Beating

--- Ren's POV ---

On this eventful day, numerous individuals found themselves leaving the vicinity of the Loki Familia, their bodies adorned with a tapestry of bruises and injuries.

Once the executives of the Familia made their appearance, the tranquil personas of Finn and Riveria prevailed as they calmly urged the onlookers to retreat, assuring them that a formal statement would be issued in due time to shed light on the unfolding events.

Then there were the formidable quartet: Ais, myself, and unsurprisingly, Tiona and Bete.

With Ais fully immersed in her competitive mindset, she eschewed any conversation, unleashing a torrent of punches and kicks upon those unfortunate enough to cross her path.

I couldn't help but burst into laughter, the sound reaching the ears of those present. However, I quickly employed a guise of illusion, ensuring my anonymity for any future encounters. Yet, I couldn't resist taunting them a little further.

"For those who wish to avoid a thrashing, I suggest you depart promptly while I'm still feeling generous!"

As my words flowed, I casually flicked my finger, directing a precise strike toward a Level 3 adventurer.

The force propelled his body straight toward the gate, inadvertently sweeping along a cluster of unsuspecting individuals in his wake. Over ten people stumbled and crumpled upon reaching their unintended destination, their faces etched with astonishment and disbelief.

I calculated the exact amount of force required to orchestrate such a spectacle, akin to a skilled bowler achieving a perfect strike. The amusement that bubbled within me was undeniable, and I couldn't help but revel in the unconventional display of power.

"Wow! You're so strong, Re--"

Tiona's exclamation was abruptly silenced by my deft employment of illusion magic. With a weary sigh, I reminded her, through subtle gestures, to refrain from mentioning my name while I maintained the charade.

Dissolving my magic, I permitted her to continue speaking.

"...Let's spar sometimes!"

Her words carried a simple and unwavering enthusiasm, a reflection of her unrestrained love for combat.

Now freed, Tiona eagerly seized hold of an adventurer within her grip, emulating my earlier maneuver with remarkable ease.

She effortlessly propelled them towards the gate, sending unfortunate souls hurtling through the air.

Witnessing this spectacle, the remaining onlookers swiftly opted for a strategic retreat. None among them possessed the audacity, let alone the formidable strength of a Level 6 adventurer, to engage in battle against such a formidable force.

Naturally, a cacophony of protests erupted, decrying our supposed aggression and threatening to report our actions. Yet, who truly cared?

They were the ones who brazenly trespassed, acting as if they owned the place. I doubted they would even follow through with their threats and report us to the Guild.

It would be quite amusing to witness the Guild Head's laughter as these intruders expected the Guild to intervene against the Loki Familia.

Unless the Loki Familia committed heinous crimes like unleashing monsters upon Orario or wantonly massacring innocent lives, the Guild would always side with the Familia. After all, it's all about the money in the end.

It didn't take long for the crowd to disperse once I issued a stern warning, making it clear that those lingering outside the gates would be subject to a merciless thrashing. With no promise of discovering the identity of the enigmatic newcomer, curiosity waned, prompting them to abandon their futile pursuit of information.

While many pondered my true identity, the Loki Familia boasted an array of accomplished adventurers, thereby affording me the luxury of blending in seamlessly with the crowd.

Purposefully obscuring my features, I ensured that my appearance would not attract undue attention. If I ventured into the public eye, I would not be bothered in this way.

Lost in contemplation, I suddenly found myself interrupted by a resolute voice cutting through the air.

"...I won."

Ah, right. In the midst of my enjoyment, I had quite forgotten about our "friendly" competition to determine who could evict the most individuals.

"Indeed, you have emerged victorious. I concede defeat" I declared, raising my hands in acknowledgment, a smile playing upon my lips.

"As the victor, you may request anything of me."

Although, truthfully, I would have answered any of her inquiries regardless of the outcome.

It struck me as amusing to witness the gravity with which she regarded her triumph as if she had won some illustrious prize.

My words appeared to perplex Ais, causing her to cast her gaze downwards, lost in contemplation.

There was no need for her to take it so seriously...

Yet, I allowed my Angel the space to contemplate, knowing full well that I could wait patiently for eternity, simply reveling in the sight of her captivating visage.

"I want...you to train me. Please..."

Her request was deceptively simple, yet it did not sit well with me. I playfully tapped her head with such light force that it could barely squish a fly.

"Now, who's the Idiot here? I went through all the trouble of making that declaration to your Goddess, ensuring her compliance, and now you want me to train you as a reward? Ask for something else! Surely, there is another desire burning within you, am I not mistaken?"

The surprise etched across her face upon being called an Idiot nearly compelled me to burst into laughter. Oh, the irony! You've called me that not once, but twice. It seems only fitting I settle the score!

My smile carried an unmistakable sense of purpose, causing her expression to transform into one of sheer wonderment. Embracing the utmost sincerity, she promptly revised her request.

"I...wish to eat...Jagamarukun."

I nodded in approval.

"Shall we depart immediately, then? I will cast a simple illusion to alleviate any concerns..."

She nodded eagerly, enticed by the idea. However, before we departed, I directed my gaze toward Finn, who wore a troubled expression for various reasons. It was evident that he believed there were numerous matters still requiring discussion, but I swiftly dismissed his concerns, offering a simple explanation.

"You must all be itching to have a private discussion about what to do with me next, am I correct? This is the perfect opportunity for all of you. And Bete, if you dare look at me like that again, I'll gladly teach you another lesson."

I paid no mind to their doubts or their desire for secretive deliberations. I felt it was essential for Ais to have some time to relax, to cast aside the weight of being a resolute Level 6 adventurer burdened by a grand revenge. Although I couldn't alleviate her responsibilities, I hoped that my presence would grant her a small respite.

Naturally, Finn simply let out a resigned sigh and nodded.

"...Yes, it's fine, Ren. Go out with Ais and protect her. I...entrust her to you."

Behind Finn's words, it seemed there lay a depth that slipped through, prompting me to fix my gaze upon him as I reciprocated the nod.

"Rest assured. Even if the world itself were to crumble, I would ensure Ais survives by holding up the sky."

My words cut through the gathered individuals, leaving an indelible impression...

Taking Ais' hand in mine, I urged her forward despite my longing to relish in the sight of her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue.

"Well, Ais, shall we make a dash for it? I promise to restrain myself to your level, considering you're a bit slow..."

Taunting her playfully, I let out a chuckle, reigniting Ais' competitive spirit once more.

Observing this exchange, Finn simply shook his head and ushered the others back inside the mansion...

I couldn't fathom his thoughts, but there was a peculiar anticipation within me that, in time, we might forge a bond of friendship.

---

Author's Note:

Sorry to everyone, but today you'll only have this one chapter. I still need to study over 300 pages of stuff I still didn't study and tomorrow I should have an exam, so I just squeezed this chap.

Also, regarding Ais and Ren's relationship, you can already see how it's slowly evolving. I don't plan this to be a super fast thing where Ais and Ren immediately go and head to the bedroom together. Remember, Ais IS still too young, mentally.

She understands love like I understand math.

No..wait, she understands love better than I understand math, my mistake.

Apart from jokes, the relationship will grow, but meanwhile, we'll have to deal with many matters that will come to light soon. As someone in the comments said, this novel does have a "dark" tag, so be aware of that.

Reminder: Anyone wishing to help me with the server discord, please tell me! I would be glad if anyone helped.

From the day after tomorrow, you can expect a huge load of chaps.

That's all

Peace.