<<[Caught with the Author's last chapter T.T, looks like he is resting as he hasn't updated in 4 days. Let's wait and see, pretty sure he comes back as the fic is doing quite good in Faloo, anyway, it will take a few more days before I can start daily updates here.]>>
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[Ding! Detected: host has successfully recruited Utaha. Mission complete!]
[Distributing rewards…]
[1] System-exclusive Storage Space.
Effect:
Store and retrieve non-living items by will. Capacity: unlimited.
(Note: This is a system function, not "divine power.")
[2] Host's physique and overall attributes enhanced.
Effect:
Raised to roughly Lv.3–Lv.4 Adventurer standards in this world.
(Greatly boosts strength, speed, endurance, and reaction speed, ensuring the host has basic self-preservation in upcoming adventures and won't drag the team down.)
[3] Familia-exclusive top-tier equipment sets ×3.
〖1〗 Spiritweave Guardcloth (Combat Suit) ×3.
Effect:
Excellent magic and physical resistance; light and breathable; no movement penalty; auto-fits any size.
(Note: approx. 500,000,000 valis per piece.)
〖2〗 Gale-Strider Boots ×3.
Effect:
Top-tier anti-slip and shock absorption; improves stability and a bit of movement speed.
(Note: approx. 100,000,000 valis per pair.)
〖3〗 Pan-Resist Gloves ×3.
Effect:
Resists corrosion, poison, paralysis, burns, and other abnormal conditions.
(Note: approx. 100,000,000 valis per pair.)
[Items have been deposited into System Storage and can be retrieved anytime.]
The next instant, a warm current carrying a mysterious power surged into his core.
[Ding!]
[Physique enhancement complete. Please acclimate at your own pace.]
...
The string of rewards left Zyhark's heart thundering.
Storage space…
A boosted body…
Top-tier gear…
This payout was absurdly generous?
Looks like the System Storage just solved the logistics problem of carrying supplies.
And the physique upgrade—perfectly timed.
'At last…'
'I'm no longer a "burden" who needs my Familia to protect me every second.'
On top of that, he now had respectable combat strength—on par with the core members of a mid-tier Familia!
'Second-Tier Adventurer level, huh?'
'Nowhere near that war god Takemikazuchi, but… not bad at all.'
In DanMachi terms:
"First-Tier" Adventurers are Lv.5 and above.
"Second-Tier" are Lv.4–Lv.3, and "Third-Tier" are Lv.2.
From what he knew,
Takemikazuchi's martial arts could even trip up a First-Tier Adventurer.
Besides him, there were battle-type deities like the justice goddess Astraea and the moon goddess Artemis.
Astraea's swordsmanship could beat her own girls, Alise and Kaguya, into tears.
Artemis was even more outrageous!
When she went "hunting" with her Familia in the wilds, her archery was unstoppable.
Even Rethusa, the Lv.3 captain, couldn't match her "Technique."
'Three full sets of top-tier defensive gear… total value over two billion valis?'
The figure made Zyhark quietly suck in a breath.
All this time, he'd carried a guilty knot over "zero investment" in his Familia.
This moment, he could finally sweep that guilt away!
He even thought of penniless Hestia in the original.
She still managed to procure a "divine tool" worth 200 million, while he had nothing.
Now, he finally had resources worth presenting!
Even without a new cross-anime heroine summon card, these tangible upgrades… would unquestionably raise his Familia's overall power to a new tier!
The shock and delight shifting on Zyhark's face were subtle but real.
He tried to keep it down, yet Mahiru, ever sensitive to mood, still caught it.
"Zyhark-sama, what's wrong? Are you… feeling unwell anywhere?"
Pulled back to the present, Zyhark smothered his excitement and gave Mahiru a reassuring smile.
"I'm fine. I just thought of a few things all of a sudden."
He didn't pull the prizes out; instead, he shifted the topic.
"When Utaha's finished with the bath, how about we soak too and relax a bit?"
"We were in the Dungeon forever today—everyone's beat."
Yukino said nothing, but the slight easing of her brows signaled approval.
Indeed, it was time to loosen the fatigue.
Zyhark added,
"After we've soaked and topped off your mana, I'll update your Status."
"Let's see how much you've grown from such a big workout today."
At that, Yukino and Mahiru both brightened.
For Adventurers, seeing your own growth is one of the greatest motivators and joys.
Just then, the bathroom door clicked open.
Utaha stepped out, wearing Zyhark's oversized white shirt.
The hem fell just to the tops of her thighs, like a casually styled dress.
Her long, wet black hair lay over her shoulders, carrying a fresh, clean scent.
Zyhark's surprised gaze stopped on those long, straight legs.
And on… the brand-new boxer briefs clearly belonging to him.
"You—!"
His eyes flew wide. Words stuck.
"Why are you wearing my…?!"
He'd just bought those today and hadn't even worn them yet!
Mahiru blinked, then couldn't help a hushed giggle, her shoulders trembling— a little devil pleased with a prank well played.
Obviously, when she'd passed Utaha the clothes earlier, she'd "arranged" things on purpose.
Yukino shot over a sideways look that all but said, "As expected—pervert."
Facing Zyhark's accusation, Utaha looked completely unruffled.
If anything… a languid ease.
She tugged lightly at the shirt's hem, voice even.
"What did you expect?"
"Go commando?"
"I can't exactly wear nothing, can I?"
Her eyes swept over Zyhark.
No barbed quips aimed at him, just a calm, matter-of-fact tone.
"Since I've joined the Familia, I figure we're family now."
"Borrowing Zyhark-sama's brand-new boxers should be… no big deal, right?"
"Or are you, Zyhark-sama… the type to mind that?"
It came so naturally, as if it were nothing.
After weathering his earlier "Divine Presence," Utaha had developed a healthy awe for this seemingly gentle yet truly powerful Kami.
Even, a faint attraction born of that power.
In her view, wearing the god's pantsu wasn't unacceptable— if anything, it carried a curious closeness.
Of course… she also knew they'd just argued; as girls, Yukino and Mahiru were absolutely not lending her anything right now.
"It's not that I especially mind…"
Her unflinching logic left Zyhark a little dazed.
He muttered,
"It's just… kinda weird… You really are… a strange one."
"Heh."
Utaha smiled softly.
No rebuttal.
Instead, she shot Mahiru a meaningful glance.
"Compared to a certain someone snickering after a sneaky stunt, I'd say I'm very upfront."
Mahiru's smile vanished as she straightened her face.
"I-I didn't pull a stunt!"
"You didn't ask clearly enough, Utaha-san!"
Yukino sighed and opted out of the pointless spat.
She slipped from Zyhark's arms and began laying out bathwear.
Zyhark could only smile wryly.
"Alright, that's enough."
He clapped his hands.
"Mahiru, Yukino, let's get ready for the bath too."
"Utaha, keep that on for now and take it easy. We'll buy you new clothes tomorrow."
As for those three sets of top-tier gear—
he decided to wait for the right moment and spring a surprise.
"Hold up…!"
Utaha's eyes widened as she caught the keyword.
"Bath… as in… the three of you… together?"
…
…
(End of Chapter)
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