"Awww… I feel great… Wait…"

/Splash… Sha sha sha…/

'Silver looked around and noticed that he wasn't on his bed anymore.'

'Not that, it seemed he wasn't even in the Church!'

"This place… No way…"

'He desperately looked at his body, noticing it was half translucent.'

"!!"

'As a last resort, Silver tried his powers…'

'And they seemed to be working normally.'

Even that?!

'Silver opened his inventory however, instead of the usual, a space filled with water and some beautiful flowers appeared in front of him.'

"..."

'He started to look around.'

'Multiple baths laid in front of him, filling an entire room filled with beautiful depictions of landmarks, natural phenomena, animals and girls.'

'The moment Silver spoke, some of the images stopped what they were doing and started to gaze at Silver in curiosity.'

'However, it didn't feel eerie at all since the entire place felt… Calming and soothing to Silver.'

'Some of the paintings even greeted Silver, although he couldn't hear them at all.'

"I don't feel fear nor estrangement, yet, I can still feel surprised… It's the same…"

How did I arrive here again?...

'As Silver thought, more and more images started to appear on the walls.'

'The birds and other animals gazed at him curiously while the girls whispered to each other and pointed at him, giggling from time to time.'

'Silver favorite seemed to be a large white wolf that looked at him with its big round eyes, looking very cute with its goofy stare. Like an oversized Husky.'

"What do I do now?" Said Silver as he looked around

All exits are closed, this is the end goal.

The only thing in front of me is the baths.

I guess… I can just wait, right?

/Thud/

'And so he did, for 10 minutes, Silver stayed there on the ground, waiting.'

'Until his patience ran thin.'

'Perhaps his emotions were coming back? Enough for him to lose his cool.'

'The first thing he tried was to leave the room via teleportation, but that proved futile.'

'He then tried to open the door, but it didn't even budge.'

"Huff… Huff…"

'Silver got tired after several failed attempts...'

"... You know what. Why should I tire myself when I can enter one of these baths?"

The water seems nice…

"Wait… Isn't this water…"

/Splash/

'Silver touched the water, however, he didn't feel attracted to it like last time, the water was just hot.'

"Perfect then… I just hope no one comes."

'Silver removed his clothes and piled them up in a corner.'

/Whispers…/

'As he removed his clothes, Silver noticed the gaze from the crowd of girls on the ceiling, gazing at a very particular point of his body.'

'Some looked scared, others tried to frame it using their fingers to speculate its size…'

"..."

When did so many… Forget it.

'Silver didn't feel much, perhaps due to the effects from earlier?'

'And in any case, it's just some paintings.'

"Ahhh…" Said Silver as he entered one of the baths.

The perfect temperature and there is even a seat.

I could even sleep in here and I wouldn't drown… At least the chance wasn't high.

'As Silver relaxed in the pool, the number of images started to decrease as they went to their own things, whatever it may be.'

'But some stayed, and some of those seemed to notice something strange.'

'That Silver's translucent figure was slowly becoming more and more "tangible".'

'But it was so insignificant that it might've been only an illusion caused by the steam rising from the hot water…'

/COCORICKOOOOOO!/

'With the scream of the rooster, Silver woke up just like any other day.'

"?!"

'Silver woke up from this bed suddenly. He was relaxing in the bath and he is now on his bed having his ears rapped by a freaking mutant rooster.'

'This wasn't just any rooster, it was one several times louder than a normal rooster… A freaking monster.'

"I swear… I will catch this rooster one day."

'Silver slowly got up, today, Hestia didn't climb to his bed since she collapsed mid-way back home from drinking too much and he had to carry her.'

'She is still snoring on her bed.'

"What time is it?..."

/BUZZZ!/

'As he said that, his clock started to tremble…'

"What timing…" Said Silver as he stopped the clock's alarm

I hate waking up before my alarm clock.

'Silver did the same as always.'

'A hot bath to wake up followed by brushing his teeth and putting on some pajamas so he can walk around the place.'

"That dream… It happened again… Why?"

It wasn't that bad this time… But I wonder what was that.

I really need to ask Hestia about it later… She may know something.

'Silver went to the kitchen and started to prepare breakfast.'

'Many ingredients started to fly around the place as he used telekinesis to make the food.'

…

"... A lot changed." Said Silver as he prepared a toast

From now on, I don't need to hide anymore… On the contrary.

However, it's still good if I hide some abilities… For safety reasons.

People tend to fear the unknown and the dangerous. And it gives me an edge in case anyone tries to strike me.

If someone with the ability to instantly appear in your house no matter what you did existed, and he lived near you, how would you react when you had three small children in your care?

Add the ability to control flames, mind control, and others…

"Even if I hide, people won't ask much of me since it's normal for adventurers to hide their own info."

A lot of people know the Sword princess, but how many know of her unique magic specifics?

Probably only the people within the Loki Familia and some people who she fought against.

Just seeing it isn't enough to properly judge it.

So as long as I control what I show and what I hide, there shouldn't be any problems.

"Slowly as I get stronger, I can start showing people more and more of my true capabilities."

Although that inst really obligatory since Ottar, the strongest man alive is pretty much a big incognito.

No one knows how strong he truly is apart from a selective few, much less of his abilities.

/TZZZ…/

'The cheese on his hot sandwich started to melt.'

"I am done talking about me… Now that I have exposed myself, it's normal that many people will seek out the Hestia Familia."

Either to learn more about it or to even join it.

How will I proceed?

"Single-member Familias aren't rare, however, meaningful single-member Familias are very very rare."

Should I keep the Hestia Familia as one such Familia, or should I recruit people?

"It's inevitable that I would end up becoming the captain no matter what I do."

And with being a captain, comes those stupid responsibilities.

"It would take a while to make a group of adventurers that can work by themselves. However, until they could work alone, all of the time until them would be wasted training them."

The people who would ask to join us would either be Level 1 or Aspiring adventurers(Lv 0).

The Level 1's would be mostly the 'trash' the other Familias don't want, while it's hard to access the potential of someone that has yet to become an adventurer.

Although in this world, such a thing is meaningless since people like Bell can exist.

Don't even talk about Level 2's. Who in their right mind would join a Familia like ours?

Of course, there is the possibility an adventurer may leave a Familia to join ours. But that possibility is very low.

They would have to have a lot of faith in me to do so. That's the only possibility.

Or they would have a hidden agenda...

"Perhaps I should look for some people instead."

My memories of the original work may not be complete, however, I still remember quite a lot.

'Silver didn't have photographic memory in his first life, so he didn't remember everything.'

'In order to remember, Silver wrote down several diaries containing his entire life.'

'Everything he remembers from his first life stems from that now.'

'And a few small pieces of memory that managed to last through the decades...'

If I was given the choice, I would prefer to pick someone myself rather than wait for Hestia to choose someone herself and bring a complete stranger over.

Although she has that ability of hers to see the intentions of others, that doesn't mean the person she brings over is useful.

"If I were to choose right now, who would it be?"

'Silver placed a few more plates on the table as he thought.'

I never played the games, although I know some of the characters, that's pretty much all that I know.

Apart from some of the really important ones like Zald and Bell's Aunt.

I also never finished the series, or should I say, lived to see the end of it.

Most of what I know comes from playing around in the wiki during my nerdy days.

"So the guys from the game are out of the picture."

Welf isn't here, he should be dealing with all of the trouble back in his home country.

His expected arrival is in over a year from now.

Lili is… She is actually average.

She isn't talented in the adventuring department, this means it takes longer for her to improve compared to others.

That's due to her trauma and the fact that she is a supporter who isn't actively on the frontlines.

Her only good point is the Skill that allows her to transform into anyone that is the same size as her.

Together with her intellect, she could become an incredible assassin instead of just a Supporter.

But if I want a Supporter, there are many that can fill such a role better than her.

Haruhime is in the red light district, doing the same thing as she always did… Faint whenever she sees a man, spending most of her time reading hero stories Aisha brings to her.

She is being confined as Ishtar prepares for her final plan that would only be ready in two more years.

Nothing seems to have changed as she is still under the protection of Aisha.

(N1)

I doubt that the events that happened recently would speed up her plans… Or change them at all.

At most she might become more cautious and her plan would take longer to complete.

However, it's always good to keep watch.

Haruhime's ability is in fact, terrible to my current Skillset. However, she may prove essential in dealing with many problems in the future.

If I am Level 4 and meet with a Level 6 enemy, I would most likely lose, if not die.

Yet, if she is by my side I might have a chance to kill my enemy since she can boost someone by one Level temporarily… At the cost of Exelia's gain.

But what is your life compared to some XP?

"The problem is actually saving her. It's impossible for the current me to do so."

Of course, I could go there and steal her, but Haruhime is owed by Ishtar since she is a slave.

The reason why she isn't listed in the Guild is that her ability is considered a secret military weapon by Ishtar.

If I grab her, it wouldn't take long for Ishtar to come to me...

And then, it would be me against hundreds of angry Amazons and several High-level ones. Including one Level 5.

"So I would need some time to grow minimally strong…"

If we go by stats, I would only be able to take on their captain when I become a high Level 3 adventurer.

That is if I can keep up maximizing my stats every time.

"Although defeating their captain isn't enough to claim victory."

...

"There is also the question of loyalty, however considering Hestia's ability, this shouldn't be a problem in the early to mid-run."

Since people can change over time, a good and caring recruit can become a menace later on.

'Silver shook his head, this isn't going anywhere.'

"Urg… I just can't imagine myself taking care of anyone in the Dungeon…"

'Silver suddenly remembered his past two lives, and when he used to carry noobs in online games.'

"Sigh…"

For now, I will focus on the present.

Do I need companions? No.

But I will keep an eye on those with potential.

There are many benefits to having a strong team under me.

I should aim for something like the Freya Familia has, to become an independent Pillar while the others are more than capable of fending off for themselves.

"Now, it's time to wake up Hestia..."

…

'After several tries, Silver managed to wake up Hestia and eat breakfast with her.'

'Although she woke up with an intense hangover, he cured her with a detoxification potion.'

'The two then put on their winter clothes and made their way to the Guild…'

…

'After getting off the wagon, Silver sent Hestia on her way to Babel as he made his way inside the Guild.'

'The atmosphere was lively as people talked and laughed, it seemed that the pressure from the recent events had finally been lifted and people started to recuperate.'

"Oh? Look who it is, the rising star, the talk of the day! Silver!" Said a guy on the side

'He was wearing the Guild's clothes as he stood near the door.'

'His hair was brown and his features were average. If it wasn't for his height of about 180 Cm, there wouldn't be any special features about him.'

"It's you Yio." Said Silver as he gave the guy a handshake

"Looks like you are on guard duty today." Said Silver

'Not exactly Guard, but more like a problem solver.'

'The people in Guard duty would stay near the door in order to get a good view of the Guild for a while so they could move as fast as possible in case a problem appeared.'

'They are kind of like honorary managers.'

"Sigh, being on 'Guard duty' is such a pain. I try to keep myself away from problematic customers, but this position forces me to go deal with them… Everything for that promotion…" He replied

"But less about me and more about you." He said as he gave Silver a smug smile and placed his left hand on his chin

"So, you've hiding pretty deep huh you bastard!" He said as he punched Silver's arm, however, Silver didn't feel much while the man felt sore in his hands.

"Ouch?" Said Silver

"I knew it… Fuck… My hand…" He said as he grabbed his hand in pain

This bastard! He is definitely Level 2!

"Sigh… So you really leveled up, way to go man! With this, you became the talk of the town since you beat the Sword Princess record."

'He made a 'like' with his left hand.'

"Loki did a lot of propaganda of the Sword Princess over the years, so thanks to that, everyone knows about her, but now, people are starting to pay attention to you!"

'He seemed to remember the past as he closed his eyes.'

'Yio is young, only around 22, however, he entered the Guild when he was 16, and he has always lived in Orario, so he remembers a lot of things Loki did.'

"It's just a level up…"

'Yio seemed offended…'

"Just a level up… Look at you bragging."

"I bet you are going to throw me one of those, 'the next level is going to take longer, right?"

'Silver faked shock.'

"How did you know?!" Said Silver in fake surprise

"Don't mock me, dude. Even if you take longer, it's normally a good speculation to say that it takes 1-3 times the time from level 1 to 2, for the same person to go from Level 2 to 3."

"And in your case, who took only two months, that would mean you might be able to reach Level 3 within this very year!"

"That would be a record never seen before! Two Levels in one year!"

'Yio seemed very excited. But Silver did not react much, only smiling.'

"People seem to have a lot of expectations about me."

"... Don't take it too heavily upon yourself man, I don't like to pry into others' personal stuff, but if you can Level up in two months, then you can definitely raise your stats further bro. Just make sure you always aim higher!"

"Y-Yeah…"

Man, I feel quite sad about him… If only he knew… I wonder what face he would make.

/Rustle!/

'As the two talked, sounds of conflict started to appear from one of the exchange counters.'

"Fucking hell, it must be one of those reward rates problems… I hate dealing with petty and greedy bastards. See ya around Silver." Said Yio as he ran to the exchange counter.

"Good luck." Said Silver as he turned around and made his way to the counters

…

'Silver went to one of the counters and talked with the receptionist working there, asking for Loiju.'

'The girl soon got up and went somewhere beyond Silver vision, and soon…'

'A tired Elf appeared.'

…

"..."

"..."

'An Elf and a Human stared awkwardly at each other on a small table close to one of the windows.'

"I heard about it." Asked Loiju

"That I leveled up?"

"Not that you Moron! I was fucking there when you reported your level up!"

'Silver rolled his eyes.'

"I thought you were open with me but it seems I was wrong, what is this about you being the Red knight and Platinum knight?" He asked in a serious tone

The red knight is pretty famous, but he disappeared around a month ago… To the disappointment of many,

But the Platinum knight is the real deal. Thanks to the Loki Familia reports, it has been made clear that it was this adventurer that saved both Loki's and Artemis' lives.

So many people are interested in this new figure.

"..."

'Silver gazed at the Elf's serious face, and when compared to his usual calm and playfully persona, it was clear that something was wrong.'

I knew it… He is pretty pissed.

"At the start, I used my armor as a way to keep my real appearance hidden and to give me more freedom for me to use my abilities."

"I mean, I am not even a heavy armor user..."

They would clash with my Skill...

"But I didn't expect this fake identity to gather so much attention over the speck of two weeks. I just helped some people from time to time…"

'Loiju nodded. And had Silver proceed.'

"But after the fight against… The irregular monster. My first armor broke so I made another. That's the Platinum armor."

'Loiju stayed there, thinking.'

'Eventually, he sighed…'

"... So I was a fool… I have been trying to help you develop safely while maintaining a decent speed... But it seems I have been slowing you down instead." He said in a sad tone

"Don't be like that! You helped me a lot man… You worked incredibly hard to help me, and I appreciate it. It was me who hid too much from you." Said Silver

"..."

"I thought I was being fast as I allowed you to go to the Middle floors in your first month, however, it seems you were more than enough to take on such a challenge ages ago."

'Loiju bowed a little in shame.'

"MAN! Stop! You are embarrassing me here. I was the one at fault for hiding such information." Said Silver as he scratched the top of his head

"Of course you were." Said Loiju in a straight face

"Let's stop this for now." He said as he smiled a little

'And Silver nodded.'

"Now… Do you know how fucking hard it was for me to sleep last night?!" He said as he grabbed Silver's shoulder

"Worse! When I got here, everyone assailed me as they asked me questions! I had to flee to the back of the Guild!"

'As he said that he pointed towards his eye's dark circles.'

"However… This means you can get your rewards anytime you want. How about we do it later?" Asked Louji

'Loiju winked… Hard.'

"..."

Yes yes, I will pay you for some drinks later…

"Why not now?" Asked Silver

"Really… Do you want to go to the Dungeon with a bag filled with several Million Vallis?!"

"About that…" Said Silver with an awkward smile

'But Silver was interrupted.'

"In any case. How about I go with you to the Dungeon today? We can leave the reward for when I am back."

"? That's quite sudden."

"Yup, although it's uncommon, some advisors go with their adventurers to the Dungeon to learn more and guide them."

"And I was planning to do that, I need to know, just how strong you are, with my own eyes once."

Not only that, but I also don't want to work today…

"You can refuse, since that's a personal request since according to Guild policy, I can't give you a Level 3 commission when you are in fact a Level 2 adventurer."

Unless it comes from the higher echelon...

"Assigning you some of the harder Level 2 commissions would already be rather hard."

"I understand, it's fine either way since today my plan was to test some things instead of the usual."

'Loiju seemed to nod.'

"Although there isn't much of an increase in terms of numbers in the Status sheet, it has been confirmed that one's strength would increase significantly after each level up."

"This is called, Phantom stats. It's different for each race and person. But if we had a Pallum and a Boars with the same stats when they leveled up, then the Boars would always be stronger." He said

"So getting used to your new strength is of utmost importance. It's perfect since I am going with you."

"Fine then, I will show you how I usually work. But don't get disappointed. I might've hidden some things from you, but my work process is pretty much the same as what I have already told you." Said Silver

"I already expected that…" He said as he smiled

"We can leave other details for later…"

'Loiju wrapped his arm around Silver's neck.'

"Hey… Between us, but I have a few friends that are fans of the Red knight, how about we…"

'If Hestia was to hear this, her first action would be to drop kick the Elf while screaming, STOP CORRUPTING HIM!'

…

/TCHIU!/

'Hestia sneezed as the wagon made its way in the chilly wind.'

"Did I catch a cold? I should've brought that cold cap…" She said as she looked at Babel rising on the horizon

…

.

.

.