Once Hephaestus was gone, Levi turned to Alise and Kaguya. "Take a seat."
"When I summoned you," Levi began, his tone becoming serious, "I told you I needed you to help me 'grind' for funds. In exchange, I'll resurrect your comrades and boost your strength. We were in the Dungeon then, and I suspected Freya was watching, so I skipped the details. Now, we make it official."
He produced parchment, a quill, and ink. "Let's draft the contract."
"Agreed," the two girls said, their expressions solemn. As spirits dependent on Levi's mana, they expected to be exploited.
"First, working hours," Levi said, scratching the quill against the parchment. "You will accompany me to the Dungeon for two weeks every month. Your duties include luring mobs, support, and collecting magic stones and materials. When not in the Dungeon, you act as Hestia's bodyguards. If we have to return early due to unforeseen circumstances, the two-week quota is considered met."
"Salary: A base pay of 500,000 Valis per month. You also receive a 1% bonus on all magic stones and materials collected. This can be paid in Valis or converted 1:1 into Familia Points."
"Any objections?"
"None," Alise said. "That's very fair," Kaguya added. To them, this was a dream job compared to the 24/7 grind they had anticipated.
Levi had Hestia translate the contract into Hieroglyphs (Divine Script) below the common tongue text to make it binding.
"Now, about Familia Points," Levi continued. "I have the Development Abilities 'Mystic' and 'Mixing.' I can create items with special effects. For example..."
He pushed two bottles of Ice-Fire Wine toward them. "This can substitute for traditional training to increase your basic stats."
Alise and Kaguya stared in shock. As veterans, they knew what the 'Mystic' ability represented—it was the power to create miracles.
"May I try it?" Kaguya asked.
"Of course. These are your hiring gifts," Levi gestured. "But drink slowly. Take a sip and wait."
Kaguya opened the bottle and took a small 20ml sip. Instantly, her cheeks flushed a deep crimson. "Ngh—!"
It wasn't the alcohol—which Levi had diluted to almost nothing—but the raw elemental reaction of ice and fire surging through her veins.
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Danmachi : I'm Surrounded by Goddesses (132 Chapters, Ongoing)
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"Kaguya! Are you okay?" Alise asked, worried.
"I'm... fine," Kaguya panted, the elemental surge finally settling. "It reminds me of the 'Konohana Poison' back in my homeland. I see now how this can replace training."
Levi shrugged. "If you want to grow strong fast without innate genius, you have to be willing to endure a little 'flavor.'""...I see."
Gojou Yoru Kaguya was merely a level 4 adventurer, and when she had previously leveled up her blessings, she hadn't pushed her abilities to their limits.
Therefore, what was only a slightly uncomfortable Icefire Wine for Levi turned into a painful ordeal for her.
Fortunately, since she hadn't drunk much, her condition gradually improved after about three minutes.
Though sweat still beaded on her forehead, she was able to move normally again.
Seeing this, Levi narrowed his eyes slightly.
'It seems that the 4-star Icefire Wine is still a bit too potent for adventurers below the first tier.'
With this thought, he took out a full set of bartending tools and, in front of the three women in the room, quickly turned a bottle of common wheat beer, available at any tavern, into a new 3-star Icefire Wine through a series of mixing and diluting.
Another five minutes passed, and Gojou Yoru Kaguya's condition fully recovered.
"Go take a bath," Levi stood up, handing a bottle of renewal potion and a bottle of unlocking potion he had bought on the 18th floor to Hestia. "Afterward, we can update your blessings and see the effects of the Icefire Wine."
"Alright."
Feeling sticky all over, Gojou Yoru Kaguya didn't refuse. She had wanted to do this ever since returning to the surface.
Now that she had permission, she stood up without hesitation.
As for Aris, about two minutes ago, she had already taken a sip of the 3-star Icefire Wine on Levi's suggestion. Perhaps because her abilities were better than her friend's and the wine she drank was of a lower star, although sweat appeared on her forehead, she didn't seem to be much affected by the elemental reaction within her body.