Level 2

As the two kept discussing some issue or another, it was soon time for Ryuu to head home. Before he left, he made sure to ask Ais one thing.

"Could you ask Tiona if she wants to join us as well? I'd be grateful if she did."

He could not trust anyone better than her in the Loki Familia. Although Ais did not wish to harm him anymore, as the misunderstanding was cleared up, he still felt his trust would not be betrayed if it was her.

At his words, Ais tilted her head before nodding. It wasn't clear to her why he would specifically ask for Tiona, but since his gaze was so determined and there was no actual harm, she nodded. More high-level adventurers could guarantee more safety, after all.

Lefiya knew much better than Ais what his words implied, though she did not comment on it since the latter was not the target…

"Thanks."

He thanked her before choosing to leave. He still had some other adventurers to ask before he returned home, though he would not have much difficulty 'recruiting' them as none of them was in bad terms with him, the reason why he asked them in the first place.

---

"I'll have to discuss it with the Captain, though I'm sure since Hestia-sama agreed, there is no reason for us to refuse."

As news of the Hestia Familia expedition reached many ears, even Demeter herself heard it. Her first reaction was like many, though her intentions were not all focused on benefits. After all, she still held a somewhat pure heart. News of Ryuu recruiting high-level adventurers also spread since he did not exactly make it a secret, which convinced her to talk with Hestia and send some of her members to help them out.

They were not an exploration-type familia, but strength was necessary even for them, as otherwise, their business would be taken by someone else. Sending some of them on an expedition could be helpful for them as their adventurers could train more.

To receive her, Hestia unexpectedly asked Luna to manage the conversation. After Ryuu told them of his plan, she felt Luna's shoulders would be burdened with a lot of pressure, so she tried to have her prepare herself for it with small things.

Though this was, in reality, something she did to ease her worry, she did not know if Luna could fulfil the role of Commander…

'What a beautiful mortal…'

Demeter was not an idiot. She could guess there was some kind of reason for Hestia to stay silent and let an adventurer of her Familia engage in conversation with her, though she was not bothered by it in the slightest. She could also appreciate how refined her overall appearance was. If Luna was not introduced as an adventurer, Demeter would have mistaken her for a Goddess…

"That is good. Then, our Familia will do its best to support you. I know they are in good hands."

She smiled as no one would be unhappy with these arrangements, this being something everyone in the room knew, which is why the conversation was this smooth in the first place…

After Demeter left the Hestia Familia Manor, Luna sighed.

"I told you, Hestia-sama. I appreciate you worrying about me, but I-"

Before she could continue, Ryuu opened the door with a smile since he had gained much useful information regarding Magic.

"I'm home. Hestia-sama, let's level up!"

Both Hestia and Luna looked at him. The latter's face broke into a small smile as she saw Hestia gulping nervously. It was not surprising for her to struggle to keep her calm, given that so many things occurred each time a [Status Update] went through.

"Welcome home. Let's go." Hestia said, ignoring Luna's amused gaze as she knew this was somewhat of a 'weakness' she could never get rid of.

———

--- Status ---

•Name: Ryuu

•Level: 2

•Strength: I0

•Endurance: I0

•Dexterity: I0

•Agility: I0

•Magic: I0

•[Dragon's Fury]

•[Celestial Flame]

•[Frozen Land]

•[Mage] : I

--- Status ---

After the update, he reached level 2 without any issues. He wanted to test his magic a bit further, but since he had already been doing so for almost the entire day, he decided to postpone it for the next day since they still had some time before the expedition.

"To celebrate our level-ups, let's eat out tonight"

Ryuu suggested, looking at Luna with a warm gaze. He knew that when an adventurer of the Familia levelled up, it was mostly an act of friendship to party for a bit. Although he didn't feel there was a real need to do so, he wanted to spend some time with them outside since their routine had been somewhat dull recently.

"Why not? Let's go!" Hestia exclaimed, feeling similar feelings as Ryuu. Her part-time work occupied some of her time each day, and now that they could finally 'relax' for a while, she wanted to enjoy this time with her Familia.

"I-I want to go as well," Haruhime said, entering the room with some anxiety. She had been resting, but since Ryuu had come home, she also wanted to welcome him. However, the atmosphere around the three prevented her from doing so. It took all her courage even to utter these words.

'I hope I'm not a bother…'

Though her worries were unnecessary.

"Sure, why not. Let's all go out as a Familia then," Ryuu said with a smile, appreciating Haruhime's unwavering will and determination. He never had any particular hard feelings towards her, so there was no reason for her not to be considered a part of the family in the real sense of the word. The only thing stopping her from integrating completely was herself.

The other two had similar thoughts, and they all left for a pub to celebrate. They still didn't know that their first expedition wouldn't go smoothly, even with Ryuu's insane preparation.

---

Notes:

- Sorry for being so late, I had one of the last exams of my degree. I couldn't afford any spare time..