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Northern Orario, just outside the busy main street, by the roadside—a huge, towering mansion stood out among the surrounding buildings.
This place, made up of several overlapping high towers, looked like a mountain of swords. With its bronze exterior glowing like raging flames, it was both intimidating and majestic.
At the peak of the central tower, a clown-faced flag fluttered in the wind, now stained deep red.
This was none other than Twilight Manor, the home base of the Loki Familia.
"Riveria, are you here?!"
Dan burst through the entrance like a shooting star, yelling at the top of his lungs, completely ignoring any etiquette.
His loud voice and the shockwave from barging in instantly threw the entire Loki Familia into chaos.
"What's going on?!"
"Are we under attack?"
"No, wait—I think I know that guy... He looks familiar. Could it be some ex-lover Riveria ghosted who's come looking for her?!"
A blonde, golden-eyed doll-like girl jumped down from the overhead corridor, landing right in front of Dan to block him.
With her doll-like features and curious expression, she asked:
"You... who are you? Are you an enemy?"
Dan recognized her immediately—but now wasn't the time for chit-chat.
"Sorry, I'll introduce myself later. For now... please move aside."
He stomped down hard on the ground.
Second Acceleration!
"Huh—!?"
She froze for a split second, and Dan, taking full advantage, blitzed past her like lightning.
Ais puffed her cheeks, already reaching for her sword.
"Wait, Ais—he's not an enemy!"
Thankfully, Riveria rushed over just in time to stop her.
Dan, meanwhile, let out a huge sigh of relief.
Truth be told, his insane speed using Silent Suzuka's ability was a bit of a cheat. He might be able to outpace a Lv. 3 adventurer for a short while—but that was his limit. If his stamina dropped even slightly, there was no way he could dodge Ais's sword skills.
Just then, Gareth arrived, stroking his beard as he observed Dan's condition.
"Losing momentum, huh...?"
"Hey, kid—charge straight at me!"
Dan didn't hesitate. Without saying a word, he slammed into Gareth's chest like a rocket.
The burly but thoughtful dwarf skillfully absorbed the impact, making sure Dan didn't get wrecked by recoil.
"Ow—still hurts like hell though... Unc, if I had to crash into someone, I'd really prefer it to be a cute girl..."
Gareth chuckled as he helped Dan stay upright.
"With the speed you were going just now, if you'd slammed into a normal elf—even a Level 3—they'd be out cold. Only us rock-solid dwarves can take a hit like that!"
Riveria glared at Gareth but didn't have time to argue. She turned to Dan, worried.
"Where the hell have you been these past few days?! I asked around—no one's seen you!"
"And what's up with your speed? Did you join a Familia?"
"And also—"
Though he was a college student before reincarnating, technically an adult, something about the world transfer made him look younger—leading to misunderstandings like this.
Even if he was 18, Riveria would probably still treat him like a kid…
Dan was a bit touched by her concern but helplessly raised his hand.
"Riveria, I know you have a million questions, but now's not the time."
"In District 7, Northwest Main Street—there's a Evilus hideout. At least three officers there. One of them's a Lv. 5."
"Lyra and Kaguya from the Astraea Familia are there, fighting a Lv. 4 to save me. I came to ask for help."
Riveria's face changed instantly. She turned to Gareth.
"What?! Gareth—!"
The Loki Familia's tank, the mighty dwarf, straightened his helmet and calmly took command.
"Noir, Dain, Bara—you're with me. Let's move out."
"Riveria—get someone to notify Finn. Join us as soon as you can."
"Even if Finn's at a Guild meeting, he won't ignore a request for help from a Familia like Astraea's!"
But before Gareth could even finish his sentence, a figure had already bolted out the door like a storm.
"I'm going ahead!"
"Ais!"
Dan panted, glancing gratefully at everyone.
"Thanks can wait. I still need to notify Astraea Familia."
Riveria reached out to stop him.
"Wait, your body—!"
But before she could finish, Dan shot off again like a hurricane.
Riveria stomped her foot in frustration.
"Damn it! Why are kids these days all so damn reckless?!"
North Orario, in a quiet corner—stood a modest but beautifully designed white mansion.
Finally, Dan saw his destination—but he didn't let up for a second.
His lungs were on the verge of bursting, his legs on fire. Silent Suzuka had long vanished without a sound, and he was now running purely on sheer willpower.
His thigh muscles screamed, each step like stabbing himself with a needle.
He clenched his jaw, sweat dripping like rain.
"Almost there... just a little more..."
As he charged into Stardust Garden, he shouted the entire message for help in one breath.
He could barely hear what the girls inside were saying as they rushed out, but when he saw that flash of red hair disappear into the distance—
His whole body finally relaxed.
[Wish Rank A: Completed]
[Evaluating reward level...]
[Wish Bond expires... temporarily deactivated]
Dan was soaked in sweat, completely spent. His body didn't even feel like his own anymore. His mouth was so dry not a single drop of saliva would come out. Breathing heavily, his legs trembled, his lungs felt like they were going to explode.
He was this close to passing out.
"Please... just don't land face-first..."
But instead of the cold ground—
He fell into the warm embrace of a goddess.
Her walnut-brown hair was neatly tied behind her, and her deep-blue eyes shimmered like a galaxy.
The goddess gently held him, her voice soft and feather-like, filled with boundless care.
"You've done well. Now... rest~"
She ran her delicate fingers over his furrowed brow.
"You worked really hard."
Dan's tensed body finally let go. Wrapped in the warmth and comfort he hadn't felt in a long time, he drifted into unconsciousness.
[Reward Evaluation Complete]
Evilus Base: Destroyed
1/3 of their members: Eliminated by Loki Familia
1/3: Wiped out by the gray-haired woman in passing
Remaining: Captured by Alise
Officer Vito: Seriously injured and fled
Lyra and Kaguya: Unharmed
Finn later uncovered deeper plots from the Evilus and injured the white-haired demon
[Mission Completion: Overachieved]
[Wish Giver Satisfaction: Perfect]
[A-Rank Wish Reward Upgraded to S-Rank]
[Newbie Bonus Detected: S-Rank Upgraded to EX-Rank]
"Ugh..."
Dan slowly opened his eyes—not sure how long he'd been asleep.
"You're awake?"
The goddess closed her book, letting her walnut-colored hair flow as she walked over to his bedside. She leaned down, placing her soft hand on his cheek, concern written in her eyes.
"How are you feeling? Maryl said you pushed your body too far using some sort of skill. Kaguya and the others even gave you a full Elixir."
Dan felt the warmth on his cheek, unfamiliar but comforting. He slowly sat up and rotated his wrist.
"I'm okay... actually, I feel kinda refreshed…"
The goddess smiled gently, pulling her hand back.
"That's good. Everyone was really worried about you."
Dan suddenly remembered something, eyes wide.
"Right—what about Kaguya and Lyra?!"
"....."