Chapter 11: Chapter 10
The next morning, Orsted left early and headed to Babel to buy supplies.
The potions Orsted bought were primarily for treating minor injuries, but he also purchased two bottles of high potion.
These were expensive, and Orsted didn't dare to buy too many.
After gathering his supplies, Orsted made his way to the square beneath Babel and waited quietly.
Aside from solo adventurers like him, most adventurers gathered here to meet their companions before venturing into the Dungeon.
In the anime, Liliruca Arde often sought clients in this area.
Orsted hoped to encounter her here.
However, he gave himself only an hour.
If Liliruca didn't appear within that time, Orsted would head straight into the Dungeon and try again the next day.
Fortunately, luck seemed to be on his side.
He had waited less than ten minutes when he spotted a small figure carrying an oversized backpack.
Seeing this, Orsted approached her directly.
"Adventurer?" Liliruca was visibly surprised by Orsted's approach.
"Hello…" Orsted nodded slightly and was about to extend his invitation.
But at that moment, the system that had been dormant for six days suddenly prompted something.
[Random sign-in triggered. Would you like to sign in?]
This startled Orsted, but he chose to sign in without hesitation.
'Sign in!'
[Sign-in successful. Congratulations, host, for obtaining the Perfect Version of Sun Breathing!]
[Perfect Version of Sun Breathing: No side effects.]
[Note: The host can teach this technique to anyone.]
Orsted was stunned.
'Sun Breathing!?'
'And teach this technique to someone?'
This… was this prepared for future members of Hestia Familia?
Orsted knew full well how difficult Sun Breathing was to master.
In Demon Slayer, only three individuals had ever achieved it.
But the description implied that anyone Orsted taught could learn it, regardless of their natural aptitude.
This meant Orsted could share this powerful technique with others, boosting the strength of Hestia Familia.
With Sun Breathing, the future members of Hestia Familia would undoubtedly grow stronger.
"Adventurer?" Seeing Orsted's distracted expression, Liliruca frowned slightly, taking a subtle step back.
"Is something wrong?"
Could this be one of the adventurers she had deceived in the past?
No, Liliruca was certain she had never tricked an elf, let alone one as handsome as Orsted.
Her thoughts raced anxiously.
"Oh, sorry. Something just came to mind," Orsted said, snapping back to reality.
"Liliruca Arde—may I call you Lili?"
"Would you like to team up with me?" Orsted smiled warmly and extended his invitation.
"Adventurer, you know my name?!" Liliruca took a few steps back, her voice tinged with alarm.
If Orsted knew her name, he must have investigated her past.
He was surely aware of her reputation and the rumors surrounding her.
Was this a trap? Did he have ulterior motives?
"I know about your past, but I don't care. My invitation is sincere."
"Lili, do you want a chance to start over?" Orsted reached out his hand, his tone earnest.
If Liliruca accepted, Orsted was determined to help her rebuild her life and welcome her into Hestia Familia.
She was teetering on the edge of despair, one step away from falling into the abyss.
But if someone extended a hand, that person could become her guiding light—the one she would respect and follow for the rest of her life.
Just as in the anime.
Orsted, familiar with the story, was confident he could become that light for her.
As Liliruca looked into Orsted's eyes, her heart trembled.
She felt an inexplicable warmth radiating from him, as if he truly didn't care about her past mistakes and genuinely wanted to help her.
If she let this opportunity slip, she might never encounter someone like him again.
But was it safe to trust him?
Her mind was still wrestling with doubt, but her body acted on its own.
Her small hand found its way into Orsted's palm.
The touch snapped her back to reality, and she stared in shock at what she had done.
"It's a deal, then. From now on, you'll be my companion," Orsted smiled as he held her hand.
"Ah… okay," Liliruca nodded blankly.
She didn't understand why she had acted so impulsively, but deep down, she knew she had always longed for redemption.
'Orsted-sama, will you be my salvation?' Liliruca thought anxiously as she walked beside him, her backpack slung over her shoulders.
"Don't be so nervous, Lili. We're companions now," Orsted said gently, noticing her unease.
"I'll help you work through your problems step by step."
"You'll be living with me and Hestia from now on."
"That way, you won't have to worry about the Soma Familia causing you trouble."
Liliruca nodded silently, still processing everything.
Seeing her hesitation, Orsted shook his head slightly.
Her heart was still guarded, and she was clearly confused by his sudden appearance.
To ease her tension, Orsted began chatting about various topics, gradually drawing Liliruca into the conversation.
His efforts paid off.
Within half an hour, Liliruca began responding more actively.
"Orsted-sama, which floor are we heading to?"
"The tenth floor."
"Eh?! That deep?"
"Is it deep?"
"Isn't it?"
"Not really. If I weren't bringing you along, I'd be heading to the Middle Floors."
Liliruca: "…"
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