The now-enlarged group traversed the increasingly crowded streets, forming an attention-grabbing sight.
In front, Astraea and Hestia walked side by side, creating a striking contrast—one elegant and calm in her gown, the other spirited and energetic with her eye-catching outfit.
They engaged in warm conversation about their daily dynamics, occasionally laughing softly, as if forgetting their status as goddesses and just being two women enjoying the festival night.
In the midst of the crowd, Kei approached Lili, asking various questions about the ins and outs of the Dungeon she had never entered. As a new adventurer who had only focused on shooting practice so far, she felt the need to absorb experience from seasoned adventurers.
Although Lili seemed reluctant at first, she gradually began answering seriously, her hands occasionally making explanatory gestures. Kei listened attentively, nodding along, absorbing every piece of information from her like a model student.
In the back row, the men showed different reactions to the festivities around them.
Bell walked with overflowing enthusiasm, his eyes constantly moving from one stall to another with admiration. Everything felt new and amazing to him.
Beside him, Welf walked with hands in his pockets, his expression calmer and more accustomed, though occasionally a small smile appeared seeing Bell's enthusiasm.
Charlie himself remained calm even though this was his first experience at the Holy Moon Festival. For him, coming from modern civilization, the scale of this festival was only on par with a small-town event. However, people's attention wasn't directed at him, but rather at the two figures flanking him.
Aishia and Est walked on Charlie's left and right sides, creating a sight that could stop anyone passing by them.
Aishia possessed beauty at the peak of womanhood and elegance radiating from her every movement, making male adventurers freeze as if enchanted. On the other side, Est with her petite body and porcelain-flat face provided a contrasting charm that was adorable yet sacred.
Unlike mortals captivated by the beauty of both girls, the gods could see their true essence—that both girls were not human, but spirits.
However, tonight was a night for fun, and no god wanted to ruin the atmosphere by trying to approach or disturb them. They preferred to enjoy the festival that only came once a year.
The large group moved from one stall to another.
They stopped briefly at a ring toss game booth, where Kei and Bell enthusiastically tried their luck, with Lili giving sarcastic comments and Hestia cheering loudly.
They queued in front of a stall selling warm spice-scented drinks, steam rising into the cold night air.
They admired a performance by dancers wearing moon-themed costumes, their movements graceful under the moonlight and lanterns.
They passed stalls selling charms from rare monster parts, old adventurers' logbooks, to magically illuminated star maps.
Their similar white hair might have been the initial spark. Or perhaps Charlie's attitude of not looking down on Bell like some other adventurers. Somehow, amid the festival's bustle, Bell felt comfortable approaching and attempting to strike up a conversation with Charlie.
Charlie himself knew that Bell's mother was Meteria and his aunt was Alfia from Hera Familia. He reciprocated with a friendly attitude, much more open than usual.
As time passed while they spent moments enjoying themselves at the Holy Moon Festival, the atmosphere among them became increasingly relaxed and familiar.
"Charlie-san is amazing! Is there a secret behind your leveling speed?" Bell asked with sparkling eyes, purely out of curiosity without hidden intentions.
Hearing that question, Welf walking beside them immediately sharpened his hearing. It was clear he was also very curious about the Solo Leveling phenomenon.
"There's no secret." Charlie answered with a thin smile. "Just fight enemies far stronger than you. Automatically, the Excelia received will be abundant. It's a simple principle. Isn't that what you do too, Bell?"
"Ah, that's true." Bell nodded, realizing he indeed often got trapped in life-and-death situations.
"Ugh... Doesn't that mean you're always risking your life, Charlie? That's too reckless. If all adventurers acted as carelessly as you, the death rate would skyrocket." Welf interjected, unable to hold back from voicing his thoughts.
"On the contrary, that comfortable mindset of staying in the safe zone is what hinders adventurer growth, Welf. Dangerous? The Dungeon has been a dangerous place from the start. If you're not ready to risk your life, better quit being an adventurer, go back to the village, and raise pigs." Charlie replied firmly, showing his disagreement with the overly cautious attitude taken by most Orario adventurers.
Seeing the atmosphere heating up, Bell quickly mediated. "Enough, enough... don't argue, you two! Everyone has their own path."
Then, to divert the topic, Bell looked at Charlie with a bit of envy—especially at the fact that Charlie calmly walked between Aishia and Est, while he himself often felt nervous when dealing with women.
"By the way, Charlie-san, do you have any tips for interacting with women? Seeing you stay calm even walking with Aishia-san and Est-san, unlike me who often immediately gets nervous when teased." Bell said while rubbing the back of his head with an awkward expression.
"Ohhhh! Let me listen too!" Welf immediately became enthusiastic, momentarily forgetting their earlier disagreement.
Charlie looked at the earnest Bell, then a small smile spread across his lips. "Bell, this might be a bit too early for you, but I'll tell you anyway. The most important thing for a man isn't money or power, and it's not women either, but responsibility."
"In the end, men are creatures whose actions speak louder than words. The most important thing is to dare to take on and carry out your responsibilities fully."
"Responsibility..." Bell repeated the word softly. Whatever he was thinking, his eyes suddenly sparkled with new understanding. "Thank you so much, Charlie-san! I understand!"
"Phew~ cool quote, bro." Welf whistled, impressed. "No wonder those two girls are so attached to you. You're really skilled with words."
Charlie just shrugged, neither denying nor confirming.
His gaze returned to the front, where Astraea and Hestia were laughing together, while Kei and Lili seemed to be having a lively debate about something.
The night was still young, and the Holy Moon Festival still had many surprises to offer.
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