Harry Potter: Toji Potter

Chapter 176: Liliruca Arde



In the grand halls of Folkvangr, Freya sat within her private chamber, an amused and flushed expression adorning her divine features. The goddess of love, beauty, and fertility had her legs pressed firmly together, hidden by the sturdy wooden desk in her office. Her silver hair cascaded over her shoulders as she exhaled softly, her thoughts consumed by a particular mortal—no, two mortals—who had caught her attention.

Before her stood Ottar, her ever-loyal captain, a towering presence in the room. He remained impassive, his beast-like golden eyes locked onto his goddess as she shared her findings.

"Harry Potter… and Bell Cranel," Freya murmured, licking her lips as if savoring the very names. "Two souls so radiant that I can barely contain myself. Harry is an enigma… a man who radiates an ancient power I can't quite grasp, yet it calls to me so strongly. And Bell…" Her breath hitched slightly as she clenched her fists. "A hero in the making. The most beautiful kind."

Ottar listened, his expression unreadable but his interest piqued. Freya rarely became this enthralled, and if she did, it meant great things for Orario.

"They've already reached Level Two… in a mere three days," she continued. "Unprecedented. The Denatus will be… interesting."

Ottar nodded slightly. "Shall I investigate them further?"

"No need," Freya said, finally regaining her usual calm. The cool night air drifted in as Ottar opened the window for her, allowing her to settle. "Everything will unfold as it should. And soon… they will be mine."

The Next Morning

The city of Orario buzzed with excitement. A news board in the bustling market district displayed shocking headlines for all adventurers to see:

"ASTRONOMICAL RISE: HARRY POTTER & BELL CRANEL LEVEL UP IN THREE DAYS!"

Below the title, their profiles were listed. Names. Affiliation with the Hestia Familia. Level. And a note that their titles would be decided in the next Denatus.

Adventurers gathered, whispering in awe, disbelief, and envy.

"This is insane… How is that even possible?"

"Monsters drop dead before I even hit Level Two! What kind of training did they go through?"

Among the onlookers, a small hooded figure observed the board carefully. Beneath the hood, a pair of keen, calculating eyes gleamed with interest.

Liliruca Arde.

A Pallum. A girl with a deep-seated hatred for adventurers, shaped by years of mistreatment in the corrupt Soma Familia. She wasn't particularly interested in heroics or glory. No, she was interested in survival—and opportunities.

"Two guys who shot up to Level Two in record time… They must be raking in valis," Lili whispered to herself. "If I can attach myself to them…"

A sly smirk tugged at her lips. She had made a living conning naive adventurers, leading them into traps, and stealing their loot. Maybe she'd do the same to these two… or maybe they were her ticket to something better.

Decision made, she set off to find them.

"Wait! Please, wait!"

Bell and Harry turned as they prepared to enter the Dungeon. A small hooded figure dashed toward them, panting slightly.

"My name is Liliruca Arde! I—I would like to be your supporter!"

Bell blinked in surprise, while Harry's gaze sharpened ever so slightly. They had seen her before. More than once.

During their previous Dungeon dives, they had witnessed Lili's… less-than-honest work. Pickpocketing, setting up traps, and even causing the deaths of careless adventurers.

Still, they were curious. And there was something… off about her.

Harry and Bell exchanged a glance before Bell smiled gently. "Alright. Let's give it a try."

Lili's eyes widened slightly before she masked her surprise with a grin. "You won't regret it!"

Thus, the three delved into the Dungeon.

Floor 16

They moved swiftly, dispatching monsters with ease. Lili, despite being Level One, proved useful in managing loot and maintaining their gear.

But as they reached Floor 16, she hesitated.

"W-Wait… We shouldn't go any further," Lili stammered. "I-I'm only Level One. I won't survive down there."

She was glancing around, nervous. Not for her safety, but for another reason—one that didn't escape Harry and Bell's notice.

Harry crossed his arms. "You don't want to go down there because you think we'll turn on you, don't you?"

Lili flinched.

Bell sighed softly. "Lili… we're not like the adventurers you've dealt with before."

Lili scoffed, but there was no real heat behind it. "You say that now…"

Harry knelt to her eye level, his gaze piercing. "We've seen what you've done. We know about the adventurers you've scammed… and the ones who never came back."

Her breath hitched.

"But you're not a bad person," Bell added quickly. "We can see that, too."

Lili's lips trembled slightly before she clenched her fists. "...You guys are idiots."

Harry smirked. "Yeah, but we're your idiots now."

For the first time in a long while, Lili felt something unfamiliar. Safety.

The Surface

After returning to the surface, they split their earnings. Harry and Bell gave Lili an equal share—something she had never experienced before.

Her hands trembled as she held the valis pouch. "...This is too much."

Harry shrugged. "You earned it."

She bit her lip before turning on her heel and sprinting away. Not because she was ungrateful—but because she didn't know how to handle kindness.

Bell and Harry watched her go before heading home.

That night, they told Hestia everything.

She listened, expression unreadable. Then, she pouted. "Hmph! A cute girl joins you, and you don't even introduce her to me?"

Bell paled. "I-It's not like that, Goddess!"

Harry chuckled before adding, "But… we were thinking of recruiting her."

Hestia's expression turned serious. She had noticed the subtle hints of neglect and pain in their story.

Finally, she sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. Bring her in—if she proves to be a great asset."

Bell nearly jumped out of his seat in relief. Hestia, however, smirked mischievously. "But! You have to give me a kiss, Harry."

Harry blinked, then shrugged. "Okay."

He leaned in and gave her a quick peck on the lips.

Hestia froze. Face crimson. Brain lagging.

Bell and Lili (who had returned to eavesdrop) exchanged glances before bursting into quiet laughter.

That night, after another successful Dungeon dive, Lili finally opened up about her past. The abuse. The greed of the Soma Familia. The desperation.

Harry and Bell knew what needed to be done.

The next day, they asked Hestia to help transfer Lili. Harry would go with her.

Hestia smirked. "On one condition: another kiss."

Harry didn't hesitate. Another quick peck. Another dumbfounded goddess.

That evening, after a successful Familia transfer, they returned home.

And as revenge, Hestia and Harry forced Lili to share a bed with Bell.

The two tried to protest.

But later that night, they curled up together like two small animals.

Hestia and Harry watched, smirking before heading to bed themselves.

For the first time in a long while, Liliruca Arde could finally sleep peacefully.

AN: I know this might be a little messed up, but as the Danmachi plot advances, so will my accuracy with it. With that being said, bye-bye, and see y'all next time.

Next chapter will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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