Chapter 185: Return (1)

Upon returning to Danmachi World, Sol transformed back into his human form, carrying Artemis from the portal as if he were hauling a sack of rice. Though she was now safe, Artemis showed no signs of waking up.

How much longer does she plan to sleep?

She was as heavy and oblivious as a stone.

"You're finally back! Did you handle Antares?" Alfia called out as Sol entered.

"Of course! You should know by now who you're talking to," Sol replied, giving her a triumphant grin and flexing his muscles.

Alfia had intended to ask for details, but seeing his smug expression, she dropped the idea and turned away, uninterested.

"Then let's hurry out. I've cleared the cave of monsters," Alfia said.

"As expected of Alfia—truly dependable!" Sol praised her habitually, but his gaze lingered a bit too long.

Alfia raised an eyebrow, suspicious. "What are you planning now?"

"Artemis is too heavy. Could you help transport this crystal out?" he asked, gesturing to the crystal lying nearby.

Without a second thought, Alfia shot down his request. "I refuse."

"Hey! Shouldn't you lend a hand to help out your own god and comrade?"

"No. Just carry Artemis-sama outside, and leave the rest to the members of the Artemis familia," Alfia replied firmly, striding out of the cave without a backward glance.

Outside, she called for the members of the Artemis familia to assist. When they saw their goddess safe, the girls hurriedly gathered around to collect the crystals.

"Thank you for saving Artemis-sama!"

——

Back at the Artemis familia's residence, after a long rest, Artemis finally began to show signs of waking. Sol watched her, bemused. From start to finish, she had slept soundly through it all, oblivious to the chaos. He hadn't known she could sleep so deeply.

"Finally awake?" Sol asked as Artemis slowly opened her eyes. She looked around in a daze, barely registering Sol's words until she noticed her children surrounding her with relief and excitement.

"Everyone..." she whispered hoarsely, reaching a hand towards her children.

Rethusa, the captain of her familia, moved forward, gently guiding Artemis's hand to her cheek. Feeling the warmth of her child's face, Artemis's eyes filled with light.

"Rethusa, everyone… you're all alive…" she murmured.

"We're all safe now, thanks to Sol-sama and his reinforcements," Rethusa replied, tears brimming in her eyes.

Artemis wiped Rethusa's tears away, comforting her with a soft smile. Rethusa, mindful of their rescuers, turned to thank Sol, ensuring he knew their gratitude was sincere.

"Thank you, Sol," Artemis said warmly. "It's been a long time. If you hadn't arrived in time, my children would have been in real danger."

Sol brushed off her thanks. "You should get some rest. It's lucky you weren't in Orario; otherwise, you'd have to face the council's lectures."

"If that were the case, it would be well deserved," Artemis replied, accepting her oversight.

"Hey, I didn't save you just to listen to you berate yourself." Sol teased.

Artemis smiled faintly. "Though I'd like to repay you, my familia doesn't have much to offer."

Sol waved away her worry. "Please, your 'three melons and two dates' aren't my concern."

Artemis laughed, touched by his teasing. "If there's anything I can do in the future to repay you, I'll be there whenever you need."

"Actually, there's something you could help me with right now," Sol said, seizing the opportunity.

"Oh? What's that?" Artemis asked.

"I need a familia that spends most of its time outside Orario to handle a few matters for me," he explained.

"Like what?"

"I'm involved in some business outside of Orario, but I can't be leaving the city often. I'd need you to help manage these operations, transporting supplies, and handling any unexpected issues along the way," he clarified.

Artemis nodded in understanding. "If it's just transporting and guarding supplies, I'd be glad to help."

In this way, Sol's business outside Orario could be smoothly handled with the extra support.

"This will be a long-term arrangement, and it needs to be kept confidential. Think it over carefully," he added.

"Don't worry. I'll keep my word," Artemis replied firmly. Her reliable nature made her commitment reassuring.

In return, Sol promised, "I'll provide you with necessary supplies as well, and after each escort mission, you'll receive compensation."

Artemis hesitated. "If it's a favor, how can I accept payment?"

"A few times as a favor, sure. But I can't let you work without pay indefinitely. Your familia has mouths to feed, after all."

Artemis couldn't argue with his reasoning, recognizing that he genuinely had her familia's welfare in mind.

"Then I accept the task," she agreed, a sense of purpose lighting her face.