Perhaps when Loki first heard about that "route," she'd felt a pinch of envy toward Hestia. But the moment she looked at Tsunayoshi, all of that vanished.
Hestia's first child in the lower world might have the qualifications to become a hero—but her own Tsunayoshi was even better. Loki was utterly confident in that.
"So Loki-san plans to intervene?"
"Ma~ I'm a little interested. But my nature believes fate isn't something you can push around at will. I don't think things change just because I meddle. Leaving it alone—that's my answer."
She might've been curious before. Loki didn't deny it. But that was before. After taking Tsunayoshi home, she lost all interest in fussing over some kid. In fact, a different idea sprouted:
"If the little shrimp really gets that far, I'd actually like to see whether her child can serve as your whetstone."
A whetstone with heroic potential—extravagant, to say the least. Loki still couldn't help feeling curious and expectant.
"A whetstone… Loki-san, you're setting me a bit too high. I don't think I'm that strong, nor that I can grow that fast."
Tsunayoshi was happy to have her expectations—but he wasn't sure he could answer them.
"Don't tense up. You've only just become an adventurer; you've got time. With your conditions, even if your growth is 'slow,' it should be comparable to Finn and the others."
…How did I become the benchmark? Finn sighed inwardly.
"We'll see how fast you grow today. Early gains tend to be quicker; once your stats reach a certain point, the growth rate slows. But we'll still be able to project some results."
"Eh? Weren't we doing basics today?"
"That was for when you knew nothing about this world and needed foundation. Since you already understand quite a bit, we don't have to rush the basics."
Originally it was an important lesson. But if Tsunayoshi already had baseline knowledge of Orario, it wasn't urgent. Loki would prioritize his growth instead.
"Finn, take him down to the Dungeon for a run. Today's focus is his personal growth. Be back before evening—we'll see how far his stats move."
"I just go straight in? Aren't we supposed to keep Tsunayoshi's secrets under wraps?"
Finn nodded slightly, but asked anyway.
"It's fine. Normally it might be troublesome, but in Tsunayoshi's case we have options. Whether it's stepping into an extra dimension or creating a monster that blocks others' sight, it's easier than the usual disguises. Outsiders will only see Tsunayoshi going to the Dungeon alone."
If this were another child, Loki would be far more cautious. With Tsunayoshi, she didn't have to fuss.
Given he could create all kinds of monsters, hiding the news didn't require special care—not because it wasn't important, but because it was too easy for him.
"Tsunayoshi, how about you?"
"I'm fine. I shouldn't have trouble with the upper floors—what I need is to adapt to the environment. It's also a good chance to try creating different monsters—and to work on 'fixing' some functional ones."
He had no objections to Loki's question.
Now that he'd grasped the broader context of this world, he needed to learn the limits of his ability and imagination, and discover how much surprise monster creation could deliver.
He wanted to touch power as soon as possible—find a path to grow, uncover the secrets he carried, and find the road home. For that, strengthening himself early and refining monster creation were key.
"Perfect, then."
Loki grinned and patted him lightly between the shoulders.
"If you've set your direction, head out. You need to acclimate to the Dungeon yourself. I'm not going out today—I'll be here waiting for you to come back. When you return, show me your growth."
"I understand."
Tsunayoshi drew a deep breath. He wasn't especially nervous. His situation was better than Bell Cranel's: shelter from stronger people, Loki's support, and his own resolve to grow. He believed he could do it.
"Finn, I'll leave him to you."
"Don't mind me. I want to see how far your ability can go. I'll need your power for a way to keep me hidden."
"No problem."
The method was simple. Tsunayoshi had already thought of an easy ability for it.
In his mind, he pictured the Loki Familia crest, then added a property to conceal one's presence—to cut one's existence down to the barest trace.
He extended his hand. A silver metal badge engraved with the Loki Familia crest appeared, which he offered to Finn.
"This lowers presence. It makes people subconsciously assume you aren't there. Even if you've already drawn some attention, the badge will quickly erase it, making them think you don't exist."
"You can create something like this?"
Finn took the badge, astonished at the explanation. He clipped it to his collar—and the effect kicked in at once.
He noticed Loki's gaze no longer focused on him; even in the reflection in her pupils, he couldn't see himself.
That strong? Finn was honestly shocked.
He knew some tools took effect quickly, but for a living, breathing man to simply… vanish from view in the same room, just by pinning on a badge?
He turned toward Riveria and Gareth and found that he'd vanished from their eyes, too. There was no suspicion in their looks, either—they were simply, instinctively, overlooking him.
What an astonishing ability. Finn looked down at the badge on his chest.
(End of Chapter)
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