"Although I had a hunch it would be terrifying, I didn't expect such monstrous growth. Now I finally understand why Astraea-sama insisted on hiding your skills." Lyra, usually brimming with confidence, could only sigh in defeat.
Compared to Akira, her understanding felt like child's play.
She narrowed her eyes at him, half-serious, half-joking. "If I tied you up and offered you to Loki, I bet Finn would happily agree to marry me."
Lyra had always fancied Finn, the valiant leader of the pallums in the neighboring Loki Familia.
They were birds of a feather—calm, precise, and unrelenting. Even a seasoned LV 5 like Finn couldn't fully shake off Lyra's allure.
And now, if she presented a gem like Akira to Loki as a gift?
She estimated a 70% chance that Loki would cave in and accept her as Finn's wife.
"Lyra, that's enough. Don't act out your crazy fantasies again." Alise interjected, halting her comrade's brewing delusion.
Lyra grinned and said, "Just imagine it! One day, when Akira becomes the ace of our Familia—under my leadership—we'll take on the most perilous quests and bring down Evilus with flawless justice. I can already see it…! As expected of me, the flame of justice in my soul is burning brighter than ever, oh oh oh!"
Kaguy turned to Ryuu with a smirk and said, "Tch, Miss Elf, are you seeing this?"
"Compared to Akira's insane progress, your growth looks like candlelight under moonlight."
Ryuu replied dryly, her brows twitching, "Again with that tone, Kaguya? I've been working hard too, you know."
The girls' voices filled the air with bickering energy. This chaotic atmosphere—bantering, teasing, and half-serious threats, was their way of bonding.
Astraea watched the commotion with the same gentle smile she always wore. She turned quietly toward the boy sitting at the edge.
She asked, "Akira, are you getting used to living with the Familia?"
Akira nodded earnestly and said, "Very much so. Everyone's been so warm to me. Is something the matter, Astraea-sama?"
Astraea's smile softened even further and she said, "It's just that… most of our members are girls. I was worried you'd feel out of place, maybe a little lonely."
"You've always been a bit shy, haven't you? Not the type to force yourself into a noisy conversation."
Akira smiled faintly and said, "It's really fine, Astraea-sama. I was often alone before I came here. I'm used to the quiet. Besides, when I do get bored… I can always test out new magic."
Astraea muttered with ger eyes twinkling, "Troublesome… Just like Ryuu."
"Alright, how about this. Take a shower first, then come to my room. I'd like to talk to you a little more."
Akira blinked in confusion and said, "Okay… if there's anything you need, I'll come right after."
"Good boy." She replied with a playful tilt of her head.
— — —
In the men's bathhouse, Akira let the warm water soak away the day's fatigue. His mind, however, was busy spinning.
What could Astraea-sama want to talk about so late? Could it be about how I punished those thugs earlier…?
Shaking his head, he dismissed the thought and muttered, "Let's check today's progress."
[Personal Status]
Name: Akira
Age: 13
Level: 12
Status: Healthy
Class: Mage (Male)
Affiliation: Astraea Familia
Achievements: None
"Open backpack. Use Level 10 Gift Pack."
With a shimmer, a Level 10 Gift Pack appeared. He received a [Weapon Selection Box], and ten red and blue potions.
His choice? [Sharan's Practice Staff].
"Only four levels away from class advancement. At this pace, I might have power equal to a normal LV 3 soon."
Drying himself with a towel, Akira slipped into casual clothes.
He summoned a breeze with wind magic, added a hint of flame for warmth, and styled his hair with the gentle current.
With a last breath, he made his way to Astraea's room.
He knocked softly.
Astraea warmly said, "Come in, Akira."
The door opened, revealing Astraea in a light blue nightgown. Her long hair fell loosely around her waist, and her fair skin glowed in the candlelight. She was perched atop her bed, book in hand, as if waiting for him.
"G-Goddess, is something the matter?" Akira looked away, feeling his cheeks heat up.
"Come here." Astraea patted the space beside her.
Akira hesitated. Though it was clear she wanted him to sit beside her on the bed, his feet acted on caution. He fetched a chair and placed it next to the bed, taking a polite seat.
Astraea gave a helpless little sigh. Even though he's just a child… he's strangely reserved.
She reached forward, grasped his hand, and with gentle strength, pulled him onto the bed.
Akira landed face-first into the mattress, nose filled with the soft fragrance of her sheets.
His fingers were still entwined with hers, and his voice came out muffled. "Astraea-sama, I don't understand… why are you doing this?"
"You know the answer already, don't you?" She replied gently.
He said, "This is… too close. I'm not used to it."
Astraea set aside her book and brushed her fingers through his hair.
"Sit properly. Right beside me."
She said softly, "If you refuse again… even I might cry."
Caught off guard by her teasing tone, Akira could only obey. He sat beside her, leaving a respectful fist-sized gap.
"Closer." She urged again, patting the bed.
Bit by bit, he scooted forward until his arm brushed against her. His heart raced, and he quickly cooled himself with a bit of ice-elemental magic.
But as soon as he stabilized, Astraea wrapped her arms around him, pressing him gently into her chest. His body, which had just cooled down, erupted into heat again.
"Tonight, Akira… sleep with me."
Too fast!!!
He asked, "Astraea-sama, d-do you usually do this sort of thing?"
"No." She replied, puffing her cheeks, "Only Ryuu, Alise, and now you."
"Ahaha… I see." Akira gave a nervous laugh.
She must just like talented kids. That's probably all this is…
"Are you badmouthing me in your heart again, Akira-chan?" She asked, her voice suspiciously sweet.
"No! Of course not!" He answered in panic.
"Good."
She smiled. "Now, let's go to sleep… my precious child."
Gently, she pulled him down onto the bed. Under the soft warmth of her arms and the tranquil room, Akira's eyes fluttered shut.
"…Astraea-sama's embrace is… really warm. I like it a lot."
"Mm. I like it, too."
"I like Astraea… too…" He mumbled before drifting off.
Astraea smiled, stroking his hair tenderly.
"Sleep well, my child."