"What? Really… is it really possible?"
Bell Cranel's eyes widened in disbelief, his voice trembling with a mixture of hope and uncertainty.
The boy's heart pounded in his chest as he gazed at Su Hai, unsure whether this unexpected offer was a dream or reality.
Su Hai couldn't help but smile at Bell's naive but endearing reaction. With a small nod, he confirmed his words.
"Yes, you can join us."
Bell's disbelief melted into sheer joy, his eyes brimming with tears of happiness as he turned toward Hestia, silently seeking her approval.
Hestia tilted her head slightly, studying the boy standing before her. At first, she couldn't quite understand why Su Hai had chosen such a thin, ordinary-looking boy. But trusting Su Hai's judgment, she simply nodded her agreement with a warm smile.
And so, Bell Cranel officially became a member of the Hestia Familia.
That same night, after the conversion ceremony was completed, Su Hai retired to his room. As he lay on his bed, excitement coursed through him as he focused on the glowing Four-Star Treasure Chest in his system space.
"System, open the treasure chest!"
A faint chime echoed in his mind as the treasure chest slowly opened, releasing a burst of golden light.
Ding!
"Congratulations, Host! You have obtained the Heavenly Chains (Enkidu)—a divine weapon designed to bind gods and those with divine blood."
Golden chains appeared within the system space, seemingly endless and radiating a faint pressure that resonated with Su Hai's soul. Even from within the system, he could feel the chains' intense suppression of divine beings.
Su Hai chuckled wryly.
"First, I get a one-time use of the Spear of Longinus… and now I get a weapon that specializes in binding gods. Is the system trying to turn me into a god-slayer or what?"
Before he could dwell on the thought, a soft voice interrupted his musings.
"Ah Hai, is there something special about Bell?"
Turning his head, Su Hai found Hestia lying beside him, her curious eyes gazing into his own. Ever since the thunderstorm, the petite goddess had taken to sleeping in his room without so much as asking. And though Su Hai had initially found it awkward, he had gradually grown used to her presence.
"It's true. Bell is special. If I had to put it simply, I'd say there isn't a single adventurer in Orario who can match his potential."
Su Hai's mind drifted to the future, recalling the bug-like abilities that Bell would eventually unlock—the Liaris Freese, his insane growth rate, and his potential to rival the gods themselves.
Hestia blinked, surprised by Su Hai's conviction. But trusting his instincts, she merely snuggled closer with a content smile.
"Then I guess I should thank you for bringing him to our Familia, Ah Hai."
With that, the two fell asleep, wrapped in each other's warmth.
The Next Morning: Outfitting the Familia
"Captain, do you really want to buy me equipment?"
"I've heard that adventurer weapons in Orario are really expensive…"
Bell's voice was tinged with hesitation as he followed Su Hai through the bustling streets of Orario, his steps uncertain despite his excitement.
"It's fine," Su Hai replied with a casual wave of his hand. "Consider it a welcome gift from your captain."
To Su Hai, money had long since become a trivial concern. Compared to strengthening his team and ensuring their survival, a few million valis meant nothing.
Liliruca, walking beside them, tilted her head curiously.
"Still, it's pretty generous of you, Lord Su Hai."
Soon, the trio arrived at their destination—a large weapon shop owned by the Hephaestus Familia, renowned across Orario for crafting the finest weapons and armor.
The sheer variety of weapons on display left both Bell and Liliruca awestruck. Gleaming swords, intricately designed armor, and crossbows lined the walls, with price tags ranging from a few thousand to tens of millions of valis.
Su Hai chuckled at their wide-eyed expressions.
"Go ahead—pick whatever suits you best."
Over the next hour, they carefully selected their equipment:
• For Liliruca Arde:
• A durable backpack crafted from the hide of a high-level monster (100,000 valis)
• A lightweight set of armor designed for speed and flexibility, protecting her vital areas without restricting movement (5,000,000 valis)
• A crossbow capable of rapid-fire shots (3,500,000 valis)
Total: 8.6 million valis
• For Bell Cranel:
• A full set of light armor that provided ample protection without sacrificing mobility
• Two sharp blades—one long and one short—to suit his dual-wielding style
Total: 12 million valis
Though Su Hai could have easily bought even better gear, he knew that relying too much on powerful equipment would slow Bell and Liliruca's growth. For now, these weapons were more than enough.
Returning Home: A Surprise Awaits
"Captain, thank you so much! I swear I'll work hard to become stronger!"
Bell clutched his new weapons with a mixture of awe and determination, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.
Su Hai ruffled Bell's hair with a smile.
"Don't worry. With enough hard work, you'll become stronger than you ever imagined."
By the time they returned to the Hestia Familia's residence, both Bell and Liliruca were still admiring their new gear, clearly excited to try them out in the dungeon.
"Ah Hai, you're finally back!"
As soon as they stepped inside, Hestia came bounding toward them, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"I have good news!"
The three exchanged curious glances as Hestia practically vibrated with anticipation, clearly eager to share whatever had her so excited.
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