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DH : [32] Say No To Debut!
🕑 Added 2024-07-03 16:00:05 +0000 UTCRight now, the most suitable floor for Aiden to train his basic abilities is the tenth floor, where the main monsters are orcs. These creatures are known for their strength, toughness, and thick hides, but they are correspondingly slow and have poor reflexes. They are incredibly durable but sluggish in their reactions, making them perfect punching bags.
For someone with the innate talent of Inborn Divine Strength, who excels at performing miracles through brute force, these orcs are an ideal match for Aiden.
Although Aiden had seen depictions of the tenth floor in the anime and had maps and monster guides for this floor, he didn't realize that orcs were the most suitable opponents for him.
In the anime, orcs faced Bell, who wielded the growth-type divine weapon, the Hestia Knife, and possessed the quick-attack magic Firebolt. Bell's agility made him a natural enemy of the slow-moving orcs. Unless Bell was surrounded, the orcs had no chance against his versatile and swift attacks.
As a reckless warrior, Aiden had learned one thing in his brief, impetuous adventures: the more reckless he was, the more he realized the limitations of brute force. Only a few reckless warriors could achieve everything by being rash until the end. The key was to transcend recklessness... he would no longer be just a reckless warrior.
Therefore, Aiden decided to continue following his inner guidance and start tackling the sixth floor from tomorrow.
Just as Aiden made up his mind, Hestia's clear voice rang in his ears.
Hestia was somewhat shocked and speechless when she heard Aiden complain about his ability value growth being too slow. After all, Aiden's growth in his basic abilities today could be considered miraculous, yet he still felt dissatisfied.
"Aiden-kun, why do you think your growth today was too little?" Hestia asked, her voice full of curiosity as she watched Aiden, who was holding his ability data, deep in thought with a furrowed brow.
Why? There were many reasons. Firstly, to become stronger; secondly, to complete the task; thirdly, to maximize his benefits within the task's time limit.
But could he say these things? If he failed to complete the task, he would become the next Backstreet girl, lose his manhood, undergo a full cosmetic transformation, and debut as an idol.
Could he say these things? He could, but there was no need. Even if he did, it would only make Hestia worry unnecessarily.
"Hestia." Aiden sighed, looking up at her with a mix of seriousness and helplessness, his tone heavy, "You said it before. We are a family, right?"
"Yes, of course!" Hestia's expression grew serious as she noticed Aiden's solemn demeanor. She nodded vigorously, like a little chick pecking at rice.
"Do you trust me?" Seeing Hestia's adorable, eager nodding, Aiden's tone softened.
"Of course, we are family." Hestia responded, her energy restored at the mention of the word "family."
As Hestia moved to hug him again, Aiden quickly placed a hand on her head, stopping her in her tracks.
Gently stroking her smooth black hair, Aiden said, "Didn't I tell you not to do that? The reason I think today's growth isn't enough is because it didn't meet my expectations. I believe I can improve much more."
"Eh... Aiden-kun, are you really that strict with yourself?" Hestia, now looking like a content cat being petted, closed her eyes in delight, only to be taken aback by Aiden's statement.
"Aiden-kun, your basic ability growth today has already surpassed that of any adventurer in Orario. Why are you so strict with yourself? Even maintaining this growth speed is incredibly fast."
'But for the sake of my manhood and to get those three grimoires from Loki, I can't lower my standards.' Sensing Hestia's concern, Aiden gave a gentle yet slightly bitter smile, his voice firm. "No, I need to get stronger. I have to become much stronger."
"But Aiden-kun, if you keep up your current growth rate, you'll still become strong enough to surpass even the Sword Princess. Why push yourself so hard? If you get hurt, I'll be very upset." Hestia was genuinely perplexed by Aiden's relentless drive for strength.
"I have my reasons for needing to get stronger. Don't worry, Hestia, I won't get hurt." Aiden's heart warmed at her concern, and he smiled slightly, though his tone remained resolute.
"Why do you want to become so strong, Aiden-kun? Do you have enemies? Don't underestimate me; I'm a goddess, and I won't let anyone harm you. Or is this something your family demands of you?" Hestia's small right hand clenched tightly, her voice filled with determination.
"I don't have enemies, and no one is forcing me. Trust me, Hestia." Aiden said. Because the ones forcing me aren't human at all. Thinking about the terror of losing his manhood and the humiliation of being forced to debut as an idol, Aiden's lips twitched.
"Anyway, I just want to become stronger. As for the reason, I can't say yet."
"Eh... why is that? Aren't we family?" Hestia's cute little face fell instantly.
"Yes, we are family. But even family has things they can't talk about, personal privacy, and little secrets." Aiden turned away from the mat and began to put on his shoes.
"Sigh, alright then." Hestia's twin tails seemed to droop, reflecting her dejected mood.
"Don't worry, I'll tell you someday, Hestia." Once he had his shoes on, Aiden stood up and clapped his hands.
"When will that be? Can't you tell me now?" Hestia persisted, unwilling to give up.
"Saying I will tell you doesn't mean right now. When the time is right, I'll let you know." Aiden stretched, then walked over to the window and pulled back the curtains.
A refreshing evening breeze greeted him as the setting sun gave way to night, casting a soft glow over the city. The main roads were brightly lit, dividing Orario into sixteen uneven sections. In the distance, faint smoke from chimneys was visible. Thanks to magic stone products, the entire city's bustling areas were illuminated, making Aiden momentarily feel like he was back in a modern metropolis.
Enjoying the gentle caress of the evening wind and looking at the brilliantly lit Orario, a smile tugged at Aiden's lips. "Hey, Hestia, aren't you hungry?"
