Chapter 209 - Orsted, this story began five years ago
The commotion didn't last long.
Elenior was dragged back by Hestia to update her status.
As expected, the basic abilities of the Hestia Familia's members all rose from A to S, each achieving max stats.
Lili and Tifa's basic abilities also climbed from D to C.
Their recent adventures must have been intense.
Higher level status updates slow down, and despite the fivefold falna boost, Elenior and the others talents weren't bad either.
Ordinary adventures wouldn't yield such progress in just two days.
They had likely faced fierce battles.
Learning this, Orsted took extra care to check on everyone.
Lili proposed a dinner party at the Hostess of Fertility to mark their successful expedition return.
The others agreed.
Orsted had no objections, as it aligned with his plans.
He'd promised Ryuu he'd help address the Astraea familia's situation after ranking up.
However, he lacked details and needed to discuss it with Ryuu to confirm the situation.
"Welcome, nyaa!"
"Eh? Orsted, it's you! Come in quick, Ryuu and Syr missed you so much," Anya said.
Her words drew hostile glares from the girls behind Orsted.
Even someone as cheerful as Anya sensed the tension, offering an awkward smile and ushering them in without further comment.
As Anya said, Ryuu was visibly excited to see Orsted, but he was puzzled by Syr's enthusiasm.
This was Syr, not Freya in disguise.
Freya's excitement made sense, but Syr's didn't.
"It shouldn't be," Orsted muttered, brushing it off to focus on the celebration with Hestia and the others.
Ryuu only spoke briefly with Orsted at the start, then stayed busy serving dishes without disturbing them.
After Hestia, as the head goddess, gave a few polite remarks, the dinner began.
Everyone chatted with smiles, their laughter drawing attention from others in the tavern.
Whispers circulated about the Hestia familia's rapid growth and potential, with Orsted's extraordinary presence often mentioned.
Some adventurers speculated about when the Hestia familia would recruit rookie adventurers.
Despite Hestia's announcement that no recruitment was planned soon, many still hoped to join, envious of the familia's bright future.
Its captain had joined the Loki familia's deep floor expedition, other members tackled the lower floors, and rumors spread that each member wielded at least one magic item.
Some had plotted against the Hestia familia, but Hestia swiftly dealt with them, even threatening their gods with consequences if they harassed her Familia again.
Everyone understood what "consequences" meant.
This showcased Hestia's protective nature, making her Familia even more appealing.
A promising future and a devoted goddess.
Who wouldn't want to join? Yet, the Hestia Familia offered no openings.
Of course, there were naysayers, but their companions quickly silenced and dragged them away, fearing they'd offend the Hestia Familia.
Orsted and the girls didn't notice or care.
Such petty remarks from jealous types weren't worth their attention. If truly provoked, they'd handle it decisively.
The dinner, filled with joy and chatter, lasted over an hour.
"Well, Orsted, we'll head back. Don't stay out too late," Hestia said at the tavern's entrance, knowing Orsted needed to speak with Ryuu.
"Lord Orsted, we'll go ahead," the others added, waving goodbye.
Though Lili and the girls felt a twinge of jealousy, they didn't object.
They knew Ryuu had helped Orsted greatly when he was a rookie adventurer.
While they minded him meeting Ryuu alone, they respected his need to handle important matters.
"I'll be back soon," Orsted said, nodding and waving.
After Hestia and the others left, Orsted headed to the familiar city wall.
Soon, Ryuu joined him.
"Orsted, have you ranked up?" she asked eagerly.
"Yeah, I did," Orsted replied with a smile.
"Don't get too excited. Tell me everything you know."
He patted the spot beside him, gesturing for her to sit.
Ryuu took a deep breath, calmed herself, and sat next to him.
"Orsted, this story began five years ago…" she started, organizing her thoughts before diving into the details.
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