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Chapter 133: Divine Protection of the Water God
"T-This isn't a beauty potion!" Eina didn't know whether to laugh or cry at Hyacine's antics, but the gesture effectively doused most of her anger. She sighed heavily, ultimately unable to hold back her parting advice. "Anyway... no matter what, please be careful. You have to win."
After bidding farewell to the anxious Eina, Aiden took the twin swords dropped by the Elite Ninja Zombie to the Hephaestus Familia branch in the Eighth District.
The moment Orario's greatest blacksmith—Tsubaki Collbrande, the Cyclops—laid eyes on the weapons, they lit up like lanterns.
"Ohoho, what do we have here?! Drops from a new monster species?" She snatched the twin swords as if appraising a priceless artifact. "This material, this structural integrity... fascinating. Hey, Aiden, I'm buying these."
Before Aiden could even respond, Tsubaki tossed over a heavy pouch of coins. There was no haggling; she fully embraced the aura of a tycoon with money to burn. Her only regret was the blatant burn mark where one of the blades had been cleanly sheared off.
"Tsk, what a shame. Such incredible material, and one of the blades was melted through... What the hell did you hit this with, kid?"
Aiden just smiled and didn't offer an explanation. Tsubaki didn't press the issue. She slapped him heartily on the shoulder and laughed. "Listen here, kid. Your War Game is in a couple of days, right? Don't go losing on me."
She winked, lowering her voice. "It's a Castle Siege. When you're heavily outnumbered, the most effective strategy is carpet-bombing them with Magic Swords. That's what everyone on the outside is assuming, too. They think the Focalors Familia's only shot at a comeback is buying up a massive stockpile of them."
"Tell you what," she said, holding up two fingers. "Out of appreciation for these rare materials, if you buy Magic Swords from me, I'll give you a twenty percent discount. Special offer."
Aiden merely smiled again, weighed the coin pouch in his hand, and politely excused himself. What a joke. He was practically broke. Where would he find the money to buy exorbitantly priced Magic Swords? Let alone a "massive stockpile." Even the weakest Magic Sword cost over a million Valis, and the stronger ones commanded astronomical prices. They were luxury items that even the Loki Familia couldn't afford to buy in bulk for their expeditions. Furthermore, he didn't even need them.
When Aiden pushed open the familiar wooden door of their Familia headquarters, they were greeted by Furina, who had clearly been waiting for some time.
"Hurry, hurry! You're finally back!" She flitted over like an excited bird, planting her hands on her hips. "Come here so I can update your Falna! We're going to war against that blonde peacock Apollo soon. I have to make sure you're in absolute peak condition so you can put on a magnificent comeback performance!"
However, just as she reached out to pull Aiden toward the back room, the light in her heterochromatic eyes shifted. Her lively, erratic aura instantly settled, replaced by a profound, ethereal divinity as deep and majestic as the ocean.
It was Focalors taking control.
"I will handle the updates this time," Focalors said softly.
Tifa, Robin, and Hyacine all sensed the immediate shift in presence and remained silently respectful.
Aiden went first. Following Focalors into the room, he casually slipped off his shirt, exposing his bare upper half. His skin was no longer the sickly pale tone of a weakling, but possessed a healthy sheen tempered by the Dungeon. Thanks to the high-intensity combat and growth over the recent weeks, his muscle definition was incredibly lean and sculpted, free of an ounce of excess fat. His broad back and tight core carried an understated, explosive power reminiscent of a Greek statue. The few shallow scars he had acquired didn't detract from his aesthetics; rather, they added the unique charm of a seasoned warrior.
He climbed onto the bed, lying face down, and waited for the drop of divine blood.
"Hold on a moment," Focalors' cool voice rang out. "Sit up."
Aiden felt a pang of confusion but followed the instruction, rolling over and sitting up to look at the Goddess.
Focalors stepped forward slowly. Her heterochromatic eyes analyzed him before she spoke. "As a member of the Water God's Familia, your entire repertoire of magic and skills is an absolute eyesore to me."
As she spoke—before Aiden could even process her words—Focalors reached out with her slender, pale hands, gently cradled his cheeks, and slowly leaned in.
"F-Focalors, isn't this... isn't this moving a bit too fast?"
Watching her flawless face magnify in his vision, smelling the faint, sweet fragrance rolling off her, Aiden's heartbeat spiraled completely out of control. Is she serious? Are we doing this? Am I losing my first kiss right here, right now? Just as their noses were a breath apart—so close he could feel the warmth of her exhalations—a glint of mischievous amusement flashed in her profound eyes. She tilted her head slightly, pressing her soft lips gently against his forehead instead.
"Oh."
Feeling the fleeting, soft touch against his forehead, Aiden was stunned. His mind went entirely blank, followed instantly by a massive tidal wave of disappointment.
Just like that? That's it?! My pants were already—wait, no, my heart was already in my throat, and this is all I get? "Alright, the divine blessing is complete. Let's begin the update," Focalors commanded calmly, stepping back and completely ignoring Aiden's aggressive, expectant stare.
Swallowing his impulses and his overwhelming desire to complain, Aiden rolled back onto his stomach. This time, Focalors didn't hesitate, straddling his waist. She pricked her fingertip with a silver needle, allowing a single drop of crimson, radiant divine blood to fall onto his broad back. It seeped into his skin, beginning the update.
After what felt like an eternity, it was finished. Focalors inspected the new emblem formed among the complex patterns on Aiden's back and offered a satisfied smile. She stood up and handed him the freshly penned parchment.
When Aiden read his brand new status sheet, his face was painted with absolute shock.
[Aiden]
Level: 2
Strength: S-912
Endurance: A-879
Dexterity: S-922
Agility: S-901
Magic: S-985
[Magic]
[Ripple of the Past]
[Everlasting Flames]
[Skills]
[Descender]
[Trailblazer]
[Abyss Gazed Back]
[Divine Protection of the Water God]: The blessing and protection of the Water God.
Effect: Grants the abilities [Water Walking] and [Water Repulsion]. Grants the Developmental Ability [Diving].
[Developmental Abilities]
Abnormal Resistance: S
Fire Flash: H
Diving: I
Effect: Allows free movement underwater. Swimming speed matches that of aquatic life. Underwater attack power is enhanced.
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