Chapitre 32: Chapter Thirty-One
After his return from the labyrinth, Muichiro's mind continued to churn with thoughts and possibilities.
He decided to change his routine for the day and venture up Babel Tower before heading back to the manor, there was something he hadn't checked out yet and now was a better time than any to do so.
As he ascended to the fifth floor, his eyes scanned the array of Hephaestus products on display.
The high-quality armour, weapons, and items showcased the craftsmanship and expertise of the divine blacksmith.
Despite the allure of these items, Muichiro found himself uninterested in acquiring them at the moment.
The prices were steep, and he knew that his current equipment suited him well.
Leaving the Hephaestus floor behind, Muichiro continued his ascent, making his way to the fifteenth floor.
This particular floor was home to a potions shop, an establishment that catered to adventurers seeking various elixirs, remedies, and magical concoctions to aid them in their dungeon delves.
The shop was adorned with rows of colourful vials and containers, each holding a different potion with its unique effects.
The air was thick with the fragrant scents of herbs and alchemical ingredients, creating an almost mystical ambience within the shop.
Muichiro's eyes roved over the shelves, his curiosity piqued by the array of potions on display.
The labels described the potions' effects, from healing and enhancement to temporary boosts in strength or agility.
As he perused the selection, Muichiro's analytical mind assessed the practicality of each potion and its potential application in his dungeon dives.
After some contemplation, Muichiro's attention was drawn to a particular potion that caught his interest.
It was a vial containing a deep blue liquid, labeled as a "Potion of Elemental Resistance."
The description explained that the potion could temporarily enhance the drinker's resistance to elemental attacks, providing an advantage against enemies that relied on such magic.
Now Muichiro already had quite a sturdy body and had already gained a good level of resistance to elements, but still just because he could control them doesn't mean he couldn't be hurt by outside elements.
And more resistance is always better. As for the Agility, strength and other similar potions, he didn't need them, his breathing styles took care of most of those problems.
But maybe when he delves into the deeper floors will he have use for such things.
Recognizing the potential value of such a potion, Muichiro decided to make a purchase. He approached the shopkeeper, a knowledgeable-looking man with a friendly demeanour.
Their exchange was brief as Muichiro handed over the appropriate amount of valis in exchange for the potion.
Muichiro bought three and the cost came to about 233,900 Valis. Which was definitely a lot but didn't really chip away at the funds Moon had gifted him.
With the potion in hand, Muichiro's thoughts turned to future encounters in the labyrinth.
He knew that the potion could prove invaluable against certain types of monsters that utilized elemental attacks.
Leaving the potions shop, Muichiro descended Babel Tower with his newfound acquisition.
...
The moon cast a dim glow over the sleeping city of Orario as Muichiro strolled down the deserted streets, his steps deliberate and his senses alert.
The tranquil ambience of the night was disrupted only by the faint echoes of his footsteps against the cobblestone path.
Approaching a crossroads, Muichiro paused as if detecting something beyond the veil of darkness.
"You can come out now," he called out, his voice carrying a subtle hint of boredom. In response, figures emerged from the shadows, forming a semi-circle around him.
There were fifteen of them in total, their intentions as varied as the expressions on their faces.
With an almost imperceptible look, Muichiro surveyed the assembly, his demeanour exuding a quiet confidence.
Ignoring the tension in the air, he continued his stride, his posture unwavering and his presence commanding.
From the group, three figures emerged, their determination evident in their stance.
They were none other than the trio of adventurers who had once crossed paths with Muichiro, only to find themselves on the receiving end of his retaliation.
They regarded him with an air of smug satisfaction, believing that their time for retribution had come at last.
"Kekeke, hey there, we meet again you little shit, did you think we would let you go after what you did to us."
" Look at him with that shitty none expression of his, looks like he isn't taking us seriously at all."
[ Author - That's because he isn't you 3rd rate side character.]
With theatrical flair, the trio launched into a melodramatic speech, their words dripping with venomous threats and inflated self-importance.
Muichiro, however, met their performance with a raised eyebrow and a bemused expression.
"Sorry, who are you?" he interjected.
"..."
"..."
"..."
The trio faltered, their bravado crumbling in the face of his nonchalant response.
A collective growl of frustration rippled through their ranks, fueling their anger.
"You've fucking done it now you little shit...WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU GUYS WAITING FOR, BREAK HIM!!!!"
Determined to assert their dominance, they ordered their underlings to attack. In response, a motley crew of lackeys charged at Muichiro, their misguided confidence evident in their eyes.
Undisturbed, Muichiro maintained his calm expression as he deftly evaded their attacks.
His movements were a graceful dance, he dodged each attack with grace. With the agility of a master, he slipped through their punches and dodged their kicks, all the while maintaining an air of detachment.
As the chaos unfolded, Muichiro's expression remained unchanged, his deadpan demeanour a stark contrast to the chaos that surrounded him.
"What the fuck is wrong with you all, Hit him already!!!"
*Smack*
The defeated underlings lay strewn across the pavement, their attire ruffled and their pride shattered.
Muichiro gazed at the trio with an almost bored expression, as if they were merely a minor inconvenience.
With a casual shrug, he mused, "Well, that was interesting, I guess." He spared a fleeting glance for the subdued underlings before turning on his heel and resuming his walk, leaving the trio to grapple with their wounded egos.
....
The dawn's early light revealed a whimsical tableau to the residents of Orario.
The once-arrogant adventurers were now unceremoniously suspended from magic lamps, clad only in their boxers, their expressions a mix of embarrassment and indignation.
The sight of their predicament would be recounted and chuckled over throughout the city for days to come.
"I'll fucking kill that brat... somebody get me the fuck down front here already... it's cold."
....
Amidst the bustling activity of the morning, Muichiro strolled through the streets of Orario, his inscrutable expression a stark contrast to the liveliness around him.
He moved at a brisk walking pace, seemingly unaffected by the previous night's attempted assault.
The sounds of vendors hawking their wares and adventurers sharing tales of their dungeon exploits created a harmonious cacophony that enveloped the city.
As Muichiro walked, he passed by various familiar faces, some of whom regarded him with a mixture of curiosity and amusement.
His reputation, it seemed, had taken a quirky turn since his encounter with the trio.
Whispers and knowing glances followed him, evidence of the tale that had spread like wildfire through Orario's grapevine.
Muichiro, however, remained unfazed by the attention, his demeanour as enigmatic as ever.
With a destination in mind, Muichiro navigated through the labyrinthine streets until he arrived at the Wheat Manor.
The sprawling estate stood the same as ever, its verdant gardens and imposing architecture creating an oasis.
Inside the manor, Demeter welcomed Muichiro with a warm smile, her eyes twinkling with a mixture of amusement and affection.
She had, of course, heard about the events of the previous night and was thoroughly entertained by the comical tale.
"So, it seems you've been making quite a name for yourself," she teased, a playful glint in her eyes.
Muichiro merely tilted his head in response...
"So it would seem Demet-" Before he could finish his sentence she gave him a certain look...
"So it would seem, Ceres..." Muichiro corrected himself and Demeter smiled.
With the comfort of familiarity, Muichiro and Demeter settled into a routine that was uniquely their own.
They engaged in conversation that ranged from the mundane to the profound, their interactions a blend of companionship and mutual respect.
Muichiro had gotten used to their daily talks and whenever they didn't have them, or if Muichiro was training during the night, he would feel...odd, like something was missing from his routine.
.....
As the day wore on, the sun cast long shadows that stretched across the manor's gardens.
Demeter suggested a leisurely game of go fish, a simple activity that the duo would always play when Either she wasn't busy taking care of the familia or him training or diving into the dungeon.
'Maybe I should have Demeter-Sama update my status for the first time since I received it, I wonder how much I've grown, since then...'
.....
Seated across from each other, Muichiro and Demeter arranged their cards with a practised ease.
The competitive glint in Demeter's eyes clashed amusingly with Muichiro's characteristic indifference.
The game unfolded in a series of exchanges, with Muichiro drawing cards and requesting matches with an almost robotic precision.
"Got any threes?" Demeter inquired, a mischievous grin tugging at her lips.
Muichiro's response was as succinct as it was deadpan. "Go fish."
Laughter bubbled from Demeter's lips as she complied with the request, drawing a card from the deck.
It was a scene of simplicity, an ordinary moment made extraordinary by the bonds that had formed between god and child.
With each turn, the rapport between Muichiro and Demeter deepened, transcending the surface-level interactions of their earlier days.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of orange and pink across the sky, the game drew to a close.
Demeter studied her cards with a thoughtful expression, then looked up at Muichiro with a playful glint in her eyes.
"I think I'm all out of matches," she conceded, her smile bright.
Muichiro's gaze remained steady as he laid down his final cards. "Go fish."
Demeter burst into laughter, the angelic sound of her voice ringing through the gardens as if echoing the joy that had blossomed between them.
The few familia members who walked by, smiled hearing their goddess laughter.
If there was one thing they noticed that changed in their goddess, it would be that ever since Muichiro's arrival, she would laugh a lot more than she used to.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone