Shrugging my shoulders, I just decided not to give a fuck and move on. If something really was affecting me, what the hell was I supposed to do—even if I could notice it?
Walking past the crowd on my way to the Guild, I moved casually, hands in my pockets. The sun beat down with a steady warmth, its golden light flickering between buildings and bodies like lazy flames. The chatter of adventurers, the clinking of weapons, and the distant laughter from vendors gave the city its typical background noise.
I had some dropped loot, but not enough to rush. I could only fit what was in my pockets, and Megumi's clothes didn't have much space. Sorry—the Jujutsu High uniform didn't.
"Welcome back~!" Misha greeted me with her usual sing-song tone. Her smile was wide, cheerful, and oddly disarming. Moving toward her desk, I handed over the loot, causing her to look at me with amusement. I guess I did better than she thought.
She giggled, the sound light and crisp, like wind chimes in the spring. A moment later, she placed a few bronze coins in my palm. I stared down at the dull metal—the cold weight unimpressive.
Here I was, starting with gold, and now getting pathetic bronze.
"Hey~ hey~, did you by chance see the Minotaur that apparently appeared on the higher floors?"
'Minotaur?' I blinked. The word carried weight. I shook my head. I wish I'd seen it—that would've been a proper test for my powers.
"Aw~"
"But I did see some white-haired kid with red eyes running."
"Oh, you must be talking about Bell!"
"I guess." How the hell was I supposed to know his name?
"I don't blame him. He's quite weak," she said matter-of-factly, her fingers tapping idly against the desk's polished surface.
My eyebrow lifted at that.
"What~? If you stare too much, I'll get nervous."
"You say he's weak, but I don't think so."
"Bhehe~ Who knew you were such a nice person?"
"I'm not. He has potential—I felt it when he ran past me."
Her gaze shifted instantly. The smile faded, replaced with a subtle seriousness. Her eyes, normally soft, sharpened as she studied me.
I leaned forward with a smirk.
"If you stare too much, I'll get nervous~"
Her mouth dropped open.
"BHAHAHA~ That was a horrible impression!"
I chuckled, turning to leave. A line had started forming behind me, voices murmuring and boots shuffling across the marble floor.
"See ya."
"Yep~!"
Walking back to the Hostess of Fertility, the familiar scent of ale and cooked meat drifted out onto the cobblestone street. I saw Mia outside, arms crossed, a rag over one shoulder. She gave me a nod without a word. Typical.
I passed the hard-working staff—all beautiful women, strangely enough. Tight skirts, smooth skin, and confident strides. None of my business. Artemis was way better looking, even with that divine energy that made my skin crawl.
I climbed the stairs, the creak of aged wood underfoot barely louder than the soft hum of voices below.
'Speak of the devil—or goddess, in this case.' I kept the bad joke to myself as I opened the door to find them already inside.
"Artemis. Rethusa." I gave them a lazy wave and walked into my room, holding the door open in a silent invitation.
"Take the bed. I'll sit on the chair." I dragged it across the wooden floor and positioned it as far away as reasonably possible.
"Hah. Are you scared of me?" Artemis asked smugly, the corner of her mouth twitching upward.
"Absolutely not. It's that detestable divine energy."
"Tch. Fine. I didn't want to be next to you either."
"Are you a tsundere or something?" Seriously, the way she said it practically begged for teasing.
Rethusa gave me the death stare. Artemis clicked her tongue.
"Anyway, the reason we're here is business."
"Go on." I rested my chin on my palm, eyes narrowing slightly as I stared into Artemis's. Her eyes were sharp and bright, like polished emeralds that hadn't dulled despite everything. Dangerous beauty.
'She really is stunning.' I forced the thought out. No use getting distracted.
"I want to hire you."
"For?"
"A War Game."
"Which is?"
"Seriously?"
I nodded. Was I supposed to know?
"It's where Familias fight against each other, basically. But this one's unique."
"I'm guessing it's not a normal battle between Familias, but instead divine beings seeing who has the better eye for people?"
"At least beneath that disgusting energy lies a brain."
"Wow~ Petty much."
"Tch." Rethusa clicked her tongue. Even Artemis looked slightly confused.
We both turned to look at the captain.
"It's just absurd that you two are flirting so easily."
"..."
"W-We aren't flirting, Rethy!"
Artemis—for some reason—fell right into the trap set by her captain, but I'll admit it was great watching her face turn beet red. Although, that's all I had for it: amusement.
"Ahem!" I cleared my throat, catching Artemis's attention. Even though she tried to put on a serious atmosphere, her still-reddened face didn't help her at all. I was smart enough not to mention it.
She gave me one more fierce glare... this was clearly bias.
"Anyways! I'll give 50 gold if you help us."
I nodded, but I didn't care about the gold.
[Sub-Quest: Do Artemis a Favor]Reward: 100 Cursed Coins and the next skill from Sukuna's skill tree.Reward:Cleave – Level 1
'Nice! I can save some skill points.'
A free skill was always worth it, so of course I accepted.
"Thank you." Artemis bowed respectfully, already having caught her bearings again. I just waved her off and told her not to worry about it.
"Actually…" I paused, going through my memories just to make sure. "When is this War Game?"
"Heh."
I didn't like this damn goddess's smile.
"In an hour."
'...'