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Chapter 46: Aiden's Request
Furina's words were sonorous and powerful, perfectly enacting the image of a goddess who was high above yet filled with compassion.
However, Takemikazuchi shook his head firmly. He straightened his posture and looked at Furina with absolute seriousness.
"Focalors, that may be so, but the grace of saving a life is greater than the heavens. We must repay this debt. As long as it is to repay this kindness, no matter what you ask of me, I, Takemikazuchi, will have no objections."
"No matter what it is, we will do our utmost!"
Ouka and Mikoto spoke in unison, their eyes filled with the resolve of warriors.
Now, Furina was at a loss.
She had only wanted to show off her "justice." She hadn't actually thought about making them do anything.
Faced with Takemikazuchi's sincere gaze that refused rejection, she felt helpless and didn't know how to proceed. She could only cast a pleading look at Aiden beside her.
Receiving his Goddess's distress signal, Aiden chuckled inwardly and fell into thought.
Money? Equipment? The Focalors Familia certainly needed those, but he knew very well that given the Takemikazuchi Familia's financial situation, they couldn't bring out much money.
Moreover, exchanging a life-saving grace for such worldly possessions was too short-sighted.
Then...
A thought flashed through his mind like lightning.
Aiden looked up, meeting Takemikazuchi's expectant and sincere gaze, and spoke slowly, "Since Lord Takemikazuchi insists on thanking us, I do, in fact, have a request."
Hearing this, Takemikazuchi immediately revealed a bright smile and slapped his chest heroically. "Speak. As long as it is within my power, I will not decline."
"I wouldn't go that far," Aiden smiled faintly, his tone carrying just the right amount of respect. "I heard of Lord Takemikazuchi's title as the 'God of War' even before coming to Orario. Therefore, I would like to... ask Lord Takemikazuchi to personally teach us martial arts."
As soon as these words came out, not only Takemikazuchi but also Ouka, Mikoto, and the others behind him were stunned.
They had imagined a thousand possibilities, but they never expected the requested return would be this.
Aiden knew very well.
In Orario, and even the entire Lower World, Takemikazuchi was an extremely special existence.
Like Artemis, the Goddess of the Moon who excelled in archery, and Astraea, the Goddess of Justice who excelled in swordsmanship, he was a combat-oriented god capable of contending head-on with high-level adventurers while in a mortal body.
In fact, Takemikazuchi might be even more formidable.
Rumor had it that he could rely on his martial arts, which had reached the realm of the divine, to fight a Level 5 First-Class Adventurer without falling behind, all while his divine power was sealed.
What terrifying skill.
Aiden's own swordsmanship foundation came from Alfia's torment-like tutelage. It was full of savage, practical ruthlessness, but it lacked systematic tempering and polishing.
And Tifa, as a martial artist, also needed higher-level guidance to break through her bottlenecks.
If they could receive personal instruction from this "God of War," it would be an immeasurable gain for both him and Tifa.
This was far more precious than any money or equipment.
After a brief moment of surprise, Takemikazuchi burst into hearty laughter.
"Hahahaha! I thought it would be some difficult request, but it turns out to be this."
He looked at Aiden, his eyes full of appreciation. "Good, very good. I agree to this request."
For him, this request couldn't be better.
His Familia wasn't wealthy to begin with. If the other party had demanded a huge amount of wealth, he really would have been troubled.
But teaching martial arts? That was his foundation and pride as the "God of War."
To be able to repay the Focalors Familia's life-saving grace with this was perfect.
"From today on, whenever you have time, you can come find me," Takemikazuchi promised solemnly. "I will impart everything I know to you without reservation."
To celebrate Aiden and Tifa being able to learn the legendary divine martial arts under the God of War, a high-spirited Furina immediately waved her hand and proposed that everyone go to the "Hostess of Fertility" for a big meal.
This was both a celebration and the fulfillment of a belated promise.
Ryu and Syr had enthusiastically invited them before, but firstly, Tifa's cooking was so delicious that they couldn't bear to eat out, and secondly, the Familia spent most of its time in the Dungeon to improve their strength as quickly as possible, so it had been delayed until now.
Now, taking advantage of this happy occasion, it was the perfect opportunity to honor the appointment.
Takemikazuchi, Ouka, and the others naturally had no objections to this proposal.
After this event, a deep bond far beyond ordinary friendship, tied by a life-saving grace, had been established between the two Familias that originally had no interaction.
For the Focalors Familia, which was new and had a shallow foundation, this was undoubtedly a good thing.
Another friend meant another path.
A combat-oriented god and his united, loyal Familia would definitely be a powerful aid at critical moments.
And so, the mighty group headed toward the "Hostess of Fertility" pub located in the Old District of the 7th District.
The sunlight was just right, and the breeze was gentle.
Walking on the streets of Orario, filled with the breath of life, the group felt exceptionally relaxed.
As the only two males in the group, and also the Captains of their respective Familias, Aiden and Ouka naturally walked together.
"Sir Aiden, I must say it again. Thank you," Ouka said, his chiseled face full of sincere gratitude and admiration. "If you hadn't arrived in time, we... would have really been finished."
"You exaggerate, Sir Ouka. Any adventurer with a conscience wouldn't have sat idly by," Aiden responded with a smile.
Both men regarded their members as more important than anything else. This shared sense of responsibility and duty allowed them to quickly resonate with each other.
"Speaking of which, your battle... was truly..." Ouka recalled the thrilling fight from yesterday, shock still visible in his eyes. "We are both Level 1 adventurers, but I ask myself, even if I successfully level up, I would definitely not be that monster's opponent. Yet you were able to fight it head-on alone and win."
That shock was something he still couldn't forget.
"It was just luck," Aiden waved his hand modestly, not dwelling on the topic.
Chatting and laughing, the two quickly became familiar with each other.
On the other side, Robin, Tifa, and Hyacine were chatting with Mikoto and Chigusa about girls' topics, the atmosphere harmonious and lively.
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