Instead of getting angry, Astraea simply smiled, her expression softening as she pressed a slender finger gently against Akira's forehead.
"You really are something, aren't you?"
Akira laughed softly. She hadn't rejected his teasing—not outright, anyway. Maybe, just maybe, that meant she wasn't entirely opposed to the idea of showing him more affection next time.
Seizing the chance with a hopeful glint in his eyes, he asked playfully, "Then, Astraea-sama… will there be another reward when I reach the next level?"
Hearing his question, Astraea's heart trembled—just a little.
Affection, fondness, and something more uncertain fluttered within her. She was growing attached.
But this warmth between them… was it becoming too close?
Even so, she didn't linger on the thought. Smiling gently, she reached out and pinched Akira's cheek.
"That depends entirely on your performance." She said teasingly.
Akira grinned boldly and said, "In that case, I want the place you just pinched as my next reward!" He pointed dramatically to his cheek.
Astraea laughed softly, unable to resist the charm of his youthful boldness.
"Very well. I promise. But don't tell a soul."
Placing a hand over his chest, Akira straightened up and gave a mock salute.
He exaggeratedly said, "Understood, my goddess!"
Outside Astraea's room.
"I didn't expect you to snatch such a peerless genius, Alise." Iska said, arms folded as she leaned casually against the wall.
Maryuu clasped her hands together in front of her chest, a warm smile appearing on her face.
She said, "Indeed. I always knew Akira was strong… but leveling up in less than a month? That's truly something else. It's… complicated."
"Right. And he took down a floor boss while still Level 1." Kaguya added, echoing what Astraea had revealed. "We're all Level 3, but I doubt even we could have done that."
"Hey hey—wait a minute…"
"Not only did he beat the Black Wyvern, he also defeated Goliath?" someone exclaimed in disbelief.
Ryuu added with a calm nod, "I heard Akira fell down while exploring the fifteenth floor."
Noin murmured as she paced restlessly through the corridor, "Akira really had a packed schedule today… Even though it was the one day I hoped would be peaceful."
Asta raised a hand and stopped Noin with a casual grip.
She calmly said with sharp eyes, "No wonder his stats increased so much. Akira's been working himself hard."
Neze tilted her head and said, "He's already reached Level 2. I wonder what alias he'll receive at the next Denatus?"
Ryana twirled a lock of her hair with a coy smile and said, "As long as it's not something ridiculous, it's fine by me."
Celty adjusted her glasses with a quiet push and spoke softly, "Astraea-sama won't let that happen. She'll make sure his alias is respectable."
Meanwhile, Alise stared at the closed door, her fingers twitching with anxiety. It had been twenty minutes, and still… silence.
Lyra sauntered over and patted Alise's butt and said, "Relax. What's got you so impatient? It's not like you haven't ranked up before."
Still tense, Alise stepped up and knocked on the door. "Astraea-sama, are you still not finished in there? We're about to burst from curiosity!"
From behind the door came Astraea's serene voice. "Come in, everyone."
And so, they did. Eleven members crammed into the room at once, filling the space with a chaotic flurry of movement and energy.
Akira, who had just sat down on the sofa, suddenly found himself surrounded on all sides.
Astraea handed Alise a parchment, the familiar paper bearing Akira's updated stats and development abilities.
Alise's eyes scanned it. The stats had reset to zero as expected but what caught her attention was a word written in the column for Development Abilities: [Mystery].
"Ah! This is a super rare development ability!" She exclaimed in surprise.
Immediately, three others shoved past her to get a better look at the parchment.
"It's [Mystery]—the one that allows the creation of magical tools." Lyra said.
Kaguya turned her head to Astraea, sharp as always. "Astraea's, what about his options?"
Astraea smiled and said, "Mage, Hunter, Mystery… and possibly some unique ones that seem to be exclusive to Akira."
"It's true." Ryuu murmured. "Given his unusual traits, it wouldn't be surprising if he gained his own original development ability."
Ryuya looked to Astraea and asked, "Astraea-sama, do you know what his unique development ability does?"
Astraea responded thoughtfully, "It appears that Akira can access additional powers depending on the state he's in."
Kaguya frowned. She knew Astraea wouldn't pressure anyone, but still…
She reached over, tugging on Akira's ear gently, and sat beside him.
She said, "Even if [Mystery] is rare, you should choose the development ability that suits your path best."
"Are you planning to become a toolmaker instead of an adventurer?"
Her grip was gentle. Not painful. Classic Kaguya—always tsundere. Akira glanced at her face and saw her concern.
He said, "I'm still planning to be an adventurer, Kaguya-nee. Don't worry. Just hear me out."
As she released his ear, Maryuu moved in and began to massage both of Akira's ears and ruffle his hair affectionately.
She kindly said, "Yes, let's listen to what little Akira has to say."
"Well then, tell us."
Feeling pampered, Akira relaxed and spoke his thoughts plainly, "It's simple. I just want to use [Mystery] to create magic tools—items that can help all of you escape danger during emergencies."
The group behind the sofa exchanged glances.
Lyra clutched her chest, feigning a dramatic swoon. "W-wow… I didn't expect that. So sweet. I am this close to falling in love with you."
She promptly squeezed into Akira's other side and began rubbing her cheek against his.
"Ah! That's not fair! I want one too!" Neze cried, promptly yanking Akira up from the couch.
Without Akira's support, Kaguya and Lyra's heads collided with a loud thump.
"Ow!" ×2
"Oops. Sorry."
Neze apologized, then shamelessly began hugging Akira and rubbing her face against him with gusto.
"My turn, Neze!"
Iska declared, snatching Akira away like a prized dessert and rubbing against him with terrifying efficiency.
Just like that, Akira found himself at the mercy of his overenthusiastic familia, passed around like a beloved plush toy. Even Asta joined in, lifting Akira up and spinning him joyfully like a trophy.
Only two elves lingered near the back—hesitant, struggling with temptation but too reserved to act.
Akira glanced toward Astraea with a look that clearly screamed for rescue.
Seeing his plea for help, Astraea sighed and clapped her hands.
"Okay, okay. That's enough. Let's get back on topic. Do you think Akira should go to the guild to register his level-up?"
After all, reporting a child's advancement and letting the gods catch wind of it was the kind of drama no god could resist.
Lyra narrowed her eyes with a sly grin and said, "Akira, you know there's a loophole. Even if you don't register your level-up, the worst you'll face is a fine."
Sliding out of Ryuu's blushing embrace, Akira stood behind the couch where the others now lounged.
After a brief pause, he raised a question, "If I register for a rank up… can I change the date of the level-up?"
Everyone turned toward him, blinking in unison, confused by what he was trying to get at.