Authors Note

Hey guys this is GrandmasterCastiel, or Cas for short. Anyway, it's been 7 years ever since I first joined this website, and in that time I've read a bunch of fanfics. I didn't think I would be doing this, but I felt like I want to have a crack at it. So I decided to do a fanfic of one of my favorite anime series personally.

I will be using the anime, manga as well as it's mobile game Memoria Freese for reference. As well as some other little tidbits I find on the wiki as well as other series I have in mind later on. This will be my very first fanfic, so please bare with me on this. I hope you Enjoy!

"Talking"

'Thoughts'

*Sounds*

Posted Date: 1/14/2021

Disclaimer: I do not own Dungeon ni Dear o Motomeru no wa Machigatte Iru Darou ka or Danmachi for short and any references from other series, they are owned by their respective owners. I only own my OC.

Prologue: The Labyrinth City, Orario

A long, long time ago, the gods came down to our world-the world of mankind, the mortal realm-seeking excitement.

And they decided that they would live here with us forever in the lower world.

The gods decided to seal away their divine power, and enjoy life with all the hardship and inconvenience that it entails.

The gods can offer mankind only one thing: the power to fight monsters, what they call their blessings.

The children given this power become their servants, their familia.

In other words, joining a familia is like becoming part of a family.

A gods family.

(Afternoon, Outskirts of Orario)

It's a bright and calming afternoon, the birds were chirping, the wind is blowing and the skies are clear. The sound of a moving caravan strolling along the dirt path road being pulled by a horse. There's an old looking traveling trader holding the reins, as he breaths in the fresh air and taking in the sunny day. Inside the caravan were a couple of boxes filled with goods, as well as two individuals inside along for the ride. One of them, a young teenager is patiently sitting at his seat while tapping his foot, while the other, a much shorter one is sleeping on his seat. That shorter person is me.

Anyway, my name is William Metis. But my friends usually call me Liam. I am what is known as a Pallum. A Demi-Human race of small people. I'm 16 years old, as well as about 3ft 11in tall. I'm wearing a brown cloak that reached down just above my calves, covering most of my body. Underneath my cloak I'm wearing a long-sleeved navy blue shirt with dark brown long leathered gloves. Not only that but I have throwing knives strapped to my sides in brown holsters. I have my hood up, which is mostly covering all sides of my head except the front. It showed my young looking fair skin toned face. There was also hints of my brown hair peaking out. I was wearing tight fitting black pants with a brown belt. A Schweizerdegen strapped and sheathed by my left hip, a small brown leather pouch strapped to my right hip, and dark brown shin-high boots.

"Zzz…" I snored, taking a bit of a shut eye from the long trip. The caravan shook a bit as it hit a bump on the dirt road, making me groan from my slumber and slowly woke up. "Ngh...Wha-?" I mumbled as I blinked a bit and rub my blue eyes, getting rid of any drowsiness I had.

"Liam?" A young teenagers voice called out to me.

"Mmm...?" I blinked my eyes a bit to clear my vision. I turned my attention to the person sitting in front of me. "Ah, Bell. *Yawn* Sorry about that, I'm awake now."

This 14 year old teen that reminds me of a rabbit is Bell Cranel. Can't say much about the guy, as we only just met a few hours again and hitched a ride on the same caravan. Although, he seems to be a good trustworthy person personally. Naive and an open book, but a good person nevertheless. He has white hair and red eyes. He is about 5ft 5in tall from my estimate. He wearing a hip-length brown coat with a small black patch on the right side above his chest along with a long-sleeved black shirt underneath. He also wears black pants, a beige belt with a silver buckle, and brown shin-high boots.

I stretched myself on my seat, relieving my muscles from the soreness in sleeping on my spot. "So how long has it been since we've left?" I asked as I craned my neck a bit to pop my joints.

"Oh, it's been a few hours, I think?" Bell pondered, as he scratches the back of his head. Seems he hasn't kept that much track of time ever since.

"Hmm...A few hours, huh?" I mumbled, nodding to myself at his best possible answer. "We should be close by now."

And wouldn't you know it, my prayers were answered as the traveling trader who was kind enough to give Bell and I a ride on his caravan knocked on a wooden support, making the two of us turn to him.

"*knock* *knock* Hey! Take a look boys - you can see it from here." The trader called out to us.

"Huh? Wow really?" Bell questioned, as he quickly goes to pull the blinders out of the way to see our destination from his seat. Feeling excited myself, I pulled the blinders from my side, letting the sunlight in as I peaked my head out.

"Uh-huh. See? It's right there." The trader nodded, pointing out in the distance in front of him.

"Whoa/Amazing." Bell and I said respectively in awe, looking at what's ahead of us with wide eyes.

We were still a good few miles away, however from were we are at, the three of us have a good view on top of a hill of the Labyrinth City known to all as Orario. I can see the outer walls, the different buildings and houses inside those walls, and the most eye catching of them all, the tall tower of Babel reaching up high in the sky.

'That's impressive! I wonder how long it took to build something like that.' I thought to myself.

"Ha ha ha! First time in Orario, huh? It has that effect on people." The trader gave a hardy chuckle, amused in seeing our reactions.

"The Labyrinth City, Orario…The center of the world where you can find just about anything…Fame, fortune, anything…" I stated, as I was well informed on a few things regarding this place. Bell nodded in agreement to what I said, as we took in the sights, burning this very picturesque looking city into our memories.

"Yeah, my job takes me to all kinds of different lands, but this place is one of a kind." The trader said.

"I've lived out in the mountains most of my life, so any city looks amazing to me. But there's something special about this one…" Bell stated, as I was the same.

I use to live way out in the mountains ever since I was born and raised. I never had the chance to leave and explore up until now.

"I know what you mean. First time I came here I couldn't stop myself trembling with excitement." The trader nodding, agreeing with the white haired boy. "You'll never find a more diverse melting pot of people, products, and deities. It's all here."

"And adventurers too, right?" I asked, turning to the trader. As I pulled my head back in.

"Why, sure." The traded responded. "They're drawn to the place where the monsters dwell…Also known as the Dungeon."

"The Dungeon, huh?" I mumbled. 'It's said to be a complex labyrinth located under Babel. Where monsters spawn in great numbers.' I thought to myself, looking at the tallest tower that reached the clouds. 'Orario is the only place in the world that has a Dungeon, a perfect place to get stronger.' I felt a resolve inside of me grew as I couldn't help but smile in excitement.

Already guessing of our intentions, the trader asked. "So, you two have come here to become adventurers, lads?"

"Y-Yes, that's right." Bell nodded with a bit of a stutter.

I nodded as well, sharing the same sentiments. "Same here." I responded in turn.

Seems that were not the first ones to hitch a ride in his caravan to get to Orario.

"How about that. Maybe I'll ask you to do a Quest for me once you've become big shots!" The trader said.

"A Quest?" Bell asked, looking a bit clueless.

"Quests are mostly tasks given to adventurers to complete. It ranges from different kinds of tasks like killing a monster or gathering materials." I explained to Bell my general understanding of what a Quest is. "With the promise of rewards if completed. Whether that it would be money, items, and such other things."

"Ah, right, one of those!" Bell nodded in understanding. "Sure, ask me anytime."

"It's a promise, then. Ha ha ha!" The trader chuckled, happy at his response.

I can get behind with the appeal of Quests. You can learn a thing or two with practical experience, and not only that but the feeling of accomplishment in the task gives you a nice feeling. The rewards are also an added bonus to help give you motivation.

"Mmm…I can't wait anymore!" Bell exclaimed, as he looks to be excited as well as impatient to wait any longer. Bell started to gather his things, mostly his backpack. "Sir, you can let me off here."

"Bell?" I blinked a bit, quickly turning to Bell getting ready to leave. 'Wait...seriously!?' I thought to myself.

"Hey, hey, we're still ways off from the city, you know." The trader stated, turning his head in surprise and shook at the young teens decision.

"That's all right. I'm going to run the rest of the way!" Bell insisted. The white haired boy took a step out of the caravan, and started to run at the direction of Orario with zeal.

"Thank you for everything!" Bell shouted as he waved to the trader.

"*Sigh*...might as well." I sighed in exasperation as I took my big camping bag, and secured it onto my back. It was bigger than me, but during my time in leaving my village a few weeks ago, I got use to the weight I'm carrying.

"You too!?" The trader exclaimed.

Before I exited the caravan, I opened my money bag and gave the kind trader a few of my valis as a tip for letting Bell and I ride his caravan.

"Thank you for the ride sir!" I thanked with a grateful nod as I jumped out of the moving caravan and started to chase after Bell.

Grateful for my generosity, the trader pocketed the Valis I gave him. He sighed a bit as he watches the two soon to be adventurers heading off. "Ah, youth…Haven't met wannabe adventurers in a while…" He mumbled as he looks up to the sky, wishing them good luck. "Don't go getting yourselves killed, lads."

"*pant*...*pant*...I wonder what kind of adventurers there are out there?" Bell pants out, lightly jogging and wondering what he will no doubt experience. "What kind of people am I gonna meet? Are there really as many gods living here as everyone says? Are there really heroes?!"

Bell slows down his pace to catch his breath, his thoughts of his childhood dreams at the forefront. "Are there really…heroes?!" Bell repeated, as he looked up to the blue sky. "Maybe one day, I'll be one too! I can't wait to see what the future holds!"

"Oi Bell wait up!" I shouted to Bell to wait, as I was able to catch up to him. I panted heavily, catching my breath in not only running a good distance but also the heavy cargo I have on my back.

"Eh? Liam?" Bell turned, surprised to see me.

"*Scuff*...What's with that look?" I scuffed at the look he is giving me, but I wasn't bothered by it. "I'm just as excited as you are. Wouldn't feel right to leave you alone just yet." I said, as I adjusted my bag.

"Ahaha...Sorry about that." Bell bashfully apologizes for his excitement. He takes a good look at me and his eyes widen at the size of the camping bag I'm carrying on me. I mean I don't blame him, the bag I have on my back is at least 2 times bigger than me. "Hey Liam, isn't that a bit too much?" Bell pointed out.

I just gave the white haired boy a shrug, as I didn't look all that bothered with the weight weighing down on me. "I'm kinda use to it. Besides, this will help me in building up my strength."

"Is that so?" Bell pondered.

I silently nodded to him, as I turned to the direction of Orario. I narrowed my eyes to see that there is a line by the entrance. "Anyway, we should get going! There's a line forming by the entrance and we wouldn't want to wait too long." I exclaimed as I adjusted the strap of my bag and started to run ahead, not wanting to stand around.

"Eh?! A-Ah right!" Bell said as he starts to run himself, keeping pace with me.

(Afternoon, East Gate of Orario)

It took us some time, but we made it despite the huge distance. And fortunately for us, we didn't wait too long when it's our turn.

"Next!" A Guild Staff member called out.

"Y-Yes!" Bell exclaimed as he and I took a step forward, as we see the neatly dressed man.

"You got your travel papers?" Guild Staff asked, as he assorts some papers and takes a good look at us.

"Uh…my what?" Bell asked.

I couldn't help but deadpanned and sweatdropped at Bell's cluelessness. 'Really Bell? Good grief.' I thought to myself with a sigh, already deducing the reason why he asked for such documents.

"He just wants to know if were here as travelers Bell." I explained for him, as I turned to answer the staff member. "Which isn't the case for us sir."

The Guild Staff member nodded. "You don't look like travelers to me…Let me guess, you two came here to become adventurers?"

"Shouldn't be a problem, then. There are hundreds, maybe thousands of people just like you here." He stated as he seems to be taking out a tool of some sorts."Keeping track of them all's more than any of us can deal with. We'll let you two through once we check you for Falna." He then pointed to the opposite side of us. "Come on, turn around, face that way…"

"Uh, okay…What's all this about?" Bell asked as he turned around and takes off his bag.

"He's just making sure that were not from an outside Familia, spies or criminals Bell." I deduced as I also complied with the regulation. I took off my bag, and pulled my cloak up just enough for the Guild Staff to check my back properly.

"He's right. It's just standard procedure we do for all new comers." The Guild Staff member reassured, as he waved the magic tool for emphasis."This magic tool makes the job a lot easier for it."

"Oh? Looks like we got a couple of fresh ones, huh?" An older mans voice said, as the individual walked up to us.

"Mmm?" I turned my head to see what looks to be a buff looking man with ash brown hair and a scar running down his left eye. He is wearing armor that looked practical and of high quality. And he is armed to the teeth, seeing the huge weapon strapped on his back.

'Oh? This guy looks strong. And also his equipment...he must be an adventurer.' I thought to myself, appraising the High Class looking adventurer.

"What brings you two to Orario? It's not something boring like work or education, is it?" The adventurer asked us. "You here for money? Fame? Maybe…women?"

"W-Women!?" I stuttered, my cheeks burned a light red in embarrassment from hearing that.

Finding my reaction amusing, the adventurer chuckled. I huffed and just gave him a halfhearted glare in return.

"I…Uh, that is…" Bell stutters as he gave his reason, albeit one I didn't expect. "I want to pick up girls in the Dungeon!"

I quickly turned my head to the white haired boy with my jaw dropped. "Did I really hear that right? H-He actually said that…" I face palmed and groaned, feeling quite embarrassed at Bell's unique reason. 'Not only that, he really meant it too. Ugh…'

Finding Bell's answer even more amusing, the adventurer laughed out loud. "Ha ha ha haaa! Haven't heard that one before. Good luck, kid, you're gonna need it!"

"Y-Yeah…" Bell responded, now realizing how silly he sounded.

"Good grief Bell." I groaned as I scratched the side of my head.

"Hashana, I'm trying to do my job here." The Guild Staff complained to the adventurer, but nevertheless finishing on what he needed to do.

Ah, so that's his name. That's good to know.

"Oh relax. You Guild members are all such sticklers for work." The now named adventurer Hashana waved him off, not looking bothered by it.

Checking the results of the magic tool, the Guild Staff member nodded, seeing that were clear."All right, you're clear. Go to the Guild headquarters to register. They'll tell you more about how things work around here."

"Thank you very much." I nodded my thanks along with Bell.

"Know this - you can only register if you've received a Falna and joined a Familia. Those are the bare minimum requirements." The Guild Staff member informed us as he then walks away to attend to the next person in line.

This made Bell and I step to the side with Hashana.

"I'd be happy to help you out if you've got any questions." Hashana offered to the two of us. How very nice of him.

"Wow, thank you! In that case, uh…" Bell took the initiative and pondered on what he wants to ask. "What's the most important thing for an adventurer?"

"Hmm…I guess it's finding the right god." Hashana pondered as he gave his personal advice. "The Guild can only do so much for you. It's your guardian deity that'll support you and help you progress." He added, as he then gives his last piece of advice. "Mmm...That, and…luck."

"Luck, huh?" I thought out loud, as I can agree to that part of Hashana's advice. I mean just about anything can happen to anyone if you got unlucky. 'Although, why do I have this feeling that even with good luck, I'm gonna be pulled into rather strange circumstances.' I thought to myself, a shiver going down my spine.

"Yeah, you'll never be a successful adventurer if fortune's not on your side." Hashana stated, as he seems to have been fortunate to survive close calls.

"I see…Well, thank you for the advice!" Bell thanked the kind adventurer.

"Sure, sure. Do your best out there, newbies." Hashana waved us off, wishing the two of us good luck.

"Right!" Bell and I wholeheartedly responded as we finally entered Orario.

(Afternoon, Orario)

"Wow!" Bell was awe struck as the two of us walked straight down the streets of Orario.

"I know what you mean." I nodded in agreement, looking around myself and taking in as much as I can with the new environment I'm in. 'My home has nothing on this.' I thought to myself.

What the trader said was right. Orario is a diverse melting pot of people, products, and deities. Not only that, the place is huge. There is a lot of people of different races walking around, hanging out and doing their own thing. I see a few gods and goddesses walking amongst us. There were many food and product stalls set up, shops of all varieties and homes that both civilians and adventurers alike own. And in front of us is the famous tower reaching high in the sky, Babel. All I can say is that this place looks very much alive and the atmosphere is just brimming with energy.

"I'd never have seen anything like this if I'd stayed back in the village." Bell stated our shared thoughts. "There's so many people…and adventurers everywhere! It's like a dream come true."

"Hm? What's that crowd over there?" I pointed out, seeing a crowd forming and talking amongst themselves. Looking at something in front of them.

Curiosity peaking, we quickly walked up to the crowd, but couldn't get any further with how much people there are.

"Uh, excuse me, what's everyone looking at?" Bell asked a nearby citizen, who turned to the two of us.

"It's the Loki Familia! They just got back from an expedition!" The man informed us in excitement.

"The Loki Familia!?" I exclaimed in shook, feeling a rush of excitement growing inside of me, as I turned to the crowd and tried to get a good look from my position.

If what this guy said is true, and it's the Loki Familia, then this could be my one and only chance to see the one I'm hoping to see here in Orario.

"Huh?" Bell said, looking as clueless as ever.

I turned to look at Bell with an eyebrow raised at his clueless in not knowing of one of Orario's most famous Familia. 'He's got be from somewhere that is so remote and far out that he hasn't heard about them.' I mentally pondered, looking to Bell in a somewhat new light.

Looking shocked himself, the man turned to look at Bell like he was crazy. "What, you never heard of the Loki Familia? What kind of backwater did you just blow in from, boy?"

"The Loki Familia is one of the top Familia's in all of Orario." I explained to Bell. "From what I've heard, they have first class adventurers in great numbers."

Now understanding the reason, Bell nodded as he turned to get a look himself. "Wow, so that's why everyone wants to get a look at them, huh?"

"Apparently they delved the deep floors of the Dungeon this time. They're so powerful, it's no wonder folk call 'em the Giant Slayers." The citizen stated, guessing what the Loki Familia did and finished.

"They sure look strong…And with all that armor and weapons they're carrying, they're like heroes out of an old legend!" Bell stated, able to get a somewhat good look at the Familia.

"Grr…dammit. I can't get a look at this height!" I complained and cursing my short height, trying to stand on my tippy toes to increase my height. However, the crowd of people in front of me are a lot taller than me. 'Ugh! Seriously! This is so lame...'

"Mmm...You know what? I'm gonna get a closer look before they leave." Coming to a decision, I started to move away from Bell. Making the white haired boy look to me, surprise to see my abrupt leave.

"E-Eh!? Liam!?" Bell called out to me, looking to my retreating form.

"Don't worry about me Bell! I'll be fine!" I reassured him with a wave as I found an opening and walked in, my form disappearing into the crowd.

"Excuse me...Sorry..." I kept moving and apologizing to the people that I accidentally bump into, trying to make my way out of the crowd as quickly as I can.

As I came out of the crowd and at the front, I looked to the group of different races and strong looking individuals; both male and female that comprised the Loki Familia walking down the streets of the city. I can see Humans, Dwarves, Beast Humans, Elves, and Amazonesses. I did my best not to stare too much at them, making me blush in seeing what little clothing they have on.

There were a couple noteworthy individuals among the group that stand out to me. However, I immediately turned my gaze to the front of the group. My eyes widen and a smile slowly grows on my face. Right at the very center at the forefront of the group, just between the long brown haired Dwarf and a jade green haired High Elf, is the one I was hoping to see.

He has medium length scruffy blonde hair and blue eyes with a fair skin tone. He has a small body, but I can tell that it's strong. He has the appearance of a child despite being older than he looks. He wears a yellow vest over a purple long-sleeved shirt and trousers. I also noticed that he is carrying a spear with a golden tip, it looked so expensive but I can tell that it's high class and powerful. A perfect weapon that symbolizes bravery. This is Finn Deimne, he is a Pallum just like me and the famous Captain of the Loki Familia.

I got to say that I'm impressed. The rumors and the news I've heard back in my village don't do him justice. At a glance, I can already tell that he is strong, and not only that he also has this presence and air about him that projects strength and skill. This feeling inside of me, it felt like a giant chasm separating the two of us. A chasm so large that I felt like he was way beyond my reach. However this didn't deteriorate or made my resolve waver. This just made me all the more reassured to step up to the challenge to bridge that gap. A challenge that I would gladly take without hesitation.

"Someday, I will become someone as strong and sharp minded as you, Finn Deimne..." I mumbled, feeling my will and resolve solidifying in seeing the one who has set a high standard for Pallum's everywhere that we, what most would perceive as the 'weakest race', can be just as strong as anyone else can. 'And perhaps, someday I'll shape up to be someone that I can be proud of.'

I watched as the Loki Familia leave the area, along with the one man that I hope to reach one day.

Oh, by the way, I forgot to mention that this is the story of how I became Orario's Most Competent Adventurer, Underdog.

"Now then...lets see if I can find a place to stay for the time being." I said as I started to head off, with the crowd of people now dispersing. Seeing as the main attraction has left.

And that's the end. So how did I do? Please leave a review down below.