For five consecutive days after that, Rhode repeated the process of patrolling in the morning and exploring in the afternoon.
For safety reasons, they did not rashly attempt to conquer the Dungeon below the 18th floor.
And that labyrinthine paradise became the place where he and Alise would meet each time.
During their joyful moments, Rhode naturally wouldn't use his enhancements.
Due to Alise's inexperience, the two of them always ended up evenly matched each time.
This made Alise very unresigned, and she would always angrily demand another round afterwards, but when Rhode truly got serious, she would always be the first to slip away.
Most of the girls noticed this, and some even tried to sneak off, but they were always discovered and chased away by Alise, who possessed an extraordinary intuition.
In her words, for at least the first few days, you belonged exclusively to me.
Goddess Astrea, whose duty it was to be a virgin Goddess, did not utter words of reproach, but simply wore the exquisite blue hair ornament she had recently received, smiling gently as she watched the two.
Rhode felt a little uneasy under her gaze, because the Goddess's eyes seemed to be anticipating the birth of new babies in the Familia...
The only one who didn't understand what was happening was probably Maliu.
"Rh-Rhode, are we still going to practice sword fighting today? My and Kaguya's moves are not the same, you know!"
Maliu, blushing, clutched the hem of her clothes, nervously peeking her small head from behind the door.
Since living together, Rhode's relationship with the girls in the Familia had progressed rapidly, even the once germaphobic elf was no exception.
In the training room, Rhode took the towel Kaguya handed him, vigorously wiped the sweat from his forehead, and turned to Maliu with an apologetic look.
"Sorry, Maliu. Today I have to see a friend off. Next time."
The clumsy elf did not hide her emotions; joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness were all frankly written on her face.
She lowered her small head in disappointment, her expression somewhat gloomy.
"Oh..."
Kaguya nudged Rhode with her elbow, and Rhode immediately understood, clearing his throat and quickly adding "453."
"However, I still have some questions about parallel chanting [Luminous Wind]. When I come back, I'll ask you privately. Don't hold back, okay?"
The elf's beautiful sky-blue eyes immediately lit up again with dazzling light.
"Mm, it's a promise!"
Maliu, with a simple smile on her lips, turned and ran off in a happy mood.
Seeing this, Kaguya secretly complained in her heart.
She's terrifyingly stubborn about other things, but so clumsy when it comes to emotions, she's too easy to fool!
If it were me....
Rhode turned back, smiling at Kaguya.
"Well then, Kaguya, I'll be going now too."
Their eyes met, and the Far Eastern girl's heart fluttered for a moment. Shaking her silky black hair, she stepped forward and reached out to adjust the collar of his shirt.
"...Remember to come back."
The perceptive girl seemed to sense something.
Rhode merely smiled in response.
"As long as my room is in the Court of the Stars, this will always be my home."
Rhode waved his hand and also left the training room.
Kaguya quietly watched Rhode's receding figure until she could no longer see him, then she snapped back to reality.
She sighed softly and turned to pull the Higanbana, which had been knocked away, from the wall.
Rumble—
The scarred training room instantly collapsed, leaving behind a pile of rubble.
"....."
"Oh dear, oh dear, I'll have to argue with Laila again... But if she knows Rhode did it, she'll probably just grumble softly...."
Kaguya narrowed her eyes like a cat, staring at the brick wall collapsing along the sharp blade marks, a captivating smile gracing her lips.
In just a few days, he mastered the moves I suffered for years to learn. I can't help but feel jealous...
Setting aside his attributes, purely in terms of mastered sword techniques, he is already the second-ranked existence in the Familia!
What's more, the secrets hidden within him allow him to not only reproduce magic but even replicate skills, which is simply outrageous...
I truly look forward to seeing how far this man can grow.
After leaving the Court of the Stars, Rhode walked alone towards West Main Street.
Upon seeing Rhode, the pedestrians on the road changed their expressions slightly and quickly backed away, seemingly afraid of provoking him.
Clearly, the Soma Familia incident had completely fermented, and more people had witnessed his frequent Dungeon explorations with the Astrea Familia.
No one would dare to claim his strength was exaggerated anymore.
Rhode's expression was indifferent; he paid no attention to the gazes of strangers, his eyes fixed on the interface only he could see.
"System, open personal panel."
"[Name: Rhode]"
"[Wish Points: 8000 points]"
"[Wish Tickets: Unlimited (1), A-rank (2)]"
"[Skills: Elf Star Song, Spirit Charge, Righteous Crimson Bloom, Righteous Battle Blaze, Moonlight Roar, One Light Blood Flash, Minor Agility.]"
"[Magic: Cinder Maiden, Scarlet Pimpernel, Flame Flower, Luminous Wind, Noah Healing, Five Lights, Four Seas, Mus Mein, Rea Windermere....]"
"[Development Abilities: Anomaly Resistance H, Sorcery I, Hunter H, Healing H, Steadfast I, Punch H, Fire Flash I.]"
"[Techniques: Parallel Chanting]"
"[Special Abilities: Cunning Rat's Wisdom.]"
"[Authorities: EX · Absolute Contract, EX · Perfect Synchronization, Grace Activation.]"
Rhode's attributes had undergone a drastic change after five consecutive days of patrol wishes and exploration wishes!
The girls of the Familia probably guessed he could copy skills, but they never imagined he also gained their development abilities through wishes!
The most noteworthy skills, besides Ryu's Elf Star Song and Spirit Charge, were Alise's Righteous Crimson Bloom and Righteous Battle Blaze.
"[Righteous Crimson Bloom]"
"[Effect:"
"During combat, Strength receives a high bonus."
"In adversity, Endurance and Dexterity receive a high bonus."
"When fighting powerful enemies, Agility and Magic receive a high bonus."
"If all three conditions above are met simultaneously, Strength, Agility, and Magic receive an additional small bonus, proportional to the duration.]"
When Rhode first obtained this skill, he was somewhat dumbfounded by its outrageous effect.
This thing is practically a cheat code native to Orario!
With this one skill alone, Alise, as a second-tier adventurer, could display strength comparable to a first-tier adventurer!
Although Rhode did not have the Grace system, attributes did indeed exist within his body.
And because Rhode also possessed the authority of Perfect Synchronization, this meant that no matter how powerful he became in the future, this skill would still perfectly exert the same effect!
For example, if Rhode was currently in combat, the skill would provide a ten percent strength bonus.
Then, even if he became a god later, as long as he was in combat, his strength would still receive a ten percent bonus!
With the two stacked, Alise herself, as the skill holder, would not be as heaven-defying as Rhode!
And the other skill also had a huge bonus.
"[Righteous Battle Blaze]"
"[Effect: When in close combat, skill effects are amplified. When magic is cast, magic effects are amplified.]"
Rhode's current combat style was that of a magic swordsman, engaging in close combat while using magic for support.
And Righteous Battle Blaze could amplify all skill effects he gained, including Righteous Crimson Bloom!
Stacked with Elf Star Song, Spirit Charge, and the replicated Sorcery development ability, the power of Rhode's magic during close combat left even Alise dumbfounded.
After a long silence, struck by the impact, she gave a complex assessment: that the current Rhode might truly be able to defeat a Level 3.
Rhode withdrew his gaze with satisfaction, looking towards the source of the commotion not far away.
"Hmm? Is that the Hephaestus Familia's party?"
As the city's most renowned forging Familia, their every move was particularly eye-catching.
Rhode did not approach but watched from afar.
There was a small figure with a large backpack in the party, arguing with Tsubaki, the captain, about something, refusing to back down in the slightest.
Eventually, Tsubaki, as the higher-level adventurer, helplessly raised her hands in surrender and then vigorously ruffled the Pallum's head.
The Pallum immediately glared and protested with dissatisfaction, and a chorus of laughter erupted from the party.
Rhode's gaze softened, and he smiled knowingly.
"Lili's personality has also become much brighter..."
[Yes, it's all because Master found new family and friends for her.]
In his mind, Silent Suzuka, who had been specially summoned, witnessed this scene with him, a gentle smile on her face.
"Speaking of which, I feel a bit bad, as I usually only summon you during battles."
[Hehehe, it's okay, after all, Master needs to circulate among different girls, and maybe even get intimate with Alise-nee-san~ Am I right~?]
"...Uh, Suzuka, you've learned bad habits."
[Hmph, Master is the one who's learned bad habits! You better be careful not to get axed!]
Chatting with Silent Suzuka along the way, Rhode arrived at his destination, The Benevolent Mistress.
This was a three-story building constructed of stone. With an exterior resembling a high-class inn and a back area, this bar, located on West Main Street, saw a constant stream of customers.
During the day, most customers were ordinary citizens, primarily women. Afternoons catered to adventurers returning from the Dungeon. This business model, targeting different customer groups at different times, was highly popular.
The menu and prices changed between day and night. Adventurers, with their ample income, were usually charged high fees, but because Miya-san's special fruit wine was so delicious, there were many repeat customers.
Pushing open the double doors, he stepped inside.
The interior of the shop was made of wooden panels, and the decor was much more subdued than other taverns.
The magic stone lamps on the ceiling were dimmed, creating a slightly fashionable atmosphere.
"Welcome, oh, it's Rhode-kun nya~"
Greeting Rhode was a Cat Person girl whose speed was so fast it was as if she had suddenly refreshed into the shop.
Anya curiously peered behind Rhode.
"Your companion? Are you alone?"
Rhode handed her a bag, walked to a window seat, and sat down, smiling as he said,
"You could say I'm alone."
Since the Familia members had gathered there for a meal once before, he and Anya were not strangers.
Anya lowered her head and opened the bag, her eyes lighting up.
"It's red berries again nya! Miya-mama will be so happy!"
The gourd-shaped red berries, harvested from the Labyrinth Park, could be fermented into a soothing alcoholic beverage.
Miya-san had recently been developing a new fruit wine. During their last meal, she had casually mentioned that they often went down to the eighteenth floor, so Rhode had simply entrusted them with collecting some red berries.
Rhode didn't particularly like its somewhat cheap taste, but Riveria, who never touched alcohol, would occasionally drink a little.
Perhaps because this level of request was purely a transaction, or perhaps because the emotional connection had not reached the level of a wish, Miya-san's request did not form a wish.
This left Rhode a little disappointed.
"The usual, nya?"
"Yes, Miya-san's special noodles and mead are truly unforgettable. Oh, and this time, please add a bit more grilled meat."
"Got it, please wait a moment nya!"
Anya wagged her slender tail, clutching the bag, and energetically ran towards the kitchen.
[This other world really has all sorts of fantasy creatures, I never even thought I'd meet a Cat Girl before, hehe.]
Rhode heard this and mentally retorted.
"Aren't Uma Musume also fantasy creatures?"
[That's not necessarily true, we are real!]
"But Anya and them are also real."
[Ugh....]
Silent Suzuka was rendered speechless by Rhode's few words, and could only whimper in her mind, "Master is bullying me," and similar complaints.
Although the two seemed to be bickering, their hearts were actually filled with happiness... and reluctance.
Because today was Silent Suzuka's last day.
Rhode had come out alone this time precisely to bid farewell to the companion who had accompanied him through his weakest moments.
After a while, Anya skillfully brought the food to Rhode's table. Soon, a colorful array of ingredients piled up, filling the entire table, many of which were foods he was interested in but hadn't tried.
Rhode's eyes widened.
"Hey, Anya, I don't remember ordering this much!"
Anya sat on the other side, leaning on the table, and playfully winked at Rhode.
"Thank you for providing so many precious fruits. And although I don't know why, there's always a reason for someone to eat alone at a bar."
"Good food and good wine make people happy, making them forget their troubles for a short while, especially when it's free. If that person asks, that's what you should say."
"Miya-mama said that nya~"
Rhode looked towards the kitchen, shrugging with a light chuckle.
"Since you put it that way, I won't be polite then."
This era has its share of crazy lunatics, but also some seemingly rough guys who are actually gentle at heart.
Rhode deliberately enabled full sensory sharing temporarily, heartily enjoying the unique delicacies of this other world.
Silent Suzuka let out happy squeals in Rhode's mind, even rolling around excitedly.
[It's delicious, too delicious! Sob, sob, sob, just thinking that I won't be able to eat this kind of food again when I go back makes me want to cry....]
Rhode focused on enjoying the food, while Anya sat opposite him, propping her chin and wagging her tail, quietly watching him, lost in thought.
The aroma of roasted meat and the potent scent of rice wine drifted with the wind onto the street.
At some point, the delicate melody of a harp played by a bard outside the door drifted in.
He glanced at Rhode by the window, a sharp glint in his eyes, then lightly cleared his throat and began to sing.
"The story I'm about to tell begins in the last millennium~"
"Pfft—"
Rhode instinctively spat out a mouthful of mead.
Good thing he turned around quickly, otherwise it would have sprayed all over Anya.
Anya snapped out of her surprise and quickly ran over to hand him a towel.
"Wh-what's wrong, meow?"
"Cough, cough, cough...."
Rhode coughed a few times, waved his hand, took a small pouch of Valis from his pocket, and then pointed at the bard outside the door.
Anya weighed the money pouch and gasped.
"Are you going to tip him? Although I also think his singing is pretty good, I didn't expect you to like it so much."
Rhode patted his chest, taking a long time to recover, looking speechless.
"No, it's to give him money so he stops singing."
"Eh?"
"Or tell him to go sing somewhere else."
Good heavens, that somewhat familiar opening almost triggered his PTSD.
Rhode almost thought he had transmigrated again.
"Of course, if you use physical means to drive him away, these Valis will be my thank-you fee to you."
Anya's eyes instantly lit up.
"Leave it to the cat, meow!"
Anya stormed out, carrying a spear with an imposing aura.
"Hey, street performer! Singing in front of my shop, have you paid protection fees, business fees, or sanitation fees?!"
The bard was startled, his travel hat falling to the ground.
"Huh? Since when do I need to pay so much money? How come I don't know?"
"Well, now you know, meow... Eh, Lord Hermes?!"
Anya walked closer and saw that the singer was actually a god she knew. Now, the spear she wanted to thrust out felt a bit awkward.