Chương 51: Because I Love Him

"Yes. I love Cael." Hestia said it without hiding anything.

"From the very first day, Cael has been the most important person to me. He has worked so hard to carry Hestia Familia on his shoulders. After seeing him push himself like that, I never want to see him come back from the Dungeon covered in blood again."

"I cannot simply enjoy the offerings he brings me while doing nothing in return. I hate that." The memory of that day still lingered in her ears: Cael coming back from the Dungeon drenched in blood, and the words he had spoken afterward. She had been so happy that day. And so hurt that it almost broke her.

"You have changed since coming down from Heaven," Hephaestus said with a fond smile.

"But you are not the first god to be changed by children on the lower world." She really wanted to meet the child who had changed Hestia this much. He had to be something special.

"Can I give them to Cael now?" Hestia slid the twin swords into their sheaths with shining eyes, then carefully carried them on her back as if a single scratch would ruin the most precious gift in the world.

"I do not mind. Just do not forget that you still owe me."

"Mm!" Hestia nodded hard, opened the door, and ran out with light, happy steps.... At the same time, outside the ruined church that served as Hestia Familia's base, the Hashira from the Demon Slayer world were watching a heated sparring match.

"Amazing. No wonder he is a god's first child," Tengen Uzui said, genuine shock in his voice.

"He started with almost no real technique, but after exchanging a few dozen flashy blows with the Flame Hashira, he is already stealing the Flame Hashira's movements." That boy was absurdly talented. Had he said he had gained his strength less than ten days ago? Was that true? If he could reach this point in only a few days, Tengen was not confident he could match him in speed or power. And Kyojuro had grown stronger too. In the past, the gap between them had not been large.

Now, Kyojuro might be able to pressure him directly. A god's Falna was terrifying.

"How many more clashes do you think Mr. Cael needs before he can suppress the Flame Hashira?" Obanai Iguro asked while half reclining atop a tall stone column, one arm propping up his head. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

"Thirty," Giyu said with a flat expression.

"Mr. Cael's power control is becoming smoother. He is close to catching up with the Flame Hashira."

"That guy is ridiculous," Sanemi said, eyes wide.

"His strength and speed are far above Rengoku's. Rengoku is only matching him by leaning on technique."

"So strong! I cannot even see them clearly!" Inosuke stared hard at the field, as if the world around the two fighters had changed into another realm.

"When do I get to be that strong?" All he could see were two streaks of blade light flashing back and forth.

"This is insane. Are Hashira really that strong?" Zenitsu shivered as if he had seen a monster.

"Lord Cael was already a strong adventurer," Lili said, glancing at the blond coward with open disdain.

"On the twelfth floor, Lord Cael fought more than thirty orcs alone and killed them all almost instantly."

"Mr. Cael is amazing," Tanjiro said with bright admiration.

"I hope I can become that strong one day." He had already received the blessing of the goddess. If he worked hard enough, he would definitely grow stronger. Then Tanjiro remembered that, at Blue Pharmacy, he had completely forgotten to ask the god of medicine whether Nezuko could be turned human again. His whole spirit seemed to collapse. I am sorry, Nezuko. Your brother really is irresponsible, even as the eldest son. Shinobu's clear violet eyes reflected the two bodies crossing again and again.

A god's Falna could open every ounce of potential. With it, perhaps she could avenge her sister with her own hands. In her heart, she thanked the man who had brought her that hope.

"Ah, Mr. Cael and Mr. Rengoku both look so handsome when they are working hard," Mitsuri thought, little stars practically shining in her eyes. At that moment, everything in Cael's vision except Kyojuro became blurred by speed. His sword crashed against Rengoku's Nichirin blade, throwing sparks into the air. Under Transparent World, Kyojuro's muscle movement and nerve timing were laid bare before him. It was like a cheat code for learning. All Cael had to do was memorize Kyojuro's muscle movement and copy it.

Those movements quickly became his own. Once he understood the way Kyojuro generated force, his sword swings became smoother and more efficient. Not a single ounce of strength was wasted.

"Hahaha! You learned the technique this quickly. I am shocked, but also happy!" Kyojuro shouted with blazing fighting spirit. Inside, however, he was deeply shaken. He could tell Cael was not using his full power. In fact, Cael had lowered his strength and speed to match him. The goddess had chosen an impressive first child.

"Kyojuro, that is enough." Cael stopped and spoke with sincere gratitude.

"Thanks to your guidance and your Strict Teacher Skill, I learned far faster than I should have." The Skill probably had little to do with it, but Cael still gave him full credit. Even if those with sharp eyes could tell the truth, others would see generosity, not arrogance. Debt, strength, and grace. If those three things were shown well, they became charisma. From the Hashira's eyes, Cael could tell they had already begun to acknowledge and respect him.

"It had little to do with me," Kyojuro said with a bright laugh.

"Captain, you were simply born with extraordinary talent."

"The goddess has returned." Cael noticed a small figure running toward them in the distance. His eyes lit up at once. He had not seen Hestia for two days, and he had missed her more than he expected. From the way she was carrying herself, the weapons she had prepared for him were probably finished. What kind of weapons were they? As that thought crossed his mind, his desire to earn a grand home for the Familia only grew stronger. When the others heard him, they all looked over and immediately grew serious.

They knew the gods had sealed their divine power and were little different from mortals on the lower world, but a god was still a god. Reverence was required. Everyone rose from their relaxed positions.

"Cael! I am back!" Hestia spotted the crowd outside her Familia base from far away and grew even more excited. These had to be Kyojuro's friends. Full of energy, she waved while running. Then, without caring how many people were watching, she spread her arms and threw herself straight into Cael's embrace, hugging him tightly.

"I missed you so much, Cael."