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Chapter 45: Victory
Two figures crossed paths.
Time seemed to freeze into eternal stillness at this moment.
Then came the crisp clang of a weapon hitting the ground.
The massive flaming battle axe broke into two pieces from the middle and fell to the floor.
And the colossal body of the Blazing Axe Mitachurl stiffened where it stood.
A thin, scorched diagonal line extended from its left shoulder all the way to its right waist.
No blood flowed out; there was only the charred blackness of instant cauterization and carbonization from super-high temperatures.
As a gentle breeze blew past, the Mitachurl's body slowly slid apart along that diagonal line, turning into a sky full of black smoke and dust that dissipated into the air.
Left in the field was only a magic stone flickering with ominous light, and a rose lying quietly on the ground, emitting a faint purple glow, as if stained red by blood.
Aiden's figure materialized. He knelt on one knee, supporting his teetering body with the longsword in his hand, which was now tattered and covered in signs of melting.
He gasped for breath, sweat mixed with blood dripping from his cheeks to the ground.
His entire body was dyed red with blood—his own, and that of the monster.
"Won... He won!"
Lefiya subconsciously pursed her lips, gripping her staff tightly. Her azure eyes were filled with the figure of the white-haired boy kneeling on the ground.
"He won."
Bete grinned, revealing a rare smile.
"Oh yeah! Hero Bro won!"
Tiona jumped high, cheering excitedly.
Riveria also revealed a faint smile.
As a veteran adventurer, witnessing such a cross-level challenge sufficient to be recorded in history—even she could not remain calm.
Ryu subconsciously covered her chest, a bewildered look on her face.
She didn't understand. What was this burning feeling that made her want to cry?
She had clearly given up on justice, clearly was no longer an adventurer. Why did she still feel this way?
Ouka and Mikoto gaped, staring blankly at the battlefield now pitted and scarred, unable to speak for a long time.
In the next moment, the longsword nearing its limit could no longer support him. Letting out a crisp wail, it shattered completely into countless fragments.
However, the fall Aiden expected didn't happen.
He fell into a warm embrace carrying a faint fragrance.
Tifa steadily caught the exhausted Aiden. Looking at his pale face which nonetheless bore a satisfied smile, she revealed an incredibly gentle smile and said softly, "You succeeded, Captain."
Robin, who was a step too slow, paused imperceptibly and pouted slightly without anyone noticing, but she quickly switched to a gentle and relieved smile.
Hyacine, holding Little Ica, stepped forward quickly and began to carefully check Aiden's injuries.
The small pink Pegasus nuzzled Aiden's cheek affectionately, sprinkling dots of healing green light wind to slowly treat the wounds on his body.
...
Early the next morning, sunlight filtered through the slightly mottled windows of the Old District in District 7, spilling into the simple three-story building of the Focalors Familia.
The air still held the faint fragrance of herbs prepared by Hyacine, mixing with the aroma of breakfast carefully prepared by Tifa from the kitchen. It created a peaceful and warm atmosphere, forming a sharp contrast to the life-and-death struggle filled with blood and fire in the Dungeon yesterday.
Aiden sat cross-legged on the sofa in the living room, meditating with his eyes closed.
Although he had achieved the Great Feat of a cross-level challenge yesterday relying on the burst from [Everlasting Flames], his body had not gone without cost.
Every fiber of his muscles was protesting the overload, and the excessive consumption of mental energy sent waves of exhaustion to his brain.
However, corresponding to this was a sense of power that had become more condensed and transparent after being honed between life and death. With the acquisition of the Feat, he was now in a state where he could level up at any time.
Knock, knock, knock.
Just then, a polite and restrained knocking sound rang out, interrupting the morning tranquility.
Tifa, who was setting out the plates, wiped her hands in confusion and went to open the door.
Standing outside was a group of visitors that surprised her somewhat.
At the head was a young man with black hair and black eyes, wearing a simple kimono. His temperament was gentle, yet carried an awe-inspiring air.
Behind him were Kashima Ouka, Yamato Mikoto, and Hitachi Chigusa, whom they had saved in the Dungeon yesterday.
They had all changed out of their adventurer gear and into clean casual clothes, their expressions solemn and serious.
"Excuse me... you are?"
Tifa asked politely. Her gaze lingered on the leading young man for a moment; she sensed an aura from him completely different from that of a mortal.
"I apologize deeply for disturbing you so early in the morning."
The leading young man bowed slightly, his tone sincere. "I am Takemikazuchi, the... patron deity of these children."
Hearing the word "deity," Tifa understood immediately. She stepped aside to open the way, smiling, "So it is Lord Takemikazuchi. Please, come in. Furina and the Captain are both here."
She politely invited Takemikazuchi and his group into the room.
Upon entering the living room, Takemikazuchi's gaze fell on Aiden, who had opened his eyes from meditation.
Without any hesitation, he bowed deeply, ninety degrees, to Aiden and the others.
"Regarding yesterday's events, I am infinitely grateful to the members of the Focalors Familia for stepping in righteously and saving my children. For this great kindness, I, Takemikazuchi, and the Takemikazuchi Familia, will never forget it as long as we live."
His voice was resonant and sincere, filled with the heavy weight of a god making a promise.
Behind him, Ouka and Mikoto, whose injuries had healed under Hyacine's magic, along with the other members, also followed their patron deity in unison, bowing deeply with the utmost solemnity.
"Thank you everyone for saving our lives."
Such a grand gesture left Robin and Hyacine, who had just come downstairs, somewhat at a loss.
Aiden also stood up quickly, stepping forward with Tifa to gesture for them to rise.
"Lord Takemikazuchi, everyone, there is no need for such formality."
Aiden smiled wryly. "As the saying goes, saving a life is the greatest virtue. Besides, Lord Takemikazuchi usually takes good care of our Goddess. This is only what we should do."
At this moment, hearing the commotion, Furina also walked down from upstairs.
She already knew the entire story from Aiden. Seeing the scene before her, she cleared her throat, trying to put on the majestic posture a Goddess of Justice should have. Hands on her hips, she said:
"That's right, Take! No need for this. As the Familia of the Goddess of Justice, Focalors, exercising justice and saving those in danger is our duty. We didn't choose to save people for any reward!"
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