Danmachi: Magic Meister

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After I told them what to look out for, they agreed to keep an eye out. Once they understood that, they nodded their heads. Then I got to look around the place they lived. And I had to say, it was a dump. So I did what any friend would do: I offered to help redo the place.

When they heard this, Hestia was somewhat scared, while Bell and Lilli were skeptical.

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"How are you gonna help?" Hestia asked.

"Alchemy," I said simply.

"Huh?" Hestia and Bell spoke in unison.

"I think Edward-sama is saying he can use his alchemy to rebuild the church," Lilli spoke up, causing the two to understand.

"That's right," I told them, "As long as I have the raw materials, I can transform this place back to its former glory. Or, if you three want, I can change this place into what you want."

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Hestia was nervous as to why I was being so nice, while Bell and Lilli were looking at each other and communicating without talking. Hestia, I could understand, as I could see where she was with the debt from Hephaestus. As for Bell, I could tell that he'd believed it too good to be true. As for Lilli, she went into business mode from her time as a thief. Her mind was probably racing about a million things.

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"To be frank," I started before they could deny it. "I'm doing this because we're partnered. Your current lifestyle will be the death of you, and I want to invest in your familia. I can see that Bell, Lilli, and whoever comes in the future will be powerful allies. And as part of the Oligarchy, I need to make sure that all members are well enough to stand on their own without the group's support."

"Hestia-sama," Lilli spoke up, "I think we should accept Edward-sama's offer. While I love the church, if we continue to grow, we will need the room to do so. Edward-sama's offer will be a massive improvement to our health and daily life."

"I think so too," Bell spoke up. "He has no reason to help us, yet he's willing to do so."

"Edward," Hestia sighed and looked at me. "While I appreciate the offer, how will we know you won't call in a massive debt to make this happen?"

"Simple," I answered, "You don't."

"I see," Hestia said as she looked thoughtful. Then, after a minute of thought, she agreed. "Very well, we accept. But, what do we need to do?"

"All I ask is for you to gather the materials and plan for how it will look," I told them. "Once that is done, I'll handle the rest. And you have my word, I won't charge you for the labor of making it."

"I see no lies," Hestia told Bell and Lilli. "Then we'll get started tomorrow and let you know when we get everything done."

"If you can't get in contact with me, then talk to Hecate," I told them as I stood. "I'll let her know that I'll be doing this pro bono."

"Thank you, Edward," Hestia said as she walked me out. 

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Once I was outside the church, I made my way back to the house Demeter sold Hecate and me. Night was just starting to fall when I made it home. As I entered, I found that Hecate was dealing with a narrowed-eyed menace, Loki.

Loki, a Goddess with light red hair and red eyes, well-known for dressing up in tomboyish or male attire, mainly jeans and a shirt that shows off her stomach. Her hair was tied back in a simple ponytail. And she had a habit of looking for trouble and fondling females's boobes. While she was mischievous, she had a knack for seeing people with talent. Along with her was Finn, who was holding a sword and his spear.