The pair quickly exchanged the Magic Stones.
They didn't go to the Guild. Instead, they headed to the Exchange on the 3rd floor of Babel. Kitahara's haul was simply too massive for a rookie to handle elsewhere without drawing the wrong kind of attention.
"Kitahara, what on earth did you go through today to get this much!?"
Hestia stared at the bag resting in her palms. Her face was blank. A low, disbelieving murmur escaped her lips.
The bag held Kitahara's earnings for the day. 100,000 Valis.
A rookie Adventurer bringing in that much profit on his first day? It left Hestia completely dazed.
"I went to the 15th floor," Kitahara said.
He didn't hide it. He chose the truth.
He figured it was better to show his strength than let Hestia worry about his safety forever. 'If she knows what I'm actually capable of, she might finally stop hovering over me like a nervous hen.'
He had told her before that he'd trained hard before coming to Orario. He claimed his strength was more than enough to survive.
This was the proof.
He had reached the Middle Floors, fought a Minotaur, and returned without a scratch. What better evidence could there be?
"Eh!?"
Hestia shrieked. The news that he'd reached the 15th floor hit her like a physical blow.
She never expected him to dive so deep on his very first day as an Adventurer.
No wonder his equipment was gone. Only his weapon remained. His clothes were shredded rags. He had actually gone that deep into the dungeon.
After the shock came the anger.
She was furious at his recklessness. He was treating his life like it was disposable.
Mortals only had one life.
In the Lower World, when a life ended, it was over. They weren't like gods who could simply manifest again after a brief departure.
Was he trying to get himself killed?
"Kitahara, you are not allowed to be this reckless again! What if something happened?"
Hestia couldn't help herself. The lecture started immediately.
"Relax, Hestia. I was already very strong before I arrived in Orario."
"No Level 1 Adventurer is my match."
"The Upper Floors are easy for me."
Kitahara smiled at her pouting face. He kept his voice soft, trying to soothe her frayed nerves.
"Really?"
Hestia blinked. Her divine intuition told her he wasn't lying. Even so, she couldn't bring herself to believe it was true.
"Yes. Otherwise, do you think I'd be standing here like this?"
Kitahara nodded, confirming his words with a steady gaze.
Hestia looked him over again. She scanned every inch of him with narrowed eyes.
He didn't look injured. There were no signs of hidden trauma or the kind of internal damage that a mortal might try to hide.
"No. You're coming with me to see Miach. I'll have him check you over."
She still wasn't satisfied. She needed a professional opinion to settle her heart.
Her friend Miach was the god of medicine. He was an expert in healing. He would see things she couldn't.
If Kitahara had any hidden wounds, Miach would find them.
"Fine, I'll go with you."
Kitahara didn't refuse.
If he wanted her to believe he was fine, proof was the best way. 'A quick check-up is a small price to pay for her peace of mind.'
Hestia grabbed his hand again. She pivoted and dragged him in a new direction.
The Azure Pharmacy wasn't far from the Abandoned Church. They were already close to home, so the detour was short.
It took less than twenty minutes to reach their destination.
The Azure Pharmacy was still open for business. Hestia didn't bother knocking. She burst inside and shouted at the top of her lungs.
"Miach! I need a favor!!"
The shop was small. Shelves lined the walls, packed with various potions. A counter sat between the rows, with a workbench tucked behind it.
Two people were behind the counter. One stood, while the other sat.
A girl with drooping dog ears stood there. She was beautiful, but her expression was cold.
Behind her, a young man with azure, shoulder-length hair sat quietly. His hands moved steadily over the workbench.
They were Naaza Erisuis, the only member of the Miach Familia, and the Patron Deity himself, Miach.
Hestia's sudden entrance startled them both.
"Hestia-sama, please do not shout."
Naaza's face remained calm, but her tone carried a hint of irritation.
"Hestia? You're a rare guest."
"What do you need help with?"
Miach turned around. He stood up and walked to the counter, his voice gentle.
He was known as a noble gentleman. Even with a single glance, Kitahara could feel the innate elegance radiating from him. It wasn't something one could fake.
"Miach, check Kitahara for me. See if he's hurt."
Hestia didn't waste time with pleasantries. She pulled Kitahara forward, presenting him to the god.
"Oh? Is this boy part of your Familia?"
"I didn't know you'd started one. You should have told me so I could celebrate."
Miach smiled, looking genuinely surprised.
"I just formed it yesterday. I was going to tell you tomorrow, but things changed. So, we're here tonight."
"Just check him for internal injuries already!"
Hestia explained quickly before rushing him again.
"Haha, alright."
"Naaza, please examine this young man."
Miach chuckled. He didn't do it himself, instead delegating the task to Naaza.
"Yes, Miach-sama."
Naaza answered softly. She stepped out from behind the counter.
Hestia watched the scene without a hint of surprise.
She recognized the weight on the girl's shoulders. Naaza Erisuis was the sole member of the Miach Familia, the only one left to carry their banner.
Miach spent every waking hour pouring his knowledge of medicine and pharmacy into her. It was only natural for Naaza Erisuis to take charge of the diagnosis.
Treating wounds and identifying sickness had become her entire world.
If her eyes failed to spot a hidden ailment, Miach stood ready to step in.
He was the one who would always catch her if she stumbled.