17.

Chapter 17: Acceptance, Advsior, Limits

Chico awoke to the dull, blurry sting of dawn light peeking through the curtains. His body felt fine. But that was just the Falna working its quiet miracles. A couple of hours of sleep, at best. Weeks ago, that would've left him dragging his feet and mumbling into his own thoughts all morning. Today? He was awake.

But not exactly in a good mood. Especially after this Gatcha notification…

Feat? Achieved: Get Cockblocked!

Description: HAHAHAHA YOU GOT COCKBLOCKED! BY THE WOMAN'S DAUGHTER, NO LESS!

Reward: Bronze Item Gatcha Ticket

A long sigh escaped his lips. He dragged a hand down his face. The slap of palm-on-skin echoed embarrassingly loud across his room.

"…Seriously?"

Still, a ticket was a ticket. He used it and received… 

Ring of Swiftness (2.1 Rarity, 0.74% odds)

-Uncommon Item-

A magical silver ornate ring that improves your agility, reflexes, and balance.

His eyebrows shot up, irritation melting into surprise. 

"…Okay, all is forgiven, Gatcha."

The silver ring shimmered in his hand, simple but elegant. A useful tool.

But even that couldn't distract him from what occurred last night, the lingering thoughts that were on the forefront of his mind. That moment with Demeter, the way her lips quickly touched his, the way her affection poured from every subtle touch…it was real.

And it scared the hell out of him.

He couldn't keep moving forward like this, accepting feelings, indulging in affections. Not without coming clean. Not with what he knew about himself. Not with what he carried.

Two traits weighed on his mind: Kakyoin's Gift and Harem King. Each one playing with the rules of romance in ways that felt…unfair.

He wouldn't keep it hidden. Not from her.

Without overthinking it further, he skipped the morning shower, threw on a loose shirt and pants, and padded quietly down to the hall until he stood in front of her door.

He hesitated.

Then knocked. Gently.

A pause.

Then her voice came, soft, still cloaked in sleep: "Come in."

The door creaked open. Demeter sat on the far side of her room, still in her white nightgown—elegant, draped, serene. Her long hair was slightly mussed, and the softness in her eyes froze him in place for a beat.

But he didn't linger at the threshold.

He crossed the room, sat down beside her on the bed. Neither of them spoke. Neither looked at the other.

Both of them embarrassed.

But Chico pushed through.

His hand inched closer to hers, not quite touching, but close enough to feel her warmth.

"I…want to be honest with you," he said, quietly. "If we're going to see where this goes…I don't want to keep this from you."

She turned slightly, her eyes watching him now, neutral. Calm.

"There are traits," Chico said, still not meeting her gaze. "In me. One's called Kakyoin's Gift. It…makes married women and…mothers find me more attractive. Makes them… see me as a romantic interest more easily."

He felt the words get stuck in his throat.

"And the other is Harem King. It's…well, it's kind of what it sounds like. I'm more a-atractive to women. Society doesn't have a problem if I end up in a h-harem. And I think…I think it's affecting how you see me. A-And I had to tell you...I needed to."

Silence.

He winced. Waited for a reaction. A scoff. A dismissal. Maybe even a laugh.

But instead, he heard the sound of fabric rustling.

Demeter stood.

Chico flinched, not daring to look up.

Then he felt her presence in front of him. Closer.

He didn't move.

He couldn't.

Until she gently pushed him down onto the bed, catching him off guard.

When he looked up, she was straddling him.

Her cheeks carried the faintest blush.

And before he could say anything, she hugged him. Arms wrapped around his shoulders, pulling him into an embrace more meaningful than any they had shared before.

She whispered against his ear.

"You…thought I wouldn't want you if I knew that?"

He nodded, unable to say anything.

Demeter pulled back just enough to look him in the eyes.

"So thoughtful, so caring. You wished me to know a truth before we got closer. That's what makes you so special, Chico."

She leaned her forehead over his.

"I don't care what traits you have. Your thoughtfulness. Honesty. Nature. That's why I want to be with you."

Chico exhaled shakily. Like he had been holding his breath for hours. His vision wavered, emotions flooding into his chest like warm sunlight after a long winter.

But still…he turned his head away.

"…There's something else," he said.

She tilted her head.

"Something still troubles you?" she asked.

He nodded.

A beat passed before he spoke.

"It's Ariel, one of my friends and guild advisor," he admitted. "I don't know if it's one-sided…but I care about her. And if she…if we…I don't want to hurt either of you."

He trailed off, unable to say the rest. But Demeter understood.

Instead of being jealous or upset, she sighed softly, shaking her head in fondness.

She embraced him again, and this time, Chico returned it without hesitation.

"You're not wrong to feel that way," she said, running her fingers through his hair. "But if this is about you not accepting me because you feel guilty…that's silly."

She pulled back again, cupping his cheek.

"You're going to attract more people, Chico. That's just who you are. Sooner or later, you'll probably break a few hearts…but I won't be one of them."

She smiled, soft and serene.

"If you'll have me…then I'll have you. I'll support you. And I'll love you."

Tears formed at the corners of Chico's eyes.

In that moment, Demeter had never looked more radiant. Her acceptance, her strength, her affection, it swept over him in a wave too powerful to resist.

Without a word, Chico reversed their positions. With gentle hands, he guided her back onto the bed. Now it was his body over hers, his gaze soft and reverent.

Their hearts beat in tandem.

His voice came quiet, barely a whisper.

"I really, really want to kiss you again."

His left hand cradled her cheek.

The right supported his weight above her.

"Can I kiss you, Demeter?"

She nodded, happy tears of her own falling.

And their lips met again.

A kiss of acceptance.

A kiss of promise.

A kiss that marked the first true bloom of their love.

——————————————————————

Chico and Demeter didn't leave the room for over an hour.

They kissed, hugged, and held each other close. Nothing more occurred, but something equally profound settled between them: a connection, one that certainty was real. That they were, undeniably, together.

It left Chico feeling the entire warmth of the sun, directed into his heart.

Eventually, the day tugged at their heels. Demeter had Familia matters to attend to. Chico had plans as well. With a reluctant final kiss and a promise for later, they parted ways.

Back in his room, Chico took a long, hot shower. As steam filled the space and warmth soaked into his bones, he let the emotions of the morning sink in. His first relationship. With his goddess.

He dressed in fresh clothes and was about to head out when a familiar chime echoed in his mind.

Feat Achieved! Earn Demeter's affection!

Description: Congratulations on entering your first relationship, with a goddess no less!

Reward: Gold Ability Gatcha Ticket

Chico couldn't help but laugh, shaking his head with a grin. "Of course you're just trying to make up for me, perverted Gatcha."

Still, the timing was perfect. He felt amazing, loved, motivated, alive. And now, apparently, the universe wanted to give him a power-up.

"Alright, let's roll," he said aloud, still smiling. 

Rolling…

Holy Flame (4.6 Rarity, 0.06% odds)

— Elite Ability —

Allows you to wield the holy flames of Angels. While not any more effective than regular fire against normal living creatures like humans and animals, they deal extreme damage to any unholy or darkness-aligned beings and prevent them from healing. Additionally, the flames can be used to burn away afflictions if one is skilled enough.

Chico's expression froze.

"…Holy. Shit."

"Darkness-aligned beings…?" he repeated under his breath. "Would monsters count?"

They had to. The Dungeon's creatures were basically beings of darkness, right? The dungeon was said to be alive, and its mission was to kill anything that dared enter its domain. If so, this wasn't just an elite ability.

It was an ability tailor-made for the Dungeon.

"…I could make holy fire arrows. Holy lightning spears. Holy fire punches." His thoughts spun like a storm. "I could be a walking anti-monster crusade."

Later, he told himself. He would need to test it, train it, learn the nuances. But the potential was there.

After grabbing a quick breakfast from the dining hall-fruit, bread, some eggs, he stepped out into the busy streets in front of the manor. The energy of the city reached him even from behind the gates: the pulse of Orario, the city that never truly rested.

He took a deep breath, savoring the moment.

It was 11 a.m.

And it was time for his next stop—his advisor appointment.

With Ariel.

——————————————————————

Chico moved through the streets of Orario with a calm, steady pace. The city was alive with its usual morning hum, but the crowds were thinner than usual—most adventurers had already descended into the Dungeon, chasing monsters and magic stones in the depths below.

That gave him the perfect opportunity for a quick detour.

Rather than heading straight for the Guild, he veered toward the base of Babel Tower, where the sprawling structure's lower levels housed a wide variety of shops and facilities catering to adventurers. Among them was the unmistakable storefront of the Dian Cecht Familia, known across Orario for their unmatched quality in medical supplies and potions.

The shop was built from polished stone, its clean white walls and golden accents radiating a kind of sanctity that fit its reputation. Inside, everything was orderly. Rows of meticulously organized potions shimmered under the soft glow of magical lanterns. Shelves were stocked with vials of all shapes and colors, healing, magic restoration, antidotes, and more.

It wasn't busy, likely because most adventurers were deep in the Dungeon at this hour.

Chico headed straight for what he needed: two basic healing potions. He picked them from a lower shelf, each in a clear glass vial sealed with wax and a sturdy cork. The liquid inside glowed a soft, reassuring red. A small plaque above the shelf listed the price: 650 valis each.

With both potions in hand, he approached the counter.

There, standing tall with a composed expression, was the shop's attendant, a stunning woman with silver hair cascading over her shoulders and piercing purple eyes. Her outfit was simple, professional, but no less elegant, and she handled each transaction with the same calm, practiced efficiency.

Chico placed the vials on the counter. She didn't speak right away, she just examined the items, rang them up, and said, "Thirteen hundred valis."

He nodded and paid the amount without hesitation.

As she handed him the small pouch containing the potions, a question tickled at the back of his mind.

"…Hey, quick question."

She met his gaze evenly. "Yes?"

"These potions…How long do they actually last? I know they're made from organic stuff, and I figured they'd expire pretty quickly."

Her brow lifted slightly, intrigued by the question. "With proper sealing and storage, a standard healing potion remains effective for up to 2 and a half years before the ingredients begin to degrade. Exposure to sunlight, heat, or improper sealing can reduce that, but otherwise they're quite stable."

Chico let out a quiet hum. "That's way longer than I expected. Good to know."

"Most are surprised," she replied, her tone still cool but not unfriendly. "It's part of why our reputation holds."

"Well, thanks," Chico said with a small nod. "Appreciate it."

She gave him a brief, courteous nod in return. "Thank you for your patronage."

With his potions secured and his curiosity sated, Chico stepped out of the shop and into the bright midmorning light. The day was still young, and his next destination was just a short walk away.

Now it was time to head to the Guild.

——————————————————————

The walk to the Guild was uneventful, just the way Chico liked it. The air was warm, the streets buzzing with light foot traffic, and his mood was still riding high from earlier in the morning.

Inside the Guild, the reception hall was as active as ever. Adventurers moved to and from the counters, trading in magic stones, requesting updates, or idling between dives. Chico scanned the area for a familiar face, and it didn't take long before he spotted her.

Ariel, with her signature blonde ponytail and sharp posture, was seated at a desk slightly off to the side. Her eyes were locked onto a mountain of paperwork that looked as though it might topple forward and bury her at any second.

With a grin creeping across his face, Chico walked over and leaned casually on the desk.

"Adventurer-kun reporting for duty," he said with a mock-serious tone. "Here to rescue a fair maiden from the dreadful, evil paperwork."

Ariel startled just slightly, looking up in surprise, then broke into a giggle. She quickly masked it with a fake gasp and placed the back of her hand against her forehead in dramatic flair.

"Oh, brave warrior," she replied in perfect deadpan, "You've come just in time. Another hour and I would've drowned in bureaucratic despair."

"Don't worry, I've fought kobolds. Paperwork's nothing," Chico shot back, smirking.

Their banter bounced effortlessly between them, each remark flowing into another. Ariel tossed in a few mock complaints about "endless administrative suffering," while Chico countered with increasingly ridiculous tales of slaying "the Hydra of Form 4-D."

But eventually, duty called.

With a theatrical sigh, Ariel waved over Misha, who approached with an all-too-knowing look. As Ariel passed over the paperwork, Misha let out an exaggerated wail.

"Noooo! I just escaped this monster! Why am I being pulled back in?!"

"You're stronger than you look," Ariel said, grinning.

Misha groaned dramatically and slumped into the seat, already rifling through the forms with exaggerated despair. Chico gave her a thumbs up, and she weakly returned it with the hand of a fallen soldier.

Still grinning, Ariel motioned for Chico to follow her, and the two made their way to one of the private booths set aside for advisor sessions. The light chatter of the Guild faded into the background as they stepped inside and took their seats.

"Alright," Ariel said, slipping into her professional tone, though a hint of warmth still lingered. "Let's begin. I want you to walk me through your Dungeon experience so far, details, strategies, anything you can remember."

Chico nodded and leaned forward slightly. "Alright. I've just stuck to the first three floors. Goblins and kobolds, mostly. I cleared over 100 in total across my dives. Learned pretty quickly not to underestimate even the weaker ones."

He went on to explain his tactics—how he experimented with his magic for a single goblin, which vaporized it, how he'd pushed his body hard in training to overcome early hesitations in combat. He also detailed his study habits, learning monster behavior and floor layouts. Ariel listened intently, occasionally jotting down notes or offering approving nods.

"And your goal?" she asked next. "What are you aiming for next?"

"I want to prep for the 4th and 5th floors," Chico said without hesitation. "I know the monsters get tougher down there and I want to be ready. No rushing in unprepared."

Ariel smiled, clearly satisfied. "That's smart. I'm glad you're thinking about pacing. A lot of rookies seem to get cocky and think they can rush their way to glory. They usually don't make it far."

"The guild has some guidelines when it comes to floor exploration. While they aren't required, it's recommended. At floors 4&5 it is recommended to have at least two stats at H rank."

"Well it's a good thing all of my stats are at H." Chico smiles. To which Ariel gives him a proud nod.

She stood and turned toward one of the nearby shelves filled with reference scrolls and books. "Give me a second. I think I've got a few things that'll help."

As she moved through the modest shelves, Chico found himself watching her—not out of idle boredom, but with a growing warmth in his chest. Her ponytail bounced lightly with each step, her confident posture unshaken even when flipping through cluttered material. The Guild uniform really suited her.

He found himself smiling without even realizing it.

Ariel turned just then, arms full of maps and notebooks, and caught his eyes lingering.

She tilted her head slightly. "Something wrong?"

Chico just smiled and shook his head. "Nah. Just… happy you're my advisor."

A slight flush colored her cheeks as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "That so?" she murmured, then quickly glanced down to her notes. "Well…you're a good adventurer…so far. So don't make me regret this partnership."

The lesson continued without another word on it, but the energy between them remained as usual, subtle, but warm.

Hours passed, but Chico didn't mind. Ariel had him reviewing map layouts, memorizing floor transitions, and analyzing monster attack patterns. What once might've had him groaning or rubbing his temples now felt calm, enjoyable, even.

Eventually, the session wound down.

Ariel began gathering up the scrolls and books while Chico stood, stretching his arms and back with a quiet groan. She packed efficiently, her movements smooth and practiced.

After a few final words about reviewing his notes, she turned to him. "That's everything for today."

Chico smiled, stepping in for a casual, one-armed hug. She accepted it easily, leaning in slightly.

"Thanks again," he said.

"Anytime, Adventurer-kun."

With that, the two parted, and Chico made his way out of the Guild. The sun was still hanging high in the sky, but the day already felt complete in its own way.

Now it was time to head back home.

——————————————————————

By the time Chico made it back to the manor, the sun was dipping toward the horizon, painting the Orario skyline in strokes of amber and gold. The air was cooling, and a soft breeze followed him as he stepped through the familiar doors of the Demeter Familia estate.

His stomach reminded him that lunch hadn't happened.

With little else pressing before sunset, aside from the itch in his muscles asking for combat, he made his way to the dining hall.

It wasn't crowded. A few familiar faces were scattered across the tables, most of them finishing their meals or chatting softly. Chico picked out a plate of hearty food, grilled meat, roasted vegetables, and a bit of buttered bread, and found an open seat near the back.

He sat down and started eating, quiet and thoughtful, letting his body relax and replenish. His mind wandered briefly toward the training yard. He wanted to keep pushing, see how far he'd come after everything.

"Good timing," came a calm, smooth voice.

Chico looked up. Across from him now sat Persephone, her usual composed expression ever so slightly relaxed.

He blinked, surprised, then grinned. "Wow. I was actually planning on looking for you. You just saved me the trouble."

"Is that so?" she replied with a slight lift of her brow.

"Yeah," he said, setting down his fork. "I wanted to ask if you had time for more training tonight, sparring, if you're up for it."

Persephone didn't answer immediately. She took a bite of her own meal, lighter than his, more focused on greens and lean meat, then nodded.

"I was going to check in on your progress anyway. Sparring seems like a suitable method."

Chico smiled. "Perfect."

What followed was a quiet meal broken up by conversation. She asked for details about his most recent dungeon dives, his pacing, the enemies he faced, how he handled multiple threats. He answered between mouthfuls, speaking plainly, earnestly. They talked about his approach to exploration, his current floor limit, his decision-making in combat. She offered sharp commentary, and he welcomed the critique.

It wasn't casual, but it wasn't cold either. With Persephone, things always sat on the edge of serious—but never unpleasant. Her focus had weight, and her trust had to be earned. But Chico liked that about her.

When the meal was finished, the two left their dishes behind and exited the hall together. The manor was starting to quiet for the evening, but the training yard was still bathed in the dying sunlight—perfect for what Chico had in mind.

He started with some stretches, easing into motion. Then, without being asked, dropped to the ground and knocked out 50 pushups, warming up his arms and back. Persephone observed without a word, arms crossed, her eyes following him like a hawk's.

Afterward, she stepped forward.

"Let's refine your movement first," she said.

And so the session began.

For the next stretch of time, Persephone drilled him on footwork, spacing, posture, and strike timing. Every correction was precise. Every demonstration was sharper than anything he could mimic. Chico absorbed it all, adjusting with grit and sweat.

Then came the main event.

"You wanted sparring," she said, drawing a wooden sword from the rack and testing its balance. "Are you sure you're ready for that?"

"I want to go all out," Chico said, placing his hand on a small silver ring he hadn't worn yet. "Push me as hard as you can."

Persephone studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Understood."

He slid the Ring of Swiftness onto his finger. A slight current of energy pulsed through him.

Then, with a deep breath, he activated Overdrive Core.

The change hit like a jolt—his body surged with strength, vision sharpened, heartbeat roaring in his ears.

Persephone moved.

And he couldn't see it.

Instinct kicked in. He barely blocked the first strike—then took the second to his ribs. The blunt edge of her weapon struck hard. Pain flared. His feet slid. He grunted, regained balance.

She didn't stop.

The next flurry was a blur. He caught maybe a third of it. His arms absorbed some blows, his side took another, and his thigh was nicked. The blunt edge of the sword bit into his skin hard enough to cut. Blood began to well and drip.

But then the other half of his ability kicked in.

Pain made him faster. Pain made him stronger. 

He grinned, even through a blow to the shoulder. His cuts began to close mid-motion, his breath stabilizing even while the damage stacked.

After some minutes, he dug deeper into the Core. Pushed more mana. The strain on his mind increased rapidly. He could feel it, the power, but he wasn't done yet.

Big Battery gave him the room to keep going.

He could feel it. This wasn't Level 1 strength anymore.

He moved better now. Still slower than her, but he was managing counters. Every hit made him faster. Stronger. Closer.

She didn't ease up. If anything, she pressed harder.

And he loved it.

Another minute. His body was humming, vibrating with raw power. Cuts reopened. Others closed. Bruises swelled, but his muscles responded with vigor. 

Persephone was a blur, but he closer. Just barely.

The power…it was intoxicating, and he wanted more. He kept going, faster, stronger…more.

Another minute and his mind was starting to fray. He pumped even more power into Overdrive Core, and now the cost was brutal. His vision blurred. His grip weakened. His movements became sluggish, wild. Desperate.

She landed a clean strike to his chest—then one to his shoulder.

He staggered.

He dropped one blade.

Then the other.

The world tilted.

He reached to steady himself, but his legs didn't respond.

And then, the ground rushed up to meet him.

Darkness took him.

He had surpassed his limits, he had but a taste of strength he could obtain, and he hungered for it.

Only One Day Remained…

Chapter 17 End