Ais's return also meant one thing: the other members of the Loki Familia had basically all returned.
This included the city's strongest sorceress, Riveria.
Takatsuki still remembered Riveria's promise to him. Originally, he thought they might not need this promise, but he went with the idea of teaching anyway, and getting a little more benefit was a plus.
But he didn't expect that during this month of adventuring, while Takatsuki's own magic was fine and he had his own path, Bronya and Fu Hua's magic had not developed suitable usage methods.
Mei, on the other hand, barely managed to activate magic and unleash power beyond its original strength, relying on her Herrscher instincts derived from lightning.
"Should we go find Riveria?"
After Takatsuki requested to visit Riveria, Ais did not refuse, but instead chose to lead the way.
Bell and Haruhime also followed to the Loki Familia to observe and learn.
Although Welf and Liliruca survived the ordeal, they were also seriously injured, and it was best for them to rest for a few days in the short term; there was no need to push themselves so hard.
The Loki Familia's main base, Twilight Manor, always had people guarding the entrance. If Takatsuki and the others came by themselves, they would inevitably have to wait for half a day.
But with Ais, there was no need to wait for half a day for an announcement.
Soon after entering Twilight Manor with Ais, Loki, the owner of Twilight Manor, appeared before the group.
"Oh, the little dwarf didn't come with you
No one else commented on Loki's address, as it was a tangle between Loki and Hestia. They were like a pair of rivals, constantly competing, but their relationship was still quite good.
"Hestia is quite busy. We'll bother her another time. This is a souvenir she asked us to bring."
A wine jar appeared from a golden Hamon in the air and landed in Takatsuki's hand.
"The divine wine sold by Soma Familia."
Although the divine wine sold by Soma Familia was extremely rare, and countless people fought tooth and nail to buy it, that was only based on the normal price.
Those drunkards whose family fortunes had been emptied by wine were naturally unwilling to pay an extra Valis, but Takatsuki bought it directly at double the price.
However, he didn't plan to drink it himself, as Soma's divine wine was very easy to get lost in. While it wasn't addictive, it had an effect more terrifying than addiction, and this was merely the 'failed product' sold on the market.
But for gods, these wines were just particularly good to drink.
"Oh, you've come all this way, why bring gifts?"
Although she said that, Loki snatched the wine jar from Takatsuki's hand: "Thank you for the gift. Also, the little dwarf has come to the lower world, yet she still stays cooped up at home reading all day. Isn't that just like when she was in the heavenly realm? Never mind, I haven't had Soma's divine wine in a long time. You all have fun. Riveria is in the library."
Loki still left in a carefree, swaggering manner. Takatsuki felt a bit helpless; he had just forgotten that he couldn't lie in front of a god, so Loki immediately saw that Hestia wasn't busy at all.
However, this was just a basic social courtesy, and the other party didn't dwell on this small issue.
Arriving at the Twilight Manor library with Ais, Riveria and Lefiya were currently sitting opposite each other at a long table, with many books piled around them. Riveria was explaining something to Lefiya.
Hearing the sound of the door opening, Riveria paused her explanation and looked towards the entrance.
"Is something the matter?"
Compared to Lefiya, who let out a surprised sound upon seeing Ais as if she hadn't seen her in a long time, Riveria's voice was very calm, showing no fluctuation at all at the arrival of Takatsuki and the others.
"Riveria, about what we discussed during the last expedition."
Takatsuki had only spoken halfway when Riveria knew what he wanted to say.
"Magic lessons, you mean? Yes, are the others also going to learn?"
Riveria looked at the people behind Takatsuki, some she knew and some she didn't. It seemed he had brought everyone from the Familia.
"If you haven't awakened magic, then learning the related theories won't be of much use."
"Don't worry about that. Everyone except Kiana has awakened magic. Kiana just didn't want to stay home; she came out to play."
As soon as Takatsuki said this, Kiana became a bit displeased.
"I isn't unwilling to stay home; I is…"
Kiana paused for a moment, then ran into the library and grabbed Lefiya.
"I came to find Lefiya to go out and play; I don't want to attend class, bleh bleh bleh."
"Huh?"
Looking at the somewhat stunned Lefiya, Riveria didn't say anything: "Lefiya, let's stop today's lesson here. Takatsuki's group's lessons are quite basic, and you've already learned them. Go play."
"Oh, but…"
Before Lefiya could say anything, Kiana pulled her out. Lefiya, who was originally going to struggle, immediately quieted down when she saw Kiana pull Ais along as they exited.
After the few who weren't attending class left the library and closed the door, Riveria spoke to the remaining people.
"Sit down."
Looking at the group who greeted her and sat down opposite her, Riveria asked, "Although it's a bit surprising, did you all awaken magic on your own?"
"No, it was through a grimoire."
Riveria, who had always appeared very calm, looked at Takatsuki for a moment after hearing this, said nothing, and then continued.
"I can only teach you the basics of magic, because different magics have different directions, and I don't know what magic you possess, so I can't offer any specific advice."
Upon hearing this, Takatsuki suddenly spoke: "Regarding the magic we possess, we don't intend to hide it from you, but we still hope Riveria can keep it a secret for us and not let other Familia members know."
Riveria, who had always been calm, was stunned by Takatsuki's words, then frowned: "Do you know what you're saying?"
"Of course, I understand, but this is for the sake of better developing our magic. After all, none of us know anything about this, and since we finally have you, Riveria, to guide us, if we keep hiding things, how many detours would we have to take?"
Takatsuki was not surprised by Riveria's astonishment, as there were significant differences between them and the people of this world, especially in terms of their stance and mindset.