Chapter 8 - Lain's first meeting with Astrea
Even at Level 4, she was mentally prepared for a long period of assassination.
"Never mind whether I can do it or not, just drink these two bottles of potion first," Lain said, tossing two bottles of Potion to Ryuu.
Ryuu caught the two bottles, her brow furrowing. She hadn't even seen where Lain had taken them from.
Looking at the liquid inside the bottle, and then at Lain, she realized the other party had already discovered that her injuries from the encounter with the Juggernaut had not fully recovered.
After burying the belongings of her fellow Familia members on the 18th Floor, she had returned to the surface and collapsed in Lain's tent.
"No, this is just a transaction. I won't accept your things." Ryuu shook her head, appearing very stubborn on this point; she was unwilling to owe anyone anything.
Lain said irritably, "Stop talking nonsense. If you want revenge, listen to me. You're prepared to use any means necessary to assassinate them, but you can't even accept two bottles of potion?"
"What are you being so stubborn about at this point? You threw all your principles to the wind when you slept in my bed, didn't you!"
This move had an immediate effect on Ryuu. It was impossible for a Level 4 adventurer not to have some pride. Provoked by Lain, Ryuu gripped the two bottles of potion tightly and glared at Lain through gritted teeth.
Ryuu uncorked the bottles and gulped down both vials of medicine as if she were drinking Lain's blood.
The medicine was very effective.
A faint emerald green light emanated from Ryuu's body, restoring 40% of her HP in 20 seconds. Her internal injuries healed at a visible speed.
Ryuu's eyes widened in surprise. What a potent potion! It was comparable to a high-grade elixir worth 10,000 Valis in a pharmacy, yet it was just casually tossed to her, and she swallowed it in one gulp.
Lain was unaware of Ryuu's thoughts; his mind was racing as he considered his revenge plan.
There were several strategies, from best to worst, to help Ryuu get revenge.
The best strategy was to grind dungeons and rank up to increase strength, and then crush the evilus Familias. This was safe and secure, but it would take a long time. Ryuu wouldn't see short term results, so she definitely wouldn't be willing to do it.
The worst option was assassination, which took longer, was dangerous and unstable, and Ryuu might even fail.
People like compromises, and Lain was no exception. The middle strategy was a bit more complicated and risky, but it could eliminate the opponent in a short time.
Lain said meaningfully, "Go see your Familia's Goddess first. Her Familia was wiped out, and she lives alone in that mansion. The remaining members didn't return to see her. It's pitiful to think about."
Ryuu bit her lower lip, harder and harder.
She lowered her head and followed behind Lain.
After crossing the main street and turning several corners, they unknowingly arrived at a corner of the Northern District of Orario, where a white stone mansion stood, the headquarters of the Astrea Familia.
Looking at the mansion in front of her, Ryuu instinctively wanted to back away and escape. She couldn't bear to step into this place filled with memories of Alise and Kaguya.
"I swear to the sword and wings of justice!"
The oath of justice engraved on the plaque felt like a heavy mountain pressing down on Ryuu, making it hard for her to breathe and preventing her from raising her head.
The dashing demeanor she displayed when she effortlessly defeated the Upper Rank Demon Douma was completely gone. The blonde elf before him was now a scarred girl, her trembling hands clutching her body, her eyes devoid of light.
All of this was observed by Lain.
Lain didn't say anything comforting; it was useless to Ryuu, who was currently consumed by revenge.
Ryuu hesitated, while Lain took the lead, carelessly pushing open the door. "You can stay there if you want, but if I'm alone, I don't know what I might do to the beautiful Goddess."
Seeing this, Ryuu's face turned cold. Ignoring everything else, she chased after him, saying, "If you dare to be disrespectful to Lady Astrea, I'll chop you up!"
Lain chuckled and said, "Then you'd better stay close."
Ryuu felt a headache coming on. This person was mysterious, sometimes as steady as a rock, sometimes as cunning as a devil, and his flamboyant manner was off the charts. She couldn't figure out which side of him was real...
The two entered the mansion, and the empty hall was indeed deserted and silent.
The Astrea Familia had a total of 11 members, all of whom were female. There were nine Level 4 members and two Level 3 members. Except for Ryuu, the others were killed by the newly born Juggernaut on the 30th Floor.
"Ryuu?"
Lain turned his head and saw a tall Goddess in front of him. Her long brown hair cascaded down like a waterfall, exuding a faint fragrance. Her features were so perfect they were breathtaking.
Wearing a blue and white evening gown that accentuated her stunning figure, she didn't appear seductive or alluring. Her beautiful face wore a calm and peaceful smile, exuding an elegant and noble air, truly a beauty that could topple kingdoms.
The prominent boobs were the most eye catching feature.
Although Ryuu's size was not small, it paled in comparison to the Astrea.
Lain could swear on his life that the Goddess before him was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, without exception, as if she were created by the very essence of heaven and earth.
"Lady Astrea!"
Ryuu forced back her tears, kneeling on the ground with her smooth forehead pressed tightly against the floor.
Astrea's gaze lingered between Ryuu and Lain, and she vaguely understood something.
There is a divine connection between the gods and their Familia members. She was the first to know when her children were wiped out.
Astrea knelt down and gently stroked Ryuu's little head.
Soothed by Astrea, Ryuu felt as if she had returned to her mother's embrace. Overwhelmed by exhaustion, she fell into a deep sleep.
Astrea carefully moved Ryuu's head onto her lap.
Lain felt it was too dazzling; it was a lap pillow.
Astrea looked up at Lain.
Lain sat down cross-legged, aligning his gaze with hers, a negotiation skill ingrained in his very being.
You cannot lie before the gods!
Lain was very straightforward: "I am Lain. Ryuu is abandoning her own justice to assassinate members of Evilus and related personnel. I will help her take revenge."
Astrea sighed softly, her gaze toward Ryuu filled with pity and heartache. If Ryuu were awake, she would never have shown such an expression.
"What do you need me to do?"
"Do you have money?"
"How much do you want?"
"The more the better!"
Astrea and Lain engaged in a rapid question and answer session. It was impossible to feign compliance with the gods, so the negotiation proceeded unexpectedly quickly. Being free from the social niceties of his past life made Lain feel quite relaxed.
Astrea gave Lain a deep look, as if she could see right through him. "Can you promise me that you won't hurt Ryuu in any way?"
"Of course!" Lain nodded emphatically. He was too busy taking care of such a useful companion.
The two stared at each other for a long time, but in the end, Astrea conceded.
"Wait for me for an hour."
Astrea whispered, one hand going under Ryuu's neck, the other under Ryuu's legs, lifting Ryuu up like a princess.
The petite and delicate Ryuu was curled up in Astrea's arms, fast asleep.
Lain watched this magnificent scene, which shattered his impression of the gentle and virtuous Astrea. Women are weak, but mothers are strong. With the entire Familia wiped out, only this divine mother was left to take care of Ryuu.
Astrea carried Ryuu back to her room and left the mansion alone, leaving Lain in the living room, completely unconcerned that Lain would harm the sleeping Ryuu.
Ryuu only fell asleep when she was next to Astrea.
Even the slightest approach from Lain would startle Ryuu awake; that was the alertness of a high class adventurer.
Lain had just enough time to take out the system reward.
First came the Wind Chaser Boots, made of soft leather. Even the well-traveled Lain couldn't recognize what kind of leather they were, but they were surprisingly soft. They were decorated with a hurricane pattern, as if one were riding on a gale.
"Magic Items!"
Lain recognized the details of the boots and looked surprised. In the world of DanMachi, weapons and armor made by blacksmiths were not the same as Magic Items.
After an adventurer reaches Level 2, they may awaken a Development Ability that can become their trade.
Blacksmiths generally have the Blacksmith ability.