Ren wandered alone through the dungeon, killing any monsters that came near and ignoring the rest.
Lately, killing monsters didn't feel particularly meaningful to him.
Reaching Lv3 seemed to require achievements. Ren wondered if defeating the floor boss Goliath would count.
Regardless, he planned to keep leveling up. He didn't yet know the limits of Lv2, and if the Apollo Familia didn't play fair next time—well, this time they already hadn't.
By the time he left the dungeon, night had fallen.
He could still clearly feel a fanatical gaze, which sent chills down his spine.
What had he been thinking, even applying to the Freya Familia back then?
"Ren, welcome back! An adventurer wants to join our Familia."
Hestia grabbed the white-haired boy, sharing her joy as soon as she saw him.
"And this is?" Ren's suspicion was almost certain.
"Hello, sir. I'm Bell Cranel. I came to Orario hoping to pick up girls in the dungeon." Bell said his purpose plainly, with no hint of deceit.
"Not a bad goal. I've met a few myself. Keep it up." Ren gave him a thumbs-up.
"Ren-kun!" Hestia's gaze turned dangerous. How dare he corrupt a newcomer.
"By the way, we should move. One room isn't enough anymore." Ren quickly changed the subject.
"True, it's getting a bit cramped." Hestia nodded thoughtfully.
"I'll handle it. I've got a little money." Ren patted his bulging wallet. The Apollo Familia had contributed plenty. No wonder robbers exist—pure profit with no cost.
"Middle floor makes that much?" Hestia took the wallet from Ren naturally, tucking it away.
"Are you a strong adventurer, Ren-san?" Bell asked, admiration in his eyes.
"Just reached Lv2."
"Please, guide me from here on." Bell's tone was sincere.
"No problem. Tomorrow, I'll take you around the dungeon. Today, let's go find a place to stay." Ren led the two of them outside. The Apollo Familia members had not only followed him but also given him money. Truly good people.
Under Ren's guidance, they settled in a small house. It had complete facilities, no need to stay in an abandoned church anymore.
"Ren, you're amazing." Hestia threw herself at him, feeling pampered.
"Get down, this is awkward." Ren quickly pulled her off and coughed to cover his embarrassment. "There are several rooms here. One for each person."
Bell quickly picked a room on the first floor. Hestia chose the second floor, while Ren stayed on the first floor with Bell.
After tidying up her room, Hestia came downstairs to hold a Familia meeting. "Ren, a new member has finally arrived. Shall we celebrate today?"
"Sure, just the right time to have someone treat us to a meal," Ren agreed happily.
"Thank you, Ren-san, Lord Goddess," Bell lowered his head. He remembered clearly who treated him kindly and held it in his heart.
"No worries. Our Familia is very casual. As long as everyone's happy," Ren spoke first.
"Alright." Bell showed a bright smile.
That evening, the group went to the Hostess of Fertility. Many people were already seated there. At one table sat the four from earlier in the day. Considering Ren, they hadn't invited anyone else.
"Ren, over here," Tiona waved.
The three of them sat down. Bell felt extremely nervous. He had just arrived and had been lost in his fantasies on the way here. Seeing these four beautiful girls, he didn't know what to do.
"Behave yourself," Hestia quickly patted Bell and then gave the four an apologetic look. "Sorry, Bell just arrived in Orario and is a bit shy."
"Sorry," Ren bowed deeply in apology.
"N-no… it's fine," Lefiya waved her hands repeatedly.
"Lefiya, I'll just order casually. You don't mind, right?" Ren smiled.
"No, I don't mind. Actually, you've helped a lot," Lefiya said softly, keeping her head down.
Hestia, however, keenly sensed two distinct gazes. One came from the famed Sword Princess, staring intently at Ren. The other came from Lefiya, the one treating them to dinner, who kept sneaking glances at him.
The signs were clear. Hestia had agreed to come eat with the Loki Familia to see who was interested in Ren. Now it made sense.
"Don't worry, I'll empty your little wallet," Ren said with a laugh, then ordered all the restaurant's specialties.
"Ais, you guys order too," Lefiya looked at the others.
"Mm," Ais nodded, seeing that much had already been ordered, and decided not to add more.
"Uh, hello, everyone. I'm Bell Cranel. Please take care of me," Bell stood and bowed to the group.
"Ah, alright," Lefiya responded instinctively.
Ais nodded, while only Tiona gave a warm reply. Ren rubbed his forehead. Without going through the experiences of the original story's Minotaur ridicule, Bell would probably remain this shy for a long time.
"Ren, what's with that magic of yours? My power increased a lot," Lefiya asked curiously. After interacting with Ren twice, she had become bolder.
Ais slowed her eating and perked up, clearly interested.
"Enhancement magic. Not too bad, right?"
"Enhancement magic!!" Hestia jumped up, clearly shocked by this. She knew Ren's stats better than anyone. Was that "Enhancement magic" the congenital magic of Ren or as skill suggested magic from Ren's memory?
"Can you still use it on us?" Lefiya thought of what Ais had said. She knew Ais probably wouldn't offer easily and would wait for someone to ask, so their interaction would be rare.
"Sure, let me know when you're free. I'm taking a newbie to the dungeon tomorrow. Want to join?" Ren looked at them.
"You guys go ahead. I still have work to do," Riveria refused.
Ais nodded, and Tiona would naturally join too. She was curious about the enhancement magic.
Bell was extremely excited. The dungeon really was a place to meet beautiful girls. He hadn't even entered yet and had already encountered several, which made him look forward to the days ahead.
"Wait, Ren, stay away from them," Hestia felt a sense of crisis.
"Don't worry, Lady Hestia. They just want to get stronger. Nothing else," Ren said. After being rejected twice, he wasn't confident in this area.
"Thank you," Ais said sincerely.
"Really, make sure to come back early." Seeing her earnest expression, Hestia softened.
"Let's eat first."
Because of the sword princess, they were always the center of attention. Also because of her, no one dared cause trouble at their table.
Everyone ate happily. With Bell around, it was lively. Ais, because Ren had agreed, showed a faint smile on her usually expressionless face.
As for Lefiya, she ate while keeping an eye on Ren. She remembered fighting side by side and overcoming difficulties successfully. This was destined to be an unforgettable memory for her.
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