"I want a Grimoire, I don't have any magic yet!" Tiona raised her hand eagerly as Finn finished, her excitement palpable.

Among their group, she was the only one without magic, long yearning for one.

"I want magic items. Can I order them custom-made?" Tione added, raising her hand.

Finn sighed.

"Bete, what about you? Taking the commission?" Finn asked, ignoring Tione and turning to Bete.

Bete glanced at Ais and the others, frowned, then nodded. "Fine. I want to see if this guy is worth it."

The generous reward—rare magic items or Grimoires, scarce in Orario—was a key factor.

Bete wouldn't miss this chance.

"I want to see Orsted too," Tione said, smiling.

Meanwhile, Orsted assessed his strength.

At Level 3, he was able to fight Level 6 monsters like the Corrupted Viola.

Now at Level 4, his strength surged further.

Each rank-up left his body needing adjustment.

Soon, Orsted left Hearth Manor for the ruins near the abandoned church.

Wielding Excalibur, he began his training.

In an hour, he confirmed his strength: Level 6, matching his peak during the Corrupted Viola fight with leap active.

With his leap, he could easily defeat newly ranked Level 7 foes.

Against Finn or Gareth, near rank-up to level 7, he'd likely tie—unless Display of Might activated with a crowd, giving him a strong chance to win.

These were estimates based on his knowledge of them; he couldn't be certain.

Adjusted and aware of his power, Orsted used Instant to return to Hearth Manor.

There, Hestia and the others awaited him, ready to head to the Hostess of Fertility.

With their small numbers, no reservation was needed—just two or three tables.

Unlike large Familias like Loki's, which required advance bookings.

Dinner was smooth, filled with laughter as they shared personal stories.

Despite frequent dungeon runs, they had private lives with amusing tales, which Orsted enjoyed.

His own life lacked such stories, consumed by missions and a few dates—hardly shareable.

After dinner, Hestia led everyone back to Hearth Manor.

Orsted lingered, heading to the city wall he often visited.

An hour later, Ryuu arrived unprompted.

They locked eyes, then vanished in an instant, clashing in combat.

Sparring with Ryuu, Orsted felt no leap ability effect—both were Level 4.

He could overpower her easily but restrained himself, keeping the fight even.

After half an hour, they stopped.

"I heard you killed a Level 6 monster on the 24th floor and an enhanced Goliath on the 18th," Ryuu said, lying beside him on the wall's tiles, gazing at the stars.

"You're really strong, Orsted."

"The news spread that fast?" Orsted asked, surprised. "Why no talk in the tavern?"

"They discussed it before we arrived, so it didn't come up again. Some glanced at you, but you didn't notice," Ryuu explained with a faint smile.

"Later arrivals hadn't heard."

"That explains the looks on the streets this afternoon," Orsted nodded.

"Hey, Orsted, is it true?" Ryuu asked, her tone urgent.

"Yeah, I took down two monsters today," he confirmed.

Ryuu fell silent.

"Something to say?" Orsted prompted, noticing her pause.

"If I asked for a big favor, something troublesome, would you help?" Ryuu asked nervously after a moment.

"Wait a bit, and I'll help with whatever you need," Orsted said, smiling.

---

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