Since she was a female member of the Familia, when it came time to update ability values, Ron felt that he really did need to keep a certain distance out of propriety.
However, he wasn't idle either.
After switching the template to "Sekiro," his updated ability values were about to reach their theoretical limit, and even the Character Save Slot had advanced to Lv2 along with it.
[Shinobi Prosthetic]
This was the new ability Ron had mastered.
Setting aside the core "Healing Gourd" and "Ashina Mushin-ryu Swordsmanship," the Sekiro template had finally advanced to the stage where it could truly produce tangible effects.
The good news:
After acquiring the new ability, the price was not that his arm would mysteriously disappear.
Instead, it was a fully improved arm guard that could be worn directly over his arm. As for why the Character Save Slot had, for the first time ever, granted special equipment—he couldn't figure it out either.
But since transmigration had already happened to him, and he even carried Character Save Slots like "Tarnished" and "Sekiro," it instantly started to feel reasonable!
"…"
'I have a feeling that in the upcoming War Game with Apollo, the mobility brought by the mechanisms of the Shinobi Prosthetic will only be more effective than I originally expected?'
After all, aside from its core "Grappling Hook" function, the Shinobi Prosthetic also contained ten completely different shinobi tools, similar to shuriken, a mechanical axe, and so on…
Ron looked at the arm guard fitted over his arm.
Its workmanship could only be described as simple and crude. At first glance, it looked like special equipment assembled from iron plates, bones, and various ropes—its appearance rather rough.
As for why it could freely switch forms and contain so many shinobi tool mechanisms…
If you asked, the answer would be: the power brought by the golden finger!
'I really can't figure out how we're supposed to lose this War Game.'
With the War Game imminent, although the exploration of the Dungeon had been temporarily halted, that didn't mean Ron could rest. After leaving the collective dormitory, he headed straight for the Hostess of Fertility.
The most crucial step was none other than finding Ryuu as their supporter.
And without the Apollo Familia tailing him, Ron felt an unprecedented sense of ease. That thing was a nuclear weapon he had specially prepared for them.
Arriving at the pub, there were fewer customers at noon, so the moment he walked up to the bar counter, he quickly became the focus of attention of the many girls in the restaurant, as well as the shop owner Mia and the others.
'Damn Apollo Familia…'
War Game.
After fermenting for a period of time, it had basically reached the point where most adventurers—and even the common people—knew about it, mainly because the Apollo Familia was famous enough.
In addition, the few entertainment venues in Orario, such as the casinos… had all opened betting pools.
It did not cause Ron any particular trouble. Whether it was Hestia or himself, neither of them had any fame on the stage that was Orario.
But the Hostess of Fertility was different.
When he broke through to Lv2, the celebration banquet had been held here. Setting aside those gods, this was one of the few places that clearly knew which Familia he belonged to.
"Aunt Mia, good afternoon."
After skillfully placing his order, remembering that Hestia and Mikoto had not eaten yet, Ron immediately added, "Please pack two portions of fish and chips, and two chicken stewed noodle set meals for me."
"Alright."
"How much in total?"
"…"
When the topic turned to the price of the meal, Mia's motion of wiping the table paused slightly. As her gaze lingered on Ron's face—devoid of any tension—there was a hint of astonishment in her eyes.
It was as if the "War Game" that had caused such an uproar in Orario had nothing to do with the guy standing in front of her, leaving even Mia somewhat unable to grasp the situation.
But that did not prevent—her from maintaining a fairly good impression of this newcomer adventurer, who was earnest and hardworking, and even had a bit of ambiguous rapport with the waitresses. After thinking it over, "It's on the house."
"But after you win this War Game, you have to come celebrate at my tavern!"
"Kid."
As the former captain of the Freya Familia, Mia understood that god Apollo's temperament. The reason for initiating the War Game was probably nothing more than taking a liking to the newcomer adventurer Ron upon seeing promising prey.
As for the outcome?
She actually could not say for certain, yet she still offered Ron her most sincere blessing.
"Thank you, Aunt Mia."
There was nothing more inspiring than the goodwill of a senior adventurer. As for the few beautiful girls who exchanged glances but did not step forward—the foolish catgirl Anya, Chloe, and Syr…
Ron swept his gaze over them and said in a relaxed tone, "When this… farce is completely over, I'll definitely come celebrate at the pub. I'll treat you all to a meal then."
"We get a share of the victory banquet too, nya?!"
"…"
It was just because she had been curious about the relationship between Ron and Ryuu that she had ended up being scolded several times by the elf. So when she heard this guy say that once it was over he would treat her to a meal, Anya could not help but nudge Chloe beside her with her arm.
With her carefree personality, a rare gleam flashed in her eyes. Compared to Ron being forced to join the Apollo Familia—whose overall reputation was difficult to evaluate—
Wouldn't shipping Ron and Ryuu be more interesting…
"We'll definitely win!"
The foolish catgirl's tone was extremely resolute. Yet when faced with Mia's warning-like gaze, Anya whistled and carried her tray toward the kitchen.
Chloe, the shotacon, went along with her.
Having known each other for so long, there was no need to voice what they were thinking. After all, the War Game had not yet begun, and accidental injuries were always a possibility…
"…"
"These girls!"
Fully aware of just how troublesome her staff could be, Mia was more helpless than anything. After pouring Ron a glass of sparkling orange juice, she said pointedly, "This kind of matter—you should tell her yourself."
"I know."
"Talking with smart people really is easy. It's just a pity—young people like you in Orario feel like they're becoming fewer and fewer."
"…"
Lunch was soon served.
Looking at the still aloof, keep-your-distance elf, Ron took a deep breath and, in the end, thick-skinned as he was, solemnly extended an invitation to Ryuu for special training.
"Senior Ryuu…"
But before he could finish, he received her response.
"I'll come find you when the time comes."
Having long since made her decision, the girl would not regret lending a hand to Ron, who was half a disciple to her. After a slight hesitation, her brows and eyes gradually softened, like solid ice slowly melting.
Calmly, she added, "If you have time tomorrow, bring the other member of your Familia as well… consider it special training for you."
"Anya and the others used to be fairly capable adventurers."
"Make as many preparations as possible…"
In this world, connections mattered.
Ron nodded heavily and directly agreed on Mikoto's behalf. "Thank you, Senior Ryuu. Without you, the War Game… would probably be extremely difficult…"
It felt somewhat cheesy.
Especially under the boy's sincere gaze, Ryuu slightly turned her face and shifted the topic. "I understand the specific details. Victory will be decided through siege warfare."
"Do you have any ideas?"
"…"
"Defense is a slow death. We have to take the initiative—launch a direct decapitation strike and give the Apollo Familia a taste of a newcomer adventurer's shock!"
From a rational standpoint, the elf girl believed this tactic to be extremely risky. Yet when she noticed the confident smile on Ron's face, the initial immaturity gradually transformed into steadiness…
At last, he no longer seemed as reckless as when they first met!
Ryuu chose to believe in him. The corners of her eyes curved slightly, and a rare faint smile appeared.
"I'm looking forward to it…"
In the name of the Hestia Familia, Ron would, in this War Game that concerned their very survival, compose a brand-new chapter of his own as an adventurer.
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