Danmachi: Strongest Familia

(Please add it to your Library! Please send Power Stones! Thank you! 

For more chapters, visit my patreon.com/LazySeeker)

---

Although Sol had consciously restrained his aura, the sheer size of his form alone was imposing enough to create an oppressive atmosphere. 

Even though she knew Sol wouldn't attack her, the sensation was still overwhelming.

"Can I sit on it?" Alfia asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

"Of course, hurry up, or it will be dark soon." Sol urged. 

Alfia climbed onto his back, feeling a soft sensation against her back as she settled. Despite Sol's divine power, which made carrying her effortless, it was still a pleasant feeling to carry a beautiful girl on his back.

Sol's flying speed was far greater than Alfia's. Though he deliberately controlled the pace to enjoy the quiet company, they reached their destination swiftly.

Mid-air, Sol shifted back into his human form, and Alfia landed gracefully with a backflip, steadying herself upon the ground.

"Eh? Did your clothes change?" Alfia asked, noticing his new appearance.

Sol tugged at his collar, a hint of pride in his voice. "These are clothes transformed from my dragon scales. Very convenient."

Though there was still a short distance to go, Sol knew that if he didn't tone down his divine presence, his dragon form might attract unwanted attention from the Ionians. 

Presidium, located in the heart of the continent, was one of Ionia's holiest places. Many traveled from afar to study in the renowned schools there, and it was the birthplace of many martial arts traditions. Various fighting techniques had been passed down and preserved by the Ionian people over generations. 

Sol was eager to visit such a place, anticipating that those who resided there would be better than the common folk in almost every aspect. However, he didn't plan on recruiting anyone from here just yet.

He would observe first, and if there were particularly talented individuals, he would take note and help them grow in Valoran later. There was no rush, after all.

As they entered Presidium, Sol couldn't help but admire its grandiosity. The town was far more magnificent than the small villages they had passed earlier, with militia guards moving about and people carrying weapons or wearing strange, distinctive attire—members of various schools, visible every few steps.

Despite the liveliness of the place, Alfia seemed to prefer the quieter, more peaceful atmosphere of the small town they had left behind. Too many people were not to her taste.

Soon enough, a soldier appeared before them, bowing respectfully.

"My Lord, Karma-sama wants to see you," the soldier announced, gesturing toward Sol. His respect was evident, as Karma had ordered this meeting personally.

"Karma?" Sol mused. He had not expected to meet her here in Ionia. It sounded promising.

Karma was a figure known for her integrity, so Sol had no concerns about meeting her. 

Sol and Alfia followed the soldier through multiple layers of guards, soon arriving at a mountain peak where Karma's residence awaited.

"I won't go in. Karma-sama is already inside," the soldier explained.

Sol wondered aloud, "Why build the church so high up? Is it to test the perseverance of those who visit? What a waste of time."

Upon entering, Karma greeted them warmly. "On behalf of Ionia, I welcome your arrival, Lord Aurelion. I apologize for not greeting you personally."

Sol waved it off with a smile. "You can just call me Sol. This visit was spontaneous. I didn't expect to be recognized by you, though."

Karma chuckled softly. "How could I not recognize the Lord God of Creation? Many of our people in Ionia have been summoned by you."

As they settled down, Karma poured hot tea for both Sol and Alfia. She moved with graceful composure, neither haughty nor humble, and her presence was such that it was impossible to find fault.

Of course, Sol wasn't here to criticize anyone. 

"Don't be so formal," Sol said. "Tell me about the current situation in Ionia, and what you may need."

Karma briefly organized her thoughts before explaining Ionia's current status. She was not just the spiritual symbol of Ionia—she was the incarnation of an ancient soul, having experienced countless reincarnations, inheriting memories and powers from each life. With her vast knowledge, she had dedicated herself entirely to Ionia's prosperity. 

Ionia's future was firmly within her grasp. She had no need to pause to consider Sol's questions; everything about Ionia was engraved in her mind.

"In the future, other countries may rise, and at that point, Ionia may not need my assistance. But for now, I will continue working for the prosperity of Valoran."

"Hey, don't take it so seriously. Ionia will rely on you to take care of it in the future," Sol said with a knowing smile, already envisioning the land's destiny. 

Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, Sol continued, "Since you're here, allow me to grant you a favor."

He had just remembered. They had come this far, so he may as well offer Karma a favor now, lest he forget later. By doing so, she would be able to develop in Ionia at her own pace, making it more convenient for him to reach out to her when needed.

[Karma] 

LV1 

Strength: 10 

Durability: 10 

Dexterity: 10 

Agility: 10 

Mana: 10

Magic: 

[Inner Flame], [Focused Resolve], [Inspire] [Mantra]

Skills: 

[Ancient Soul] 

Reincarnation Inherit 0.1 wisdom and abilities from past lives Limited by the current body Only activates in Ionia 

Karma's abilities were remarkable. To be able to reincarnate across generations while retaining memories and even abilities was almost unheard of in the lower realms. The limitations on her power were harsh, but they were nothing compared to the magnitude of her reincarnation ability.

Sol could see that Karma was more than capable of overseeing Ionia's future. "If there's anything you need help with, feel free to call on me in Orario."

"Yes, I'll wait for your call," Karma responded, her voice filled with anticipation. 

It was clear that only topics related to Ionia seemed to stir her emotions.