Danmachi, Ch 191-200

Chapter 191: Meeting the Parents

In his sleep, Tsuna felt an itch on his nose. His body reacted instinctively, forcing his consciousness awake.

A sharp glint flashed in his eyes for an instant, but when he saw who was standing before him, that alertness instantly faded away.

“Morning, Loki.”

Maybe it was because he recognized the familiar face, but after greeting her, Tsuna lazily closed his eyes again.

“It’s not morning anymore. It’s already noon.”

“So late, huh?”

Yawning, Tsuna sat up from the bath. He really had exhausted himself this time—no wonder he had to sleep until noon just to recover his energy.

In hindsight, spending time to make a Healing Hot Spring had been the right decision.

Even though the process had drained him physically and mentally, a good rest until midday was enough to bring him back to full condition.

“Sorry. I got a little too excited last night over something.”

Tsuna admitted his fatigue was the result of his own overexcitement.

“Too excited? Don’t tell me you were thinking about me and Hephaestus?”

“Ah? Uh…”

Should I have been?

While Tsuna was still processing that, Loki reached over and pinched his cheek.

“Alright, alright. I know you’re not the type to suddenly start fantasizing about that kind of stuff. Come on—tell me what had you all worked up.”

Seeing him tongue-tied, Loki cut him off with an impatient look, her words leaving him a little embarrassed.

“I was trying to create the Holy Grail of the Netherworld last night. It went even more smoothly than I expected.”

“That Holy Grail—the one you said could reverse life and death? Didn’t you say making that thing would attract the gods’ attention? Why did you go and make it anyway?”

Loki’s eyes sharpened, her tone carrying a hint of reprimand. Clearly, she was worried he’d done something reckless.

Tsuna hurried to explain.

“No, Loki. I didn’t make it to pull off some kind of resurrection stunt.”

“I told you before—until I reach a certain level of strength, I’m not going to bring trouble upon myself. I meant that. I wouldn’t go against my own words just out of curiosity.”

Loki studied him for a while before relaxing her stern expression.

“You’d better explain it properly. Otherwise, the next lesson will come from your goddess—and your fiancée.”

That threat had some real weight behind it, enough to make Tsuna flinch.

Still, he understood her reaction. Given what he’d told her about the Grail’s power, it made sense she’d worry.

So he quickly clarified.

“What I wanted from the Holy Grail was its ability to interfere with space and causality.”

“The Holy Grail of the Netherworld—that name is literal, and it reveals the essence of its power. It’s the key to opening the gates of the underworld.”

“The underworld is the realm of the dead—a separate dimension, another space entirely. Only the dead can enter it. But the Grail, which connects to that realm, serves as the key to cross between them.”

“To open a door is both a spatial and metaphysical act—a reversal of separation, of life and death.”

“So, by interpreting its name that way, I built the Grail and infused it with abilities related to spatial, life, and causal interference. And it worked.”

“Starting with a literal reading of its meaning was, apparently, the right move.”

Loki listened to his explanation without interrupting, though her sharp mind quickly caught on to the most important part.

“So your real goal was the Grail’s spatial interference?”

Before he could answer, her eyes lit up.

“The road home—right?”

Hearing her say it, Tsuna broke into a wide grin.

“Exactly. I made the Grail, used its spatial interference to enhance my sense of dimensional coordinates—and I found it. The position of the path home. Clearly. Perfectly.”

“Home has been found!”

Loki’s expression softened in understanding. Now she knew why he’d been so excited last night.

She glanced at his still-eager smile.

“So that’s what had you worked up for three nights straight? Nothing else?”

Her tone carried heavy implication. Tsuna caught it immediately—he wasn’t dense.

“Well… there’s something else.”

“When we actually go back, there’ll be a lot to handle. For one thing, I’ll need to introduce you and Hephaestus to my mother.”

He rubbed his neck awkwardly.

“Though honestly, if I show up with two girlfriends at once, my mom might faint.”

As soon as he said it, he noticed Loki’s lips curl upward slightly. Clearly, she was amused by his answer.

“Yeah, showing up like that would definitely give her a shock.”

“I mean, I don’t mind, but you and Hephaestus standing side by side—there’s definitely an age gap vibe.”

Tsuna blinked, staring blankly at her.

“Loki, are you implying that you and I are actually close in age?”

A vein popped on Loki’s forehead. She grabbed his face again, scowling.

“That’s not the point! I’m saying Hephaestus looks totally mismatched with you!”

"If your mom sees you walk in hand-in-hand with Hephaestus and hears she's your fiancée, she's going to think Hephaestus is a pervert."

Her words made Tsuna pause for a moment before he sighed helplessly.

"Loki, maybe other moms would think that—but mine's a little… oblivious about those things. Honestly, she'd probably just be thrilled to meet you both."

"As for the girlfriend part, she'd be more curious about how you two became my girlfriends than anything else."

"And about Hephaestus being a pervert? No way. My mom would never think that."

Chapter 192 – Time to Tell Mom the Truth

"Your mom's personality is really... quite unique."

Loki hadn’t expected Tsuna’s mother to be that kind of person. Her temperament leaned toward the airheaded side—completely different from the serious, no-nonsense Riveria.

"Yeah, that’s just how my mom is. She always has a smile on her face, moves at her own slow pace, and she’s... not exactly quick on the uptake. Her reactions can be a little delayed."

Talking about his mother’s personality, Tsuna felt like he could go on forever.

"Even though she’s not young anymore, she still acts like a kid sometimes. Loves romantic stuff. Dad managed to sweep her right off her feet without much effort."

"But she really likes taking care of people. She doesn’t overthink complicated things too much."

Listening to Tsuna describe his mother, Loki began to form a picture of what kind of person she was.

"Hmm... so basically, a less serious Riveria—smiles more, and doesn’t give off that constant sense of pressure."

With that kind of personality, paired with a face somewhat similar to Tsuna’s, Loki could more or less imagine what his mother looked like.

"Anyway, put off going home for now. Wait until after this Joint Expedition. Cross over to Level 3 first."

"The Expedition isn’t far off now. You need to get your head back in the game."

Tsuna’s smile faded.

"I know. I haven’t forgotten."

The upcoming Joint Expedition was, without a doubt, the most important thing right now.

"I hope this Expedition becomes the chance for me to reach Level 3."

"After the Expedition, our Familia, the Astraea Familia, and the Hephaestus Familia will all enter a rest period. During that time, you and Goddess Hephaestus can quietly disappear."

"You’ve already prepared for the moment when both worlds start turning together?"

"Yeah. I plan to open the passage between the two worlds. Doing that will inevitably bring them closer. Maybe the flow of time won’t sync right away, but it shouldn’t stay completely frozen like before either."

The two worlds were like whirlpools forming on the surface of the same lake—once they drew close enough, their currents would begin to affect each other.

At first, that influence would be small. But as the connection deepened, the impact would grow stronger.

Once the passage existed, the two worlds would be linked. It would be nearly impossible for one to remain completely still relative to the other.

No matter how slow the flow of time, once it started moving again, preparation was necessary.

Tsuna, of course, didn’t think he could keep traveling between worlds without considering the time difference. That was a crucial issue.

"I’ll also have to explain things to my mom."

"Huh? You’re seriously planning to tell your mom about something that insane?"

Loki stared at him in disbelief.

Honestly, if he could avoid it, Tsuna would rather not tell her—but that wasn’t an option.

"I don’t have a choice. My mom can be pretty dense about some things, but in others, she’s surprisingly sharp."

"She’s especially sensitive when it comes to me. I mean, she’s taken care of me for thirteen years—there’s no way she wouldn’t notice the difference between a puppet and the real me."

"And to really keep everything under wraps, I’ll need her help covering for me. Otherwise, it’d be too easy to slip up."

"...Fair point."

After her initial surprise, Loki nodded in understanding. Clearly, she agreed.

Tsuna gave a helpless smile. His father had always kept his mother in the dark about the underworld’s affairs, yet here he was—the son—about to tell her something that went beyond even that, about an entirely different world.

"Fortunately, none of this otherworld business will put her in danger. Otherwise, I wouldn’t tell her. I just want her to know where I’m going, so she won’t panic if she ever notices the puppet instead of me."

"Yeah, safety’s not really a concern here."

Separated by an entire world, Loki doubted any god could interfere on Tsuna’s side.

The gap and barrier between worlds were vast and impenetrable.

If crossing between worlds were that easy, Loki wouldn’t believe the gods would still be foolish enough to stay confined to the Labyrinth City.

She, for one, would’ve left long ago.

But after countless ages, Tsuna was the only one she’d ever met capable of something so absurd—someone who existed outside the bounds of the story itself.

Unprecedented... and probably never to be repeated.

"Since you’ve decided, then just go through with it. As long as your mom doesn’t spread it around, it won’t be a big problem. And with her personality, even if she accidentally says something, nobody’s likely to take it seriously anyway."

Loki’s reasoning actually made a lot of sense to Tsuna.

Given his mother’s airheaded nature, even if she told the truth, people might just assume she was daydreaming.

"Alright, let’s shelve that for after the Expedition. You were up all night excited about the Holy Grail yesterday, right? Surely you did more than just fuss over that thing?"

"I did make a few preparations. Remember what I said about how, in my world, most information exists as data made up of zeroes and ones? I built a tool to capture data from that digital world—something I call Pheromone."

"To test its capabilities, I also made some Mimicry Eyes for monitoring and recording. Considering how sensitive gods and certain Adventurers can be, I didn’t set them up inside the Labyrinth City. I placed a layer outside the perimeter."

"Outside the Labyrinth City?"

Loki didn’t sound reproachful—she just nodded slightly.

"If it’s just a test, best not to draw attention to yourself. Like you said, some gods have hypersensitive senses—they’ll pick up on things ordinary people can’t."

"And some Adventurers are the same. Especially those kids from the Ganesha Familia. They’re always maintaining order on the front lines, and their senses are sharpest of all. After years of dealing with troublemakers in the city, they’ve developed a knack for noticing things others miss."

"But that’s only within the city. Most Familias, aside from production-based ones, aren’t allowed to leave freely. So as long as your devices are outside the walls, unless you’re really unlucky, they shouldn’t be found easily."

Once she understood what Tsuna had been up to the night before, Loki relaxed.

It wasn’t anything troublesome. Besides, Tsuna was cautious—setting everything outside the city meant there was nothing to worry about.

Chapter 193 – The Curse of the Genius Adventurer

By noon, Loki did something she hadn’t done in nearly half a year—she left her home on her own.

That alone was enough to stir the many spies who had been keeping an eye on the Loki Familia. Reports were quickly sent out, and the news soon reached the ears of every god pulling strings behind the scenes.

"Loki went out alone?"

Hermes raised an eyebrow when he heard the report. She hadn’t set foot outside for months—why choose now, of all times?

"Lord Hermes, I believe Goddess Loki went to see Goddess Hephaestus," Asfi reminded him quietly.

"The Joint Expedition, huh? Right, it’s about that time again."

Only after Asfi’s words did Hermes snap his fingers in realization.

This Joint Expedition was practically being led by the Loki Familia, with the Hephaestus Familia and Astraea Familia joining forces under their lead. Their goal—of course—was the Unknown Floors.

"This Expedition might actually push into the deeper levels this time."

"A newly recruited genius from Hephaestus Familia, and that incredible rookie from Loki Familia—the one who can control Puppets and manipulate space."

"This time, the Loki Familia won’t be held back by the Dungeon. They’ll definitely bring some impressive news to the Labyrinth City."

A rare spark of genuine interest flickered in Hermes’ eyes—though it was quickly replaced by a look of regret.

"A shame, though. I won’t get to see it for myself."

"Lord Hermes, I doubt any god will ever witness that scene firsthand."

The Dungeon hated gods. It rejected their presence completely.

Whenever a god tried to descend into its depths, the Dungeon would erupt in violent, almost sentient rejection.

"Ahh, what a pity Such a pity"

Despite his lamenting tone, Hermes’ lips curled into a playful grin.

"Asfi, tell me—how long do you think Loki plans on keeping her little secret hidden?"

"Lord Hermes, if your own Familia produced someone who might rival the top Adventurers from three years ago, would you parade that child in front of the other gods so easily?"

"Ha! Not a chance! I’d keep that kid hidden until the day I die!"

Hermes’ face changed completely—gone was the lazy grin, replaced by fierce conviction.

"My children only need my guidance. I’d never let anyone else lay a hand on them."

Hearing that, Asfi simply nodded.

"That’s exactly why I believe Lady Loki and Lady Hephaestus are doing the same."

Hermes paused for a moment, then returned to his usual smile.

"You’re right. None of us want our children tainted by someone else’s influence. In this city, rookies die far too quickly. If you don’t protect them properly, no matter how talented they are, they won’t last long."

"But hiding them forever is impossible."

In a city like Orario—riddled with spies and watchful eyes—how could anyone keep a child hidden forever? Would that child ever grow?

A trace of doubt flashed through Hermes’ gaze.

"It’s been almost half a year now. How in the world has Loki managed to keep that kid hidden this long? Isn’t she worried about his future?"

"Lord Hermes, I think the simplest explanation is that the rookie uses his ability to control a Puppet to move around unnoticed—just like what happened with the Soma Familia."

"That’s... plausible. But the Dungeon isn’t a private playground. Adventurers are always coming and going. Even if it’s vast, it’s not so big that you’ll never cross paths with someone."

Hermes understood Asfi’s reasoning, but something still didn’t add up.

"Asfi, with Hades’ Helm in your possession—could you stay hidden in the Dungeon indefinitely?"

"......"

Asfi fell silent, thinking for a moment before slowly shaking her head.

"I can’t."

With only Hades’ Helm, she could conceal her presence, yes—but only for a limited time.

"Hades’ Helm can hide my body, but not my scent. Some monsters in the Dungeon have incredible senses of smell. Even if they can’t see me, they can still track me down."

"In the larger areas of the middle floors, maybe even the lower middle, I could avoid being spotted entirely. But a rookie Adventurer? There’s no way someone that inexperienced could manage the same."

"Exactly. That’s why I can’t help wondering what Loki’s really thinking. Or maybe... that rookie’s abilities go beyond just Puppets and space. Maybe his potential is even greater than we know."

Hermes’ bold speculation left Asfi silent.

A rookie capable of spatial manipulation—and possessing extraordinary potential on top of that? It sounded ridiculous.

"Lord Hermes, even if there’s a chance your theory is right—have you ever actually met anyone like that?"

That single question shut Hermes up instantly.

Orario had never seen such a case before. No Adventurer with exceptional talent also possessed limitless potential for growth.

It simply wasn’t normal.

Even Alfia—the “genius monster” hailed by the gods themselves—was shackled by the curse of frailty, the illness that plagued her life.

Every great Adventurer in every era carried some fatal flaw.

It was as if the world itself rejected the concept of “perfection,” condemning prodigies to tragic fates.

Loki arrived alone at the Hephaestus Familia’s home.

"Hephaestus, I’m here to see you."

She didn’t need anyone to escort her. She walked straight to Hephaestus’ private room—she’d been here many times before.

In the past, she’d often entered through Tsuna’s spatial gate, stepping directly into this very chamber.

The sound of Loki opening the door wasn’t subtle at all, but there was no response from inside.

Immediately alert, Loki looked toward the desk—where Hephaestus sat with her chin propped on her hands.

Her eyes weren’t focused on the room around her, but on some scene that existed only in her imagination.

There was even a faint smile on her lips—serene, almost unsettling.

But Loki instantly understood what had put that expression on her face.

Chapter 194 — A Gift for His Mother

“Daydreaming, are we?”

“!?”

That face suddenly appearing right in front of her startled Hephaestus so much she almost jumped.

Once she saw who it was, she let out a slow breath and shot the visitor an exasperated look.

“Loki, could you at least knock before you come in?”

“How do you think I got in?”

Loki pointed over her shoulder toward the door.

It had been opened normally—not kicked down or forced. In other words, she’d entered perfectly properly.

“I used the front door, fair and square. But you, on the other hand, seem a little off—that lovestruck look on your face... are you still floating in the clouds over Tsuna’s proposal yesterday?”

“???”

Hephaestus froze, staring at her in disbelief.

“You knew?”

That response, however, made Loki tilt her head with a sly grin.

“What do you think?”

“That kid’s first proposal was to me. He told me the moment he got back yesterday—after all, we had an agreement from the start. No matter who he falls for, he has to tell me.”

“There was such an agreement?”

Hephaestus blinked, a bit taken aback.

“Of course. You think I’d just let some bad woman get close to Tsuna?”

“‘Bad woman’? Meaning?”

“Those indecent, self-indulgent types. Like that greedy Freya or that lustful Ishtar.”

Loki didn’t hesitate to name names.

“Anything connected to ‘beauty’ tends to be trouble, if you ask me.”

It was a sweeping statement—but Hephaestus found herself nodding in agreement.

“True enough. Whether it’s Freya or Ishtar, neither has a good reputation. Still, I doubt it. Tsuna’s taste isn’t that bad.”

“...That, I’ll agree with.”

Both goddesses relaxed, a quiet sense of relief washing over them. The boy they both cared for clearly had better judgment than that.

Once the conversation began to flow, the awkward tension between them eased considerably.

“So, does your side have anyone else? I only have Tsubaki.”

“...”

“Mine’s just Tiona and Tione. They’ve always been close with Tsuna, around his age too. Since he’s shown them more of himself than most, it’s natural they’ve gotten attached.”

Hephaestus nodded slightly. That did make sense.

Thinking about it, Tsubaki and the Amazon sisters were indeed the ones who’d spent the most time with him.

And since Tsuna never hid his power from those he trusted within the Familia, his brilliance—combined with that closeness—made it unsurprising that feelings might grow.

The Amazons and Dwarves weren’t exactly subtle about such things. When they liked someone, they said it—and they pursued it.

As for herself and Loki... well, she’d been on the receiving end of a sudden, heartfelt proposal. She had no idea about Loki’s exact situation, but it was probably similar.

“There’ve been plenty of mortals who’ve fallen in love with gods before,” Hephaestus mused, “but two goddesses being proposed to by the same child... that’s rare.”

“Yeah, well, gods and mortals have different clocks ticking. The flirty ones don’t care—they move on fast, even after watching lovers die. But for some of us, it’s... different.”

Loki spread her hands, gesturing between herself and Hephaestus.

“When it comes to feelings, we only get serious once. This is it.”

She knew herself well enough—and she knew Hephaestus was the same.

Receiving that kind of understanding from another goddess brought a small, genuine smile to Hephaestus’s lips.

“But... are you sure Tsuna’s okay?”

Hephaestus’s tone grew more serious. She knew what made that boy special—and how heavy the expectations placed upon him were.

“Putting so much hope on his shoulders... won’t it be too much?”

“I used to think so too.”

“Used to?”

“That’s right—used to. As in, before this morning.”

Loki nodded and sighed helplessly.

“I thought he’d slowly chip away at the limits of mortality... but it turns out his ability is absolutely absurd. He’s already made a ‘Backup Plan.’”

“Huh? A Backup Plan? For immortality?”

Hephaestus stared, stunned.

“He created a Holy Grail that can reverse life and death—and even interfere with space and causality.”

“I knew his power could help him reach longevity faster, but I didn’t think he’d already prepared for every possibility.”

Loki spread her hands. Even she hadn’t known about that.

“Basically, if he can’t achieve immortality himself, he can fall back on the Backup Plan.”

“No wonder...”

Hephaestus exhaled softly, reassured rather than alarmed.

If he had a Backup Plan, then pursuing immortality through other means wasn’t reckless at all—it was practical.

“Anyway,” she added after a pause, “what did you come here for today?”

Loki’s lips twitched.

“We had an appointment to discuss the Joint Expedition. Don’t tell me you forgot?”

Hephaestus froze, resting her chin on her hands and answering with feigned confidence:

“Of course not. I was just about to ask—since you came straight here, what exactly did you want to talk about?”

You totally forgot! Loki pouted, but she let it slide.

“Besides the Joint Expedition, there’s something else. It’s about traveling to the other world.”

“Tsuna’s already synchronized the time flow between both worlds,” Loki continued. “He’s ready to explain everything to his mother.”

“Tell her directly?”

“Yeah. Right now, the two worlds are mostly still in stasis. But once they start interacting more, their times will begin to align. So while Tsuna’s here, his Puppet will stay there. His mother’s bond with him is too deep—she’d see through it immediately. That’s why he plans to tell her the truth.”

“...”

“And about us, too.”

Hephaestus nodded quietly. That wasn’t something easily hidden.

“So, I was thinking—shouldn’t we send his mother a gift? Since Tsuna will be staying here for quite a while, it’s only right to give her some assurance.”

“That’s true.”

Hephaestus nodded again. A gift was appropriate.

“Luckily, I don’t have much else to do right now. I’ll handle it.”

Chapter 195 — This Expedition Will Surely Advance

“Now, about the Joint Expedition.”

“This time will be different from before. Tsuna and I made sure to spread word of his Puppet and spatial abilities. This expedition will be the first true demonstration of that power.”

Loki began outlining the details of the upcoming Joint Expedition.

“Your children—the craftsmen—will handle logistics. Mine will take support roles for the lower Levels, while the higher-Level Adventurers push forward with their own challenges. They’re all eager for greater Excellia.”

“After this expedition, quite a few of them should have enough Excellia to qualify for a Level Up.”

Loki made no effort to hide the situation within her Familia.

Crossing from Level 1 to Level 2 was like giving the children a powerful stimulant—proof that they could still grow stronger. But crossing from Level 2 onward was different. It wasn’t about motivation anymore; it was about building the foundation for future potential.

That’s why growth past Level 2 was slower. Adventurers spent more time filling the gaps in their skills until their abilities truly reached their current limits.

To move beyond that, Excellia became essential.

What was once impossible for a lone Adventurer could be overcome when many fought together.

For that reason, this Joint Expedition would focus most on the Level 2 Adventurers—the ones on the verge of their next evolution.

Every one of them was sharpening their claws, waiting for this chance at ascension.

“With Tsuna’s ability supporting them, no mortal Adventurer would ever let such an opportunity slip by.”

Hephaestus wasn’t surprised in the least.

“And your children?” Loki asked.

“My children are all craftsmen. Even when they Level Up, it’s to refine their Forging Development Ability. Aside from Tsubaki, who seeks stronger materials, none of them are interested in leaving the forge just to chase Levels.”

That was the reality faced by production-type Familia.

Those who joined such Familias weren’t pure Adventurers—they were artisans.

Most craftsmen didn’t care about the pursuit of “strength.” What fascinated them was Forging—the art of shaping steel.

If a craftsman did care about Leveling Up, it was rarely for power itself, but for the Development Ability they might gain afterward—specifically Forging.

Development Abilities defined an Adventurer’s specialty.

For a craftsman, the Forging ability greatly amplified their skill, allowing their craftsmanship to reach greater heights.

Of course, once they realized a Level Up wouldn’t grant Forging, most craftsmen lost interest in adventuring and returned to their workshops to hone their technique at their own pace.

Craftsmanship already consumed all their focus and energy. Who had the time—or desire—to waste that effort on fighting monsters?

Wouldn’t it be better to spend that energy hammering metal?

“From the beginning, the children who joined my Familia weren’t seeking to Level Up. They wanted to master their craft.”

“For this expedition, I’ll send a few older craftsmen along. Compared to the younger ones, they’re better at handling the incredible and unexpected.”

Hephaestus had to consider her children’s mental resilience—and their ability to keep secrets.

Older craftsmen were more stable, more discreet.

“Your children... they’ll be fine, right?” Loki pressed.

“Relax. Any problems were already dealt with thanks to Tsuna’s help. Those with issues have been expelled. Only trustworthy children remain.”

Hephaestus was far stricter now than before.

After discovering so many spies hidden within her Familia, she’d grown far more cautious about who she accepted.

“My children don’t care for Orario’s gossip. Their focus is on materials and technique.”

Loki studied Hephaestus for a long moment, then nodded slightly.

“This Joint Expedition should go farther than any before.”

“No doubt about it.”

Loki’s answer was firm.

“Your Familia will handle weapon maintenance and repair. That means my children can focus completely on battling the deeper-floor monsters. Even those usually working as supporters can set down their burdens and chase their own Excellia, striving to move forward.”

“Up to the fiftieth floor, progress will be steady. But beyond that—it’s up to Finn and Alise’s teams to explore.”

Lower-Level Adventurers couldn’t handle the deep floors.

After the fiftieth floor lay the Dragon’s Urn—a realm meant only for the strong.

Between the fifty-second and fifty-eighth floors roamed cannon dragons that could attack across floors, firing upward from the depths to bombard the upper chambers.

Those dragons had frighteningly sharp senses. The moment Adventurers entered the fifty-second floor, they would be detected—and the bombardment would begin, relentless and unending.

If the expedition failed to push through the Dragon’s Urn quickly, the entire formation would be torn apart by ceaseless attacks.

Crossing that zone was not something ordinary Adventurers could attempt. Only those at Level 4 and above stood a chance.

“In the past, disturbances from the Dungeon itself always derailed the expeditions, dragging down the entire team’s progress. The ‘safe floor’ at fifty wasn’t safe at all.”

“Finn and the others had to constantly prioritize the team’s safety.”

Those bitter memories still stung—so close to breaking through, yet forced to turn back.

“But this time, that won’t happen.”

Loki’s tone was full of conviction.

Hephaestus understood why.

With Tsuna’s ability supporting them, the team no longer needed to linger on the unsafe fiftieth floor. They could retreat into the Rest Space whenever necessary, avoiding the Dungeon’s disruptions entirely and keeping the expedition on track.

Chapter 196 – The Level of a Newly Advanced Level 5

Tsuna sat quietly to the side, watching the battle unfold before him.

Gareth and Bete faced each other, the rings on their hands burning with fire.

Scarlet flames flared beneath Bete’s feet, propelling him forward in an instant. His already extraordinary speed grew even more astonishing under the blessing of the Dying Will Flame.

A blur flashed behind Gareth in an instant.

Claws wreathed in crimson fire slashed toward Gareth’s back.

Clang!

The beastlike sharp claws failed to pierce even the ordinary shirt Gareth wore.

Ssshh!

Looking closely, green lightning crackled over the fabric, clashing with the invading red flames—and, in fact, faintly suppressing them.

“Heh~”

Bete let out a dry laugh, but his expression changed instantly as he leapt backward.

Yet just as he retreated, a bolt of green lightning chased straight after him.

“Tch!”

Seeing Gareth’s hearty grin, irritation flashed across Bete’s face.

That damn old man!

The Dying Will Flame’s boost to mobility was enormous. Even someone who wasn’t naturally fast could, through mastery of the flame, reach speeds once thought impossible.

Gareth was a perfect example—massive in build, blessed with immense strength and endurance, but hampered by sluggish acceleration and the difficulty of maneuvering such a large body.

His weight made zero-second acceleration painfully slow, and controlling his movement direction required great effort.

But ever since mastering the Dying Will Flame, those problems had ceased to be problems at all. His fighting style had grown wilder and more explosive than ever.

“Ha!!!”

Gareth’s fist, crackling with green lightning, slammed into the ground.

For a moment the earth went silent—then it erupted under the impact, as if packed with buried explosives. The once-flat floor burst apart, scattering dust and rubble in all directions.

Amid the storm of debris, streaks of green lightning flashed and surged toward Bete, still airborne.

Bete drew a sharp breath, the flames at his feet igniting to full force. The crimson fire along his fingers and claws grew sharper, fiercer.

Instead of dodging, he charged straight through the storm.

His blazing claws tore through the hail of stones, shattering nearly everything that touched them.

But not everything yielded so easily.

Clang!

When his claws struck certain shards glowing with lightning, it was like hitting a slab of solid metal. The destructive power was completely stopped, and the jolt made Bete’s body shudder.

In that instant, a massive fist drove straight into his abdomen—so fast his mind couldn’t keep up.

Boom!

The heavy, brutal punch sent Bete flying like a cannonball, slamming him into a cliffside and embedding him deep into the rock.

His body went limp, consciousness gone, left half-buried in the stone wall.

“Heh~ If you want to beat this old man, you’ve got a lot more training to do.”

Gareth planted his foot on the shattered ground, grinning with the confidence of victory.

“He’s already been training plenty.”

Finn, dressed lightly for movement, appeared swiftly at Gareth’s side.

“These past weeks, Bete’s been pushing his control over the Dying Will Flame to the limit—not only facing the black Goliath alone in the Challenge Space, but even enduring doubled gravity in the Training Space while maintaining the flame’s control.”

“To manage that much is already impressive.”

Finn had been watching Bete’s efforts closely.

To gain this power, Bete had worked harder than even Ais. In terms of control over the Dying Will Flame, he now far surpassed her.

“Combined with the mobility the flame grants him, Bete’s current speed exceeds even Level 5 Adventurers gifted with natural agility. Even without top-grade weapons, his claws wreathed in Dying Will Flame could deliver a fatal threat to any Level 5.”

“Unless they’re wearing armor specifically made to resist the flame, even a first-tier Adventurer could be left with a mortal wound.”

“That’s about the level of someone who’s just reached Level 5.”

Gareth cut through Finn’s glowing appraisal, directly naming Bete’s current standing.

In short—stronger than a Level 4, but not yet a true Level 5.

“At this level, he’s already qualified to challenge a Floor Boss. All that training wasn’t for nothing.”

“Mm.”

Finn nodded in agreement, then turned his gaze toward Tsuna, still seated nearby.

“Tsuna, what do you think?”

“I think… he’s still missing a proper weapon. If Bete had one that could channel the Dying Will Flame, he might truly have the strength to challenge a real Level 5.”

“…A weapon, huh. You’re right—a weapon.”

If he had one designed to handle the Dying Will Flame, his odds of victory would rise considerably.

Relying solely on his own claws and limbs would always put him at a disadvantage compared to other Adventurers.

Finn and Gareth both glanced at Bete’s empty hands. The weapon issue was indeed a serious one.

“A weapon with Unbreakable properties could temporarily bear the Dying Will Flame. But even an Unbreakable series weapon forged from Unbreakable Metal can’t endure that heat for long.”

Finn ran a hand through his hair in frustration.

A single Unbreakable weapon wasn’t just expensive—it was absurdly expensive.

Even the cheapest started at fifty million valis.

And how long could such a weapon withstand the Dying Will Flame?

Barely fifteen minutes before it turned to scrap.

No matter how wealthy the Familia, no one could afford to burn through a fifty-million-valis weapon every fifteen minutes.

"For now, everyone will just have to be patient. If luck's on our side, once this Expedition ends, Miss Loki and Lady Hephaestus should be able to solve the weapon issue."

Chapter 197 – You Basically Emptied the Hephaestus Familia

Gareth and Finn exchanged a glance, both immediately understanding what that meant.

“Have you settled things on your end?”

"Yeah. I've already located the exact coordinates. During this Joint Expedition, I'm planning to advance to Level 3. Once the Expedition ends, I'll probably be gone for a while—with Miss Loki and Lady Hephaestus."

“You’re taking both of them with you?”

“Yeah. Gods can’t suppress their curiosity about the unknown, and another world holds too much allure for them.”

Reminded by Tsuna, Gareth and Finn realized that the Gods’ obsession with the “unknown” was nothing new. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have descended from the heavens to the lower world in the first place—forming Familias just to explore the world’s mysteries and changes.

Now, with Tsuna's home existing in a completely different world, the temptation for the Gods was undeniable.

"Curiosity about the unknown is only part of it. The other reason, of course, is that I want to take Miss Loki and Lady Hephaestus to meet my mother."

Finn and Gareth both nodded instinctively, then froze mid-motion.

Feeling a mix of confusion and disbelief, Finn couldn’t help but ask,

“We understand things between you and Loki, so taking her home to meet your mother makes sense. But Lady Hephaestus? Why her too?”

“Ah… you didn’t know about that.”

Tsuna scratched his head awkwardly as he realized he hadn’t told them about proposing to Hephaestus.

“Actually, I’ve already proposed to Lady Hephaestus.”

The two of them went completely petrified on the spot.

When they finally recovered, Finn patted Tsuna’s shoulder with a twitching expression.

“You’ve got some real guts. One Goddess wasn’t enough—you had to go after Lady Hephaestus too.”

“And you already have Tiona and Tione in your Familia. Add two Goddesses on top of that, and you…”

“Uh… actually, there’s also Tsubaki.”

Finn’s hand froze mid-pat. Then his face twisted into open disbelief.

“The only person in the Hephaestus Familia whose craftsmanship rivals Lady Hephaestus herself is Tsubaki. And you—not only proposed to the Goddess, but also got involved with Tsubaki? At this point, you’ve basically emptied the entire Hephaestus Familia!”

Everyone knew that most of the top-tier weapons from the Hephaestus Familia came from Tsubaki’s forge—about sixty percent, to be precise.

The remaining forty percent came from the combined work of the Familia’s other smiths.

And now Tsuna had proposed to the Goddess herself—and even had something going on with Tsubaki. That was essentially hollowing out the core of the Hephaestus Familia.

“I didn’t steal anyone away!”

Tsuna waved his hands quickly, trying to explain.

"Miss Loki was the one who first used Hephaestus's curiosity to bring her into our circle."

“And my relationship with Lady Hephaestus isn’t going to empty her Familia or anything like that. It’s just… some things are different now. Aside from a few changes, nothing’s really that different.”

Finn and Gareth exchanged helpless looks.

This doesn’t look like ‘nothing’s changed’ at all. The difference couldn’t have been bigger.

Still, matters involving Loki and Hephaestus weren't things they could talk about publicly. If word spread, it would cause endless trouble.

Their two Familias already had close ties, and making that relationship too visible would only create problems.

“We’ll set aside your situation with the two Goddesses for now.”

Finn honestly couldn’t imagine how this kid had managed to successfully “board two divine ships,” but that was a question for another time. Regardless, this was a major development that would definitely affect them going forward.

If anything, having both Hephaestus and Tsubaki on their side wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Ordering weapons in the future might become easier—and cheaper, too.

“So, your trip home is decided, then?”

“Yeah. No matter what, I can’t let the rings I’ve forged become weapon materials themselves. The issue of materials still needs to be solved…”

As he spoke, Tsuna gestured toward Bete, still half-buried in the stone wall and unconscious.

“Otherwise, not only Bete, but even you guys won’t have weapons suitable for channeling the Dying Will Flame.”

Finn and Gareth nodded in agreement.

As their mastery of the Dying Will Flame deepened, they became increasingly aware of just how powerful it truly was—and how much potential it could unlock.

Which made it all the more crucial to have weapons capable of igniting and enduring the Dying Will Flame.

“Are you sure your world will be fine?”

“Even with your position over there, you probably don’t want to reveal your identity too soon, right?”

Knowing Tsuna’s nature, Finn couldn’t help but worry that this trip might expose who he really was.

“Don’t worry, I’ve already planned for that.”

“I’ll be fully prepared when I go back. Once I secure the materials I need, I’ll make sure my identity stays hidden.”

Tsuna had already figured out exactly how to handle his return.

He wasn’t the type to carelessly expose himself.

To stay concealed, he’d need to prepare everything carefully in advance.

“When that time comes, I’ll need you two to cover for me here.”

Once he left, the disappearance of two Goddesses from this world would definitely cause a stir. Someone would have to keep things quiet.

“You don’t have to worry about that,” Finn said easily. “Loki’s only gone out once in the past half-year—and that was to visit Lady Hephaestus. Even if she holes up at home for another six months, no one in Orario would find it strange.”

“As for Lady Hephaestus, you needn’t worry either. She’s the very definition of a shut-in. Don’t forget, she’s the Goddess of the Forge. Locking herself away to hone her craft is completely normal.”

“Just have Tsubaki help cover for her, and everything will be fine.”

Chapter 198 – Not Forgetting to Fill the Dark Faction’s Pit

The day of the Joint Expedition was drawing near once again.

As the date approached, every Adventurer participating in the expedition was diligently tuning their condition in preparation.

Tiona and Tione were no exception.

Having just reached Level 5, the sisters had already adjusted the imbalance in their bodies through training in the Challenge Space. Their newly strengthened bodies now moved in perfect sync.

Because they needed to stay ready for the upcoming expedition, it had been nearly a month since they last visited the Training Space. They worried that pushing their growth too far again might throw their coordination off balance.

Which meant, for the moment, the two Amazon sisters had a lot of free time on their hands.

“Haah~”

Tiona sprawled across her bed in a great star-shaped pose.

“Ugh, I’m so bored lately…”

“Everyone in the Familia’s busy preparing for the Joint Expedition,” Tione replied. “Either they’re tuning up their bodies or repairing their weapons. The others haven’t leveled up yet, so they don’t need to worry about growth imbalances. But we just did.”

Tiona let out a dramatic groan of despair. Propping herself up with both hands, she flipped upright from the bed with a springing motion.

“But seriously, it’s way too boring these days!”

She slumped onto Tione’s shoulder, only to notice her sister holding a delicate little box and dabbing something onto her face.

“Hm? Tione, what’s that you’re using?”

“This?” Tione lifted the box slightly. “It’s a new product from the Dian Cecht Familia. Supposed to moisturize the skin and help heal wounds faster. The effect isn’t quite as strong as an All-Heal, so it’s still in testing.”

The Dian Cecht Familia was one of the largest production Familias in the Labyrinth City, responsible for nearly sixty to seventy percent of all restorative potions in Orario.

Besides crafting the finest All-Heal potions, their other medicines were also top-tier.

In addition to the usual Adventurer recovery potions, they had also developed skincare products specifically for women.

While most of their goods were aimed at Adventurers, that didn’t mean they ignored other markets—especially cosmetics.

Naturally, such products didn’t have much effect on Gods and Goddesses, but for ordinary women, they were quite popular.

“Eh~”

Tiona tilted her head. She didn’t quite get the “moisturizing” part—her skin felt fine—but she understood the “healing wounds” part.

“If you need something like that, why not just go to Tsuna for it? I bet what he makes is better than anything Dian Cecht produces.”

“Of course I know that!”

Tione’s fingers pressed unconsciously harder against the little metal tin, leaving clear indentations.

“But that stupid wolf, Bete, keeps barging into Tsuna’s room early every morning. He stays there until late at night! I haven’t had any chance to see Tsuna at all.”

The sisters were frequent visitors to Tsuna’s room—often dropping by for no reason at all.

Now that Bete had basically monopolized his time, Tione was understandably irritated.

“Bete, huh…”

Tiona thought about her own boredom, and how it had been nearly half a month since she’d last gone to play with Tsuna. A flicker of annoyance crossed her eyes.

She wanted to do something, anything—but thinking about the current situation, she could only give up with a sigh.

“I heard from Alicia that Bete’s been spending over half the day in the Training Space and Challenge Space lately.”

“Yeah. I think he was frustrated by our progress, so he’s dead set on reaching Level 5 before the expedition. That’s why he’s been pushing himself nonstop.”

“And since the person who understands and controls the Dying Will Flame best is Tsuna, he’s been pestering him constantly.”

Tione sighed helplessly.

“I know, that’s why I haven’t gone to bother him recently. Things probably won’t calm down until the final few days.”

That dumb wolf was no doubt making the most of the last bit of time before the Amphisbaena respawned—planning to challenge it head-on.

After that fight, he surely wouldn’t be hogging Tsuna’s time anymore.

Once the battle against Amphisbaena ended, there’d be less than a week left before the Joint Expedition.

Only one week to stabilize his body after leveling up? That was cutting it close.

Tione remembered that it had taken nearly half a month for her and Tiona to fully adapt after their own level-up.

“Phew…”

Bete sat cross-legged in midair, adjusting his state of mind.

Beneath him, an invisible current of Dying Will Flame supported his body, letting him float as though defying gravity.

“Bete, your control over the Dying Will Flame has far surpassed most others,” said Tsuna calmly. “Right now, I’d say you’re only slightly behind Riveria.”

As the one who’d introduced the art of manipulating the Dying Will Flame, Tsuna knew better than anyone how well others handled it.

To be able to levitate without any magical tools—especially using the most destructive flame type, Storm—was proof of extraordinary mastery.

Bete slowly opened his eyes.

“So I’m still a step behind that old hag Riveria, huh?”

“Um…Bete, I’d recommend being careful about how you refer to Miss Riveria,” Tsuna replied, his lips twitching. “All elves, especially long-lived ones, tend to be… sensitive about age.”

“If she heard you just now, she might actually kill you.”

Just hearing “old hag” made Tsuna’s expression tighten. From the corner of his eye, he noticed someone sneaking closer—and his face darkened immediately.

Dead man walking…

Bete’s neck stiffened. He remembered all too clearly the screams that had once echoed through the entire Familia, when Riveria had given Ais her “special training.”

He didn’t dare say the word “old hag” again. Not unless he wanted Riveria to appear out of thin air and hit him with a spell.

“Tsuna, what do you think of my current condition?”

“I’d say you’re fine. The greater danger now lies not with the Floor Boss, but with the Dark Faction.”

“Those bastards…”

Bete’s expression turned grim.

He knew about the attack on Tiona and Tione in the Dungeon—not just a random ambush, but one led personally by Valletta. If the sisters hadn’t been ready, they might’ve been taken.

“That’s why for the next challenge, you’ll need Finn and Gareth with you,” Tsuna continued. “Doing it differently from last time will also make the Dark Faction more certain that the previous incident was part of Finn’s plan.”

Tsuna hadn’t forgotten to tie up the loose ends with the Dark Faction.

Having Finn and Gareth participate this time would make it clear that the Loki Familia wasn’t continuing to bait them.

It would also reinforce the idea that the earlier “trap” had only been set to draw Valletta out.

Chapter 199 – Bete’s Lesson

"Your abilities are absurd—you even managed to catch that lunatic."

Bete still couldn’t hide his astonishment when thinking about Tsuna’s power.

"That was only because I’d made preparations beforehand. If I’d been caught off guard by his first strike, I would’ve been completely on the back foot."

Even now, recalling that ambush made Tsuna uneasy.

He was the type who excelled at fighting reactively—reading his opponent’s moves, laying traps, and guiding them into his net.

But if forced into a head-on confrontation with a Level 5 Adventurer while exposed and unprepared… that would’ve been truly dangerous.

"Fortunately, my luck held out. I stayed alert enough to sense the danger before it was too late, so their plan didn’t succeed."

"As for catching one of their officers, that was pure chance."

"My fighting style depends on preparation. In sudden battles, I’m at a disadvantage."

"As a Level 2, I’m still far from matching stronger foes."

For many, Level 2 was already more than enough strength—but for Tsuna, it still felt lacking.

Even so, he wasn’t consumed by anxiety. His current weakness wasn’t due to lack of talent or potential, only time—and limited combat experience.

His abilities gave him a generous margin for error, something that allowed him to stay calm where others couldn’t.

"Those Amazon sisters really are too naive," Bete muttered. "In that kind of situation, they should’ve at least reported it to old—cough—to Miss Riveria."

He caught himself just in time before saying something suicidal.

Though his tone was irritable, his words weren’t harsh—just filled with frustration at the sisters’ carelessness and rash behavior.

"With Riveria’s experience, she should’ve seen the issue right away."

"Going into the Dungeon alone twice in a row? Those idiots might not have lived through the Great Feud three years ago, but they should still know better than to ignore the threat the Dark Faction poses."

"After the ambush on the Astraea Familia, you’d think they’d have learned what ‘caution’ means."

Ever since that incident, Bete had avoided making predictable Dungeon runs. He knew all too well that if anyone tracked his routine, it could be used to set a trap.

He believed every Adventurer should stay vigilant—no matter how familiar they were with the Dungeon, it was never a safe place.

To him, that was a basic rule for survival.

Yet those Amazon sisters had managed to overlook even that.

Bete’s sharp gaze turned toward Tsuna.

"So you’d better knock some sense into them. Don’t let them act like brainless Amazons who only charge ahead without thinking."

"Their complacency’s your fault, you know. You’ve spoiled them too much."

"You’ve coddled them so much they’ve forgotten the fundamentals."

The sharp rebuke made Tsuna lower his head slightly in embarrassment.

"That’s true. This is on me."

He had indeed been too protective of Tiona and Tione. His overcare had made them comfortable—complacent even—and that near disaster had been the result. The responsibility was his to bear.

He lifted his head slightly, gazing at the orange-tinged sky dyed by the setting sun. In its glow, he could almost see Tiona’s bright smile and Tione’s bashful, blushing face.

"Without realizing it, I got used to being around them," he murmured softly.

"When I first became an Adventurer, they got hurt a lot, so I started making things to help them recover. Before I knew it, they began relying on me for everything."

Bete looked at him quietly, and for a moment, his eyes seemed distant.

A taller, broader figure overlapped with Tsuna in his mind—someone who always wore a bright grin, laughing every day as if nothing in the world could bring him down.

That man had died carrying the weight of his own responsibility.

He hadn’t hesitated to charge a dragon he couldn’t possibly defeat, even knowing it would mean his death.

Bete’s jaw tightened. His fists clenched—and then he slammed one down hard on Tsuna’s head.

"Idiot!"

"Eh?"

Startled, Tsuna looked up at him in confusion.

"Are you stupid or what!? Those two Amazons are way tougher than you! They’re built like iron—they’re not going to die that easily! Stop trying to shoulder all the responsibility yourself!"

"Those morons are a lot stronger than you think! Your job isn’t to protect them from everything—it’s to teach them how to handle things themselves!"

"If you try to carry all that responsibility alone, who do you think you are, some kind of hero?"

Bete’s words were scathing, his finger jabbing hard at Tsuna’s chest.

He couldn’t stand it—especially after that image resurfaced in his mind. He refused to let history repeat itself.

"Bete…"

Looking at the fired-up werewolf, Tsuna couldn’t help but feel that Bete wasn’t speaking only to him.

Before he could reply, Bete grabbed him by the collar and yanked him close.

"Trust those two idiot Amazons’ strength. They’re thick-headed, yeah, but they can fight. You need to believe in that."

"They’re Adventurers, not civilians. They might still be rough around the edges, but you’ve got a better head on your shoulders. You understand the dangers out there—so make sure they understand too!"

"Stop acting like their babysitter. Make them learn. So they don’t pull the same stupid stunts again."

Bete released him with a grunt, eyes burning with frustration.

"Got it?"

Tsuna could only smile faintly in response, rubbing the spot where Bete’s fist had landed.

For once, he didn’t argue.

Chapter 200 – Don’t Wait Until You’ve Lost Something to Regret It

Bete’s words were simple. What he wanted to tell Tsuna was that he needed to trust his companions. His role wasn’t to be a full-time babysitter—it was to be a guide.

“You can’t just think about what’s right in front of you! You have to look further ahead!”

After his burst of emotion, Bete finally noticed something important.

The boy standing before him was only thirteen years old.

Back then, Bete himself had only been a year older.

This child possessed far more talent—and far greater strength—than he ever had.

And precisely because of that, Bete didn’t want him to experience the same pain he once did.

“Remember this. The people you cherish don’t just need your protection—they need your guidance.”

“You can’t handle everything alone. No matter how strong you are, that doesn’t change.”

“So, if you want to protect them, teach them how you act. You’re cautious, attentive—your way of doing things can help them.”

“Understand?”

At that moment, Tsuna noticed something in Bete’s eyes.

It was the regret of someone who had once failed himself.

The sorrow of being unable to change the past.

The pain of being unable to save those he’d lost.

And within all of that—a desperate hope that Tsuna wouldn’t repeat those same mistakes.

“I understand.”

Tsuna accepted the weight of those words. He understood now who Bete had really been speaking to.

“Good. Remember this—don’t wait until you’ve lost something to realize you regret it.”

Bete emphasized the words, then slowly released his grip.

He knew he’d been a bit rough, but being blunt was far better than letting someone be lost forever.

Images of the two Amazonian sisters flashed through his mind, and his mood lightened.

At least those two foolish women wouldn’t meet their end so easily in the Dungeon.

Level 5 Adventurers were the backbone of Labyrinth City’s power.

With so few at Level 6, and only a single Level 7 in existence, a Level 5’s strength was enough to survive in this chaotic and dangerous city.

And with the Dying Will Flame strengthening them, even most other Level 5s wouldn’t pose a threat to those two reckless Amazons.

At the very least, that was good news.

Taking a deep breath, Bete patted Tsuna’s shoulder.

“Be more aware of this kind of thing from now on.”

“That’s it for today. Go talk to those two idiots yourself—remind them not to screw up on something so basic.”

Bete spoke like someone who had already walked that road, using harsh words not to wound, but to leave a lasting warning for those who came after him.

Of course he understood the importance of cherishing the ones who mattered most.

He had lost before—and because of that, he could never truly forget the past.

With that, Bete turned and walked away.

He wasn’t in the mood to keep training. The memories had surfaced again, and he needed time to steady his heart.

“......”

As Bete’s figure disappeared, a golden chalice appeared in Tsuna’s hand.

In that moment, his eyes reflected more than just Bete’s back.

A tall man, a woman with a gentle smile, a golden-haired little girl, and a black-haired young woman—four souls lingered near Bete, hovering around him like guardians.

Bete… it seems your love for those you cherished runs so deep that even their souls can’t bear to leave you for the next life.

Tsuna sighed softly. With a flick of his wrist, the chalice shimmered and vanished into golden light.

Only after Bete had fully left the “Challenge Space” did Tsuna turn his gaze aside.

“Miss Riveria,” he said calmly, “your illusion magic has grown stronger. To think that even standing that close, Bete couldn’t catch your scent.”

In the middle of the woods, Riveria emerged from a swirl of indigo mist.

“It’s not that my illusions are stronger,” she replied, “it’s that his mind wasn’t on alert. He’s too emotional right now—his guard’s down.”

Her eyes followed the direction Bete had gone.

“Before he fell into despair, drink, and self-loathing, he’d already been through a great deal.”

“Just like so many in this world, he became an Adventurer out of hatred.”

“He finally managed to pull himself back together… and then he lost someone again. That’s why he turned into what you saw just now.”

“His mouth is vicious—he never holds back, no matter who he’s talking to. But really, those poisonous words aren’t just aimed at others—they’re curses he hurls at himself.”

Riveria didn’t elaborate further, but Tsuna already understood.

He didn’t need her explanation anyway. Through Bete’s eyes, he had already seen it—the regret, the guilt, and the grief.

With the chalice’s power, he had witnessed the lingering souls that should have long since moved on, and everything Bete said earlier suddenly made perfect sense.

“I know about Bete’s past,” Tsuna said gently. “Don’t worry—I won’t misunderstand him.”

“Though, Riveria, you must not be very happy, huh? After all…”

“Stop right there!”

She didn’t want to hear the word ‘old hag’ again—not so soon. Even with her refined composure, that particular insult hit far too hard.

“A few words from a broken wolf don’t mean anything to me.”

Don’t mean anything?

Tsuna nearly laughed aloud.

Hadn’t he said before? The Dying Will Flame was tied to one’s emotions—the stronger the feelings, the stronger the flames burned.

And right now, Riveria was practically engulfed in her “Rain” and “Mist” Flames, both blazing fiercely enough to distort their own nature.

“Riveria, you came to see me for something?”

“Yes.”

Redirected from her irritation, Riveria slowly calmed herself. The urge to pummel that wolf into the ground faded, and the Flames around her began to settle.

“Ais has been busy since she received that power. I don’t need to worry too much.”

“But… as she grows more adept with it, I’ve found myself a little concerned.”

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Note: We reached 200 chapters! Have a nice day, and thank you all for your support. I really appreciate it!