[69] Effect
At this moment, Aiden was in the kitchen, deep in thought about how to continue the conversation once he returned to the living room.
"Ah, they're both characters that didn't appear in the anime. What should I say to them? Should I thank them for delivering the swords, then ask if they like the tea? Talk about their professions? Or pretend I need to use the restroom?" Aiden pondered as he boiled the water.
Meanwhile, in the living room.
"Of course, it's directly from Hephaestus herself. We're just the delivery guys, you know?" Leonard chuckled softly.
"But that's nine million valis." Emlyn sighed feeling a bit distressed.
"Come on, this is Hephaestus' decision. The forging techniques used on that Durandal in your hand gave her quite an inspiration right before we left. It's basically tuition, got it? Or are you thinking of skimming off the top? Fine by me, we can split it fifty-fifty." Leonard teased, shifting his legs comfortably.
"I-I'm not! Don't say such things." Emlyn stood up nervously.
"Haha, I'm just messing with you. Don't I know you by now?" Leonard ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head with a smile.
"Cut it out." Emlyn huffed, turning away, not wanting to engage further. Inside, he felt a bit aggrieved, thinking, "I'm just worried about that nine million valis in tuition fees. Who knows if Hephaestus is just making up an excuse to help Hestia? Otherwise, why would she suddenly have an epiphany just before we left?"
"You worry too much. Do you really think Hephaestus is that kind of goddess? Why did she kick Hestia out in the first place, and help her find a place to stay and a job? To make her self-sufficient, of course." Leonard explained, realizing he might have gone too far.
"Besides, aren't we clear on Hephaestus' principles? Instead of getting hung up on this, why not focus on how to improve your skills?" Leonard added.
"Alright, alright, I get it. I'll start researching as soon as we get back." Emlyn sighed looking a bit dejected.
"That's the spirit. After we finish the tea and hand over the swords, we'll head back." Leonard gazing at the chandelier above.
"Here you go, gentlemen." Aiden finally returned to the living room, carrying a cup of tea and a glass of water after much contemplation.
"Thank you." They both said in unison, accepting their drinks.
"Here are your swords. Sorry for the delay," Leonard blowing on his tea before taking a sip, and then presenting Dragon Slayer to Aiden.
Dragon Slayer had undergone a significant transformation, possibly due to a misunderstanding of Aiden's tastes. It was now exceptionally ornate. The dark red hilt was wrapped with gold and black threads, and the end of the hilt was adorned with a dragon-shaped carving. The dark gold guard was intricately patterned, and the scabbard was lavishly decorated.
"And this one." Emlyn quickly handed Durandal to Aiden.
"Thank you." Aiden accepts both Dragon Slayer and Durandal, then stands up.
"Please wait a moment, I'll go upstairs to get the money."
"No need for that. Hephaestus told us not to accept your payment." Leonard took another sip of his tea.
"Huh, what's going on?" Aiden asked with surprise.
Then, Leonard explained in detail the recent epiphany that Hephaestus had experienced.
"Really? How could I accept this?" Aiden said as he started to head upstairs, all the while thinking to himself, "Wow, could this be the Golden Rule effect? It saved me nine million valis!"
Aiden could only silently marvel at the terrifying power of the Golden Rule.
"Please, don't do that. Hephaestus specifically instructed us not to take your money. She said it was her principle." Leonard quickly added.
"Alright then. Please thank Hephaestus for me." Aiden realizing he had no choice but to comply, then returned to the sofa.
After some more small talk, Aiden saw Leonard and Emlyn out.
He immediately rushed back to the living room and picked up Dragon Slayer.
The hilt, wrapped in silk threads, felt comfortable in his hand, though it was still a bit heavy for him at the moment. Drawing the sword from its scabbard, he admired the dark red blade adorned with intricate, wave-like patterns and the razor-sharp edge that gleamed menacingly.
"Dragon Slayer, from today on, we are the closest of partners." Aiden whispered to the sword.
Slowly sheathing the sword, Aiden contemplated how to spend the rest of his day. "Should I go to the dungeon? Continue reading the grimoire? Or go out and further test the Golden Rule effect?"
After leveling up to Level 2, Aiden felt as if he had lost his direction. Without the pressure of a looming threat, his lazy nature began to resurface.
"I can't let this happen. Who knows what the next world will be like? If I don't quickly strengthen myself, how will I complete my tasks? Or do I want to experience the thrill of debuting as an idol?" Fighting against his laziness, Aiden tried to scare himself into action with thoughts of the system's potential punishments.
Shaking his head, Aiden sighed. "Alright, my head's not spinning anymore. I should go upstairs and read the grimoire. Hopefully, the next magic I learn will have some offensive power."
Returning to his room, Aiden opened the second grimoire. The first page had transformed into as before.
[Autobiography: Magic Mirror, the Strongest and Most Beautiful Magical Girl in the World Is Me - Side Story: Battle Against the Black Emperor.]
Beyond that, there were no further changes.
...
[What does magic mean to you?]
As soon as the words were spoken, the scene changed instantly. Aiden found himself in a vast grassland, with boundless sky and endless fields, where the wind blew the grass low, revealing cattle and sheep.
"To me, magic is fire."
Aiden answered immediately.
Strong, fierce, merciless.
Perhaps it was the influence of Hestia's divine blood, or maybe it was the impressions left by characters like Natsu from Fairy Tail, Yamamoto from Bleach, Tsuna from Katekyo Hitman Reborn, and Akainu and Ace from One Piece. These figures had left an indelible mark, or perhaps it was Aiden's pure longing for the power of flames.
"Fire that scorches the grassland raises clouds of dust, and chars the earth, engulfing all life like a raging tsunami, yet also bringing light, warmth, and cooked food. Flames as brilliant as a red lotus."
"Flames that burn the enemy and simultaneously bring light and heat to oneself."
"Eternal flames that never extinguish."
"I want to control fire."
With each thought, the vision of the grassland intensified. The image of consuming fire became clearer, reflecting Aiden's innermost desire to wield such power.
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