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Chapter 32: Second Magic
The setting sun dyed the cemetery in a layer of sorrowful gold.
Aiden stood beside Luke, looking at the newly erected tombstone with mixed feelings.
Although they were just casual friends who had met by chance, Luke was still a living, breathing acquaintance with whom he had shared interactions.
He patted Luke on the shoulder. A thousand words swirled in his mind, but eventually, they coalesced into a single, dry phrase: "My condolences."
Luke didn't look back. He just stared blankly at the tombstone and suddenly spoke. "Aiden, I'm quitting being an adventurer."
Aiden was stunned.
Luke continued, speaking as if no one else were there, "Her name was Lena... We were lovers, and comrades in the same Familia. Now, everyone in the Familia is dead. I'm the only one left... I'm going to take my Goddess and leave Orario. We'll go to the outside world, find a random place to live. The Dungeon... isn't suited for a weakling like me."
After saying this, he finally turned around and looked at Aiden. In those bloodshot eyes, a light appeared for the first time—a complex glint of gratitude and entrustment.
"Aiden, thank you for helping me take revenge. I have nothing to repay you with. You are strong—I can see it. Your talent far exceeds that of ordinary adventurers like us who struggle at the bottom. In the future, you will definitely become a big shot who shocks the world. Even though we haven't known each other long, I firmly believe this."
He took a deep breath, as if using the last of his strength.
"Take my share of hope... and move forward. Become a hero."
With those words, Luke turned away in desolation, staggering as he walked out of the cemetery.
In the distance, a petite deity was waiting quietly for him—his last remaining family.
Aiden silently watched Luke's retreating back until he completely disappeared from view.
He turned back again, gazing at the thousands upon thousands of densely packed tombstones in the cemetery.
Beneath every cold stone lay a life that was once vibrant, an adventurer who once harbored dreams.
This place was the only proof they left behind in this world.
In this moment, Aiden understood the weight of the word "Adventurer" like never before.
Having transmigrated to this world so many years ago, aside from Alfia, he actually hadn't felt much sense of reality toward this world.
Everything felt like it was separated by an invisible film; he was like a bystander, a lonely traveler.
That was why he had such a borderline-obsessive fixation on Alfia—because she was the only "reality" he could grasp in this strange world at the time.
With the appearance of Furina, Robin, and Tifa, he was no longer lonely. Yet, that obsession deeply rooted in his soul had become even more indelible.
But now, witnessing the tragedy of an ordinary adventurer and listening to his final request, the thin film that had separated him from this world quietly shattered.
He felt a heat rising in his back. It was Furina's divine blood boiling and resonating within his body.
Aiden knew it was time to go back and update his Status.
—————
When he returned to their dwelling, the aroma of warm food dispelled the evening chill and the haze in his heart.
Robin and Tifa had already prepared a sumptuous dinner before his arrival.
Stewed meat cooked until tender, roasted vegetables sprinkled with spices, and steaming hot thick soup.
"You're back, Aiden."
Tifa untied her apron and smiled. "Come and taste my cooking."
"Wow, just smelling it tells me it's a supreme delicacy! Tifa, you are amazing!"
Furina was already sitting at the dining table, unable to wait, her eyes sparkling.
"This... what level of culinary art is this? Every dish is like a carefully composed movement, playing a harmonious symphony on the tongue!"
Furina tasted a mouthful of the stewed meat and gave exaggerated praise. She immediately stood up, one hand on her hip and the other pointing at Tifa, announcing in her unique theatrical tone:
"I have decided! Tifa Lockhart, from today onwards, you are the glorious Chief Royal Chef of the Focalors Familia!"
"Eh?"
Tifa was a bit flustered by this sudden appointment, her cheeks flushing slightly.
"If everyone likes it, I'd be happy to cook for you."
"More than just 'like,' we simply adore it!" Furina narrowed her eyes in satisfaction.
Robin watched from the side, a smile in her lake-green eyes. "It is indeed very delicious. Tifa, thank you for your hard work."
Aiden sat down and took a bite. The warm and rich flavor instantly dispelled the fatigue accumulated throughout the day.
Looking at this heartwarming scene and seeing Tifa's genuine smile at having her cooking recognized, the last trace of gloom in his heart vanished.
If Furina's justice was "Existence," Aiden's justice was "Self," and Robin's justice was "Supporting the Weak," then Tifa's justice must be "Family."
She longed for a home, a place where she could peacefully display her gentleness and ability.
And the Focalors Familia gave her exactly that.
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After dinner came the long-awaited Status Update session.
As the newcomer, Tifa entered the room first.
Moments later, she walked out holding the parchment recording her abilities.
[Name]: Tifa Lockhart [Level]: Lv.1 [Basic Abilities]:
• Strength: I-0 → I-50 (+50)
• Endurance: I-0 → I-10 (+10)
• Dexterity: I-0 → I-32 (+32)
• Agility: I-0 → I-30 (+30)
• Magic: I-0 → I-28 (+28)
Next, Furina called Robin into the room.
Robin hadn't had an update for several days, and her growth was equally pleasing.
[Name]: Robin [Level]: Lv.1 [Basic Abilities]:
• Strength: I-11 → I-21 (+10)
• Endurance: I-13 → I-28 (+15)
• Dexterity: I-25 → H-105 (+80)
• Agility: I-39 → H-160 (+121)
• Magic: H-168 → E-480 (+312)
Finally, it was Aiden's turn.
He walked into the room, skillfully took off his shirt, and lay face down on the bed.
Furina was already accustomed to this process and no longer blushed at the drop of a hat like in the beginning.
She hopped lightly onto the bed, straddled Aiden, dripped a drop of her divine blood, and began updating the Status.
"Yah!"
However, just as the update began, Furina let out a short cry of surprise.
"What's wrong?"
Hearing the cry, Robin and Tifa, who were waiting outside, immediately pushed the door open and rushed in.
Seeing Aiden shirtless, the two women's faces instantly turned red, and they subconsciously averted their gazes slightly. However, the clearly defined muscle lines and the powerful back made it impossible for them to look away completely.
"It's Magic! Aiden, you've awakened a second Magic! How can it be this fast?"
Furina's voice was full of shock.
She hadn't been idle these past few days. At home, she had read a large number of books related to adventurers. She knew that "Magic" was something that could only be learned through grimoires worth a fortune, or awakened during a Level Up based on personal experience and potential.
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