บท 76: [77] I Need More Powerful Monster!
"What kind of magic is this? Such amazing speed of release, such incredible power." Hitachi Chigusa exclaimed as Aiden unleashed five Firestorms in quick succession.
"I don't know, but at least we can finally rest easy." The captain of the group, Kashima Ouka sighed.
"So fast, such swift swordsmanship." Yamato Mikoto is no longer worried about Aiden, a faint smile finally appearing on his face.
"This young man looks about Mikoto's age, right?"
"Seem so."
"So cool!"
The rest of the group echoed their admiration.
Seeing Aiden swiftly slay the two infant dragons like the wind sweeping fallen leaves, questions began to arise among the members of the Takemikazuchi Familia.
"Which familia does he belong to?"
And then the group headed towards Aiden.
By the time Aiden looked back at the hornless infant dragon now turned into barbecue, only the lingering scent of burnt flesh and the spoils it left behind remained.
"Ah..." Aiden sighed, then returned Dragon Slayer to his magnetic back.
Despite killing these two infant dragons, Aiden did not feel the excitement he had imagined. Instead, he felt somewhat bland.
Although using Air Hike once did leave Aiden a bit tired now, it wasn't the kind of weariness one might feel from the effects of battles.
Rather, it was the lack of thrill and sense of achievement after battle.
Even though both scenarios were satisfying, the pleasure of overwhelming dragons with crushing power compared to the hard-fought victory over dragons last time gave him a completely different feeling of satisfaction.
It was like playing Dark Souls 3. The former was akin to the unforgettable taste of clearing the first playthrough after enduring hardships. The latter was more like using cheats to breeze through, slicing through enemies like the Abyss Watchers, the Yhorm the Giant, or even the Nameless King. Though equally satisfying and relieving, it lacked the sense of depth and accomplishment, thus feeling somewhat bland.
Even though such power was the result of his own leveling up.
"Indeed, is it only more satisfying with stronger enemies? Or is the audience just not up to par tonight?" Aiden looked at the two magic stones and a dragon horn lying on the ground.
This dragon horn was much shorter than Dragon Slayer, probably only suitable for making a dagger or a short knife.
Aiden turned around to face the approaching members of the Takemikazuchi Familia.
"Well, good evening to everyone from the Takemikazuchi Familia. Anyone injured? I have some medicine here." Aiden approached them proactively.
Aiden extended his goodwill fully toward the members of the Takemikazuchi Familia. Besides not having tricked him, one reason was due to the strong relationship between Hestia and Takemikazuchi. Another was that he found them agreeable; making more friends would only benefit Hestia Familia in the future. Lastly, knowing he would eventually leave, the future of Hestia Familia would rely on Bell or others. Having more friends meant more options.
"Thank you for your concern; no one in our group was hurt." Kashima Ouka, who was ten centimeters taller than Aiden, bowed, using respectful language with a courteous tone.
"Thank you." The other five said in unison, also bowing.
"You're welcome." Aiden quickly responded.
"Forgive me for being forward, but do you know who we are?" Kashima Ouka then asked, stepping forward.
"Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Aiden Sparda from Hestia Familia. My goddess, Hestia, is good friends with your god, Takemikazuchi, and she mentioned it to me once." Aiden extends his right hand.
"I see. I'm Kashima Ouka, captain of the Takemikazuchi Familia, nice to meet you Aiden-san." Kashima Ouka warmly shook Aiden's hand.
"I'm Yamato Mikoto, thanks for your help earlier Aiden-san." The girl with side ponytails introduced herself.
"Um, hello Aiden-sama, I-I'm Hitachi Chigusa." The petite girl with long bangs spoke timidly.
...
All six members of the Takemikazuchi Familia finished their introductions with respectful language. Aiden flashed what he thought was a refined and friendly smile. "I have something to say, not sure if I should."
"Please, go ahead." Kashima Ouka smiled.
"Well then, here it is. Could everyone stop using honorifics? Our gods have such a good relationship, and I hope we can continue that friendship within our Familias too, even though right now, it's just me in the Hestia Familia." Aiden said with some frustration. "Besides, I'm only 15 years old, so just call me Aiden."
"Or maybe you all don't want to be friends with me?" Without waiting for the members of the Takemikazuchi Familia to respond, Aiden continued.
"How could we not want to be friends with you? I mean... then how about Aiden, please call me Ouka too." Kashima Ouka said with a hearty smile.
"That's more like it. So, what do you all think?" Aiden spread his arms.
"Just call me Mikoto." Yamato Mikoto nodded with a smile.
"Just call me Chigusa." Hitachi Chigusa stepped out from behind Kashima Ouka to stand beside him and said timidly.
...
Though Aiden wasn't particularly skilled at socializing, after some warm exchanges, he managed to make friends. Under the guidance of the enthusiastic Kashima Ouka, they quickly became acquainted.
Having continuously used Firestorm along with Air Hike, even Aiden, who had ample magic power, was starting to feel weary.
Since the purpose of using magic in combat had been achieved, it was time to head back.
Following the principle of leaving no one behind, Aiden decided to escort them back.
"Wait a moment, everyone. Let me gather the loot." Aiden said before turning to collect the magic stones and dragon horns.
It was then that Aiden realized an awkward truth... due using his magnetic back for showing off, his back no longer had space for a backpack. His waist pouch, which had accompanied him from the first to the eleventh floor, blessed by Golden Rule, was already full and unable to hold anymore, even after discarding lower-grade materials and magic stones along the way. Even if he threw everything away, it still wouldn't fit the magic stones from two infant dragons, which was somewhat unreasonable.
"So this is what it feels like to be loaded? I finally understand why that pallum girl carries such a huge bag." Aiden muttered to himself after stowing away the dragon horns.
Although Kashima Ouka didn't hear Aiden's muttering, his keen ability to read people's expressions allowed him to notice Aiden's predicament. He warmly spoke up, "Aiden, let us carry the materials and magic stones from the infant dragons for you. After all, we've relied on your efforts all the way here."
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