On Tartaglia's side, even though his Genshin rank was only Lv.1, his equipment told a different story. With five one-star artifacts and the three-star Genshin weapon Slingshot obtained from Amy, combined with the weapon's current Lv.50 max and a refinement factor of +5, his combat power was already quite respectable.
Not to mention, Tartaglia now had full affinity… meaning his true consciousness had awakened as a Hydro Genshin.
With his innate talent, not only did his own combat experience count, but even the other Genshin teammates who remained in the current world gained a +1 level bonus to their normal attack talents.
That directly translated into a percentage increase in output.
Even a single five-star Genshin could serve as both a mana wallet and a boost to the team's overall combat strength…
So, eating Renjiro's "small pity pull" once had unexpectedly turned out to be extremely useful.
After all, as Tartaglia himself had said…
"Being able to constantly realize that I am growing stronger—this feeling is what I've always dreamed of."
Indeed, Renjiro didn't need to worry about his crazy grinding and leveling-up activities. He could just let him run wild.
Meanwhile, Bell…
"Take a break. Morning combat training is done for today."
"Okay."
On the open ground in front of the abandoned chapel of the Maria Orphanage in Daedalus Street, the white rabbit boy panted heavily, supporting himself on his knees after being pushed back again by Renjiro.
Renjiro could tell that, in terms of pure combat technique training, Bell's talent wasn't exceptional.
Yes, this young lad wasn't the type to instantly grasp skills.
But he was hardworking enough.
This fact even impressed Rye, who had originally planned to watch the scene unfold for amusement.
And inspired by this "competitor," he completed his morning basic swordsmanship training with utmost seriousness.
Right now…
"After lunch, we'll go to the Guild headquarters to get your official adventurer certification. You can take a walk afterward to digest."
Renjiro casually arranged. "Then… Lili."
"I'm here."
The black-haired youth looked at the small humanoid girl. "Later, I'll introduce a Genshin to you. She'll lead you through the 'upper levels' of the dungeon from now on."
"Huh?"
Bell, having caught his breath and holding the two rubber practice daggers, asked curiously, "Will you not come with us, Renjiro-san?"
"I have other things to handle these days. After all, the 'War Game' is coming soon."
Renjiro made up an excuse. "Don't worry, in terms of individual combat power, that Genshin is much stronger than I am right now."
"But you need to remember, those summoned via the Genshin Descent spell are rare magic beings from another world."
"They have their own civilizations, cultures, histories, beliefs, and preferences."
"Under this premise, you cannot treat a Genshin as a conventional familiar. They are equal in status… even worthy of respect as friends, mentors, or elders."
"In short, don't neglect them, but also don't be overly formal with different Genshin."
"After all, they will be your partners in future adventures."
"How well you get along with them, or even earn their favor, will depend on your own abilities."
"If you are lucky enough to gain recognition from one… or even multiple Genshin, it will be highly beneficial for you."
"Remember that, okay?"
After finishing, Bell and Lili both nodded eagerly.
They began looking forward to the upcoming meeting.
========
At the Freya familia headquarters…
Today, something rare happened: the members gathered once again at the Round Table.
But compared to the previous tense atmosphere—where everyone was ready to fight at the slightest provocation—this time, even vice captain Allen and the others behaved politely.
After all…
"We must leave a good impression on our 'little princess'."
The eight core members sat upright, faces solemn.
Uh… didn't you forget? There are supposed to be two of the Twin Stars.
"Creak~"
Finally, the doors to the Round Table opened.
The golden-haired, golden-eyed boy and girl walked in together.
"Sorry for being late, everyone," they apologized.
"Hm~"
Aether only offered a slight nod in acknowledgment.
Then…
"Just in time for lunch. Let's eat together here," Lumine said, smiling and clapping her hands. "I want all the brothers to taste my cooking."
As soon as she finished speaking…
Ottar: "Much appreciated."
Allen: "Looking forward to it."
Hogni: "Hmph~ hm hm hm…"
Hedin: "You really shouldn't talk, Hogni."
Finally, the Gulliver Brothers said in unison, "Since our little sister cooked herself, we must enjoy it properly, not waste her effort."
Wow~ what a harmonious scene.
…but…
"Why do I feel a little out of place?" Aether twitched his mouth.
Lumine winked playfully at him.
As expected, the mischievous little sister could charm everyone, even more so than her brother.
Then, one-star Genshin dishes—wild mushroom chicken skewers, Teyvat-style omelet, braised sweetfish, grilled meat ribs, sweet shrimp sushi, roasted tigerfish, radish vegetable soup, buckwheat noodles…—were placed on the table.
Allen sniffed, and with his cat tail swaying behind him, his sharp gaze locked onto the grilled tigerfish and braised sweetfish.
Instinctively…
"What's this, the petty cat can't resist… sniff sniff~"
Seeing Bell about to make his usual sarcastic comment, the eldest brother, Alfrigg, quickly stuffed a rice ball into his younger brother's mouth.
"Haha, no worries."
Alfrigg laughed politely at Lumine, then glared terrifyingly at his third brother. "Berling, if you want something, just tell me. No need to suddenly jump up like that; it's impolite."
Dvalinn: "Exactly, mind your manners, third brother."
Grer: "Pay more attention, third brother."
Hedin, holding his forehead with one hand, couldn't watch the farce any longer. He quietly moved the radish vegetable soup and buckwheat noodles closer to himself.
At that moment, Hogni tugged on Hedin's sleeve…
Sigh~
Hedin had no choice but to give the buckwheat noodles to him.
Seeing this…
"The brothers get along really well."
Lumine clasped her hands, smiling.
"Yes, yes, hahaha~"
Bell just swallowed his rice ball, a glass of water untouched, while the Gulliver Brothers gave a unified reply.
Watching them…
"If they yelled 'Love~' in that healing voice simultaneously, they'd probably transform into some winged cat." Aether thought.
And Ottar…
"…this pig-man glances at Lumine, smiling…truly, Freya-sama's adopted sister indeed."
A pure warrior's most honest evaluation.
After all…
The mischievous aura, that almost devilish grin, seemed carved from the same mold.
Previously, Ottar had seen Allen and the Gulliver Brothers beat each other up badly. Freya happened to pass by, holding her face elegantly in one hand, squinting and smiling softly:
"You two really get along well~"
And now…
"Don't worry about not having enough food. I'll always serve more!" Lumine called out.
"Good, good, good."
Watching her continue to bring dishes to the table, no one showed the usual tension from past confrontations.
"Maybe this is what they call surpassing the master."
Ottar, as the leader, quietly thought while taking a big bite of meat.
…..
Completed version available on [P]atreon.[c]om/Veltoria [remove brackets]