Chapter 16: Raising Level, New Skill Methods
The "first date" with Eina, which was somewhat special, concluded in a pleasant atmosphere. Of course, there were no further activities.
Liam wasn't particularly clear about the specific time.
However, the streets of Orario were still bustling; adventurers and residents of Orario were all enjoying their evening leisure.
"Miss Eina."
Considering Eina's safety going home alone, Liam looked at the half-elf young lady with a gentle smile beside him and then suggested.
"Do you need me to escort you back?"
"No need to trouble you."
"Orario is still very safe at night. On the contrary, Liam-kun, don't go back too late. Don't make those who care about you worry."
Through her conversation with Liam, Eina gradually formed a basic impression of "Hestia," this unfamiliar goddess.
She cherished her dependant and provided help to the best of her ability.
Although she found it quite interesting to stroll around Orario with Liam after dinner, she still needed to consider things more comprehensively.
A dependant who had embarked on a Dungeon adventure and hadn't returned home late.
They would definitely be worried about his safety, right?
Eina's gentle smile brimmed with a girlish charm. She commented, as if it were a serious matter, "Today's date between a Guild employee and an adventurer."
"I can only give Liam-kun 60 points!"
The reason was, of course, very simple. Firstly, the overall time was too short. Secondly, the conversation revolved entirely around Hestia.
Had no one ever mentioned this to him?
As she was about to leave, Eina couldn't help but remind him, "When dating other girls, the biggest taboo is mentioning other members of the opposite sex."
Worried about dampening Liam's enthusiasm.
As she reached the entrance of The Hostess of Fertility restaurant, the young woman waved with a bright smile, "Also... Liam-kun."
"See you tomorrow?"
"Of course."
Watching the half-elf young lady's departing figure, even Liam's lips curled into a smile unconsciously. He could finally understand.
Why Eina was so popular at the Adventurer's Guild.
It was probably this sweet, first-love kind of feeling?
And just then, a young woman wearing a leaf-colored maid dress with a white apron tied in front had a conflicted expression.
She mustered her courage and gently poked Liam with her finger as a reminder.
"Mr. Adventurer, the dinner you wanted to take away is ready."
"Thank you."
Liam withdrew his gaze. Only when he turned and saw the other person's face clearly behind him did his gaze, rarely, become a little dazed.
The young woman was the type who naturally exuded a pretty and charming aura.
She wore the "The Hostess of Fertility" staff maid uniform, her gray hair simply coiled and then combed into a single ponytail.
Her beautiful face brimmed with youthful vitality.
"Syr Flova."
As the most popular poster girl in the restaurant, Liam found it quite reasonable to meet and have a connection with Syr.
The dinner prepared for Hestia was already packed in a food box.
He pointed to the takeaway dinner and asked with a smile, "This bento, plus the cost of the dinner ordered, how much is it in total?"
"Although Syr really wants to help you..."
Syr's gaze swept over the dinner bill. Finally, she looked up at the clear-eyed young man before her, a faint smile playing on her lips.
"But that half-elf young lady just now already paid."
"?"
"Alright."
The final result was a bit beyond Liam's expectations. He hadn't thought Eina would pay the bill in advance. The most crucial thing was that it was agreed.
That it was his treat.
Thinking about the other party's intention, Liam's smile carried a hint of helplessness. Was she perhaps trying to take care of him, a fledgling adventurer?
Just as Eina had said.
Don't cause trouble for those who care about you. Picking up the bento on the table, logically speaking, Hestia should be off work.
She should already be waiting for him in the Familia.
It was just that carrying the bento, Liam couldn't help but feel a bit strange at this moment. He had said it was his treat, but his date paid the bill, and he was even taking food away.
"Scored a free meal, bros!"
"When I have some free time, I really need to treat her back."
"Welcome again next time."
Watching Liam leave, Syr, standing at the entrance of The Hostess of Fertility restaurant, had a hint of curiosity in her eyes.
A very unfamiliar adventurer's face. "Liam Moon."
While wiping glasses at the counter, Syr had heard Eina call this young man by his name during their conversation.
As for the subsequent developments, they were no different from what Liam had expected.
After finishing her part-time job at the Hephaestus weapon shop branch, Hestia went straight back to the abandoned church, the "Familia Home."
She didn't rest in the basement.
Instead, she sat patiently at the entrance of the abandoned church. Seeing the familiar figure she longed for return home, all her worries.
Dissipated in an instant when she hugged Liam.
Hestia blinked her watery eyes and couldn't help asking, "Liam-kun, was your Dungeon adventure today smooth?"
"Shouldering the hope of revitalizing the Familia."
"Lady Hestia, no matter what, I will not put myself in a dangerous situation." Liam picked up the bento in his hand.
Feeling the girl's soft and fragrant embrace.
He explained the reason for his late return, "A Guild employee helped me a lot, so I treated her to a meal."
"Consider it building good relations?"
Hestia actually didn't hear the latter part of Liam's explanation for his late return at all; her entire attention was focused on the first half.
"Shouldering the hope of revitalizing the Familia, no matter what, I will not put myself in a dangerous situation."
All the heavy burdens fell on Liam.
As a goddess, she couldn't provide any help. Her reputation was too small; she couldn't even recruit dependants.
Hestia suddenly felt a little guilty, loosening her arms around Liam. "If I could be a bit more useful, you would probably have it much easier?"
"You've worked hard, Liam-kun."
"Lady Hestia is irreplaceable to me. Although developing and revitalizing the Familia is very challenging, if I succeed."
"The sense of accomplishment will be very strong."
Liam's smile was very relaxed, but his eyes were exceptionally firm. Looking at Hestia's hand clutching the corner of his clothes, he gently took it.
"Let's go home first."
"If we delay any longer, the dinner prepared for Lady Hestia will get cold."
The Dungeon exploration process was tedious and dull, but Liam remained tireless. He made all the preliminary preparations for the adventure in advance.
Looking at Hestia sleeping soundly on the sofa.
He once again embarked on the journey of Dungeon exploration. After yesterday's exploration, he was already clear about the danger level of the first 7 floors. For today's plan.
Liam was exceptionally clear.
The War Shadow, a rookie killer, provided decent experience points. Most importantly, the magic stones and monster materials dropped after killing them.
Could be exchanged for a good price at the Adventurer's Guild.
And War Shadows were relatively tricky for other adventurers. They hadn't been deliberately cleared out, resulting in a relatively abundant number.
This was good news for Liam.
He had mastered an efficient way to deal with them.
For the rest of the time, Liam chose to grind here. A continuous stream of experience points flowed in, making the progress bar slowly rise.
He had already forgotten the passage of time.
Experiencing high-intensity battles gradually conditioned his muscles. What truly made Liam stop was the notification from the Sword Soul template.
His level had smoothly risen to 15!
"Hard work really does pay off."
Opening the Sword Soul template again, Liam couldn't hide the anticipation in his eyes, murmuring softly, "So what skills can I learn now?"
「Liam Moon」
「Level: 15」
「Experience: 0.1%」
「Skill: Secret Sword Art (Mastery)」
「SP: 140」
「New skills are currently available for learning. View them?」
(End of this chapter)