When I stepped into Rivira for the first time, I was amazed.
It was just as beautiful as I had imagined. The lighting, the trees, the lush green grass—everything looked like it was built with great passion.
I began walking through Rivira, admiring everything around me.
I made my way toward the town located within Rivira.
As I walked, I contacted my clones. I asked if anyone was in Rivira. Apparently, Akame's group had returned after exploring up to the 21st floor.
I told them to meet me in town so we could talk a bit.
Not that I'm interested in hearing about the next floors—I can absorb and acquire their knowledge if I want to. I just wanted someone to talk to and share a meal with.
"I guess I'm starting to feel a little lonely."
When I reached the town, I noticed how small it was. I expected it to be larger.
Of course, everyone around me was a mid-to-high level adventurer. Many of them gave me suspicious looks, probably because of my young appearance. They must think I'm weak.
I ignored them all and asked the clones to meet me at a small restaurant I found near the entrance.
It was a restaurant, but a modest one.
I didn't remember there being restaurants here. 'Well, I never really paid attention to that.'
I was attended by a muscular woman who owned the restaurant, and I placed my order. A few minutes later, Akame, Zen, and Zoro walked in. They saw me and then sat at the table.
One on each side.
"What do you want, Master?" Zoro asked, sounding a bit impatient.
"Nothing, I just wanted some company."
The three clones looked at each other and then smiled.
"Why don't you get a girlfriend, Master?" Akame asked.
"Hm?"
"If you're feeling lonely, you should find a girlfriend. I talked to some girls before, and they said the best way not to feel lonely is to get a boyfriend. Maybe it'll work for you too."
"A girlfriend?"
I considered the idea for a moment but dismissed it within seconds.
Get a girlfriend in a situation like this? I could be hunted down any day now—I don't want to put an innocent person in danger.
And dating one of my clones? That's out of the question.
"No, better not. Things are going to get complicated soon. I don't have time to worry about a relationship."
"What do you mean, Master?"
"Every now and then, the gods hold a meeting. They usually discuss things about Familias or they give a nickname to adventurers who've leveled up…"
"I didn't know about that meeting. Is it important?" Akame asked. "Doesn't sound like a big deal."
"I spoke with one of the gods who'll be at the meeting. Freya—have you heard of her?" I hadn't told the clones about all the gods. I think they can learn on their own.
As expected, they had all heard of Freya. In fact, they'd even met members of the Freya Familia before.
"You talked to her?" Akame said, visibly uneasy. "The things I heard about her weren't good."
"I've heard some nasty things too."
What kind of rumors are spreading about Freya? I know she isn't exactly a good person, but she is a respected goddess.
"What kind of things did you hear?"
They started telling me that many people said the Freya Familia shouldn't be trusted, and that Goddess Freya herself was manipulative, unpleasant, and extremely arrogant.
I'll admit—it's not far from the truth.
"Well, I guess the rumors aren't that wrong." I chuckled, and just then, my food arrived. The restaurant owner placed the plate on the table and asked the other three if they wanted anything.
They all declined, and she walked away.
"But you spoke with her, right? What is she like?" Zoro asked, curious. "I know she's a beautiful woman, but…"
"She is beautiful. I think I fell in love at first sight."
The three clones widened their eyes, and Akame said, "Are you serious?"
"Just kidding. I wouldn't fall in love with a woman like her. And as for what she's really like... I'd say she's pretty daring."
"Daring?"
"Yeah. She tried to "hypnotize" me, but of course, I didn't fall for it."
"…"
"But I do have to thank her. She told me about the gods' meeting."
"You mentioned it earlier, but why are these Familias and nicknames so important?"
"I told you what they usually discuss at those meetings—but this time, it's different. The next meeting will be entirely focused on me."
"On you?"
"That's right. Freya said they'll decide what to do about me. And from what she told me, their decision is already made."
"What is it?" Zen finally spoke up.
I looked at the three of them and smiled. They seemed full of anticipation.
"You probably already know what they're going to do."
"Hunt us down?"
"That's right. Hunt all of you, then try to find my original body and finish me off. Isn't that exciting?"
"Exciting? Master, this is a problem! We won't be able to beat all those powerful adventurers!" Akame seemed worried, but I calmed her down.
"Relax. What are adventurers?" I asked, pointing my fork at them.
They all answered at the same time: "Humans."
Akame added, "Most of them are human, but some are from other races."
"Exactly. And what happens when we kill humans?"
"…"
"…"
"…"
Akame, Zoro, and Zen exchanged nervous glances.
"That's right—we gain more experience. If they start a war, they should be ready to die. And by killing them, we can grow much stronger… and much faster."
"But what if we run into someone like that giant man?"
"Ottar?" I paused for a moment before continuing.
"We should avoid him at all costs for now. If you do encounter him, there's nothing you can do. You'll be killed for sure. But since we're in a war against humans and other races, you'll be able to level up again quickly."
"I see…" Akame said.
The only problem is that they'll lose their memories.
"Well, that won't happen just yet. We still have a few days. In the meantime, I'll explore the deeper floors with you to gain even more experience. I need to be better prepared before it all begins."
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Next chapters: Chapter 60 - Apollo Familia. / Chapter 61 - Isolated house. / Chapter 62 - Empty Village? Strange Girl. / Chapter 63 - Wiene