Chapter 399

Chapter 404: Izay: I’m not disliked~ (Please subscribe!)

Northwest Street of Orario was as bustling with people as ever.

After stepping into this area, Izay parted ways with Tiona and the others. The sisters had to rush to repair their weapons, especially Tione who lost all her throwing knives during the battle and needed replacements. They also had to pay the Hephaestus Familia blacksmiths the promised reward.

Raul and the others were tasked with delivering a large quantity of magic stones to the Guild’s exchange office to officially claim their faction’s earnings.

Izay, on the other hand, was responsible for heading to the Healing Clinic to replenish the faction’s spiritual medicine supplies and sell the raw materials collected from the dungeon.

Ais, Haruhi, and Refia accompanied him.

“How does it feel to level up? Haruhi.”

Walking down the lively Adventurer’s Street, Izay asked Haruhi about her feelings after her abilities improved. It had been a while since the girl joined Loki Familia, and aside from an initial period of adjustment, she had grown every day since.

Now that she had successfully reached Level 2, it was a testament to her growth.

Since the update, joy had been evident on Haruhi’s face, which made Izay want to tease her a little.

“It feels amazing, Master Izay. Although I haven’t fully grasped the changes yet, I am so happy~”

Haruhi clasped her hands together in front of her chest like a child receiving pocket money, beaming with happiness.

“You don’t feel the change because you haven’t experienced your upgraded ability values yet, Haruhi. You just need to get familiar through combat or training. I can help you if you’d like?”

Noticing their conversation, Refia suddenly chimed in, offering what seemed like sincere advice.

Izay raised an eyebrow and shot a disdainful look at the sprite.

“Refia, I didn’t expect you to be this kind of person. How could you even think of bullying such a gentle soul like Haruhi? I look down on you~”

“——???”

Refia’s head filled with question marks.

When did I say anything about bullying Haruhi?! That wasn’t my intention!

“Izay, you’re distorting facts!!!” The little sprite glared furiously at Izay.

Haruhi looked back and forth between Izay and Refia before hesitantly speaking up.

“Refia-sama… would you really do that…?”

“Even using a question sentence!?”

“Refia, you mustn’t bully Haruhi.”

“Not even Ais-sama believes me… waaaah…”

In an instant, Refia’s eyes welled up with tears, her face contorted in sadness until Ais, perhaps feeling pity, gently patted her head to comfort her. This gesture worked wonders on Refia, who immediately stopped sniffling.

—So easy to pacify~

Up ahead, Izay smiled nonchalantly.

However, when it came to leveling up, it wasn’t just Haruhi who needed to adapt; he himself was still getting used to his new capabilities. Moving from Level 5 to Level 6 brought improvements that were impossible to estimate unless experienced firsthand. Doubling them wouldn’t even come close to describing it.

Level 6 is called the “Hero’s Domain” for good reason. Crossing into this realm was like the difference between heaven and earth.

Izay was already contemplating finding a training ground.

For mastering his abilities, he could rely on Ais. Sparring with her would quickly acquaint him with his own strength.

The only issue was where to train. The backyard of Twilight Manor was out of the question; the best choice would be in some secluded part of the deeper dungeon levels, though the exact location would have to be decided later.

For now, they had current matters to attend to.

…

The grand building adorned with glowing orbs and medicinal herbs — the Healing Clinic of Diancette Familia.

The facility, long unvisited by Izay, was today packed with high-level adventurers as usual.

Amongst the bustling atmosphere, the young healer Amide greeted Izay with a smile.

“Hello, Amide. We’re here to support your business!”

“That’s very welcome indeed. I hope you won’t pull any tricks this time.”

“What are you talking about? Last time was clearly Finn’s fault, none of my doing~”

Izay instantly rejected the accusation, firmly denying responsibility for the previous incident.

Amide simply smiled without replying, maintaining an air of disbelief no matter what Izay said. She remembered being distracted last time, only realizing afterward that she’d been tricked by Izay’s words. This time, there would be no repeat.

She then turned her attention away from Izay to greet Ais, Haruhi, and Refia.

“Welcome back, everyone. How was the expedition? Everything went smoothly?”

“Yes, we’re back, Amide.”

“It went pretty well, thanks to the spiritual medicines and panaceas you provided. They were a great help in battle. We’re truly grateful.”

“And I too… thank goodness for the magical remedies! Thank you!”

“Our healing potions are meant to assist you all. It makes us very happy to know they’ve been useful.”

With heartfelt smiles, the kind healer, her silver hair flowing gracefully, expressed genuine joy at seeing Ais and the others return safely.

“…”

Their friendly exchanges left Izay feeling oddly extraneous.

(Hmm… must be a mistake. I shouldn’t be disliked…)

Accompanying Amide to a private reception room, Izay took out various herbal ingredients from his subspace storage for appraisal. Meanwhile, Ais, Haruhi, and Refia shopped for necessary spiritual medicines within the clinic.

Once everything was settled with Amide, Izay stored the exchanged funds and medicines back into his subspace and bid farewell to Amide, leaving the Healing Clinic.

Strolling down the street, Refia glanced at the sky and slyly initiated a topic: “It’s still early. What should we do next, Ais-sama?”

“I can guess what you’re thinking.” Izay gave her a sidelong glance.

The sprite’s intentions were far too predictable.

Upon hearing this, Refia puffed up her cheeks and shot daggers at him with her eyes.

You annoying Izay, don’t interfere right now!!

“—?” x2

Beside them, Ais and Haruhi exchanged puzzled looks, completely missing the subtext of their exchange.

“Why not relax a bit outside? Finn has arranged for a celebration banquet tonight, so we can have some fun beforehand.”

After pondering for a moment, Izay thought going along with the sprite’s idea might not be bad. Going out to play could serve as a good way to unwind.

“I’ll follow Master Izay…”

“Alright, let’s go out then.”

“—Yay!”

The moment Ais agreed, the previously sulking Refia lit up with excitement. Watching her mood shift so swiftly, Izay couldn’t help but marvel at her expertise.

And that’s why she gets teased so often~

Whether by him or Loki, her rapid emotional transitions left her with no “regrets,” making her an irresistible target for teasing.