Winter in this Parallel World was rather boring.
Without electronics or modern entertainment, everyone — even when feeling lazy — gathered in the living room to chat.
These past few days, however, one person had been noticeably absent, making everyone curious.
Kazuma looked at everyone sitting on the sofa, including the newly joined Spirit being beside Adam, but he couldn't spot their party's problematic Goddess.
"Huh? Where's Aqua? Haven't seen her these past few days."
"Yeah, I'm curious too."
"Now that Kazuma mentions it, Aqua has been shutting herself in her room lately. I wonder if something happened?"
"Let's go check on her."
"Right, I'm worried too."
Megumin and Darkness were still concerned about Aqua.
But Kazuma thought differently, jumping to malicious assumptions, "That idiot, I hope she's not causing trouble in her room."
Previously, the mansion had exploded due to his own actions, so he worried Aqua might do something equally stupid.
With winter here now, if the mansion exploded and collapsed, they'd be forced to stay at an inn — something he absolutely didn't want.
Just as the three were about to head upstairs and Adam was about to explain, Aqua came rushing down from the second floor.
She was shouting loudly, "I did it! I did it!"
Huh?
Everyone stared in confusion, wondering why Aqua was so excited and what she meant by "did it".
"Aqua, what did you succeed at?"
"The Falna! I successfully improved it!" Aqua declared, nose high in the air and chest puffed out with pride.
This was her typical expression. Yet seeing her like this triggered an immediate reaction in Kazuma.
After all, whenever Aqua had acted this way before, she'd caused him endless trouble — even getting him killed multiple times.
"Hey, stupid Aqua! What exactly happened? Explain yourself!"
"What—?! Stupidazuma, say that again if you dare!" The moment he dismissed her efforts, Aqua launched into another argument with him.
Meanwhile, Adam was taken aback by how quickly she had succeeded. The possibility of gaining more followers must have truly motivated her.
"Alright, let me explain."
Being the person most involved and having the clearest understanding of Falna's importance, Adam was best suited to explain the situation.
Besides, letting Aqua explain would likely just confuse everyone.
"And so forth, and so on."
After listening to Adam's half-hour explanation, Kazuma and the others finally understood what Falna was and its benefits.
Naturally, everyone approved.
"As expected of Adam-senpai! To even discover such an amazing ability!"
"That's right! As expected of a Hero!"
"Indeed, if we receive the Falna, our strength will increase even further. Adam, the Falna you brought is very important."
Kazuma and the others showered him with praise.
"Hey, you guys!" Aqua shouted indignantly, "I'm the one who improved it — why are you all praising Adam?"
After all her hard work, she hadn't received any appreciation. Of course she was upset.
"She's right." Adam said, "I merely obtained this thing, but Aqua is the one who can truly grant you all Falna. So, thank her more."
"Hmph, exactly! My contribution was the biggest." Aqua pouted, clearly dissatisfied with how Kazuma and the others had acted.
"Okay, okay, Aqua, you made the biggest contribution." Darkness said, trying to appease the sulking Goddess, "So, can your improved Falna be officially used now?"
"Of course there's no problem." Aqua's pride returned instantly, "Who am I? I'm the Goddess of Wisdom, Aqua!"
"More like Goddess of Stupidity."
"Hehehe, foolish Kazuma, seems you don't understand the situation yet."
Kazuma's merciless retort didn't anger Aqua — she now had his lifeline in her grasp.
"Hmm? What do you mean?"
"Well... you know, right? Only a Goddess can grant Falna, and only a Goddess can update someone's proficiency."
"Uh..."
"In other words, if I don't update Kazuma's proficiency, he'll never get stronger!" Aqua declared with a smug grin.
Since arriving in the lower world, she had always been bullied by Kazuma. He'd even challenged her dignity as a Goddess.
But now, with Falna in hand, why should she fear him? He'd have to apologize!
"Now, beg me, Kazuma!" Aqua plopped onto the sofa and shouted, "If you don't say 'I'm sorry, Lady Aqua! Please grant me Falna!', you're not getting it!"
"Ugh..." Kazuma was stumped.
He never imagined he'd end up at her mercy like this, forced to follow her orders.
"No way! I'd rather die than take orders from this idiot!"
"It's just Falna! Who needs something like that!"
...But he couldn't bring himself to say these words.
The promise of great power had already captivated him when he first heard about Falna. Even knowing from Adam that most people never reached Level 2, he still wanted to try.
So...
"I'm sorry, Lady Aqua! Please grant me Falna!"
"Ahahahaha—!!" Aqua burst into arrogant laughter at the sight of his bowed head.
"Damn it." Kazuma silently vowed revenge while swallowing his pride.
Adam sighed and pressed his palm to his forehead. These two were such a comedy act.
"Alright, Aqua, let's test the Falna quickly." He removed his upper clothing.
Since he already had Falna granted by Hestia, his direct example would make it easier for Aqua to copy and grant it to others.
"Now, change my Familia."
"Mm, leave it to me!" Aqua stepped behind him confidently.
She pricked her finger and let divine blood drip onto Adam's back.
Whoosh—!
A blinding light burst forth, forcing everyone to shield their eyes. After three seconds, the intense glow gradually faded.
Where Adam's back had displayed a blank Familia mark, now appeared a radiant blue crystal pattern — like sparkling cascading water.
It was the mark of Aqua Familia!
✧✧✧
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