In Danmachi with My System

The morning light filtered through the leaves of the tree I was resting under, giving me a break after a few hours of training with the Ravenous Mandible.

I had begun fine-tuning its handling before dawn. I aimed to improve its cutting, blocking, and pressure. Without a doubt, this weapon was difficult to use, but at the same time, it was versatile and light.

As I wiped the sweat from my face, Hestia came over and handed me the endless bag of cold water.

"Working so early?" she sat down next to me with a bright smile. The breeze carried her fragrance, a soft floral scent. But, I focused on drinking.

"Em. The dungeon won't conquer itself. I need to go deeper."

"Middle floors... Ummm. Ei-kun... I know you have your own goals, and I won't interfere unless you decide to talk about yourself sometime, but..."

Hestia had grown closer to me, almost to the point of being clingy. I wasn't upset about it. If anything, I had gotten used to having her around in this abandoned church. So it warmed my heart to hear her concerns directed at me.

"Don't get too reckless. Have some self-awareness, and I really don't want to see you sacrifice yourself...even if it's for someone else.... Okay?"

I looked up, surprised.

"Don't worry! I'm... I'm not going to die. I won't become a wraith."

Still, she thought seriously. "Uhh, well. If something happens to you down there, I don't know who will bring me cold water."

"That would be a problem, wouldn't it?"

My sarcasm made Hestia chuckle, and I stood up. I wiped the dirt off my arm and put the chain sword back in my inventory.

"Well, Hestia, I'm going to make breakfast, do you want to come?"

She nodded; I helped her up, and we went to the kitchen.

After eating, I realized it was time to get ready in earnest for the middle levels. I still had a few details to confirm and things to check. I had been training since before dawn. After breakfast, the clock showed just after 8 a.m. Before I could move, Hestia came over and hugged me.

"Um, Hestia, what's wrong?"

She smiled, resting her cheek on my chest. "I feel your determination. I'm glad you've made firm decisions about your future. Just... don't forget to stay alive."

I hugged her, lifting my hand to stroke her hair. "Thank you, Hestia. I'm pretty sure I won't die that easily."

"Fufu~," she giggled, planting a kiss on my cheek. She pulled away in a hurry, her smile beaming and her face flushed.

In my chest, I felt like a rabbit hopping with joy. The feeling of her soft lips remained, but I decided to ignore the sensation. If I think about it too much, I won't want to leave, and I'll end up attacking her.

×××

On my way through the main streets, I checked my equipment. The armor I had bought with Rose effectively fulfilled its intended function. I no longer looked like a bum. And with Hestia's compliments and the occasional sidelong glance I got from time to time, I could see that I even looked presentable.

Yet, I still lacked potions. I only had five. I opened my system menu and bought five HP potions. I watched, out of the corner of my eye, as my money dwindled.

Soul essence was hard to come by, and I wanted to avoid spending much if I had the option. That made me think about the need to learn alchemy at some point.

'Hum. Making my own potions would save me even more trouble.'

With all the items in order, I looked straight ahead, humming songs as I closed my eyes and trained my perception.

This training wouldn't give me any stat points in this attribute. But, it would help me adjust to the sudden stat increases of the past week. And as a result, be more attuned to my surroundings.

I sensed living things coming and going through the streets as I moved among them. Sometimes, I dodged them with my eyes closed. All in all, it was good practice.

×××

In the square by the tower, groups of adventurers were chatting and eating breakfast. Some were gathering to form teams. This was urgent for those in small Familias. They needed to group together to descend into the dungeon.

As I crossed the area, I overheard some adventurers discussing the latest news about the dungeon.

"Hiss... New monsters. Man, it was hard enough to survive before, do you think we have a chance now?"

"Don't be such an alarmist. Maybe the guild is exaggerating to make us pay attention. Besides, if it were as dangerous as you say, do you think they would allow us to go down?"

"That reminds me... Is there any word on the reason for such an unforeseen change?"

"They didn't say anything specific. But there is speculation that a stupid god went down there. Well, you know how the Dungeon is. It pretty much hates gods."

Apparently, and as expected, the guild hadn't realized that it wasn't a god that produced that, but a mortal.

In the middle of my thoughts, a group of three girls approached me. The one in front of them smiled with a shy expression, but a particular gleam shone in her eyes.

The presence of these women made me pause.

"Are you going alone?" she asked me, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.

"I think so." In fact, my system followed me everywhere.

"We're forming a party. Maybe you'd like to join us. We could use someone handsome and skilled, too."

"Yes, yes! That's right! Since we've seen you, we think you'd make a perfect partner."

I remembered my last fight with the Lethal Ant and the words of Rose and Hestia, who insisted that I should have some support. They both agreed that venturing out alone was a risk.

However, I didn't like the idea of joining strangers; I didn't want to reveal my abilities to just anyone. The dungeon could be a brutal place, and frankly, I preferred to rely on myself.

"Thanks, but I'll pass."

I noticed that her companions were watching me as well. The offer was suspicious, and I sincerely doubted their intentions. I preferred not to risk it. There was no need to complicate things for now.

I took a step back and waved goodbye.

"Tsk! What a bore. Let's find someone else who's handsome."

In this case, they were only looking for a man to do that.

Although I would like to have a girl, I don't want it to be like that, where there are no feelings involved. I wanted to love and be loved.

×××

As I continued on my way, a shiver ran down my spine. I involuntarily looked up at the top of the tower. There was a strange feeling in the air, as if an unseen eye was watching me from above.

Hey, I didn't mean that kind of twisted love either...

The name of a goddess crossed my mind. It was inevitable, given the circumstances, but I didn't like the idea of her watching me so closely. I relaxed my shoulders, took a deep breath and saluted.

As I was about to continue on my way, I heard a voice calling out to me.

"Onii-san, Onii-san! Adventurer Onii-san, w-wait!"

I turned around to see a small figure running toward me. It was a person carrying a huge backpack who seemed to be dragging her body toward the ground. It was impossible not to notice the effort in each step, as her breathing was loud and heavy. The small person stopped panting. She looked at me with determined eyes, as if she had something important to say.

I recognized her.

Hoh... I doubt it's a coincidence.