Ren and Bell finally reached the Hestia Familia's church, both looking tired but satisfied with their day's accomplishments. As they pushed open the creaky door and stepped inside, they called out in unison.
Ren and Bell: "We're home!"
Hestia looked up from where she was tidying up the small church. Her eyes widened in surprise at seeing Bell and Ren together.
Hestia: "Oh! You're back already? And with Bell? What happened in the labyrinth?"
Bell took a deep breath and began narrating the day's events with enthusiasm.
Bell: "It was incredible, Hestia-sama! We encountered a Minotaur on the fifth floor, and Ren—he was amazing! He fought like a hero from one of the books, dispatching monsters with ease and saving me from the Minotaur's attack. It was like watching a legend in action."
Hestia's eyes grew wide as she listened to Bell's account. However, her initial surprise turned into concern.
Hestia: "A Minotaur? On the fifth floor? That's extremely dangerous! You're both only level 1. What were you thinking, charging into such perilous territory?"
Ren stepped in, trying to calm the flustered goddess.
Ren: "Hestia-sama, it's okay. We managed to handle it. But before we get into all the details, I'd like to update my status. It's important for me to see my progress."
Bell nodded in agreement, adding his own thoughts.
Bell: "Yeah, I'm curious about what Ren's status looks like now. It must have changed a lot."
Hestia sighed, though her worry was evident. She walked over to the small desk where she kept her tablet and began to update Ren and Bell's statuses.
Hestia: "Alright, I'll update your statuses. But remember, you both need to be more cautious. The Dungeon is not a place to be taken lightly."
She started with Ren's status, her eyes scanning the paper. As the information updated, her expression shifted from concern to sheer shock.
Hestia: "AHHHHHH??????? What is this?!"
Ren looked over her shoulder, curious about the reaction. The update screen revealed:
---
*Ren's Status:*
Name: Ren
Level: 2
Strength: SSS 1300 > E450
Dexterity: SS 1090 > E430
Agility: SSS 1300 > E460
Endurance: SS 1120 > E420
Magic: SSS 1300 > E440
*Skills:*
Shadow Step: Allows instantaneous movement to a target location.
Crescent Slash: A powerful slash that deals area damage.
Thunder Strike: Imbues the sword with electrical energy for added damage.
Counterstrike: Doubles attack damage after successfully evading an attack.
---
Hestia: "Ren, you've already reached level 2 and your stats are... incredible! What did you do down there?"
Ren smiled at the reaction.
Ren: "Just a bit of hard work. It's been quite a day."
Bell watched the exchange with a mix of awe and amusement. Hestia finally managed to compose herself, though her amazement lingered.
Hestia: "Well, it's clear you both had an eventful day. Just promise me you'll be careful from now on."
Ren: "Of course, Hestia-sama. We'll take it one step at a time."
As the evening settled in, the atmosphere in the church lightened. The excitement of the day had not only brought Ren and Bell closer but had also shown Hestia just how extraordinary her new member was. The goddess, though still concerned, was proud and hopeful for the future of her Familia.