[93] Useless System is Useless Goddess!

Aiden closed his novel and settled into a comfortable position.

"System, oh system, when can I return?" Aiden casually addressed the seemingly unresponsive system as though it were a magical mirror.

Just as Aiden was about to turn off the lights and sleep, expecting the system to continue ignoring him, a voice suddenly echoed in his mind.

[Upon the host's arrival in this world, coordinates were automatically obtained. Upon completing all trials and unlocking additional functions, you may choose to return.]

"Damn, you finally respond? I can come back? Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Startled by the unexpected voice of the system, Aiden, who had grown accustomed to its indifference, jolted upright from his bed.

[After the completion of trials in this world, the host did not inquire further.]

The system's voice remained mechanical and cold.

"I must be stupid, really. To expect anything from you, thinking you're some intelligent system. System, instead of using a voice that makes you seem intelligent, you should use the voice of Artificial Idiot Ai-chan." Aiden slapped his forehead, sighed, and then lay back down.

[Does the host wish to use the voice of Artificial Idiot Ai-chan as the system's voice?]

"Do it with Aqua's voice if you're so capable!" Aiden quipped, feeling exasperated.

[Does the host wish to use Aqua's voice as the system's voice?]

Aiden found the system's voice particularly eerie at this moment.

"Alright, system, you win. Use Aqua's voice then. Besides the color, you're essentially the same." Aiden said nonchalantly.

[Understood, host.]

The system's voice indeed shifted to what Aiden remembered as Aqua's tone.

"You win. From now on, I'll call you Aqua." Aiden said wearily to the system now using Aqua's voice.

[Understood, host. System name has been changed to Aqua.]

"Now, what's the time ratio between the 'Earth' world and the other worlds I've crossed into?" Aiden asked the crucial question.

If time were to flow too quickly, by the time Aiden returned, everything might have changed beyond recognition. Perhaps only Hestia would remain, which would take much of the fun out of it.

[This world is the only mission world in this universe. The other mission worlds are not within the same universe, are completely unrelated, and lack any frame of reference for comparison. Therefore, their time ratios cannot be speculated upon. Beyond the universe, time has no meaning.]

"So, you mean only two worlds with a connection can determine the time ratio?" Aiden inquired.

[The host can understand it that way.]

"Alright, impossible to know the time ratio. By the time I come back, Bell's grandchildren might already be adults, or maybe just a second would have passed. The only certainty is that Hestia will still be there when I return." Aiden mused, resting his head on his arm.

"The plot has changed. Hestia is no longer part of Bell's harem, meaning his Hestia Knife is out of the picture. Who knows how much else the plot will change? But since I can come back, I'll have to change my plans. I must properly train Bell, at least ensuring he's not weaker than in the original. Only then can he continue as the inheritor of the Hestia Familia after I'm gone, instead of sadly disbanding." 

Though he said not to call him a captain, Aiden was indeed thinking like one.

"Tomorrow, I'll buy him a set of equipment. Before leaving, I'll leave him enough valis. With the Golden Rule at my disposal, I can easily earn money in any world." Aiden stroked his smooth chin, lost in thought.

"With Bell's talent, I don't need to worry much about his strength. What concerns me more is his excessive kindness. If someone with ill intentions takes advantage of him, the consequences could be unpredictable."

"But why do I, with this fatherly mindset, feel this way? Does a main character like Bell really need me to worry about him?" Aiden chuckled self-deprecatingly at the thought.

"Sleep now. Tomorrow marks the first outing with the rookie." Aiden reached out and switched off the bedside lamp.

The next morning dawned clear and bright, the sun rising from the eastern sky over Orario's towering walls, awakening the slumbering city. The landmarks of Orario, the towering gray-white tower extending from the city center, the majestic and great site where adventurers gathered, and the circular arena rivaling Rome's Colosseum all bathed in the warm hues of the morning sun, casting a serene glow over the city.

"Aiden-kun, today is Bell-kun's first time going to the dungeon. Please take good care of him." Hestia reminded Aiden at the door.

"Don't worry. You doubt my abilities?" Aiden reassured her. "I won't take him to the middle levels. Let's go, Bell."

"Alright, Senpai. Goodbye, Hestia-sama." Bell quickly caught up and waved to Hestia before following Aiden.

"Safe travels!" Hestia waved her right hand.

"Don't worry." Aiden replied curtly, without turning back, raising his right hand briefly.

Bathed in the golden morning sun, Aiden led Bell towards the dungeon.

The residents of Orario had awakened from their nightly activities, energized and ready for a new day of work. Many citizens and adventurers bustled along the streets, creating a lively atmosphere.

Amidst the bustling crowd of adventurers, Aiden and Bell's figures stood out.

Gazing at the towering Babel, not far ahead, Aiden turned to Bell and said, "Bell, come here. I have something to tell you."

Aiden began the training he had planned the previous night.

"Yes, Senpai." Bell hurried over to Aiden's side.

Rather than walking side by side with Aiden, Bell followed closely behind him.

"You came to Orario to meet beautiful girls in the dungeon. That's a noble dream. You know, I have indeed encountered beautiful girls too, though my encounters were not as glamorous; I was the one who received help." Aiden reminisced, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"Yeah, I want to be like Senpai in that regard." Bell responded eagerly.

Aiden sensed a tinge of envy in Bell's words, but it didn't deter him from continuing his training.

"Then give it your all. But as your Senpai, there are some things I must tell you." Aiden said, his tone serious.

"Yes, Senpai. Please go ahead." Bell nodded.

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