Chapter 52: Nightfall

After leaving the "Hephaestus Weaponry Main Store," Eina's curious gaze never left Liang Yue.

As an employee of the Adventurer Guild, she had a basic grasp of the situation in various Familia, and the person Liang Yue had been talking to was none other than the strongest blacksmith.

Having her help upgrade weapons for free—that wasn't what surprised Eina the most. To be precise, it was the conversation between the two adventurers and the praise Tsubaki had bestowed upon him.

Self-created swordsmanship...

Walking side by side within Babel, the half-elf miss could finally no longer hold back her inner curiosity, turned her head, and asked Liang Yue, "Liang Yue-kun, are you really a rookie adventurer?"

"My adventurer registration information was processed by you, Eina-san. What do you think? Am I a rookie?"

Liang Yue felt there was nothing to hide about this. With a smiling counter-question, he briefly explained the reason behind it, mentioning that Hestia and Hephaestus had a good relationship, which was hardly a secret in the realm of gods.

Finally, looking at the suddenly enlightened half-elf girl beside him, he asked with a pure and sincere attitude, "Eina-san, there's something... I might need your help with."

"Go ahead."

Though she had already prepared herself to be treated as a "human tool guide," when the moment actually arrived, Eina couldn't help but feel a flutter of emotions. After all, to her, this was a date in every sense of the word.

Yet, looking at Liang Yue's serious expression, she found she could never bring herself to refuse. Letting out a helpless sigh, she asked, "What is it?"

"I'd like to find a Tier 2 armament."

With her consent secured, Liang Yue made his request and quickly added, "Preferably a short sword... and not too expensive."

"Alright."

The half-elf miss lowered her ears slightly. Her expression remained calm, betraying no emotional fluctuations as she recalled how the date had started today. She opened her mouth as if to say something, but ultimately swallowed her urge to complain.

"Follow me!"

...

Following Eina's lead, they headed toward a shop that wasn't as famous as "Hephaestus," but whose quality and prices were reliable.

Ordinary weapons could be crafted by mere blacksmithing apprentices. However, the Tier 2 armament Liang Yue was looking for already required the skill of a true master smith, leading them to search through several different stores.

The final outcome was somewhat less than satisfactory.

It wasn't that they couldn't find equipment he fancied; it was simply that the Valis he currently had on hand fell short, and the styles were somewhat similar. It was a short dagger also forged from mithril, yet it still carried a price tag as high as 700,000 Valis. To purchase it, he would undoubtedly have to complete Lili's commission, complete with dungeon exploration.

"Short on money."

For ordinary adventurers, owning a Tier 2 armament was more than enough, let alone a short dagger personally crafted by Tsubaki. Unfortunately, the unique nature of the Soul Bender class meant that it burned through money just as quickly here in the DanMachi world.

He needed a fully equipped arsenal to face different combat situations and select the gear best suited for the environment.

That was certainly what Liang Yue thought, and he acted accordingly.

"Would you like to look at some more?" Noticing the slightly silent expression on the young man's face, Eina felt a wave of hesitation inside. She gently reached out, took the initiative to link arms with him, and prepared to check out other weapon shops.

If the financial gap wasn't particularly large, she actually wanted to tell Liang Yue that she had saved up a bit of money from her years of working.

"I have a plan."

Feeling his wrist grasped by her slender yet slightly chilled hand, Liang Yue turned his head to catch Eina's worried gaze. He didn't particularly mind the missing Valis. Instead, wanting to take good care of the half-elf miss who had patiently accompanied him all this time, a bright smile spread across his face as he spoke in a serious tone.

"Besides..."

"I hope this first... date leaves Eina-san with a wonderful experience." In situations like this, directness was key.

Watching the girl's elf ears gradually turn red, Liang Yue decided to take the initiative. He gently took hold of Eina's slightly cool, slender hand, his next destination exceedingly clear: a proper, genuine date.

——

The DanMachi world possessed a somewhat medieval aesthetic, yet surprisingly contained near-modern elements like pleated skirts, maid outfits, and coffee.

No girl would ever turn down desserts, especially while enjoying a cup of coffee.

Bathed in the warm afternoon sunlight, surrounded by the rich aroma of hand-poured coffee, Eina enjoyed a peaceful date routine. Leaning back against the rattan chair, she had carefully smoothed down her red pleated skirt, savoring a rare moment of leisure away from work.

Holding a ceramic cup in both hands with pastries placed before her, she narrowed her eyes slightly, the smile at the corners of her mouth overflowing with contentment. She sighed emotionally, "Time passes by so quickly..."

"Do you have any plans for the afternoon, Liang Yue-kun?"

"Well... I'm going to celebrate my phased breakthrough in dungeon exploration these past few days with the Goddess." His schedule was fully packed.

Aside from that, wandering around Orario with Eina, listening to her talk about the local customs and trying specialty foods, felt quite wonderful to Liang Yue, offering a true sense of mental relaxation.

"Oh."

"Liang Yue-kun is mentioning another girl while on a date again!"

A Familia gathering was unavoidable. Eina could only use teasing to cover up her inner reluctance, choosing not to delay Liang Yue any longer. As for the rest of the day, she could just head home and read a book.

Sipping the last of her lukewarm coffee, she stood up with a remarkably radiant smile. "I still hold the same view I had when we met this morning."

"The process of a date isn't what matters; what matters is who you spend it with."

"You don't need to walk me home, Liang Yue-kun. Go take care of your matters first!" She cut off any potential ideas Liang Yue might have had in advance.

Eina tilted her head slightly and waved goodbye.

Right at that moment, a little girl carrying a flower basket trotted over to Liang Yue. She looked up with hopeful eyes, asking, "Big brother, would you like to buy some flowers?"

"I would."

Considering it a thoroughly pleasant dating experience, Liang Yue felt a sense of ritual was important. Ending it with a bouquet of fresh flowers felt just right.

——

As for what came next, it was nothing more than a brief rest. As evening approached, he went to pick up Hestia, who was working part-time at the potato snack stall, and headed to the "Hostess of Fertility" restaurant to celebrate.

At this hour, there weren't many adventurers around yet. They chose a table by the window, and the dishes they ordered were much more lavish than usual.

Uncharacteristically, Hestia ordered a bottle of wine at the restaurant. The dinner tasted as delicious as ever, and the time was spent sharing stories of their dungeon experiences.

By the time this unconventional celebration banquet ended, night had gradually fallen.

Liang Yue wasn't in any particular hurry. He brought a slightly tipsy Hestia back to the basement of their Familia's home, set out a glass of water for when she woke up, and tucked a blanket over her.

Taking advantage of Hestia's deep sleep, and carrying the newly upgraded weapon Tsubaki had forged for him, he resolutely set out and left the abandoned church.

Dark clouds shrouded the night sky, and the moonlight was conspicuously absent from this land, casting an oppressive atmosphere over the city of Orario. Draped in a grayish-brown cloak, Liang Yue slowly melted into the darkness.

His destination was clear: the Soma Familia residence in Southeast Street.

"So..."

Weaving through the bustling crowd of adventurers on the street and finally arriving at the bustling central area of Pleasure Quarters, Liang Yue gazed at the conspicuous building ahead.

A goblet set against the backdrop of a crescent moon symbolized the name of the Familia.

His calm face betrayed no emotional fluctuations, but his eyes were filled with anticipation. "With all-S status stats, pulling off an over-level battle..."

"Shouldn't be too hard, right?"