Chapter Thirty

After Demeter's announcement cleared up the misconceptions, life within the familia settled back into its usual rhythm.

The members' reactions to Muichiro varied, reflecting a mix of scepticism from some of the girls, while the men exhibited a blend of admiration and even a tinge of jealousy.

Muichiro, ever unfazed by these reactions, carried on with his daily routine.

Following his morning training session, Muichiro ventured towards the dungeon entrance.

The minor turmoil from earlier that day was as insignificant as a fleeting breeze to him. His focus remained unbroken, his demeanor calm, as he approached the looming entrance to Babel.

However, just as he was about to cross into the dungeon, a voice echoed behind him, prompting him to halt and turn around.

The familiar face of the pallum he had once saved from the trio of aggressive adventurers emerged from the crowd.

The pallum, catching his breath, looked at Muichiro with eyes brimming with gratitude and recognition.

"Finally, I found you," the pallum exclaimed, his voice carrying a mix of relief and excitement.

Muichiro tilted his head slightly, his memory momentarily failing him. "Who are you?" he asked, his tone genuinely inquisitive.

"..."

The memory of their past encounter had apparently slipped his mind, consumed by the constant flow of new experiences he faced.

The pallum's expression shifted, a mix of surprise and realization dawning on his face.

He blinked, momentarily taken aback by Muichiro's forgetfulness. Collecting himself, he offered a warm smile. "I'm the pallum you helped out in the alley a while ago."

Recognition flickered in Muichiro's eyes as he pieced together the memory. "Ah, I see," he repeated, the name settling into his memory once again.

The Pallums' smile widened, relieved that the memory had been jogged. "Yes, that's right! I can't believe you don't remember," he chuckled, a sense of amazement still colouring his tone.

Muichiro's expression remained unchanged, his monotone voice offering a simple explanation. "I don't retain emotions or memories as others do."

The Pallum's surprise shifted into curiosity as he processed this information. "Is that so? Well, regardless, I'm really grateful for what you did for me back then," he said earnestly. "You saved me from those adventurers, and I wanted to thank you properly."

Muichiro's eyes met the pallums, his gaze steady and unreadable. "You're welcome," he replied simply.

"..."

Muichiro wasn't a man of many words.

The Pallum took a deep breath, his voice filled with a mixture of emotions. "My name is Alan. "

Recognition flickered briefly in Muichiro's eyes, though his expression remained unchanged. "Alan..."

Alan's eyes were earnest as he continued, "I was in a pretty bad spot that day, and if it weren't for you, I don't know what would've happened. I've been trying to find you and express my gratitude."

Muichiro's response was as enigmatic as ever. "You've found me."

A hesitant smile tugged at the corners of Alan's lips. "Yeah, I have. Thanks again for that day. You're a really strong adventurer, aren't you?"

Muichiro's gaze remained fixed on Alan. "I have trained."

Alan's eyes shone with admiration. "I wish I could be as strong as you one day. Maybe even join a familia and make a name for myself."

Muichiro's attention seemed to shift, his gaze turning slightly distant.

Alan's enthusiasm was evident as he continued, "I'm actually thinking of trying to join the Demeter Familia. They seem to accept more normal people, I've tried joining the other familias but I haven't the talent nor strength to do so."

Muichiro's expression remained neutral, though a faint glint of curiosity flashed in his eyes. "I'm part of the Demeter Familia."

Alan's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, really? That's amazing! Do you think you could introduce me to them?"

Muichiro nodded slightly. "I can arrange that."

Alan's smile was bright and genuine. "Thank you so much! I can't believe I actually found you. This is like fate or something!"

Muichiro's response was concise. "Perhaps."

As the two conversed, Muichiro's aura of unflappable calmness seemed to contrast with Alan's vibrant energy.

Despite their differences, it didn't feel unnatural nor did his energy and bubbly personality bother Muichiro.

"Anyway, I'll be heading to the Guild soon to try and join the Demeter Familia, put in a good word for me," Alan exclaimed, his excitement palpable. "Maybe we'll see each other there?"

Muichiro's nodded."Until then...Alan."

With a wave and a grateful expression, Alan turned and headed off, leaving Muichiro to continue on his path.

As the world moved around him, Muichiro's calm presence remained unshaken.

After Alan left Muichiro to do his thing he could help but curse at himself.

He silently berated himself for not taking the chance to ask Muichiro the question he had been mulling over.

He had contemplated becoming Muichiro's disciple/supporter, but he just didn't have the courage to do so. The regret gnawed at him, but he vowed to find another opportunity in the future.

Meanwhile, Muichiro continued with his routine, heading towards the dungeon as he usually did.

The first four floors posed little challenge to him, and he moved through them with the ease and confidence of someone who had become accustomed to the labyrinth's terrain.

His steps were steady, his katana at his side, and his senses alert to any potential threats.

However, as he ventured deeper into the labyrinth, he encountered something unusual, a creature that stood out among the usual denizens of the dungeon.

The creature was known as a Jack Bird, a rare monster resembling a rooster with vibrant yellow-green feathers.

Unlike the aggressive monsters he often faced, the Jack Bird was known for its remarkable lightning-fast speed and its tendency to flee at the slightest sign of danger.

Muichiro's eyes caught the gleam of the creature, and his focus sharpened. The potential reward of its drop item, said to be worth a substantial amount, didn't escape him. A calculated determination settled within him as he observed the creature's behaviour.

*Baa, Kakaka*(Cocky Jack Bird noises.)

The Jack Bird sensed something amiss and made a darting movement, its agility evident as it began to flee.

To others, it would seem like the bird just disappeared but to Muichiro he saw every movement...

Without hesitation, Muichiro's eyes narrowed, his focus shifting as he prepared to pursue the rare creature.

A surge of energy coursed through his body, and his surroundings seemed to blur as if time itself had quickened.

A faint hum of electricity resonated around him as blue lightning crackled along his form. In an instant, he was a blur of motion, his speed matching the elusive creature's.

[Nature's Blessing - Active: Thunder Breathing First Form: Thunderclap and Flash]

As the Jack Bird took off in a desperate sprint, Muichiro's determination to catch it surged.

His movements were precise, his steps guided by an unspoken understanding of the labyrinth's twists and turns. He closed the distance between them with astonishing swiftness, his pursuit relentless.

The spectacle that unfolded that day left witnesses in awe. Tales of a lightning spirit chasing after a rare bird circulated through the city, the truth shrouded in mystery.

...

Hours passed as Muichiro and the Jack Bird weaved through the labyrinth's corridors.

Eventually, the Jack Bird's stamina waned, its once-impressive speed faltering.

Muichiro's hand reached out, his fingers closing around the creature's feathers as he finally caught up to it.

He held the Jack Bird gently but firmly, his breath steady as he regarded his quarry.

With the Jack Bird now in his grasp, Muichiro's mission was complete.

'I wonder what it would taste like, maybe if I bring it to May she could cook it.' Muichiros mouth salivated at the thought.

Muichiro however completely forgot that the Jack Bird was a monster and not a normal chicken.

*Ba Kaaaaa!!!*( Sad Jack Bird noises.)

...

(Rip Jack Bird!!!)

(Bird Picture)