Multiverse: In DanMachi, I'm the Strongest Summoner

3/5

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Ryuu nodded with a wry smile.

"Everyone's gotten so strong…"

She couldn't help but feel a little envious.

Her companions had grown stronger and leveled up like it was as easy as drinking water.

And she…

Had been stuck at Level 4 for five years.

"I'm still Level 4, just like you, Ryuu."

"Except for me, everyone else here has become a first-class adventurer~~"

Noin tapped her chin as she cheerfully explained.

"Oh right, Ryuu—how is Lady Astraea doing these days?"

Laila suddenly asked.

"Our goddess… she's no longer in Orario."

Ryuu's voice turned heavy, her gaze dropping low.

"I see…"

"Then why don't we go look for her together?"

"Raven, is that okay?"

Alise flashed a toothy smile.

Hearing that, Raven's eyes gleamed with thought.

"Your goddess… I believe she's currently in the sword-making city of Zollingen."

"Let's wait a bit. When the time comes, I'll go with you to find her."

It was also a good opportunity—Ryuu's weapon had broken, so it was time to get her a new one.

The Stardust Sword – Spirit of Justice.

A weapon forged by Cecil, the new captain of the Astraea Familia.

The materials alone cost 120 million valis.

Its effect?

It amplifies the user's magical power—

Especially when used by an elf, the boost becomes exponential.

Aside from reuniting the Justice Girls with their goddess and giving Ryuu a top-tier weapon—

Raven also wanted to meet the goddess of justice herself: Astraea.

Whether she'd be willing to return to Orario, though, was still uncertain.

If the conditions were right, he didn't mind bringing her back.

But—

Alise and the others could no longer return to Astraea's side.

And Ryuu—

Was the same.

After all, she was now the vice-captain of Raven's Familia.

Now that she knew the truth of his magic, Raven absolutely wouldn't let her go.

"Ryuu, how about joining Raven's Familia?"

Alty asked gently. "That way, we can all be together every day."

"Yeah, Ryuu."

"We missed you so much~"

Alise chimed in cheerfully.

Raven just smiled and said nothing, watching as the girls gently pulled Ryuu to their side.

"I…"

Ryuu looked up at him, hesitating to speak.

She suddenly remembered what he'd once said to her—

"In this Familia, it's just me."

Even so—

Right now, Raven alone was enough to rival the Twin Kings of Orario.

"Raven… what's your plan for the future?"

"Please… tell me."

Ryuu stared at him with sincerity in her eyes.

Raven thought for a moment and answered:

"First, don't be so formal. Just call me Raven."

"You see? No one here treats you like an outsider."

"Second—my goal is simple: to conquer the final floor of the Dungeon."

"Then, head to Dragon Valley and slay the legendary Black Dragon."

"Black Dragon…?"

Ryuu's expression changed, and she inhaled sharply.

That was the monster that wiped out both the Zeus and Hera Familias…

"Yeah."

"That's my ultimate goal."

Raven understood—

The time limit to break the Black Dragon's seal was almost upon them.

Once Erebus's seal of wind lifted,

The Dragon would descend—and the world would face utter destruction.

That's why—

To face such a calamity, Raven had to gather trustworthy companions.

"So, Ryuu—will you join me in slaying the legendary Black Dragon?"

"I need your strength—just like when we fought the Juggernaut."

"…I will."

Ryuu answered without hesitation, eyes filled with unwavering resolve.

Those words alone—

Were enough to show that the Gale had chosen to join the Hestia Familia.

"Alright then. But Ryuu—want to experience a cheat-code-style power-up?"

Raven looked at her meaningfully, a teasing smile on his face.

"What kind of… cheat?"

Ryuu tilted her head curiously.

Could she also receive some kind of "plug-in" like the others?

"I can help you gain massive boosts to your stats in a very short time."

"But…"

He paused dramatically.

"That depends on whether you can accept the method."

"Please tell me."

Ryuu leaned forward, full of anticipation.

"Ah, well…"

Seeing how eager she was, Raven hesitated slightly.

Honestly—it was a bit embarrassing to say out loud.

After all, their relationship wasn't that close yet, right?

Not to mention…

As an elf, Ryuu had a strict personal boundary—a kind of cleanliness or touch-aversion.

"Please… tell me."

"Quickly."

Ryuu looked desperate to know, eyes shining with hope.

"Fine. I have a rare skill that lets me share EXP with someone—if they sleep with me."

"With that, you can gain levels insanely fast."

Ryuu's eyes widened in disbelief.

"S-Sleep with you…?"

She whispered, her cheeks flushing red again.

"I've never lied to you."

"Remember when I told you in the bar that I'd been to the 18th floor?"

"You didn't believe me—you thought I was full of nonsense…"

"Well now I'll tell you the truth: I destroyed an entire Dark Faction back then."

Raven said it dead-seriously.

…

Dungeon, 1st Floor.

A deserted chamber.

A white magic circle silently shimmered into existence.

"Alright, let's part ways here. I still have some things to do."

"Please take Syr's basket back to the bar for me."

Raven took an empty basket from his storage and handed it over.

Ryuu accepted it.

"Alright."

"When will Alise, Kaguya, Laila and the others appear again?"

Ryuu looked at Raven, her eyes filled with admiration and awe.

Raven paused to think and answered:

"Whenever I go adventuring in the Dungeon—I'll summon them."

Ryuu nodded in understanding.

"Then… next time you go, will you bring me along?"

Raven smiled faintly.

"Of course."

"Tomorrow we rest, so probably the day after."

"Got it."

"Thank you… Raven."

She looked at him with heartfelt sincerity.

"Mm. See you."

Raven waved goodbye.

After learning the truth—

Ryuu had fully acknowledged him.

And Raven… had become the only man she ever truly accepted.

Using teleportation magic, he returned to his Familia's base.

By then, it was already past 5 PM.

At that hour, Goddess Hestia wasn't home.

While waiting—

Raven relaxed on the couch, arms behind his head, gazing at the ceiling.

"The Divine Banquet… starts at 7 tonight, right?"

"Sigh… and now my schedule for tomorrow has suddenly filled up again."

After Ryuu invited him out, they planned to meet tomorrow evening at Amor Square.

"How boring… oh well. Might as well take a nap first."

Time slowly passed, and the sky darkened.

"Raven-kun, wake up~~"

Hestia shook his shoulder gently.

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