The morning after the camping, the air on the 28th-floor safe zone felt unusually light. The weight of battle had faded just slightly—enough for laughter to creep into the world again.
We were packing up camp when Alise leaned over and gave me a look that was far too innocent to be innocent.
"So, Eirion," she said, drawing out my name like a rope she planned to trip me with. "You and Lion seemed to be getting along last night."
I froze. So did Ryu, whose hand had paused mid-motion while she folded a blanket.
"Oh?" Lyra chimed in, appearing far too invested for someone who was supposed to be organizing supplies. "Is that why our quiet swordswoman kept glancing your way during dinner?"
"I—I didn't notice anything," I stammered, face heating up like a cursed forge.
Kaguya smirked from her perch on a rock, arms crossed. "You're blushing mess. That's adorable."
"I'm not—!" I stopped myself, realizing I was only digging deeper.
Alise stepped closer, dropping her voice just enough for the others to hear but still making it feel like a private jab. "Is this why you didn't run from the Juggernaut, hmm? A certain elven maiden catching your eye?"
Ryu, to her credit—or maybe her curse—remained composed, though her ears was bright pink, "Alise," she said with her usual cool tone, "don't tease."
"Why not? It's cute," Alise replied, clearly unfazed.
Ryu glanced at me. Just a flicker. Just long enough.
And I felt it—that same warmth from the firelight, now caught between uncertainty and something I didn't dare name.
"I… I respect her," I managed to say. It wasn't a lie. But it also wasn't the whole truth.
Astraea Familia seemed to take that as a confession, because suddenly I was being nudged, elbowed, and winked at like I'd announced a marriage proposal. Even Kaguya looked vaguely entertained.
"Careful, Lion," Lyra said with mock gravity. "You've got a fanboy."
"I don't need a fanboy," Ryu answered coolly. "I need someone who doesn't lie."
That one hit.
She wasn't looking at me, but the words cut deeper than if she had. I lowered my eyes, gripping the strap of my bag just a little too tightly.
Because I was lying—just enough to stay safe. Just enough to keep the truth buried.
And she was right.
Later, as we walked the winding path toward the teleport point, Ryu slowed her pace until she was beside me. The others had gone ahead, laughing and teasing still, but she was quiet. Watching.
As we rested around the quiet edge of the safe zone, the hum of the dungeon never quite disappeared. It was there—subtle, pulsing—like a heartbeat just beneath the stone.
I sat beside Ryu, watching the flickering torchlight dance across the uneven walls. The others were gathered nearby, packing the last of the supplies and finishing their meals.
"Ryu," I said softly, just loud enough for her to hear, "can you tell me more about the Dungeon?"
She glanced at me—measured, as always—but didn't dismiss the question.
"It's not something that can be understood easily," she replied, her voice low and steady. "The Dungeon isn't just a place. It's alive. Reactive. You saw that yourself… with the Juggernaut."
"I want to understand it better," I said, eyes fixed on the stone beneath us. "If I'm going to survive here… if I'm going to protect anyone... I need to understand it."
Her gaze lingered on me for a moment. And just when I thought she might say more—
"All right, everyone," Alise's voice rang out clearly across the safe zone, firm and full of energy. "We've had our rest. We're heading straight to the surface—no detours. Let's move out!"
Ryu stood gracefully, nodding once. "We'll talk more when we reach the Stardust Garden."
"Promise?" I asked, rising to my feet beside her.
Her lips curled—just slightly. "Only if you promise to listen."
I nodded. "Deal."
As we began our trek back to the surface, the atmosphere felt lighter—relieved, almost. The adrenaline had faded, and in its place, a strange camaraderie was taking root.
I found myself walking beside Ryu again, close enough that our shoulders nearly brushed. She didn't pull away. If anything, her stride seemed… comfortably in sync with mine.
That didn't go unnoticed.
Behind us, Lyra smirked as she fell into step. "You two really are something."
Lyra, ever the sharp-tongued one, sidled up behind us with a grin that could split a brick. "I didn't know our proud elven warrior was so lewd and vulgar."
Ryu blinked, missing a step. "Wh-What?"
"Getting all cozy with the boy you just meet few hours ago." Lyra's grin widened. "You sure you're not just trying to recruit him into your personal squad?"
A soft snort came from Kaguya. "Careful, Lyra. Tease her too hard and she might throw you off the next floor."
Alise laughed brightly. "Now, now, let's not bully Lion too much. Not everyone can resist a white-haired hero with a mysterious backstory and magic from the heavens."
I nearly tripped on a rock.
"Girl, did no one else see how Eirion called her Lion?" Alise said, her voice full of dramatic scandal. "Ryu and Lion—just fine with that, huh?"
Lyra gasped, putting a hand over her mouth. "Wait, what? That's so intimate. Are we just going to ignore the how he calling you by your first name?"
Kaguya smirked, arms crossed. "He has been awfully bold for someone who claims to be shy."
"I-I wasn't—!" I tried to protest, heat rushing to my face.
Ryu blinked, heat rushing to her face cheeks pink.
"Oh?" Alise grinned like a fox. "But I don't hear anyone else calling you Lion. Not even me"
"That's different," Ryu replied stiffly.
"Different because you like it, perhaps?" Kaguya added with a low laugh.
Lyra clapped her hands like she was watching a play. "It's official. Eirion's cracked the elf's frozen heart."
"Can we please focus on something else?" I muttered, pulling my hood up in a vain attempt to disappear.
"Nope," Alise chirped. "This is the most fun we've had in weeks."
Ryu, though clearly flustered, didn't tell them to stop. She simply walked ahead—head high, ears glowing red.
But as I caught up beside her, she leaned in slightly and whispered, "You can still call me that… if you want."
My heart nearly stopped.
"…Alright, Lion," I whispered back.
Behind us, I could feel the entire Astraea Familia melting into dramatic squeals and elbow nudges.
I was doomed.
"Oh? What are you two whispering about?" Lyra asked, a teasing lilt in her voice. She arched an eyebrow, clearly enjoying herself far too much.
"I-It's not like that," I stammered, heat rising to my face. "We were just… talking about the Dungeon!"
"Oh, is that what the kids are calling it these days?" Lyra mused, tapping her chin. "Talking. Sure."
Ryu sighed—a long-suffering sort of sigh—but her ears were flushed pink, and she kept her eyes forward, refusing to take the bait.
"Ignore them," she murmured under her breath.
"I'm trying," I replied.
"Try harder."
Despite the embarrassment, I couldn't help the small smile that crept onto my face. Maybe I was tangled in half-truths and secrets—but this? The teasing, the banter, the warmth of walking beside someone who didn't mind my presence?
This felt real.
"Finally, we're at the surface," Alise said, stretching her arms above her head with a dramatic sigh of relief. The morning sun bathed the plaza outside Babel in warm gold, and for a moment, everything felt… normal.
No monsters. No crumbling walls. No blood in the air.
Just light. Just sky.
The Astraea Familia gathered around, their tired smiles and quiet laughter echoing softly in the breeze. For a group that had just faced death, they looked surprisingly at peace.
I stood a little apart from them, eyes raised to the clear sky, letting the sunlight warm my face.
It was the first time I had seen the surface since everything changed. And it felt like I was breathing properly for the first time in days.
Lyra turned back toward me with a grin. "Come on, Eirion. Time to meet the boss."
"Boss…?" I blinked.
"Our goddess," Kaguya chimed in, brushing dust from her shoulders. "Don't worry. She's a lot nicer than she looks."
"Let's go to Starsdust garden come with Eirion" said Alise
"Let's go to Stardust Garden. Come with Eirion," Alise said, gesturing for me to follow.
As we walked through the bustling streets of Orario, I took in everything I could. The city was massive—far larger than I imagined from stories alone—and as we moved southwest, I learned that Stardust Garden was located in one of the quieter parts of the city. It wasn't far from Café Wishe, a place I'd heard the Astraea Familia frequented, and surprisingly, it was also close to the Hearth Mansion—the future home of the Hestia Familia If bell joined Hestia Familia. Which current now belong to the Apollo Familia.
The Hostess of Fertility wasn't far either It's sad, and maybe a good thing, that I didn't go near the Hostess of Fertility during my walk. Part of me regretted that—I would've loved to eat there. And maybe tease the goddess of beauty herself, Freya… or Syr Flova, one of the waitresses. I knew what she really was. I knew how much power she held behind that soft smile and kind eyes.
But I wasn't stupid.
Syr had a teasing power level over nine thousand—and probably couldn't handle getting teased herself. Which would make it fun. Dangerous, but fun.
Still, I wasn't Bell. I didn't have his charm resistance or plot armor. Walking into Freya's line of sight was like stepping into a lion's den wearing perfume and a "bite me" sign.
No thanks.
While I am staying at Stardust Garden, I should keep an healthy distance from the Hostess of Fertility. Safer that way.
As we made our way toward Stardust Garden, a sudden movement caught my eye. From the roof of a nearby building, a young girl jumped down with surprising agility, landing gracefully in front of us. She had striking blue hair and a confident air about her, but there was something about her that felt familiar—almost like a younger version of someone I knew.
She greeted the Astraea Familia girls warmly, and before I knew it, they were in a casual conversation, chatting about everything from the food they'd eaten recently to the topic of Evilus.
I couldn't help but stare at her. Where had I seen her before? The way she moved, her eyes, her expressions—they reminded me of someone… someone important.
Wait a second.
Wasn't there a woman named Shakti Varma, the captain of the Ganesha Familia? This girl looked strikingly similar to her, but she was much younger. Could she be related to Shakti?
Suddenly, it clicked.
"Adi Varma," I whispered under my breath, eyes widening as my mind raced.
But if I remembered correctly, hadn't Adi died in that tragic raid against Evilus two years ago? She was supposed to be gone, and yet here she was—alive, standing before me, chatting with the Astraea Familia girls as though nothing had changed.
Something felt off. Had my presence in this world somehow altered the course of events? Or was I misremembering things?
As I stood there lost in my thoughts, Adi's gaze suddenly shifted toward me. She had been speaking with the others, but my utterance of her name seemed to catch her attention. Her eyes widened in recognition, and for a moment, she just stared at me, blankly.
And then, before I could process what was happening, she wrapped her arms around me in an unexpected embrace.
"Thank you for that day," she said, her voice muffled against my shoulder.
I froze. Confusion washed over me like a tidal wave. Why was she thanking me? I had no idea what for. I barely knew her—let alone had any memory of a time I could've helped her.
Her grip tightened, and she pulled back slightly, holding up a pendant. "I know you were that boy who gave me this pendant. This pendant saved me that day from Evilus."
I glanced at the pendant she was holding up, and a wave of recognition struck me. That pendant… I knew it all too well.
Honestly, I had completely forgotten about her. Two years ago, I had stolen it from the Freya Familia—the top floor of Babel, to be specific. I had altered the pendant's appearance, tweaking it with my magic to make it unique, and then I devised a plan. I'd faked having lost my wallet filled with 200 valis and used that as a ruse to give Adi the pendant as a "gift"—a token of thanks, or perhaps something more personal. At first, she refused to take it, but I didn't give up. I placed the pendant in her hand and just ran away.
Honestly, I had completely forgotten about her, but the thing was, I never thought she would actually remember it. I never imagined that she would be standing here now, holding the pendant and thanking me for saving her life. The whole thing felt like a twisted, surreal dream, and I was stuck in the middle of it.
"Wait…" My words came out quieter than I intended. "You… you remember that?"
She smiled softly, though there was a hint of sadness in her expression. "Of course I do. You were the one who gave it to me, the one who helped me when everything seemed lost."
I stood there, my mind spinning. The way things had unfolded felt impossible—too strange, too out of place. What had I gotten myself into? And how had I, of all people, become tangled in this web of fate?
From the corner of my eye, I noticed the Astraea Familia watching with a mix of curiosity and surprise.
Alise's grin stretched wide, her voice filled with teasing amusement. "Well, well, Eirion. Seems like you've got a habit of saving girls, huh? First Adi, now Us. What's next, the entire city Mr. hero?"
Ryu rolled her eyes, though there was a small, almost imperceptible smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. It was clear she was amused as well.
Kaguya chuckled softly, her arms crossed as she leaned back against a nearby wall. "You do seem to attract trouble. Or maybe you just like the attention."
I blushed, trying to avoid eye contact as I muttered under my breath, "I wasn't trying to save anyone. I just gave her a gift for getting me my wallet back."
Alise raised an eyebrow, her grin still wide. "Sure, sure. Just happened. Keep telling yourself that." She winked playfully, clearly enjoying watching me squirm.
Despite the teasing, I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth. Maybe I wasn't so alone after all. Even if they were poking fun at me, the Astraea Familia had a way of making me feel like I belonged.
Twenty minutes later, after winding through cobbled streets and passing countless adventurers and shops, we arrived
The Stardust Garden stood quietly among the stone buildings, like a peaceful haven tucked inside the storm of Orario's chaos. Ivy curled up the front walls, and soft light spilled from the windows. It felt like a sanctuary—one that had seen its share of battles and still stood proud.
"This is it," Alise said, glancing over at me with a warm smile. "Welcome home, Eirion."
As we reached the gates of Stardust Garden, I could already feel the change in atmosphere. The soft scent of flowers, the distant trickle of water from a fountain, and the gentle rustle of leaves gave the place an almost otherworldly serenity. No wonder they called it a garden of stars.
Waiting under a flowering trellis stood a woman whose presence seemed to slow time itself. Her walnut brown hair was gathered behind her head in a neat, graceful style, and her indigo eyes shimmered like constellations reflected on still water. She wore a simple kirtle and long skirt, yet somehow exuded the dignity of a queen and the warmth of a hearth.
"Astraea-sama," Alise called cheerfully, waving as we approached. The rest of the Familia followed with calm smiles, even Lyra curbing her usual sarcasm.
The goddess turned toward us, her gaze settling on me for just a second longer than the others. I felt as though she was peering directly through me—past my face, my posture, my words—all the way to the truths I kept hidden. But there was no judgment in her eyes. Only kindness, calm, and something deeper… something that resembled understanding.
As we approached the entrance of Stardust Garden, the world seemed to quiet itself. The walls were covered in trailing ivy and tiny glowing blossoms, and the air smelled faintly of night jasmine and fresh parchment.
Waiting just inside the gate stood a woman of quiet majesty. Her long walnut brown hair was neatly gathered at the back of her head, and her indigo eyes shimmered like stardust on deep ocean water. She wore a simple kirtle and a flowing skirt, yet her presence outshone the flowers around her.
She smiled as we approached, her gaze passing over the girls with gentle affection before settling on me.
"Alise," she said softly, her voice melodic yet steady, "would you introduce this young man?"
Alise grinned. "Gladly, Astraea-sama."
She gave me a little push forward like a proud older sister parading a new recruit.
"This is Eirion Cranel," she announced with a theatrical flourish, "Battle mage in training, wielder of mysterious pendants, and rescuer of maidens. And apparently... the cause of Ryu's pink ears."
Lyra choked on a laugh. Ryu let out a tiny gasp of offense and immediately averted her gaze, ears already burning.
"I-It's not like that," I stammered, scratching the back of my neck. "We were just… talking about the Dungeon!"
Astraea's smile deepened, but her tone remained gentle. "Welcome to Stardust Garden, Eirion. You are among friends here. Whatever path brought you to us, know that you're safe beneath this roof."
There was something in her words—something soothing, like she had peeled away the anxiety in my chest with nothing but a sentence.
"Thank you," I murmured, bowing my head. "It's an honor."
Astraea regarded me a moment longer, then nodded. "Let's get you settled. You can tell us more… over tea. Or, if Alise insists, during a dramatic retelling of your heroic adventures."
Alise clapped her hands. "Ooh, yes! We have to tell Astraea-sama about how he saved Adi!"
"Oh stars," I muttered under my breath.
Lyra gave me a smirk. "Hero boy's not going to survive a single night in this house."
Astraea merely chuckled, her gaze twinkling like her namesake.
As we stepped into the serene courtyard of Stardust Garden, Astraea led us to a stone bench beneath a canopy of softly glowing vines. The rest of the girls gathered nearby, relaxing into the familiar peace of home. Alise, as expected, couldn't wait another moment.
"Alright, Astraea-sama," she said with an eager grin, placing a hand on her hip. "You're going to love this story."
Astraea turned to her with quiet amusement, hands folded gracefully in front of her. "Oh? Has something happened?"
Alise pointed at me. "That young man you just welcomed? He saved us from terrifying monster— and how he eliminate the Rudra Familia by dropping the Juggernaut—on the Rudra Familia."
Astraea blinked slowly. "…A Juggernaut?"
"Mhmm," Kaguya added dryly, "and lived to tell the tale. Without a Falna."
Astraea's gaze slid back to me, thoughtful and just a touch sharper now.
Alise continued, clearly enjoying herself. "He was using this space-tearing magic called Aetheris Rift, which let him teleport the Juggernaut. Right into Evilus's lap."
Astraea's brows lifted in quiet surprise, but she said nothing—simply listening, absorbing.
"And that's not all," Lyra added, resting her chin in her hand. "Turns out Eirion's been handing out life-saving pendants like a romantic side quest. You remember Adi, right?"
Astraea gave a soft nod. "Yes, I remember her…"
"She's alive," Alise said, her voice softening slightly. "And apparently, it's because Eirion here gave her a disguised magic pendant two years ago—one that shielded her during the attack. She recognized him the moment he said her name."
Astraea turned fully to me then, eyes not accusing, but deeply perceptive—like she was seeing through me, not in a hostile way, but in the way a goddess of justice sees through masks and misdirection.
"You've done much in such a short time," she said slowly. "And you've saved lives… not by accident, I think."
I shifted, awkward under the attention. "I just… tried to help. That's all."
Alise grinned and nudged me with her elbow. "He keeps saying that. Like he's not collecting damsels like rare drop items."
"A-Alise!" I spluttered, cheeks flaring. "I wasn't—!"
"Hmm," Astraea mused, a smile tugging at her lips. "You've certainly made quite the impression, Eirion. And… you have my thanks, both for protecting my children and for showing kindness to one who was nearly lost."
I looked down, flustered. "Honestly… I had completely forgotten about giving Adi that pendant. I didn't think it would matter."
Astraea's expression turned soft. "Kindness, when given freely, often matters most when we least expect it."
"Exactly," Alise added cheerfully. "Which is why we're keeping you here. For your own safety, of course."
Kaguya smirked. "And maybe for Ryu's sanity. She's still recovering from the blush you gave her earlier."
"Kaguya!" Ryu snapped, ears going red again.
Astraea simply chuckled, a sound like warm starlight. "It seems you'll fit in well, Eirion."
And somehow… despite the teasing, the pressure, and the tangled half-truths I still carried… I believed her.
After the laughter died down and Astraea offered her final smile of gratitude, Alise clapped her hands and turned toward me.
"Well then, hero boy," she said, eyes twinkling, "you've met the goddess, earned our curiosity, and survived Lyra's sarcasm. That makes you officially eligible for the Stardust Garden Tour™."
"Trademarked?" I asked, trying not to sound nervous.
"Emotionally, yes," Lyra chimed in with a smirk.
Ryu, surprisingly, stepped beside me. "Come on. You'll want to see the training yard first."
With that, the group fanned out a little, guiding me deeper into their sanctuary.
Stardust Garden wasn't like any home I'd known. It was tucked behind a veil of ivy-covered stone walls, with winding paths that led through clusters of flowering bushes, star-shaped lanterns hanging from wooden beams, and gentle streams running along cobblestone paths. It was a place of peace built by warriors who knew battle too well.
"This place was rebuilt," Kaguya explained as we passed a curved archway covered in moonvines. "After… everything. Astraea-sama wanted a home that felt like hope, not a fortress."
The scent of wild mint and lilies drifted on the breeze.
"Over here's our training yard," Alise said, gesturing to a wide circular field ringed with wooden dummies, spell marks scorched into the earth. "Where we spar, drill, and occasionally yell at each other."
"Mostly yell," Lyra added.
"And the library's tucked behind that tower," Ryu pointed out, her voice softer now. "There's a study space if you… ever need to be away from the noise."
"Thanks," I said, catching the hint of something gentle beneath her words.
We passed a garden bed where a girl with sandy hair was carefully trimming herbs. "Medicine stockpile," Alise noted. "You wouldn't believe how often Kaguya throws herself into a fight without thinking."
"I can hear you," Kaguya muttered flatly.
As we circled back toward the central courtyard, I noticed a carved stone fountain in the shape of Astraea's sigil—a pair of balanced scales wrapped in ivy. Water trickled gently from the scales' bowls, and the air shimmered faintly with soft divine light.
"Astraea-sama blesses this place," Ryu said, sensing my gaze. "It's why you feel… calm here."
"I do," I admitted. "It's like… the world outside is muted."
Alise leaned back, hands behind her head. "It's also our one safe haven from the chaos of Orario. Unless someone breaks the training dummies again."
"I said I was sorry," Lyra muttered.
"And here," Alise added dramatically, "is the most sacred corner of the Stardust Garden—our kitchen."
As we stepped inside, the scent of fresh bread, tea, and grilled fish hit me all at once.
"Kitchen's open," a voice called. A tall, silver waved lazily. "Just don't touch the snacks labeled 'Lyra.' They bite."
"I do not!" Lyra said indignantly. "They're just emotionally possessive."
Everyone laughed.
The long wooden table was set under warm, golden light—simple dishes spread from end to end, filling the Stardust Garden's dining hall with the rich aromas of stew, grilled vegetables, and baked bread. The laughter of the Astraea Familia filled the space with a comforting warmth that, for the first time in a while, made me forget I was still holding half-truths close to my chest.
"Dig in, everyone," Alise said, motioning to the table with her usual bright grin. "Especially you, Eirion. You've more than earned a seat at this table."
I muttered a quiet thank you, settling into an open spot between Lyra and Ryu. The elf gave me a short glance, then quickly looked away, her ears just slightly red.
Dinner started like most meals do—with clattering utensils and cheerful chatter—but it wasn't long before someone kicked off the teasing.
"So," Lyra began, raising her spoon with a mock-serious air. "How many girls is it now that you've heroically saved, Eirion? I lost count somewhere between the Juggernaut and Adi."
"I did not heroically—" I tried to protest, but Kaguya cut in with a smirk.
"No, no. Let the boy speak. I want to hear how he accidentally keeps running into damsels and pulling off miracles."
Alise leaned forward, resting her chin in her hands, eyes glimmering with amusement. "Honestly, it's a little suspicious. You sure you're not aiming to build a harem?"
Ryu coughed into her tea, nearly choking.
"I-It's not like that!" I said quickly, face burning. "I just… happened to be there. That's all."
"Ah yes," Lyra nodded solemnly. "The legendary 'I just happened to be there' tactic."
"Honestly," I muttered under my breath, "I had completely forgotten about Adi…"
The table fell silent for a heartbeat—then a round of surprised looks circled.
"You saved her and forgot?" Kaguya blinked.
"Hey, don't look at me like that! I didn't plan it. I gave her the pendant thinking it might help one day. I didn't even know if she'd keep it…"
From across the table, Alise gave a soft laugh. "Intentional or not… it did save her. That counts for something, Eirion."
Astraea, who had mostly observed quietly until now, gently set down her teacup. Her deep indigo eyes met mine—calm, clear, and somehow knowing.
"You carry the weight of your actions humbly," she said, her voice as serene as starlight. "That is admirable. But I also sense… you carry burdens alone."
My breath hitched.
The room quieted again—this time with a reverence that went beyond teasing. Even Lyra's smirk faded.
"I… just want to help where I can," I finally said, eyes low.
"And you have," Astraea said kindly. "Twice over. I thank you, not just as a goddess, but as someone who believes in justice—and in kindness freely given."
I didn't know what to say to that. I just nodded, suddenly aware of how warm the room felt.
Ryu, next to me, shifted slightly. "You did the right thing," she said, her voice low but sure. "And… I'm glad you were there."
I looked over at her—she was still facing forward, but her expression had softened, just a bit.
"Thanks," I murmured.
Alise broke the silence with a cheerful clap. "Alright! No more serious faces at the dinner table. Eirion, welcome to the chaos that is the Stardust Garden!"
"Hear, hear!" Lyra grinned, raising her cup.
Glasses clinked. Warmth flowed. And as laughter resumed, I felt that small ember of belonging glow a little brighter in my chest.
For the first time in this strange, familiar world… I felt like I wasn't on the outside anymore.
I was home.
The dining hall slowly quieted as empty plates were pushed aside and chairs scraped against the wooden floor. Astraea had long since retired to her study, and the others were either drifting off to their rooms or still lingering with mugs of warm tea and lazy conversation.
"Eirion, you're on dish duty!" Alise called from the hallway with a mischievous wave. "Consider it your initiation."
"I figured," I said with a sigh—but not unkindly.
The kitchen was still warm from the cooking fires, the scent of herbs and roasted vegetables lingering in the air. I rolled up my sleeves and started stacking the plates, the clinking oddly soothing. After a moment, a familiar presence joined me at the sink.
"I'll help," Ryu said quietly.
I looked over in surprise. She had already tied her hair back and rolled up her sleeves, her expression calm but unreadable.
"You don't have to," I offered.
"I know. I want to."
We worked in silence for a few minutes, the soft splash of water and the occasional clatter of a spoon the only sounds. But the air between us felt... dense. Not uncomfortable—just filled with unspoken thoughts.
Eventually, Ryu broke the quiet.
"What you did for Adi… it wasn't something small," she said, rinsing a bowl without looking at me. "Even if you forgot, it saved her life."
"I didn't do it expecting anything," I said. "I just… saw a chance to help. That's all."
Ryu was silent for a moment. Then: "That kind of thinking is rare."
I shrugged. "Maybe. But it feels… right."
She set the bowl aside and turned to face me, her seafoam eyes catching the low kitchen light. "It's why I trust you."
The words hit harder than I expected.
"I mean it," she added, a little softer. "You're reckless, and you have too many secrets… but you're kind. Genuinely kind. And not because you want to be seen that way."
"…Thanks," I said, and meant it more than I could explain. "That means a lot, coming from you."
She nodded slowly. Then, to my surprise, a faint smile curved her lips. "Though I still think you attract danger like a moth to flame."
I snorted. "I'd argue it finds me."
"Semantics."
We finished the last of the dishes side by side. As I was drying my hands, Ryu hesitated.
"You called me Lion earlier," she said, glancing at me from the corner of her eye. "Most people don't. Not unless they've… earned it."
I froze for a second. "I didn't mean to—was that disrespectful?"
"No," she said quickly, shaking her head. "Just surprising. But… it didn't feel wrong. You say it like it's a name that belongs to me, not just a title."
"Well," I said, rubbing the back of my neck, "it does. It's strong, and brave. Like you."
For a moment, she just looked at me. Then, she turned away—but not before I caught the flush in her cheeks.
"…Goodnight, Eirion," she said quietly, already moving toward the hallway.
"Goodnight, Ryu."
And though the kitchen now stood empty and quiet again, something warm lingered behind—like the last rays of sunset refusing to fade.
As I left the kitchen, the hallway was dim and quiet, shadows stretching long beneath the soft golden lanterns of Stardust Garden. I walked slowly, still replaying my conversation with Ryu in my mind.
That's when I saw her.
Goddess Astraea stood just ahead, near an arched window, the moonlight silvering the edges of her walnut brown hair. Her gaze was distant, thoughtful, cast toward the stars outside—until she noticed me approaching.
I gave a polite nod, trying not to startle her. "Goodnight, Goddess."
She turned, and the expression she wore was gentle, serene, yet there was a sharpness to her eyes—like starlight piercing through clouds.
"Eirion," she said softly. "Thank you."
I blinked, not expecting that.
"For what you did for my children," she continued. "You've protected them more than once—Ryu, Alise, even Adi. I am grateful."
I rubbed the back of my neck, unsure what to say. "I… just did what anyone would do."
Astraea smiled faintly, the kind of smile that saw through modesty. "Perhaps. But intent matters. And yours was pure."
She stepped closer, her voice low and even. "If you ever need help—my guidance, my voice, or my protection—you have only to ask. I do not forget debts of the heart."
I felt something shift in the air, like a weight I hadn't realized I'd been carrying had lightened, just a little. "I'll keep that in mind," I said quietly.
I was about to turn and continue down the hall when she spoke again, more softly—but with unmistakable gravity.
"That said… your presence in 30 floor was extremely suspicious."
I stopped.
She wasn't angry. In fact, her expression hadn't changed. But those deep indigo eyes seemed to look through me, not just at me.
"I don't know what secrets you carry," she went on. "But I won't pry—because I believe everyone deserves the space to hold onto the truths they are not yet ready to share."
A long pause passed between us.
"…Thank you," I said finally. And I meant it—not just for the offer of help, but for the restraint. The trust.
She nodded. "Goodnight, Eirion."
"Goodnight, Goddess."
As I walked away, I didn't feel exposed… but I did feel seen.