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Chapter 30: Aiden's Justice
Facing the hints from the Half-Elf girl Lante, a helpless smile rose in Aiden's heart.
He certainly knew what was going on in Lante's little head, which was filled with romantic longings. She was simply trying to egg him on to "flirt" with her unromantic patron Goddess again.
Considering the long separation to come, Aiden decided to indulge her expectations.
Under Lante's approving gaze, he walked slowly toward Artemis, who was saying goodbye to Furina.
"Goddess Artemis."
Hearing Aiden's voice, Artemis turned her head, her blue eyes as clear as lake water.
Aiden organized his language seamlessly, making his reminder sound reasonable. "I've been reading some literature about ancient times in the library recently. It mentioned that although the outside world isn't crawling with monsters like the Dungeon, many ancient ruins seal extremely dangerous monsters. As time passes, those seals seem to be gradually weakening. Since your Familia often tours the outside world, please be careful."
He knew that the Artemis Familia often took quests issued by the Guild to inspect the status of monster seals around the world.
So, his worry sounded completely like a well-intentioned reminder from a friend.
"Thank you for your concern, Aiden."
Artemis listened to his words seriously and accepted his kindness. "We will be careful."
Immediately, her serious expression softened. The corners of her mouth curled into a faint smile as she looked at Aiden. "I also look forward to seeing the day you achieve your wish. When that time comes, you must tell me... whether love is sweet or bitter."
After saying that, she gave Furina one last hug and turned to board the team's carriage.
Amidst the long sound of horns, the Artemis Familia's convoy slowly drove out of the city gate, merging into the road leading to the distance.
Watching the receding backs of the convoy, Aiden stood in place, hesitating to speak.
He wanted, really wanted to rush up and tell Artemis not to accept any quests related to the "Great Tree Labyrinth."
In his memory, the Artemis Familia in the original work encountered an ancient monster breaking out of its seal during a quest to explore the Great Tree Labyrinth, and in the end... the entire army was wiped out.
But he didn't know how to say it.
Mortals cannot lie before Gods.
This was an unbreakable iron rule of this world.
He couldn't possibly say he could predict the future, could he?
That would be too absurd. No God would believe it; instead, it would arouse unnecessary suspicion and probing.
In the end, he swallowed the words surging to his lips.
However, there should still be some time before that tragedy occurred.
He still had time.
We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. As long as the Focalors Familia could become stronger as soon as possible, there would definitely be other ways to save the Artemis Familia in the future.
Aiden didn't consider himself a selfless good person.
For that paranoid long-cherished wish in his heart, he could hesitate to abandon many things other than his companions.
But the Artemis Familia was different. They were a group of innocent girls longing for beautiful romance; they were friends he was already familiar with.
He didn't want to see that overly cruel ending from the original work again.
He also didn't want to see that pure Moon Goddess fall on the cold earth of the Lower World like in his memory.
He admitted there was an element of male hormones at work.
Facing that beautiful and pure Goddess, saying he wasn't moved would be a lie.
But more than that, it was simply because he wanted to do it. He just wanted to be a busybody.
If Furina's justice was "Survival"—to do whatever it took for the Familia to exist—then his justice could be described in one sentence:
My heart and actions are utterly unclouded. They are all those of 'Justice'.
This was a thoroughly self-centered "Justice."
As long as he thought it was right, as long as the mirror in his heart was clear and bright, he would do it without hesitation.
Even if, in the eyes of outsiders, it might be despicable, selfish, or unreasonable.
After seeing off the Artemis Familia, the group didn't immerse themselves in the sadness of parting for too long.
The development of the Familia allowed for no delay.
Aiden took the newly joined Tifa straight to the Guild Headquarters.
A familiar counter, a familiar face.
The one responsible for receiving them was still the Half-Elf advisor, Eina Tulle.
"Welcome back, Mr. Aiden, Miss Robin."
Eina revealed a professional and kind smile. When her gaze landed on Tifa, a flash of amazement passed through her eyes. "This must be your new companion?"
"Yes, her name is Tifa Lockhart. She's here to register as an adventurer today," Aiden introduced.
Eina's efficiency was very high. She was already quite familiar with Aiden and Robin, which saved many unnecessary procedures.
After explaining the Guild rules and precautions for adventurers to Tifa in detail, the registration procedure was completed quickly.
The Focalors Familia officially welcomed its fourth member.
Leaving the Guild, the next step was to purchase equipment for the new member.
Tifa was a martial artist; her hands were her deadliest weapons.
Aiden selected a set of lightweight leather armor that fit her figure perfectly, providing effective protection without hindering her flexible movements.
Finally, there was a pair of combat gauntlets inlaid with hard metal plates.
When Tifa put on the gauntlets and clenched her fists lightly, a steady and restrained aura arose spontaneously.
With everything ready, the three didn't delay and stepped directly into the Dungeon entrance.
Today's goal was to let Tifa adapt to combat in the Dungeon.
They started from the 1st Floor and went all the way down.
Facing the most basic Pyro Slimes and club-wielding Hilichurls, Aiden and Robin hardly acted. They just watched from the side, handing the battlefield completely over to Tifa.
Tifa's combat was like a pleasing dance.
Her movements had not a single shred of excess. Her footwork was light and swift, like dancing on the tip of a blade.
Facing several rolling Pyro Slimes, she turned sideways, slid, and dodged the attacks with incredible flexibility. Immediately after, a crisp and clean whip kick struck the magic stone core inside the Pyro Slime with precision.
Bang!
The gelatinous body exploded instantly.
"Shine."
Tifa chanted softly. This was her only magic, [Meteor Plume].
Faint, almost invisible magical radiance wrapped around her gauntlets and combat boots like stardust.
At this moment, her every attack carried a heavy sense of impact.
A straight punch could send a Hilichurl flying directly, turning it into black smoke upon hitting the wall.
A roundhouse kick could knock back several monsters crowding around her simultaneously.
Her fighting style was full of rhythm.
As the battle continued, her skill [Battle Rhythm] began to take effect. Her movements became faster and faster, smoother and smoother.
Fists, feet, elbows, knees—every part of her body turned into a weapon. Continuous attacks flowed like moving clouds and flowing water, giving the enemy no chance to breathe.
From ordinary Slimes to armed Hilichurls, and then to the amazingly defensive Rock Shieldwall Mitachurls, Tifa handled them all with ease.
Aiden and Robin only occasionally cleared threats from the flanks when she was surrounded, creating a better damage-dealing environment for her.
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