"Is this another case of 'one day equaling a year for others'...?"
Faced with such a massive increase, Tsubaki couldn't help but rub her throbbing temples vigorously.
Even with her eyes closed.
Those numbers continued to echo frantically in Tsubaki's mind as if they were poisonous.
It couldn't be helped.
After all, as a veteran who had struggled and scrambled in this circle for so many years, Tsubaki thought she had seen every kind of storm there was.
Geniuses, monsters, the beloved children of the Gods.
In the [Hephaestus Familia] smithy and in the deep levels of the Dungeon, she had seen plenty.
But.
A scene like this.
She truly hadn't seen before.
Tsubaki couldn't help but lift her head.
She cast an extremely complex gaze at the black-haired girl who remained expressionless, her eyes not wavering in the slightest.
—Amou Kirukiru.
Then she looked at Haimer, who was calmly putting away the parchment as if he had just done something trivial.
"Sigh..."
Tsubaki let out a long breath of turbid air.
Although Haimer didn't explain.
However.
Tsubaki wasn't a fool.
This kind of absurd growth speed, which was practically like using a cheat code.
Aside from those extremely rare skills capable of significantly correcting growth efficiency.
There was no other explanation.
If someone told her this girl didn't have a skill attached to her, she wouldn't believe it even if beaten to death!
"Keep it safe."
"This is your new beginning."
With that, Haimer folded the parchment and handed it to Amou Kirukiru.
"Yes, God."
Amou Kirukiru took the parchment. Although there wasn't much fluctuation on her face, a glint of light flashed through her pitch-black eyes.
For her.
These numbers were the very sensation of being alive in this new world.
"Alright."
"Next."
He didn't waste any time.
After all.
There were still several people queuing behind her.
Haimer's voice sounded again.
"Rin."
As the voice fell.
"Yes!"
This time.
Onigawara Rin, who had been standing to the side nervously gripping the hem of her clothes, trembled slightly.
Then.
Onigawara Rin took a deep breath, seemingly cheering herself on, and nervously squeezed the hem of her shirt again.
She walked quickly to Haimer.
Especially when passing by Amou Kirukiru.
Onigawara Rin couldn't help but sneak a peek at the parchment in Amou Kirukiru's hand.
Although she didn't see the specific numbers clearly.
However.
Judging from Tsubaki's loss of composure.
Amou Kirukiru's increase must have been huge.
Thinking of this...
The pressure is so high...
Onigawara Rin bit her lip.
Immediately.
She turned her back and knelt down.
Rustle...
Her clothes slid down.
Revealing a back that, while still tender, already possessed the beautiful lines of a young maiden.
"Relax."
Haimer's voice came from behind.
Immediately after.
That drop of Divine Blood carrying a faint golden light dripped down from his fingertip.
Drip.
The Divine Blood fell.
The familiar Hieroglyphs lit up again.
And this time.
Tsubaki, sitting aside as the witness, had already started praying silently in her heart.
After all, although her heart had been tempered by fire, it couldn't withstand this kind of constant shock.
If another monster appeared jumping up by hundreds without any reason.
She feared she wouldn't be able to sleep at all tonight.
She might even start deeply doubting her own efforts over the past few years.
Fortunately.
This time.
The red light gradually stabilized.
"Phew..."
Haimer nodded slightly.
He picked up the parchment.
Imprinted it.
Erased the skill column.
The process flowed like moving clouds and flowing water.
Finally.
When the imprinted parchment was turned over by Haimer and pushed to the center of the table.
Tsubaki leaned in almost immediately.
Although those astronomical numbers that caused cardiac arrest didn't appear.
However.
When Tsubaki saw the content clearly.
"Uh..."
The next second.
Tsubaki's eyelid still couldn't help but twitch.
Because.
The data on this didn't let her completely sigh in relief.
Name: Onigawara Rin
Lv.1
Strength: I 0 ➔ H 102
Endurance: I 0 ➔ H 105
Dexterity: I 0 ➔ I 88
Agility: I 0 ➔ I 92
Magic: I 0 ➔ I 0
*
Silence reigned for a long time.
Finally.
Tsubaki took a deep breath.
"Although..."
"Compared to the first two completely unreasonable monsters, this data looks a lot more normal."
"But..."
"On the first day."
"Both Strength and Endurance broke one hundred."
Tsubaki pointed a finger at the data.
"Placed in any Familia, even in behemoths like the [Loki Familia] or the [Freya Familia]."
"She would absolutely be treated as a core seed genius to be nurtured."
Speaking of this.
Tsubaki paused, seeming to recall something.
"I remember the Guild has records."
"That [Sword Princess] from the [Loki Familia]... back when she just debuted."
"Her first Ability Value update data... seemed to be about the same as this?"
"In other words."
"This girl is a potential stock that can compete on the same starting line as that [Sword Princess]."
With that said.
Tsubaki couldn't help but shake her head.
"This is great."
"That [Sword Princess] has always held the legend for the fastest rookie level-up."
"Suddenly, she has competitors."
"And a whole nest of them came at once."
Hearing Tsubaki's evaluation.
Onigawara Rin, who had originally been somewhat worried about gains and losses because her stats didn't explode across the board like Amou Kirukiru's, had her eyes light up.
"Re—Really?!"
"I can also compare with that... what was it... [Sword Princess]?"
Onigawara Rin leaned in excitedly, looking at her data, her small face flushed red.
For someone with her competitive personality.
Although she couldn't compare to her own two companions who were already looked up to in their original world and had now taken off instantly here.
Being able to get an evaluation of "Same model as Orario's top genius".
This was enough to put her suspended heart back in her chest, and even feel a little secretly delighted.
"That is a matter of course."
Haimer handed the parchment to Onigawara Rin, a satisfied smile appearing on his face as well.
"Miss Tsubaki is a Level 5 First-Class Adventurer. You can put ten thousand percent trust in her judgment."
Then he reached out.
And gently rubbed the top of Onigawara Rin's head.
"You did well."
"As a vanguard."
"To be able to raise Strength and Endurance to this level on the first day."
"This shows that you really worked hard today."
"These data."
"Are the best proof of your courage."
"Really?!"
Hearing Haimer's praise, the originally somewhat apprehensive Onigawara Rin immediately lifted her head.
Those red eyes instantly lit up.
Two blushes flew onto her cheeks.
"Re... Really?"
"Kami-sama, did I... did I really do well?"
"Of course."
Haimer smiled and nodded.
"Really well."
"Not just the data."
"More importantly, Rin did not betray my trust in Rin."
"Wu..."
After receiving such an answer.
Onigawara Rin's tense little face instantly bloomed with radiance, feeling as if her entire being was a bit dizzy.
At this point.
The subsequent process was much faster.
The other girls stepped forward in turn.
Kikakujou Mary.
Nomura Satori.
Hanasaka Warabi.
One by one, they stepped forward.
As sheets of parchment were pushed to the center of the table.
Although data that caused cardiac arrest like Inaba Tsukuyo's and Amou Kirukiru's never appeared again.
However.
Every report card.
Was beautiful enough.
Kikakujou Mary.
—[Dexterity]: H 162.
As an assassin-type swordswoman using Western swords.
She displayed amazing talent in precisely striking weaknesses.
That series of precise thrusts, reflected in the data, was a rapid growth in the Dexterity attribute.
Nomura Satori.
—[Agility]: H 145.
This girl, who usually squinted her eyes and looked lazy.
Once she entered combat mode.
That ghost-like speed and assassination techniques that were impossible to guard against.
Made her surpass even Onigawara Rin in the item of Agility.
As for Hanasaka Warabi.
—[Strength]: H 128.
Her single-day Strength increase was also over a hundred.
Looking at these sheets of parchment laid out on the table.
Tsubaki felt that although her mood had calmed down a bit, that sense of shock still lingered.
After all.
In the span of one day, all of their main attributes had barely touched the threshold of H (100-199), and the others were hovering on the edge of I (90-99).
"Tsk, tsk, tsk..."
Tsubaki couldn't help but smack her lips at this growth rate, her gaze sweeping over the group of girls who were full of excitement, looking eagerly for more praise.
"Really..."
"They are all good seedlings."
"Placed in any Familia, even the [Loki Familia] or [Freya Familia]."
"Such rookie results."
"Would absolutely be treated as core members to be nurtured."
"They might even get into a fight just to snatch them up."
Thinking of this.
Tsubaki couldn't help but turn her head and glance at Haimer sitting in the main seat.
Her eyes were full of emotion.
"Lord Haimer."
"This luck of yours..."
"Is truly unmatched."
"Picking up so many treasures at once, I'm afraid you'll wake up laughing even in your dreams from now on."
"That is only natural."
Haimer accepted the praise without hesitation.
Then he stood up.
His gaze swept gently over the others present.
"Just as Miss Tsubaki said."
"The performance of each and every one of you far exceeded my expectations."
"But today."
"Is just a beginning."
"I believe."
"As long as you keep this up."
"It won't take too long."
"In the scenery at the peak of Orario, there will inevitably be a place that belongs to you."
"However."
Haimer changed the subject.
"Do not become complacent because of this."
"Data is ultimately just data."
"In a place like the Dungeon, life and death often lie in a single instant."
"No matter how great your Strength, no matter how high your Agility."
"If you lose that heart of reverence, if you lose that caution."
"Then you are just a corpse with slightly higher stats."
"This point, I hope you can firmly remember."
"Yes—!!"
The girls responded in unison, their voices crisp and loud.
"Very good."
Haimer nodded with satisfaction.
Then.
The seriousness on Haimer's face dispersed, and a gentle smile reappeared.
"Well then."
"Serious topics end here."
"You have all been tired all day."
"Now."
"Go upstairs and choose your own rooms."
"Discuss among yourselves which one you want to live in."
"The bedding and pillows are all new. Have a good sleep today."
"As for tomorrow's arrangements..."
"We'll talk about tomorrow, tomorrow."
As soon as these words came out.
The girls, who were still immersed in the joy of being praised, instantly exploded with activity.
"Wah—!!"
"I want to live in a room facing south!"
"I want one with a big window!"
"I want a room where I can directly see the laurel tree in the courtyard!"
"Me too!"
"Wait! I want to go too!"
"I want to live next door to Tsukuyo!"
The next second.
Cheering, the girls rushed toward the stairs leading to the second floor.
That liveliness.
"So much energy."
Tsubaki sat at the table, playing with an empty teacup in her hand. Looking at the girls' retreating figures, she couldn't help but sigh with emotion.
"Being young is nice."
"This reminds me of when I first followed Lady Hephaestus."
Haimer smiled and didn't reply.
He just turned his head to look at the black-haired girl still standing quietly beside him.
Amou Kirukiru.
As the strongest among this group, and also the one with the most withdrawn personality.
Amou Kirukiru naturally didn't plan to join in the fun.
She just stood there.
"What?"
"Not going up to have a look?"
"If you wait a bit longer, the good spots will be snatched up by the others."
Haimer teased.
"It doesn't matter."
Amou Kirukiru shook her head gently, her long straight black hair swaying slightly with the movement.
"As long as there is a place to sleep."
"I am not picky."
"Go on."
"You can't just sleep in the hallway, can you?"
"Tomorrow has tomorrow's matters."
"Rest well tonight."
Hearing these words filled with a bit of concern, the lines on Amou Kirukiru's face, which was always cold as frost, seemed to soften for a moment.
She nodded.
"Yes, God."
Finished speaking.
She hesitated no longer, turning and walking toward the stairs.
Although her pace was still unhurried, there was a rare lightness in that retreating figure.
It wasn't until Amou Kirukiru's figure also disappeared around the corner of the stairs.
That the hall finally quieted down again.
Only the occasional sounds of play from upstairs remained.
"Phew..."
Haimer just wanted to sit down and drink a sip of tea.
Suddenly.
He felt a slight tugging sensation on his trouser leg.
"Hm?"
Haimer lowered his head.
Only to see.
On the carpet by his feet.
A fluffy ball was lying there.
That was the little bear—Kyoubou's child.
At this moment.
This little guy was struggling to stand on its two hind legs, its front paws scratching at Haimer's trouser leg.
Looking up with that round head.
A pair of beady black eyes were looking at Haimer eagerly.
Seeing Haimer look over.
"Awooh?"
The little bear cried out.
Then.
It extended a chubby front paw.
And clumsily pointed at its own back.
"Hm?"
"Wu! Wuwu!"
Seeing Haimer look over, the little bear got even more excited.
It let out urgent cries from its mouth, desperately wiggling that chubby butt, displaying its back to Haimer.
That appearance.
As if saying:
—Look! Look! I want that too! I want that thing that glows!
Seeing this scene.
Even Tsubaki to the side was stunned for a moment.
Immediately.
"This little guy."
"Could it be that it understood the ritual just now and wants you to update its Ability Values too, Lord Haimer?"
Tsubaki finished speaking.
Hearing this, Haimer was also a bit helpless.
He bent down.
Reached out.
And lifted this little guy, which was about the size of a gas canister, onto his knee.
"You little rascal..."
Haimer reached out and rubbed those two round bear ears.
"Your fur hasn't even grown in yet, and you're thinking of becoming an adventurer?"
"Awooh!"
Seeming to hear the teasing in Haimer's tone.
The little bear cried out unconvinced, rubbing its head even more vigorously in Haimer's arms.
In those eyes.
There was a human-like desire that did not belong to ordinary beasts.
That was an instinctual pursuit of power.
And an eagerness to keep up with the others' pace.
Haimer rubbed the little bear's fluffy head.
But his gaze looked past it.
Towards the big guy lying in the corner of the hall—the black bear Kyoubou. Although it didn't come over to act spoiled and cute like its cub, those beady eyes were also looking eagerly in this direction.
Seeing Haimer's gaze cast over.
"Grooo..."
A low whimper came from Kyoubou's throat. Its huge bear head lifted slightly, then lowered somewhat timidly.
That cautious desire was no less than that of its cub.
Speaking of which.
These two bears.
Ultimately weren't natives of this world, nor were they the kind of irrational monsters in the Dungeon that would turn to ash upon death.
Instead, they had traveled here from the S-14 world along with the others.
Flesh and blood.
Possessing a spirituality not inferior to humans.
Since that's the case...
Haimer touched his chin, his fingers sliding through the little bear's thick back fur.
A bold idea.
Suddenly popped up in his mind.
According to the rules of this world.
[God's Grace].
Is a grace bestowed by Gods upon the inhabitants of the Lower World.
For the inhabitants of the Lower World, it is a growth power of extremely high efficiency.
There never seemed to be an explicit rule stating that one cannot bestow Grace upon animals, right?
Haimer narrowed his eyes.
Looking at the little bear's eyes full of anticipation, and then looking at Kyoubou.
"Miss Tsubaki."
Haimer couldn't help but speak.
"Hm?"
Tsubaki, who was watching the little bear with amusement, was stunned.
"In the history of the Lower World."
"Are there examples of Gods bestowing [God's Grace] upon animals?"
"This?"
Hearing this question.
Tsubaki froze.
She blinked her single eye subconsciously, then a glint of contemplation flashed past, and she shook her head.
"Well..."
"As far as I know, there really doesn't seem to be."
Tsubaki waved her hand.
"Although Gods are indeed very bored and will do all sorts of bizarre things."
"For example, the Ganesha Familia tames quite a few monsters for the [Monsterphilia]."
"But giving animals Grace..."
"Leaving aside whether any God has been bored enough to do so in the past."
"Just the potential hurdle couldn't be passed, right?"
"Grace is essentially about stimulating our potential."
"Ordinary beasts have too low potential; they can't attract a God's attention at all."
"However..."
"If it's Kyoubou..."
"To be honest."
"I really can't say for sure."
Speaking of this.
Tsubaki paused.
Her gaze fell on the black bear Kyoubou who was looking eagerly this way.
Recalling today in the Dungeon.
Kyoubou's human-like eyes, its measured combat awareness, and even its ability to understand simple commands.
Her voice became somewhat hesitant.
"After all, looking at this big guy..."
"It's truly as sharp as a ghost."
Hearing Tsubaki's ambiguous answer.
Haimer was also thoughtful.
"Since you didn't say it's impossible."
"That means it is possible..."
Haimer slowly lifted the little bear in his arms, watching it blink those beady black eyes.
"Why not try it..."
"If we carve the Grace onto them."
"Maybe."
"We can really create unprecedented giant bear adventurers?"
If he really added [God's Grace] to Kyoubou...
A giant bear adventurer clad in heavy armor.
That image.
Just thinking about it felt very exciting.
Tsubaki looked at Haimer's eager expression, also somewhat disbelieving.
"Lord Haimer, are you serious?"
"Why not?"
"Miss Tsubaki."
Haimer looked at Tsubaki and smiled slightly. In those deep black eyes flowed a brilliance that made Tsubaki feel somewhat unfamiliar.
It wasn't a mortal's impulse.
Nor was it that kind of bad taste born from a whim.
But a kind of...
More pure, more lofty... as if standing on the clouds looking down at the entire chessboard, looking at those established rules,
And then lightly reaching out, wanting to push one of the chess pieces into an unknown territory...
—Divinity.
"Miss Tsubaki."
"Why did the Gods abandon the eternal glory of the Heavens, seal their omniscient and omnipotent Divine Power, and jump into the Lower World one after another like dumplings into a pot?"
"What was it for?"
"It certainly wasn't to come here and be well-behaved babies, abiding by those rigid rules."
"What we came for..."
"Is precisely this unknown."
"Unknown possibilities, unknown developments, and those... perfect surprises that can make us, who have long become numb to everything, feel our hearts race again."
"Since a new child possesses intelligence and possesses the desire to become stronger."
"Since deep in its soul, a light shines that is not inferior to any human."
"Then."
"Why can't it become an adventurer?"
"Just because it's a beast in animal skin?"
"Or because..."
"No God has ever done this before?"
"If we deny the possibility of a life wanting to ascend just because of a boring reason like having no precedent."
"That would be too uninteresting."
Listening to Haimer's words.
Tsubaki opened her mouth, seemingly wanting to refute something.
Like the Guild's regulations, like worldly views, like the various troubles this might bring.
But.
The words reached her lips, but she couldn't say them no matter what.
Because she discovered.
She had actually been persuaded.
Yeah.
Gods were originally a group of existences who followed their hearts' desires and regarded seeking pleasure as the highest principle.
Breaking conventions?
That is a God's privilege!
Creating miracles?
That is a God's instinct!
If one had to be hesitant even about endowing a living being who yearned to become stronger with power, then being this God would be too stifling!
"You..."
Tsubaki smiled wryly and shook her head, raising a hand to rub her throbbing brow.
"Lord Haimer, your twisted logic comes in sets."
"But I really feel it makes sense."
"If Lady Hephaestus were here and heard your words, she would probably couldn't help but applaud you too."
"After all."
"Lady Hephaestus also has a personality that hates stagnation the most."
"Fine."
Tsubaki sighed. The conflict on her face finally dissolved into relief, and even... a little bit of ignited excitement.
"Since you, the Lord God, have spoken and want to break this boundary."
"Then what else can I say?"
"I'll just watch right here!"
"Watch how you add this colorful stroke to the history of Orario, no, to the history of the entire Lower World!"
"However..."
"Lord Haimer."
"Some words, even if they spoil the fun, I still have to say upfront."
Although she had been touched by those remarks about "unknown possibilities".
However.
As a veteran who had lived in this huge city called Orario for decades.
After that trace of excitement passed from Tsubaki's face, deep worry resurfaced between her brows.
Sitting cross-legged on the ground.
"You are indeed setting a precedent."
"Bestowing Grace upon beasts, letting beasts become adventurers."
"This sounds very romantic, very pioneering."
"But..."
"Have you thought about it."
"Once this opening is made."
"Once these two bears really successfully obtain the Grace and display not-insignificant combat power."
"This news cannot be hidden."
"Although Orario is big, there is no wall that doesn't leak wind."
"At that time."
"What will other Gods think?"
"What will other Familias do?"
"Those Familias that are already radical and warlike..."
"Once they see that this is a shortcut to quickly and cheaply obtain powerful combat power."
"They will absolutely swarm into the forests, into the wilderness, and even into the Dungeon like crazy."
"To hunt those ferocious beasts on a large scale."
"Then, regardless of anything else, forcefully bestow Grace, attempting to create a beast army that only obeys their orders."
Speaking of this.
Tsubaki's voice carried a chill.
"In that case."
"What about those weak Familias that were already solitary and struggling to survive in the cracks?"
"Seeing others engage in a massive arms race."
"Out of fear, out of self-preservation."
"They can only be forced to follow closely behind."
"Even if they have no ability to tame beasts at all, even if their own food and clothing are a problem."
"But in order not to be swallowed up, not to be eliminated."
"They can only bite the bullet and go catch them."
"But beasts are ultimately beasts."
"The reason Kyoubou has its current intelligence is that it is a unique case, one in a million."
"But what about other beasts?"
"Once they lose control."
"Once these beasts who have obtained [God's Grace] and had their power skyrocket go mad."
"The consequences..."
Tsubaki didn't continue.
But the meaning was already obvious.
At that time.
As the [Ganesha Familia] responsible for maintaining the city's security.
They would probably be busy to the point of vomiting blood.
"Chaos?"
"Although I don't think so."
"But chaos just shows there is vitality."
"Moreover, Miss Tsubaki."
Faced with Tsubaki's concern.
Haimer gently teased the little bear's wet nose in his arms with his finger.
"The Gods in the Lower World aren't all fools who disregard everything once they get excited."
"Just as Miss Tsubaki said."
"The reason Kyoubou can behave like this now is that it is a unique case, one in a million."
"It is a miracle piled up by countless coincidences."
"Other Gods might follow suit at first, trying to replicate this miracle."
"But."
"When the Gods pay a painful price, have their bases destroyed by those mad beasts, have their Familia members injured, and even get sent back to the Heavens in disgrace themselves."
"The Gods will naturally understand."
"This shortcut is basically a dead end."
"Although Gods love to play, they also know how to cut their losses in time."
"Once this heat passes, everything will naturally return to normal."
"Besides..."
"Does Miss Tsubaki really think that the current Orario, behind that so-called facade, is very bright?"
This sentence.
Like a needle, precisely pierced that layer of window paper.
Tsubaki opened her mouth, but the bellyful of refutations she had prepared instantly got stuck in her throat.
Bright?
Don't joke.
As an old slicker who had mixed in Orario for many years, she had seen more darkness than anyone.
Those Familias that tripped each other up in the Dungeon fighting for resources.
Those human trafficking deals carried out for selfish desires.
And those remnants of the Evilus hiding in the gutters.
In comparison.
Bestowing Grace upon two bears.
Seemed like not much of a problem.
At this point.
Tsubaki also had nothing to say.
Indeed.
To struggle over this kind of "chaos" that hadn't happened yet seemed a bit like worrying about the sky falling.
Anyway, if the sky falls, the tall ones will hold it up.
Why should she, a blacksmith, worry about that?
Having figured this out.
"Fine, fine."
Tsubaki leaned back decisively, supporting herself with her hands behind her back. That look of conflict instantly vanished like smoke, and she turned back into that hearty big sister.
"Since Lord Haimer has analyzed it so thoroughly, I don't need to worry."
"However."
"If this really succeeds in the future."
"How should the Guild's registration form be filled out?"
"In the race column, do we have to open a new branch for the Black Bear race?"
"That is the Guild's problem to worry about."
"Rules are dead, people are alive."
"If even a single form can't fit it, that just shows the form is too small."
"In that case, I'll excuse myself first and go find those little monsters upstairs, Lord Haimer."
"Mm, go ahead."
Small talk ended here.
Haimer lowered his head, looking at the little guy in his arms who was looking at him eagerly.
Seeing Haimer's attention finally fall back on itself.
The little guy's beady black eyes were blooming with unprecedented light at this moment.
Like a stray child who had grabbed onto hope, afraid this lifesaving straw would suddenly fly away.
"Awooh! Awooh!"
It stretched its neck desperately, waving its two front paws wildly in the air, letting out urgent cries.
Even.
Because it was too excited.
That short tail was shaking like a propeller behind its butt, and its whole body was wriggling restlessly on Haimer's knee.
"Alright, alright."
"Stop wriggling."
"Wriggle anymore and you'll fall off."
Haimer laughingly held down this restless little guy.
"Since you want to become stronger so much."
"Then I will give you this opportunity."
"However."
"I'll say the ugly words first."
"After this thing is carved on, you won't be just a bear anymore."
"You have to train with these sisters, fight together, and possibly even face monsters dozens of times bigger than you."
"Are you afraid?"
"Awooh—!!!"
The little bear raised its head and let out a tender yet unusually loud roar.
Afraid?
There was no such word in a bear's dictionary!
"Good."
"Ambitious."
Haimer nodded with satisfaction.
Then.
He wasted no more words.
He directly flipped the little bear over, making it lie on his knee with its belly down.
Reached out.
That drop of Divine Blood at his fingertip condensed again.
"Since it's the first time."
"Let me see."
"Just what kind of possibilities are hidden deep in the soul of you little guy."
Splatter.
The Divine Blood fell.
Seeping into that layer of thick fluff.
The next second.
Hum—
The familiar brilliance of Hieroglyphs lit up.
But this time.
The radiance didn't spread across the entire back like it did with the girls earlier.
After all, this little guy's body size was really too small.
Those Hieroglyphs could only squeeze together, densely arranged.
But.
When those characters finally settled.
The moment the panel emerged.
Haimer couldn't help but be stunned.
*
[Name]: Little Bear
[Race]: Bear
[Level]: Lv.1
[Ability Values]: Strength: I 0 | Endurance: I 0 | Dexterity: I 0 | Agility: I 0 | Magic: I 0
[Development Abilities]: None
[Magic]: None
[Skills]: 『Little Longing』
『Little Longing』
Early bloomer.
The deeper the longing for growth, the faster the Ability Value growth.
Effect depends on the purity of the longing.
*
Longing?
Isn't this the White Rabbit's cheat?
Although the description of the name was slightly different.
But the effect should be the same.
"This is getting more and more interesting."
The arc of Haimer's mouth deepened a bit.
A little bear with such a skill.
As long as he cultivated it slightly.
Set a goal for it that was lofty enough, enough for it to chase.
Its growth speed.
Would probably make everyone's glasses fall off.
"Awooh?"
Seeming to sense Haimer's emotional change.
The little bear looked up and cried out somewhat confusedly.
"All done."
Haimer reached out and gently slapped the little guy's chubby, fluffy butt.
Smack!
Crisp, and bouncy.
"Awooh?!"
The little bear shuddered all over, looking at Haimer with a dumbfounded face.
Not reacting to what had happened.
"Since the small one has it."
"The big one naturally can't be left out."
"It's your mom's turn."
With that.
Haimer came before Kyoubou.
Kyoubou had long since lay down.
Haimer pricked his fingertip with the divine needle.
Drip.
The Divine Blood fell.
Passing through those layers of thick black fur.
Precisely dripping onto the center of Kyoubou's back.
Hum—
*
[Name]: Kyoubou
[Race]: Black Bear
[Level]: Lv.1
[Ability Values]: Strength: I 0 | Endurance: I 0 | Dexterity: I 0 | Agility: I 0 | Magic: I 0
[Development Abilities]: None
[Magic]: None
[Skills]: 『Coordinated Fangs』, 『Thick Fat』
Skills:
『Coordinated Fangs』
When performing a coordinated attack with a contracted partner, both parties' [Strength] and [Agility] gain a significant bonus.
If attacking the same target, damage will receive an additional bonus.
『Thick Fat』
Significantly increases resistance to physical strikes, with a relatively high reduction effect against blunt weapons and impact-type damage.
Endurance ability growth receives high correction.
*
"Not bad."
"With the two of you."
"It seems I can really look forward to."
"Having an adventurer squad composed of bears in the future."
Haimer chuckled lightly and patted Kyoubou's head.
"Grooo—"
Seeming to understand Haimer's words.
Kyoubou clumsily lowered its head and affectionately rubbed against Haimer's palm.
"Alright, everyone else has gone to the second floor."
"Let's go up and have a look too."
With that.
Haimer didn't think much more.
He turned and walked toward the stairs leading to the second floor.
Kyoubou and the little bear seeing this also immediately followed behind, happily scuttling.
At this point.
As the figures of one person and two bears went to the second floor together.
The first-floor hall gradually returned to calm.
Only those magic wall lamps hanging on the walls silently sprinkled soft radiance.
In such a peaceful silence.
Behind that frosted glass door that had been locked dead.
"Hum hum hum~"
"This is the life a God should live in the Lower World~"
Inside the bathroom.
Hestia had just climbed out of that ridiculously large rock bath with satisfaction.
Humming an unknown tune.
At this moment.
The skin all over her body had been soaked pink, like steamed pork just out of the steamer.
Those signature black twin-tails were plastered wetly to her back.
She reached out and pulled that thick, soft large bath towel from the shelf, rubbing it randomly over her body a few times.
Then.
After putting on her divine robe.
She picked up that blue ribbon she had casually thrown aside.
Skillfully tied it under her chest.
Snap!
A crisp sound.
That pair of soul-stirring curves were instantly supported, restoring the blue ribbon form.
"Phew—!"
After Hestia nodded with satisfaction at herself in the bathroom mirror.
She walked with bare little feet, stepping with brisk paces, patter patter, towards that frosted glass door.
Immediately.
She confidently pressed down.
Click—!
"???"
Finally.
An extremely bad thought sluggishly drilled into Hestia's skull.
This door...
Seems to be locked from the outside?
At this point.
A moment later.
Click.
The crisp sound of the lock tongue springing open finally rang out.
Haimer grabbed the door handle and gently pulled outward.
Bang—!
Accompanied by the door opening.
A blue and white figure slapped straight onto the floor along with the door opening.
Just like a salted fish that had been out of water for too long and turned belly up.
Haimer looked down.
Only to see Hestia lying on the carpet in a "Dai" shape at this moment, her round face steamed red by anger.
"Truly sorry about that."
Haimer sighed helplessly.
Then he bent down.
His hands passed through Hestia's armpits and the bends of her knees, using a little force to pick up this loli Goddess who was emitting heat all over.
Soft.
And quite heavy.
"Wu..."
Seeming to feel the change in posture, Hestia nuzzled, found a comfortable position, and smacked her lips twice.
Haimer shook his head, carrying this big trouble and turning to go upstairs.
Now.
The second-floor corridor was already quiet.
The girls who had been crazy all day had already chosen their rooms and gone to sleep.
Haimer didn't pick and choose much.
He casually pushed open the door of an empty room closest to the stairs, walked in, and gently placed the person in his arms on that soft large bed.
"Phew—"
After Haimer buried Hestia in the blanket and tucked the corners in well.
Watching Hestia let out a comfortable sigh, turn over, and continue to sleep soundly.
"Goodnight."
Haimer said.
Turned around.
Turned off the light.
Gently closed Hestia's door.
This mansion, which had just welcomed its owner, finally returned to complete peace.
Only in the sky.
A round of cold moon hung high above the tip of the Babel Tower, quietly overlooking it all.
____
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