"Speaking of age!"
"The youngest among us has to be Little Tsukuyo, right?"
"Little Tsukuyo is the only one who is genuinely twelve years old!"
"Tsukuyo?"
Nomura Satori tilted her head to the side.
Hearing that name, Tsubaki paused for a moment. She recalled something and subconsciously glanced around the spacious bath.
Hestia, Amou Kirukiru, Onigawara Rin, Hanasaka Warabi, Nomura Satori, Kikakujou Mary.
Only...
Inaba Tsukuyo was missing.
"Eh?"
"Where is that little blind girl?"
"I don't think I've seen her since we came in just now?"
"Is she still outside?"
Tsubaki turned her head to look at the misty frosted glass door of the bathroom.
Meanwhile.
In the living hall separated by just a single wall.
The atmosphere here was starkly different from the noise inside the bath; it was so quiet that one could hear the rustling of leaves in the wind outside.
Soft light spilled across the honey-colored wooden floor.
Haimer sat at the newly purchased obsidian round table, holding a cup of freshly brewed hot tea, the steam curling upward.
As for the person opposite Haimer.
Inaba Tsukuyo was sitting there properly.
The long sword named [White Heron] was solemnly placed by her side, and her hands were folded dutifully on her knees.
Her sightless eyes were slightly lowered, as if she were listening for something.
"Kami-sama..."
Tsukuyo's voice was very soft.
"You called me down here alone..."
"Is there something you need?"
"Tsukuyo."
"When we left that tavern."
"Did you sense anything?"
Hearing this question, Inaba Tsukuyo's originally calm expression froze slightly.
Those exquisite ears twitched almost subconsciously.
Then.
She pursed her pale pink lips and nodded.
"Yes."
"But Tsukuyo cannot be cer..."
"It was just for a split second when we left the tavern, and at a few intersections afterward."
"Tsukuyo definitely heard a trace of... a sound that did not belong to the bustle of the street."
Speaking of this, Inaba Tsukuyo tilted her head slightly, as if recalling that fleeting sensation.
Her brows furrowed slightly, and a trace of confusion appeared on her face.
"However..."
"That sensation was too fast."
"After that single instant, the presence completely vanished. Even when I listened with all my might, I couldn't hear any abnormal heartbeat or breathing."
"So Tsukuyo thought at the time..."
"Thought that the person had already left."
"Kami-sama..."
"Could it be..."
As she spoke, Inaba Tsukuyo seemed to realize something, and her body stiffened slightly.
"That person never left at all?"
"Correct."
Haimer nodded.
"That guy."
"She followed us the entire way, right up to the door of this house."
"Even when I opened the door to see you all off, she was hiding in the shadows of that street corner, watching you leave."
"Eh?"
As soon as these words came out, Inaba Tsukuyo jerked her head up.
On that small face, which always seemed to handle everything with composure, shock appeared for the first time.
Immediately after.
That shock quickly transformed into deep self-reproach.
"I am sorry, Kami-sama..."
Inaba Tsukuyo lowered her head, biting her lip, her voice trembling slightly.
Her hands gripped the hem of her skirt on her knees tightly.
"It is Tsukuyo who is useless."
"Even though Kami-sama granted Tsukuyo so much..."
"To be followed the entire way, even to the doorstep of our home."
"And yet Tsukuyo failed to detect it."
"It is Tsukuyo's negligence."
"If that was an enemy..."
If it had been an enemy harboring killing intent.
If it had been an assassin aiming to ambush Kami-sama.
Then along the way just now, there would have been countless fatal openings.
For Inaba Tsukuyo, who prided herself on her supernatural perception and aspired to be a support to her God, this was simply a massive blow.
However.
The next second.
Haimer reached out.
There was no scolding.
Instead, his hand gently covered the soft silver long hair atop Inaba Tsukuyo's head.
"?!"
Noticing Haimer's action, Inaba Tsukuyo's body stiffened slightly. She didn't dodge, but raised her head somewhat blankly.
"No need to apologize."
"This was never your problem to begin with, Tsukuyo."
Haimer gently rubbed Inaba Tsukuyo's head, showing not a hint of blame.
"Speaking of which, do you want to know who that guy following us was?"
"If we're talking about that person, she counts as an adventurer who was once illustrious in Orario."
"In terms of Level, she is a full three tiers higher than the current you."
"In terms of experience, she has possessed a Grace for several years longer than you."
"Moreover, for the sake of revenge, that person has walked the line between life and death for years. That ability to conceal her presence has long been ingrained into her very bones."
"So, to be honest."
At this point, Haimer looked at Inaba Tsukuyo's still somewhat dejected little face and smiled.
"Tsukuyo."
"As someone who just received the Grace..."
"Who has barely been an adventurer for less than a day..."
"To be able to capture that momentary sense of incongruity from a Lv.4 veteran assassin who was deliberately concealing herself, while you are just a Lv.1 rookie..."
"You have already done very well."
"Or rather, you did so well it somewhat exceeded my expectations."
"Kami-sama... is that true?"
Inaba Tsukuyo listened to Haimer's words in disbelief.
Her sightless eyes widened slightly, as if trying to capture Haimer's expression from within the darkness.
"Of course it is true."
Haimer's tone was certain.
"A God never lies."
"Especially not to the children he cherishes."
"So."
"Tsukuyo, you do not need to blame yourself."
"Your talent is far more terrifying than you imagine."
"Right now, you just lack the time to grow."
"All of this can come slowly."
"However..."
"Tsukuyo, remember one thing."
Haimer's tone became slightly more serious.
"Next time."
"No matter how tiny, no matter if it seems like a misconception."
"As long as your ears hear it, as long as your intuition feels something is wrong."
"Even if it is just for a split second."
"You must speak up immediately."
"Do not fear making a wrong judgment, and do not fear that everyone won't believe you."
"Here."
"We are a Familia."
"We are a family."
"No one will doubt your judgment."
"On the contrary."
"As long as it is Tsukuyo who says it."
"No matter what."
"Everyone will believe you unconditionally."
"So Tsukuyo must also believe in herself, believe in her own ears, and believe in her own perception."
"Understood?"
"..."
Upon hearing this, Inaba Tsukuyo stared blankly in Haimer's direction.
Although her eyes could not see.
At this moment, she felt as if she truly saw a warm and dazzling beam of light penetrating the endless darkness that had accompanied her for years, unreasonably and forcefully shining into the softest, most insecure corner of her heart.
Unconditional belief.
Family.
These words echoed constantly in her mind.
The feeling of being fully accepted and cherished made Inaba Tsukuyo's nose tingle, and her eye sockets quickly grew hot.
The stone named "defect" that had always weighed on her heart seemed to be moved away by those warm, large hands in this instant.
After a long while.
"Kami-sama is truly gentle, isn't he."
Inaba Tsukuyo smiled faintly.
Then she nodded vigorously, her silver long hair swaying up and down with the motion.
"Since it is Kami-sama saying so!"
"Then Tsukuyo will remember it!"
"Next time, Tsukuyo will absolutely not hesitate again!"
For the first time, Inaba Tsukuyo's voice carried an unprecedented firmness.
"Very good."
Seeing the radiance rekindled on Inaba Tsukuyo's face, Haimer nodded with satisfaction.
"Then, as your God, I will look forward to it properly."
"Tsukuyo, you can go take a bath now."
"Although the water temperature might be a bit high, it is very effective for relieving fatigue."
"Relax."
"Later on."
"There is an even more important matter waiting for you all."
"Yes!"
Receiving Haimer's permission, Inaba Tsukuyo responded with a smile and slowly stood up.
Then.
She picked up the long sword named [White Heron] placed by her side and gently hung it back at her waist.
Even in this safe home.
For her, never parting with her sword had long become a habit carved into her bones.
Afterward.
Inaba Tsukuyo bowed deeply to Haimer, turned around, and walked with light steps toward the frosted glass door that was constantly seeping heat.
Although it was still her usual gait.
At this moment.
In Inaba Tsukuyo's retreating figure.
There seemed to be an added sense of unprecedented confidence.
Click.
The door opened lightly.
And then closed.
Isolating the quietness of the hall from the noise on the other side.
Click—
As the frosted glass door was gently closed.
A wave of heat carrying a fresh fragrance instantly wrapped around Inaba Tsukuyo, who was standing at the entrance.
She saw.
In the corner of that spacious rock bath.
"Yo, Little Tsukuyo is here?"
"Come on in."
Tsubaki patted the water surface beside her, stirring up ripples.
"The water temperature is just right. Soak for a while, and I guarantee it'll turn your bones into jelly!"
"Mm..."
Inaba Tsukuyo's exquisite face blushed slightly.
Even though she was surrounded by girls.
For someone with her introverted personality, it was still somewhat embarrassing.
She clutched the bath towel around her body tightly, taking small, mincing steps to the edge of the pool, and cautiously tested the water temperature with her toes.
Then.
Splash...
With a soft sound.
That petite body slowly submerged into the water, leaving only half her head and that head of silver long hair floating on the surface.
"Phew..."
In that instant.
The warm pool water felt like countless gentle little hands, instantly soothing every trace of fatigue deep within her body.
Tsukuyo narrowed her eyes comfortably, and her originally tense shoulders finally relaxed.
"Tsukuyo."
At this moment.
Kikakujou Mary, who had been soaking quietly nearby, leaned over and asked curiously:
"Why did it take you so long to come in?"
"Did Lord Haimer have some other business with you?"
As soon as these words were spoken.
The bath, which had been full of horseplay, became much quieter.
Several pairs of eyes looked over in unison.
Even Amou Kirukiru pricked up her ears at this moment.
After all.
Everyone else had come together, yet only Tsukuyo had been kept outside alone.
This treatment.
It certainly made people a little curious.
"Um..."
Being stared at by everyone like this, Inaba Tsukuyo's cheeks turned even redder, looking like a ripe tomato.
She shrank her chin into the water, revealing only a pair of red eyes, and spoke with a muffled voice:
"Lord Haimer... just spoke to me about a few things."
"Oh—?"
Tsubaki leaned close to Inaba Tsukuyo with a mischievous grin.
"Just spoke?"
"Nothing else?"
"For example..."
"Giving our cute Little Tsukuyo some special treatment?"
"Or perhaps..."
"Did he do something strange to Little Tsukuyo?"
"Like patting your head or something?"
As she said this, Tsubaki suddenly lowered her voice, her tone becoming suggestive.
BOOM—!!
This sentence was like a depth charge.
Inaba Tsukuyo's face instantly turned from a red apple into a steam engine; it looked as if smoke were about to rise from the top of her head.
"N... No... strange..."
"Just... just patted my head, that's all..."
Her voice was as thin as a mosquito's buzz.
But in this bath where there was only the sound of water, it traveled clearly into everyone's ears.
"..."
In an instant.
The air solidified.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk."
"I knew it."
Sensing the weird atmosphere around her, Tsubaki not only didn't restrain herself but instead wore an expression that said 'just as I thought', clicking her tongue in wonder.
"After all, look at you guys."
"This configuration."
"Sightless eyes."
"Taciturn and well-behaved."
"Special red pupils."
"Plus this personality where just a little teasing makes you blush like this."
"And this petite body type that makes people want to protect you no matter how you look at it."
"Little Tsukuyo is practically grown from the standard mold of someone you can't help but want to bully a little, yet also want to spoil rotten!"
"Blind, silent, red eyes, loli..."
"With these attributes stacked together."
"If I were a God, I'd be smitten too!"
"It seems..."
"Our Lord Haimer's favorite child has appeared."
"From now on, I'm afraid no one can shake Little Tsukuyo's position."
"As for certain brats who only know how to make noise..."
Saying that, Tsubaki's ill-intentioned gaze drifted back to Hanasaka Warabi, who had just recovered her breath.
"I'm afraid they'll only have the share of watching enviously from the sidelines."
"Who are you calling a brat who only knows how to make noise?!"
Noticing Tsubaki's gaze, Warabi bristled again, jumping up from the water like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, baring her fangs and claws as if ready to rush over and fight for her life.
"W-Where am I inferior to Tsukuyo!"
"I have twin-tails too!"
"I also have a bear! A very big bear!"
"Pfft..."
Seeing Warabi flustered and using the bear to make up the numbers, the originally somewhat stiff atmosphere was dispersed quite a bit by this commotion.
"Senior Tsubaki..."
"Please... please do not tease Tsukuyo anymore..."
"Kami-sama is..."
"He just encouraged Tsukuyo."
"Besides..."
"Kami-sama said that after we finish washing up, there is an even more important matter."
Inaba Tsukuyo couldn't help but lift her flushed cheeks.
Then, seemingly remembering the business at hand, she made her voice calm down a little.
"An even more important matter?"
At these words, the girls looked at each other, their faces full of confusion.
Hearing this, Tsubaki figured out what it was. Looking at everyone's bewildered eyes, she waved her hand and explained:
"If I'm not guessing wrong."
"I think..."
"He should be updating your Ability Values."
Tsubaki extended a finger and pointed to her own back.
"Update?!"
When this word came out, the unfamiliar term made the girls look at each other.
After all.
For them, who had just arrived in this world only a day or two ago, common knowledge was still largely a blank slate.
"Simply put."
Tsubaki leaned against the edge of the pool, educating them with the air of someone who had been there before:
"It means converting the experience you accumulated from killing monsters in the Dungeon today into tangible power."
"After all, experience is something..."
"That accumulates in your soul."
"Which is within that Grace on your backs."
"Only by using the Lord God's Divine Blood as a medium and performing the ritual again can this accumulated experience be manifested and converted into tangible Ability Parameters."
"This is the update."
"Average Familias might only update this once every ten days or half a month."
"But you guys killed your way from the 1st Floor to the 12th Floor on your first day..."
"It definitely calls for an update to check the results."
Tsubaki shrugged.
And so.
About ten minutes later, the bathroom door was finally pushed open.
A gust of hot wind mixed with fresh fragrance hit the air.
"I've come back to life..."
"I really feel like I've been brought back to life!"
Onigawara Rin walked out hurriedly while wiping her wet long hair, which was still dripping water, with a towel.
At this moment.
She had changed into loose, pure cotton loungewear—this pale pink pajama set printed with cute little bears was obviously more suitable for a girl of her age.
Wearing this outfit, there was no sense of incongruity; instead, it fit her unexpectedly well.
Coupled with having just finished a bath, that face which was usually tense and slightly childish was now flushed red, revealing a luster as full and enticing as a honey peach.
She displayed nothing more than the image of an ordinary girl in the prime of her youth.
Behind her, the other girls also filed out.
They had all changed into their respective casual clothes, completely exposing that aura belonging to young maidens.
Hanasaka Warabi was the complete exception.
Her petite frame was draped in a white T-shirt that was obviously several sizes too big; the hem covered her thighs directly, revealing a pair of smooth calves, playing with the 'missing pants' look.
She shuffled along in large, ill-fitting slippers.
In her mouth, she held a lollipop she had fished out from who knows where, and her golden twin-tails bobbed with her steps. She looked exactly like a brat who had stolen an adult's clothes.
"Sorry for the wait, Lord Haimer."
"Lady Hestia seems to still be in high spirits. She said it's been a long time since she soaked in such a spacious pool and is still splashing around in there. I estimate she'll be soaking for a while longer."
Tsubaki walked out of the corridor carelessly while wiping her wet hair.
At this moment.
She had changed back into her signature attire.
—Her upper body was wrapped only in cloth strips binding her proud chest, while her lower body wore loose Hakama pants that facilitated movement.
Large patches of healthy wheat-colored skin were exposed to the air, still radiating the heat from just having exited the bath.
"Is that so?"
"Since she likes it, let her be."
Haimer sat at the obsidian round table, not paying it too much mind.
"Next."
"It is time to update the Ability Values."
Sure enough.
It was exactly what Tsubaki had mentioned to the girls.
Updating the [Ability Values].
As soon as these words were spoken.
All the girls' movements paused in unison.
In those pairs of eyes, a light named anticipation instantly lit up.
After all.
There was nothing more exhilarating than watching one's efforts transform into tangible data.
"Oh?"
"Is it really starting?"
Hearing this, a smile that said 'just as expected' appeared on Tsubaki's face.
"In that case, Lord Haimer, I will excuse myself first."
Having said that, Tsubaki turned to leave.
After all.
Although she was usually carefree.
She had a very strong sense of propriety regarding matters involving the core secrets of a Familia.
In Orario.
Ability Values, Skills, Magic.
These were an adventurer's trump cards.
Basically, an adventurer's Ability Values belonged to personal and Familia secrets; there was no obligation to disclose them to the outside world.
The Guild would only publish minor information such as an adventurer's Level and Dungeon activity records as a model for growth, to the extent that it did not affect the Familia.
Even members of the same Familia would sometimes hold back, let alone allowing someone from another Familia to watch.
Moreover.
No matter how harmonious the relationship between the two parties was.
No matter how iron-clad the relationship between Hephaestus and Haimer was.
Ultimately.
There was still a red line named "Faction" between them.
Even intermarriage was prohibited for non-Familia members.
Not to mention prying into such core secrets.
So as the Captain of the [Hephaestus Familia].
Although Tsubaki had a hearty personality, she managed her sense of propriety perfectly in matters involving the core secrets of other Familias.
Thus, Tsubaki waved to everyone, turned around, and prepared to walk out the door. That retreating figure was dashing.
"..."
However.
Watching Tsubaki's retreating figure.
Onigawara Rin, Kikakujou Mary, and the others all coincidentally revealed a look of disappointment in their eyes.
After all.
Throughout the entire day.
From the guidance when choosing weapons, to the protection during actual combat in the Dungeon, to bathing and playing together like a big sister just now.
This feeling of being both a teacher and a friend.
In the eyes of this group of strangers who had just arrived in this unfamiliar world, Tsubaki was already more than just a Captain of a friendly Familia.
If she couldn't see this first joy of growth...
They felt as if something was missing.
"..."
Onigawara Rin opened her mouth, seemingly wanting to say something, but she ultimately swallowed her words.
Rules were rules.
However.
Before Tsubaki could take her second step.
Noticing the changes in the expressions of the young girls, Haimer's voice also sounded unhurriedly.
"Miss Tsubaki."
"Why rush off?"
"Isn't that treating us like strangers?"
"The show has only just begun."
"?"
Hearing this, Tsubaki paused, turned her head back, and wore a helpless expression on her face.
"Lord Haimer."
"This isn't about being strangers."
Tsubaki spread her hands.
"You are about to update Ability Values."
"It's not appropriate for an outsider like me to stand here."
"What does that matter?"
"As long as Miss Tsubaki doesn't stand directly behind me and stare at the process of the Divine Blood manifesting."
"What ends up on that parchment—what I want outsiders to see, and what I don't want outsiders to see..."
"Isn't that all up to me?"
Haimer said helplessly.
"..."
At these words, Tsubaki was also stunned.
After all, that was true.
The update of Ability Values involved the God dripping Divine Blood onto the Grace on the adventurer's back, interpreting the emerging Hieroglyphs, and then transcribing them onto special parchment.
In other words.
As long as Haimer didn't want to show it to others, he could completely erase the critical details on the parchment, leaving only the basic Ability Parameters.
"But..."
Tsubaki still hesitated somewhat, scratching her cheek.
"There are no 'buts', Miss Tsubaki."
Seeing this, Haimer decisively pressed his advantage.
"You are the person most qualified to witness their growth."
"After all, starting from selecting weapons in the workshop, to taking them into the Dungeon for actual combat."
"Every step of the way."
"Miss Tsubaki was not only present the whole time but also guided and corrected them like a dutiful senior."
"Moreover, with Miss Tsubaki's sharp eyes as a Lv.5 First-Class Adventurer..."
"After this whole day, Miss Tsubaki must have clearly seen the fighting styles of these children, as well as each of their potentials."
"Since you've seen everything."
"Then what difference does it make whether we poke through this last layer of paper or not?"
"Furthermore."
"As I said."
"I am merely updating their basic Ability Parameters."
"As long as I simply imprint their basic Ability Values and wipe away other core secrets involving skill principles or magic chants..."
"This is just a simple report card."
"Letting the instructor see the student's report card."
"This won't cause any impact."
"Look."
Haimer pointed to the pairs of eyes around them that had lit up again.
"Rather than those rigid rules."
"I think they would prefer to hear Miss Tsubaki's evaluation."
These words acted like a lit fuse.
"That's right."
"Senior Tsubaki, Lord Haimer said so. Please stay and accompany us."
Upon hearing Haimer's words, Onigawara Rin immediately nodded desperately in agreement.
"Yeah!"
"If Senior Tsubaki isn't here for such an exciting moment, we won't know who to show off to!"
"Exactly, exactly! That's the most important part!!"
The others followed suit.
"..."
Even before Tsubaki could react.
Click—!
A crisp sound of a lock engaging suddenly rang out, seeming particularly abrupt.
Everyone looked towards the sound.
They saw Hanasaka Warabi, wearing that extremely ill-fitting large T-shirt, had already scurried to the bathroom door at some point and nimbly locked the frosted glass door from the outside.
Hestia: "?"
And that wasn't all.
"Kyoubou! Get over here!"
Following Warabi's command.
Growl...
The black bear Kyoubou, who had been dozing on the carpet, immediately got up and obediently shuffled its butt over, sitting right in front of the bathroom door.
It blocked the door completely.
"Done!"
Warabi clapped her hands and turned around, revealing two cute little tiger teeth, looking at Tsubaki triumphantly.
"Now the door is locked! The road is blocked!"
"Now the real outsider is gone!"
"You don't need to worry anymore, Muscle Woman!"
Hestia: "??????"
Faced with all this.
Tsubaki stood where she was, her eyes darting around slightly, seemingly overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of these little girls.
"I really can't deal with you guys..."
"But since you've said this much."
"In this situation, if I keep being pretentious, it would make me look unappreciative."
Tsubaki looked at Haimer and smiled wryly:
"Lord Haimer."
"If you continue to be so unguarded against me..."
"If this keeps up..."
"I'm afraid I'll have to transfer from Hephaestus's side to Lord Haimer's Familia just to wrap things up."
Hearing this, Haimer responded helplessly, going along with Tsubaki's words:
"I would have to dare accept Miss Tsubaki first."
"If I really abducted Miss Tsubaki, Orario's chief blacksmith..."
"Once Hephaestus learns of the news, she might just come over to fight me to the death."
"True!"
"If Lady Hephaestus throws a fit, it's terrifying."
Tsubaki laughed heartily.
With that.
The subtle sense of estrangement that originally existed due to their different Familia affiliations vanished into thin air.
After laughing.
Since she decided to stay.
Tsubaki stopped being pretentious.
She walked generously back to the obsidian round table and sat down cross-legged.
After all.
Since the other party had given such heavy trust.
Then she naturally had to show a corresponding attitude to witness all of this seriously.
"Then please begin, Lord Haimer."
Tsubaki straightened her body, her gaze sweeping over the group of vibrant young girls before her, her eyes holding a trace of anticipation.
"To be honest."
"My heart has been itching for a long time."
"I really want to know..."
"Just what level of growth these little monsters, who were like beasts released from a cage on their first day in the Dungeon, have achieved."
"Mm."
Haimer nodded.
Now.
Everyone's gazes became incredibly expectant.
"According to the initial order."
"The first one will start with Tsukuyo."
Haimer looked at Inaba Tsukuyo.
The others also focused their gazes on Inaba Tsukuyo in unison.
"Yes."
Inaba Tsukuyo responded softly.
Then.
She took a step forward, came before Haimer, turned around, and knelt with her back to him.
Her hands gently untied the sash of the bathrobe on her body, then pulled the collar down.
Rustle...
The sound of fabric friction was particularly clear in the hall.
As the bathrobe slowly slid down.
Inaba Tsukuyo's smooth, jade-like back was revealed to the air.
—A patch of skin that seemed carved from the finest mutton-fat jade.
Slender, frail.
The line of her spine rose and fell slightly with her breathing, and her shoulder blades were faintly visible under the skin, looking so fragile that it seemed they might break with just a little force.
Looking at this body, which was even frailer than an ordinary child's.
"Then."
"I am starting."
Having said that.
Haimer reached out.
A divine needle gently pricked his fingertip.
A drop of blood glowing with faint golden light seeped out.
Drip.
As Haimer's Divine Blood fell.
Hum—
Countless Hieroglyphs instantly emerged on Inaba Tsukuyo's originally fair back.
These characters seemed alive, rapidly arranging and combining, finally forming a complex panel pattern.
Gulp...
To the side.
Someone swallowed a mouthful of saliva.
Immediately after.
When the final stroke of the Hieroglyphs settled.
Haimer leaned forward slightly, his gaze sweeping over the series of emerging data.
"Oh?"
In that instant.
Even though he was mentally prepared, a flash of surprise couldn't help but pass through Haimer's black eyes.
But he quickly recovered.
Then he picked up the prepared parchment.
He gently covered Inaba Tsukuyo's back with that sheet of parchment.
—The data carrying the results of Inaba Tsukuyo's battle throughout the day was completely transcribed.
As Haimer's finger gently wiped across the parchment.
He hid the information regarding skills.
Leaving only the purest basic Ability Values.
Finally.
The red light dissipated, and the Hieroglyphs submerged back under Inaba Tsukuyo's skin.
After Haimer gently helped Inaba Tsukuyo put on her bathrobe.
He pressed the parchment onto the table, held it down with his finger, and slowly pushed it to the center of the table.
"..."
At this point.
The others' heads instantly leaned in.
Tsubaki stretched her neck.
And the moment those clear lines of Common Tongue came into view.
Hiss...
The sound of Tsubaki sucking in a breath of cold air rang out in the hall.
Name: Inaba Tsukuyo
Lv.1
Strength: I 0 ➔ H 182
Endurance: I 0 ➔ I 85
Dexterity: I 0 ➔ F 358
Agility: I 0 ➔ F 355
Magic: I 0 ➔ I 0
*
[Profile Data]
Name: Inaba Tsukuyo
School: Yakumaru Jigen-ryu
Catchphrase: "It is disappointing (Gakari desu)."
Traits: While usually quiet, she has a talkative side once she opens her mouth. The only middle school student among the Five Swords. A blind girl with hearing abilities. One of the Supreme Five Swords. Astonishing combat capability.
Height: 138cm
Weight: 36kg
Birthday: September 13
Blood Type: Rh-A
Likes: Dango
*
"Hey, hey..."
"Lord Haimer."
"Are you sure the numbers written on this are the results of a single day?"
"And not the accumulation of half a month or even a month of struggling in the Dungeon?"
Tsubaki pointed at that line of data, her voice going a bit off-key.
It was no wonder she lost her composure.
As the Captain of the [Hephaestus Familia].
As a Lv.5 First-Class Adventurer.
Tsubaki had seen, if not a thousand, then at least eight hundred talented rookies.
Under normal circumstances.
For a rookie, after a day.
Being able to raise their basic Ability Values by a dozen points was already considered a pretty good start.
If one item could break through the scope of I and reach the threshold of H (100-199).
They would definitely be treated like a treasure held in the palm of their main God's hand.
The next day, the God would be showing off to their friends about the gem they picked up.
But now.
Inaba Tsukuyo.
[Agility]: F 355.
[Dexterity]: F 358.
This was F!
Not only breaking through I (0-99), but even skipping straight past the stages of H (100-199) and G (200-299), entering the grand pass of F (300-399)!
In just this short day.
The Ability improvement gained by this blind girl named Inaba Tsukuyo was already equivalent to months or even half a year of bitter cultivation for an ordinary adventurer.
And.
Not only that.
Tsubaki swallowed a mouthful of saliva, her gaze falling on the [Endurance] column as she frowned.
[Endurance]: I 85.
"The deviation value of this data is too extreme."
"Strength and Endurance have just sprouted, and Endurance hasn't even reached one hundred."
"But this Dexterity and Agility are frighteningly high."
"Lord Haimer, does this child possess one of those extremely rare skills that can significantly correct the growth curve of Ability Scores?"
Speaking of this.
Tsubaki couldn't help but look up.
After all, Inaba Tsukuyo's exaggerated data deviation.
Apart from this explanation.
Tsubaki really couldn't think of a second possibility.
"That's right."
Facing Tsubaki's expression, which looked as if she had seen a ghost.
Haimer did not deny it.
Since she guessed it, she guessed it.
"Because of Tsukuyo's physical condition."
"Under the induction of the [Grace], it naturally manifested into an extremely special Rare Skill."
"This skill not only significantly corrects her growth modifiers in Agility and Dexterity."
"It also allows the experience value she gains in battle to be converted more efficiently into nourishment for these two specific abilities."
"The price is that Tsukuyo's physical growth rate will be slower than others."
"Sure enough."
Hearing these words.
Tsubaki couldn't help but look with a complex gaze at Inaba Tsukuyo, who was sitting there dutifully with a blank face.
Even though she had a vague idea.
When this conjecture was truly confirmed.
That sense of impact still made her scalp tingle.
After all.
Rare Skills were rarities in themselves.
Many adventurers, even after leveling up to Lv.2 or Lv.3, might not necessarily awaken even a single Rare Skill.
Except for those born with skills due to racial characteristics.
To be able to awaken a Rare Skill at this initial stage of Lv.1.
Even in those large Familias, such people were as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns.
Not to mention a skill like this that could directly interfere with the growth efficiency of [Ability Values].
Undoubtedly, she would be regarded as a strategic seed candidate and the apple of her God's eye.
Just having one.
Could create a monster invincible among the same rank.
Yet.
Now.
Inaba Tsukuyo not only possessed this kind of skill.
And looking at the exaggerated degree of this data.
Its effect was probably powerful to an inconceivable degree.
"It's truly..."
"Too enviable."
Thinking of this, Tsubaki shook her head and took a deep look at Inaba Tsukuyo.
She felt increasingly startled in her heart.
After all, this was only the first one.
And they had already pulled out such a trump card.
Then what about the remaining ones?
Especially that one...
Tsubaki's mind flashed to Amou Kirukiru's fighting style in the Dungeon—tearing monsters apart with her bare hands, wild enough to seem inhuman.
"Since Tsukuyo's report card has already been viewed."
"Then next..."
Before Tsubaki could recover her senses.
Haimer's voice continued.
"Kirukiru."
"It's your turn."
"Yes."
Haimer's voice fell.
When that girl with long straight black hair, radiating an icy aura that kept strangers away yet revealing an extreme thirst for blood at certain moments, walked over.
Tsubaki had already unconsciously swallowed her saliva, wanting to pick up her teacup and drink some water to calm her nerves.
After all, with Inaba Tsukuyo's prelude just now.
Tsubaki felt she should be mentally prepared.
However.
When her vision focused on the top two lines of data.
Her entire person froze completely on the spot.
Her pupils quaked.
"Pfft—!!!"
The mouthful of hot tea she had just sipped sprayed out without any regard for image.
Fortunately, Haimer reacted quickly and the precious parchment wasn't ruined.
"Cough, cough! Cough, cough, cough!!"
Tsubaki coughed violently, her single eye staring wider than a copper bell, her eyeball almost popping out.
She looked at the parchment in Haimer's hand.
At that moment.
This Lv.5 who had seen all sorts of storms.
Her voice even cracked a little.
"Is... is this really a fucking rookie?!"
Name: Amou Kirukiru
Lv.1
Strength: I 0 ➔ F 388
Endurance: I 0 ➔ F 365
Dexterity: I 0 ➔ F 310
Agility: I 0 ➔ F 315
Magic: I 0 ➔ I 0
*
[Profile Data]
Name: Amou Kirukiru
Height: 168cm
Weight: 53kg
Birthday: August 19
Blood Type: O
Likes: Pomegranates
*
All Ability Values had reached the F stage.
For an average person to rise to this stage, it would take at least a whole year.
Moreover.
Amou Kirukiru's [Strength] and [Endurance] were about to break through to E (400-499).
*
Author's Note: How do you guys feel about the skill effects of the Empress and Tsukuyo? The author feels they are still inferior to the Rabbit (Bell Cranel); the Rabbit's cheat is too terrifying.
____
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