Who is She?

--- Ren's POV ---

I had successfully procured the critical information I sought about Malachi and the scheme of the Forgotten Ones. Their grand design, while sinister and elaborate, wouldn't be executed in the Danmachi World for quite a while. It seemed they were willing to play the long game, maneuvering the pieces of fate to suit their ambitions. Yet, this intricate plot wasn't the most pressing matter occupying my thoughts.

The sheer audacity of these individuals left me dumbfounded. Imagine being so consumed by wounded pride that you'd orchestrate the loss of countless lives, all to exact revenge on Ais for merely besting you once. It was almost laughable how their quest for dominance and superiority had devolved into such a convoluted and nefarious scheme.

These misguided individuals clung to the notion that mortals were inherently inferior, destined to grovel under the shadow of the Gods above. It was reminiscent of an overbearing parent lecturing their child to reach aspirations they could never attain by themselves...

Their need to oppress and belittle mortals to reaffirm their own fragile sense of superiority was a pitiable display.

In contrast, the approach of some of the Gods and Goddesses who chose to reside among mortals in the Danmachi World was a refreshing approach. While the prevailing sentiment held that Gods were eternally elevated above mortals, instances of benevolence and genuine interaction between deities and mortals stood as a testament to the potential for a more harmonious coexistence.

My thoughts wandered as I observed a display before me that any Hestia fan would grovel at - Hestia and Bell cuddling and even kissing, an intimate moment they seemingly believed was well hidden from prying eyes.

Little did they know, my sensory abilities extended far beyond their perception. Irritation prickled within me, not from their affection, but from my desire for a semblance of privacy with my own partner. The nagging realization that I needed quality time with my girlfriend gnawed at my mind, eclipsing the gravity of my previous revelations.

No matter. I'd address this situation in due course. My current temptation to ascend and obliterate the sources of all this trouble needed to be contained. Succumbing to such impulses might jeopardize my ability to navigate this world as I desired. The reckoning could wait; vengeance didn't demand immediate action.

...This train of thought was met with trembling hands and biting lips until I drew blood. I can't bear exposing Ais to danger only because I want to be selfish, but I still didn't have enough time with her to leave.

Just as I was about to make my way back to Ais, calming myself down in the process, my intentions were abruptly halted by an unexpected voice. I froze in place, my actions arrested as my gaze shifted to the source.

Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that my eyes widened, involuntarily conveying my surprise.

"...Long time no see, Ren. How have you been for the past 800 years?"

The words hung in the air, resonating with a familiarity that echoed through the corridors of time. My gaze locked with those golden eyes, an unspoken connection forming in an instant.

She was...

Coincidentally, I could see Ais as it seemed she also wanted to see me, but she "caught" this situation and her words, which was a really good way to misunderstand everything.

Ais' irises brimmed with question marks and jealousy.

Cute...

No wait, if I don't explain this, I'm going to die early...

--- Misha's POV, A few minutes before Ren killed Dix ---

I have to admit, the moment it dawned on me that the unassuming individual I had registered as an adventurer was none other than the revealed executive of the Loki Familia, it was a genuine shock.

I found myself taken aback because he had come across as entirely ordinary, blending into the backdrop like countless others. Yet, upon retrospection, that was exactly what made him stand out oddly.

Perhaps he was overcompensating in his effort to exude 'normalcy,' or maybe there was a fleeting instant when I sensed an incongruity but dismissed it without a second thought...

That was a bit unnatural, though, as I wouldn't usually dismiss such an important feeling without a second thought-

"...Excuse me? Can you tell me the whereabouts of Ren Von Seraphis? You must be familiar with him, right?"

I was jerked out of my reverie, my sigh escaping involuntarily. Oddly enough, the normally bustling Guild was deserted, so it was impossible to miss her until she came to talk to me. I couldn't fathom why I hadn't heard the woman, who posed the question, step through the entrance.

In a hasty bid to respond, I began, "...He's currently engaged on the frontlines-"

My words trailed off abruptly as in my line of sight, I saw something beyond this world.

The woman before me defied the very mold of those who typically frequented the Guild. My gaze zeroed in on her flawless hand, devoid of any ruggedness or wear. It was almost as if she had just walked out of a lavish beauty parlor.

Her hair, a resplendent shade of gold, a rarity even among adventurers I've encountered during my rather long time here. And those eyes, like pools of liquid gold, magnified her allure to an almost otherworldly level. I struggled to maintain eye contact, feeling an unusual flush creeping up my cheeks.

Was this how a Goddess of Love or Charm would make you feel? Scary...

Still, who in the world was she?

Before I could ask, it seemed she was already satisfied with that information

"I see. Thank you for the information!"

Her smile, radiant as the sun, deepened my discomposure.

My face was now entirely red.

I'm pretty sure I'm straight, so why was I feeling this way?

Why do these enigmatic individuals always gravitate toward me? Am I a magnet for formidable people?

Yet, my bewilderment escalated further when my colleagues, seemingly oblivious to her presence, questioned if I was alright. Bafflement mirrored across my face as I interrogated them on what they saw, only to be met with perplexed head tilts. It was as though they couldn't see her at all, even though she was here...

Tilting my head back to face her, my eyebrows twitched as I realized she was not there anymore. It was as if she had disappeared.

...Could my concern for them have driven me to the brink of hallucination?