After winning the War Game against Apollo Familia, Ren became completely famous. Whether it was his rapid leveling or his ability to defeat a Level 4, the bored gods found plenty to study.
Because of this, Ren was frustrated. His current routine was just dungeons and home. He no longer went to the weapon shop; after getting some money, he paid off the cost of his weapons. Bell became even more diligent after that.
Even so, every day brought adventurers and gods from all directions. There was no way to avoid them.
Only in the mornings, when he trained with Ais and Lefiya, was it a little quiet. Ren knew exactly who was handling the rest for him.
A little over a month passed, and the news of Bell successfully reaching Level 2 overshadowed Ren's fame, since Bell was leveling even faster than him.
Given Ren's background, the gods became very curious about Bell's potential. Could he become stronger than Ren? This curiosity made Ren finally calm down a little.
Twilight Manor.
"Ah, why do all geniuses go to the shorty? Is it because they're big?" Loki couldn't understand.
"Maybe it's because you rejected them," the Amazon sisters thought to themselves, unable to stop their mental complaint.
"By the way, where's Ais?" Loki didn't sense her presence.
"Ais? She went to find Ren."
"Huh?" Loki's eyes nearly popped out. This was too much. Not only did they not join them, but they even wanted to steal talent from her.
"They've been training together for a long time," Finn replied simply. "The expedition is about to start. Lady Loki, please update us with the latest data."
"Ah, I know, I know. What a hassle," Loki said, motioning for everyone to line up. She was ready to work all night.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The sound of swords clashing came from where Ais was training. Ren had basically figured out his strength in this world. If he fought with full power, no adventurer in Orario could defeat him right now.
After a while, the sounds stopped. An elf brought a towel to wipe their sweat. It was originally just for Ais, but thanks to someone's shamelessness, Lefiya was already blushing while wiping Ren's face.
"What's wrong? Your sword seems hesitant," Ren asked curiously, watching Ais take a break.
Over the past month, they had almost trained together every day. Ren had seen through all of Ais's flaws and taught her all of his techniques. Each time, Ais trained until she could barely move.
But this time was different. Her strikes were slightly hesitant, lacking the firm resolve she had before.
"The expedition is about to start," Lefiya explained. Over this past month, Ren had given them almost everything. She didn't know how to repay such a heavy debt. Even knowing his goals might be them, they had willingly walked into his trap.
"Is that so? Don't want to leave me?" Ren chuckled lightly.
Seeing his smug expression, Lefiya felt frustrated but couldn't deny that she had grown used to having him around. If he suddenly stopped training one day, she would feel a little lost.
"Are you coming on the expedition?" Ais asked, staring at Ren.
"No. I'm not part of the Loki Familia, so I won't get in the way," Ren replied outright.
"Again!" Ais's mood clearly sank. She wasn't good at expressing her feelings, so she could only communicate through her sword.
Once again, she sparred with Ren. Her attacks had become incredibly fierce, a style that completely abandoned defense. Knowing Ren had healing and wouldn't strike too hard, she fought without hesitation.
"So, can't you just say what you're thinking?" Ren dodged directly. Ais had already found a way to defeat him during sparring.
"Ren, I don't know what to say, or how to express it. I can only tell you like this." Ais spoke the longest words she had said in all this time while attacking.
Her thoughts were all written in her strikes. Ignoring every counterattack, she gave herself entirely to Ren, attacking her target with everything she had.
This was a strategy they had developed during a month of teaming up. At first, it felt awkward, but over time, their coordination improved. A single glance was enough for them to know how to cooperate.
In other words, Ais wanted Ren to join the expedition. Now, she was certain Ren was stronger than her. If they went together, he wasn't the one to worry about.
"I won't join the Loki Familia's expedition," Ren answered firmly.
At that moment, Ais's sword trembled. It was the first time she had asked Ren personally, only to be rejected. A strange knot formed in her heart.
"Ren, are you still angry about what happened before?" Lefiya noticed immediately.
"More or less. I'm human, not a god. It's natural to have some bitterness," Ren replied. Whether he got close or refused, his initial thought had been to make the god who looked down on him regret it.
"I'm sorry." Ais stopped. She didn't know what else to say, so she apologized.
"Well, I'm just not joining the expedition. I didn't say I'm cutting ties. I'll wait for your triumphant return. Don't disappoint me." Ren patted Ais's proud head, and also Lefiya's still timid one.
Ren left, his steps firm and unwavering, unbound by any beauty or charm.
"Lefiya, go back and update the data. We have to prepare for the expedition tomorrow," Ais said as she stood, ready to return.
"Ais, are you okay?" Lefiya asked. They had spent a lot of time together and could guess what Ais was thinking now.
"Yeah. Maybe I'm just too weak." Ais said that and walked away.
Ren's reason for not joining the expedition was simple. He wanted to live freely. Joining would mean restrictions and orders, and he didn't want to be commanded.
That night, Ais and Lefiya's data was updated. It shocked everyone in the Familia. Their growth was too fast. Ais was already Level 6, yet she could still grow this quickly.
Their rapid growth inspired everyone in the Familia to work harder. One werewolf wanted to spend time in the dungeon before the expedition, but sadly, it wasn't allowed.
The next morning, Bell woke early and saw a long line of people heading toward the dungeon.
"Sorry, Bell, for keeping you waiting."
"Lili, it's fine. I just got here too." Bell smiled.
"Going on another expedition?" Lili couldn't help but sigh when she saw the team.
"Expedition?" Bell looked a little confused.
"High-level adventurers, like a Lv6 Sword Princess, can only grow stronger by going deeper. But dungeons don't have supplies, and running out of mana is basically death, so they need an expedition team," Lili explained patiently.
"You're amazing, Lili. You know all this." Bell praised her sincerely.
"Hmph, it's just common sense. Let's go. Expeditions aren't our concern. It's time to enter the dungeon." Lili slung her large pack on her back and led the way.
"Mm-hmm." With companions by his side, Bell felt a new sense of responsibility. He had to become stronger.
As for Ren, he was fast asleep on the bed. Without pressure, he didn't feel the need to push himself. His current strength was more than enough.
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