This must be what goddess-like beauty looks like, right?
This was Leo's initial impression upon first seeing the sword-wielding girl.
Her long, golden hair, reaching her waist, cascaded down her slender, graceful back. She wore a light, azure outfit, her body was exquisitely sculpted, her skin was fair and supple, and her features were so perfectly proportioned that they seemed otherworldly, like a flawless work of art. She also had a pair of eyes that were the same gold as her hair, with a hidden, transparent radiance.
This is a beauty that could attract countless men, and even women would be captivated by it.
Her beauty was in no way inferior to that of a fairy, and even comparable to that of a so-called perfect goddess. She also exuded a mysterious aura, which added immeasurable charm. Even now, Leo, who had long been accustomed to this face, would still be drawn to her from time to time.
"---- Leo?"
The blonde, golden-eyed girl and boy looked at each other. Seeing that the other was staring at them silently, they suddenly spoke softly and called out a name.
The voice, just like it had a year ago, lacked both cadence and emotion, yet it was as melodious as celestial music.
Good morning, Ais.
Leo snapped out of his daze and greeted the other person with a smile.
Ais Wallenstein, that's the name of the girl before us, a name known to everyone in the Labyrinth City of Orario.
She is hailed as the city's strongest female swordsman. At only sixteen years old, she is already a well-known first-class adventurer and one of the less than forty Lv.5s in the entire city. She is also a true executive of the Loki Familia and a pillar of the family.
A year ago, it was this girl who brought Leo back from the Dungeon and recommended that he Loki Familia.
Leo was very grateful for this.
In particular—he had taken a huge advantage of the other party at that time.
Recalling that scene, Leo unconsciously touched his nose.
In a way, he was actually quite lucky at the time. Although he suffered a high-altitude fall and freefall, at least he didn't crash onto hard ground and turn into mincemeat. Instead, he fell into the water and saw the goddess emerging from her bath.
The reason he almost drowned was perhaps because the scene he witnessed was too shocking.
Unfortunately, this is a secret that cannot be told to outsiders. Otherwise, regardless of whether Ais herself would be ashamed, Leo Eligos be torn apart by the countless male and even female members of the Familia who were filled with envy and jealousy to the point of shedding tears of blood.
Especially if a certain Chief God who dotes on girls so much were to accidentally find out about this— Leo shuddered, not daring to think any further.
"----morning."
The blonde, golden-eyed girl had no idea that the boy in front of her was thinking about something she found difficult to talk about. Her eyes were fixed on Leo, and her attitude was somewhat indifferent.
To outsiders, the girl's attitude seemed rather cold and unapproachable, making her seem unapproachable.
Only those who know the girl well know that she is not cold at all; on the contrary, she is a kind girl. Otherwise, she wouldn't have brought Leo back despite past grievances and given him a place to stay when he first arrived in this world.
The girl simply didn't know how to express her feelings, which is why she seemed a bit aloof.
Leo, who was fully aware of this, naturally didn't take Ais's attitude to heart.
"Up so early again to practice your swordsmanship?" Leo walked over and said casually, "As diligent as ever."
"It's just... a habit." Ais sheathed her sword. Compared to Leo's natural expression, her delicate face lacked much of its usual dynamism. She said softly, "It's been like this for so many years."
"No wonder you're so strong." Leo stared into the girl's golden eyes and said, "With so much effort put in, it would be strange if you didn't become stronger."
Hearing Leo's words, Ais lowered her head.
"----Not enough."
The girl murmured to herself.
"I'm not strong enough."
His simple words seemed to conceal countless untold stories and an overwhelming obsession, subtly altering the atmosphere.
Are we going to the Dungeon again today?
Leo remained silent for a moment before changing the subject.
"Should----"
Ais nodded, her words concise and to the point.
Even on days like these, when she has no missions or expeditions, the girl trains herself day after day, secretly venturing into the underground labyrinth teeming with monsters to kill, to wield her sword, and to squeeze out all her potential and turn it into real strength.
A year ago, Leo was able to meet the other person on the 18th Floor of the Dungeon thanks to the other person's habit.
Even though many people were worried about her, fearing she might cause trouble in the Dungeon and encounter danger, the girl was still unwilling to compromise on this point.
Therefore, Leo did not try to persuade her.
Remember to come back soon.
Leo simply smiled and gave those instructions.
"----good."
Ais looked at the smiling boy and nodded.
This is not just polite talk.
Since she promised, the girl will remember it and keep her word.
For some reason, Leo just had that feeling.
Perhaps it's because he always says this at this time, and the girl always responds seemingly casually, but then suddenly and quietly returns earlier than usual, making him feel at ease?
"You'll have to receive it today, won't you?"
Ais seemed to remember something important, and her clear eyes brightened slightly.
" Blessing of the Gods."
It seems the girl is still paying attention to Leo's situation.
After all, Leo didn't tell Ais about this, but Ais already knew.
"I was just about to go to the Divine Room."
Leo's mood improved, and he responded with a smile.
"Congratulations," Ais said earnestly, "You can finally officially join."
"Hmm." Leo opened his mouth, wanting to say something to express his gratitude, but seeing the girl's serious expression, he swallowed his words and instead smiled, "Teach me swordsmanship after I get a little stronger."
Ais remained silent for a while, then nodded.
"----Um.
There wasn't much affectation; it was as concise and to the point as always.
Leo waved to the girl, turned and left, walking into the Central Tower.
The Central Tower's top floor, the Divine Room.
This is the personal room of the Chief God of the Loki Familia, and also the highest point in the entire Twilight Manor.
After a difficult climb up the spiral staircase in the tower, Leo arrived at the room of the Chief God and knocked on the door.
When I first knocked, there was no response from inside the door, only deathly silence.
Leo was very patient, knocking several times in a row and waiting for a long time before finally hearing a weak, feeble sound.
Come in----
Hearing this sound, Leo pushed open the door and stepped inside.
Before him lay a room crammed with all sorts of odds and ends, a chaotic mess.
The room wasn't very big, but it was very messy, and it was obvious that it was rarely tidied up.
Leo glanced around and saw an expensive quill pen carelessly tossed on the table, a white crystal with a faint iridescent hue lying around, old shoes and hats hanging on the wall, and a mountain of heavy books and a short sword piled on the bed, completely devoid of any order.
The room was filled with alcoholic beverages in the corners, with bottles of all colors and shapes placed in every corner, some of which were even half-empty.
The bottle of wine was being held in the arms of the person lying by the bed, emitting a strong aroma of alcohol.
"I knew it was you, kid! You're here early!"
Holding the wine bottle, he spoke weakly to Leo as he entered.
That was an incredibly incredible existence.
She had crimson hair reminiscent of twilight, her eyes were so narrow they were almost invisible, she wore a white shirt and trousers like a working-class person, and spoke with a Kansai accent. If you didn't know her, you might mistake her for some middle-aged man, exuding a slovenly air.
Ironically, this disheveled figure possessed an unbelievably beautiful appearance. Despite his casually slumped posture, he exuded an indescribable transcendent aura, as if he did not exist in this world but in another dimension.
That's only natural.
Because the being before us is a god who, weary of life in the Heaven, descended to the Lower World in pursuit of entertainment, and does as he pleases.
She is completely different from humans, demi-humans, and even monsters; she is a transcendent being belonging to another dimension, the most noble, perfect, and powerful life form in this world.
She is Loki, the Chief God of this clan, the one who formed a pact with Ais and the others.
Looking at this transcendent being, Leo simply couldn't connect him with the legendary gods.
"You really did drink heavily last night, didn't you?"
Leo, who uses honorifics even with Raul, a senior member of the Familia, always forgets to be respectful when facing the Familia's Chief God.
"It's not considered alcoholism."
Loki seemed completely unconcerned, and shakily got up, making a snapping gesture towards Leo.
"I only drank a little bit, just a tiny bit."
That carefree, grinning demeanor was becoming increasingly distant from the image of a "god."
Fortunately, Leo has gotten used to it.
"If Miss Riveria finds out, she'll probably scold you again."
Leo simply said that, which made Loki raise an eyebrow.
"You're not going to tell on us, are you?" Loki said warily. "Kid, we've treated you very well. If you repay kindness with enmity, I'll curse you."
Which god would curse someone just because they complained?
Oh, God of this world, it's alright now.
After all, Leo knew all too well how free-spirited, bored, and capricious the gods of this world were.
"Hmm? Were you secretly badmouthing the gods in your heart?"
Just as Leo was thinking that, Loki squinted and leaned closer, causing Leo's eyes to twitch almost imperceptibly.
The gods of this world are known for their keen perception; people in the Lower World can't even lie to them. Who can they complain to?
"The commander told me that you have officially allowed me to join the clan."
At this moment, Leo could only get to the point and move on from what had just happened.
"Hmph, that's true."
Loki snorted coldly, as if deciding to let him off the hook for the time being, and continued on Leo's topic.
"It's been a year already, and we've been observing you for so long. If we don't give you a permanent position soon, Ais will probably start to complain to us, right?"
At this point, Loki himself started to get upset.
"I really don't know where Ais got such a wild man like you from. She used to only be interested in getting stronger. Sigh, my heart is breaking."
As he spoke, Loki seemed to genuinely feel unwell, picked up the bottle, and took a large gulp, his face full of gloom.
"So now I----?"
Leo knew he couldn't say too much on this topic, otherwise the Chief God doted on the blonde, golden-eyed female swordsman would definitely not let him off the hook.
Take off your shirt and sit down in front of us.
Loki glanced at Leo and spoke slowly.
Leo was already prepared; without saying a word, he took off his shirt, revealing his upper body.
He was rather slender with fair skin, but not particularly muscular, which made Loki pout.
"He's lived a life of luxury, clearly never having experienced any hardship. Anyone who didn't know better would think he was a pampered young master from some noble family. He doesn't seem like the kind of person who would go to the 18th Floor of the Dungeon!"
Leo ignored these words and sat down directly in front of Loki.
Loki sat down behind Leo, taking a needle from a box beside him as he spoke softly.
"Well, anyway, since we've decided to accept you, you're now family."
"We won't investigate where you came from or why we can't find out your background. Anyway, there are plenty of kids like you here with unspeakable secrets. If you don't want to talk about it, we won't bother you."
"As long as we're sure you don't have any ulterior motives and genuinely want to join us, that's enough."
The words of the deity gradually became profound, as if they were beginning to enjoy the unknown, filled with pleasure.
"Let's see where you can go in the future."
As soon as he finished speaking, Loki pricked his finger with the needle, causing a drop of blood to seep out.
"Tick-tock----"
The blood of the god dripped onto Leo's back, creating a ripple.
Then, Divine Script appeared, along with an image of a clown, and were etched into Leo's back.
This is the Blessing of the Gods, the only miracle that the gods of the Lower World can perform in this world.
It can awaken the dormant potential within the human body in the Lower World, allowing ordinary Lower World lives to undergo transformation and gradually move towards the extraordinary.
Only by obtaining it can life in the Lower World escape its weak and powerless state and gain the strength to fight monsters.
At this moment, I have finally obtained it.
Leo felt a slight surge of excitement.
Behind him, Loki slightly opened his eyes, a glint of shrewdness flashing within them.
Those divine eyes were fixed on Leo's back, their meaning obscure and unfathomable.