Speaking of which, Akira hadn't paid much attention earlier when he returned home, but now, when his gaze happened to fall on the goddess beside him, he couldn't help but be momentarily stunned.

He had stayed in Astraea's room several times before, and naturally had the chance to peek into her wardrobe—albeit unintentionally.

Nearly all her clothes were long dresses. Flowing, elegant, and ethereal garments, like holy vestments meticulously crafted just for her, accentuating her divine grace, noble temperament, and the mysterious aura that surrounded her.

But now… that elegance had taken a surprising turn.

Astraea wore a knee-length skirt—something rarely seen on her.

Though it was still as pure white as untouched snow, what caught Akira's attention wasn't the color but the dazzling vision now exposed to his line of sight.

Two smooth, flawless legs.

Her delicate skin glowed under the warm light of the hall, radiant and translucent, glowing faintly with a seductive luster. It was impossible not to imagine the scenery hidden above that hemline.

Even her feet, usually concealed beneath flowing skirts, were now in full view. Her dainty, fair feet, wrapped in simple sandals, radiated a soft charm that stirred something deep within. The kind of beauty that was hard to ignore.

Astraea, as if unaware of the effect she was having, gently pulled Akira by the hand and led him to a seat. Her smile carried a hint of playful curiosity.

"Now then, why don't you tell me everything that happened during your expedition?" She said, her eyes twinkling.

"It was your first official one, after all. I'm very curious to hear how our Akira performed out in the field."

They sat close, separated only by the thin blanket draped over the seat. But even that fabric couldn't block the soft, warm sensation of the goddess's presence beside him. Her divine aura was intimate—palpable.

Akira coughed lightly and replied with humility, "I'm afraid I'd disappoint you. I only acted as a supporter during the expedition. On the contrary, Alise and the others were the ones who really shone out there."

"Hmph. As expected of the first familia member personally discovered by me." Astraea replied, amused.

Akira chuckled and added with sincere admiration, "That just proves Astraea-sama's excellent judgment."

Astraea gently flicked her finger against his forehead with a mischievous smile. "Such a sweet tongue you have. But you shouldn't go praising other women in front of me, you know?"

Then her smile deepened slightly, her fingers moving to pinch Akira's cheeks as she narrowed her eyes. "Also, don't forget that I'm a goddess. Lies don't work on someone like me."

"Alright, alright, I'll talk." Akira surrendered quickly, his words muffled as she pulled on his cheeks. "But Astraea-sama, if you're tugging my face like this, how am I supposed to speak properly?!"

Only when she finally released him did Akira begin recounting the expedition's events in detail—from their journey through the middle floors to the unexpected confrontation with evilus on the 26th floor.

He spoke of the Kaenseki's detonation, the dungeon's eerie cry, and the awakening of the monstrosity known as Juggernaut.

As he described how danger loomed and how they'd escaped by a narrow margin, the initial tension in Astraea's expression slowly faded. In its place bloomed a gentle, relieved smile.

"I see… So that's what happened." Her hand lightly pressed against her chest as she sighed in relief.

"Thank the heavens you were there. Had Alise and the others faced that creature alone, things could've ended far worse."

"That's just what a member of the Astraea Familia should do." Akira said, a little exasperated by her concern. "Astraea-sama, there's no need to praise me for that."

Suddenly, Astraea's gaze turned thoughtful.

"Speaking of which…" She said slowly, her voice tinged with curiosity. "Have you… changed in some way?"

"Huh?"

Akira blinked and instinctively glanced over his body. But nothing seemed different. Just as he was about to look up to ask for clarification—

His eyes met hers. Her deep blue eyes, speckled with starlight, locked onto his.

Time seemed to still for a heartbeat.

What followed was a soft, intoxicating fragrance. Their gazes met and grew closer... closer still. Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs n̷o̷v̷e̷l̷f̷i̷r̷e̷.net

To witness the growth of a mortal child, especially one that one cherished, is a joy that few gods are ever granted. But to see a change in someone they hold dear, a change so tangible even for gods who exist in eternal stasis…

For Astraea, it was overwhelming.

"Let me see your eyes." She whispered.

The goddess, already leaning close, inched even nearer. Her body pressed subtly against Akira's, their breaths overlapping.

At such close proximity, the calm within Akira's eyes—eyes that never wavered even in the face of monsters—began to shift. As if responding to her divine presence, his pupils widened.

"There's definitely something different about your left eye." Astraea murmured, leaning even closer.

"It used to be just a plain black pupil… but now, there's a light within it. Like a glimmer of something awakening."

"Do you know what it is? Any hidden dangers?"

Her right hand rose and gently cradled his face, brushing his cheek with the tenderness of a breeze, inspecting him with utmost care.

Akira hesitated, then shook his head softly. "There shouldn't be any problem, Astraea-sama. I think… maybe it's just my power evolving."

He knew the reason. Deep down, he understood what had caused the change. But now wasn't the time to explain.

Astraea's warm breath tickled his skin. The walnut-colored hair that fell naturally to her shoulders brushed lightly against his neck, causing a subtle shiver. Akira shifted slightly but didn't dare move too abruptly, fearing he might disturb the delicate moment.

His hands, uncertain of where to rest, slowly crept around Astraea's back. His fingertips brushed against the ends of her hair.

It was soft.

As soft as silk spun from moonlight.

He couldn't help but run his fingers through it gently, entranced by the texture.

The goddess, for all her divine poise, had a troubled expression. Her brows furrowed ever so slightly, like a girl wrestling with complex feelings.

Her body leaned into his—fully pressing against his chest.

Akira could feel every detail. The warmth of her skin. The rhythm of her breathing. The supple softness that pressed gently against him.

His heart skipped a beat, and his gaze involuntarily drifted downward.

To her lips.

Soft, pink, and glistening faintly under the lamplight—they looked as if a single touch would reveal their hidden sweetness.

He wondered, almost unconsciously, just how soft those lips were. How they might taste.

Astraea, ever radiant, radiated affection without even trying. And though she often lamented the chaotic nature of her familia, it was as if she had no awareness of just how dangerously charming she was at this very moment.

But surely… the goddess of justice wouldn't be so easily swayed by her own emotions, right?

Or at least… that's what Akira tried to tell himself.

And then—

"Oh my—"