Back in the church, the air was cool, with the familiar scent of incense still lingering from the morning's rituals. The crimson walls, now gleaming under the fading sunlight, stood as a testament to the strange and quiet life that had taken root here.
Luthar walked in first, his steps measured and silent. Liliruca followed closely behind, her movements lighter but no less purposeful. She had grown accustomed to the church's odd blend of technology and ancient structure, but it still felt strange to call it home.
They reached the main hall, and Luthar's gaze swept over the table set in the center of the room, already laden with dishes that would rival a banquet. The familiar figure of Bell stood near the food, his wide grin giving him away even before he spoke.
"Luthar! Liliruca!" Bell waved enthusiastically, his face flushed with excitement. "You're back! We're about to celebrate!"
Luthar halted just inside the doorway, his head tilting slightly in quiet skepticism. "Celebrate? For what, exactly?"
Hestia, who had been fussing with the arrangement of plates, looked over at them and grinned brightly, her eyes sparkling with energy. "For defeating the Silverback Gorilla, of course!" she said, as if it were obvious.
Bell quickly added, "Hestia insisted we celebrate!"
Liliruca raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "That's just a Silverback," she said bluntly. She clearly remembered that after defeating the beast, no one had even offered her encouragement, much less a celebration.
Bell hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck, a nervous chuckle escaping him. "Well... yeah... but I guess it's nice. Hestia really wanted to do it, and I didn't want to disappoint her."
Luthar remained still, his expression unreadable behind the mask. His eyes flicked between Bell and Hestia, gauging the situation.
After a long pause, he finally spoke. "If this is for your goddess' sake, then I see no harm in it."
Bell let out a relieved breath, clearly grateful that Luthar wasn't against it. Hestia clapped her hands together enthusiastically. "It's about how far Bell's come! He's survived, grown stronger, and made friends! That's worth celebrating!"
Liliruca didn't seem entirely convinced but allowed herself a small, reluctant smile. She moved to set down the small bundle she had been carrying, resigning herself to the evening.
Bell laughed, a little more relaxed now, and gestured for everyone to sit. Hestia was already piling plates high with food, practically glowing with excitement.
Luthar remained standing for a moment longer, as if considering whether to truly participate. Then, with a faint shrug, he moved to an empty seat, positioning himself slightly apart from the others but within reach if needed.
The evening began with cautious energy—Bell trying to hide his nervousness, Liliruca quietly observing, Luthar detached but present—and Hestia carrying the entire atmosphere forward with her boundless, stubborn enthusiasm.
As plates were passed and small, awkward conversations grew, the hours slipped by. Once dinner was over, Liliruca stood up, dusting off her hands. Without a word, she glanced at Luthar, who was already rising to his feet.
The two moved toward the back of the church, heading for the entrance to the lower levels.
Luthar's voice drifted back toward the table, flat and clipped.
"Make sure to clean up. And don't spill anything on my equipment."
Hestia waved a hand dismissively behind them.
"Yeah, yeah! Go work on your secret stuff, you big spoilsport!"
Luthar didn't bother to answer. Liliruca only spared them a brief glance before falling into step behind him, the familiar hum of the mechanical lifts below waiting to carry them into the depths of their hidden lab.
The celebration faded behind them, leaving only the quiet sound of footsteps .
The hum of the new lift vibrated under their boots as Luthar and Liliruca descended into the depths of the church.
Liliruca shifted slightly, arms folded, glancing at him from the corner of her eye. She opened her mouth as if to speak, then thought better of it, lips pressing into a tight line.
Luthar caught the movement without turning his head. His voice broke the heavy silence.
"If you are looking for someone to coddle your feelings... you are in the wrong place."
Liliruca stiffened, her fingers curling against her sleeves. She didn't respond immediately.
Luthar continued, his tone even colder.
"I only have cold steel, Progress. Efficiency. If you want comfort... find a goddess. There's no shortage of them."
There was a long pause, broken only by the mechanical groan of the descending lift.
Finally, Liliruca lifted her chin slightly. "I don't need God," she muttered, voice low but steady. "I'm not here for comfort."
Luthar glanced at her briefly, his masked face unreadable.
"Good," he said simply.
Then the lift shuddered to a halt, the doors sliding open with a soft hiss.
Luthar stepped out first, the faint glow of the lab's lumen lamps casting long shadows across the metallic floor. Liliruca followed, silent but steady.
After a few paces, Luthar slowed. Without looking back, he extended a gloved hand behind him — an abrupt, almost mechanical gesture — but one that carried a weight beyond its simplicity.
Liliruca blinked in surprise, then stepped forward and took it without hesitation. His hand was cold and calloused, the pressure firm but not crushing.
For a brief moment, neither of them spoke.
Then, Luthar's voice cut through the sterile air, low and measured. "We do not have time for celebrations."
He released her hand and resumed his pace, footsteps soft against the metal floor.
"But," he added, his voice quieter, almost distant, "but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy your life."
Another step, another pause, as if he considered the words carefully.
"Do whatever you want to do, just be cautious in your life."
Liliruca's eyes widened slightly. She quickened her steps to match him, her heart beating faster — not from fear, but something she couldn't quite name.
The moment passed in silence, swallowed by the endless hum of the lab's machinery.