Linda’s Determination

Linda stared at them with unwavering determination. Her body remained firm, but inside, she trembled. She was nervous — terrified, actually — at the possibility of being rejected.

Since she was little, she had dreamed of becoming an adventurer. She never wanted to live trapped in that forgotten village, isolated from the world and the grand city of Orario, which had always been her true goal.

As soon as she heard the rumors — whispered excitedly by the villagers — that a goddess and her adventurer had arrived in the village, Linda didn't hesitate. She ran to meet them, as if that were the chance she had been waiting for her whole life.

And, seeing them there, standing in the middle of the street, clearly out of place, she knew: it was now or never. Even looking at the almost naked man, with leaves improvised as clothing, she promised herself she wouldn't let this opportunity slip away.

But now, breathing more slowly and analyzing the situation calmly, a doubt began to grow: had she been too impulsive? Who was she to show up like that, out of nowhere, asking to join a goddess's family?

After all, which god or goddess had never received such a request? It wasn't something rare.

'What's done is done...' she sighed inwardly, feeling the fear of rejection tighten her chest. Still, she kept her posture, trying to look confident before Dante and Aphrodite.

At least, that's what she thought.

Because Aphrodite read her almost like an open book.

She saw the young woman. She saw the desire to escape a common life, to become something more. But she also saw the fear hidden beneath the determined eyes.

In her countless years of existence, Aphrodite had seen many interesting mortals. And, in a way, she thought Linda was one of those rare souls.

But being interesting wasn't enough — even if she had come to Genkai just because she wanted Dante for herself, and not with the definitive goal of forming a Family with a large number of adventurers.

And, thinking about Orario, with all the competition among the many gods and goddesses to see who would have the strongest Family, it was clear she wouldn't accept just anyone who showed only superficial interest.

At least... not at first.

After all, she had to ask Dante's opinion too. And if he said he wanted Linda in the Family... well, in that case, she wouldn't be able to refuse.

And also because she trusted his judgment. He wouldn't accept Linda just because she was a pretty young woman. He's not a lecherous man. Not someone who thinks with his lower head.

She was sure of that. After all, she herself had seduced him with her innate charm. He might have almost fallen... but, in the end, he managed to recover and prioritize what he needed to do at that moment. So, without a doubt, he wouldn't accept Linda just because she's a beautiful woman.

Because if he were like that... he'd already be in love with her. After all, she is the most beautiful goddess.

But what Aphrodite doesn't know — or pretends not to know — is that only Dante is aware of the strength of will he needs to resist her. Especially since he's a virgin of two lives... who hasn't even kissed a girl.

That's one of Dante's shames. But he'll never admit it.

Holding Dante's arm closer to her lightly and keeping her gaze on Linda, she asked naturally:

"Why should we accept you into our family?"

Her tone was calm, without hostility, but carried a silent weight.

Linda flinched. The question was simple, but its implications were huge. She took a deep breath, trying to maintain composure, and answered firmly:

"Because... I want to become an adventurer! That's my dream! Am I going to spend my life just being an ordinary person? Locked inside the house? Living in an isolated village like this?" — she said, stepping forward, her gaze fixed.

"And even if you don't believe it... I know I'm special. I might not know exactly what... but I have a great potential! I feel it! I've always felt it! So, please... accept me into your Family!" — she finished, out of breath. Her blue eyes shone beautifully.

Aphrodite raised an eyebrow, a subtle smile playing on her lips.

Dante watched her with admiration. The flame in Linda's eyes was real.

But then...

"That's it? That's your reason for wanting to join our family? If it is... give up." — Aphrodite said, her voice serene but cutting. Her eyes fixed on Linda with an evaluating gleam.

"T-that... but I..." — Linda tried to respond, unsure what to say.

"But what?" — Aphrodite continued. "Do you really think only you have a dream? That only you want to stop being an ordinary person? That you're the only one determined to succeed in life?"

Her voice didn't rise, but it was firm as steel.

"There are thousands like you. With the same will. With more preparation. So don't tell me you're special... just because of that."

Reality hit Linda like a storm. Her words were true, raw... but they hurt. A lot.

"I-I..." — Linda murmured, her voice trembling. Tears began to form at the corners of her eyes.

It was then that Dante stepped forward.

"Enough, Aphrodite. Stop it."

His voice cut the atmosphere like a blade. He stared at her firmly, visibly annoyed.

He saw Linda's held-back tears and couldn't stand still. Not that he was sentimental, but he recognized sincerity when he saw it — and he recognized gratitude. Linda had welcomed them without asking for anything in return, even if with her own hidden motive.

Gently, he placed his hand on her head and stroked it slowly. The cloth covering her hair was rough, but beneath it there was something... strange. Something he couldn't identify. Still, he said nothing.

Linda closed her eyes at the touch and sniffled, but didn't cry. She didn't let a single tear fall.

Dante smiled. There was something admirable about that girl. And, to his own surprise, he found her cheeks flushed... adorable. For a brief moment, he wanted to pinch them just to see if they'd get even redder.

Removing his hand, he saw Linda's eyes open again. And, to his surprise, they were even more determined.

"Let's leave this for later." — he said with a light smile. "To be honest, I'm exhausted. We came straight here from the forest."

Linda watched him more attentively now\... and blushed again.

She noticed how handsome he was — and, especially, how *little* he was dressed. Her gaze reflexively dropped, and when she saw the bulge covered only by leaves... she turned her face, red as a tomato.

She quickly raised her eyes and looked at his face.

"W-why are you dressed l-like that?" — she asked shyly.

"Well... I... my clothes tore, so I had to improvise, you know?" — Dante lied, swallowing the embarrassment he was feeling.

"W-well, it happens..." — she said, turning and running further inside the house.

Stopping suddenly, she looked at Dante and said with a smile:

"Wait for me, I'll be right back." — she said, not expecting a reply.

Dante stood there, Aphrodite by his side.

Shortly after, Linda returned, holding something in her hands.

She stopped in front of Dante and handed him the clothes: pants, a blouse, and a pair of boots.

"Thank you, Linda." — Dante said, sincerely grateful.

"Y-you don't have to thank me. There's a second room down the hall, you can change there." — Linda looked away, embarrassed by the charming smile he had unknowingly given.

"All right." — he nodded and started walking, Aphrodite still by his side.

Before they left, Aphrodite turned and asked:

"Do you have a needle, blank paper, and a pencil?"

"Yes! Do you want me to get them now?"

"Please."

Linda ran to the room and returned seconds later with the items.

"Here it is."

"Thank you." — Aphrodite replied, simple and direct.

And then, the two entered the room.

It was finally time to activate Dante's Falna.