Hearing Alise's declaration, the crowd erupted into cheers, their excitement feeding off the sheer intensity of her presence.
"Hmm... as expected of a beautiful and perfect girl like me. Only someone with charisma overflowing from every pore can make the people go wild like this."
Alise puffed her chest out... again... her smug grin practically carved onto her face.
Her bright red hair swayed as she drank in the attention like air.
As her gaze swept through the gathered citizens, something caught her eye.
A familiar glint. Then another.
'The Sword Princess?'
That shining golden hair made Ais Wallenstein stand out effortlessly, even among a sea of bodies.
In Alise's mind, Ais was one of the extremely few women in Orario who could match her in sheer beauty and natural charm.
Naturally, Alise refused to admit she might even lose that competition.
But her interest in the blonde lasted barely a heartbeat before it shifted... inevitably... to the figure walking beside her.
'Judas.'
The moment she saw the black-haired boy, Alise's green eyes brightened... enough to make her expression turn even more vivid.
As Judas and Ais pushed their way through the crowd, Alise didn't hesitate.
She stepped forward with the confidence of someone who believed the spotlight belonged to her by default.
"Judas, Ais! What's up?"
Alise greeted them with her usual wide, radiant smile, one hand on her hip as if she were greeting two actors arriving late to her stage.
Ais blinked once in greeting, her expression calm but faintly softening.
"Alise."
She said with a small nod before taking another bite on the jyagamarukun in her hands.
"Morning, Captain."
Judas offered a polite wave.
"Oho? 'Captain,' huh?"
"You're sounding awfully formal today, Judas. Did I suddenly become scary enough to demand respect?"
Alise grinned, leaning forward just a little.
"You were always scary."
Judas blinked, his face expression less.
"Mm."
Ais nodded in quiet agreement.
"Hey!"
Alise puffed her cheeks indignantly, hands on her hips again.
"What is with that synchronized bullying? I'll have you know I'm extremely lovable. The crowd adores me. You two should learn a thing or two—"
But as she bragged, her eyes flicked toward the people behind her.
Astraea Familia members gathering supplies, checking gear, and tightening straps.
Her smile softened into something warmer... still bright, but with a shade of sincerity.
"We're heading out after this."
"Big expedition. Everyone's hyped."
Alise said, straightening up.
"I know. People are expecting a lot from your group."
Judas nodded, his gaze sweeping through the crowd around them.
"Of course they are!" she declared proudly.
"We're the Astraea Familia... justice incarnate!"
She flexed dramatically, striking a pose full of confidence.
Before Alise could retaliate, a calm voice called out from behind her.
"Hmm? Are those Loki's kids? Judas and Ais?"
The redhead turned, spotting Kaguya and Lyra walking toward them with their usual confident, unhurried steps.
And beside them, like a calm breeze in human form, was Astraea.
Her presence alone seemed to soften the atmosphere.
The goddess of justice wore a serene smile, warm enough to ease nerves yet dignified enough to command respect.
Even in a bustling plaza full of chatter and movement, Astraea somehow made the world feel a little brighter.
"Goddess Astraea..."
Judas bowed his head slightly in greeting, respectful but not stiff. Ais mirrored him, her posture composed and steady.
"Oh, the fact you two came. Are you both here to see us off?"
Kaguya stepped forward, folding her arms with her typical mix of elegance and bluntness.
"Well, kind of."
Judas replied with a shrug.
He wasn't about to explain that he and Ais had only run into all of them by pure accident while heading back home.
"Tsk, you've gotten a bit more cheeky compared to when we first met."
Kaguya clicked her tongue, though the amused smirk on her face betrayed her real mood.
"Yeah, back then you were more of that serious-looking edgelord type."
"All broody and mysterious. I wonder what happened to that guy?"
Lyra chimed in, tapping her chin thoughtfully.
"Right, right!"
"I remember... five years ago, after you saved us from the Juggernaut, you just flew off into the sunset, leaving only your name behind. Super dramatic. Super cool. Very 'hidden master walking the path of shadows.' Yup, yup."
Alise immediately joined in, sliding in beside Lyra as if tagging into a wrestling match.
'Judas did something like that?'
Ais blinked, stunned for a moment as Alise's words processed in her mind.
Slowly... almost dangerously... her imagination began to take over.
In her head, Judas was no longer the calm, slightly awkward boy standing beside her.
No.
He was draped in a pitch-black cloak, hood pulled low over his face so only the faint glow of his purple eyes could be seen... like twin amethysts floating in the dark.
His presence radiated an ominous, otherworldly aura, the kind that made even veteran adventurers question their life choices.
Wind howled behind him (despite there being none), his cloak billowing dramatically because in Ais' imagination, physics were optional.
He raised a hand slowly, ominously... and in a low, deep, impossibly cool voice, he declared...
'I am atomic.'
The imaginary Judas unleashed a blinding flash of power, the ground cracking beneath his feet as if the world itself feared him.
"...Amazing."
She whispered under her breath, completely lost in her own thoughts.
'Ugh, even Ais got caught up in it.'
Judas groaned, lifting a hand in mock surrender.
"Okay, okay, calm down. That was back when I barely knew you guys."
Their laughter followed like a small gust of wind... warm, genuine, and loud enough to turn a couple of heads in the city square.
It was moments like this that made it clear just how much the bond between them had grown.
What started as a temporary mission had slowly shifted into real camaraderie, with Judas naturally opening up to the women of justice more than he ever expected.
"Oh my, it seems you guys have gotten along really well."
Astraea's smile deepened just a fraction... subtle, but unmistakably pleased as she watched their interaction.
"Excuse me, Goddess... Captain, Miss Kaguya, Miss Lyra... we are ready to depart!"
One of the Astraea Familia members jogged up to them, slightly breathless but wearing the disciplined posture of someone eager to begin.
"Alright! Looks like that's our cue. We're heading out... see ya later, Lady Astraea, Judas, Ais!"
Alise rolled her shoulders once, the red hair on her back swaying as she nodded.
"We'll make sure everyone comes back safe and sound."
Kaguya added firmly, her usual cool expression softening just a touch with resolve.
"And who knows..."
Lyra chimed in with a cheeky grin, tapping her cheek.
"Maybe I'll finally hit Level 5 on this expedition. Would be nice to rub it in Lion's face for once."
Astraea giggled softly, her gentle voice carrying a warmth that wrapped around them like a blessing.
"Everyone, please be safe."
"Yes, Goddess!" her children replied as one.
After one last round of small waves and smiles... each one lingering just a moment longer than necessary... they turned and began making their way toward the dungeon's entrance.
The crowd parted for them almost instinctively, murmurs of admiration following in their wake.
Judas and Ais raised their hands in farewell.
"Good luck on your expedition!" Judas called out.
Ais nodded, her expression calm but eyes quietly hopeful as their silhouettes slowly disappeared down the stone steps leading underground.
When the last faint glimmer of their armor vanished from sight, the two turned back to Astraea.
"We'll be off as well, Lady Astraea."
Judas said politely.
Astraea looked at the pair... her smile soft and radiant.
"Take care, both of you."
She replied, her voice carrying that same serene warmth.
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