Chapter Eighteen

Lost in the labyrinthine-like confines of the underground warehouse, Muichiro wandered in mild confusion.

The pulse of energy he had sensed earlier seemed to have dissipated, leaving him uncertain of its origin.

His stoic exterior revealed no traces of his internal contemplation as he continued to explore the dimly lit space.

He saw all types of products and materials that he hadn't seen before, from cheese to exotic-looking fruits and vegetables.

There were also a lot of crates full of different products, unfortunately, they were sealed shut so he couldn't tell what was inside.

As he walked among the crates and barrels, the warehouse seemed nothing more than a repository for the Demeter familias possessions.

The pulse he had initially detected remained elusive, and he wondered if it had been a fleeting anomaly.

However, just as uncertainty began to take root, another pulse of energy surged through the air.

It was distinct, unmistakable. Muichiro's senses honed in on the source, guiding him toward a particular section of the warehouse.

What stood before him was an unremarkable brick wall, identical to the others that surrounded it.

His gaze remained fixed on the wall, his analytical mind working to understand the puzzle before him.

Why would there be a surge of energy here? His intuition urged him to investigate further, yet he hesitated. The notion of damaging Demeter's property gave him pause.

In the midst of his contemplation, a presence registered in his heightened senses.

Footsteps echoed down the staircase, announcing the arrival of two individuals.

Muichiro turned to face the newcomers, his expression unchanged as Demeter and Cuthbert appeared before him.

Demeter's voice rang out, a mixture of sternness and maternal concern.

"Muichiro, what are you doing down here, why aren't you joining the gathering upstairs?"

She inquired, her brows slightly furrowed as she observed the Muichiro standing before the wall.

Muichiro met her gaze with a level stare, he answered her honestly. "I sensed something unusual here. A pulse of energy," he explained, his tone calm and matter-of-fact.

Demeter's emerald eyes widened slightly, curiosity sparking within them. "Energy? In this warehouse?" She exchanged a quick glance with Cuthbert before focusing her attention back on Muichiro.

"Yes," Muichiro confirmed. "It was here, but now it's fainter. Like something's hiding."

Cuthbert, standing beside Demeter, folded his arms. 'Interesting, Demeter-sama was right, this child is interesting.' he thought inwardly, his eyes sharp as he considered the situation.

Demeter's expression shifted from stern concern to thoughtful contemplation. "You have a keen perception, Muichiro," she acknowledged, her voice holding a note of admiration.

Muichiro nodded in acknowledgement, his eyes flickering to the wall once more. "It felt... different," he mused aloud. "Not like the usual magic I've felt or creatures seen."

Demeter's lips curved into a small smile. "You're not wrong. There are secrets within these walls, secrets that even the most perceptive adventurers might miss." Her voice carried a mysterious undercurrent, hinting at knowledge beyond his current grasp.

Cuthbert cleared his throat, breaking the contemplative atmosphere. "Demeter-Sama I think we should get back to the party upstairs."

Demeter's gaze shifted from Muichiro to Cuthbert, her smile turning brighter. "Of course, Cuthbert." She then looked back at Muichiro, her eyes holding a mixture of amusement and warmth. "Don't worry, Muichiro. There's nothing to fret about. In due time you'll know, that is if you're lucky enough to."

With that, Demeter turned to follow Cuthbert up the staircase, leaving Muichiro with his thoughts and the enigmatic wall.

That was until she held his hand and dragged him with her. She hadn't even asked how he had gone passed the closed gate, maybe she just forgot.

As the trio turned to leave the underground warehouse, a subtle transformation occurred behind them.

The wall that had intrigued Muichiro shimmered briefly with crimson Nordic runes, an ethereal script that faded into obscurity once more.

.....

As the festivities of the welcome party waned, the manor embraced an air of calm once again as everyone made their way back to their homes.

Some members lived in the Manor while others had housing outside the Wheat Manor as well.

The jovial laughter and chatter gradually gave way to the hushed whispers of the night.

Guided by Demeter, Muichiro found himself standing before a door that led to a room, Demeter's Room.

The room was grand, far more opulent than any he had seen before.

The luxurious furnishings and spacious layout were evident at first glance. It was clear that this was Demeter's private quarters, and Muichiro couldn't help but observe the elegance of it all.

Demeter's voice broke through his thoughts, her words holding a warm reassurance. "Since your room isn't ready yet, you'll be staying here with me for the next few nights," she explained, her eyes twinkling with an inexplicable joy.

Muichiro's practical nature grasped the logic behind her suggestion, and he nodded in agreement.

Unbeknownst to him, his easy acceptance brought a sense of accomplishment to Demeter.

"Now, Muichiro," Demeter continued, her tone turning more serious. "It's time for your blessing."

He nodded again, showing his understanding. Blessings were common in Orario, a divine gift bestowed upon adventurers by the gods.

To receive a blessing, one had to bare a part of their body and the blessing was always etched onto the back of a person.

With no hesitation whatsoever, Muichiro removed his haori and the mesh underneath, revealing a physique that contradicted the delicate impression his clothing gave.

Demeter's eyes widened, her cheeks faintly tinged with pink as her gaze traced over the well-defined muscles that graced his frame.

'I didn't expect Muichiro-kun to be so muscular underneath, even when I hugged him I couldn't feel anything.'

She regained her composure quickly, realizing that this was a ritual. She instructed him to lie down on her bed, her voice gentle but tinged with a hint of nervousness.

Muichiro complied, his body stretched out on the comfortable surface.

Demeter positioned herself on the bed as well, perching on his legs with a focused determination.

She produced a thin, sharp needle, and with swift precision, she pricked her finger.

A single droplet of her blood fell onto Muichiro's bare back, the sensation cool against his warm skin.

As the drop of blood made contact, a soft blue light enveloped his back.

Muichiro's senses tingled, a feeling of change coursing through him. He remained still, his gaze focused on the ceiling as the magic of the blessing took effect.

The room seemed to hold its breath as Muichiro's body absorbed the divine energy.

The intricate lettering began to manifest on his back, shimmering like a celestial tattoo.

A captivating image took form – A field of wheat, with a symbol of the sun looking over it and an assortment of different fruits at the bottom.

Time passed quickly, and the ritual was finally coming to an end.