The Ultimate Lich King of the Multiverse

The only thing Eina truly remembered was Hestia once saying that Yoru had high magical aptitude—making him suitable for the mage route.

At the time, the half-elf girl didn't think much of it. High magic aptitude didn't automatically make someone a mage. Without the ability to comprehend magic, that stat meant nothing.

And mages, with their low early-game durability, usually struggled in the beginning. Strength-based adventurers generally had a much easier time starting out.

"You… already learned magic? How?"

Eina stared at Yoru in disbelief. He hadn't even properly fought before—how could he have awakened magic?

Adventurers were supposed to grow through combat. If someone could grow stronger without doing anything… that was just too abnormal.

"Looks like you underestimated me. I just haven't encountered any monsters, that's all."

Yoru gave a shrug and a wry smile.

As he spoke, the chill in the booth slowly faded away.

That's when Eina suddenly realized she was still in his arms. Her face flushed red, and she began pushing against him again.

"Alright, alright, I get it—you can use magic. Now let me go!"

After Yoru finally released her, Eina cleared her throat and sat up straight, putting on her usual strict expression.

"So now that you've unlocked magic, you'll face another huge issue early on—mana exhaustion. You won't be able to handle prolonged combat. Once you run out of mana, you'll be in serious danger. So even as a mage, carrying a weapon to deal with weaker enemies is essential. But… why a longsword?"

She still couldn't wrap her head around Yoru's choice of weapon. A staff to reduce mana cost, or something lightweight like a rapier or dagger, would make far more sense.

Instead, Yoru had chosen a longsword.

Eina gave him a thorough once-over, her sharp gaze scanning every inch of his gear. Feeling her stare, Yoru raised an eyebrow.

She wasn't ogling his body—she was studying his equipment. But she didn't seem to find anything noteworthy.

"If you're already gearing up… why no armor?"

"Armor? I don't see the need for it."

Yoru shook his head, which made Eina frown.

"Don't say that. Good armor can save your life when it counts. Sure, I know it might look weird for a mage to wear heavy armor, but since you're already carrying a longsword, might as well go full weird, right?"

Magical gear for mages was expensive—something Eina knew Yoru couldn't afford. And since they were still dealing with upper floors, such gear would be overkill anyway.

So Eina suggested he just get a set of basic armor. Clunky, sure—but solid and reliable.

"I don't really need it. Besides, I don't have spare money lying around. I'd rather spend it hiring a supporter."

"...Fine. If that's how you feel."

Eina sighed, clearly used to her advice being ignored by Yoru at this point.

Still, in a way, having a good supporter was even better than armor. If the supporter could draw aggro properly, Yoru would be free to focus on spellcasting.

"Thanks for worrying, Eina. Maybe tomorrow I'll finally complete that goblin-killing task you gave me a month ago."

Yoru smiled softly, which only made Eina more exasperated.

"I seriously doubt you're going to stay on the goblin floors…"

She muttered in disbelief, then suddenly called out as he started to leave.

"Wait. Before you go, take this."

Yoru blinked and turned back. Eina slowly handed him a slender guard brace.

It was meant to attach to the wrist like a bracer, stretching from the wrist to the elbow. Its forged metal surface gleamed faintly like a shield. Its deep emerald hue mirrored Eina's own eyes.

"Consider it a reward in advance. Make good use of it, alright?"

"Eh… isn't this a little much?"

"What, you don't want to accept a girl's gift?"

"It's not that… I mean, what if someone finds out you broke protocol for me?"

Yoru chuckled as he strapped the bracer onto his arm.

"Who's going to find out? It's just the two of us here."

Eina mumbled that almost shyly, pouting like a child. She then looked him in the eyes—serious now.

"I'm giving this to you not for me, but for you."

"Adventurers… never know when they might die. No matter how strong someone seems, they could be gone in a flash. Just like that—on a whim of the gods. I've seen too many who never came back."

"I know I'm not a very helpful advisor… I haven't done much for you. So please, just accept this. It's the least I can do."

She laughed it off, but her eyes never left him.

Those quiet, emerald eyes.

"I thought… maybe you didn't like me."

Yoru replied with a teasing tone, matching her sincerity with a playful smile.

"Wh-What?!"

Eina's cheeks flushed red in an instant. Her words became clumsy and panicked.

"Y-You are super annoying sometimes, you know?! Like when you don't listen to me, or when you ignore my warnings and run off into danger by yourself…!"

"B-But I'm your advisor, okay? So of course I care! Why would I dislike you?!"

Flustered beyond belief, she finally dropped her gaze, unable to meet Yoru's gentle black eyes.

"I mean… maybe you dislike me? Because I nag all the time…"

"Not at all," Yoru said with a smile, standing up.

"In fact, I feel kinda honored being the first to get this kind of treatment."

"Y-You're not the first! I've treated other adventurers with the same care, okay?!"

She shouted in embarrassment, but Yoru was already at the door.

"Idiot…"

She whispered as she watched him leave.

"So… please, just stay alive. Don't go throwing yourself into danger anymore, Yoru…"

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FF92E

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