NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 27: Chapter 26: A New Beginning
Kenji stopped at the threshold.
His voice—calm yet sharp.
"Humans are weak. They are flawed."
"But that's why they need guidance."
His gaze hardened.
"You never gave your Familia that guidance."
"You abandoned them before they could even try."
He turned his back to the silent god.
"You are the worst deity I've ever seen."
A pause.
For the first time, Soma flinched.
Kenji walked away.
Never looking back.
Whether Soma would change or not—
Was no longer his concern.
---
The Hestia Familia residence.
Kenji barely stepped inside before—
"Uuuuuuu—!!!"
A wailing sound filled the room.
Kenji froze.
A small blur launched toward him—
SLAM!
Hestia clung to him with teary eyes, puffing her cheeks in frustration.
"You traitor!!"
Kenji blinked.
Hestia pointed at Lily.
"First Ais, now this adorable little thing?! You're collecting girls like magic crystals!"
Lily awkwardly fidgeted under Hestia's burning glare.
Kenji sighed.
"This is Lily."
"She's joining our Familia."
Silence.
She pouted.
"Well… fine!"
Then—
She grabbed Lily's hands.
"But!"
"You have one duty."
Lily tilted her head.
Hestia's expression turned serious.
"You must make sure no other girls steal Kenji away!!"
Kenji facepalmed.
Lily blinked.
Then, with a sly smile—
"Of course, Lady Hestia. But… what if I steal him for myself?"
Hestia gasped.
Kenji sighed harder.
Before the two could start bickering like children, he flicked their foreheads.
"Enough."
"Lily, let's finish your conversion ceremony."
...
The ritual was quick.
The moment it was done, a new divine symbol glowed on Lily's back.
She was now officially a part of the Hestia Familia.
Lily stared at the mark in awe.
Her chest tightened.
For the first time—
She had a home.
"Oh, right!"
Kenji sat up.
"Hestia, check my status."
He laid down on the sofa.
Hestia's eyes sparkled.
She bit her finger, letting a drop of divine blood fall onto Kenji's back.
The moment it touched his skin—
The divine script appeared.
Then—
Hestia's eyes widened in shock.
"KENJI!!"
She jumped onto his back, squeezing him tightly.
"YOU DID IT!"
Kenji blinked.
"You've officially ranked up!"
"You are now LV2!"
A pause.
Then—
Hestia grinned mischievously.
"You're now the fastest adventurer to reach LV2 in all of Orario~!"
Kenji chuckled.
"I do work hard."
Hestia ignored him.
"Now, pick your development skill!"
Kenji thought for a moment.
Three options appeared.
[Magic Guide] – Enhances magic spells.
[Swordsman] – Improves swordsmanship.
[Abnormal Resistance] – Reduces negative effects.
Kenji didn't hesitate.
"Swordsman."
Hestia nodded.
She pressed her finger onto his back, locking in his choice.
As soon as she finished, she leaned on him again, grinning.
"Kenji, you're so strong now~"
Kenji felt his eye twitch.
"…Hestia, please get off me."
A giggle.
Lily, watching from the side, crossed her arms.
"Lady Hestia, this is inappropriate."
Hestia stuck her tongue out.
Kenji ignored them both.
He stood up and stretched.
Then—
He smirked.
"To celebrate, let's eat out."
---
The three left for The Hostess of Fertility—the most famous adventurer's tavern in Orario.
On the way—
Hestia and Lily clung to each of Kenji's arms, secretly competing for his attention.
Kenji sighed.
Then, in his mind—
"System, show me my stats."
[Physical Strength] – Peak Mid-Rank Devil
[Energy] – Peak Mid-Rank Devil
[Abilities] – Reinforcement Magic, Thunder Breathing, Fireball Technique
[Weapons] – Nichirin Sword, Excalibur, Longinus Spear (One-Time Use)
[Companions] – Medusa (Rider)
[Overall Rating: High-Rank Devil (With Hidden Potential)]
Kenji grinned.
His strength had grown tremendously.
But he wasn't satisfied yet.
He needed to be stronger.
For himself.
For the Hestia Familia.
For the battles yet to come.
---
"Welcome!"
A cheerful voice greeted them.
A young waitress with sky-blue hair smiled warmly.
Kenji stepped inside.
The smell of grilled meat and ale filled the air.
The night was just beginning.
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