Time always flew by when flirting with girls—lighthearted and fleeting—and before long, the group emerged from the deep mountains and dense forest.
Once they returned to the main road, the Ganesha Familia had carriages prepared, and their pace immediately picked up.
As evening approached, the gates of Orario came into view. The freed people burst into tears, overwhelmed with emotion.
As the ruler of Orario, the Guild still maintained a degree of humanitarian concern. They dispatched many staff members to take care of the victims, arranging lodging and meals for them.
After all, if something happened within their own territory and the Guild did nothing, it would inevitably damage the confidence of future merchants coming to do business in Orario—hurting the economy in the long run.
Royman was known as the "Guild Pig," a nickname referring to his extravagant lifestyle and reckless spending. However, his abilities as a leader were undeniably excellent.
A person's character and competence were two separate things—and no one embodied that saying better than Royman.
"Mr. Roy, goodbye."
Eina and Misha were also received by Guild staff and parted ways with Roy. It wouldn't be long before the Guild welcomed two new poster girls.
Roy withdrew his gaze and chatted briefly with the chubby man, thanking him for notifying the Ganesha Familia.
"No, no, it was nothing. You've worked hard," the chubby man said, looking at Roy with deep respect. The others shared the same expression.
According to the Ganesha Familia's tally—
Roy had taken down three Lv.2 adventurers, seven Lv.1s, and a total of 167 bandits.
Being able to participate in this operation made them feel honored. Rounding it up generously, it was practically as if they and Roy had worked together to slaughter over a hundred enemies!
Roy accompanied the middle-aged-but-still-spirited chubby man to a tavern, where the latter downed several large drinks before finally leaving with his 20,000 valis reward.
Crossing the streets, Roy returned to the Starry Court.
After being away for quite some time, this familiar building unexpectedly stirred a faint sense of nostalgia.
Roy pushed open the door. It was quiet—but with his Lv.2, near-peak abilities, his perception was vastly different from before. From about ten meters to the left came the sound of faint breathing. He turned his head, and sure enough—
"So you finally decided to come back."
A blonde, pointy-eared elf girl stood by the window. When her clear, sky-blue eyes met Roy's, a trace of helplessness flickered across her beautiful face.
Roy chuckled awkwardly. He could understand her reaction. Being an adventurer was a high-risk profession—unless one went on a Dungeon expedition, disappearing for three days usually meant death.
Someone like Roy, gone for over twenty days without a word… people probably thought even his ashes were gone.
"Where's the goddess and the two newcomers?" Roy changed the subject, glancing around the quiet living room.
"They went out to purchase supplies," the elf girl replied. Someone had to stay behind to guard the base, or thieves might break in.
Roy's eyes rolled slightly. That meant only he and Ryuu were left in the mansion.
Of course, Roy wasn't thinking of anything improper. He wanted to learn magic! Learning brought him joy!
"Sorry…"
At that moment, Ryuu let out a soft sigh, guilt appearing on her delicate face.
Roy asked cautiously, "What's wrong? Did you do something you feel bad about toward me?"
The more Ryuu listened, the stranger his words sounded. She shot him an annoyed glare—perfectly ruining the atmosphere and leaving her both amused and exasperated.
"I broke our agreement."
Ryuu pressed her thin lips together. "I've been busy with Familia matters lately and didn't help you hunt monsters."
Originally, their agreement had been simple: she would help him hunt monsters, and Roy would help her obtain the resurrection secret art.
But now Roy had joined the Astraea Familia, helped her wipe out the dark faction, paid off the Familia's debts, and even indirectly helped revive the Familia by bringing in two new members.
At this point, their fates were intertwined—like ink mixing into water.
And looking at it this way… it seemed she hadn't really done anything at all. It had all been Roy's effort.
Ryuu lowered her head silently, filled with shame, wishing she could crawl into a hole and hide.
Seeing the usually strong elf girl on the verge of tears, Roy felt speechless. "That's it? If you really feel guilty, then help me with a small favor right now."
"Say it!"
Ryuu's expression turned serious. It looked like even if Roy told her to go kill someone, she wouldn't hesitate.
Roy said, "Teach me your magic."
Hearing that, Ryuu looked at Roy with a hint of pity. Had he gone out once and come back with his brain broken?
Innate magic depended on bloodline. Acquired magic required self-awakening. She had never heard of anyone simply learning magic from someone else.
Maybe she should take Roy to see the "Saint of the Battlefield," Amid Teasanare.
This condition couldn't be left untreated!
Seeing Ryuu stare at him like he was an idiot, Roy snapped impatiently, "Hurry up. Just cast it once and let me see."
"…?"
Urged on by Roy—and having already agreed—Ryuu couldn't refuse. She began chanting.
Not Luminous Wind, but Noah Heal. Blowing up the mansion wouldn't be ideal.
"Song of the distant forest in this moment, melody of life from ages past. Grant the mercy of healing unto those who seek thee—Noah Heal!"
When the chant ended, a gentle green light full of vitality bloomed from Ryuu's small hand.
Roy blinked. He didn't get it at all. Was his Elf King Authority fake or something?
"Give me your other hand and do it again," Roy said, extending his palm toward her.
Ryuu froze. An elf's skin was only touched by those they acknowledged. Until now, the only person she had acknowledged was her closest friend, Alise Lovell.
Ryuu raised her head and met Roy's gaze.
After a long moment, finding no trace of impure intent in his eyes, she let out a sigh.
"…It seems you're not joking."
Ryuu extended her left hand. When Roy grasped it, the warmth of his palm sent a slight tremor through her body.
A blush surfaced on her exquisite face, making her look shy and endearing. She gently bit her lip, forcing herself to suppress the embarrassment rising in her heart.
"—Noah Heal!"
Taking a deep breath to steady herself—lest it affect the spell's success—Ryuu slowly repeated the incantation. Once more, green light bloomed from her other hand.
This time, Roy felt it.
It was as if his eyes pierced through Miss Ryuu's fair, delicate skin, witnessing the process within her petite body—how mental energy mobilized magic power and transformed it into the light of life.
"Hah…"
Roy closed his eyes, replaying everything in his mind. After more than ten seconds, he slowly opened them. Deep confidence shone in his gaze.
"Song of the distant forest in this moment, melody of life from ages past. Grant the mercy of healing unto those who seek thee."
"Noah Heal!"
As Roy spoke the final words, the same emerald-green light blossomed from his broad palm.
The magic Noah Heal—successfully learned!
"?????"
Several question marks practically popped up over Ryuu's head.
You're serious?!
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