Is it wrong to make bonds in a dungeon?

(Pov: Riveria)

I was spending my time quietly reading in the library. *He must be in the dungeon right now* 

My thoughts on our Familia's new member distracted me from my reading, which is strange, since I never lose my concentration when reading so easily.

It's only been two days since he joined. A High Human, huh? A race that left this world thousands of years ago. For someone of his race to appear so suddenly is truly fascinating. I also learned many things about his old world from him. 

Machines that can fly high in the sky and carry people and objects across vast distances, weapons capable of flattening cities—it is both terrifying and fascinating. The fact that mankind is capable of achieving so much even without the help of gods made me curious to see this kind of world with my own eyes. 

He said that he got involved in an accident, because of which he ended up in this World. Then maybe it is also possible to travel back there. Although he was quite avoidant when that topic came up. I did not push him either, after all, everyone had some secret they did not wish to reveal. 

But he did say that with enough strength, travelling to other worlds is possible. While we do not know what amount of strength is necessary, I suppose we need to be able to have the power to rival the gods of heaven to even try it. 

"Riviera"

He is truly a strange one. 

"Riviera?"

But not bad.

"Mama Riveria!" 

I heard a shout near my sensitive elven ears. I glared at the rude person who dared to do that. Loki was standing near the chair I was sitting on. I stared at her mostly with annoyance. 

"Loki, I know mischief is in your nature, but shouting in my ears is being too much." 

"Ehh! Riviera. Even if I am a goddess of mischief, I would not do such a tasteless prank!" She said with a shocked voice. "I was trying to call you several times, but you did not respond." 

"What?" Was I so lost in my thoughts that I became unaware of my surroundings? 

"What were you thinking about so deeply?" 

"It was nothing," she stared at me with a suspicious look.

"Anyway, don't you come here for something?" I asked mainly to divert her attention. While I don't think it was anything that I have to hide. But Loki will just tease me about it, and I have no intention of giving her that opportunity. 

"Oh yeah! We are going to Hermes' place to talk about Asfi-chan teaching Arin-kun item creation." 

"I see, let's get going then." I closed the book, noticing that I had not read a single page of it. and got up from my chair. 

.

.

.

Arin working with Hermes Familia… I hope his eccentricity does not rub off on Arin. 

I need to warn Asfi to look after Arin well.

_____________________________________

After getting home, I walked straight towards Loki's Office to discuss what happened today in the dungeon. After all, I will have more chances of avoiding the tragedy if I have more people on the Evilius tail.

*knock knock* "Come in," came the voice inside the Loki office. I entered the office and saw that Riveria was also here, sipping on some tea. Both she and Loki seem to be relaxing like they just came from somewhere.

"Arin-kun, you came just in time. I wanted to let you know that the Hermes famila agreed to teach you about Item creation. But let's talk about that later. Looks like you also have something to discuss."

"Yeah, I do, and it might be related to Evilius members." I talked as I took a seat beside Riviera. My words shocked both of them. Riviera's hand, which was going towards the tea kettle, stopped mid-air. As her face turned towards me, looking me up and down, like she is examining if I am alright or not. 

"Are you ok?" Riviera asked with concern visible in her voice. 

"Yeah, I am fine. I did get in a little trouble, but the Astraea familia bailed me out." 

"Astraea familia? It must be something big if it proves so much trouble for you and requires their intervention." Riveria seemingly understood that I was not hurt too much and served me tea. 

Tea served by Riveria, I must be in heaven.

"Yeah, actually after I entered the dungeon…" I told them from start to finish.

"Monster control, huh? Sounds troublesome. I will have Finn and others look into it." That was Loki's response.

"Still, to be able to heavily injure a special monster on your second dungeon dive is impressive." Riviera's compliment makes the fight with that lizard worth it.

"Loki, you were telling me that about the Hermes familia?"

"Hm? Oh, right, yeah, they are ready to teach you. Asfi-chan will teach you about it. Although they put some conditions, mainly that whatever item you make and sell in the market, they will keep half the profit. And also that you will have to help out their familia in the dungeon and other missions." 

"The first seems like a fair deal to me. Though the latter seems a little weird. Shouldn't they be asking a stronger member for the mission help?" 

"Well, I guess they are betting on your future growth. Though I am more than sure it is more because Hermes himself might want to observe you."

Okay, whatever plan he is cooking, I will take care of it when the time comes.

"The classes will be 4 days a week. You can talk with Asfi tomorrow for the finer details. She is a good friend of mine. If you encounter any trouble, especially with their god, you can ask for her help. She might not be the captain of the familia, but her word carries enough weight." Riviera told me. But were they really that close? Maybe they bonded over their shared background as princesses.

"Thanks, Riveria." 

"Don't worry about it. I have to look after new members of our familia as the vice-captain." She said with a little pride in her voice.

After some more chit-chat, I left the room. I will get my status update later.