Chapter 22: Return, Delivery, Update, and Dungeon.
Chico awoke to the soft golden hue of morning filtering through his window.
The bed felt a little colder without her.
Demeter hadn't returned yet.
That was fine. She said she'd be back, and Chico believed her with every fiber of his being.
After taking a quick shower and changing into light training gear, he made his way to the dining hall. A fast but filling breakfast later, bread, eggs, smoked ham, and dried fruits, he stepped out into the morning air, refreshed and ready to move.
Today, he wouldn't train with weapons. Today was about fists and footwork.
The training yard was empty when he arrived, and that was perfectly fine. He dropped his bag by the wall, cracked his neck side to side, and began.
Punches, jabs, uppercuts. Kicks with rising arcs. Quick pivots on the balls of his feet.
For half an hour, Chico danced alone with the wind.
Sweat began to trickle down his brow. His shirt clung to his chest and back. His legs warmed and burned beneath him.
Then he heard them.
Two pairs of footsteps.
He turned.
Persephone entered the yard first, her long honey-blonde hair bouncing gently with each step…but beside her—
His breath caught.
His pulse halted.
His brain stopped working for a full second.
It was Demeter.
She wore the same cream-colored dress Persephone had described the night before. And it was…stunning.
The gown draped over her body like divine silk—low-cut at the neckline with delicate gold embroidery tracing her curves, cinched at the waist with a leaf-patterned sash. The back dipped low, showing off her smooth skin and the graceful curve of her back, her hair pulled up into a loose twist that only made her more radiant.
She was divinity incarnate.
Without a word, Chico stepped forward and gently pulled her into an embrace. His arms wrapped around her waist with quiet reverence.
"I missed you," he murmured. "You look absolutely stunning…"
Demeter melted into him. She pressed a soft kiss to his neck, sending shivers down his spine.
"In home," she teasingly whispered into his ear.
He closed his eyes, held her a little tighter, and whispered back, "Welcome home."
"Ahem."
They both turned their heads. Persephone stood a few feet away, arms crossed, eyebrow raised and expression flat.
"Should I come back later?"
The two blinked, once, twice, then chuckled.
Chico gently pulled away from Demeter, rubbing the back of his neck. "Sorry about that. I was hoping to catch you, actually. Wanted to spar with someone."
"A spar?" Persephone asked.
He nodded. "Time to get serious about my close combat skills."
She stared for a moment longer, then slowly nodded. "Fine. Let's see what you've got."
Chico turned to Demeter, who had taken a seat beneath the shade of the courtyard pavilion. "Would you like to watch?"
She smiled, one leg crossed over the other, radiant and relaxed. "I'd be delighted to watch my man and my daughter fight."
He chuckled, then cracked his knuckles.
——————————————————————
They took their positions. Then they began.
At first, Chico stuck to the basics-tight fists, sharp jabs, and precise footwork. He darted in with short combinations, fists moving in quick flurries.
But Persephone blocked them all with a calm, clinical ease.
She was on the defensive, and she just kept calm.
Time to step it up.
Chico shifted stances.
Muay Thai-the Art of Eight Limbs.
He launched into a barrage of elbows, knees, low kicks, and body shots. His strikes became unpredictable, aiming from different angles and ranges. His balance, grace, and power began to coalesce into something potent.
He managed to slip in close, nearly broke her guard once.
Then she struck.
A swift blow to the chest.
He was sent skidding backwards across the yard, feet barely staying under him.
She didn't wait.
She was already on him, fists flying.
He blocked one, two, took the third to the side and grunted.
Another flurry followed, and Chico gritted his teeth.
Overdrive Core
Energy surged into his limbs. Power pumped through him. But it wasn't the same as before, this time he was growing faster. Stronger. He felt the power.
He didn't think about it. No time to think.
He caught a strike with his knee, pivoted off the other leg, jumped and slammed his left leg across her guard, it landed.
She barely moved.
But her eyes narrowed.
And now she hit harder.
Faster.
Chico pushed himself.
The spar escalated, blow after blow, feet scuffing the dirt, sweat flying off his skin. Chico began to sweat harder, his breathing grew ragged, but he didn't stop.
Demeter watched from the sidelines with rapt attention and pride. Her eyes followed every motion, every shift in Chico's stance, every moment of Persephone's skillful retaliation. Her heart swelled. Her man had grown so much in such little time…and her daughter, how far she had come.
The clash reached a peak. Chico landed a solid knee to Persephone's side, followed by a spinning elbow. He was in rhythm now, striking with fury.
But his legs wobbled.
His strikes slowed.
He grunted, swinging wide.
Persephone ducked.
Then, calmly, she raised a hand. "Enough."
Chico stopped. He bent forward, hands on knees, chest heaving.
Then…plop.
He dropped to his butt with a soft thud, then laid back flat on the dirt, gasping.
Soaked in sweat. Legs burning. Heart pounding.
And yet…
He smiled.
"That was…a damn good spar."
After a minute or two, he sat up, then pushed himself to his feet.
He turned to Persephone and gave a slight bow of appreciation.
"Thanks. I needed that."
Persephone tilted her head, arms still crossed. "You did well. You caught up quicker than I expected."
He nodded, sweat still dripping down his chin, but the grin never left his face.
Then he turned to Demeter, who stood with her arms behind her back, soft pride in her gaze.
"I'm gonna grab a quick shower. After that…you'll tell me about your day yesterday?"
She nodded warmly. "I'll be waiting in our quarters."
Chico stepped forward, placed a soft kiss on her lips, and whispered, "Looking forward to it."
Then he jogged off, sore but satisfied.
——————————————————————
After his shower, Chico stood before the doors to her quarters.
…No.
Their quarters.
He smiled faintly at the thought and pushed open the doors.
There she was.
Demeter. Still dressed in that divine cream-and-gold gown from the banquet. Still radiant.
He crossed the room in a few quiet strides and embraced her without hesitation. Their lips met, not hungry, not needy. Just…warm. A soft kiss that spoke volumes.
Then he gently guided her toward the bed, where the two of them sank into a gentle sprawl. Arms wrapped. Legs tangled. Their breathing synchronized like waves on the shore.
No words for a while. Just the closeness.
Chico, nestled against her warmth, finally broke the silence.
"How was your day?"
Demeter smiled beneath his chin, her breath brushing against his neck.
"Eventful," she murmured. "But enjoyable."
Her voice carried a smoothness like wine, calm yet ever vibrant.
"The Banquet was held at the Ganesha Familia home," she began. "A massive structure carved in the shape of Ganesha himself. His taste hasn't changed, still loud, still eccentric, still yelling his own name to open the festivities."
Chico chuckled softly into her hair.
She continued, "I spoke to a few acquaintances first. Dionysus, Hermes, a few others. But eventually, I found the ones I was hoping to speak with—Hestia, Hephaestus, Loki…and Freya."
Chico blinked. Then again.
Besides Hestia, for now, those were the most influential goddesses in Orario.
He looked down at her. She gave him a look filled with mirth and something else…knowing.
"I wished to speak with Hestia," Demeter said softly. "To thank her. For her child. For you."
His cheeks flushed, but the smile that bloomed on his lips was soft and genuine.
"Then Loki," she continued. "Since one of her own carried you out of the Dungeon…it felt only right to thank her as well."
Chico was smiling at that.
Then her voice grew quieter. Her lips curled shyly. She bit her bottom lip and looked up at him through her lashes.
"I…might've done one more thing."
He lifted his head slightly, curious at her change in tone.
"Better to show you," she said quietly, and began to rise from the bed.
She offered him her hand.
Chico took it without hesitation.
They walked hand-in-hand through the halls of the manor, turning down a familiar hallway until they reached her solarium.
Demeter paused at the door.
A soft inhale.
A slight shake in her fingers.
Then she pushed the door open.
Inside, sunlight bathed the room with warm, natural glow. Flowers blossomed along the walls, fragrant and peaceful. But Chico's gaze was drawn not to the flora, but to the wooden crate resting on the central desk…and the seemingly ordinary-looking book beside it.
Demeter led him to it. They stood before the crate.
She took another breath.
Then began.
"At the Banquet," she said, steadying herself, "I made a request to Hephaestus."
She pulled off the lid.
Inside were ten ingots.
Seven gleamed with a soft, silvery sheen.
Three shimmered black and deep, almost absorbing the sunlight.
Chico's eyes widened.
His breath caught.
That much metal…that type of metal…
She confirmed it. "Seven kilograms of Mithril. Three kilograms of Orichalcum."
He slowly looked up at her.
She gave a nervous smile. "The cost will be 30 million Valis. Monthly payments. And…a favor."
Chico blinked. "A favor?"
"When you're strong enough…you'll join the Hephaestus Familia on an expedition."
Silence.
Then Chico surged forward and lifted her into a tight, fierce embrace.
The kiss that followed was passionate, not rushed, not shallow, real. It told her everything: his thanks, his devotion, his awe, and the deep, burning love he felt for this woman.
When he pulled back, heart pounding, he rested his forehead against hers.
"You're too good to me," he whispered. "I'll do everything I can to repay this. I swear it."
Demeter placed a gentle hand on his cheek. "I know."
They stayed like that. Two hearts in harmony.
But Demeter eventually drew back just slightly.
"There's more," she said softly. "Something else I wanted you to have."
She turned his attention to the book.
Just a book. At a glance.
But her expression said otherwise.
"It's a grimoire," she said. "A real one. A gift…from Freya."
Chico's breath hitched.
"Lady Freya?" he echoed.
She nodded. "I spoke to her. I sought…guidance. And perhaps a small alliance."
Chico stared at the book, mind racing.
"Her price?" he asked slowly.
Demeter hesitated, then exhaled. "She wants to meet you. Alone."
He stiffened.
Alarms rang in his head. His gut twisted.
Demeter caught the look and touched his chest.
"She promised she wouldn't do anything obscene," she said gently. "You don't need to worry…too much."
Chico frowned slightly, still uneasy—but he looked at her, really looked. She had done all this. Gone to these lengths. For him.
He took her hand and kissed it gently.
"I trust you," he said simply.
Demeter's eyes glistened. She leaned forward and kissed him once more, her lips warm and grateful.
They lingered in each other's arms for a long while.
Eventually, Chico pulled back just enough to ask, "Before anything else…how about a status update?"
Demeter chuckled and tapped the book on the desk.
"Grimoire first. Then we'll talk numbers."
He nodded, then moved toward the desk. He lifted the crate into his arms with a small grunt, then slid the grimoire on top of it.
Demeter opened the door.
And together, they walked back to their room, the morning sun behind them.
——————————————————————
Back in the comfort of their room, Chico found himself lying across their bed…his head nestled in the lap of a goddess.
Demeter sat quietly above him, fingers lightly brushing through his damp hair, her golden dress pooling around her legs like a divine sea of silk. Her smile was serene, but her gaze was firm—protective.
Chico eyed the grimoire resting on his chest and raised a brow. "Is this really necessary?"
Her hand paused briefly to cup the side of his face.
"Yes," she said softly. "The moment you begin to read, you'll fall into a light slumber. I'll watch over you."
A quiet warmth bloomed in his chest.
She didn't need to say more.
With a slow exhale, Chico gave a nod, the corner of his lips curling into a smile. "Okay…"
He took one last breath and cracked open the cover.
Demeter shut her eyes, feeling the shift in the air already, subtle, but there.
Chico's voice was quiet, steady, as he began to read aloud:
"Fire. A natural force. It burns light, burns bright, and burns through.
But the question is… what is fire to you?
A natural force waiting to be unleashed?
A light that may guide the way?
Perhaps even a weapon to ward off evil.
Fire takes many forms.
A forest fire, a ravenous natural disaster that burns away all life.
A torch so that man may look into the dark.
Even magic can shape a flame into one's desire.
Fire comes in many shades.
Different colors, different heat.
Red being the coolest, white being the hottest.
But you hold a different fire…don't you?"
The moment that final sentence left his lips…his eyelids fluttered.
A yawn tugged at his mouth.
And then, silently, the grimoire slipped from his fingers and fell closed atop his chest.
Chico's head tilted slightly, his breath soft and rhythmic, he was out.
Demeter opened her eyes and looked down.
His mouth hung slightly open, peaceful. His head rested warm and secure against her thighs. He looked so calm…like a flame gently flickering rather than blazing.
With a motherly tenderness that few ever saw, she gently ran her fingers through his hair, smoothing down strands, caressing his scalp.
Her voice was soft, barely a whisper.
"Sweet dreams…my Sol."
And so the world fell quiet around them.
While Chico drifted deeper into the dreaming space of the grimoire, a world of fire and flame waited patiently to reveal what now burned inside of him.
——————————————————————
Chico's eyes opened slowly.
There was no ceiling above him.
Only sky…blue and wide, with one singular drifting still overhead.
He pushed himself upright and found himself lying on soft, green grass, vibrant and endless. A calm breeze brushed past him, yet the air felt empty.
He stood slowly.
No buildings. No trees. No shade or stone. Just an open plain of green and blue.
"…What is this?" he muttered.
There was no answer. Just the whisper of the wind.
He took a few deep breaths—steadying himself. He wouldn't panic.
Not yet.
So, with nothing else to anchor him, he chose to walk. His legs moved on instinct, carrying him toward nothing in particular.
He wasn't sure how much time passed, minutes, hours, but eventually, something broke the emptiness.
A town.
Trellis.
The place where everything began.
He quickened his pace and entered the familiar streets…but something was wrong. There were no people. Not a single soul walked the roads. He checked homes, the bakery, the alley ways. Empty. He reached the Guild building next, completely hollow. Even the walls felt…lifeless.
He wandered out again. Back onto the road. This time, he pushed into the nearby forest, the one just outside the village.
Only nature remained.
Bushes. Trees. Ferns. Vines.
But no monsters. No birds. Not even insects.
Chico furrowed his brow. The last lines of the grimoire echoed in his thoughts:
"A forest fire…a ravenous natural disaster that burns away all life…"
He looked around, eyes scanning the endless, dry wood.
"…Is this a test?"
The thought disturbed him. Was he supposed to burn this? Follow the words literally?
He stared long and hard at the forest…but something didn't sit right.
"…No."
That wasn't the answer.
He turned his back on the trees and walked back to the town. The moment he returned, something had changed.
A carriage now stood in the middle of the road, sturdy, worn, familiar.
His eyes widened faintly. This was the exact carriage that brought him to Orario, with Demeter.
His journey started in a carriage, on this very road.
Without a word, he climbed aboard. The seat cushions felt real, solid, but there was no driver. Just silence.
The journey hadn't ended.
But he felt…tired.
So he let himself rest.
Darkness came again.
And when he opened his eyes, he was still inside the carriage, but something felt different.
He stepped out—
And stood before the gates of Orario.
This time, he didn't hesitate. His steps were silent, purposeful, as he made his way through the familiar streets.
Still…no one.
The city, as vast as it was, was entirely deserted.
He walked to the Wheat Manor first.
No Demeter. No Persephone. No one at all.
His room. Their room. The solarium.
Every corner was untouched, quiet.
"…Of course," he muttered.
His chest ached. Not from pain, but from absence. It all felt wrong, no one was here..
But this was his journey.
And it wasn't over.
So he walked again.
To the Guild…Nothing.
To Dian Cecht's shop…Closed.
The Blue Pharmacy... Empty.
And finally…to the dungeon.
The maw waited, silent and still.
He stepped in.
He gradually made his way through, thanks to all of his studying, he knew exactly where he was.
But no monsters challenged him.
Not on the 1st floor.
Not on the 2nd.
Not even the 3rd or 4th.
When he climbed the stairs to the 5th floor, he paused.
"…The air…it feels like that day…"
The day of the Minotaur.
He took a breath and pressed on.
And just like that, he stood in the center of the 5th floor.
And 5 meters in front of him…stood a Minotaur. The same Minotaur he encountered just days ago.
Still. Silent. Breathing.
The first 'living' being he'd seen.
He stepped forward. 3 meters now separated them. But this time, the Minotaur showed signs of aggression.
The Minotaur roared, a thunderous, shattering cry that echoed through the hollow dungeon.
But Chico didn't flinch.
His eyes narrowed. His pulse didn't even spike.
He tried to summon his blades.
Yet nothing came…
He tried to call upon his Holy Flames.
Nothing as well…
The beast took a step forward.
Still…he didn't panic. His fists would suffice.
But when he tried to prepare himself in a stance for his Muay Thai…
Yet they didn't rise.
His body was paralyzed. Arms heavy. Locked. Just like before.
Anger bubbled.
He hated this.
Why?
Why couldn't he move?!
It was just like before!
The Minotaur raised its fist, slow and deliberate.
Chico couldn't raise his own.
"…Move…"
His voice trembled with frustration.
"MOVE!"
The beast drew closer.
The fist came down.
And then—
Wings.
A burst of radiant white blocked the blow.
Feathers. Light.
His wings.
He could finally move.
He looked down, and his body—his soul—was glowing gold. Light pulsed through him. He felt…strong, really strong. And so warm.
With a surge of power, his flames appeared—only they didn't summon as fireballs.
No.
They were a stream.
A torrent of holy fire roared from his hands, engulfing the Minotaur in a blinding flood of light.
The beast tried to resist, it's screech echoed across the walls, arms raised to shield its face, but the flames were relentless.
Within moments, it burned.
And then…it turned to ash, dissolving into the dungeon wind.
Silence returned.
Only Chico remained, wings outstretched, golden light dancing across his skin.
He looked around, quiet for a long moment…and then he turned.
"…It's time to go home."
And he walked.
Toward whatever waited for him next.
——————————————————————
Chico ascended the final steps of the Dungeon, golden light still pulsing across his body, wings calmly spread behind him like twin beacons of hope. He felt no fatigue. No mental weight from the constant magic. It flowed through him like breath itself, natural, effortless.
The moment he stepped into the surface level, something changed.
People.
They were back.
All across the plaza, adventurers, merchants, travelers. Bustling. Moving.
His heart lifted…until he looked closer.
None of them had faces.
Blank slates, devoid of identity. Eyes, noses, mouths, gone. They moved as if everything was normal, but nothing about them felt alive.
Chico stopped walking. His heart pulsed a little faster now.
He drew in a long breath, steadying his nerves, and muttered, "…Don't panic."
He turned on his heel and made for the Guild, his only real anchor to clarity in this uncanny dreamscape.
The walk was brisk.
The moment he stepped into the Guild's lobby, his gaze zeroed in on the receptionist counter.
And there, like a beacon in a fog, stood Rose Fannett.
Normal. Completely, beautifully normal.
Chico released a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, shoulders loosening.
He walked up to her, relief written across his golden-lit face. "Rose-san…"
She lifted her eyes to him without a word.
Then silently raised her hand and pointed to a private booth.
Chico blinked. "…Huh?"
She didn't elaborate.
Still, something in her calm eyes told him to trust it.
He gave a slight nod and made his way toward the booth she indicated. His hand turned the knob, and he opened the door.
Inside sat someone who made his heart still.
Ariel.
She looked up, eyes locking with his.
And for a moment, Chico just stood there…staring.
The light in the room caught the gloss of her blonde hair. Her expression—the subtle pull of her lips, the curiosity in her eyes—it was all her.
He crossed the room in seconds and pulled her into a tight embrace.
She didn't resist. Her arms came around his back without hesitation.
He let out a shaky breath against her shoulder. "…It's so nice to see a familiar face."
They stood like that, warmth shared in silence, until he finally pulled away.
She smiled up at him—gentle, calm, caring.
Chico smiled too.
But something in his chest still twisted.
He took a seat beside her, sinking into the couch, head leaning back.
After a pause, he admitted aloud, "I have no idea what I'm supposed to do right now."
Ariel waved her hands quickly, catching his attention.
He turned toward her as she lifted her arms and began drawing in the air.
A square…with a triangle on top.
A house.
"Are you…telling me to go home?"
She nodded firmly, that same soft smile never leaving her face.
He stared for a moment, then slowly nodded. "Alright."
He stood, hesitated at the door…then stepped back for a quick side hug.
"Thanks, Ariel," he whispered. "Really."
And then he was gone.
——————————————————————
The trek back to the Wheat Manor was quiet, but somehow no longer lonely.
The faceless people had faded once more, leaving behind only empty streets—and yet Chico felt no fear.
When he arrived at the manor, he didn't check his room. He didn't pace the halls.
He walked straight to the Solarium.
Inside stood Demeter, as radiant as ever, bathed in soft sunlight beneath the open glass dome above.
She turned at the sound of his approach and waved gently.
But Chico didn't slow down.
He stepped forward, arms wide, and wrapped her in a tight embrace, burying his face into her shoulder, breathing in her scent like a starving man.
Then he pulled back, met her eyes…and leaned in for a kiss.
But her fingers caught his lips.
He blinked, confused.
She didn't speak—only smiled and pointed behind him.
He turned and saw his wings, still spread wide, still gleaming with gold.
He glanced back at her, puzzled. "My wings…?"
She nodded, her smile softening.
Then she lifted her hand again and pointed upward—toward the sky above.
He followed her finger.
The solarium roof was open. Only one cloud floated overhead—small, white, and gently drifting.
He turned back to her for clarity, opened his mouth to ask—
But she was gone.
Just like that.
His breath caught. "Demeter…?"
Nothing.
He stood there in silence for a long moment. The golden glow still shimmered across his skin.
A sigh escaped him—quiet, tired, but not defeated.
He turned his gaze upward once more.
The cloud lingered, like a quiet invitation.
With no other clear direction, Chico took one step back…
Then flapped his wings.
The wind roared.
And in a brilliant burst, he launched skyward—toward the lone cloud above, toward whatever fate waited for him in the sky.
He didn't know what he would find.
But he knew this journey wasn't over.
Not yet.
——————————————————————
Chico soared in slow circles around the lone cloud hanging in an endless blue sky. It was the only one in sight, an island of white fluff in an otherwise empty sea of air. The vast silence gave him time to think. No wind. No birds. No sun. Just a sky without source.
After a brief deliberation, he banked and gently descended toward the cloud's surface. The moment his feet touched the mist, he began to sink, just as he expected. He didn't fight it. He closed his eyes to shield them from the moisture and allowed gravity, or whatever force governed this dream, to guide him downward.
And down he went.
Minutes passed. Cool air brushed across his cheeks. Then…he felt stone. Solid. Warm. Ground.
He opened his eyes.
Before him stretched a long hallway of marbled light. The walls were smooth, pure white, veined with soft gold. Pillars lined the sides like silent sentinels, and at the very end, towering so high they scraped the arched ceiling, were two colossal doors, radiating soft firelight.
Chico walked forward.
He glanced at other corridors, side paths branching from the main hall, but every one of them was sealed shut. Closed off. The message was clear: go forward.
So he did.
His steps echoed lightly off the luminous floor, his golden glow still trailing behind him like a living aura. When he finally stood before the enormous doors, he placed his hands against them. They parted effortlessly beneath his touch.
What awaited him inside was not a battlefield, nor a library, nor a garden of souls.
It was a throne chamber.
Tall. Endless. Quiet.
The walls shimmered with colors that danced like flame but hummed like song. Floating above a wide stone dais sat a single throne of light, simple in design but impossible to look away from. And seated on it…was Him.
A being of divine stature, his features majestic but kind. His eyes held galaxies. His form burned with light, but not the kind that harmed, it was the kind that reminded Chico of warmth on a winter morning. A halo shimmered above his head, multicolored like a refracted rainbow.
A presence of fire, glory, and grace.
Chico didn't think, his knees simply buckled, and he bowed his head low. His soul recognized what his mind hadn't fully processed until now.
Yahweh.
The voice came like thunder wrapped in honey.
"There is no need to kneel, my child. You are one of my own…are you not?"
Chico slowly raised his head, eyes steady.
"…I may not be your own creation…but I am of the same idea, Lord Yahweh."
The Father smiled. Radiantly.
"Then rise, Sol-bearer. Let us speak."
Chico rose to his feet, standing tall despite the awe he felt deep within his bones. Yahweh's gaze never faltered, yet it never weighed down, it lifted.
"Tell me…what is the light to you? The fire within you. What meaning does it hold in that mortal soul of yours?"
Chico exhaled. Slowly. Carefully. He stepped forward a single pace, hand placed to his chest.
"…My light…shall shield others from the darkness. It will grant me the strength I need…to protect my desire."
"And what is this desire?" Yahweh asked, though His knowing gaze already held the answer.
Chico didn't waver.
"My one true desire…is to protect those I care about. To return to those I love and who love me in return. To live peacefully. Happily. To have my perfect mortal life."
Yahweh's head tilted, and his smile never faded.
"That is quite the selfish desire…for a man who holds divine light in his chest."
Chico's lips curved upward, and he met Yahweh's eyes without fear.
"…Then I suppose I am selfish. That's just who I am."
For a moment, the chamber was silent.
Then Yahweh chuckled. Warm and fatherly.
"Well said."
And the light within the throne room began to blaze.
Not burn. Not consume. Just glow.
It flooded everything. The pillars. The floor. Chico's skin. It grew brighter and brighter until Chico had to shield his eyes, turning his face away as he squeezed them shut.
And then—
Darkness.
Final darkness.
But not heavy.
Not painful.
Just…a curtain being drawn shut.
And when it lifted—
Chico woke up.
——————————————————————
Chico's eyes slowly fluttered open.
The first thing he saw—
A pair of Gatcha notifications, floating gently in the air like waiting messengers. He blinked. They pulsed patiently, their borders gleaming gold.
Feats Achieved! Read a Grimoire! Gain favor from the God Yahweh!
Rewards:
1x Random Gold Gatcha Ticket
1x Gold Skill Gatcha Ticket
But his focus shifted instantly to the divine sight directly in front of him.
A pair of absolutely heavenly breasts, clothed in a creamy, soft-hued dress that complimented every curve, every divine angle. They rose and fell with calm breath. Warmth. Grace.
Demeter.
He inhaled through his nose, taking in the scent of honey and wild grain, and without a second thought, pushed himself upward and leaned into her.
His arms wrapped around her in a quiet, almost desperate hug.
She didn't even hesitate. Her arms returned the embrace instantly, her fingers threading through his hair.
"…You're back," she whispered, more breath than voice.
"I am," Chico murmured.
They stayed like that a while, until he slowly leaned back and looked up at her. She smiled down at him, brushing a hand across his cheek.
"What did you see?" she asked softly.
Chico let out a long exhale, his body still soaking in the calm of her presence. Then, with deliberate clarity, he began to speak.
"I returned…to the beginning."
He told her everything.
How he woke in a grassy plain devoid of all life, how Trellis Town stood empty, soulless, how even the Guild and forest were hollow echoes of what once was.
He told her about the Minotaur, how he once again faced the beast on the fifth floor. But this time, there was no fear. Only frustration. Anger. And how, when his body failed him again, a pair of white wings intercepted the blow.
How he stood once more in golden fire. How he destroyed the beast with an endless stream of flame.
Then how he emerged from the Dungeon, only to find a world filled with faceless people.
"…I went to the Guild. Everyone was blank. Empty. Except for Rose Fannett-san and…Ariel."
He paused for a moment, a flicker of pain and comfort in his eyes.
"She couldn't speak. But she could still guide me. She told me to go home. So I did. And when I reached the Solarium…"
He swallowed.
"…You were there. But you pointed to my wings. Then to a single cloud."
Chico's eyes narrowed slightly as he continued.
"I flew to that cloud…descended through it…and I found a hall. One path. One throne."
Her grip around him subtly tightened.
"And there," Chico said, eyes steady, "I met Lord Yahweh."
Demeter's mouth parted slightly, but no words came out.
"He knew me. Welcomed me. Asked me what the fire meant. What my light was for. I told him…that it's to protect what I care about. To find peace. Love. A life of my own choosing."
Demeter's eyes grew glassy with emotion.
"I told him it was selfish," Chico said, almost smiling, "but I didn't care. He even praised me for my choice, and then…darkness."
Demeter, goddess of fertility and the harvest…hugged him tighter.
"You handled yourself well, this is the first I've ever heard of such a dream state from a grimorie."
Chico rested his head against her shoulder, his tone gentle but focused. "I'm ready."
Demeter pulled back, brushing his cheek with her thumb. "Status?"
Chico stood and removed his top, his torso glowing faintly, as if some lingering trace of light still pulsed beneath the skin. He stepped toward the bed and laid flat on his stomach.
"But before that…" he smirked and raised a hand, swiping through the two Gatcha tickets that awaited him.
Rolling…
Adept Blade Weapon Mastery (3.5 Rarity, 1.53% odds)-Rare Skill-
You are very talented at wielding bladed weapons, on the level of a veteran swordsman. You are able to effectively wield any bladed weapon such as swords and daggers with great efficiency and finesse.
&
Intermediate Charisma (3.8 Rarity, 1.01% odds)-Rare Skill-
You have an aura of charisma around you, it is less of a skill and more of something that is just around you. People of note feel themselves more attracted to your presence, it's subtle things like people paying more attention to you, taking you more seriously etc.
Feat Achieved! Obtain 10 Unique Skills!
Reward: Silver Skill Advantage Gatcha Ticket
Rolling…
Intermediate Massage (2.5 Rarity, 1.71% odds)-Uncommon Skill-
You are as skilled as an experienced masseuse, being able to relieve pressure, cause pleasure and relax the muscles of people you are massaging.
Or
Intermediate Item Construction (3.3 Rarity, 0.56% odds)-Rare Skill-
You know how to make decent magical and enchanted items, if you know fire magic, you can turn a regular sword into a sword that can light itself on fire on command. If you have the ability Invisibility, you can probably make a cloak that suppresses your presence.
Congratulations! Your Adelt Blade Weapon Mastery has upgraded to Expert Blade Weapon Mastery:
You are an expert of bladed weapons such as daggers and swords, not quite in the realm of legends but in the old ages people would sing songs about how you could slay 100 men with a single blade. Your expertise and finesse with blades are the stuff of rumours.
When the light dimmed and the rewards finalized, Chico let out a soft, stunned breath.
'Choose Intermediate Item Construction.'
Choice Confirmed.
"…Quite the haul," he muttered. "My blade mastery just jumped. I have over ten skills now."
Demeter, now standing beside the bed, placed her hand over his back.
"…Then let us see what else has changed, my beloved."
Her divinity shimmered, fingers glowing gold as she pressed her palm between his shoulder blades. A soft glyph lit up the room.
And the numbers came.
——————————————————————
Francisco "Chico" Sol
Demeter Familia
Race: Angel
Stats:
Strength: F302→F376
Endurance: F310→F388
Dexterity: G273→E409
Agility: G287→F328
Magic: E417→D599
Skills
— Habilidad Activa:
-Overdrive Core
-Battle Growth
—???
Magic:
— Four Arms
— Lightning Spear
— Light Shield
— Weather
— Summon Item
— Conditioning
— Arc
— Desperation
— Magic Arrow
— Ripen
— Holy Flame
— Minor Healing Light
— Blind
—Lux Sanctum: Puriflamma
"All evil shall burn by my light,
Holy fire, blaze through the night.
Wings of flame, rise ever higher—
Cleanse the world in sacred fire.
With my heart unshaken, I ignite…
Lux Sanctum: Puriflamma!"
Type: Enhancement / Holy Flame Magic
Upon casting, the caster is cloaked in radiant white-golden flames—starting with his arms and legs, then engulfing his full body once wings are unfurled.
Effects:
-Physical Enhancement: Strikes are empowered with searing holy flames.
-Deals devastating damage to dark, unholy, or evil-aligned foes.
-Launches arcs, streams, or concentrated blasts of holy fire from the limbs.
-When active, flames may heal wounds in real time along with ailments.
-The longer it stays active, the stronger and brighter the flames become—at the cost of rising mind and stamina drain.
-???
——————————————————————
Demeter stared at the parchment as the update completed, her fingers trembling ever so slightly.
"…Astounding," she whispered. "Your Battle Growth ability has given you an outstanding boost. And your new spell…Chico, this is beyond mortal."
Chico, still lying against the soft bed, turned his head to look up at her. A quiet confidence shone in his golden eyes.
"I told you once," he said, "that I could become the strongest adventurer Genkai has ever seen…"
He shifted, rolling slowly onto his back and reaching up to cup Demeter's hand.
"…and I will have to be. In order to protect my deepest desire."
Demeter's heart gave a small flutter. Her breath hitched just slightly.
"And what…is your deepest desire?"
Chico's voice softened. His arms pulled her down gently until she rested beside him.
"To return to those who love me, no matter what," he said. "To be strong enough to protect them."
He brought her fully into a warm, protective hug.
"To protect our future…and those who will be a part of it."
She closed her eyes, touched beyond words. And then she leaned in slowly, tentatively, and kissed him. A soft, tender kiss filled with warmth, care, and a hint of promise.
Their lips lingered, then slowly parted. The two now sat side by side on the bed, shoulders brushing. The room held a quiet, golden light, and not even the chirps from the open windows disturbed the stillness.
Chico turned back to the parchment and read it again.
"…Dexterity and magic," he murmured, brows raising. "Those jumped higher than anything else."
He tapped the edge of the page thoughtfully.
"Could it be from the way I fought in the Dungeon? I mostly used my blade…Maybe that's why Dexterity surged."
Demeter glanced at him, listening attentively.
"…If that's the case," he mused aloud, "then maybe next time…I'll focus on my fists. See if hand-to-hand pushes strength. Worth testing."
He continued reading, his gaze eventually landing on a line that made him blink.
Under his Skills column…was a line of scripture. Elegant but unreadable, like sacred text penned in light.
"…Demeter?" he asked, pointing.
She leaned in, inspecting it with narrowed eyes. Then frowned gently.
"…Even when I looked at your back just now, I couldn't make out the name or its meaning," she admitted. "It's like…it's hidden. Waiting."
"Waiting?"
She nodded. "Some skills don't awaken until a specific condition is met. It's rare, but not impossible."
Chico nodded slowly. "A hidden skill…that's fair. I trust it'll reveal itself when the time's right."
He scanned further down until he reached the spell he'd just earned.
Lux Sanctum: Puriflamma.
His eyes widened slightly in awe.
"…This spell alone is worthy of a first class adventurer," he muttered. "I can enhance my body with holy fire, launch blasts, heal rapidly…And once my armor's upgraded…it'll be even better."
He turned toward Demeter, who had been quietly observing him with eyes full of affection.
Chico wrapped his arms around her again.
"Thank you," he whispered. "For the Falna, the updates, the food, the home, the love…I mean it. Everything you've given me, I'll repay. Tenfold."
Demeter blushed gently against his shoulder. Her voice dropped to a teasing murmur.
"…I may have a few ideas for repayment."
Chico chuckled.
"Want to start the list now?" he teased.
She raised her fingers and gently tapped his chest twice. "You could start now."
He grinned—and leaned in. This kiss was deeper than the last, less tender and more meaningful. A meeting of souls.
When they finally pulled back, their foreheads met, and they sat there quietly, hearts steady.
"…Monsterferia is just a few days away," Demeter said, voice hushed. "Persephone and I attend every year. I'd love it if you came with us."
"I'd be honored," Chico smiled. "I'd love to go."
They stayed like that for a while. Then Demeter's eyes flicked to the crate resting in the corner.
"Speaking of protection…how's your armor?"
Chico stood from the bed and summoned it beside him.
It clattered softly onto the floor.
Dented. Scuffed. Cracked in several areas. The helmet, in particular, had taken a beating.
Demeter winced. "Should we take it to a smith?"
Chico shook his head. "No…Something tells me it'll fix itself once I upgrade it."
He knelt down beside the chest plate and began the process.
From the crate, he drew 3 Orichalcum ingots—placing 2 inside the chest piece, over where his heart and lungs would be.
Another was slid into the inner helmet to shield his neck and head.
7 mithril ingots followed—placed precisely:
2 in the arm pieces.
1 near the waist.
2 in the greaves.
2 in the ankles.
"Let's see if the magic likes this layout," he said. "Heart and head protected. Legs and arms to conduct magic more efficiently."
He stood back up, wiping his hands. "Now to wait… 24 hours."
As he looked down on the battle-worn armor, curiosity flickered in his gaze.
How would it change?
How far would it take him?
Demeter came up from behind, arms sliding gently around his waist, her chin resting on his shoulder.
"Do you have plans for today?" she asked softly.
"I was going to test out the 6th and 7th floors," Chico replied. "But if you had something in mind, I'll cancel without a second thought."
She chuckled and kissed the side of his neck.
"I already had a very eventful two days," she murmured. "Let this goddess rest, hmm?"
"Fair enough."
Chico turned and embraced her fully once again.
"Thanks again for everything."
She smiled up at him. "Good luck in the Dungeon, my brave angel."
With a final kiss on the cheek, Chico stepped out the door—his heart light, his thoughts sharpened.
The Dungeon awaited.
——————————————————————
Chico stepped into the Orario afternoon, sun casting sharp shadows across the marble buildings behind him. The heat clung to his skin, but he paid it no mind.
He was geared from head to toe, his twin Demon King Daggers sheathed in his item inventory, potions strapped neatly to the belt across his waist and thigh holsters, pouches and backpack secure. The weight was familiar now. Reassuring.
Without delay, he made his way through the bustling city and descended into the Dungeon.
The first five floors passed in a blur. Monsters fell before him like wheat beneath a scythe, goblins, kobolds, dungeon lizards, none of them slowed his stride. He moved like a veteran down the central corridor, slaying and moving, feeding the lifeless bodies to his Mimic, who ate the corpses greedily before slipping back into his inventory.
By the time he reached the descending staircase to the 6th floor, 27 monsters had already fallen to his blades.
Several adventurers passed him along the way, some in groups, others solo, but he gave them no attention. His focus was entirely forward.
Floor 6.
It looked much like Floor 5. The same earthen tones. The same shadowed alcoves. The same sense of quiet pressure in the air, as if the walls themselves were waiting.
He pressed on.
More goblins. More kobolds. More dungeon lizards.
He dispatched them quickly, his body moving on instinct, slicing through their crude attacks without breaking stride. Another fourteen fell here.
And then…something new.
Ahead, a squat and grotesque shape emerged from the hallway, hopping slowly into view.
The Frog Shooter.
Its body was a pale, moist green with blotches of darker mossy color. Its oversized, muscular legs were coiled and twitching, ready to spring. Most disturbing was its single eye, locked and unblinking on Chico.
No hesitation.
Its tongue shot out in an instant—a thick, pink blur cutting through the air like a whip.
Chico sidestepped with ease, the tongue slamming into the corner behind him with a CRACK, webbing the stone in deep fissures.
He glanced back. That would've left a bruise…or worse.
It retracted its tongue and leapt, soaring high into the air with surprising grace.
Chico waited. Watched. Let it come.
The tongue lashed out again. This time, Chico caught it just as he dodged.
The wet, rubbery muscle jerked in his grip, but he pulled, hard.
His upgraded strength made it effortless.
The Frog Shooter screamed as it was yanked from the air like a ragdoll, flying toward Chico. He raised one dagger,and stabbed it straight through the eye.
It went limp immediately.
Chico stepped back and let the corpse drop, feeding it to his Mimic. A magic stone clattered to the floor, but no item.
"Huh…guess not all of them drop loot," he muttered.
He continued deeper into Floor 6.
An hour passed. He kept slaying.
No sign of the famed War Shadow. Strange…he'd read they started appearing here, but maybe their spawn rate was much lower.
When the final count ticked up to 73 slain monsters, Chico knew it was time.
The stairwell beckoned ahead. After another short skirmish with three more enemies, he stood before the descent into the 7th Floor.
He didn't hesitate.
Floor 7.
It looked the same. Same earthen walls. Same eerie quiet.
But the air…it was different.
He stepped forward. A Goblin appeared. Then a Kobold. Then 2 Frog Shooters.
He cut them down with steady precision. His mastery of the blade made all the difference.
Then—CRACK.
He froze. Not from fear,instinct.
A crack had formed in the wall ahead, not wide but long. From its center, a black smoke hissed out, slithering down like mist to the floor.
Then…it moved.
It twisted, spiraled, gathered, and then took form.
A shadow, humanoid in shape, rose from the mist, slender and tall, its limbs unnaturally long, its claws sharp as razors.
Its head was crowned with what looked like twisted horns, and its glowing red eyes stared out from a void-like face.
A War Shadow.
It shrieked.
Then launched.
Its movements were fast, deceptively fast.
If he had to estimate, Chico figured its agility would be around G-rank…but he had the advantage now.
After his update, his agility sat firmly in F-rank, and with his traits and a speed-enhancing ring, his body moved on pure reflex.
He dodged the first attack.
Then another.
Its slashes came in rapid succession, sharp, relentless. It was more aggressive than Kobolds, relentless, like it fought on instinct alone.
Chico danced between the strikes, waiting, watching for a gap.
He found it. He struck.
His blade sliced off its arm, but the creature twisted and retreated, backing off quickly.
Not fast enough.
Chico surged forward and delivered a final strike across its chest.
Its body wavered, the shadows pulling apart as if unraveling. There was no corpse, only wisps of smoke…and the thump of a magic stone hitting the ground.
Beside it, a Finger Blade. Sharp. Lightweight. Forged from shadow.
"Convenient," Chico muttered, picking both up.
And then he stood tall, eyes still sharp.
There was more down here.
And he was just getting started.
——————————————————————
Chico spent hours scouring the seventh floor, and from the moment he stepped onto it, he noticed the difference.
The monster spawns were much more, waves of group spawns were apparent. Goblins and Kobolds, sometimes mixed with Dungeon Lizards or Frog Shooters and War Shadows, surged in from branching corridors.
Chico made quick work of them with swift strikes of his daggers, slashing through waves of lesser monsters with smooth precision.
But as he pushed deeper, different monsters made their appearance
Killer Ants, large red insects with razor-sharp mandibles, moved in synchronized pairs. Their exoskeletons were thick, but Chico's strength and his blades cut through their armored bodies like paper.
Then came the Purple Moths. Large, moths that glided through the dungeon air. Their wings shimmered with toxic dust, attempting to veil him in poison, but he was fast enough to avoid the clouds, and agile enough to cut them down midflight.
And the Needle Rabbits, jittery, skittish rabbits that moved like lightning, trying to ram their pointed horns into his chest or back. They were fast, but not faster than him.
'My Mimic must be in paradise,' Chico thought between battles. It fed well, devouring corpse after corpse without complaint. He wondered how much stronger it had become. After all, its growth depended entirely on its consumption. A thought for later.
He also made a mental note to release his other familiars soon. Wooloo had become a hit around the manor, often found in the dining hall curled up with members of the familia. His cat familiar could stretch its legs, he'd let it do as it pleased, after all it was a cat. As for his newest familiar…well, it wasn't quite time yet.
Eventually, Chico found himself in a wide chamber with a pulsing violet glow. This was it. The Pantry, a zone deep in the seventh floor said to lure monsters like flies to honey.
At the center stood the crystal that emitted a subtle energy, a naturally occurring lure. All around it were monsters, too many to count at first glance.
But he counted.
27 monsters. All kinds. Purple Moths. Blue Papillos. Needle Rabbits. Killer Ants. Kobolds. Frog Shooters.
And Chico smiled.
Perhaps this was the perfect time to test his new magic…
He stepped forward, took a deep breath, and began to chant.
"All evil shall burn by my light,
Holy fire, blaze through the night.
Wings of flame, rise ever higher—
Cleanse the world in sacred fire.
With my heart unshaken, I ignite…
Lux Sanctum: Puriflamma!"
A radiant explosion of golden light burst from his form, bathing the dark corridor in searing warmth.
Even without his angelic wings, he radiated holiness. His body rimmed in glowing fire, his aura alight with holy fury. Flames curled around his arms and legs, intensifying with each breath.
Every monster turned to face him.
Most screeched, others howled. But all charged.
Chico dashed forward, blades at the ready. He was faster. He was stronger. And he would win.
He ducked under a lunging Frog Shooter, sliced its chest open, pivoted into a spinning slash that cut two Killer Ants in half. His body moved like a storm, and his flames danced with him, burning every creature they touched.
He jumped, stabbed a Blue Papillo midair, then landed in a roll as a Needle Rabbit tried to spear him. One leg swung out, kicking its skull with a snap.
But the longer he pushed toward the Pantry's core, more enemies spawned, and with them came the War Shadows.
They formed from smoke and silence, tall and thin, with blades for fingers and murder in their eyes.
Chico didn't flinch.
His blades struck faster than their shadows.
Every time they lunged, he met them. He danced between them, his strikes relentless. A few shadows. Then more.
And the flames…
They kept growing hotter.
Too hot.
He glanced down and noticed it, his daggers, said to be forged from a demon's corpse, now glowing unnaturally under the purifying light. It's dark crimson veins began to take a golden tint…and crack
A ripple of instinct hit him like a warning bell. Holy fire…demonic blades.
They were starting to resist, or burn.
If I keep using them, they might shatter…or change.
He wasn't comfortable with that, not until he was sure.
So he withdrew. In one swift motion, he stowed his blades into his inventory, and charged barehanded into the chaos.
His fists burned with golden light, every strike a flare of divine heat. He slammed a Frog Shooter into the wall with one hand, then clotheslined two Kobolds with a burning spin-kick.
A Needle Rabbit leapt. He grabbed its horn, twisted its body midair, and smashed it into the ground.
The War Shadows were tougher, more coordinated, but now Chico was fighting with a blazing technique. He kicked. He punched. He let out a battle cry and sent holy flames bursting outward in a pulse.
After 5 minutes, it was done.
40+ monsters lay dead. Corpses, Stones, drop items alongside ash.
The Pantry was silent.
His chest heaved, he received a few scratches, even took a few hits, but his flames healed him. That in of itself was astonishing.
He took a moment to reflect, monsters that burned to death by his magic left behind ash, their magic stones and drop items. No corpses, no cleanup.
Just results.
Still glowing faintly, he exhaled and deactivated the spell. The golden light faded, and with it came the heavy wave of mana drain. It hit just as hard as when he pushed Overdrive Core.
"That was exhilarating." he muttered with a smile.
With the area secured, he summoned his Mimic, letting it gorge itself one last time on the remaining non-burned corpses and clean up the rest of the loot.
By the end, Chico's pouches bulged, and his backpack was packed with drop items.
Satisfied, he gave the glowing Pantry one last look, then turned away.
It was time to return to the surface.
And Ariel was going to be very impressed.
——————————————————————
Chico made his way up to the surface without any problems. Not a single monster tried to block his path. It seemed the Dungeon had relented.
Evening shadows stretched across Orario as he stepped out of the Tower. The city was bustling, and the Guild was no exception, adventurers flowed in and out in waves.
Chico slipped into the main hall, his pouches and backpack loaded, and immediately spotted the long line at the exchange booths. Too long.
His eyes scanned the reception area. Flott-san had quite the line. Fannett-san, ever-serious, was speaking to a pair of adventurers. Further in the back, working through a mountain of paperwork, sat Ariel.
A faint grin tugged at his lips. He approached silently and tapped her on the shoulder.
She turned, blinked once, and then smiled.
"I come bearing gifts," Chico said with mock pride, "and tales of a very successful Dungeon run. Might I request a private booth to brag?"
A soft chuckle escaped her lips. "If it means escaping the paperwork, you've got yourself a deal."
The two made their way to a side room, where Chico unloaded the fruits of his battle.
Together, they began the sorting process, magic stones here, drop items there, cataloging everything with surprising efficiency.
In total, he had slain 121 monsters:
28 Goblins → 28×300 = 8,400
28 Goblin Fangs → 28×850 = 23,800
29 Kobolds → 29×450 = 13,050
29 Kobold Nails → 29×950 = 27,550
15 Dungeon Lizards → 15×600 = 9,000
15 Lizard Tails → 15×1000 = 15,000
10 Frog Shooters → 10×650 = 6,500
9 War Shadows → 9×1250 = 11,250
9 Finger Blades → 9×4500 = 40,500
11 Killer Ants → 11×900 = 9,900
11 Mandibles → 11×3250 = 35,750
13 Needle Rabbits → 13×750 = 9,750
13 Tusks → 13×1650 = 21,450
5 Purple Moths → 5×650 = 3,250
5 Moth Wings → 5×1500 = 7,500
1 Blue Papillo → 1×650 = 650
Total value from stones: 81,800 valis
Total from drop items: 170,550 valis
Grand Total: 252,350 valis
——————————————————————
Ariel whistled low. "Over 250,000 in a single run… you just keep breaking your own records."
"And this is just from the first 7 floors," Chico said with a smirk, "I can't imagine what it'll be once I hit the middle floors."
She gave him a look. "Only when you're ready, Chico." She said in a mock-serious tone.
They kept sorting until everything was neatly recorded and stored. Ariel, to no one's surprise, had gotten used to his absurd haul sizes.
Still, she seemed genuinely impressed, each dive he made now increased in profit. And with more profit, means being better equipped, which in turn would keep Chico even more safe.
Chico decided that he would purchase salamander wool and undine cloth. Every bit of valis he earned was a step closer to deeper dives…and greater challenges.
Once the sorting was done, Chico lingered. Instead of heading out, he stayed. He and Ariel drifted into casual conversation, trading notes about the day, laughing over minor annoyances, just…enjoying the quiet rhythm of each other's presence.
After a pause, Ariel tilted her head. "You know, something about you feels…different."
Chico blinked. "Different?"
"Your aura. It feels warmer. Like you're radiating…I don't know. Light."
He smiled softly, thinking back to the beautiful pair of wings he now held. "You're right. I am different. Though for now, I can't show you, not here, anyway. It will definitely catch some attention"
Ariel nodded, visibly pleased. "That you trust me is enough."
They remained in that shared moment a little longer. Eventually, time pushed them forward. Chico stood and gave her a side hug. Ariel returned it without hesitation.
"Be safe," she whispered.
"I will," he said. "And thank you for your help, and your time."
As he left the Guild, his spoils secured and heart light, a Gatcha notification chimed in the back of his mind.
It was time to roll again.
Feat Achieved! Very Successful Dungeon Dive!
Description: Over 250,000 Valis earned on a single dive! Keep it up!
Reward: Random Silver Advantage Gatcha Ticket.
Rolling…
Four Arms (1.7 Rarity, 0.25% odds)-Common Ability-
Allows you to manifest another set of arms in addition to your current ones. The second set of arms is as easy to control as the first pair.
Or
Aerodactyl (2.7 Rarity, 1.45% odds)-Uncommon Familiar-
Pokemon - An ancient cross between a pterodactyl and a mountain, this giant lizard used to dominate the skies with its immense strength and geokinetic abilities.
'Hmmmm…' While he could choose Four Arms and get another upgrade…he rarely ever uses that ability. In fact he hasn't even used it once…but with his close combat skills it's definitely a viable option.
But Pokémon are cool…
But a giant flying lizard would be mistaken for a monster…guess he'll be going with the viable option.
'Choose Four Arms.'
Choice Confirmed
Congratulations! Your Four Arms ability has upgraded!
Six Arms (Rare Ability)
Allows you to manifest 2 additional sets of arms, granting a total of six fully functional limbs. Each arm moves with the same precision and control as your natural pair, enabling seamless multitasking, multi-weapon combat, and intricate movement. Strength and coordination scale with your physical stats. Enhanced body control mitigates awkward movement or strain.
'Sweet.' And with that, Chico went home, he'll be having dinner, a status update, and a night holding his Goddess in his arms.
——————————————————————
Chico returned to Wheat Manor under the fading orange hues of the Orario sky. He made a straight path to his room, dropping off his equipment with practiced ease. His backpack, potion belts, and a pouch now swollen with Valis were all neatly set aside.
A quick shower followed, washing away the grime and sweat of his dungeon run. The moment the warm water hit his skin, a deep exhale left him.
After toweling off, he changed into casual clothes, something light, soft, and comfortable. His body was still humming with the afterglow of battle and magic.
His stomach, now aware of the day's delay, made its hunger known.
He made his way to the dining hall. It was packed, clearly, dinner was about to be served. The familiar sound of chatter and clattering dishes greeted him. He grabbed a tray and assembled what could generously be called a small feast: roasted meats, steamed vegetables, soft bread with honeyed butter, and a hearty soup that smelled amazing.
Scanning the room, he quickly found Demeter and Persephone seated across from one another. Several others shared their table, but a single empty seat sat conveniently beside Demeter. Chico approached, gave her a playful tap on the shoulder, and smirked.
"This seat taken?"
Demeter turned, her eyes lighting up with a smile that only he seemed to earn. "It's been reserved for you."
Smooth as ever, he slid into the seat, leaned in, and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek before digging into his food. The motion drew a few raised eyebrows from nearby members of the Familia, especially one girl across the table who blinked in surprise before blurting out, "Wait…are you two, like…together?"
Demeter gave a soft laugh and gently clutched Chico's arm to her chest. "Yes," she confirmed warmly. "He's mine."
That answer sparked a ripple of conversation. A few chuckles. A few shocked glances.
The questions started almost immediately.
"How long have you two been a thing?"
"Who made the first move?"
"What's Sol-san been up to lately?"
Demeter let Chico answer, and he made sure to point out that she was the one who made the first move, eliciting a mock scoff and a playful elbow from the goddess.
He gave them a quick summary of his days: training hard, diving deep into the Dungeon, and putting everything on the line to grow stronger.
It was a dinner filled with laughter, conversation, and more food than he probably needed, but definitely deserved.
——————————————————————
Later that night, in the comfort of their shared room, Demeter lay against his chest as they lounged atop their bed.
Her fingers traced lazy circles on his skin as he recounted his dive: the monsters he encountered, his arrival at the monster pantry, the overwhelming horde, and his first test of Lux Sanctum: Puriflamma. He told her about how well it worked, how his flames had done against the monsters, and how even his demonic blades couldn't withstand its power.
He chuckled softly. "I had to store them before they purified, they either would have snapped or changed entirely, and I have no clue what would have happened."
Demeter chuckled at that, but her smile softened when he mentioned his profits. "I'm planning to buy salamander wool and undine cloth," he added. "At this rate, I'll need them sooner than later."
She tilted her head. "Smart. With how fast you're growing, you'll hit the middle floors in a week. Maybe two."
Chico raised an eyebrow. "You think?"
"I know," she replied, poking his chest. "Want your status updated?"
"Yeah…I want to see how much Battle Growth gave me after today."
Demeter sat up and straddled his waist, gently placing her hand on his chest. The ritual was smooth now, familiar, practiced. Her divine light flowed into him, and within seconds, his update was complete. She handed him the sheet and wrapped her arms around his neck from behind, chin resting on his shoulder.
Chico scanned the numbers.
——————————————————————
Francisco "Chico" Sol
Demeter Familia
Race: Angel
Stats:
Strength: F376→E434
Endurance:F388→E406
Dexterity: E409→E472
Agility: F328→F379
Magic: D599→C676
Skills:
— Habilidad Activa:
-Overdrive Core
-Battle Growth
—???
Magic:
— Six Arms
— Lightning Spear
— Light Shield
— Weather
— Summon Item
— Conditioning
— Arc
— Desperation
— Magic Arrow
— Ripen
— Holy Flame
— Minor Healing Light
— Blind
— Lux Sanctum: Puriflamma
——————————————————————
His eyes widened.
"Magic's at C…Strength, Endurance, Dexterity, and Vitality all hit E…Agility's lagging behind."
He tapped the page. "Maybe some more sparring while using Overdrive Core might help."
Demeter didn't reply, just smiled quietly and kissed his temple. Her warmth against him melted away the exhaustion. Together, they slipped under the covers, her body curled against his as the room fell into a peaceful silence.
In just two days, Monsterferia would begin.
A day to spend with his woman…and his captain.
He only hoped it wouldn't be too chaotic.
Chapter 22 End