Chapter 257 - Mahiro: I'm Level 2 Adventurer Now!
Mahiro's rank-up didn't cause much shock for Hephaestus.
After all, over the past three days, she had witnessed Mahiro'd terrifying growth rate firsthand.
Even if he hadn't ranked up today, it would've happened tomorrow.
Breaking Ais Wallenstein's record was practically expected.
As a result, Hestia or Hephaestus's enthusiasm for Mahiro's rank-up paled in comparison to their excitement over the divine wine he'd brought back.
This led to an amusing scene: two goddesses, far from their divine dignity, acting like a pair of drunkards.
They shouted across the table, clinking glasses and drinking heavily.
"These two..." Mahiro muttered, rubbing his temples.
By the time he reacted, both Hestia and Hephaestus were sprawled across the table.
Gods had sealed their arcanum before descending to the lower world.
Which means their strength or physiques would be no different from ordinary humans.
Even regular alcohol could intoxicate them, and divine wine—being the finest of all drinks—was especially potent.
While it wouldn't addict them, it hit harder and lingered longer.
Mahiro could already picture how the two goddesses would look when they woke up tomorrow.
"Still, this wine is good, I could take some back with me when I leave," Mahiro mused.
He shook his glass lightly with interest before taking a sip.
In an instant, an unparalleled wave of intoxication washed over him, leaving Mahiro momentarily dazed.
His eyes blurred slightly as he savored the exquisite taste of the divine wine.
But he quickly shook off the sensation.
As mentioned before, divine wine was an irresistible poison to ordinary people.
For adventurers like Mahiro, however, it was merely a luxurious drink—highly enjoyable, but manageable.
Though he wasn't fond of alcohol, after tasting divine wine, he doubted any other drink would ever satisfy him again.
Scooping up the two goddesses, Mahiro carried them to their respective rooms.
The next day, Mahiro didn't head to the dungeon.
Over the past few days, he'd earned enough valis to buy a mansion—a small mansion on Southwest Street that Hestia and Hephaestus had already picked out.
The location and surroundings were ideal. He'd planned to visit it with Hestia, but...
When Mahiro arrived at the shop, he found the two goddesses stumbling out of their rooms like sleepwalkers, desperately searching for water.
With no other choice, he took on the role of caretaker for the hungover pair.
"Aaaahhh!" Hestia groaned in the living room, clutching her head.
Her face scrunched up in discomfort.
"Mahiro, I feel awful!"
She whined, burying her head into the sofa and tapping it lightly in frustration.
"Who told you to drink so much yesterday?"
Mahiro shot her an exasperated glance before pouring her a cup of hot water. "Drink this first."
"The wine was just too good—I couldn't stop myself," Hestia admitted, sticking out her tongue sheepishly.
She took the glass from Mahiro, downed it in one gulp, and sighed in relief.
Then, with little regard for manners, she flopped halfway across the sofa, burying her face in a pillow.
"How come Hephaestus seems fine? She drank more than me!"
Hestia grumbled, casting an envious glance at her friend.
"Who said I'm fine? Can't you see I've got a headache too?" Hephaestus retorted weakly from the opposite sofa.
She'd been silent, resting with her eyes closed, but Hestia's comment prompted an irritated glare.
"Hephaestus, here's some water for you too," Mahiro said, pouring her a hot water too.
"Thanks. You're far better than her," Hephaestus replied, taking the water and shooting a pointed look at Hestia.
After drinking, she sank back into her previous state, lying limply on the sofa.
"Hephaestus, why haven't you gone downstairs to open the shop? It's already nine," Hestia mumbled.
"I'm closing for the day. My head's killing me—I'm not in the mood to work," Hephaestus said, eyes still shut.
"Then go back to your room. You'll catch a cold out here," Hestia muttered.
"This is my place. I'll lie wherever I want," Hephaestus snapped, too tired to argue further.
She even felt a bit sorry for herself—stuck playing the third wheel today.
"Fine, stay there," Mahiro said with a sigh.
He flipped Hestia over and placed a warm towel on her forehead.
"So comfy," Hestia murmured, her eyes fluttering in relief.
Mahiro took two steps to Hephaestus and placed a towel on her forehead.
"Hm?" The warm sensation made Hephaestus crack her eyes open.
Her head, resting against the sofa, shifted slightly.
"Don't move," Mahiro said gently.
His soft tone and care made Hephaestus settle back into place.
She closed her eyes again and whispered,
"Thank you."
"Hestia, rest here this morning. I'm heading to the Guild to report my rank-up," Mahiro said.
"Reporting to the Guild already? You could wait a bit," Hephaestus suggested.
Three days to rank up was astonishingly fast.
"No need. It has to be reported eventually—today or tomorrow, it's the same," Mahiro replied, shaking his head.
After tending to the two goddesses a little longer, he left the shop.
"Hephaestus, something's off with you," Hestia said after Mahiro departed, staring at her friend with a piercing gaze.
"What now?"
Hephaestus rolled her eyes.
"Your attitude toward Mahiro just now—it was weird," Hestia pressed, adopting a stern, interrogative tone.
"Get lost," Hephaestus huffed, bristling at the accusation.
What was with that tone—like she'd been caught in some scandal?
Still, the gentle care she'd just received had stirred a ripple in her usually calm heart.
***
"Mahiro, I've lined up a few supporters. Want to meet them?" Eina asked as he arrived.
"No need. I've already found a suitable supporter," Mahiro replied, shaking his head.
"You did?" Eina asked, surprised.
"Yeah. When I left the day before yesterday, I ran into a supporter who'd just parted ways with another adventurer, so I hired her," Mahiro explained.
Eina nodded.
"I'll let the other supporters know, then."
"Thanks for the trouble," Mahiro said with a smile.
"By the way, I came today to register something with the Guild."
"What's that?" Eina asked, her curiosity piqued.
"I'm Level 2 adventurer now," Mahiro said.
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