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While the [Breath Styles] and [Body Enhancement Techniques] were effective, their benefits were limited to those without [Falna] or lower-level adventurers.
However, this was precisely Mika's intention!
These techniques were meant to be supplementary—a stepping stone for those with the ambition to grow stronger—For those lacking such drive, they would be of little use.
And it was those with ambition that Mika sought to Improve.
As for what would happen when they reached higher levels? That wasn't his concern—The deeper floors of the dungeon awaited those who craved greater challenges.
"Your idea is sound, Mika. These techniques will give more talented individuals a chance to shine. But it will take years for them to become Orario's main force—What do we do until then? Remain idle?"
Airmid asked—puzzled.
After all, at their current rate of growth, they would likely reach Godhood themselves in a few years. By then—slaying the Black Dragon would be—anticlimactic.
"Of course not," Mika replied with a smile. "Introducing these techniques is merely an indirect method of Creating heroes. For now—we'll focus on those closer to home."
"Closer to home?" Airmid paused, then realized his meaning. "You mean—the other Familias?"
"Indeed. As Yahweh mentioned earlier, Astraea is now under her—protection. Therefore, the Astraea Familia is, in a sense, part of our Familia as well. And they are all incredibly talented adventurers, worthy of our—guidance."
Orario wasn't lacking in potential heroes.
The Freya, Loki, and Astraea Familias, even the Ganesha Familia – after their battle against the dark faction, many promising individuals had emerged.
And Mika saw potential in all of them!
"How do you intend to train them?" Mellie asked, a subtle smile playing on her lips.
Sharing their knowledge from other worlds wasn't an option—Not only would it alert the Gods, but the techniques themselves were often incompatible with this world's inhabitants.
They were able to learn and utilize these abilities because they had visited those worlds, their bodies adapting to the different Energy systems.
For Airmid and Mellie to wield [Cosmo]—they would have to travel to the Saint Seiya World. Even the [Breath Styles] and [Body Enhancement Techniques] required modification to suit Orario's inhabitants.
While those physical techniques were easily adaptable—other power systems were more complex.
"I'm not planning to teach them any—unconventional techniques. We'll simply offer guidance, point out their weaknesses, and accompany them on dungeon expeditions. For an adventurer, the best way to improve is through—adventuring," Mika said seriously.
"Expeditions? You're planning another joint expedition?" Mellie asked, surprised.
"Of course! Expeditions are fun! And the more the merrier! Just the three of us—it's a bit lonely. We'll limit ourselves to the power granted by our [Falna] and guide them through the—joys of a dungeon expedition."
Before becoming an adventurer, back in his village—he had dreamed of leading his own Familia into the dungeon's depths—just like Finn.
However, his world-hopping ability had made that dream impossible. A Familia with only three members couldn't undertake large-scale expeditions.
But now, with Astraea's Familia essentially under Yahweh's control, his dream was within reach. Though he tried to hide it, he was excited.
Airmid smiled; she understood him better than anyone. After all, they were childhood friends.
"The dungeon...it's been a while since we last ventured into its depths," Mellie mused, her hand supporting her chin. "Compared to the dungeon, even facing the Emperors, the Five Elders, and Imu seems—less daunting."
While those figures from the One Piece World were undeniably powerful, the dungeon's endless hordes of monsters, its ever-present danger, were far more terrifying.
Without a strong team—even powerful individuals from other worlds would struggle to survive there. Even a large Familia like the Loki Familia couldn't afford to stay in the deep floors for long without ample supplies.
"It's been a while since the three of us fought together,"
Airmid said, then turned to Mika, a playful smile on her face. "How about we go on an expedition? Just the three of us. It would be like...old times."
"I'm in! But Mika can't use his [Cosmo]; that wouldn't be fair," Mellie added.
"I wouldn't," Mika said.
He knew how easily his [Cosmo] could trivialize any challenge in Orario. He had already decided to refrain from using it unless facing a God-level opponent. This was, after all, a world of heroes, and [Cosmo] was a Divine power.
"I'll limit myself to the power of my [Falna]. I'll show you just how strong a Level 7 can be," He declared with a grin.
"Hmph. We're both Level 6 now. We'll catch up to you soon enough. Don't get too cocky," Mellie teased.
They exchanged smiles and went to retrieve their equipment, preparing for their long-awaited reunion, a journey into the dungeon's depths.
———
"Welcome!" Mika greeted the arriving Astraea Familia.
"Wow! This place is huge!" The Astraea Familia members, seeing the sprawling manor for the first time, couldn't help but exclaim.
While the Yahweh Familia's new home had been completed a while ago—it seemed much longer due to Mika's extended absence in other worlds. This was their first visit, and they had come as a group.
"Long time no see, Mika," Alise said.
"Indeed. It has been a while, Alise." Mika looked at them, a warm smile on his face. He had missed his friends and comrades, those he had fought alongside against the Dark Faction.
"Come on in." He led them inside, while Astraea, their Goddess, had already entered with Yahweh.
"You're so lucky! This place is amazing!" Alise couldn't help but express her envy as she looked around the manor.
Their own Familia home, despite having far more members, was much smaller. And even so, they were constantly struggling financially, still owing the Yahweh Familia a significant sum, a debt that seemed to be growing steadily.
This was a consequence of their numerous talented members, all progressing rapidly, requiring constant equipment upgrades. They had to delve deeper into the dungeon to earn more, which, in turn, increased their expenses on equipment and potions.
While they could pass down their used gear to newer members, higher-level equipment was expensive. Therefore, the Astraea Familia was always—financially challenged.
However, those were concerns for the past. Mika had been incredibly generous, and his support would undoubtedly continue. After all, he, Mellie, and Airmid weren't lacking in funds.
They could create their own equipment and potions, even selling their creations for a profit. As Mystery development ability users, even their...lesser creations were highly sought after.
Furthermore, with their access to the deeper levels of the dungeon through teleportation, they could gather rare materials without risking their lives or sacrificing their earnings, further increasing their wealth.
This was how they could afford such a luxurious manor.
———
"Envious, are you? Then feel free to visit anytime. This place is rather...empty most of the time. Your presence would...liven things up a bit," Mika offered sincerely.
It was a genuine invitation.
They had built the manor to accommodate their growing collection of research materials, tools, and books. Each of them required dedicated workshops. Therefore, the manor was incredibly spacious.
"Really?! Can we really visit anytime, Mika?!" Several of the younger Astraea Familia members exclaimed, before Alise could even respond. They were captivated by the manor's grandeur. Who wouldn't want to visit such a place?
"Of course!"
"Yay!" They cheered, some even jumping up and down with excitement.
Only Gojouno, Ryuu, and Lyra remained silent, their expressions unreadable, a subtle tension emanating from them—Mika had noticed their unusual demeanor upon their arrival, sensing their apprehension, their...urgency.
He knew why; Astraea had already informed them.
"Come on in. Make yourselves comfortable." He led them inside, where Airmid and Mellie greeted them warmly.
"Airmid will show you around. We have some—business to discuss. Enjoy yourselves!"
"Yes!" After exchanging a meaningful glance with Airmid, Mika and Mellie led Alise, Gojouno, Ryuu, and Lyra upstairs to the meeting room.
———
As soon as they entered, Alise closed the door, her expression a mix of excitement and apprehension.
"Is it true? Can we really travel to other worlds?" Her eagerness surprised Mika and Mellie. While Gojouno, Ryuu, and Lyra had made their interest clear, Alise had seemed—indifferent. But now, she was the most excited.
Mika smiled.
He understood their feelings, their initial disbelief and wonder. Astraea had informed them last night, sharing the incredible secret of his world-hopping ability. They were still processing it. After all, other worlds... it was a fantastical concept.
"Yes, it's true," he confirmed, then added, his voice turning serious, "However, you must reach Level 6 before you're—eligible."
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