บท 78: [79] Takemikazuchi
"Phew, finally back."
"We really owe it to Aiden this time."
"Aiden is indeed powerful, especially for someone who just leveled up to Level 2."
"No one can doubt Aiden's strength. If he hadn't appeared when he did, we might not have made it back unscathed." Kashima Ouka said gravely, who had been silent until then. "We need to be more cautious in the future. We can't always count on Aiden being there to save us."
"Yes." The other five responded in hushed tones.
The current Takemikazuchi Familia boasted two Level 2 members, Kashima Ouka and Hitachi Chigusa, with Yamato Mikoto on the verge of reaching Level 2. Unfortunately, Hitachi Chigusa was a supporter, whose combat abilities were somewhat lacking.
Under normal circumstances, this group could handle the monsters on the eleventh floor with ease during the day, and even at night, they would face no significant issues. However, their luck had been particularly bad, encountering not one but two rare infant dragons, achieving a feat that few other adventurers could claim.
Carefully opening the front door, the group was surprised to find the living room light still on. Takemikazuchi had not gone to sleep but was pacing anxiously in the living room. When he saw the group return safely, he finally sighed in relief.
"So, it was Aiden from the Hestia Familia who saved you?" Takemikazuchi asked after hearing Ouka's account.
"Yes, without Aiden, someone would have likely been injured." Ouka responded solemnly.
In the anime, the Takemikazuchi Familia indeed did not suffer any casualties due to unexpected events.
After inquiring about the reason and details of their late return, Takemikazuchi said, "As long as no one is hurt. Hestia's familia has produced a good kid." He then adopted a serious expression and began sternly reprimanding the group.
Knowing they had made a mistake, the group stood there like chastised children, listening to Takemikazuchi's scolding.
As the leader, Ouka knelt in a traditional dogeza posture, hands and feet placed together on the floor, body leaning forward, forehead touching the ground.
However, Takemikazuchi, genuinely concerned for their well-being... especially for Yamato Mikoto, whom he had raised since childhood did not lecture them for long, unlike many other leaders.
"Today at noon, we're going to the Hestia Familia to thank them personally. Now, everyone, get some rest, especially you, Ouka and Mikoto!" Takemikazuchi commanded the group in a stern voice.
"Yes!" The group responded in unison to Takemikazuchi's instructions.
With that, Takemikazuchi returned to his room.
Soon after, all six members of the Familia had settled down to rest. Only the light in Takemikazuchi's room remained on.
"Hestia Familia has a good kid. I don't know how to repay him." The god of war sighed, his usually stern demeanor softened by worry.
Despite being revered as the god of thunder, swords, archery, and war, the power-sealed Takemikazuchi was now merely a struggling deity.
"The only things I can offer are my skills in swordsmanship and archery. If I hadn't sealed my arcanum, I could have provided more guidance. But now, I can only teach the basics. Does someone who leveled up to Level 2 in a month even need my instruction?" As the night grew late, Takemikazuchi yawned, covering his mouth with his hand.
As Hestia's friend and colleague, he was well aware of her current situation.
"Ah, never mind. Let's get some sleep. I have to work in the morning and ask the manager for leave at noon. Why couldn't today be a holiday? But since Hestia has started working again, I can ask her in the morning." Takemikazuchi sighed before finally turning off the light and going to bed.
The next morning, while the children of the Familia were still asleep, Takemikazuchi out of bed, and headed to work.
Upon arriving at the fried potato ball shop, he found Hestia already there, though the manager had yet to arrive.
"Good morning, Takemikazuchi. You're late today~" Hestia greeted him with a smile.
"Good morning, Hestia." Takemikazuchi replied, yawning.
"Why do you look so tired today?" Hestia noticed his unusual fatigue.
Shaking his head, Takemikazuchi smiled. "Thanks for your concern, Hestia." He then recounted the events of the previous night in detail.
"What?! Did that really happen? Were any of your Familia members injured?" Hestia asked with deep concern, finally understanding why Aiden hadn't shown up this morning.
"Thanks to Aiden-kun, none of the children were injured, and I gave them a good talking to." Takemikazuchi replied with a smile, then sighed, "Hestia, I heard from you that Aiden-kun leveled up to Level 2 within just a month of joining your Familia. That's impressive; even the Sword Princess took a year."
"Hehe, I think so too." Hestia beamed with pride, much like any parent would when their child is praised.
"By the way, Hestia, was Aiden-kun a swordsman before he joined your Familia? Mikoto is also a swordsman, and she told me she's very impressed with Aiden's sword skills." Takemikazuchi inquired, changing the topic.
"Really? Is Aiden-kun's swordsmanship that impressive? I didn't know that. But I remember him saying he only started learning to fight after becoming an adventurer." Hestia said while preparing the ingredients.
"What? So, did you find a swordsmanship teacher for him, or did he teach himself?" Takemikazuchi asked, his eyes widening in surprise.
"No, I didn't. You know me, Takemikazuchi. I don't have the money to hire a swordsmanship teacher for Aiden-kun." Hestia replied nonchalantly, her hands never stopping.
"…That's amazing." Takemikazuchi's face reflected his astonishment.
After recovering from the shock, Takemikazuchi continued his work while silently contemplating, to reach such a level in just a month? A terrifying genius, a terrifying instinct. However, no matter how talented, basic swordsmanship is still necessary. This is good.
With this thought, Takemikazuchi finally felt a sense of relief.
As a god of war and swords, even with his arcanum sealed, Takemikazuchi's vast experience and profound swordsmanship allowed him to roughly gauge Aiden's potential and current state.
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