Chapter 33: Akira: What an Old Lady

With a sigh, Akira finally replied, "My name is Akira, and I'm a member of the Astraea Familia." Both Ais and Riveria were well-known figures and would eventually find out about him anyway. Especially with his level-up looming—it wasn't worth hiding anymore. "Astraea Familia? I didn't hear about any new members joining..." Riveria's brows furrowed slightly, her tone laced with curiosity and doubt. "Ais Wallenstein, member of the Loki Familia." Ais mimicked Akira's tone and gave her own simple introduction with a composed expression. After their brief introductions, both sets of eyes landed on Riveria, silently urging her to speak next. Caught in their gazes, Riveria let out a breath and complied. "Riveria Ljos Alf. Deputy Captain of the Loki Familia. My full name is rather long, so just call me Riveria." "Understood, Riveria-san." Akira nodded calmly, his demeanor neither arrogant nor too reserved. Riveria raised an eyebrow, clearly pleased by the respectful yet unfawning response. Despite her origins from the royal elven line, Akira didn't show the kind of reverence that usually irritated her when coming from her own people. As the silence lingered awkwardly, Riveria took the initiative and asked, "When did you join the familia? Are you adapting well to Orario? Anything I can help you with?" Her barrage of questions rolled out rapidly, as if she'd stored them all for this one moment. She reminded Akira of a nagging elder, which made him twitch internally. Ais gently tugged Riveria's sleeve and spoke up softly, "Riveria, that's too many questions. Akira can't answer them all at once." Akira muttered under his breath with a helpless face, "What an old lady..." Bonk! A staff landed squarely on his head. Akira clutched the sore spot, blinking at Riveria with innocent eyes. "I thought I heard something disrespectful just now." Riveria's gaze sharpened. "Akira, don't go teasing people lightly. It doesn't suit you." Akira exaggerated a deep bow, playing along. "Forgive me, Riveria-sama." Bonk—again! This time, Riveria calmly withdrew her staff, as though it were routine. Having handled all sorts of personalities in her familia, she could already tell Akira was going to be a handful. She said, "You deserved that. You're just as troublesome as Ais." "I'm not a troublesome child!" Ais puffed up her cheeks and shot Riveria a pouty glare, like a sulking kitten. Riveria ignored her protest entirely and turned her attention back to Akira. "The Astraea Familia's base is near ours. Come back with us." Then, after a moment's pause, she narrowed her eyes. "Also, you didn't answer my question." Akira let out a weary sigh, as though dealing with Riveria required more stamina than a dungeon dive. He said, "I arrived in Orario half a month ago. The people in Astraea Familia are kind and welcoming. I've enjoyed my stay." Riveria didn't pry further, even though she'd clearly noticed that a newcomer reaching the thirteenth floor in just two weeks was far from ordinary. Everyone had their secrets. Instead, she simply smiled and said, "That's good to hear." The three of them began walking side by side, chatting as the night breeze drifted around them. — — — Back on the surface, along the quieter northern end of the city streets... "Guess I'll head off here. See you next time, Ais, Riveria-sama." At a fork in the road, Akira waved and bid his farewell. "Goodbye, Akira." Ais waved softly in return, her small hand brushing the edge of her waist as she murmured a gentle parting. Riveria nodded slightly, her expression unusually warm. "Take care. And if you have the chance, I think you and Ais should go on an adventure together. You two seem like a good match." "I'll remember that. I'll visit the Loki Familia next time and invite Ais personally. How about it, Ais?" Akira turned to the golden-haired girl with a teasing glint in his eyes. Though she normally wore a blank expression, Ais's eyes sparkled slightly at this moment. She nodded firmly and said, "I want to go on an adventure with Akira." She sounded like a child who'd been promised a rare treat. Clearly, she hadn't had enough fun adventuring under Riveria's supervision. Riveria tapped her on the head lightly and reminded, "You can adventure together, but don't drag him too deep. Understood?" "...Yes." Ais pouted and nodded reluctantly, glancing at Akira once more before saying goodbye again. As the two turned to leave, Akira headed off toward a quiet corner of the city—Stardust Garden. As soon as he stepped through the doorway, Akira spotted Ryuu standing there absent-mindedly, almost like a statue guarding the entrance. He asked, "Lion? What are you doing just standing there?" Startled, Ryuu twitched slightly at the sound of his voice. She said, "Akira... I was just... waiting for you." Akira tilted his head and asked, "Waiting for me? Why?" Blushing faintly, Ryuu crossed her arms and explained, "It was Kaguya. She said, 'You're in the way standing there. Go wait for Akira at the door unless you want to get hit by it again like last time.'" Akira laughed and said, "Haha, Kaguya-nee always loves giving you a hard time, huh? But don't worry—next time she tries that, I'll be on your side." Ryuu's lips curled into a faint smile. Her heart fluttered as she looked at him. She said, "Akira... can you... just call me Ryuu?" "What was that?" Akira leaned in, pretending not to hear. Flustered, Ryuu waved her hands and stammered, "N-Nothing! I was just talking to myself!" But Akira wasn't letting her off that easily. He moved in even closer, nose nearly touching hers. "Really? Lion, are you hiding something from me?" Ryuu was about to collapse from the sheer tension of the moment, her pale cheeks burning like embers. Just as she looked ready to faint, Akira straightened up with a mischievous grin, turned sideways, and extended his hand. "Come on, Ryuu! If we're late, someone's going to eat all the food!" He gently grabbed her hand and led her inside. After dinner, Akira showered and headed to Astraea's room for his status update. Akira Level: 1 Strength: S912 → SS1102 Endurance: S908 → SS1103 Dexterity: S986 → SS1156 Agility: S978 → SS1146 Magic: SSS1220 → SSS1384 Astraea silently stared at the numbers on the parchment, her brows twitching slightly. Akira's stats were climbing at a pace that defied common sense. "Just how far are you planning to raise your stats before leveling up?" She asked, gently brushing aside the strands of hair falling into her eyes. Akira's gaze fell to the parchment. He thought for a moment before replying, "I think I'll level up once all my stats hit 'SSS'. Right now, the floors I'm on feel a little too easy. I want to go deeper before I break through." Astraea smiled gently, wrapping her fingers around his hand—the one now interlocked with hers. "As your goddess, I'll respect whatever path you choose. But as your familia, I hope you won't be reckless. Don't let your ambition drive you into danger too soon." With a quiet hum, Akira leaned back into her arms, resting his head comfortably in her lap. His hand, entwined with hers, rose to his face. He pulled it over his eyes like a veil, blocking out the flickering candlelight. "I understand." As your familia... I want you to come back safely. Always.