It is Wrong to be the Warrior Captain in the Dungeon?
by oblivon2991
Thank you for reading my fanfic!
My mother language is not English, so please be patient about the grammatical issues.
I don't own the Overlord(オーバーロードŌbārōdo?) novel or anime series created by Kugane Maruyama.
I don't own Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka novel, and anime series, written by Fujino Ōmori.
Thank you!
Please enjoy the story!
Chapter 2: Day 1: New in the Town! Wow! So Much Pain!
Orario… the city of mysteries, the labyrinth city of the dungeon.
Alone in this place, one can find the endless underground maze many just call "the dungeon."
Day after day, people — many just refer them as "Adventurers" — try their luck, risking their life descending in this endless labyrinth.
Many dies, less emerge once again victorious, their sacks filled with the spoils of the adventure. Filled with strange stones – varies in size and shape – and different monster parts. Parts and stones the organization just called the "guild" exchange for valuable coins.
Day after day, three outcomes due to these people:
One…
Surviving the adventure. Gaining their daily bread from the spoil, they leave the catacomb, either injured/uninjured, going on their way just to return the next day for more stones, more monster parts to sell. More adventure – or rather a trauma – to experience.
Two…
Never again see the light of the sun. Dying down there… alone, abandoned. Either killed by the monsters or backstabbed by their own "friends," left to their fate just to the said creatures finish the work and make the last "scrap" of evidence disappear – this happened more time than one may think. Greed was a hefty motivator, and most adventurers were the greediest kind.
And lastly… the third possible outcome…
After the great surfeit experienced down there. Losing a few friends or suffering a crippling injury, the adventurers never return to that "hellish" place, leaving their adventurer days behind maybe forever. Traumatized, searching for some safer profession. Time to time even leaving the city permanently.
Most, sane person would do just that, but the call of adventure, the promise of wealth always attracted the people. It was too irresistible to leave this "senseless" profession behind.
The greedy – the ones with the spirit of adventure – the ones who thirst the challenge and wishes to challenge the dungeon – people with childish dreams – the less "sane" ones – those who had nothing to lose, searching their death endless in the chasm – or even people with other reasons not mentioned above… all are seeking this place out of their own purpose! All are risking their life day after day.
Indeed, many people sought their luck, challenged their sanity just to claim one from the reasons mentioned above. Not many returned home… some crushed, some filled with the glee of adventure after emerged to the surface, doing so day after day.
It was a dark, dark place, with an even more mysterious history dating back into the ancient times. The times, when people fought monsters, using their own prowess, not the blessing of the gods. The times, before the gods descended, just to play their small games, getting bored by their unchanging self and realm.
It was indeed a cruel game. The game played between gods and mortals since ancient times.
…
The square we see in the scene was usually always full. Day and night, the traffic was a constant sight.
Noisy people, heading in, and out from the said "layered labyrinth," chatting with each other, telling tales of heroism, and dare… People of different races mixing in this crowd.
Amongst them, simple humans, even females with dark skin and athletic build, wearing bite-sized clothes which offers of lack of terms very little for the imagination– also known as Amazons.
Hobbits, with a small build, trying to substitute their lack of bodily quality with their bravery and dare... Graceful elves with long pointy ears, burly dwarves with majestic beards and a merry look, demi-human people, mixing different animal characteristics, and of course, half-breed individuals, mixing two or more racial heritage in their veins.
Almost all of them was strange, wearing protective armor, or daring their luck diving in without it, carrying weapons of a different kind. Behind most of the groups, people walking, carrying huge bags on their backs, filled with the loot they earned that day — also called supporters.
Around in the square and the streets, many clerks offered their wares; the shops open almost all day, seeking to entice the passing by with their wares.
Yet, even in this bustling city, outsiders existed…
"…"
A lone figure sat on the edge of the fountain — which faced the towering tower.
A lone figure, carrying a huge backpack – compared to his/her size —sitting there motionless all day.
She looked like a child, wearing a plain, torn cloak – a hood pulled on her head. Compared to her, her backpack was of a giant; one cannot really imagine her moving this pack without falling back.
Still, she sat there, staring her small legs, like an anchor, nothing can move this petite girl.
"Why am I like this…?" she asked herself over and over again, spending her days alone, waiting for something, or rather someone to give some manner of meaning to her solitary existence.
This place usually always full of people, mostly with the passing adventurers. People who are rarely sparing her a pitying/disgusted glance. Yet, because of her small stature, and weak looking physique it is usually rare anyone takes her to support them.
Thought, this small girl often sad, time to time interesting things also happen around her. For example, take this place! Just this day, not long ago a kid covered with blood from tip to toe dashed through the street, screaming from the top of his lungs.
"It is good to see those despicable people also feel despair time to time…" she hummed to herself, keeping her opinion securely amidst the walls of her mind. It won't do any good for her if others know what she thinks.
"Where the hell am I!?"
Abruptly, her ears perked hearing the abrupt jam, looking in the direction of rising voice annoyed.
"Hmm…"
In the center of the attention, a man stood, flabbergasted watching the tower - which peeked above even the clouds almost infinitely.
"This…! This…!"
The man just stood there, watching like it was the first time he sees it in his life.
It was evident; the first thing adventurers come across before entering the dungeon was this skyscraping tower the gods put there after demolished the previous – less impressive one.
Anyone went in, had to see it. Anyone left it, had to leave it behind their back at the end of the day.
Hearing his scream many passers-by watched him either annoyed or confused. In the end, watching him backing slightly, a perpetual confusion mixed with a slight horror mirrored from his face.
Most simply shrugged and continued their way back and forward, heading towards their intended destination, but a few tried to calm him.
"Si-Sir? Are you okay?" one of the adventurers stopped, checking he is are right.
Time to time people popped up who did weird things. It was not the strangest thing the girl saw sitting here, waiting for someone asking her to do her job.
For example, once she witnessed a man, wearing rags, and a board hangs from his chest with some weird text, spouting nonsense about the apocalypse and the "end." — Naturally, the guards led him away under a short time.
Compared to that, a man shouting "where he is" not that strange…. Albeit, in a sense it was strange.
Basically, this was the central square of the whole labyrinth city, both when it comes to size, and location. This place basically right in the middle of the entire town! Anyone not knowing where they are either stupid or blind. Or, it happened previously… a few people lost their way in the meandering alleys, but it was a rare occasion.
Deviate from the eight main avenues — those sliced the city to eight equal parts — and you can lose your way. Orario not accidentally called "labyrinth city"…
But aside from that, in this town, no matter where you were, it was tough to lose your way completely.
If you felt yourself lost, you could easily find your way back here. You have few options to navigate after all…
You can either follow the biggest crowd, find one of the eight main roads those stretched from the circular walls — those surrounded the city — and meet in this point, or simply read the signs those pointed in this direction. It wasn't that hard…
Even if you had absolutely no idea where to start, and was illiterate, even then you had options.
You only needed to look up, spot the rod which stretched endlessly towards the skies and head towards it.
It was not that hard… you can't really miss it… "Only if you are blind or a complete idiot…" thought the small girl.
Either way, eventually, you will find your way here. This was the unwritten rule of the city:
"You can't lose your way in the labyrinth city! Every road leads to "Babel"…"
No matter how ironic it sounded, this was the truth.
Yet, this man was the perfect example of this sad truth, idiots existed. Even with this much help, one can be lost.
"Idiot…" the small girl murmured deadpanned. Whoever taught her this word must be not a nice person?
"I-I am fine…" gulping deep; the confused man breathed deep. "I just need to sit down a little bit."
"Are you sure, Sir? We can take you to the guild. Or…" the adventurer, who was evidently a half-elf – judging from the size of her ears - remained silent for a moment, thinking, looking worried under bit her lower lip.
"…Which familia are you from, Sir? We can take you back to your base if you want…"
"Familia…?" the confused one looked at the adventurer strange like he never heard this word.
"Man! You really hit your head…" scratching his head; the second one watched Gazef confused. How can someone forget about their familia?
"I am fine… really! I just need to sit down…"
"A-are you sure…?"
"Sure… please, don't even bother with me…" gently, after a long breath, he hissed away the worry, looking up at the tower once more with a confused expression.
The scrawny adventurer in robes nodded unsteady, griping her staff heavier, still, the light of unbelief present in her eyes. Neither of them wanted to believe his words.
"Ok… if that's the case, please at least take this…"
Watching the small vial filled with bluish liquid the girl offered, the man's eyes widened for a moment. Most likely recognizing the concoction.
"I can't accept this…" he was evidently well aware the cost of such liquid. Or rather saying, aware how much it cost where he came from.
"Ummm…" the half-elf squirmed timidly, measuring the athletic man. "Bu-But Sir…"
"Just take it…" blurted the second one rashly. "Don't make her cry…" looking at the girl; she was indeed in the verge of crying. It was evident this adventurer was a crybaby.
"Besides that… Our goddess would be angry if we do not help who needs it…" the second adventurer — who was a demi-human carrying dog-like characteristics, carrying a huge backpack on his back — nodded happy, urging him to accept.
"In that case, thank you…" the man nodded with a confident smile, taking the vial, just in the next moment…
"What are you waiting for? We need to hurry!" in the next moment, a hoarse voice came from the crowd, revealing a muscled, towering adventurer who almost looked like a "barbarian." Only wearing fur-lined pants, bracers and a headband. On his shoulder carrying a sizable Warhammer made scorched bone. Yes, his body was full of scratches and scars. The man practically smelled from sweat and blood he shed today; it was evident he was not able to enjoy a good bath for a long time.
"Come. We need to exchange stones and items. Money waits to no one!" raising a bag — most likely filled with magic stones — the barbarian smirked triumphantly. "Tonight we will feast like kings…" watching the man in simple linen clothes, measuring him for a moment, then spotting the small vial in his hand, the barbarian just huffed.
"Hmph… your choice, your potion, but don't complain to me again if you are out of money, Kritika! I will not lend you a single Valis this time!"
"O-Of course, Korgoth-san…" the half elf's face reddened, looking away.
"Come, leave this fella. He seems to be one who can take care of himself. We still need to report our success to Kami-sama…"
"Of course!" the two adventurers, nodded, giving the nod to the man, then left after the hulking adventurer.
"…" the girl watched them near the fountain just huffed. "A small favor… it will be exchanged for a bigger one. Sooner or later, this guy will go bankrupt." the small girl just shook her head, sighting disappointed. "But seeing his clothes, it will be rather sooner than later…"
Recovering an apple, the girl snacked on it, thinking how much adventurers can exploit each other. "Disgusting…" she murmured.
In the next moment, a voice called for her. "You there!"
"Hmm?"
"Yes, you, the midget with the big pack!"
Recognizing it was her who was called for, she jumped up, beaming her usual "business" smile.
"Yes, great adventurer-san! Do you need a supporter? This one gladly offers her services!"
Another day in the work… in the forced rule she hates so much!
As usual, soon they will leave, and she will have to pick up the morsels left behind by the monsters. As usual, the adventurers refuse to pay her share at the end of the day, kicking her away if she requests her just share.
"…"
Under she discussed the details with those "despicable" adventurers, the man – caused the momentary fright in the square– sat down near the place she sat previously. Giving her a chance to observe him better – not as she wants anything from him, but it was better to know his face if she needs it later than regret it.
The man was quite athletic, with muscles and built only through years of hard work possible.
His face sunburnt, most likely carrying southern blood in his veins. His hair and sideburns brown, giving his face a certain character. Even if the girl was not interested in such a relationship, she must admit, he was quite handsome. Fortunately or unfortunately, the visible age difference between them edged the five-ten years. Not as she was interested, she had other goals in mind; she needed no such distraction.
"That will be fine, adventurer-san! So we share the discussed amount!"
"Yeah… sure…" the adventurer before her, glanced at his companions, giving them a "shady" grin.
The girl right away recognized that expression; they want to swindle her once more. Yet, she kept her beaming smile, offering it to her earnest. It is not only them who know the art of the con; she as well knows one or two tricks.
"Just wait it out… bastards!"
Before leaving the place for the dungeon, one last time the small Pallum glanced back at the man, spotting the golden handle of his sturdy sword.
"Hehe… Lili found her next target! Better keep my eyes on him. Such weapons worth a hefty sum."
Scene Change: Streets of Orario:
Confused, after resting near the fountain a little bit, Gazef decided to stride the streets of this strange city. Trying to figure out where he is or what happened. What's next?
It was for an hour since he is walking, searching for some meaning behind the act of the "mysterious" magic caster.
Why he sent him here? What happened? Where is the other three treasure? Where is the place "here"? Is this some absurd dream? Is he dead? Or Ainz just sent him away with a clever trickery – their kind like to use that much?
Honestly, Gazef had no idea, and it was just embarrassing in its finest quality.
First, he did nothing but stare out from his head, staring the magnificent tower he exited from, rubbing his face to finally wake up from this nightmare.
After washing his face a few times with the water of the fountain, he realized, he is most likely alive, even if not, it is a very lifelike dream or underworld he found himself. Whatever the case is, it came to light where he dropped to after asking around a little bit.
According to a few, he asked, the place he dropped into called the "labyrinth city" of Orario. The home of the "famous" dungeon.
"I never heard about a city named Orario. Nor any place named similarly if it comes to that…"
Strangely, Gazef can't recall any city named "Orario," no matter how hard he thinks…
Being a mercenary previous and the king's bodyguard he was pretty well traveled. Visited a few times the surrounding countries under escorting Ramposa, and doing his job as a sellsword. Yet, he can't recall this name.
Not a city, not a country, nor a rundown little village… he can't recall the name "Orario" at all! Thought, a few resembled this name, none of them was the same.
Asking a few questions from the people — fundamental questions about the surrounding and the like — the people he asked just glared at him like he was some "soft brain." Asking how one doesn't know such basic things, shrugging, leaving him alone like he would be some madmen.
In all honestly, Gazef was completely confused about what happened, or where he was in reality. Thought, he had a few crazy theories, numbering two, or rather three. He rather not said out them in loud.
His first theory was — The city was not as famous the people he asked tried to picture it. It merely seems to be that way for their point of view.
He saw many times when locals imagine their living area in a much better light than it is in reality — refusing to generalize their position compared to the world.
The second option — which honestly could cover the first — he was a very long way from home. I mean… A really faaaar away! Meaning, the people he asked never heard about the Re-Estize Kingdom, nor the Baharuth Empire, nor the Slane Theocracy, or any surrounding country he knows. And it is correct at backward, because of the distance, he as well clueless about this place.
Either way! It may happen he is in an entirely different continent.
"If my memory serves me well, other continents were never really explored. Though, I heard there might be some out there, the maps the kingdom owned were never really that expansive to show what's behind the veil…"
Basically even the most detailed maps the king owned does not contain the whole land mass their kingdom located, only a part of it. Expanding to a little bit further to Eryuentiu, then on the other side ending where the "Sea City" can be found — a city floated in the waves according to the rumors.
"I need to find a map to locate where am I… Then I can start my search for the treasures. Nothing worse than being lost."
Gazef was not a cartographer, but he can navigate if it was necessary.
Under his years as a sellsword, and as the king's bodyguard it was necessary to learn it.
As a mercenary, he was only given rough directions or names where he had to go. Every other thing was entrusted to him to solve.
He was an independent sword for hire, never really joining any established mercenary companies, but trying his luck alone — as he found them too inflexible, and thought they would only hinder his advancement.
A sword who can't even read a map or relied on steady employment of different mercenary groups forced to move with the tide and often forced to take jobs unsuited for them — Jobs often paid a lot worse than any employment which can be found just in the neighboring country.
If your group rarely went there, then you will lose the opportunity to move freely and earn big cash. Worse, lost your opportunity to seek out people who can teach you new things about the "art."
The second reason that urged him to learn it was being named the Kingdom's Warrior Captain.
As the king's bodyguard, it was one of his duty to serve as a military advisor if the king requested such a service, help under battle planning. Knowing the map and the surrounding was essential for that.
Speaking of this… the said the third option came to Gazef's mind in the next moment.
With the first two, he can do something… with the last… if no gods, or devils around to make a deal, he can hardly do anything with — and as he heard, a few people mentioned: "gods" and some "familia."
Yet, he was not sure… he doubted any true gods being around there. If true gods were in this place, that would be absurd. Doesn't it?
Under their history, several being depicted as gods and different deities descended. All the times under the account such events ended up with a catastrophe.
Take for example the Six Great Gods, the Eight Greed Kings, or even the Evil Deities those defeated by the thirteen heroes. Their reign all ended with a catastrophe, suffering, and death.
Looking around, seeing this thriving city, this was hardly evident. Thus, he concluded, gods not likely present here.
"Under history, gods only brought death and destruction…" He witnessed it not, but what that "granny" told him — those absurd stories — he can't think otherwise.
It really bugged him, but he can't yet exclude the third — or rather — the second option as a possibility!
Namely; as he first thought, Ainz really killed him, and now, his soul in the underworld, this city either a hallucination or one from the few safe places where the lost souls gather for shelter – in another word, a staging area. Some kind of purgatory…
The souls going down in the dungeon either because they are forced to do so by their "evil overlords," or those strange stones serve to sustain their existence. Or even more! They try to reach the bottom, thinking they can regain their life once reached the deepest point. To do that, they need to get stronger. Getting stronger takes time usually, and those "souls" gain their strength by fighting.
"It is sensible… one needs to grow to be strong. Arms need to be honed to be sharp."
There comes his other theory based on this. Experiencing the problematic scale of those monsters, it is likely who reaches the bottom, either regain their life or, enters the true underworld, in another name; Hell — as the priests of different temples called it.
That means, this "surface area" is some staging area for souls where they slowly disappear if not feed by those stones, or exchanging them for different resources — food, drink, whatever the soul need to remain without a body to inhabit.
Why else would they go to that place to hunt stones? What that "barbarian" said confirmed it surely:
"Tonight we will feast like kings…"
"It would certainly explain why they are so desperate to go down there and collect those things…"
Indeed, the inside of that tower which easily reached above the clouds could house more than a thousand people — and some space would still remain.
"I wonder… if that place leads to Hell… That means the top of that tower hid the "Paradise"?"
Thought, it was an important question to ask, it did not matter now. He will figure out later. What he needed to make sure to know his exact position, yes, that was the most important thing now! Be it the underworld, or the realm of the living. He needs to figure out where he positioned.
Yet, one thing was sure… whoever built that tower, whatever material it was built from, it defied every sensibility he was comfortable with.
Gazef was not an architect, but seeing the sheer height of it, he was sure it would collapse under its own weight, or even from the wind hitting its walls daily base make it collapse if not some magic behind things…
Without magic to reinforce the structure, it was impossible to build structures that high!
He was sure, even the Theocracy or even the Empire would go bankrupt using so much special material, enchanting each slab to bear with the pressure and the erosion. Not even those two countries — said to be the most prosperous human nations in the world — can bear that financial pressure.
Whatever was the case, whoever built it was surely an architectural genius. Even the Empire would not dare to start such an undertaking. Either way, if anyone asked him, such a high building was neither practical nor cost-efficient. Even as a simple warrior he realized this.
Humming, all three — or rather two — option was a possibility. Yet, he can't remain in the dark. He needs to find out where he is! Where Gown-dono sent him? His mind raced on this since walking around and asking the people!
Gazef was an open-minded individual. After experiencing so many things, he would be a fool not to be one!
He knew the hard truth. The truth his old swordsmanship master - Vesture Kloff Di Laufen – and his friend also recognized — His master long before him.
"The world is big and wide. It wouldn't be strange even if such things existed. Looking back in history, there were beings like Demon Gods and Dragon Lords as well. Transported in a different continent, or dying and waking up in the underworld not that strange compared to that..."
Yeah, right… after the defeat of the kingdom's whole army under a few minutes, this worldview of his gained a steady confirmation. Nothing is impossible for those with enough power.
If he ever manages to return — somehow — he needs to garner enough strength to face that "man" once more. Finding a safe place and hide from Ainz not even appeared in his mind.
"I felt from the first minute when I meet Gown-dono… this can't end well for the kingdom. Those fool nobles…"
Clenching his fist, he remembered well. He warned them, witnessing firsthand how that "man" managed to accomplish he was unable to — doing it with only one plus, that woman in the dark armor.
"But it would end the same way. Gown-dono already chooses who he will ally. Retreating from the battlefield may be ended up worse than clashing and losing that many people. Considering the situation of the country, it would right away give the nobles the chance to dethrone the king and put their puppet in his place."
But what was more important? The lives of the people? The fathers and sons of so many? Or his loyalty to the king? The good king who lived to serve his people?
An excessive surfeit of doubt started to rise in his stomach, unable to decide which was more important? The king, or the people he tried to protect?
"Which one…?" stopping, looking at the stand before him, Gazef looked down, squeezing his fists white, realizing how hopeless their situation was from the start.
"Eh… Sir? We offer many different dressings, from simple red beans as a side to soy! You can choose whatever you want. It only cost ten valis…" The girl behind the stall said so, offering the best salesclerk smile she could offer, yet, Gazef just stared down the booth, not even sparing any attention.
"From the start, we fought a hopeless battle. We could never win! How could we!? Even without Gown-dono in the picture. It was evident why the Empire forced out those yearly clashes on the plains of Katze. It was evident why the Theocracy Sent those agents, refused our plea for help…"
"Eh? Sir? Hello?" the salesclerk girl waved before the man, but he still ignored her, staring down the steaming dressing on her stand. For her, it looked like the man just really can't decide — in truth, Gazef really can't decide, but his struggle hid a different reason.
"It was evident from the start; those yearly battles may seem a meaningless tradition between the sides. The measure of power… Yet, it had a huge effect on the long term! "
Year after year the kingdom weakened. Corruption gnawed and infested its insides. Peasants drawn away from their duties, enlisted in the royal army forcefully.
After the battle, most of them crippled, never returning home or their agricultural work, making the fertile lands lack workforce left on the grass. Leaving the fertile lands abandoned, fallowing and eroding, unable to serve the needs of people and produce food.
"In the last few years, we imported more food than ever before…"
"…"
As Gazef racked his mind on this, behind the stall, the girl started to creep out — but tried her best to hide it behind a forced smile.
"If you want my opinion, my favorite dressing is the meaty one, though, that's more expensive. With one Valis to be precise…."
"…"
"Maybe our fight was hopeless from the beginning… Is this the circle of the devil? From the beginning, the Empire and the nobles instigated this destitute of the people to rise against the ruling power, slowly pushing the kingdom in the point where defeat and the collapse would be inevitable. The Theocracy helped not, not even sparing a glance, looked away."
Gazef gritted his teeth, trembling due to the helpless state of his "world."
"Even with me in Ramposa's side, victory was a dubious thing from the beginning. Be it years, or decades, sooner or later the collapse would happen! With me, or without me, it was inevitable! My presence only managed to win a few plus years. After this defeat, the Empire or even the Theocracy will soon make their final move. Maybe ending us with the subdivision of the whole kingdom, turning it nothing more than a page in the history book; all the people and I worked so hard worth notch!"
Gazef wanted not to accept this hard truth. He hoped! Honestly hoped the influence, and corruption of the nobles and the Emperor spread not that far, that he only imagined things!
Sincerely hoping, that Climb and Brain will be able to fetch away the threat, even without his help, protect the people.
Yet, as he walked, thinking on things, reaching this point, he started to realize, maybe he was too hopeful from the beginning. That his fight and struggle worth notch from the beginning.
"Sir…" A voice of a woman called for him once more, but he felt himself numb realizing, everything he fought for worth nothing. Making this walk through this city, having this little time to think through things made him recognize the sad truth.
"I failed… it was an impossible goal from the beginning."
"Sir! If you really can't choose, I will choose for you…" the girl behind the stall said worried, but the man just collapsed on his knees, feeling weak.
He finally realized, even if he goes back. Maybe there will be no kingdom to save and protect. That his fight was meaningless from the beginning, why go back then?
His time is over. He was tired. Not as much physically, but mentally. Thinking things through under his walk, made him realize this.
"Farewell…" he murmured once more, making the girl watch him strange.
"Sir…?
Maybe it was seconds, maybe minutes, maybe hours he remained in that position, reacting to nothing. His words turned dark, falling on his side.
'Thud!'
The Strongest Warrior of the kingdom lost his consciousness.
"Geez! It is a simple Jagamarukun. What's so hard to choose from? To collapse from this…?"
The girl wearing a simple apron above the white torn mini dress gritted her teeth, looking very dissatisfied with the current situation.
"What do I do with him? My shift ends soon!" thinking at her "beloved," she shook her head, her twin ponytails moving wild.
"The boss will scream with me again! Why mee!?"
Scene Change: Orario: The "Guild":
"Whaaa!?"
"What happened?!"
Several scared screams came from the building. An impressive building positioned in a central place near the northwest avenue. One cannot really miss even if they does so intently.
"Is a monster escaped the dungeon!?"
"Impossible! The adventurers on the way would have cut it down!"
"Nah! This is just a guy covered with blood… a shitload of it…"
"Eina-san! Eina-san!"
Like a revenant who came back from death, Bell rushed through the whole town, seeking to reach this place as soon as possible.
Surely, covered with blood from tip to toe he earned a few confused gazes.
"Huh! Bell-kun, you…" recognizing the desperate call of her "client." The half-elf advisor can't help but sight. Stiffening before regaining her usual cold composure seeing the blood-covered boy.
"If you are stained with blood when you return, you should at least first take a shower…"
She pointed it out, hiding her surprise and horror behind a rigid expression. Albeit, it was harder than one might imagine, being the little white rabbit looked like a person who bathed in red paint, or a pool of blood.
Many of her colleagues actually tried to get farther away, starting to feel the "smell" came with the dried monster blood which covered the boy.
"Sorry…?"
Listening to Eina, the boy bowed apologetically, he really looked embarrassed.
"Shower! Now! Clean your clothes, only after we can talk. I will prepare a room until that."
Looking around, seeing the scared — or rather amused — an expression of the people, the boy went red under the excessive amount of red "paint." Looking very embarrassed.
"O-Ok… I will be back soon…"
Fortunately, the guild had free shower cabins and a good method to remove the excess blood, monster remains and similar stain from clothes and armor. Making the maintenance of such thing easy and simple.
It was more demanded service one might think; monsters usually not gave up on their life in a peaceful way, rather… generally in a messy way, spouting blood and remains wherever they died.
Yet, it was not the usual sight someone covered the excrement of the creatures in this degree, the boy with the white hair really messed up something ended up this way.
…
After a few minutes, the two sit inside a small room that is separated especially within the guild hall.
Facing each other, Eina and Bell separated only by a table, the girl giving the boy a piercing glare. Her green eyes are especially strict from this angle.
"I fear, this table will not be enough to save me the scolding I will get from Eina-san…"
For a moment, Bell trembled, awaiting the judgment the half-elf will tailor for him.
"You actually were able to bring that bloody smell and absolutely horrifying appearance directly across the streets from the dungeon to here. I really have doubts about your brain."
"About this." Looking away, the boy's ears turned even more red in-depth than they were at first.
Said by the beautiful Eina, his heart seemed to have been stabbed by a knife; tears started to trickle in the side of his eyes.
Eina gave a wry smile, pointed her finger at his nose, her heart seemed to melt a little bit seeing the repenting expression of Bell.
"You should pay better attention next time, okay?"
"Yes! Yes!" He nodded vigorously right away, sparing not a moment to hesitate.
"Also next is… you just said you wanted information about Aizu Wallenstein right. Why?"
"Mm, about this…"
His face flushed before he explained the things. Saying them so fast Eina was barely able to follow.
"I had dashed down to the fifth floor from the second floor where I usually stayed. The instant that I had entered I met a Minotaur and was being chased by it. Just when I was forced into a dead end, I was saved by…"
In an instant, his mouth shut, unable to continue.
"Saved by who? Is Aiz Wallenstein the one who saved you?" Eina once more looked very strict, adjusting her spectacles — This gave her a very "teacherly" picture. The picture honestly made Bell afraid.
"Well…" the boy pushed together his fingers, looking away hesitantly. "…In truth, it was another adventurer who saved me. I don't know who he was, and at that time, I was still very unstable. When I was preparing to say my thanks, "she" appeared, asking if we were alright. Looking at me with those…" Bell gulped, unable to continue out of his sheer embarrassment. Remembering those golden orbs staring him down.
"I see… so you said your thanks and left…" Guessed Eina, but she cannot be farther from the actual truth.
"Eh, hehe…" Bell laughed awkward, looking away.
"Isn't this is the way it happened?"
Her raised brow made him more hesitant, only shuttering the next sentence.
"A-Aaaaaa…."
"What? Bell? What's wrong? Are you all right?"
Seeing the young man in this state really concerned the advisor. Not only because she was his advisor, but because deep inside she considered Bell as a friend — maybe a little bit attracted to him.
Bell gulped, watching the hanging orbs hugged by the tight guild uniform as Eina stood up — leaning above the table looking concerned — only for a moment before turning his head away shuttering once more.
"Ah! Ahhh…!" BELLDOTEXE stopped working, only for a moment before rebooting.
"Bell! What happened?"
"I-I ran away! Ok?! I ran away!" he shouted desperate, grabbing his head and curling up in the couch. "I was frozen! I had no idea what to do!?"
"Calm down! Calm down!"
It took a few more attempts to make Bell calm down, but Eina managed to make it happen. She was quite stubborn after all.
"— Ah, why did you not follow what I said! You not only entered the dungeon by yourself but you also stubbornly went to the lower floors! Didn't I tell you many times? Taking risks is absolutely, ABSOLUTELY, not allowed!"
Thought, previous she was nice; saying to the boy it was absolutely normal in his state of mind running away. Now, she turned the mood reverse, scolding him intense being too reckless by going so deep without preparation, alone… moreover, against her advice.
"Yesss!"
"Adventurers must not go on an adventure!"
This was Eina's opening statement when she first met Bell.
Although judging from the text it may seem contradictory if we considered the description of being an "adventurer," but the true meaning behind this sentence was the next — you must always be careful and well prepared, and you must always place safety as a priority!
It was especially good advice for a newcomer like him; it is something that he should always bear in mind because this stage is where most deaths occur in an adventurer's career. Yet, he failed to consider this recklessly when he stepped through the borders of the fifth floor. Thinking he can do it alone.
Meeting an LV. 2 Minotaur on the fifth floor is something that no one could imagine.
From common knowledge, this monster should only come out from the fifteenth floor or below. Yet, it still happened. In the moment when Eina said she had a feeling of "Did something happen in the dungeon?" It comes to light she had the right reason to worry.
Really! Every normal level 1 would have died meeting such a monster. Just imagine this, Bell's spine trembled, followed by a strong feeling of urinating.
Bearing with the scolding girl, he swore to his heart that he would absolutely never forget about the things that Eina had mentioned.
"Fuu…It seems like you always have a fantasy regarding the dungeon. What you did today, I guess that is also the reason right?"
"Ah ha ha…"
Correct! Completely correct! He wanted to pursue an encounter with the opposite gender, so he wanted to take a little bit of risk. But if he would directly said it out, Eina's fist will inevitably land on his face at that moment.
Initially, Bell only wanted to become an adventurer because he had always had an aspiration of having an encounter with beautiful girls he has never seen before — Kind of like those hero comics where they have a fateful encounter with such beings.
This motive of his was really that impure. Even when he was going through the procedures in the guild, Eina stared at him doubtfully for a while because she saw him exude a suspicious and passionate atmosphere, although she could not capture what — at first — Bell carried in his heart.
But from today on, it is different. The boy realized, if he wants to become an excellent adventurer who can conquer any girl he wishes, he really needs to throw away the impure motives, the reason for entering the dungeon will become very simple…
That is to have an encounter with that person — naturally, not the man, but the girl who captured his heart. Thought, he still wished to meet that adventurer to give him his thanks for the rescue, it was not his main motive.
According to his dead grandfather, it was essential to be a humble person from time to time. Girls usually like ordinary, humble heroes, giving their act more meaning than it really is.
Basically, the one saved him gave him the standard how such a humble adventurer should look and act.
Courageous, athletic, rushing to help others, asking if he is alright from the first moment. That's how heroes should act. Caring and courteous.
"According to grandpa, girls like a man who acts like that…"
"That…There is…The thing about Wallenstein… and that other adventurer who saved me…" Bell shuttered, looking very disoriented.
"Ah…As a member of the guild, I cannot leak any adventurer's information… But I can tell you what is already well-known by others." Eina first gave off a short intro; then began to speak.
Somehow, it always feels that she was rather intimate. Perhaps it is because Bell was still a newcomer.
…
Real Name, Aiz Wallenstein. A swordswoman. The core member of the [Loki Family].
Her swordplay is unmistakably at the peak of all the adventurers. She had wiped out a large group of LV. 5 monsters by herself. So amongst the adventurers, she also has a title, [Sword Princess]. It seems that name has also spread among the Gods, so she has also obtained many praises like…
"Aiz is unparalleled in the world!".
She also taught a lesson to those approaching her with impure desires, or rather, she completely crushed them.
At this point of time, it seems like she had broken the record of 1000 failed courtships.
…
"What else is there?" Crossing her arms, Eina pondered, trying to recall the important information from Aiz. "The rest is almost all about her appearance and looks."
"Isn't that only from the perspective of an adventurer…" Bell squirmed uncomfortably. "How about her hobbies or favorite food, and there was something that you didn't say…"
Seeing his face turning red and hearing his timid voice, Eina's eyes twinkled two or three times.
"What, it can't be that Bell-kun fell in love with Wallenstein right?" Immediately, the rigid expression of the adviser turned of a mischievous cat, leaning closer to Bell's face.
"No, Well…Ummm, Yes…"
"Ha! Haah! You can't help it. Even I from the same gender would sometimes freeze when I see her."
Eina gave a wry smile and lifted the red tea to her mouth. A sequential action, yet it was extremely elegant.
This person, who praised Wallenstein, actually also had high popularity among the adventurers.
With gentle and crystal eyes, a pointed chin and a beautiful straight nose. She has all the conditions necessary for beauty. It is said that there are many individuals that like this adviser girl. Actually, when Bell became aware that Eina was going to become his adviser, he was really happy.
As a half-breed, she has the beauty of the elf's typical appearance characteristics. But at the same time, she had an unexpected affinity for care. A lot of people have fallen for the error gap between this impression and reality.
After Eina thought for a while, she leaned closer to Bell and whispered in his ear. "Wallenstein currently is not dating anyone."
Bell can't help but shutter, giving a victory gesture in the end.
"Yesss!"
"About hobbies aside from that, I honestly have not heard anything regarding it…Ah ah. Nono. This is unrelated to my service! I am not a love expert!" she giggled softly, covering her mouth cutely with her fist.
"Ah… that's enough! Thank you Eina-san. It is more than enough to start! Thank you!" The youngster with messy white hair stood up, bowing, prepared to leave to exchange his stones. But after making his first step, the gentle voice of his adviser stopped him.
"Wait! Aren't you curious about the person who saved you? I might point you in the right direction…"
"Ah! That…" Bell starched his head embarrassed.
Because of his infatuation with Aiz, and the effect her appearance pushed on him, for a moment he completely forgot about his savior. He wanted to ask about him, but after hearing, Aiz had no actual partner, all of this blurred out from his head.
"Ye-Yes… that's…"
"Do you want me to search for him? If you give me some info, I may be able to look into it."
"Yes! That would be good! I would like to thank him for saving me… personally if possible."
Bell looked down at his knees, grabbing them concerned. "This is the least I can do after I left him like that…" he still felt remorseful remembering the case.
That man saved him, yet, he did not even have enough courage to thank him, just because he spotted Aiz, just because he felt shameful after heard Aiz's companion laughed at him, he simply ran away…
At that moment, he felt it would be better to hide from the face of the world. He felt it would be better if he simply not even existed in the first place.
He already suspected what Wallenstein and his savior think of him acting like this.
"I am really a cowardly individual…"
"From what you said. He dispatched the Minotaur you encountered easily. A creature which is dangerous even for an LV. 2. That means he is at least that, or above that level. Please describe him, and I will make sure to find him for you."
"Ye-Yes!"
And thus, Bell described his savior.
…
A muscular man, with southern blood in his veins, he appeared to have a sunbathed dark face with an experienced/veteran like expression. Short trimmed hair and black eyes that are as sharp as a sword. His posture firm, and heroic, his face offered a gentle expression once smiled.
Even if he only saw him for a moment before running away, the man had a characteristic appearance. Like he would come from an entirely different place or realm. Bell was sure he would recognize him once they meet again.
…
"Hmm, I see…" Eina noted in her notebook. "Anything to add? From this much, it will be hard to find him. Armor, weapon? Usually, high ranked adventurers wear unique armor, and use weapons of high grade…"
"He wore no armor actually…"
Eina's hand stopped, glaring at Bell.
"What?!"
"As I saw it, he only wore some simple linen clothes. Not even the basic armor the guild usually provides. It was quite bloodied actually as I saw him. Most likely monster blood…" he murmured in the end.
"Hmm, it may be that he found the armor restricting…" Pondering, Eina knows too well. Some adventurers prefer to dive into the dungeon without any additional protection. Mostly the amazons — who hated when their skin was not exposed in the most ridiculous degree — and people who found the said armor restricting.
It was a foolish idea though, going there without even some simple leather armor... Even the simplest protection saved lives not once, but many times in the past. Still, there were people who did just that, dived in without any armor to protect themselves.
If they did that, unfortunately, advisers can't do anything in that case just scold them, or if they are high level advise the use of protection.
"Still, this is some clue we can start. Anything to add? What kind of weapon he used?"
Immediately, the picture of that elegant sword flashed in his mind; the sword which was spotless even when both he and that man gained some blood stain on their clothes.
"I think, it was an enchanted item. A sword. Yes, definitely it was…"
"That's good! Knowing this, we already narrowed the suspects…"
Fortunately, the guild had an itemized description from each adventurer. Alongside their basic information, from level 2, this datasheet contained what kind of fighting style they prefer. What kind of weapon and armor they use.
If their gear made by one of the famous Smith familias — for example by the Hephaestus or Goibniu— then the guild can request their help to identify the buyer or owner of the said product the adventurer used.
The adventurers can also register their own items under their name, preventing anyone illegally use them, or finding it easier if someone stole it. This ordination prevents forgery, theft, and recovery of valuable objects.
If that man really owned an enchanted sword, then Eina will find him according to his weapon's description.
"It was a broadsword… I think…" Being Bell only watched it for a moment, and was not sure the characterization of swords, he can only guess the type of the weapon.
"Good, anything else?"
"Yes! It was extremely sharp looking! Colored green, slightly glowing in the dark of the dungeon. Its hilt — if I saw it right — colored golden… when that adventurer sliced I only heard: "Swush!" and the minotaur fell to pieces. It was almost like it can cut the air…"
The boy's eyes practically shone describing the blade. It was like he saw a legendary weapon handled by a legendary figure.
"Ah! I see…" Eina starched her head, reading once again what she noted.
"Do you know who he is? Please! Eina! I need to know…"
"Huh! Bell! It is not that easy. We have thousands of registered adventurers. Unfortunately, from this much, I can't tell who he is certainly. I can only tell you we will surely find him. A glowing, green broadsword with golden handle is not an everyday sight."
If it comes to that, Eina never once saw such weapon in the guild. It was oddly strange since she worked here for several years.
"Give us a few days, and we will find him for you."
"O-Ok… That's fine… thank you, Eina!"
"Umu… don't mention it. Now, as we cleared this…" abruptly, she stood up, making Bell freak out.
In the next moment, urging him to leave the private box the two used for the discussion.
"Chop! Chop Bell! I have other things to take care!"
His feeble protests ultimately did not work, and the two of returned to the guild's hall.
Leaving the "box," the hall they entered was built with white marble was very impressive. Right now there is almost no one here; there are only images of adventurers and gods on the wall that had a bit of existence.
"Eina is really mean…"
"This…You are currently an adventurer. There are still many, many things you have to pay attention to okay? Take an example from your savior, and become stronger, okay?"
"Mmm…"
About that, even he knows about it.
The current boy won't be able to protect anyone. In order to survive to the next day, there was no other way but to use his body and enter the dungeon. If he does not develop an awareness for saving money to sustaining his adventure, he will die before reaching his dream. It was not the acceptable or desired outcome he sought.
"As for Aiz-san. You have already obtained a Grace from a god besides from Loki. So if you were to get too close to Wallenstein, who is a key member of the Loki familia, I would also be troubled."
"…Yes." like a sad puppy who had been scolded, Bell lowered his head, looking very miserable.
"…I'm not telling you to give up on your feelings. Just that you should have to look at the reality, if I don't say this, it would be bad for you too. Take the high-level adventurers as an example; learn from them. They all worked hard to reach the point where they are."
The meaning behind those words is that from now on, he should also continue to work hard as an adventurer.
Seeing his unwilling but surrendering face, Eina also returned to her role of a guild official and asked a question.
"Exchanging gold?"
"…Yes. At least before I met the Minotaur, I defeated some monsters." Bell showcased his leather coin bag. Thought, barely any stone cling in it. His today income will be indeed poor.
"Then let's go to the gold exchange. I'll go with you."
Despite how annoyed he made her, Bell still felt guilty deep inside. Although, he knew well that she scolds him for his own good. The boy did not yet understand much about how the world really worked.
The only thing his grandfather taught him before he "died" that brave adventurers "encounter" girls in the dungeon. The said hero saves the girl; then the girl falls in love with him. Spouting nonsense about "manly" dreams. Nothing which can be really used in the real world or utilized in the dungeon…
Because of such reasons, the boy lacked some common sense, can't really understand how deeply the only two women in his life — Eina and his goddess — worried about him. The boy was too reckless, thinking everything will work out like in the books.
Unfortunately, things usually not as simple than in the books. "Reality" was a hard teacher who often guts newcomers miserably, caring not who or where they come from.
Either way, one thing was sure, the boy will have a hard time to raise his head in front of Eina from now on.
"I really hope this little "sermon" made Bell more considerable. It is wrong enough that many adventurers die day after day because they refuse to listen to the reason, and go too deep."
Eina in truth hated to scold people. Unfortunately, she had no other choice but to do so. Most of the adventurers were that hard to reason with, their head filled with stone and the false picture of heroism.
…
Leading the way, the two went together to the gold exchange located inside the guild and obtained today's rewards.
After exchanging the stones and the item, leaving his concerns and the guild behind, Bell started his way back to the hidden church, seeking to reunite with his goddess. Spouting an accidental sentence to his advisor before leaving, dashing home.
"I love you! Eina-san!"
It was an accident, only meant to express his gratitude, yet, it sounded somewhat different for the young advisor.
"Ehhh!?" The half-bred elf turned lobster, giving some other meaning the "innocent" sentence.
Scene Change: Streets of Orario:
It was quite struggling, but the girl managed to drag the man behind the stall.
"What do I do with you?" because of her "big boobs," her small frame was even more emphasized, giving her the epithet in the heaven: "Loli with big boobs."
"Huh… who knew it was such a hard choice. I mean, this is simple Jagamarukun, choosing a dressing not that big deal…" Or, alternatively one can eat it nature, simply hinting some salt on the potato croquette.
Strangely, the female felt it was not the real reason why the man collapsed. Seeing his weary expression something must behind this sudden collapse.
"Still, he should do it elsewhere, my boss will scream with me again… Huh! What to do with you?" grabbing her head. Honestly, she was clueless. She rather left such a journey to that "stick without boobs." Her longtime rival…
"Why it all happening with me?"
Inspecting him further, this individual rather looked otherworldly for her godly eyes. Never before witnessing such facial characteristic and appearance.
The man gave away a strange aura, making him differ from other "children." Even without her "arcana," she felt this difference.
His muscles underneath his clothes looked like made from fibers of iron, only the monster blood covering his clothes in a great margin ruined this picture.
"But I suppose, the children of this world all different. Not one the same. All capable of changing, not like us. Being I descended not long ago, my knowledge about the "children" is limited."
Blue orbs twinkled measuring him a tip to toe. Spotting first the medallion hidden under the linen cloth, then the golden handle of a broadsword behind his back.
"I wonder if he is an adventurer…" she was not a weapon junkie like her best friend was. For her, it was all the same — a toll to kill things.
She can only tell a sword with a golden handle must cost a hefty sum — of course, only if the golden color was not just a simple painting covered the iron underneath.
"Brrr…" Watching the outline of the medallion and the weapon made her shiver. Her sense of danger flared even looking at them.
"I suppose it is nothing… weapons always give me this vibe." still, she had the sense of danger even looking the man and that weapon.
As she thought of this, a new idea surfaced in her mind. "I get it! This will help!" The girl snapped her finger proud as she came up with the idea.
Grabbing some cold water, she splashed the man's face!
'Splash!'
"…" as Expected, no answer, the man did not even move his eyes, he was out of cold…
"Why it didn't work!?" Her eyes twitched, trying it over and over again, getting more and more worked up and annoyed as some passing people investigated the strange noise behind the stall.
"Wake up!"
All of them just shrugged, or looked afraid, seeing the small goddess yanking and continuously slapping a man that was twice her size.
It was indeed an intimidating sight. Neither one wanted to risk their wellbeing and raise her ire. From the divine air — her presence implied — all of them suspected who, or rather what she was.
Most of them surely thought she just wants to recover the payment from a customer who refused to pay, thus, sparing them no more attention progressed further.
It was evident if a goddess wants her payment, she will recover it, with force if it was necessary. This exact small goddess looked too fierce to bother her under her "revenge run."
"Wake up! Wake up!" 'Slap! Slap!' In the end, yanking him, she slapped Gazef a few times.
Being the "gentle" way failed to work previous, it was her only option.
"Wake up!"
The girl, or better said goddess gave one last try. "Whaaaa! Goddess' Wrath Punch!" Unfortunately, at that moment she shouted the name of her "special" attack, the man started to wake up and move, making her fist slip out of her imbalanced state and accidental hit the man's "most precious" part with a downward aimed strike — which aimed to hit the stomach, just slipped a few tens of centimeters away.
"Ahh…!"
"Brugh!"
The man jumped up abruptly as the hit connected, his eyes wide tears filled, throwing the girl off from him immediately.
"Eiii!" and the small girl threw away yelped, landing in a strange position upside down. As the man, he collapsed on his knee, grabbing the part between his legs.
"Why…!? Even in this underworld, my suffering eternal…" tears welled up in his eye as he whispered, searching the assaulter ever intense.
"First that! Now, this! Why the world must punish me?"
"Eh, Sir?" recovering, the girl approached the suffering man, looking very apologetically. "I am really sorry…"
"Why…?!" Gazef's eyes still filled with tears; the suffering he experienced now surely on par with the training of his swordsmanship master made him endure.
Glaring at the girl that way, loli with big boobs backed slightly.
"Ughhhh…!"
You can hit many things a man owns… but if you hit the "precious" part, you can defeat even the toughest monk or martial artist.
Under battle, he always made sure his posture protects this part, making sure no attack comes close. But in that helpless state, even Gazef Stronoff, the kingdom renowned Warrior Captain can't do anything but suffer the consequences.
"Sorry! Sorry! Sorry! Sorry! It was not intentional!"
The girl jumped down, taking a Dogeza pose, pushing her buttocks in the air and her head on the dust.
"Suuu…" exhaling, Gazef struggling gulped down the pulsating pain, using a Martial Art to strengthen his tolerance. Still, such hit cannot be easily shrugged down, even for the famous warrior captain, it was took a great amount of concentration.
"…" for a moment, the girl peeked up, feeling some strange energy leaving the man's body — a peculiar feeling which was both alien and familiar for her divine senses.
"That was, not nice…" Standing up slowly, Gazef rested his hands on his knees, leaning against a wall.
"I am sorry!"
Finally regaining his composure and wiping away his tears of pain, Gazef watched the girl. For his experienced eyes, she still looked like a young maiden.
"…"
Peeking up from her position, those blue orbs were on the verge to shatter, filled with regret and tears.
Yet, even seeing only her upper face — and her small, but a well-formed frame — he had a feeling this person was not entirely human in a sense.
"A priest? A cleric? A paladin? She gives me a familiar feeling. If I had to measure it to something, then it is like Lady Lakyus, or Lady Remedios the White. Yet, her presence is somehow different from a faith-based fighter or magic caster. I can't explain why…"
Thinking on this, the former Warrior Captain still watched the "Dogezing" goddess.
"Please, stand up. It is unruly from a young lass like you to lower herself that way…"
At this moment, seeing the young lass which gave away that divine aura, he completely forgot why he really collapsed, what pushed him in the state of desperation and hopelessness.
It was truly shameful thinking about it, really, now as he regained his senses, he started to remember, and he can't help but scold himself doing so.
"Giving up on the kingdom, the King, and the people because of a spark of doubt? I am truly shameful… Once I return, I need to wash away this stain. And I will return! Even if it takes a thousand years!" Once again, the light lit anew in his eyes. His spirit renewed.
"Are you mad at me?"
Gazef shrugged for a moment. He should be mad, as she hit "that" part. But he was never a man who hold grudges over mere accidents. Neither liked to create bonds based on foil… that's not how he worked. Besides that, this painful experience made him remember his past experiences. Kicked him back to the track he almost left.
"Giving up only lead to falling. Until there is a chance, one had to grip, clamp on it — of course, between sensible bounds, fighting for a lost cause still not worth the effort. But the kingdom still not lost. Yes! Until people stand their ground, until Climb, Brain, and other people stand behind the King and his people, this cause is just and worth fighting for!"
Besides that, even if the above mentioned would not be the case, those blue orbs staring him that way made him embarrassed and urged him to forgive either way.
"No, I am not… I am not mad at you. I am sure it was a mere accident." Albeit it was still hard to kneel out of the pulsating pain, the man leaned forward, offering his hand.
"Please stand up… Can you explain to me what happened?"
Wiping her eyes, the girl nodded.
"Yes, you stopped before my stall, and your expression went blank for a moment. Then you fell on your knees, then collapsed…" the way she motioned this was quite comical, Gazef can only think how much of a fool he made of himself under all of this.
"Then it is I who should thank you are for waking me up and apologize the inconvenience I caused. Even if your method was unruly, it worked. Thank you…" he bowed like a proper knight — even if officially he was not one — as only nobles can become knights in the kingdom. Yet, he still preferred to uphold the basic courtesy around people.
Women usually preferred that way… Also, most men might not care about it, but around nobles who demanded this behavior and humility, he was forced to learn this much.
"O-Okay…" the girl nodded surprised, accepting his hand and getting up.
"You look tired. Are you alright? What happened?"
Looking at the man, deep dark circles were visible under his eyes, like he did not sleep for long days. "Ah… Let's just say, this was a long day…" Gazef nudged his neck. Not physically, but mentally he was tired… exhausted beyond measure. Before continuing his search, he needs a place to sleep.
The girl nodded understanding, looking around, suspicious, and in the next moment…
'Tatatatata!' Rummaging to her stand, she did something Gazef was unable to see behind her back. And at the moment she turned back.
"Here! Take this! For the pain I caused…"
Holding in her hand a paper filled with Jagamarukun, hinted by a brown sauce, Gazef watched it strangely.
"It is really not necessary. It was I who caused you trouble. Please…"
"Just take it! This is the least!" she snapped with a pouting face.
"O-Okay…" now, seeing her childish appearance, the girl excluded some divine air, making her look somewhat "otherworldly," making Gazef somewhat reluctant to refuse her offer.
Her petite frame looked quite exaggerated with those "oversized" orbs on her chest. Yet, she was perfectly proportioned.
"Thank you…"
"Don't mention it…" the girl smiled divinely. "Just don't tell anyone, ok?" she gave a mischievous wink, a wink witch made Gazef smile small.
"Yes…" it was not his intention to tell anyone anyway. At this moment, he still felt shameful collapsing like that, yet, now seeing the people somewhat happy in this place, he can't help but feel a little bit better.
'Ding-dong!'
The nearby temple tolled the bell, signing the current time.
"Well, end of my shift…" the girl stretched her limbs, relieved she can finally go home.
"In that case, I bother you no more, my lady. Thank you for the meal. May we meet again…"
"Ahh… sure…"
The goddess blinked confused, seeing the man bow, then leave her to stand, disappearing in the crowd.
"I wonder which familia he belongs to…?" she was sure the man was an adventurer. Judging from his sword, that strange medallion hidden underneath his clothes, the amount of monster blood covered his clothes and body, witnessing the sheer strength she felt from his direction, it cannot be otherwise!
"Ah, no matter! Better pack up and go home! I am sure Bell-kun waiting for me! We will celebrate tonight…"
As she started to pack, she spotted something where the man laid.
"Ehh!?" on the ground a restorative potion and a few stones scattered, confirming her suspicion.
"Oh dear… how I will ever get back this to him?"
She was both confused and worried about the case. "What I will do now?"
Deciding it will be better to pack the items away, then inquire about him in the guild tomorrow, she continued her preparation.
Around a half an hour later, she already packed up and passed down the amount she earned to her boss, finishing the daily booking.
Humming a melodic lullaby, the goddess headed home, carrying a paper filled with some potato croquette.
"Hmmm! Hmhmhmhm! Hmhmmm!"
She was proud, knowing she worked hard today.
"Ah… this day was hard…" just now, she remembered her last "client," that strange man who collapsed before her stall, and at that moment…
"…" she stopped, paling slightly, grabbing her head and brushing her raven hair wildly. "Dammit! I forgot to ask him if he wants to join my Familia!"
Even if the chance was low, she asked every passing adventurer or any person who looked strong. Most of the times gaining the straight answer: "No…" or the person saying; she is a cute mascot and patting her head before leaving.
Naturally, the only thing she can do is pouting. She neither wants nor can force others to join her familia.
"Geeez!"
The surrounding people just watched her queer, thinking the goddess gone mad before continuing their way.
…
A few hours passed, but Gazef still strode the streets. Exploring the city, seeking a bookstore or a mapmaker to inspect a world map.
Unfortunately, being he can't really read the text these people used, it was harder than he first thought…
In the time he found his way to the bookstore one of the residents recommended, the store already closed for today. Thus, the man can't do much but continue his exploration, seeking a place where he can eat and sleep.
The sun already settled, and the street lamps fueled by the miraculous "magic stone" technology lit up on the side of the avenue.
Most of the shops already closed their business. Thought, a few shady places were still open.
Yet, even at this time, many people were out, doing their business — the different inns filled with life as usual.
"I need to find a proper inn. Possibly one where I don't have to worry about being robbed under sleep…"
Stopping and rummaging through his pouch, only a few misshaped copper and silver coin appeared, though, his pockets and the said pouch were filled with "that" strange stone, and a few monster parts he recovered in the dungeon, he was not sure if such items can be exchanged for a meal or a bed for a night.
"I wonder if it's good enough to pay with…"
Looking around, searching for a few minutes, he found a bustling inn nearby. As expected, he can't read the sign; it was written in completely alien writing that he was familiar with. Only the familiar sign which signed the nature of the place made him recognize it.
"Well, it is confirmed, I am in a completely different part of the world… I recognize no familiar character…" or underworld if it comes to that… Thought, at this moment he cared very little for that fact. He only wanted a good rest and something to eat, maybe some beer to wash away his sorrow and confusion. Think nothing for at least a night… He will worry about the rest tomorrow.
"One way to find out…"
Deciding it is better to try than let the chance slip, he approached the bar, outside a cat person waited, invited the guest with her cheerfully attitude.
"Come! Come! Nya! The Hostess of Fertility open for business, awaiting her dear customers! Nyaaa! Dear adventurers, come in and taste our offers! Nyaa! Ale and delicious meal for every visitors!"
Approaching the shouting girl, he nodded before entering; the girl nodded back with a welcoming smile. Motioning to head in.
"Dear Sir! Take a seat! Nyaa! One of our waitresses will take up your order soon!"
Out of his exhaustion, hunger, and thirst, Gazef even forgot to ask about the prices or the fact if his money — or even those strange stones — can be exchanged for goods and a bed for the night.
It was since few hours he ate those croquettes the girl offered, and they were not as filling as he hoped. The man not even drank since he woke up in that underground catacomb.
After participating a battle, possibly dying/transported from the hands of Ainz, cutting his way through the whole dungeon, not speaking about spending the remainder of the day exploring the city, he was right to be hungry, thirsty and mentally exhausted.
A man needed his meal, a warrior even more so! The body needed to refuel after battle and hardship.
Battling, the use of martial arts exhausted not only the mind but the bodily reserves as well. Even the amulet of immortality can't replace a satiating meal and a good night rest.
"Well, this is certainly a popular place…" looking around, the place filled to the brim, just as from outside, just as well it's insides well cultured and orderly.
What awaits him here? Will he get the rest and meal he deserves? Or the "burly owner" crush him in her grasp? You will know next time.
A/N:
Well, that's for now!
I hope it was enjoyable.
Actually, certain parts were quite fun to write! :P
Unfortunately, many things unknown from Gazef's past.
We only know he came from a commoner family and was a mercenary previous before having a chance of an encounter with his swordsmanship master (who forced him to join his school after defeating him XD)
After winning the king's tournament named as a champion and become the kingdom's most renowned fighter...
Aside from his personality, basically that's it... a few things I had to come up with myself. Hopefully, it will not break his character! :P
RNR!
Send PMs if you have questions!
Read and review!
Tell me your opinion!
Sail safe! Safe winds! Good day! Good night! Until next time!
