Yoru
Level: 1
Strength: I21
Endurance: I13
Dexterity: I11
Agility: I12
Magic: ?
Magic Skill: Impure Frost ???
Skills: …
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Yoru sat in the hidden chapel home, holding the crystal-clear ice tablet in his hands. His expression was calm as his eyes scanned the rows of numbers.
His adventurer status—everything that defined him—laid out in plain, numerical form. And yet, those numbers were so pitiful they could only inspire disappointment.
With stats like these, he wasn't even on par with the average adult male, let alone fit to be called an adventurer.
Seeing Yoru's silence, Hestia grew worried. She scooted close to him and gently tried to comfort him.
"D-Don't feel too down, Yoru! I mean, yeah, the numbers aren't great, but it's just the beginning, right? You'll definitely grow stronger over time!"
"It's fine, Hestia. I'm not bothered by it."
Yoru shook his head, signaling there was no need for her to worry. Indeed, his physical stats were pathetically low—but in truth, it didn't matter.
He could feel it. That terrifying, overwhelming power slumbering deep within him. A force that, once mastered, could destroy everything.
Impure Frost, huh…?
Even though Yoru appeared unconcerned, Hestia's heart only filled with more guilt.
"…It's my fault. You ended up forming a contract with such a useless goddess like me."
"How could this possibly be your fault? Growth after a contract all depends on the adventurer's own efforts. You have nothing to blame yourself for, Hestia."
Yoru smiled faintly and gently stroked her hair to comfort her.
Though he played it off like it didn't matter, Hestia remained troubled. The goddess fell into rare silence, her small brows furrowed as she pondered something.
Then, as if reaching a decision, she turned and silently walked toward the wardrobe in the back of the room.
She opened the door, stood on her tiptoes, and shakily reached for her custom coat—one that completely covered her petite chest. Putting it on, Hestia walked past Yoru without looking at him.
"My workplace is hosting a banquet tonight, so I'll be stepping out for a bit. You should treat yourself, Yoru. Go enjoy a nice, fancy dinner."
She said it lightly with a smile, giving him no chance to respond as she quickly left the room.
"A banquet… at her part-time job?"
Yoru blinked in confusion. That didn't sound right.
She only worked at a humble street vendor—what kind of banquet would they be throwing? And dressed so formally, no less?
Curious, he glanced out at the darkening sky. Night had fallen. It was time to head over to Syr's place for dinner.
As the golden sun gave way to a deep blue dusk and a glowing full moon, the streets of Orario buzzed with laughter and liveliness.
Tired laborers and adventurers who'd safely returned from the Dungeon were now washing away the day's exhaustion with food and drink. Roars of laughter and boisterous voices echoed from taverns all around. Orange lantern light spilled out of open doors, dancing with the shadows of countless passersby.
Yoru wandered the bustling street, searching for the tavern he always passed by in the mornings—but now, under the cover of night and the crowd, it was surprisingly hard to find.
"It should be around here…"
He muttered while anxiously weaving through the throng of people, looking around like a lost child.
The scene around him was entirely different from the quiet mornings he was used to. The morning's stillness was now replaced with heat, cheer, and movement. Finding the storefront from memory became all the more difficult.
Hobbits and goblins linked arms and sang loudly in the streets. Dwarves, famous for their strength, bellowed with laughter as they joined in. Beastwomen with ears and tails wore bold outfits, while Amazonesses strutted confidently in even more daring attire.
Music from stringed and wind instruments drifted through the air, amplifying the festive energy and lifting the hearts of everyone nearby.
The entire main street had transformed into the very face of night in Orario.
"…Is it here?"
Finally, Yoru stopped before a vaguely familiar building.
Constructed from stone like the rest, the two-story structure stood taller than most taverns in the area.
Syr's workplace: The Hostess of Fertility.
Satisfied that he had the right place, Yoru stepped inside.
The first thing he saw was a well-endowed woman behind the counter, serving drinks and meat with practiced grace—presumably the proprietress. In the kitchen beyond, several cat-eared catfolk girls busily prepared food. All the waitstaff appeared to be women.
The entire staff was female. No wonder the place was called The Hostess of Fertility.
Among them, Yoru even spotted a haughty-looking elf. Unlike Eina, who was a half-elf, the sharp ears confirmed this one was a full-blooded elf, just like Riveria.
The atmosphere inside was cheerful and energetic. The employees brimmed with life, and laughter filled the air. Although many male adventurers eyed the women lustfully, no one crossed the line. Everyone was simply drinking, laughing, and enjoying the night. The food looked delicious too.
The interior was stylish—far more so than other taverns—but still retained the distinct feel of a proper watering hole. It was clear the proprietress had a good eye for design.
Even so, Yoru couldn't bring himself to relax.
Places like this, overflowing with life and excitement, always made him feel like he didn't belong. A wave of discomfort swept over him, and he was on the verge of turning around and leaving—
"Yoru, you made it!"
He turned. Syr had appeared beside him at some point, smiling brightly.
"Ah… yeah. I'm here."
"Mm. Welcome."
Wearing the same outfit from this morning, Syr greeted him formally with a smile.
She gently took Yoru's hand—who looked quite out of place—and pulled him toward the wide entrance while calling out in a clear voice:
"Table for one!"
Well… looked like running away wasn't an option anymore.
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