"We will come back."
A gentle voice sounded beside Aiden.
At some point, Robin had put on a large black hooded cloak, completely covering her stunning face and light purple hair.
Under the shadow of the hood, her lake-green eyes were as clear as ever, seemingly able to see through the human heart.
She saw the complexity and reluctance in Aiden's eyes.
Aiden was silent for a moment, then slowly shook his head, a relieved shallow smile curving his lips.
"Thank you, Robin, but it doesn't matter."
He gently closed the door. That "click" of the lock sounded like a farewell to the past.
"I will keep moving forward, never looking back, until I achieve my goal."
"Of course!"
Furina's energetic voice broke the silence.
Unlike Robin who needed to cover up, her identity as a god was her best talisman.
She puffed out her small chest, put her hands on her hips, and announced loudly in a tone declaring a campaign: "We will keep moving forward! Focalors Familia—move out!"
Watching her lively, youthful appearance, seemingly full of infinite longing for the future, Aiden and Robin looked at each other and smiled.
The gloom and sadness lingering at the moment of leaving home were instantly dispelled without a trace.
Yes, he was no longer alone.
As the three of them walked toward the village entrance, familiar villagers constantly came out of their homes along the way.
"Aiden, leaving? Be careful on the road."
"This child is finally going out to make his way. This is jerky I made myself; take it to eat on the road."
"Take this, kid. It's a water skin I used when I was adventuring; it's durable."
The blacksmith uncle, the grocery store auntie, the old hunter... familiar faces, simple instructions, and gifts that weren't expensive but full of heart.
Aiden had a very good reputation in this village.
For the past six years, he was taciturn but always lent a hand when everyone needed it.
Repairing roofs, carrying heavy loads, driving away wild beasts—he never asked for anything in return.
The villagers all saw this precocious and strong child and held him dear in their hearts.
At this moment, his departure drew almost half the village to see him off.
At the village entrance, Aiden finally met their escorts for this trip—the Artemis Familia.
Twenty female adventurers wearing leather armor convenient for movement, carrying bows and arrows or short swords, were quietly preparing the carriages. Their movements were capable and coordinated, their bodies emitting the sharp aura of seasoned veterans.
And standing at the front of the team was a goddess so beautiful she was suffocating.
She had long blue hair flowing like moonlight, and green eyes so pure they contained no impurities.
Her posture was awe-inspiring, her temperament cold—it was the Moon Goddess, Artemis.
The moment she saw Furina, a ripple appeared in Artemis's calm green eyes, and a shallow smile appeared at the corner of her mouth:
"It really is you, Focalors. That divine light descending to the lower world a few days ago was you, right? I really didn't expect you to choose such a remote place."
Furina tilted her head, recalling carefully for a moment. Vague memories of meeting in Heaven surfaced in her mind.
She immediately imitated the tone of that divine "Focalors" in her impression, nodding reservedly and elegantly.
"Artemis, long time no see. I'll have to trouble you for this journey."
"I accepted the quest and took the payment; naturally, I will do my best."
Artemis nodded in response as well. Her attitude was businesslike but not distant.
Immediately, her gaze turned to Aiden and Robin, asking curiously, "Are they your Familia members? You just descended, right? You work fast."
"Hehe, amazing, isn't it? I am a Goddess, after all!"
Once praised, Furina instantly broke character, turning back into that easily inflated little girl, puffing out her chest proudly.
"You've changed too."
Artemis looked at her, eyes somewhat complex.
The lower world was like a huge dye vat. Even the purest god would change due to spending time with their "children" day and night.
Only she seemed to be always the same, just as before.
"Lady Artemis, we should set off."
Just then, a girl with capable red hair walked over and reminded respectfully.
She was the Captain of the Artemis Familia, the Level 3 adventurer, Rethusa.
"I know, Rethusa. Prepare to move out."
Artemis nodded, then issued an invitation to Furina to ride in the same carriage with her.
Aiden and Robin were arranged alone in another slightly smaller carriage.
The members of the Artemis Familia subconsciously kept their distance from Aiden in front of their main god.
The rule "Forbidden contact with males" had long been engraved into their bones.
But those curious gazes were like unhideable flames, sweeping over him from time to time.
After all, this white-haired, blue-eyed boy was handsome and had a calm temperament; he was no inferior to some male gods in Heaven known for their looks.
The caravan started slowly, embarking on the long journey to Orario.
When the carriage drove out of the village's range and confirmed the surroundings were safe, Robin took off the black hood.
Smooth, light purple long hair cascaded like a waterfall. That flawless face bloomed inside the carriage, instantly attracting the attention of several nearby Artemis Familia members.
Without the concern of "Forbidden contact with males" (since she was female), the girls' nature was quickly revealed.
Plus, Robin was gentle, loved to smile, and spoke elegantly; soon, she hit it off with them.
"Focalors, you found a very good child."
Even Artemis couldn't help but praise softly in the other carriage.
Hearing her child being praised, Furina was so happy her tail was about to wag, humming a little tune with shared pride.
As they chatted, a half-elf girl named Lante steered the topic to Aiden.
Robin introduced with a smile:
"Aiden is our Captain, a very reliable and trustworthy person."
"Captain?"
Lante blinked her curious eyes.
"But, the Focalors Familia only has you two right now, right? Then... are you guys in a romantic relationship?"
This question was too direct. Even Robin, who was good at dealing with various situations, couldn't help but blush slightly, waving her hands hurriedly. "No, no, we are just companions."
"It's a matter of time."
Lante, however, had an "I understand" expression, saying enviously, "A Familia is family. If you want to find a lover in the future, Robin, you surely can only look within the Familia. As the only male member and the Captain, Mr. Aiden is obviously the prime candidate."