our way until we reached a gate flanked by two Amazons, guards of the Ishtar Familia. Both wore the revealing outfits typical of Amazons, one holding a spear and the other a sword.

"Are you ready to experience a whole new side of Orario, Niall?"

Hermes grinned ear to ear as he led me toward the gate. It seemed I was in for a long night.

---

Here's Niall's Current Status 

--- STATUS ---

Name: Niall

Race: *REDACTED*

Level: 2

Power: 1230 SS

Survivability: 999 S

Durability: 1429 SS

POWERS

(Force of Authority)

- Gravity Manipulation

The user can increase, or decrease gravitational force in a specific area, pinning enemies to the ground or crushing objects with immense pressure.

- Planetary Devastation (LOCKED)

- Almighty Push (LOCKED)

- Universal Pull 

Create an intense gravitational force that draws objects or people towards the user of this power.

(Hastur's Cloak) Current level protection: 0-3

It allows the user to summon a golden transparent cloak around their body, completely protecting them from any harm below or above their own.

(The Key and the Gate)

The user becomes a master builder, able to manipulate the world's materials with unmatched precision and creativity. By channeling their inner architect, the user can shape the environment around them, creating complex structures with ease.

QUESTS

Defeat Goliath

- Progress: Uncompleted

Unseal the Underwater Dungeon

- Progress: Uncompleted

--- --- ---