Chapter 16: Secrets & Shattered Expectations (Updated)

Sora: "Hey, Misha-chan, I'd like to talk to you privately for a moment—I need a favor."

Misha, caught off guard by the request, raises an eyebrow but nods. We step aside into a quieter area.

🔹 A Confidential Request

"Misha, I'd like to register in a private room and get an exclusive adviser to handle my registration. I also have monster crystals to exchange."

She studies me with curiosity and confusion.

Misha: "But why?"

"I need my level to remain a secret. Once you get me the room and an adviser, you'll understand why. I'm putting a lot of trust in you."

Her expression shifts—still intrigued, but now pleased that I trust her with something important.

Misha: "Okay, I'll make it happen. But you'll have to wait—the only person I can trust here hasn't finished her shift yet. Sit over there and I'll come get you soon."

I nod, taking a seat, waiting patiently.

Meeting Eina Tulle

After an hour and a half, Misha returns, saying everything is ready. She leads me into a private room—a spacious setup with two couches facing each other, a table between them.

Sitting across from me is a woman I instantly recognize—Eina Tulle.

I smile, pleased.

I take my seat, with Misha beside her.

🔹 Introductions

Eina: "Hello, sir. My name is Eina Tulle. What can I help you with?"

I return her polite smile.

"Hello, Miss Eina. I'd like to register as an adventurer—but first, I have a few questions."

Eina: "Of course, go ahead."

🔹 A Private Registration

"Can I request absolute secrecy for our meeting and my information? I want it hidden from the public and familias."

Eina, maintaining a calm, professional demeanor, nods.

Eina: "Yes, though few adventurers request this—most seek fame to attract familias. But the option is available."

I sigh, relieved.

Even as the strongest, I have no desire for unnecessary conflicts—wars would break out over recruiting a Level 10 adventurer, especially among gods like Apollo and Freya, who stop at nothing to claim those they desire.

Additionally, I plan to start a familia with Hestia. I need time to recruit and train the members I want. I can't do that if every god and goddess is hunting me down.

"Then I'd like to invoke that option, and I want you as my adviser—I'll be in your care from now on."

I chose Eina because she is the best. She genuinely cares for adventurers, going above and beyond for those under her guidance.

She hesitates for a moment, then nods.

Eina: "Alright. Should I begin, or do you want Misha to leave first?"

"No, I trust her. You can begin."

🔹 The Bombshell

She nods, picking up her pen.

Eina: "Name and Level, please."

"Name: Sora. Level: 10."

Both women freeze.

Eina's professional calm vanishes. Her pen slips from her hand, landing on the table.

A suffocating silence hangs between us.

Seconds later, Misha lets out a dry laugh, trying to process what she just heard.

Misha: "Sora-kun, don't joke like that—it's not funny."

She looks into my serious eyes, seeing no hesitation, no deception.

Her breath catches.

"You're joking... right?"

I offer a silent nod—a confirmation.

The room falls into silence again.

This time, Eina recovers first, struggling to maintain composure as she asks:

Eina: "What familia are you a part of? And... how old are you?"

"None—I haven't joined one yet. I'm 21 years old."

Silence.

Again, Eina scrutinizes me, eyes searching for a lie.

I don't blame her—leveling is not easy in this world. The youngest high-level adventurer is Ais, and she's only Level 5. The strongest in Orario are Level 6.

I had just declared I am Level 10.

Eina: "Sora-san, I must inform you that lying about your level is a crime—and you're pushing this too far."

Her tone is sharp, edged with doubt.

I remain calm, meeting her gaze head-on.

"I can prove it. I'll show you my status—on my back."

Their shock deepens—whether from my insistence or the sheer taboo of my words.

In this world, only adventurers and their gods have the right to view their status.

Eina looks at me, seeking final confirmation.

I nod, unwavering.

I stand, slowly unbuttoning my shirt.

Both women's faces turn red—their heartbeats quickening from anticipation.