Chapter 16 – A Shocking Level-Up!
"I think that's enough for today. I'm still just a beginner, after all."
"That's probably for the best. No need to expose yourself to unnecessary danger."
Hephaestus nodded lightly in agreement. After all, her Familia wasn't one meant for Dungeon exploration in the first place.
Their main source of income came from forging weapons and combat gear—not delving into the depths of the Dungeon. So she didn't mind Akira taking it easy.
A few moments later, Akira stepped into the room, holding a bundle filled with grilled lamb meat, roasted ribs, and an entire roasted lamb leg he had just bought.
"By the way, Hephaestus-sama… have you eaten lunch yet? I happened to grab a little something."
"Not yet. Tsubaki just brought in some really high-quality materials, and I've been busy thinking about how to use them."
"In that case, this is perfect timing."
When Hephaestus saw the steaming roast meat and full lamb leg laid out on the table, a faint smile tugged at her lips.
Normally, food like this wasn't something she touched. As a goddess—especially one with no shortage of money—she had access to far more refined and nutritious meals. Greasy meat wasn't exactly her favorite.
But because it was something Akira brought home for her, she decided to make an exception. Once in a while wouldn't hurt.
Click—
Just then, the bedroom door creaked open. Out came Hestia, stretching her arms lazily.
Sniff, sniff—
"Mmm~ That smell~! Roasted meat?! Wait—is that lamb leg?! Incredible~!"
With zero hesitation, the infamous Big-Boobed Goddess dashed straight to the table, grabbed a slice of meat, and stuffed it into her mouth with a delighted hum.
As she began munching with pure bliss, Hephaestus could only sigh with a defeated smile. Sometimes, she really did feel like she was raising a hyperactive teenager.
"Hestia, you've been home all day today. Aren't you out looking for new members for your Familia?"
"No rush. Recruiting can happen anytime!"
"I see… But you should start taking it more seriously. There are tons of Familia in Orario now. Most rookie adventurers tend to join large or at least mid-tier groups."
"Relax, Hephaestus! I'm Hestia, you know!"
With a proud grin, Hestia puffed out her chest—causing certain things to bounce and assert themselves with a confident presence that could only belong to her.
Hephaestus decided not to argue further. For gods and goddesses, time meant little.
They had descended from the Divine Realm to the Mortal World to find amusement—to shake off boredom. Familia and adventuring were nothing more than games to them.
Sitting beside them, Akira quietly shook his head.
That's only true for now. Just wait…
In the original timeline, things started going downhill when Hephaestus grew tired of Hestia freeloading in her home.
Eventually, she gave her a gentle boot out the door, forcing Hestia to start her own Familia.
Without Hephaestus' backing, the busty goddess lost everything and had to work herself to the bone just to survive—earning herself the infamous nickname: The Freeloader of the North District.
But that hardship led her to destiny.
To Bell Cranel—and the beginning of a story filled with magic, love, and adventure.
"By the way, Hephaestus-sama… could you update my Falna? I'm kind of curious how much I've grown today."
"Eh? It's only been one day, you know? You shouldn't expect much of a change that fast."
"Still, I'd like to know. Please?"
"…Fine. I guess I have some time now."
Their conversation caught Hestia's attention, and she turned toward them with wide, sparkling eyes.
She didn't have a Familia yet, but she definitely planned to start one. This was the perfect opportunity to observe and learn from Hephaestus.
"Let's move to the next room."
"Right."
The two of them stood and moved toward the adjoining chamber.
The reason was simple—Hestia was here. And no matter how close she was to Hephaestus, a Falna was a deeply personal matter.
Even members of the same Familia rarely shared their status boards. Let alone someone from outside.
But Hestia, ever oblivious, trailed after them like a curious kitten.
"Hestia, where do you think you're going?"
Hephaestus glanced back in confusion.
"I want to watch~! I'll have my own Familia soon too, you know! If I can learn from you now, wouldn't that be a huge help?"
"No. A child's Falna is a sacred secret. Without their express permission, I wouldn't reveal anything—even to another god."
"But come on~ We're super close, Hephaestus~!"
"Hestia. You need to understand. A Falna is the deepest secret of every Familia child."
"Ehh…"
With puppy-dog eyes welling up with tears, Hestia stared at Hephaestus in desperation.
Normally, that look might've worked. But not this time.
Not when Hephaestus was acting as a goddess.
"No, Hestia."
"…Okay…"
Turned down twice, Hestia returned to the living room with slumped shoulders and a pout on her face.
Hephaestus let out a small sigh. Maybe she could've rejected her more gently…
Pushing the thought aside, she entered the room.
Inside, Akira had already taken off his shirt and was sitting calmly, waiting for the Falna update.
Looking at his bare back, Hephaestus couldn't help but recall the last time she saw him like this.
For a man, Akira had a surprisingly fit build. He looked lean with clothes on, but his upper body was all muscle—firm and well-shaped.
Add in their… complicated relationship, and her mind couldn't help wandering for a moment.
Huff~…
Shaking her head, Hephaestus forced herself to focus.
What the heck am I thinking? I'm his goddess—there's no way I should feel this way about my own child!
She picked up a silver needle, pricked her finger, and let a drop of divine blood fall onto Akira's back.
A soft glow lit up.
Zraaaak—
The Falna etched on his skin came alive, shining with mystical light as it processed all the experience, feats, and accomplishments he had gained since the last update.
Then the numbers began to change.
— — —
Shin Akira
Level: 1
Strength: I:99 → G:299
Vitality: I:99 → G:299
Dexterity: I:99 → G:299
Agility: I:99 → G:299
Magic: I:99 → D:599
Magic:
( ) ( ) ( )
Skills:
[King of all Shadowkhan]
・Sovereign of shadows
・Enhanced spiritual power
・Can summon Shadowkhan warriors
[Greed]
・Insatiable desire for all things
・Drastically accelerates growth rate
・Gains more experience when defeating monsters
— — —
This growth… is ridiculous.
Strength, Endurance, Dexterity, and Agility had all jumped by 200 points each. Magic alone had skyrocketed by 500 points.
In total… 1,300 stat points in a single day.
Absolutely unheard of.
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