NOVEL WEB Chapter 258: Giving Gifts!
Chapter 258 - Giving Gifts!
Misha was carrying a stack of documents toward the counter.
One by one, the papers slipped from her grasp and scattered across the floor after she heard Mahiro's words.
She froze in place, still clutching the air where the documents had been, as if turned to stone.
Misha's understanding of Mahiro had deepened over time—from an initial impression of him as a quirky rookie to someone capable of soloing the 22nd floor and slaying monster rex, Goliath.
Even knowing his strength, hearing that he'd ranked up to Level 2 left her stunned.
Eina smiled—a beautiful, fleeting expression—before it stiffened.
"Level 2?"
Eina tilted her head, her face twisting into an unnatural mix of surprise and disbelief.
"Yep," Mahiro nodded.
"Three days?"
"To be precise, it's my fifth day as an adventurer," Mahiro said with a playful grin.
Eina took a deep breath and gave a wry smile.
"You really bring me a surprise every time you show up."
"The first time you came to the Guild, you displayed magical talent rivaling elves."
"The second time, you casually mentioned strategizing the 22nd floor while asking about supporters."
"And now, the third time, you've ranked up to Level 2."
"Sorry, sorry," Misha mumbled, snapping out of her daze.
She bent down to gather the scattered documents.
Noticing Eina and Mahiro's eyes on her, she offered an apologetic smile.
"Eina, Level 2! This is Level 2! In just a few days, he's ranked up!"
Misha exclaimed, sorting the documents at lightning speed before slamming them onto the counter.
She stared at Mahiro as if he were some monstrous anomaly.
"I know," Eina said, shooting Misha a warning glance.
"Why are you over here again? Don't you have your own work to do?"
"I can do that anytime," Misha replied dismissively, her gaze darting between Eina and Mahiro.
"Why don't you seem shocked at all?"
Five days as an adventurer.
Three days of dungeon expedition to rank up.
He'd shattered the previous fastest record in Orario—Ais Wallenstein's one-year mark—not just narrowly, but overwhelmingly.
"Well..." Eina hesitated, her tone weary.
"I'm surprised too."
Misha shot her a skeptical look—You don't look it.
"It's just that I had some mental preparation, so I'm handling it better," Eina explained, sounding far older than her years.
"Besides, you don't need to be *that* shocked."
"Mahiro told me the day before yesterday he'd reached the 22nd floor solo and even killed the monster rex."
"With that kind of progress, the excelia he gained would naturally let him rank up this fast."
"That's true..." Misha conceded with a helpless smile.
She'd dealt with plenty of adventurers, most of them ordinary.
Even the exceptional Sword Princess couldn't compare to the Mahiro standing before her.
Knowing his strength didn't make it any easier to process.
"Alright, stop wasting my time," Eina said, turning her attention away from Misha.
"I need to register Mahiro's level and development ability."
"Fine," Misha muttered, still casting reluctant glances at the pair.
After all, whether for gods or humans, the unknown and novel always drew curiosity.
Registration was straightforward—just filling out a form.
"The news of your rank-up will likely spread after the next Denatus," Eina said, carefully storing the form.
"Oh, by the way, this is for you," Mahiro said, pulling out a small gift box.
He'd picked it out at a well-known jewelry store before coming to the Guild—one of three he'd bought.
"Hm?" Eina blinked, puzzled.
"A thank you," Mahiro said with a smile.
"Since arriving in Orario, you've taken great care of me."
"I've been meaning to thank you in person but wasn't sure what to give. I asked around and settled on this."
"It's just part of my job..." Eina said, hesitating.
"But to me, your help goes beyond duty. So please, don't refuse," Mahiro insisted, meeting her uncertain gaze.
"Alright," Eina relented with a helpless smile, accepting the gift box.
"I'll head out then. There's still some stuff to handle with the Familia," Mahiro said, waving goodbye before leaving.
"Eina, what'd Mahiro give you?"
Misha, who'd been itching with curiosity, sidled up the moment he was gone.
"I don't know yet. It's just a token of his appreciation," Eina replied, holding the delicately wrapped box.
A genuine, heartfelt smile spread across her face—different from the polite one she'd worn earlier.
After finishing at the Guild, Mahiro returned to the shop.
***
Hestia had finally recovered somewhat from her hangover.
She and Mahiro went to check out the s
Mansion they'd chosen.
It was fully furnished and move-in ready, though the price was steep.
After purchasing the mansion, Mahiro and Hestia spent the afternoon shopping on the streets, picking up various necessities.
Later, Mahiro stopped by the Hostess of Fertility to bid farewell to the staff.
"Mahiro, are you really leaving?"
"You found a place for your Familia so soon?"
"Why not stay a bit longer? Is everything ready at the new place? Has it been cleaned?"
"Want me to help?" Syr asked, her eyes brimming with reluctance and a hint of reproach.
"Don't forget, kid, you still owe Syr a date," Mia said with her usual boldness.
"Mahiro, you've got to visit often! I'll miss you, nya!" Anya added, her expression tinged with sadness.
"I'll come by regularly," Mahiro promised with a smile.
"Oh, and these are for you—gifts."
"Huh? Gifts?" Anya perked up, surprised.
"You've got good taste," Chloe said, giving Mahiro an approving look.
"I get one too?" Ryu asked, caught off guard.
"Thanks," Syr said shyly, accepting her gift.
"Nya, why's Syr's box fancier?" Anya noted, eyeing Syr's gift with a pout.
"Idiot, because Syr's special," Chloe teased, smirking at Anya.
"They're just trinkets—nothing too fancy," Mahiro said with a chuckle.
Syr's gift had been specially chosen, while the others were picked up during the afternoon's shopping.
"Trinkets? Syr loves little things like these. Looks like you put some thought into it," Mia said, nodding in approval.
Syr's face flushed at the comment, but the joy in her eyes was unmistakable.
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