*I do not own DanMachi or You-Zitsu

A/N- Spoilers for DanMachi Light novel. If you don't mind or have caught up, then keep reading.

Gods and goddess. These beings that exist in this world coexist with humans and mortals. Yet at the same time, a dungeon filled with dangerous monsters is roaming the underground as we speak. The gods, with their power, destroying the dungeon should be simple as eating a cookie. But, for some reason, they have not. This could mean either two things.

1. The gods are simply cruel and won't bother to lift a finger to help the inhabitants of this world.

2. They cannot. For an unknown reason, they are unable to use that power to destroy it.

For one, if immortal deities were to flood the streets, the world's atmosphere shouldn't be able to handle such immense power, even with the existence of magic. In other words, the gods are either stripped of their power in this world and given restrictions. Or, they won't bother helping.

The former is more likely considering the god Njord was in the fishing industry, supplying citizens with fresh seafood. Even if it's simple, to a diety, taking out the thing called the dungeon should be as well. And if it was the latter option, Familias wouldn't exist or at least a majority. Who would want to help such selfish creatures willingly?

Thus, the gods are unable to use their power. They are weak.

But taking out a god of an entire Familia would result in a crime, considering these Familias prawl the dungeon, kill the monsters and keep the people safe.

But, the Familia members themselves.

If they want to become a nuisance, then, by all means, they will fail in their objectives.

After all. The one who will stand on top at the end, will be me.

The hooded adventurer revealed himself to be a level 2 member of Freya Familia. His name was Anselm Vortay. Though I can't be sure, as it could be an alias used to cover his true identity.

Currently, he was walking next to me, side by side. If I were to keep him at knifepoint the entire time, I most certainly would have earned the stares of several. But if he ever tries anything, I won't hesitate to slit his tendons.

"Umm, I understand I lost and all, but would you name yourself. Since I did the same," he gave a pitiful reply because he knew full well what I can do to him.

My reply was short and to the point.

"No."

"I-I understand why, but then how can I refer to you."

"X."

"Huh?"

"You want a name to refer do you not? If so, refer to me like that."

"I mean sure, but why th-"

"You're not exactly in any position to refute," I quickly shut him down. He talks too much for what he is. A hostage of sorts.

Now that I have a good understanding of the city due to the map I received, I understood that we were fast approaching the center of the 8 districts, Central Park, the location of Babel tower, and the residential home of the goddess Freya.

This time I felt a softer gaze, one you would receive after failing a presentation in a classroom. Had the god took notice of me once again?

Also, since the gods not being able to use their power is a reasonable hypothesis, how come she is able to see me from up there.

I'm assuming that the gods at least have certain attributes, such as keen eyesight.

Either that or Freya is a sole exception due to her status as #1. She could be allowed to use an ability of sorts to see me from anywhere in her field of vision.

Now that we were in Central Park, I needed directions to reach the top room.

"Anselm, I believe you'll take care of the rest," I told him.

"Ah yes, that I can do," it seems he understood perfectly.

We were nearing the spot in which I exited the dungeon. Once we passed that, we stepped inside the building.

In other words, if we entered through the first floor, then the entrance to the dungeon is through its 'basement'.

But this brings to mind other theories. For example, now that I know the deeper you go down, the more valuable the monster or 'magic' stones are as well as other materials found inside the dungeon. This could easily lead to illegal transportation and trafficking.

But, that can't be done though here. Since many adventures and citizens inhabit Central Park. Illegal business through here would be nigh impossible.

So, there has to be another area in which this can take place. A gap to the underground which can only be found through special means. Another entrance that the guild nor I know about. Whether natural or artificial.

Of course, this theory relies on too many 'ifs' and 'buts'. Nor do I particularly care if that's the case.

But if it proves to be useful in the future, it won't be negative to keep this in mind.

As the two of us walked through each floor and staircase, I made sure to observe each and every detail. It would only prove to be useful for the future.

Once we reached floor 12, we were greeted with the appearance of a tall animal man.

"C-C-Captain! What are you..." it seems he's of importance. By captain, does he mean captain of the Familia?

"I have come to retrieve the both of you. I take it you failed Anselm."

"Y-Yes."

"I see. On behalf of the Familia, I must apologize for the actions of my subordinate and the orders of my goddess," a sincere apology was given.

"Think none of it. I'm more curious as to why."

The man replied with an expected answer.

"That I cannot tell you. But if ever given the same orders as before, I won't hesitate to carry them out. Now, if you would follow me."

I walked up to him, from there he guided me to an elevator. Though I'm assuming it's run by a different source of power, like magic stones. Magic stones are essentially the electricity of this barbaric fantasy world. Though I guess this 'barbaric' place will become my home.

Anselm did not come with us. For the next 10 minutes, the two of us rode the elevator in silence. Anytime someone wanted to get on, upon noticing the man, they fled.

As Leader of the #1 Familia, one definitely gains notoriety. If I ever join a Familia, I'll have to avoid such a position. Though I doubt anyone would want me as Captain in the first place.

"My name is Ottar. If I may ask yours," he suddenly said, breaking the deep silence in the elevator.

"Ayanokoji Kiyotaka," I saw no reason to hide my name from him as he can easily find it from the Guild through Misha.

"Hmm, I see," was all he said before returning to silence.

After reaching the top floor, the two of us exited the elevator.

We walked up to a silver-shaded door. He turned the knob and entered. I did the same.

Upon entering, I saw a wide window in the back. But before that window was a chair. No, more like a throne. Ottar went beside the throne. Sitting on that throne was a woman facing me. A women with silver hair reaching the bottom of her waist. Her eyes were a light purple, as they looked straight at me. If I'm being honest, she reminded me of a certain girl I used to know at school. Except this woman dressed in a harlot-like style. A dress, if it can even be called that, covered up most f her private parts, yet still revealing many inappropriate places, such as her cleavage and thighs. It was the color black and red. She worse accessories of the same color and in her hand was a glass of wine.

Freya is known as the goddess of Beauty and fertility. The former is most definitely true.

"You have come, child. I must say I'm surprised you did after the little 'stunt' earlier."

"Well, I wanted to know the reason as for why that 'stunt' was pulled. I simply came because my curiosity needed to be satisfied," I replied.

"Is that so. Do you have any guess as to why?"

"I was viewed as an existence that needed to be wiped out, so you took the initiative."

"So you figured that out as well. Fufufu you're a smart one," yet even though she complimented me with a smile. Any semblance in her eyes contradicted that.

"If I may, I would like if you would provide an explanation," I requested.

"Before that, I want to know your name. Since you assume you know mine. It's only fair."

"Ayanokoji Kiyotaka."

"Oh, are you from the Far East."

Once again, someone pointed that out. But this time...

"Yes."

"...are you sure?" She replied after a long pause.

"Yes, I am. I lived and grew up in the land known as the Far East."

"You can't lie to a goddess," there she confirmed what I needed to know.

Gods are still able to use certain abilities in this world, such as identifying if someone is lying. That also increases the chance that she has a specific skill to see me from far away.

The reason I lied by saying I'm from the Far East and not a different lie is that this was more believable. I know this because Misha first thought I was from the Far East, meaning I resemble Far eastern people in some shape or form. If that's the case, then my lie would have been more believable but she saw through it right away.

"Apologies, I was curious was all."

"Alright, tell me why you're here in Orario and what is it you want."

"Why I'm here? That's because someone or sent me here through unwilling means," this was not a lie. It's just a bit of wordplay. If she knew my true origins, she would have pointed that out immediately. "As for what I want. It's simple really. I just want to live a life of peace."

Freya pov:

He lied right to my face, but I didn't sense any ill intentions, so I ignored it.

On the other hand, this man, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka. He's not what I expected, frankly, he's quite the opposite. Clam, mature, and unmoving. A troublesome person indeed.

And this peaceful life of his. I wasn't a lie, meaning that's what he really intended. Everything I've heard from his mouth was what I didn't expect to hear, but something I wanted to hear.

He could be honest or is just playing me like a fiddle. I cant sure, I need to keep a watchful eye on him. But I have to make sure he doesn't interact with Bell.

"Would you like to join my Familia, Ayanokoji?" I gave him an offer of a lifetime. If accepted, he'll be under my control.

But if he rejects, then I'll just have to use force.

I'll charm him.

Ayanokoji pov:

She offered me a spot in her Familia. Normally, it would seem odd, but this makes perfect sense.

She wanted to kill me but failed. Once I accept, she'll be at the top and will essentially give me orders. I'll have to do whatever she says and abide by her words.

What does she not understand by peaceful life? Would working under the god of the most notorious Familia in the city guarantee that? No. It would guarantee my safety. But sooner or later, I'll be forced to enter the dungeon, and inevitably visit the guild for dungeon-crawling affairs.

It was outright contradictory.

"I'll have to reject. I'm not suitable to join a Familia as powerful as this. I wouldn't fit. I don't want to say this, but I'm not that powerful."

If one were to compare me to someone on the level of, let's say, Anselm, then it would be true that I am not strong.

"You think little of yourself don't you."

Freya pov:

Someone who noticed my soul searching and immediately pointed out my position is not weak. quite the opposite. And yet, he's not telling a lie. He's too mysterious and I'm receiving useless answers.

"You think little of yourself don't you."

After my statement, I stood up from the chair and handed my drink to Ottar. I slowly walked up to Ayanokoji, the darkness of his would unchanging.

And his eyes. The look in his eyes was the same. Unchanging, unmoveable.

But that will change. Once I charm him, Ayanokoji will be mine. Once he is, I won't have to worry about what he might do.

Once I was only less than a foot away from his body, I stretched out my right hand, and I stroked his cheek.

Ayanokoji pov:

Freya slowly got up from her seat in an elegant manner.

But her face was anything but elegant. The mischievous grin forming in the orbs on her face, right below her forehead.

She was going to do something, but what.

I got my answer not long after.

She was stroking my cheek as if it were a dog's fur.

"Now, now. I'll provide you with the most quality of materials. Anything you desire, as long as you join my Familia."

?

I can feel a power surge going through my body, it's as if it's trying to open my body and mind from the inside. It feels pleasant and understanding. As if it's trying to comfort me.

But, it's unable to make me move. To me, it's nothing more than an electric spark.

Freya is trying something. That I can tell.

She's using one of her godly abilities if I'm not wrong. Just like her ability to understand if someone is lying, and to be able to identify me.

As a goddess of beauty, she's attempting to bring me to my knees with her beauty.

Unfortunately, something as childish as this is useless.

But I know something now, so I must thank her.

I know Freya is desperate.

Desperate to subjugate me, desperate to keep me in control.

But if there was ever one thing I learned in that place, the White Room.

It's that feelings such as lust and love are impractical.

I wanted to know and understand those feelings with someone, but I was stripped of that the moment I entered this world.

Now...all I want, all I desire, is a peaceful life.

And that will never change, no matter how much you try, Freya.

"While I'm limited in what I can do to refute you. There is one thing I can do. Try something and I'll dismantle your Familia."

Freya pov:

My charm, it's not working. How come he's not budging. He's just standing there.

I try harder and harder, and harder but it's just not working. I try to give him a good look but...that's when he looks at me, straight into my eyes.

And that's when I see them.

His eyes. His TRUE eyes.

Only darkness. His eyes reflected his soul perfectly. The eyes of one who has seen the worst of humanity. No, not just seen, but experienced as well.

I cant charm him.

And what he told me next shook my very own soul.

"While I'm limited in what I can do to refute you. There is one thing I can do. Try something and I'll dismantle your Familia."

He threatened me, no, he threatened my Familia specifically.

And the lie, I cant sense it.

In other words, he's telling the truth.

Fufufu, wonderful.

I want him, his dark soul, it completely contradicted that of Bell's clear and transparent one. But, that makes it all the more exciting. I want to know what he's seen, and what he's felt.

Those eyes, I want them. I want him.

Bell Cranel and Ayanokoji Kiyotaka.

I know what to do now.

I backed off from him and went back to my chair. Taking back my wine from Ottar, I suggested an alternative.

"Why not work at the Hostess of Fertility?"

Ayanokoji pov:

She backed off and took a seat. And when she did, she suggested something intriguing.

"It's a cafe and a bar on Western Main Street, I'm quite familiar with the owner, I'm sure she'll allow you a position at her establishment."

I saw that place once before when I was navigating myself to the guild.

She continued.

"You said you wanted to live peacefully, did you not? If that's the case, getting a normal occupation would work great, since I assume monster hunting isn't your thing. Think of this as an apology for what I did earlier."

While it's certainly true that a job at a cafe would be reasonable, I can't help but think that something is off. But I can only know if I see for myself.

"I appreciate the gesture but don't you think there should be an interview of sorts. I wouldn't be comfortable hiring a foreigner," I told her my reasoning.

"The owner isn't one to care for details, if you can work, you'll be fine. Besides, this offer is not one just anyone could get, since all her workers are female."

Before I actually start working, I still need to get a grasp on the world's financial means of exchange and purchase. But it's a minor dilemma that can be worked out later.

Freya pov:

I want him, and I want to acquire him along with Bell, but I can't use forceful means.

I don't have an understanding of what he can do. All I know is that he's dangerous.

I don't know how long it will take, but with the natural flow of events, I'll get him to realize he needs to be in a Familia. And when that happens, I'll be the first one to offer him a spot.

"I accept."

Good.

"I'll inform the owner. Tomorrow, at noon you'll show up at the cafe and things will go from there."

"Is that all?"

"Yes, you may leave."

Upon hearing those words, he turned around, opened the door, and exited my room. Most likely heading toward the elevator.

I have to be careful tomorrow since he knows when I'm gazing at his soul.

Ayanokoji pov:

In the elevator, I took the time to look over a couple of things.

I rejected her offer to join the Familia because if I didn't, it would give her free reign to do whatever she wanted to me. Such as kill me, as she attempted before.

Then, she offered me a position at a cafe.

Naturally, this was suspicious. But what made it stand out was the name of the place specifically.

'Fertility.'

Next-Day/Noon

Since leaving Babel Tower yesterday, I took the time to research anything I would need to know when working at the restaurant, including money, taxes, etc... I also took the time to research miscellaneous details of the world.

Ranging from the Orario to Melen, to Rakia, and even Israfan. I learned the history, lore, and geography of every known location on the map.

And then, I divulged into the worlds entire history, from the old age to the divine age. Anything I can learn, I did.

Naturally, this took a long time. I didn't sleep once as I wandered across the city, entering Libraries and bars to gather information.

I didn't mind the lack of sleep, I was used to irrelevant things like this.

As for my home situation. I'll settle that today.

But for now, I have to go visit what should be my future job.

That reminds me, in this world, age is irrelevant for the most part.

A 10-year-old would be eligible to join a Familia and enter the dungeon. They would even be able to enter the Pleasure District of Orario if given the chance.

But the most important thing I learned about this new world, is that humans are not equal. Just like in Japan. No matter where you go, that will never change.

For one, Familias. Many unfortunate events can happen with a lack of care and attention to the Familias affairs and actions.

And two, Prostitutes. Unlike the Familia issue, this is one I was told about when investigating the Pleasure District.

The selling of Protistues is ignored by the guild because of the bad relationship between the Guild and the ruler of the Night District, Ishtar Familia.

Such simple problems have easy fixes, yet they just won't happen.

Truly, human beings are not equal.

When I finally reached the 'Hostess of Fertility by remembering the directions on the map, I was greeted by two people.

And elf and a human.

A green-haired elf was busy sweeping the front entrance while the ash-colored girl was essentially picking up customers.

I went up to them and spoke.

"I was told to be here by noon. My name is Ayanokoji Kiyotaka."

I was still dressed in the school uniform but they didn't seem to mind as the ash-haired girl spoke.

"Oh hey, are you the one Mama Mia told us about."

"If I assume she's the owner, then yes."

"I'm Syr Flova and this is Ryuu Lion," as she says that, the elf, now identified as Ryu Lion, gives me a nod.

I've only ever seen elves in the fantasy books I used to read when I was 2, but I stopped after that so I can't really say how an elf is supposed to look except for their ears. There one identifiable trait.

Syr Flova led me inside the doors and into the cafe. Ryu Lion stayed outside and continued sweeping.

While walking toward the back, Syr started talking.

"This cafe turns into a bar at night, did you know that?"

"No, I wasn't."

"In the daytime and afternoon, it's really relaxed and peaceful, and at night, when the adventurers come back from work, it turns into a rowdy bar."

"I see," I replied while listening. But there was one thing that caught my ears. It's the way she said 'peaceful. She added much to emphasis on it. And why that word specifically?

And then there was the fact that her gaze reminded me of someone I encountered before.

Once I recognize the gaze of someone, I don't forget it. Just like I can remember exactly how the sharp glare of that man feels even in this other world.

And with the cafe being called 'Hostess of Fertility.'

All of this prompted me to think of something.

It was much too suspicious, and while I can't be sure, I'll have to keep this in mind during my stay here unless I can conjure enough evidence to prove what I'm thinking.

The two of us reached the back of the bar and a counter came into my line of sight.

END