chapter 129 meeting Goddess Astraea

As dawn broke, the soft light of the early morning sun filtered through the windows of the Astraea Familia's home. Sasuke, already awake, stood by the window, his gaze fixed on the horizon as he tried to piece together the memories of this world known as Danmachi. Familiar yet distant images and events played through his mind, blending with his own experiences.

A soft knock on the door disrupted his thoughts. Without turning, he waved his hand, and the door gently creaked open. Alise stepped into the room, her usual spirited demeanor tempered by a seriousness that caught Sasuke's attention.

"Sasuke," she said, her voice steady, "Goddess Astraea is waiting. Follow me."

He nodded and followed her through the quiet halls until they reached a modest room where Goddess Astraea was seated, her depressing presence filling the space as she waited for an explanation. Ryuu was already there, sitting quietly in the corner, her expression unreadable.

The silence hung heavy until Alise finally spoke, her voice breaking the stillness. "Goddess Astraea," she began, her voice trembling with shame, "a few days ago, we were ambushed by a group of adventurers. Our fight caused a lot of damage to the dungeon, which led to the appearance of the Juggernaut." Closing her eyes, Alise continued, "I-I tried to stop him, but..." Her voice faltered as she finally started to shed tears.

Astraea approached Alise and gently embraced her. "Alise," she said softly, "you've done everything you could. The outcome was not your fault."

"But I couldn't stop the Juggernaut," Alise replied, her voice trembling. "I've let everyone down."

Astraea's eyes held a mixture of sadness and understanding. "It's not your fault. Sometimes, even our best efforts cannot prevent the inevitable."

"You can cry for now," Astraea continued, her voice gentle, "but be prepared. You have to be brave for the people who are still alive."

Alise nodded, her sobs slowly subsiding. Astraea then shifted her gaze to Sasuke. Her expression was cautious, as if she was weighing the presence of the boy who had suddenly appeared in her Familia. She couldn't see into his soul, but her experience told her that he lacked any sense of justice.

"While I don't understand the role you played in the events that transpired," Astraea began, her voice tinged with concern, "I need to know who you are and what your intentions are before we can discuss our next steps."

Sasuke met her gaze, aware that this was a pivotal moment. He couldn't reveal everything—but he could offer enough to satisfy the goddess's concerns.

"Originally, I just planned to help Ryuu," Sasuke began, his expression softening as he looked at Ryuu. "But now I've changed my mind. It would be a waste of her talent if I let her continue to be just a simple adventurer."

Astraea's expression softened slightly. "She is already more than an adventurer," she replied. "It would be better if you could clarify your true intentions."

"I have walked a path of vengeance for most of my life," Sasuke continued, his voice cold and measured. "Even now, I haven't completed my revenge, simply because I was worried about the emptiness it would bring me. Of course, I didn't become some fool. Even now, I'm planning how to make their lives more miserable. But Ryuu is different. She's someone who could take revenge without hesitation, but wouldn't kill a god." He paused, considering his next words carefully. "I'm going to make her a god-slayer... and also one of my lovers."

Astraea raised an eyebrow at the mention of a god-slayer, her mind working through his words. She could sense the truth in them, though she knew there was much he wasn't saying. "She is not someone who could raise her blade against the gods. We fight for justice. We seek to protect the innocent and uphold the principles of peace."

Sasuke's expression grew agitated. "She won't kill a god because she's not desperate. I don't mind using illusions to make her feel that same pain again and again. I believe after an entire night of watching her friends die over and over, she'll have enough hatred."

"You seem quite experienced in such matters," Astraea noted cautiously.

Sasuke smirked, a dark glint in his eyes. "You're right. I am quite experienced. Just a few days of watching everyone you care about die again and again was enough."

Astraea listened to him in silence, her concern deepening. She realized that this boy was far more dangerous than she initially thought. "Have you ever thought about asking her what she wants to do?"

Sasuke, hearing this, made his way to the corner where Ryuu was sitting. He sat beside her and lifted her face to meet his gaze. "How long are you going to stay like this? Do you want me to send you back into the dungeon?"

Ryuu's body began to shake in fear as memories flooded back. She tried to pull away, but Sasuke's grip was firm.

"Do you want to lose everyone around you before you come out of this fear?" Sasuke said in a low voice, filling his words with magic to guide her emotions. "Are you going to pretend nothing happened or take a knife?"

Astraea, watching this exchange, finally spoke. "Is this your way of asking her?"

"If you have a better way, you could teach me," Sasuke replied without breaking his gaze from Ryuu.