The sun shone brightly over Orario's bustling shopping district, casting golden light upon the lively streets. Stalls lined the cobbled roads, their vendors shouting out prices for weapons, armor, potions, and fresh produce. Adventurers mingled with civilians, bartering and chatting animatedly.
Harry, Bell, Lili, Welf, and Haruhime moved through the crowd, the fox-eared Renard practically bouncing with excitement. The fresh air, the lively chatter, the sheer freedom of it all—it was overwhelming in the best way possible.
"So many stalls!" Haruhime gasped, eyes sparkling as she clung to Harry's sleeve.
"I told you shopping was fun," he chuckled.
"It's only fun when you have money," Lili muttered, arms crossed. "That's why I'm keeping track of the budget."
"Oi, don't be stingy," Welf laughed, tossing an arm over her shoulders. "Haruhime deserves some nice clothes after being stuck in that brothel."
Lili swatted his arm away, but even she couldn't hide the small smirk forming on her lips.
As they weaved through the crowd, Harry suddenly tensed. A familiar presence entered his sensory range—a strong one, moving toward them.
And then they bumped into her.
A young woman, clad in a purple kimono with a katana at her waist, stumbled slightly as she collided with Haruhime. Bluish-purple eyes widened in shock.
"Ha... Haruhime?"
Haruhime's breath hitched, her ears twitching as she stared at the woman before her. Recognition dawned.
"Mikoto?"
A single second of silence stretched between them. Then—
Haruhime launched herself forward, throwing her arms around her childhood friend.
Tears welled up in her eyes. "Mikoto! It's you! It's really you!"
Mikoto, frozen for a moment, then wrapped her arms tightly around Haruhime. Her voice cracked as she whispered, "You're safe… I thought… I thought I'd lost you forever."
Harry, Bell, and the others watched with soft smiles as the two embraced. Lili cleared her throat, looking away to wipe an eye. Welf nudged Bell, who was clearly struggling not to get teary-eyed himself.
After a long moment, Mikoto pulled back, eyes scanning Haruhime's attire—no longer the silken robes of the Ishtar Familia, but simple, comfortable clothes. Then, her gaze flickered toward Harry.
"You… You saved her?"
Harry simply smiled. "Yeah."
Mikoto took a deep breath. "Then… I want to go with you."
Haruhime gasped, pulling back in surprise. "Mikoto, but—Takemikazuchi—"
"I've made up my mind." Mikoto turned to Harry with fierce determination. "Haruhime is my family. I won't let her go again."
As if summoned by the conversation, a familiar voice called out, "Oh, so that's what's going on."
The group turned to see Takemikazuchi approaching, his arms crossed, his dark robes swaying lightly. His expression was unreadable.
Mikoto straightened, bowing deeply. "Takemikazuchi-sama, forgive me. But my decision is final."
The god let out a deep sigh before… chuckling?
"Honestly, I thought more of you would leave me," he said, shaking his head with a fond smile. "But if this is what you want, Mikoto, I won't stop you. Hestia and I are friends, and this doesn't change that."
Mikoto's eyes widened before filling with gratitude. "Thank you… for everything."
Takemikazuchi simply ruffled her hair. "Go on, and take care of her."
And just like that, the Hestia Familia gained another member.
With their group now strengthened, Harry decided it was time to test their team dynamics. There was no better place for that than the Dungeon.
The 19th floor of the Dungeon stretched out before them, a vast underground forest filled with winding paths, monstrous beasts, and the occasional glimmer of crystals embedded in the cavern walls.
Harry took point, leading Bell, Lili, Welf, Haruhime, and their newest addition, Mikoto, through the labyrinthine floor.
The battle formations were beginning to take shape.
Bell rushed in, his agility allowing him to weave between enemies, using quick, precise strikes to take them down.
Mikoto, her katana flashing, covered Bell's blind spots with practiced efficiency.
Welf held the mid-line, his heavy sword cleaving through enemies, protecting Haruhime and Lili.
Lili stayed back, supporting with arrows and potions.
Haruhime was still new to combat but provided support where she could, casting Uchide no Kozuchi to temporarily boost their strength.
And Harry? He was everywhere at once, appearing and disappearing like a ghost, cutting down threats before they could even react.
It was going smoothly—until he found her.
Harry had gone ahead to scout when he felt something. A presence—different from any Dungeon-monster he had encountered before. It was intelligent.
Creeping through the trees, he found her.
A humanoid figure with blue skin and luminous yellow eyes. Her body was slender yet powerful, with draconic wings folded against her back. She was a wyvern, but unlike any he had seen before.
She was afraid.
And she was running.
Heavy footsteps thundered behind her—adventurers, weapons drawn, their eyes filled with hostility.
Harry didn't think. He moved.
With a flick of his hand, shadows wrapped around the wyvern girl, pulling her into a concealed alcove as he cloaked both of them in an illusion.
The adventurers halted, looking around in confusion.
"Where did it go?" one growled.
Another scowled. "Damn it! We almost had that freak!"
They searched for a few more moments before cursing and moving on.
Only when their footsteps faded did Harry remove the illusion. The wyvern girl flinched as she found herself still trapped in shadows—until Harry knelt before her, offering a small smile.
"You're safe now," he said gently.
The girl trembled but did not attack. Instead, she stared at him, as if trying to comprehend what kind of creature he was.
And then, she spoke.
"…Why?"
Harry's smile grew. "Because I don't think you're the monster here."
Far above, in the depths of the Guild, a disembodied voice whispered to Ouranos.
"A Xenos… has encountered a group of adventurers."
The ancient god opened his eyes, his deep gaze unwavering. "Who?"
The voice hesitated before answering.
"Harry van Hestia."
A moment of silence stretched between them before Ouranos let out a deep, knowing hum.
"…Then things have become truly interesting."
Meanwhile, across Orario, Freya's lips curled into a delighted smile.
She sipped her wine, her silver eyes glinting with intrigue.
"…Oh, my dear Harry… Soon... very soon, you'll be mine and mine alone."