Is It Wrong to be Picked Up by a Girl Outside Dungeon?

---

No matter how nicely it was phrased, the truth remained unchanged.

To the gods, a mere thought was enough to seal away a Falna—the blessing of the gods.

Though Falna was merely a tool for unlocking potential and the power gained through it belonged to the individual, the gods could still seal that power at will.

Should a deity return to the heavens, their Familia would lose their strength entirely.

In a way, gods were like player-lords, and the mortals of the lower world were their NPCs.

Occasionally, a uniquely talented person might emerge, one that even gods couldn't ignore.

But regardless of how affectionately they called each other husband or wife , gods and mortals were not the same. Some gods, however, were kind-hearted and genuinely loved their mortal followers.

A few even cast aside the vast difference between their races, boldly choosing to become lovers with mortals—only to be met with the cruel truth of their differing lifespans.

Others were more twisted, descending into chaos and becoming evil gods, acting as capricious Fourth Calamities.

Regardless, the fact remained: mortals of a Familia were the property of their deity. That truth did not change.

Ronen disliked this notion, but if gaining strength meant temporarily accepting it, he would endure.

There was another complication. Meteria lacked the qualities of an adventurer, and Ronen was an ordinary human.

They weren't "well-matched" in society's eyes, but in truth, their circumstances were fairly equal.

Knowing Hera and Alfia's personalities, even if they learned of the pair's relationship, they might not go out of their way to interfere.

Still, belonging to different Familias made things complicated—it was like being from rival nations. That made it much harder to stay together.

So, Ronen couldn't just carelessly join a Familia.

The Hera Familia was made entirely of women.

The Zeus Familia, entirely of men. Ronen could possibly join the Zeus Familia through Meteria's connection—but with Hera's infamous temper, a lovers' quarrel between gods could easily drag the couple into trouble.

That option was out.

If he did have to join a Familia, it would need to be one with a good relationship with Hera, preferably one that wouldn't get caught in divine disputes.

But that was easier said than done, especially when Ronen still knew so little about Orario's current political climate.

For now, the idea of joining any Familia would have to wait.

So besides learning the common tongue of the continent—what else could he do?

Ronen pondered the question... and found an answer.

---

The next day arrived as usual, but today, it was Meteria who woke him.

"Good morning, Meteria," Ronen greeted with a yawn.

"You're such a sleepyhead, Ronen," she teased, poking his cheek with her finger and giving him a playful smile.

It wasn't the first time she had seen him asleep, but it was the first time she'd dared to act so close.

Ronen noticed, of course. Still caught in that dreamy, post-sleep daze, he reached out and gently wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her down against his chest with a soft yelp from her.

She was light—so light it felt like cotton settling against him. With a grin, he whispered, "Little wolves eat naughty girls, you know."

The warmth of his breath tickled her ear, making her face flush bright red.

"Ronen, you bully!" she squeaked, giving his chest a small, powerless punch.

Her pouty protest only made Ronen more amused.

But then she felt something shift.

And went completely silent.

"Meteria," Ronen said her name softly. Now fully awake, he looked her in the eyes.

"Will you .....marry me?"

The confession struck her like lightning , Stunned her. But-

"...Mm."

She didn't hesitate. Her heart had already known the answer.

They gazed into each other's eyes, love and tenderness blooming in their expressions.

Ronen leaned in slowly, and Meteria—understanding what was coming—shut her eyes with a shy, expectant smile.

Their lips met. A gentle, innocent kiss. Nothing more than a soft touch, then a pause, then another soft press.

Neither had experience. Both were pure.

They didn't go further—just repeated that simple kiss, over and over, like a promise spoken in silence.

It lasted over ten minutes before they finally pulled away, Meteria breathing slightly heavier, cheeks glowing.

"I have fell in love, Meteria," Ronen said with a laugh, cupping her cheeks in his hands.

"I Love YOU too, Ronen," she replied, eyes sparkling like spring blossoms in full bloom.

They lay there, simply holding each other, listening to the rhythm of their breaths, feeling the warmth of each other's presence.

"Ronen..." she murmured after a while. "My body is weak. I've been sick for a long time—an incurable illness. Even if we're together now… I might not be able to stay by your side for long. Even so, would you still take me as your wife?"

"I would. But I can't accept what you just said," Ronen answered firmly.

Their faces were close. He looked straight into her eyes.

"From this day on, I'll find a way to cure you."

"...It's not possible," Meteria whispered, shaken by his conviction. "Even Lady Hera couldn't heal me… It's not just illness. It's a curse. It's hopeless."

"A Negative Skill, then?" Ronen asked.

"Do you remember what you asked me the first day we met? You asked where I came from. Back then, I didn't understand your words. But now, I do. I can finally answer."

"I come from another world—one that exists beyond this one."

"Another world?" she repeated, confused.

He nodded. "Like how the heavens and the dungeon are separate, yet both part of this world, there are worlds beyond this one entirely. Countless worlds, like grains of sand. This world we're in now is just one of many."

There was no use explaining parallel worlds or alternate universes—those concepts were too complex for now. But he remembered something Hera once said in the original story, about "planets." That was enough to give Meteria a rough understanding.

"My learning speed is fast because I spent my whole life studying. Even before I came to this world, I was still accumulating knowledge. My mind holds the crystallized wisdom of my world."

"If I can combine that with this world's magic, I'll find a way to save you."

Ronen's voice was soft but full of resolve. "Others failed because they never set out to succeed. But I will. So until then, you have to hold on. Let me save you."

Meteria's eyes glistened, cheeks as red as a flower in full bloom.

To someone like her, who had been counting down her life since the very moment she received her Falna, Ronen's vow wasn't just a promise—it is her everything now.

He had lit a fire name hope in her heart. Even if her Skill consumed her completely, she wouldn't regret it! Not even after death!!

She leaned forward and gave him another gentle kiss, soft and fleeting.

Then she smiled—warm and radiant—as she raised a small fist and whispered:

"Let's work hard… together for the desired future."