Is It Wrong to Explore the Dungeon Even Though I’m Overpowered? (Danmachi SI- WC) (Patreon)

Chapter 39: A Toast to Bonds

The streets of Orario were still buzzing with the echoes of our victory. Word of the War Game had spread faster than fire in dry brush, and wherever we walked, the whispers followed. Some voices were filled with awe, others with envy, and a few with clear hostility, but all of them carried my name and the name of our Familia.

Even as Syr clung to me with unrestrained joy, her warmth pressed against my side, I could feel the sharp glares of my companions burning holes through us. It was a strange contrast: the cheers of the city around us, and the storm brewing just within arm’s reach.

I let out a quiet breath and patted Syr gently on the back before easing her down; she pouted cutely and I smiled nervously. “Seems like your good-luck charm worked,” I said, fingering the green pendant still resting at my throat.

“I’m so glad you wore it~ I didn’t know if you would.” Syr beamed, blissfully ignoring the twins’ growing ire.

“Of course I would wear it. It was a gift from you after all. A precious friend.” I smiled, my eyes focusing behind Syr seeing Ryuu walking toward us with an apologetic look in her eyes missing the frown on Syr’s face at the word friend.

“Stop ignoring us, you dumb maid!” Rem finally snapped, tired of being overlooked. Ram nodded on my other side, looking like she wanted to say all sorts of mean things to Syr.

Before Syr could reel off another snarky reply that would have set the twins off, Ryuu closed the gap and with a single, gentle chop, smacked Syr in the head. Syr clasped her head cutely and blinked, near tears.

“Oww. Ryuu~ Why did you do that?” Syr pouted, rubbing the spot tenderly.

“Sorry about her, Reinhard-san, everyone.” Ryuu bowed slightly. “Syr’s been rather excited since we all watched you fight against all those opponents. I must admit that was very impressive.” she complimented me which coming from the usually aloof Ryuu, it meant a lot.

“That’s right~” Syr chimed in, clasping her hands at her chest bringing attention to it. “You were incredible, Reinhard-kun. I’ve never seen anything like it~”

“All of you were impressive,” Ryuu added, noticing the twins’ sour faces at being overlooked. Then she grew serious. “You have improved at a tremendous rate ever since we first met in fact, that I must warn caution.”

“What do you mean?” Naaza asked, stepping a little closer.

“Reinhard-san’s growth is unprecedented,” Ryuu said, eyes flicking across the group, before settling on me. “More Familias will start to notice. While the Apollo Familia was large in number, they ultimately didn’t have many first-rate adventurers. Some of the stronger Familia’s might target you in order to figure out the secret of your strength.” Her tone was worried and it caused the girls behind me to frown in anger.

Ryuu’s words caused Syr’s cheer to vanish for less than a second and for a look of utter loathing to replace it. Then she masked it with worry and clenched fists as she looked at me.

“Let them try. We’ll send them packing, just like the others,” Ram said, crossing her arms below her modest breasts.

“That’s right! Nobody will ever take Reinhard-kun from us!” Rem’s voice was fierce.

“We’ll just get stronger so that never happens,” Naaza added.

“Lili will do her best too,” Lili said softly, steady and sincere.

Ryuu looked at all of us for a few seconds before a soft smile grew on her lips. “You have truly wonderful companions.”

I returned the smile, grateful. “I do. I’m lucky to have them.”

“Hihihi, Rem is the lucky one~” Rem declared, beaming.

“Hmph, expected.” Ram puffed her chest out, going back to looking the personification of smug.

“It’s the least I could do after all the help you’ve given me,” Naaza muttered.

“Same here.” Lili’s quiet words warmed me.

Syr jabbed a thumb at her chest, suddenly earnest. “I might not be a fighter, but I’ll support Reinhard-kun with everything I have too~” Given who she was, I believed her and felt slightly sorry for those who would target me. Of course Syr probably didn’t count herself in those interested in me but that was another matter entirely.

Ryuu let out a soft chuckle surprising me having never heard her laugh before and was taken aback at how beautiful she looked and sounded at the moment. “We’ve been on break too long. We should get back before Mia-san gets angry.” She said turning to Syr.

Syr pouted at that before turning to me with a puppy-eyed look. “Reinhard-kun, you’ll come visit later, right? You did promise.”

“Yeah,” I nodded my head in acceptance causing Syr to smile genuinely. “We’ll make sure to come in the evening to celebrate.”

“Good I’ll be waiting for you~” Syr said giving me a flirty wink before surprising me again with a hug, quick and tight, then skipped back to the pub while waving happily at me. The twins and Naaza glared as she left; Rem even hissed in annoyance while Ram’s jaw tightened.

“I’ll be seeing all of you later tonight then.” Ryuu said giving us a nod. “Congratulations on your win everyone.” She politely dismissed herself giving me a curious look for a moment before going back inside the Hostess as well.

“Tsk, I don’t like the looks that maid was giving you.” Ram said crossing her arms as we slowly made our way home again.

“Rem doesn’t like her either. There’s something off about her.” Rem muttered with a frown.

“She seems like another maid to me. The only weird thing I see about her is her strange interest in Reinrard,” Naaza said, squinting.

“Lili think so too.” Lili echoed.

‘I wonder if I should tell them the truth about Syr soon,’ I thought, still feeling curious about Syr’s suddenly being more bold than usual but keeping my mouth shut for now.

As we neared the church, the door slammed open and a white blur launched at me, followed by a black-and-blue one; cries of my name filled the air. Before I could react, Est, Hestia, and Artemis tackled me to the ground in a joyful pile. I laughed and hugged them back.

Life had become chaotic since I woke up in this world, but despite the madness, despite the jealous glares and interest from the common populace, I couldn’t help but love this new chance at life I was given.

=====

After everyone finished congratulating us with plenty of hugs and friendly greetings, we got our Falnas updated and I wasn’t surprised by the results.

During the War Game, combined with all the excelia we’d gathered while training for it, everyone had managed to level up. I had advanced to Level 4, while the others — with the exception of Naaza — had reached Level 2. Naaza, already at Level 2, had progressed to Level 3.

Lili had been the most shocked. She’d only joined us recently, but thanks to my talents and perks she’d gained an incredible amount of high-quality excelia in a very short time.

Est had also reached Level 3, having trained with us consistently, and all of Artemis’s children had leveled as well thanks to the upgraded Falna reward I’d earned when I saved Artemis.

All in all, it was cause for celebration which was why the combined members of the Hestia and Artemis Familia were now heading to the Hostess of Fertility, chatting happily along the way.

Unfortunately, Hestia was still busy with the details of the War Game, finalizing the terms of our reward from the Apollo Familia and Artemis had stayed behind to help her.

As we walked, I found myself chatting with Emma, and after a moment I asked her something I’d been curious about. “By the way, Emma. Do you have a goal you want to accomplish? For some reason, you always look like you’ve got something on your mind.”

Emma, who had been smiling brightly, faltered. A sad look briefly crossed her face before she shook her head and forced a smile. “Hihihi, Senpai, you really are observant, huh?” she said sheepishly, scratching the back of her head.

I didn’t press, just gave her a patient smile.

A moment later, she lowered her gaze and muttered softly. “…I’m looking for my sister.”

“Your sister?” I repeated, blinking. Then I smiled and nodded. “Do you know her name? I have a special ability that lets me locate anyone, as long as I have a name and a description.”

Emma’s head snapped up so fast I swore I heard her neck crack. She stared at me like I’d just offered her a mountain of cookies. “Really, Senpai!? You mean it?” Her eyes sparkled with admiration.

“Of course.” I reached out and patted her pink hair, making her flush, though her smile only grew.

“Her name is Sophia Flores. She’s got really long purple hair, purple eyes, looks like me and she’s five years older than me.” Emma rattled off quickly.

“Sophia, huh?” I murmured as I opened my HUD, searching her name. I found her almost immediately. “Got her.”

“So quickly?~” Emma squealed, hugging me tightly. “You’re the best, Senpai!~”

I hugged her back, though my expression tightened for just a moment. The description from the Company I’d pulled up listed Sophia as a member of the Aeshma Familia and both their god and their top executives were listed as villains.

‘I sense trouble in the near future.’ I thought silently but stayed my tongue for now

“How about we look for her tomorrow?” I asked once Emma pulled back.

“You got yourself a deal, Senpai~!” Emma grinned and gave me a thumbs-up.

Our conversation ended as we reached the Hostess of Fertility. Inside, the pub was bustling as always.

“Reinhard-kun~ You’re here!” Syr’s voice rang out the moment she spotted me. She hurriedly finished serving a table and made a beeline over only to freeze a few feet away when she noticed the twenty-one girls around me.

Her face went blank.

Rem and Ram, each holding one of my hands, smirked smugly at her, their looks only making Syr’s eyebrow twitch. It was only made worse when Est suddenly revealed herself as she popper her head over my shoulder wanting a piggy back ride.

“Hello, Syr. I’m here as promised.” I raised a hand in greeting, followed by the others. “I hope there’s enough room for all of us, but we don’t mind waiting if there isn’t.”

“There sure are a lot of you,” Syr said flatly, her eyes scanning the group.

“Sorry about that.” I scratched the back of my head. “They’re the Artemis Familia. Since we live together, we decided to come and celebrate together.”

“…Artemis, huh?” Syr muttered, eyebrow twitching harder.

“Welcome, Reinhard-san. Everyone.” Ryuu appeared at her side with a tray in hand, giving Syr a look before turning to us. “We can join a few tables together in the back. Mia-san said it’s fine as long as you all order plenty of food.”

With that, we were led toward the back, the area usually reserved for employees, and seated together, while Syr silently fumed beside Ryuu as they took our orders.

=====

As soon as the food arrived, everyone turned toward me expectantly, waiting for me to say something before eating. Ryuu and Syr joined us moments later, each with a mug in hand, though Syr looked more than a little miffed that the seats beside and across from me were already taken.

‘So she persuaded Mia to let her slack off again… and dragged Ryuu with her,’ I thought, giving Syr a pointed look. She only waved cheekily back, while Ryuu offered me a resigned nod.

“Ahem.” I cleared my throat as I stood, catching the table’s attention. “I want to thank everyone here for supporting us during the War Game in their own ways. Our victory was thanks to all of you. To friends!” I raised my mug.

“To friends!!”

With that, everyone dug in, and soon the air filled with lively chatter and laughter.

I found myself fielding questions from every direction, answering as best I could, while Syr grew quieter and quieter. Every time she opened her mouth to ask something, someone else would cut in before she could speak. By the time half an hour had passed, Syr still hadn’t gotten a single word in. Her forced smile did little to mask her growing irritation.

Finally, her eyes locked on mine, intense and sharp beneath her practiced innocence. “When did all of you start living together?”

“Since the beginning, actually.” I smiled easily. “I originally came to Orario with Artemis-sama, along with Rethusa and Lante.” I gestured toward them, earning a playful wave from Lante and a polite nod from Rethusa.

“I met them outside the city, and when we decided to travel here together. When we arrived, Artemis-sama introduced me to Hestia-sama. The rest is history.” I left it at that, omitting most of the details better kept hidden.

“I see, I see…” Syr murmured, nodding slowly. She looked pleased and yet, not quite.

Before she could push further, Emma shot her hand into the air like an overeager student. “Oh! Oh! I have a question, Senpai!”

Syr’s face twitched.

“Go ahead,” I said, amused.

Emma beamed. “Why did you decide to become an Adventurer?”

Smiling at having my question from earlier directed back at me I scratched the back of my head as an embarrassed blush crept in before I could stop it. “It’s… a little childish, honestly.”

“Now Rem wants to know even more~!” Rem said with shining eyes that were laser focused on me.

“Yeah, tell us!”

“Hihihi, is it something embarrassing~?”

“I’m sure it’s amazing~”

Their chorus only made me more embarassed. Ryuu, sensing my hesitation, spoke up gently. “Please let Reinhard-san answer everyone.”

I shot her a grateful look before exhaling slowly. “I’ve been gifted with incredible strength and abilities. I’m not blind to that fact. But I grew up mostly alone. It wasn’t until recently that I learned what it means to have true friends. And I realized something: I don’t want to lose them.”

I glanced down at my half-finished plate. “The truth is… I’m selfish. Instead of trying to save everyone I can, I just want to protect the bonds I’ve found or will form in the future. That’s why I became an Adventurer, to grow strong enough to protect my friends. To find them… and never let them go.”

Silence followed, broken only by the ambient noise of the tavern. Some girls stared wide-eyed, others misty-eyed, others simply smiling softly.

Then, all at once, they erupted.

“T-That’s so cool, Senpai!!” Emma’s friends squealed.

“Hihihi, and he said it was childish.”

“That’s not selfish at all! It’s amazing!”

“That’s our Rein for ya~!”

The table burst into cheerful chatter again, voices tumbling over one another in encouragement and praise. Even Syr’s sulk faded as she joined in, her smile finally looking genuine.

Hours passed in laughter and warmth before it was finally time to leave.

Just as we were about to step outside, Ryuu, standing alongside Syr, called to me. “Reinhard-san, may we have a word in private?”

I paused, then nodded. The others filed out ahead, leaving me alone with the two women as they led me to a private room in the back.

‘Is this about my last name perhaps?’ I wondered, curiosity stirring as their expressions gave nothing away.

After taking a small breath and receiving an encouraging look from Syr, Ryuu looked at me directly in the eyes. “Reinhard-san, whenever you head back into the dungeon, can you take me along with you?”

Blinking only one thought was running through my head. ‘Wha?’