Danmachi: Adventuring Till the End!

"You wanted me to help test your current strength?"

Ryuu looked at Orsted with some surprise.

"Yes," Orsted replied with a gentle nod.

"I understand. Please wait for me for about two hours, until the tavern closes. I'll spar with you then," Ryuu agreed without hesitation.

"Alright. We'll head back first. You should come back early too," Hestia said, standing nearby.

Seeing that the two had come to an agreement, she prepared to leave and bid Orsted farewell.

"Take care on your way back," Orsted nodded.

"Goodbye, Orsted-sama," Lili waved to Orsted, then followed Hestia as they left.

Orsted re-entered the tavern and prepared to order a glass of wine while waiting for Ryuu to finish her shift.

However, before Orsted could speak, someone appeared in front of him.

"Aunt Mia?" Orsted was slightly surprised, looking at Mia.

"Aunt? Am I that old?" Mia frowned, glaring at Orsted.

"Uh, Mia?" Orsted hesitated for a moment before correcting himself.

"Hmm."

"This is your drink. Enjoy," Mia said, gesturing to the glass.

"Thank you," Orsted replied, not refusing the offer, and nodded in gratitude.

"Hey, kid, have you known Ryuu for a long time?" Mia asked casually as she wiped a wine glass.

"Huh?"

"No, I don't know her. I first met Ryuu when I came here last time."

"Why do you ask?" Orsted shook his head, curious.

"That girl seems to care a lot about you, as if she's known you for a long time. I thought you might have met before," Mia explained nonchalantly.

Hearing this, Orsted was taken aback.

"Lately, Ryuu has been waiting for your arrival. I don't know why she's so concerned about you," Mia added, observing Orsted closely.

She could more or less guess why Freya was interested in Orsted—it was likely because his soul was exceptionally radiant, making him a target.

But she was puzzled by Ryuu's intense interest in Orsted.

At first, she had assumed that Ryuu and Orsted had known each other before.

But now Orsted had confirmed that they hadn't.

That left only one possible explanation.

Ryuu had fallen for Orsted.

Mia couldn't think of any other reason.

The thought of one of her daughter being taken by an outsider made her a little unhappy.

However, with Freya also making moves, Ryuu probably wouldn't be be taken easily.

Thinking this, Mia felt somewhat relieved.

Orsted, who had been silently pondering Mia's words, was equally puzzled.

"Please enjoy," a gentle voice interrupted his thoughts.

Syr appeared, placing a plate of snacks in front of Orsted and smiling warmly at him.

Mia, seeing this, said nothing.

She simply turned away and began organizing the wine cabinet, pretending not to notice.

Orsted felt a little awkward.

He really didn't want to deal with Freya.

After all, her reputation was far from stellar, and she wasn't exactly someone to mess with.

However, while Orsted didn't want to engage with her, Freya was eager to build a connection.

She stood beside Orsted, striking up a conversation.

Orsted could only respond awkwardly.

Fortunately, Ryuu came to the rescue.

She grabbed Syr by the collar and dragged her back to the kitchen.

Orsted breathed a sigh of relief.

"Your luck is really something," Mia remarked, watching Orsted with a hint of pity.

Orsted remained silent.

He then began to reflect on himself.

What exactly does Freya see in me?

Soon the tavern finally closed.

Orsted waited outside for a few minutes before Ryuu appeared.

Ryuu was dressed for battle, much like her appearance in the anime when she accompanied Hestia and Hermes into the Dungeon to rescue Bell.

"Let's go," Ryuu turned and walked away.

Orsted followed.

Not long after the two left, a figure appeared where they had been standing.

"Ryuu, what is your relationship with this child?"

"I'm a little concerned," Freya murmured to herself, biting her thumbnail as she watched the two figures disappear into the darkness.

"Freya, don't cause trouble," Mia's voice sounded next to her.

Freya turned to see Mia looking at her seriously.

"Don't worry, I won't interfere," Freya smiled faintly, waved at Mia, and then turned to leave, gradually fading into the shadows.

"What a hassle," Mia sighed, watching Freya disappear.

She then turned her gaze in the direction Orsted and Ryuu had gone, remaining silent for a long moment before muttering to herself,

"What's going on here is beyond belief."

Orsted and Ryuu quickly arrived near the city walls of Orario.

They climbed up the walls, and Ryuu turned to face Orsted.

"Come on, let me see your strength," Ryuu drew Alf's justitia from her waist and took a battle stance.

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