"Watch out!"
Pushed aside, Aiz Wallenstein instinctively shouted toward Yoru. At first glance, it looked like she was concerned about him—but in reality, it was her own companion, Bete, that she was worried about.
After all, in Aiz's mind, Yoru was a powerful mage who wielded terrifying ice magic. That dreadful spell still haunted her thoughts.
Hearing Aiz speak out in Yoru's defense only fueled Bete's rage, making him strike with full force.
You bastard—what makes you so special that Aiz would care about you?! Let me see for myself!
As for Yoru, he had no strength to resist. His body had already been pushed to its limits after running for his life earlier. The fact he was even still standing was a miracle—dodging Bete's attack was completely out of the question.
From his brief contact with them, Yoru had already sensed that both Aiz and Bete were far stronger than the Minotaur from earlier.
Level 3? Level 4? No… probably even stronger adventurers.
He was still mulling over the thought when a sharp voice suddenly shouted:
"Bete, what do you think you're doing?!"
A soft white glow shimmered into existence before Yoru. A seemingly insignificant magical shield blocked Bete's attack.
Even so, the force behind the blow still passed through, slamming into Yoru's weakened body.
It was the final straw. His knees buckled, and he collapsed sideways—
—but not to the ground. Instead, he fell into a soft, warm embrace.
"Are you okay?"
A gentle, apologetic voice reached his ear. Yoru blinked in confusion, gazing into the smiling face of the woman holding him.
She had long emerald hair and the distinctive features of an elf. But compared to the half-elf Eina, this woman's ears were longer, sharper—proof of royal elven blood.
Of course, Yoru didn't know any of that. He just stared blankly at her serene face, and a strange ripple stirred in his chest.
What was this warm, soothing sensation…? It felt so good. He almost wanted to melt into her embrace. If not for the grip of reason, he might've instinctively nuzzled into her arms like a child.
Riveria Ljos Alf—a powerful adventurer from the Loki Familia, just like Aiz and Bete. She was the Familia's top mage, known throughout Orario as the greatest magic user in the city.
Still blaming herself for the Minotaur breakout during their return from a deep-floor expedition, Riveria had arrived slightly later than the others—mages were always a bit slower—but had hurried to catch up.
And what she saw when she arrived was Bete attacking a helpless bystander.
"Ah… I'm fine…"
Yoru mumbled, dazed. Riveria didn't take offense. She was used to people reacting this way—after all, her calm, maternal presence often had that effect. She'd even been called "Mom" more than once by others, including that certain mischievous goddess, to her embarrassment.
"As long as you're okay. Sorry for the trouble—some of my Familia members don't think before they act."
She could tell at a glance that Yoru's body was in a terrible state. Without hesitation, Riveria continued to hold him close and began casting a healing spell.
But the moment she did, her eyes widened in shock.
Thanks to the high-intensity expedition and the chaos of chasing down the Minotaurs, Riveria's magic reserves were running low. She had almost no mana left to spend.
And yet—when she began healing Yoru—not only did her mana not drain…
…it replenished.
What… is this…?
It felt as if she were hugging a battery, recharging herself with every moment. A steady, refreshing flow of icy mana coursed into her body. The sensation was so blissful that Riveria nearly let out a moan of delight.
This child…
At first, she feared she might be unintentionally draining Yoru's magic. But he showed no signs of weakness or fatigue.
Riveria stopped her spell, and the stream of mana ceased.
She let out a soft, regretful sigh. That feeling… of her empty body being gently filled to the brim… it was almost addictive.
She blushed, realizing how improper her thoughts were. Good grief… what am I thinking…?
But… I really want to feel it again…
Unable to resist, Riveria resumed the healing spell—and sure enough, the mana flow returned.
This… what on earth is this phenomenon?
Was it some kind of special constitution? A magical trait that caused him to return mana when healed—as if thanking her in response?
"My magic can heal injuries… but it won't fix fatigue. Let me support you."
Aiz tilted her head slightly. Riveria was always gentle, but today… she seemed overly gentle.
Wasn't this their first time meeting? Why was Riveria acting so affectionate with him?
It wasn't just Aiz—Bete was also completely baffled.
"Riveria, what the hell?! What's so great about this guy?! First Aiz, and now you?!"
Riveria snapped back, her usual cool composure replaced by uncharacteristic sharpness.
"That's enough! I haven't even settled things with you yet, Bete! What were you thinking?! Letting a Minotaur escape was our fault! Not only did you refuse to apologize, but you attacked this poor child! Just what is wrong with you?!"
Flustered, Riveria averted her gaze, clearly embarrassed by her own outburst. It was rare for her to lose her temper like that.