Everything else was just as I expected, but only one thing confused me, and that was the skill section. I understand the first two since they were pretty much the standard skills of a Normal High Human. But I do not know where do I get the 3rd skill from? I am pretty sure it was not him as he already told me he won't be able to give me any other benefits other than letting me choose the race I want.
And the explanation of it was, umm, how do I say it? Like this skill was made for me so I can form a harem or something. But it's also said that the kind of bond I make does not matter; it can be of any kind, familial love, romantic kind, or any other. But it's the intensity of those emotions that makes the difference.
"Pretty interesting right? Three initiate skills are more than a rare sight." Loki's voice rang out near my ears. "Not to mention that last one. If you get along with others enough, not only will this skill help you grow, but then also." Loki said in amazement. "It's the first time I see a skill like that. You need to be careful as to who reveals this skill to Arin-kun, if the other gods come to know about it they will stop at nothing to get you. Especially at times like this." Her cheerful tone turned a little wistful. " Anyway, try to keep it a secret at least until you are a little stronger, maybe until you are around lvl-4?"
"Yeah, I will do that." After all I am not strong enough yet to confidently say that I can get out of any kind of trouble.
"Don't stress about it too much. Even if this does get out, we will do everything in our power to keep you safe, since you are a part of our familia now." she said in a confident voice, I guess even if she is a goddess of tricks, she still does care about her "children".
"Anyways, let me officially welcome you to Loki familia, Arin-kun."
"Thank you, Loki. I will try my best not to disappoint you."
"Don't worry about disappointing me. All I care about is for my children to get back home safely," hearing her say, my respect for her increased significantly. "After all, how else am I gonna grope those cute, sexy girls. *Drools*" Aaannnddd she ruined it. Oh well, I already know the type of goddess she is. I guess she won't be herself anymore if she stops acting like that.
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As I got out of the room, I found Riveria had already gone by. I guess she doesn't want to listen to our conversation since her sharp elf ears would have caught on to our talks even if she did not want to listen to them. Though she will come to know about my status as she is one of the executives, that's very much like her.
The evening, I found myself in my newly assigned room within Twilight Manor, staring out the window at the city of Orario spread below. The room was modest but comfortable—a bed, desk, wardrobe, and a small balcony that offered a view of Babel Tower's imposing silhouette.
I was lost in my thoughts as I usually do whenever I am free or bored.
A soft knock at my door interrupted my contemplation.
"Come in," I called, turning to find Riveria entering with what appeared to be several books.
"These are some basic texts about the Dungeon, Orario's history, and combat techniques. As well as a book on magic, which covers the basics. Given your... unique learning abilities, you should find them useful."
"Thank you," I said, as I was genuinely touched by the gesture. "That's very thoughtful."
Riveria studied me for a moment, her emerald eyes seemed deep in thought. "Your performance today was remarkable, especially against Ais. Most adventurers would have been overwhelmed by her presence alone."
"She's incredible," I admitted. "I've never faced anyone with that level of skill and power," though that might not amount to much, given there was no superhuman-like strength in the old world.
"And yet you didn't seem to hesitate to accept her challenge." Riveria moved toward me as near the window, as we both gazed out at the city, "That suggests either great courage or great foolishness, and I can't tell which is worse."
"Maybe both," I said with a small smile.
The elf's lips quirked upward slightly—the closest thing to a smile I had seen from her. "Perhaps. But courage and foolishness often go hand in hand among adventurers. The question is whether you can learn to temper one with your wisdom." *After all, going against a foe far beyond your level, even when you stand with courage, is no more than just the courage of the foolish. But as I said, that's what adventures do. After all, I was and am still the same. Just like when I had gone against my Royal family to see the outside world.*
She turned back to me, her expression becoming more serious. "Your Amoris Pulse ability—it's not just about growing stronger together. Bonds that's strong require trust, sacrifice, and often vulnerability. They can't be forced or manipulated."
"I understand," I replied. "I'm not looking to use anyone." That is the truth, just thinking about manipulating someone's emotions makes my stomach churn. If I do that, I won't be any different than Freya or Ishtar. "I want to earn my place here, to become someone worthy of those relations that i will form here.
Riveria nodded slowly. "See that you remember that." If that small smile was my proof that she was happy with my answer. "Can I ask you for a favour? Can you keep this skill of your's a little secret from Ais at least for a little while? She… is a little peculiar girl, let's just say she is a little desperate to get stronger faster. If she came to know about this skill of your's she might cause trouble for you. Though you might be on her radar already. Please do let me know if she causes too much trouble for you."
"Hm. Sure, I don't mind, though, while I am curious about her reason for her to be so desperate for power, but I guess, only she can tell her story.
"I am sorry, I can't tell you the reason as you said, only she can."
"No, that's fine, everyone has something they wish to hide."
We were both silent for a moment.
"Oh! Right after you have completed the book about the basics of magic. Please come and find me, I usually spend my time in the library. And then we can do some research and know the limit of your magic, as it says that you are capable of using magic, but no mention of how many spells or what kind of spell you can use. If my guess is correct, you might be able to use all kinds of magics with enough effort.
After a little chit chat, she started to move toward the door to leave. I called out softly, "Riveria?"
She paused, looking back over her shoulder.
"Thank you. For giving me a chance, for the books, for the advice. It really means a lot to me."
For a moment, her usual composure softened, revealing a hint of the warmth that lay beneath her cold, regal exterior. "You are very welcome."
After she left, Arin settled down with the books, his enhanced learning abilities allowing him to absorb the information at an incredible rate. But even as he read about the Dungeon's dangers and Orario's complex politics, his mind kept returning to two pairs of eyes—emerald green filled with cautious wisdom, and golden honey that held depths of strength and hidden vulnerability.
His bonds, even if small, were already beginning to form, and with them, his path to changing the fate of this world.