[Skills]
[Character Save Slot]
Soul Shards can be consumed to draw Character Cards, granting different abilities.
Only one Character Card can be used at a time.
The number and strength of Character Cards increase as personal level rises.
Current Character Cards: (Tarnished / Sekiro)
[Sekiro]
[Sword Saint's Esoteric Art]
Master the core esoteric principles of the Ashina Mushin-ryu sword style, enabling rapid absorption of the combat essence of other schools.
[Healing Gourd]
Restores one's own injuries. Can be used 3 times. The number of uses refreshes at midnight each day."
'A brand-new skill…'
'And one that can be switched freely.'
She knew clearly that the "vessel" Ron possessed was extraordinarily powerful. Yet every time he improved, it inevitably brought surprise to the young girl who had only recently established her Familia.
Although Hestia could not fully understand it, simply from the descriptions of "Sword Saint's Esoteric Art" and "Healing Gourd," the conclusion she could draw was that Ron's next exploration—might proceed far more smoothly…
As for magic, it seemed that because he had switched to the "Sekiro" template, the "Heal" he originally possessed had completely disappeared from his Falna.
"Hey."
"It feels like your improvement speed gets faster every time!" After handing the parchment to Ron, Hestia did not choose to continue straddling his back.
"I estimate it won't take long."
"At most one month—there's definitely hope of breaking through to Lv3!"
"…"
'Sekiro.'
This was the Character Save Slot Ron had drawn at the cost of 500 Soul Shards. To classify it accurately—this thing was not purely a Soulslike.
It was closer to an action game.
But in terms of practicality, placed within the technique-oriented world of DanMachi, it was indeed highly suitable.
The "Sword Saint's Esoteric Art," which allowed rapid assimilation of the combat experience of various schools, could be summed up simply as: not being bound by fixed forms—only seeking victory.
As long as you win, that's enough!
And the existence of the "Healing Gourd" could, during the dungeon exploration phase, achieve an effect equivalent to Airmid's panacea, quickly restoring his own injuries.
Ron's gaze swept over it briefly.
From the perspective of growth potential alone, the Tarnished undoubtedly possessed higher scalability. However, at his current stage, the Combat Arts he had mastered were all based on trading his life for damage.
He could hardly carry expensive panaceas every time he explored the Dungeon, could he?
And the high mobility, learning ability, and recovery effects provided by the "Sekiro" Character Save Slot happened to make up for the former's issue of having to restart every time.
'It feels like pairing it with the Tarnished Save Slot might work quite well…'
'So...'
'Where am I supposed to get a Shinobi Prosthetic?'
That said, Ron truly was not certain whether the smiths of the "Hephaestus" Familia could forge this mechanism tube capable of switching weapon forms at will.
For now, he remained skeptical.
After all, to cleverly integrate ten different types of shinobi tools with distinct functions—and, crucially, to avoid making the "Shinobi Prosthetic" bulky in the process…
He genuinely had no idea where to begin.
'Maybe it's similar to the Tarnished Save Slot. After raising the level of the 'Sekiro' Save Slot… it might provide advanced abilities in that direction?'
Simply put...
Relying solely on the uniqueness of the first two skills had not caused the Soul Shards Ron spent to go to waste. As long as they were paired reasonably, the effect was unprecedentedly good.
Gathering his scattered thoughts.
He looked toward Hestia beside him, whose gaze was lingering on his face, and handed her the parchment with his updated ability values for her to process.
"Leveling up…"
"There's no need to rush for now. At the very least, we should wait until the ability values reach their limit before considering it."
"Of course."
Facts had already proven.
In Orario, having a Familia that was too outstanding could also provoke conflict, and the Apollo Familia was an obvious example. If Ron were to break through to Lv3 rapidly next…
Hestia could not imagine the commotion that would be stirred at that time.
And since her close friend was outside, taking advantage of the present opportunity, the girl suggested, "Regarding your alias, do you have any specific ideas now?"
"There should be a way to handle it."
"But I still suggest—when it comes to your alias, keep it a bit low-profile. I'm a little worried that those gods who spend their days looking for entertainment might stir up trouble over this."
The matter of an alias.
Ron truly had not considered it. However, hearing the certainty in Hestia's tone, and considering the limited network of divine relationships she had in Orario—
He could guess it even with his eyes closed.
Instead of answering directly, he asked, "Are you planning to make use of Lady Hephaestus's connections?"
"…"
"As expected, I can't hide it from you."
Was this perhaps the trouble that came with having a Familia member who was too clever?
Hestia did not feel embarrassed. After all, the entire set of equipment Ron was wearing had been supported by Hephaestus out of friendship from the heavens.
But things had already reached this point.
Incidentally, regarding the matter of his alias, asking her close friend for a little more help should not be a big problem!
"An alias…"
"Right now, I don't really care. Anyway, there will be chances to rename it in the future. I would rather rely on my own strength later and earn an alias that truly belongs to me."
However, after hearing Ron's firm reply, Hestia's most immediate impression was—that the boy before her seemed to have light shining even in his eyes!
"Then we'll do as you say."
...
As for the matter of the Takemikazuchi Familia inviting him to attend their celebration banquet, Ron did not hide it from his own goddess. He simply informed her of the specific circumstances.
Because the weapon shop needed overtime work, Hestia did not go.
However, when Ron followed Ouka and Mikoto to the restaurant where the gathering was held, he discovered that their god, the "War God" Takemikazuchi, was also present at the celebration banquet.
Toward this god who had shown goodwill to him during his newcomer phase, he maintained a respectful attitude and took the initiative to greet him. "Lord Takemikazuchi."
"Ron, you've come."
When Takemikazuchi did not see Hestia among them, he was clearly somewhat surprised. Nevertheless, he still rose to his feet and greeted him with a friendly smile.
After all, for a Familia child to transfer to another Familia, the consent of the other god was required.
From a god's standpoint, he expressed gratitude for Ron's assistance. "The fact that tonight's celebration could proceed smoothly is thanks to your help in the Dungeon."
"If you hadn't happened to pass by, for Kashima and Chigusa to return safely, it probably would have been after the Adventurers Guild finished handling the matter."
"It was just something I did along the way…"
Ron decisively shook his head.
He did not mention anything regarding the unfolding of the "abnormal situation." He simply stated truthfully, "We're all friends. Helping each other when we encounter danger in the Dungeon—"
"I think that's only natural."
"I still hope you can look after Kashima and the others in the future." When Takemikazuchi said this, there was even a hint of emotion in his eyes.
After all…
From the perspective of the "vessel" an adventurer possessed, the talent Ron had would surely reach the top tier of Orario in the not-too-distant future.
He had not forgotten Mikoto's desire to transfer, and he also understood that with the child's reserved personality, she would likely find it difficult to speak up.
Thinking of this, Takemikazuchi did not maintain a lofty divine attitude. Instead, in the role of a "parent," he spoke in a solemn tone. "Ron, I actually have something—"
"I would like to trouble you to convey it to Hestia."
"Mm…"
"If possible, would you allow Mikoto to transfer to your Familia and follow you to train in the Dungeon?"
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