Chapter 18 - 18: Rest, Bond, and Blade
The morning sun beamed through the cracked windows of the run-down church. Dust floated in golden shafts of light, catching Ethan's eyes as he sat on the old wooden bench. His shirt lay folded beside him, and his back was bare as Hestia carefully traced her fingers along his falna.
She was quiet, unusually so.
A glowing light flickered as her divine script danced across his back, updating his stats. The silence was thick—until Hestia finally spoke.
"...Your growth is amazing."
Ethan smiled slightly. "Is that a good thing?"
She didn't answer immediately. Her hand paused mid-air, her eyes lingering a bit longer than usual.
"Yes," she finally said. "It's a very good thing. I'm proud of you."
But there was something hidden behind her voice—uncertainty? Worry?
Ethan tilted his head slightly. "Are you okay, Hestia?"
"I'm fine," she said quickly, too quickly.
Her tone made him frown. "You sure?"
Before he could press her, she interrupted, her voice a little too bright. "I'm just happy about your growth! You're doing really well. Truly."
Ethan studied her for a second longer, but decided not to push. He nodded. "Thanks."
Inside, though, Hestia's thoughts churned.
What if a powerful Familia tries to steal him away? Loki... Freya... They might notice someone with stats like this. I... I don't want to lose him...
She clenched her hand unconsciously.
After the update was done, Ethan stood and stretched. "I was planning to check out some new gear today. The old set's falling apart."
"I'll come with you!" Hestia said quickly, a bit louder than intended.
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "You don't have to. I know you've been busy."
"You've been diving non-stop for a week! Let me come with you this time. You need a break. Just one day, okay?" she said with a slight pout and the dreaded puppy eyes.
Ethan chuckled. "Alright, alright. You win."
"Yay!" she smiled brightly, some of her tension easing.
Later that day, they strolled through the bustling marketplace of Orario. Stalls of weapons, armor, potions, and adventuring gear lined the cobbled streets. Merchants shouted deals while adventurers haggled.
One shop caught Ethan's eye. A small smithy with glittering weapons on display.
As they walked in, a stocky dwarf greeted them. "Welcome, adventurers! Looking for top-tier gear?"
Ethan examined the blades and armor. They looked... flashy, but felt wrong. Too light, too brittle. The seams weren't clean, and the metal had odd glints that made his instincts itch.
"How much for this dagger?" he asked, pointing at a curved black blade.
"Ah! That one? Limited edition! Only 800,000 valis!" the dwarf boasted.
Ethan's eye twitched.
Scam.
"No thanks," he said flatly, turning around.
"W-Wait, I can give you a discount!"
But Ethan was already walking away, Hestia following behind with a sigh. "Tch. Can't believe that guy tried to scam you with second-rate junk."
"I could tell right away," Ethan replied. "Too shiny. No balance. The blade was probably just iron coated with something to make it sparkle."
Hestia nodded, then paused, biting her lip.
"...There is someone I know," she said hesitantly. "She's a blacksmith. A good one. But I haven't seen her in a while, and I don't know if she'll do me any favors."
Ethan glanced at her. "Want to try?"
"I'll go talk to her myself," she said quickly. "Wait here, okay?"
He nodded. "Be careful."
"I will!" she said, giving him a wink before heading off into the crowd.
Left on his own, Ethan wandered nearby, trying to kill time. His feet eventually led him to a corner street with a small, charming pub.
The sign above the door read:
"Hostess of Fertility"
Ethan paused.
Wait... this place. I know this from the anime.
He hadn't meant to find it, but now that he had, curiosity tugged at him. The pub was quiet at this hour, not yet crowded with adventurers seeking food or drinks after dungeon dives.
As he stood across the street, the door opened—and out stepped a girl with silver hair and gentle gray eyes.
His breath caught.
She was beautiful, in a natural, effortless way. Her expression was calm, her movements graceful. She carried a small basket of laundry and smiled softly as she greeted someone outside.
That's... Syr, isn't it?
Ethan's eyes narrowed slightly. She's more stunning in person than I expected.
She hadn't noticed him. Not yet.
He turned away, not wanting to be caught staring.
No need to get involved. I've got enough on my plate.
But the sight of the tavern stayed with him. And the girl's peaceful presence lingered in his mind.
A few moments later, Hestia returned, out of breath.
"I talked to her!" she said. "She was surprised to see me, but she said she'll take a look at your gear tomorrow. You'll like her—she's really talented."
Ethan smiled. "Thanks, Hestia."
She blinked. "What are you smiling about?"
"Nothing," he lied. "Just glad you're with me."
And together, they walked back toward the church—closer than before.
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