Is it wrong to try to meet someone in a dungeon?

I got out of bed, a little confused, and put on my shirt, which was a spare; the original one had been torn during my fight with the Minotaur.

As I poked my head out of my shirt, the deity finished writing the [ability values] and our eyes met.

"I originally wanted to surprise you, but I'll tell you first anyway."

"?"

The smiling deity handed me the record sheet while saying this.

I took the record sheet and stood there stunned when the deity said, "It's good news, Bear Grylls?" Before I could even ask what it was, the deity revealed the answer.

"It's a skill."

"Eh?"

"Your second one—no!... Well, it's that one. The skill you've been waiting for."

I was stunned for a few seconds.

As I slowly listened to the deity's words and understood their meaning, I excitedly looked at the record sheet. My eyes were indeed bloodshot as I followed the deity's notes.

then.

Bell Craney

Lv.2

力量：I0　耐久：I0　灵巧：I0　敏捷：I0　魔力：I0

Lucky: I

〖magic〗

【Flame Lightning】

·Quick attack magic.

〖Skill〗

【Hero's Wish (Argonauts)】

• Has the power to implement active actions.

My eyes widened.

The "Skills" field is no longer blank.

I hurriedly looked ahead. There, on the face of the petite deity, was the smile of an elder, confirming my question raised with my gaze with the words, "That's right, that's exactly it."

I couldn't help but laugh. My face instantly filled with joy; this was the most exciting thing that had happened today.

My cheek muscles wouldn't cooperate. I stared at the record sheet, my eyes gleaming. Suddenly, I let out a soft "Hmm?" as I noticed something.

...[A Hero's Wish]?

I no longer just focused on being happy to learn the skills, but started paying attention to the names of the skills.

Upon seeing this exaggerated name, my previously excited mind calmed down at an astonishing speed.

(……Wait a moment.)

The smile vanished from his face in an instant.

I once heard that the "skills" and "magic" that appear in the "ability values" are not only related to "experience points", but are also affected by the nature or wishes of the person receiving the "blessing".

The name is the same; it's like using a mirror to reflect one's inner self.

In other words, if the name "Heroic Aspiration" were tattooed on my back... it would be like telling everyone that at my age, I still fantasize about becoming a hero...

In the blink of an eye, I blushed and then looked up from the record sheet like a wind-up toy that hadn't been oiled.

The deity in front of me was looking at me with eyes full of love—

"—Wa ...

Seeing the deity smiling and silently watching me, I let out a scream.

I threw the record sheet aside, spun around, covered my ears with my hands, turned my back to the deity, and squatted down as if I had fallen into a valley.

Woohoo, woohoo—!

Oh no! This guy's got it all figured out! He's not young anymore and he's still seriously idolizing fairytale heroes. The gods know about this?! ?!

I was in agony. The embarrassment was no less than the several times I had lost my composure in front of Miss Ais; I was utterly ashamed. The unimaginable burning sensation ravaged me, leaving me completely battered.

Oh my god, this is so embarrassing!

"Bell".

My body trembled.

I heard a kind voice enter my ears, and a small, soft hand patted my shoulder.

My eyes were brimming with tears as I cautiously turned to look at the person behind me.

The fairy's smile was full of loving light.

"You're so cute."

"Wa ...

Gods are idiots!

"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu"

"Hey, how long are you going to keep yelling like that?"

I groaned, hugging my knees tightly in the corner of the room.

The wound from being pushed from heaven to hell is too deep. Perhaps this scar will remain in my heart for the rest of my life.

As I listened to the voice of the deity coming from behind me, I sobbed and tears streamed down my face.

"Alright, cheer up! It's not like anything's wrong. It's good to admire heroes. You can't find a 'child' as innocent as you anymore, can you?"

"You're clearly smiling, you immortal!"

The word "child" in particular sounds especially sour!

My wails echoed throughout the basement. My mind was about to lose its balance.

The deity smiled wryly and said, "I'm sorry I hurt you," and patted my back. The fact that I'm being comforted by a deity who looks like a little sister makes me feel utterly worthless. Just thinking about it makes me feel even more ashamed.

"Are you feeling any better?"

"Yes, I'm feeling a bit better..."

Finally, I managed to pull myself together. No, actually, I didn't pull myself together at all, but I couldn't keep looking so gloomy.

I braced my neck, which was about to bend over, picked up the record sheet that had fallen to the ground, and read through the [ability values] again.

[Hero's Wish]... Let's not worry about the name for now. I'm trying hard to understand the most important skill content, but... after reading for a long time, I still can't grasp it. The detailed explanations are far too few.

It's the same with [Fire and Lightning]; it always feels like the magic and skills I learn aren't explained clearly. How can anyone know what the effects will be like that...?

"Immortal, do you know the effects of this skill...?"

"Hmm—it's hard to tell just by looking at it like this. It doesn't seem to be a permanent type... It mentions proactive action, so it probably means it will have some kind of effect when Bell consciously takes action?"

"Taking conscious action...?"

"It's just spontaneous actions like attacking."

"If that's the case, then counterattacks might not be included," the deity added.

Hmm? I feel like I understand, but I also feel like I don't...

No, I simply can't comprehend this skill with my brain.

"It's okay, we can only try it out gradually in actual combat anyway. Although it's a bit irresponsible to say that."

"No, please don't take it to heart. After all, this is my 'skill'..."

As for skills, we decided to wait and see.

I had an unsolved mystery in my mind, so I looked at the record sheet one last time.

Although I know nothing about the skills, this "Hero's Wish"... I'm quite familiar with the term "Argonauts." No, perhaps I should say I remember it.

"Heroes of Argonautica"

This is a fairy tale about a good-for-nothing young man who goes to rescue a beautiful princess who has been kidnapped by a demon bull.

The protagonist is constantly being deceived without even realizing it. The story has a slightly satirical tone. Then, by sheer chance, he finds a monster. I remember he was even rescued by the very princess he was supposed to save?

Compared to the protagonists of other heroic tales, the hero in this story is truly pathetic.

It was probably a story leaning more towards comedy, but when I read this picture book as a child, I couldn't help but pout. Because he wasn't handsome at all… I thought to myself, "He just dreams of becoming a hero, how can he be called a hero?"

My grandfather once said he really liked this story, and he chuckled and said, "This guy's story gets interesting from here on out."

As for me, I pouted and said, "The story is over." I still remember this incident vividly.

I never expected to encounter my childhood memories in a place like this. To be honest, I don't understand how this happened.

"Sorry, Bell. I should probably head out now."

"Huh? Do the gods have work today?"

As I emerged from the sea of ​​memories, I heard the immortals say they were going out.

I thought today was a work holiday, so I couldn't help but ask.

"Today is the day of the 'Assembly of the Gods,' which is held every three months."

"The 'Gathering of the Gods'...could it be...?"

"Yes, that's right. It's just a bunch of bored gods getting together... to decide the titles for those who are [leveling up]."

Upon hearing the word "title," my shoulders immediately tensed up.

Miss Ais's nickname is "Sword Princess." This title was given to her by the gods.

To elaborate further, the title was actually born during the "Assembly of the Gods," a discussion among the deities.

The fact that deities would attend such a gathering means...

"Since Bell has leveled up to Lv.2, I'm allowed to take the last place. I'm afraid your title will be decided today."

That's right!

The deity's words confirmed my guess. I felt that excitement all over my body for what felt like the umpteenth time.

"Wow, wow, wow! That means I can get a nickname like Miss Ais too!"

"...You seem quite willing?"

"Of course!"

Speaking of titles, that's a synonym for adventurer!

Only those who have [Leveled Up] are eligible to receive it. To put it more clearly, it means that your strength has been recognized by the gods! This is of course a very honorable thing!

That's not all...!

"The titles chosen by the gods are all concise yet exquisite, and they sound incredibly cool! Like 'Dark Angel,' just hearing that name tells you it must be incredibly powerful!"

"...Oh, I see."

I said smugly—and the immortal, who had been surprised, gave me a weary and weak smile.

To be more specific, it was a smile tinged with inexplicable sorrow. Gods are so far removed from me.

Strange, isn't that strange?

Why is she looking at me with even more loving eyes than before...?

"That's true, it's too early for the people (children) in the lower realm..."

"Huh... what does that mean...?"

"No, it's nothing. One day you'll understand, Bell."

Leaving behind a profound remark, the immortal silently prepared to leave.

I could only look embarrassed and be filled with questions.

Perhaps the "Conference of the Gods" is quite different from what I imagined?