It's been about 3 days since my first session on item creation with Asfi. And things are progressing smoothly, while I am still not able to use magic like a proper mage. My proficiency in handling magic power is getting higher thanks to Riveria lessons. And my status is also improving steadily all because of my daily training with Ais and doing dungeon dives.
Now I just need to find a good enough opponent who can push my stats to the limit. And help in advancing me to the next level.
I am also just staying at the first 11 and 12 levels in the dungeon.
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"Arin?" I came out of my thoughts as Ais called out to me, we were both getting back from Goibniu familia after getting her sword maintenance.
"Sorry, I spaced out for a moment," I told her Ais who was walking beside me, as we made our way back home.
"Thank you for coming with me to the smithy, even though you must be tired after our training session," She said with a slightly sad expression. I guess she was feeling guilty since today she didn't hold back as much as she does on other days.
"No, I also wanted to go and check out Goibniu familia weapons and workshops." Her expressions were still the same. "Oh! I know, if you feel that bad then you can give me a lap pillow later." That seemed to work, as she raised her face and looked me in the eyes.
"Really? Is that what you want?"
Her big, innocent eyes met mine — so open, so sincere.
Socute.
"Yup, that's what I want." In these few days, I came to know that she really likes giving me lap pillows and patting my head along with the lap pillow.
"Okay." I saw a small smile come upon her face. Which makes me smile as well. "Do you like giving me lap pillows that much?" I just asked since I was curious as well.
"Hm." She nodded and continued. "It makes me feel calm."
"I see." Calm huh? Maybe since she only ever received care from people around her like Riveria and others. So maybe it's a new feeling to her, caring for someone.
After that, we kept walking quietly, side by side, through the bustling streets of Orario. and before long we reached our home.
"Oh, both of you are finally here." I looked up the stairs and saw Riveria. It seemed like she was going towards Loki's office.
"Yeah, did something happen?"
"Yeah, Goddess Astraea is here to discuss something with us. Both of you should come as well." We climbed up the stairs and started walking with Riveria to Loki's office. Riveria knocked once before she entered with Ais following behind her. I entered after them.
Inside the office were several people including Loki, Astraea, Alise
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And Ryuu. When we entered she looked towards us and our eyes met. She was wearing the same combat uniform she wore in the canon. She was sitting on the left of Astraea on the sofa.
"Hm? Arin-kun, Don't just stand there, come in quickly." Hearing Loki's voice I quickly entered the room and closed the door behind me. I took a seat on the sofa as well before giving a small bow towards Astraea.
"You must be Arin Kael, that Ryuu and Alise are always talking about." When I heard Astraea's words, I was a little confused, since I thought I hadn't made a significant impression on them. So, I looked towards Ryuu and Alise.
"C'mon Astraea-sama. Isn't it obvious we will talk about him? He fought an Irregular dragon while being a newbie."
"And that too to protect other adventurers." Oh crap, Obviously Ryuu would see me as someone who protects others. Sorry Ryuu! I am not a Hero! I am Sorry to make you think that! See, even Riveria and Loki are looking at me like.
In this short time together, they have gotten a good grasp on my thinking and personality.
Astraea looked at me after observing everyone's reaction and gave a short smile. Sh*t she caught on that i am not a hero of justice. Which is kinda obvious since she is a goddess of justice herself. But I guess it's better this way. Since I do not wish to build any relationship on lies. They mostly never end well for both parties, so the sooner this misunderstanding is resolved, the better.
"Hoh… then Arin must be a very Heroic person to risk his life like that." I looked at her before giving my answer. I want to make a good impression on her. So…
"No, I only fought that dragon because I was confident in my ability to run away if things went south for me. So I only helped them because I know that I will make it out alive." I kept looking at her, ignoring Ryuu and Alise's eyes on me, I don't even know what type of expression they are making. "And I have said it to God Hermes as well. That I do not have the vessel of a Hero. That said, I am not some heartless person. If I can help someone, then I will, unless and until my own life or the people I care about are not in too big of a danger." I paused, and I was able to hear the silence of the room. Everyone present was focusing on my words. "That is my Justice." I think I nailed it with that.
Astraea remained quiet for a moment, maybe to collect her thoughts. " I think it's fine to think that way. And if that is your justice, then as a god of Justice, I must recognize it."
"Well, if you are done being all philosophical, then can we start the topic for which we gathered today?" Loki, who seemed fed up with this talk, spoke up.
"Of course. But we will have to wait for Kaguya since I asked her to verify that information." Astraea just finished her sentence, and Kaguya, after knocking, entered the room.
"I have verified the information. It is correct." Kaguya took her seat as well.
"Ok, the suspense is killing me, just say it." Loki seems to have reached her limit.
"We got some information about one of Evilius' members' hideouts, and we are thinking of striking them tomorrow. What do you think, Loki?"
"Sounds good. They are getting too active recently."
We discussed the plan in detail and modified it as necessary.
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"Ok, then let's do tomorrow. The less time they have to prepare, the better." This was the conclusion we reached, and after that, we talked about some light-hearted topics before Astraea got up to leave." And Ryuu and others started walking as well. We also followed them to see them off at the gates.
"Arin-san, do you mind if I ask you something?" Ryuu, who has been silent until now. Spoke up to me.
"Of course, Ryuu, if it is something I can answer, then I will."
"Are you still not going to keep it down, Lion?" Kaguya spoke up, interjecting Ryuu.
"Woman, do you not have any manners? We are still talking." I told her off. Why does she keep getting in the way of Ryuu and me?
"Humph, Manners are not something that will keep you alive." Kaguya bites back. Man, she is too stubborn.
"Yeah, but they will make you a better human being."
"And that will not help in surviving either." Is she making a habit of arguing with me?
"Whatever. More importantly, Ryuu, what were you saying?" I guess our little argument attracted the attention of others as well.
"I want to ask your opinion if it is fine to sacrifice a few for the masses?" Ah, so Ryuu and Kaguya already have that argument, huh?
"Well, the answer is simple for me….