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 3: The Hostess of Fertility Welcomes You! (if you have money)
"So, let me put this straight…" the Goddess cleared her throat while recovered a needle. "You went down to a lower floor in order to have an encounter…"
"Umu…" Bell blushed, turning his head away, under all of this Hestia drew something in his back, using her "divine essence," to draw out the boy's strength.
This exact ritual always made him squirm a little bit. A girl — moreover as beautiful as the one sitting on his back — played with the skin on his back, drawing strange symbols from left to right always made Bell feel uncomfortable. Not in a sense he hated it… No! On the contrary, every man would pay a hefty sum for this experience. But in a sense, his receptors started to overload from the stimulus that the feeling of a girl touching him caused.
"Hmph! Your fantasy about the dungeon really is amazing. Anyway, in such a messy location, it is impossible to have an encounter with the kind of pure and innocent girl you imagine."
"Why do you so sure about that, Kami-sama?" the boy with white hair glanced back at the short girl who sat on his waist. "If I may ask it?"
"Hmmm!" the goddess just frowned, pushing back his head into a more desirable position. Indeed, this child was adorably innocent about worldly matters. Adorable, but time to time was too honest for his own good. Many would say stupid. "Stay put a little bit, will ya?"
"Umu… Sorry…" the boy mumbled, doing just like his goddess said, on his face an expression which clearly betrayed his thoughtfulness present. "I mean… An innocent girl….! If there isn't one, then wouldn't there be no hope for the others? I mean, I've heard that elves do not even hold hands with others if they do not approve of them!"
"Ara! Ara! Don't yell now. Although there are races that are similar to the elves, there are also races like Amazons that would give their bodies to strong males for strong children. Also, I believe that those with your unrealistic way of thinking would eventually come to a bad end."
"…Yes."
After being informed of these weighty matters, the boy's head buried into the pillow, at the same time, the short goddess almost finished with her drawing process.
From the left side, she began to apply additional engravings.
What exactly happened now was the process of drawing out Falna. Basically, the gods used the sacred text and engraved it on their "children's" back, using their blood as a medium. This is a power that only Gods have and can significantly improve the ability of the target. Of course, there are also things like Experience Points. Those are gained through experiencing a variety of events. So, just like their name implies, they are based on the person's own experiences in life.
Of course, this is not visible, nor could it be created by the hands of a Lower World human. If we need to explain it, it is equivalent to the history of a person's own experiences. Gods would take the event hidden in the past, let's say for example — Defeating monsters, extract this event out, and allow it to become food for growth.
The value of completed events in quantity and quality is the Experience Points.
To Gods, these are visible and can be controlled. Perhaps it is similar to the ancient rituals, which is after defeating enemies, you would be able to get praises and blessings.
Once the sacred text on the Familia member back has a sufficient amount of "Experience Points," a Level Up happens, and the ability values rise.
This power is basically what the Gods gave to the Lower World humans… and for most, this didn't need much more explanation.
"So, basically you went down, and encountered that Wallenhatever… Heh…? That beautiful yet strong girl must have lots of males that like her. If I were her, there would be many males in my surroundings." the goddess implied something, something that greatly hit Bell's weak spot.
"Oh, Kami-sama…" he bit his thumb, looking very disappointed.
"Fuuu…! But it did not matter now. Just give up on that momentary infatuation. Pay more attention to your surroundings, please. There must be beautiful and gentle people that care about you around."
This one sentence made Bell shudder. He had no idea why, but his heart missed a rhythm.
"Ka-Kami-sama…"
Just now, Bell realized a cruel fact. A fact Eina had always said: Gods are all realistic and cold.
Indeed, his own goddess saying this was quite disappointing.
"Hmm…"
Hestia finished with her operation draw something on the paper, repositioning herself on the couch. "I am finished…"
"Is something changed…?"
Hestia did not even hear Bell for long moments, just staring the paper somewhat perplexed… or more like sweat gathered on her forehead as she gritted her teeth.
"How can this be…" her mutter might be just mutter to Bell, but for her, it meant more than anything. "A skill? Already?! It is already absurd how much his stats grow! But this? Development skill?! Fuuuu! No! I need to hide it from him! From everyone! If those greedy magpies get to know of this, they will try to steal him from me!"
Indeed, gods and goddesses often did that, trying to sway, or right away steal each other's children. It was quite a custom down there. Unfortunately, most often, it worked just fine. For a small familia like Hestia's, it equaled with catastrophe… No! She can't allow it! Without Bell, she can go back to beg before Hephaistus door — receiving no answer in the end.
"What it is, goddess…?"
"Ah! Nothing…!" Hestia lied through her teeth, wrinkling the paper between her bulging chest. "As usual, you have no skill. Look! But your stats grew considerably, congratulations!"
Inspecting the paper, Bell nodded, sighing somewhat disappointed. But then! The boy spotted something on the bottom of the paper. It was like something that was here previous had been erased abruptly, an ink spot you may call it.
"Do you think I will be able to use magic anytime soon?"
"I'm not too sure. It seems to be based on Experience Points related to Cognition… Anyways, Bell-kun, you don't read books, right?"
"Ye-Yeah… right…" The boy scratched the back of his head sheepish, looking slightly ripened. And indeed, Bell did not read a lot of books. "And this? Goddess, what is this? It looks like something had been erased there…"
Hestia almost spat but managed to regain her composure. Her simple answer was the next.
"Khm! That…? My finger slipped, don't even think about it…" Hestia simply waved away the thing Bell asked, looking very bored, her face exhausted. Bell was not surprised; his goddess worked diligently to be able to support her familia. Ever since she admitted this hard fact, Bell felt himself slightly miserable. What kind of child is he? Can't even support his goddess normally.
"I see…" after the momentary sadness, his face brightened, remembering there will always be a tomorrow to make things right. "Well, Kami-sama. Should we prepare for dinner? Even though it is a potato croquettes feast, we should not only eat just this right?"
"Yes, then I'll leave it to you, Bell-kun."
"Okay."
Giving his Kami-sama a slight smile, the boy turned away and headed towards the kitchen. Although he can only make simple dishes, it was well enough, as Eina said, from now on he must consider money issues, and he damn well did so — finding his earned money lacked compared what he hoped, and what a decent adventurer felt just right to spoil a little bit their hardworking goddess, he indeed earned less than satisfactory amount. Thus, endlessly seeking to improve their financial situation.
"Huh…" at the moment Bell left, the petite girl once more recovered the wrinkled paper, and she just glared at it, biting her thumb concerned. "I can't let anyone know this. Especially Bell-kun… what if he will leave me? That would be catastrophic…"
Shaking her head, she huffed.
What if that happens? Then she remains alone once more. "What a pitiful goddess… can't even recruit more than one children…"
No! She can't think like this! She needs to solve today's problem, leave tomorrow problems for tomorrow. In time, she was sure more children would come to join her! Flock in her loving embrace.
"It is only a matter of time, yes, time solves everything. Just as Hephaestus said…" Sighing, then shaking her head tired, she had no energy to spare anymore. Today, she will eat with Bell. Yes! She will leave the problems of tomorrow to tomorrow!
Everything will be fine! She will definitely not go back to Hephaestus and beg for her. That woman already kicked her out — and not without reason — lending her this ruined temple, and asking a favor from her friend so Hestia can get that job in the potato croquet stand was the last drop in the bucket.
This was the last favor she did for her girlfriend. Hestia was sure; if she had gone back now asking something more, then the goddess of fire would simply ignore her, or slam the door on her face right away.
No matter how much Hestia pleaded, she would gain not one coin from her friend. The redhead said this herself. "I don't care! I won't lend you a single Valis anymore! Solve it yourself!" and thus, Hestia was thrown out from her comfortable life, forced to stand on her feet alone.
"Uii! Hephaestus is so cruel…" mumbling she gnawed on her blanket — which was a simple white fabric.
In truth, it was surprising the Goddess of blacksmiths tolerated Hestia parasitic lifestyle so long. Back in the heavens, Hestia lived leisure, lazy life. Only coming down there she realized, it is not all fun and joy. Who did not have an established Familia to earn money and support their luxurious life the gods were so accustomed of, those had to work hard to upkeep and establish themselves!
Indeed, even the gods had to work! Despite their godly status, most people refused to give them things free — without coins in exchange. More so, the first god descended established this rule, so the newly arrived gods can't abuse the people unfairly.
For months, Hestia lived in one of Hephaestus suites, constantly borrowing her money meanwhile trying to establish her familia — with less success than more… Then one day the fiery goddess of smiths' had enough, pointing towards the door and sending her on her way. Thought Hestia was a little huffish that time and desperate after what her friend did with her, in truth, she was lucky Hephaestus did not throw her on the street right away but borrowed her this ruinous church and pulled a few strings to gain her that job.
"It cannot be helped, better than sleeping under the skies…" and thus, she somehow accepted her sorrowful situation. Hoping her tomorrow will be better. "At least I have Bell-kun… Fufufu!" she crackled like an evil witch whose plan succeeded.
At the moment she heard about a boy who had been denied at least a dozen of familia, she started to stalk him, seeking the best opportunity to recruit him — in the most hope-inspiring, stylish way of course.
"Ah! Kami-sama? Did you said something?" in that exact moment, the boy arrived, carrying a tray filled with neatly unpacked nature Jagamarukun and something on the side. It was not much, but with her 30 Valis/hour pay, and with Bell being the only children in her familia, this counted quite a feast for the two.
"Hmm! Bell-kun! You outdid yourself! Like always…" the goddess mumbled, her cheeks filled like a hamster as she gnawed on the meek feast, on her face happiness filled expression. Bell just sweatdropped, seeing her like this.
"Ye-Yeah… thank you. It is not much, but I did my best…"
"Hmmm!"
Just now, as Bell salted a potato croquette and gnawed on it, he recognized a strange thing.
"By the way, Goddess-sama…"
"Hmm?" the girl's face was still like a hamster, filled completely. "Yes, Vell-kun?" she swallowed the meal, looking very cute. Honestly, Bell sometimes had a hard time to endure his goddess cuteness.
"What is in that pack, if I may ask?" Just now, as Bell pointed it out, Hestia recognized she still not removed the sash of cloth she fixed across her chest, containing a few items she brought "home."
"Oh! This…?" unpacking it revealed a few magic stones and a recovery potion. The vial was an ordinary one, in the Miach familia shop it cost around 500 valis — the low-grade version — everywhere else 700 or above. But the stones… they were above average, for bell they seemed big. Definitely, these stones came lower than Bell ever stepped into, making his eyes slightly twinkle.
"Goddess those are…"
"Ummm, magic stones and a recovery potion?" she blinked confused.
"Where are they from? Don't say…" Bell gulped, biting his tongue before he could continue. No! Even thinking about that was disgraceful! A goddess like Hestia would never lower herself so low!
"What? Noo! You misunderstanding things!" Bell sighed right away, finally convinced she did not do any unspeakable act.
"Then…?"
"Phew! Fine! A man stopped before my stall — most likely an adventurer judging from his posture and the sword on his back…" Hestia mumbled under her nose; Bell started to have a bad feeling about this.
"And…? What's after that?"
"Fine! If you really want to know! It was rather awkward. The adventurer just stopped before my stand, glaring down on the dressings, mumbling something about; he "failed"… seriously! It is a simple Jagamarukun! What's so hard about that?"
"And then…?" Bell pushed forward, making Hestia sight and shake her head. "He collapsed. Only after…" Hestia's face reddened, remembering her "unique" method of success.
"After what? Please let me know! What happened?"
"Bell-kun… sometimes you really are…" gulping down the lump of awkwardness blocked her speech, she offered her own version. "I managed to wake him up! OK? He thanked me and left! Most likely, these stones and the potion fell out of his pocket. That's it! Don't even speak about it anymore!" she looked away blushing remembering the strange man.
Indeed, that man was a strange figure, for her senses, it was like he was not even from around, feeling alien compared to others —Not speaking about that strange medallion and his weapon — especially that sword. She still shivered thinking about it. Every time she did so, a particularly bad omen started to surface on her mind.
"In that case, we need to return these items to him, that's the minimum… Can you describe him? I am sure Eina-san can help to return these goods to him."
"Eh… Bell-kun…" Looking at his goddess, her closed eyes twitched, like she ate something bad, her smile awkward.
"Is something wrong, Kami-sama? You look ill, was the food bad?"
"Can't we just keep these items?" Came the sudden proposition, the idea which the adventurer boy first did not even perceive completely.
"What…?" Bell tilted his head questioning, not even perceiving what she suggested.
"I mean… we barely manage as it is. Judging from his weapon and his posture, he must be a high ranked adventurer; I am sure he did not even recognize if a few stones and potions are missing…"
"Are you suggesting to steal from others, Kami-sama?"
Bell looked so innocent, Hestia's already weak forced smile trembled even more. True… first, she wanted to return the goods. But then thinking about their sad state, how much the two worked for almost nothing, she changed her mind. They barely scraped enough to sustain themselves as it! She was a goddess; she wanted to be spoiled a little bit!
Judging from the look of the adventurer, she was sure he would not miss a few stones and a potion. If he comes back, she simply lies that she did not saw them, and the man most likely lost them down in the dungeon.
Nothing can be proved — neither the magic stones nor the original owner of the potion. After all, not custom made potions looked almost the same wherever you bought them. Only the vials and their quality differed, and even those based on who made them, which familia manufactured the liquid?
"But Kami-sama! I hope you are just joking! That's just not right!"
"Oh! Dear Bell-kun…" Her face twitched with a forced smile. Looking at the boy, she had the urge to hug him to death, and at the same time, hit him. He was too good for this world.
Since coming in this lower world, she learned a few practices, practices helped her survival so long. These practices were not the most innocent ones, but necessary for the survival amongst the children of this world. Amongst them, she learned how to hide things, and lie a little bit when it was required. In the current case, we speak about this necessity. They had barely enough money as it is, not mentioning freely giving away a chance to better their life.
"It is just foolish…" she wanted to say, but looking at Bell, she just can't!
"Ah! Of course, you are joking? Right? Kami-sama! You can't lie to me, I see it on your face…" The boy pointed it out with a happy expression. "I almost believed you really want to do that, but seeing that small twitch on your face convinced me… Ah! Goddess, how should I think like that? I am truly despicable…"
The boy wiped his sweat, and Hestia can't help but turn her head away. After deceiving the boy this much, she really felt miserable.
"Ahhh! Bell-kun! Why are you so naïve?"
"Ye-Yeah… of course…" she muttered, not wanting to lose her only familia member over a few magic stones and a recovery potion.
If it was, for example, a Grimoire — a magic book worth millions of Valis, a tome which forces the user to open up his/her innate magic, a book which pages turns blank after someone read it and became useless afterward— then Hestia would tell Bell straight away to forget about it, and somehow drop the empty book somewhere. But over a few magic stones and a recovery potion… it is just not worth the risk. "It was a joke…" What would this innocent boy think once he realizes his goddess was not only a liar but a thief? He would inevitably lose his faith in her right away, leaving her familia for another one. Even the thought was freezing!
"Ah! I was worried for a moment. But if it was just a joke, then it is fine! Now then…" he leaned closer, his innocent smile really made Hestia fell horrible.
"Please describe that adventurer, and I will ask Eina-san about him…"
"Well…" and thus, "loli with big boobs" described the strange man, freezing Bell for a few moments.
"Wha-Whaaa!? Haaaa!? Hmmmmm!" such screams can be heard from the secret room of the church.
"Is something wrong…?" watching Bell, the already pale boy went even hollower giving out gurgling sounds like; 'Ka-Ka…'
"Bell-kun… is something wrong…"
Bell's face darkened, looking down at his lap unsteady. "We-Well…" 'Gulp' "I-I may not share you one little detail about my today journey…"
"And that is? You can tell me anything, you know, right, Bell-kun?"
As she leaned closer, her boobs' defied gravitation gently moved, her lips looked extra enticing, and that fragrance! Bell was on the verge to collapse.
"Tha-That…" 'Gulp!' he gulped once more, telling the truth, heavy perspiration drenching his whole body. "It was not Aiz-san who saved me…"
"Eh?" his goddess gave away such a sound, tilting her head with a mix of confusion and annoyance.
"According to the description… it was that man…" he looked away really ashamed scratching the back of his head.
"Ehhh? Then that Wallenwhatever…?"
"Aiz-san only arrived after he defeated that monster…" In truth, Bell never said it was Aiz who killed the monster — it was only the misunderstanding of his goddess — but after he started to jabber about the girl — and about a Minotaur that almost killed him — Hestia abruptly cut his monologue, allowing him not to continue and reach that part when the man saved him. After that, he simply forgot about telling the whole story as it happened, being busy checking how much he actually grew and preparing the dinner.
"Bell-kun…" Hestia turned forward, her face shadowed as she watched her two indexes, playing with them like a person who feels an extreme amount of guilt.
"Ye-Yes… what it is?"
"I may not tell you everything…"
"Then…"
And after a big sigh, Hestia revealed the horrific secret. Her accidental method to wake up the strange adventurer, and the fact the items belong to him.
"EHHHH!?"
Scene Change: Hostess of Fertility:
Neither of them suspected, but in a different part of the city, in an esteemed establishment, the said "adventurer" took his first steps, looking around with an intrigued gaze.
"Hmm, What a strange place…" Gazef hummed gazing around.
Since there were both female beastmen — with animal ears and tails wearing bold outfits — and Amazons — who were wearing outfits even more outrageous than theirs, continually ignoring the surrounding gazes, drinking and chatting leisurely — Gazef can't help but wonder what kind of place this was.
In the capital, he also knew a few places where both customers and hosts allowed themselves to dress this way. Places usually proper ladies and nobles only visited secretly — yes, ladies too, but only under "special" occasions — satisfying their improper, instinctual desires.
Yet, such places usually either well hidden in the depth of the red light district, or showcased in the wide open, offering all their wonderful costliness — charging at least ten times more than their slum counterpart. Compared to that, this place gave him a different feeling. The feeling of an inn where adventures retreated to eat, drink, and chat with each other, rest a little bit.
"Hmm…" Humming, Gazef continued to survey the place.
Indeed, it looked not like those lowly places, neither resembling of a whorehouse or a bar which offered similar services.
His next observation also confirmed this.
Aside of the scantily dressed women of a different race, he also recognized both burly and frail men, children sitting with other adventurers, many equipped with armors, or wearing robes, on their side, and backs different weapons hung.
From behind him, from the direction of the door, the stringed and wind instruments' melody, the crowd streamed over from the surroundings, passing before the door where the catperson invited them boldly.
"Nyaaa! Come! Come! Nyaaa! The Hostess of Fertility is Open for business! Nyaaa! Come in! Taste our delicious meals and 'nyaaa!' drinks!"
The sound of the fine music touched the passersby. The main street and the bars around had completely put on their night appearance.
With a night bar like this as the selling point, the busy road, and with it, the bar exuded a passionate atmosphere everywhere, making even the demi-humans become happy. The hobbits, known as the representatives of small people, and gnomes were singing on the roads while holding each other's shoulders, the dwarfs, that were famous as mighty and hardened warriors, also gave off a hearty laugh and entered this circle.
"Sir! Sir! Are you alone, or waiting for someone? Do you have a reservation?" at the next moment, a cheerful voice called for him. It was a human girl with medium length brown hair; her eyes colored the same.
Like the other employees around, she as well wore the uniform of the bar — which consisted a green above the knee dress with a long collar sleeve and a white collar, white Apron and headband, small orange bow under the collar, black leggings and a short brown, ankle boots — all in all she almost looked like a maid.
"Well…" Gazef considered his answer, watching the girl who he towered above at least a fair head worth of height. "I am alone, could you show me a single table?"
"Hmmm…" The girl looked around, thinking. "Unfortunately, we are quite full tonight. Most of our tables are already reserved. I have to sell off additional costs if you want one."
"I see…"
"Alternatively, you can ask others to let you sit on their tables, or sit one of the free chairs near the bar." she pointed behind her with her thumb, and Gazef right away spotted the free stools near the counter.
"Thank you. I sit near the bar then…"
"Sure thing! You can right away order from Mama."
"Mama?"
Gazef just blinked, thinking the girl referred to her mother. "Yes! Right! She is the one behind the bar." behind the bar, a burly woman stood, shouting something to the girls in the kitchen. Indeed, with the exception of her blue dress and her lack of headband, she wore almost the exact same uniform as the maids around.
"Hurry up with those pies! The customers are hungry!" roared the woman with a great amount of energy.
As Gazef closed in, he right away recognized she was not of an everyday person. Her every move spoke about confidence, more so… experience! Her arms thick, filled with stern muscles — the end result of years of intense training and conditioning.
Decades of hard work appeared before Gazef's experienced eyes. Indeed, this woman was either a soldier or a retired adventurer — a top notch, on top of that! He knew her kind well, having several friends with such caliber — counting his swordsmanship master amongst them, who was also a retired adventurer before opening his swordsmanship school.
"…"
Watching him a few moments, the woman behind the counter also measured him from tip to toe, their eyes meet, nodding slightly. Yes, Gazef knew that gaze too. A look which a warrior give to the other when they meet. This woman was one; it cannot be denied. Between warriors, a mere glance, or crossing arms was enough to understand each other.
"Hello, handsome! Are you new? I never saw you here." she changed mood right away, unbalancing the former warrior captain for a moment. "I am Mia Grand, the owner of this bar! What can I do for you?" With a beaming smile, the stout woman welcomed Gazef, who nodded back with a friendly smile.
"Good evening… my name is… Zeff. Please take care of me…" Though many know Gazef's name around the Re-Estize kingdom, his face was somewhat unknown for most people not familiar with his country. He needed to be cautious not to reveal his presence here!
Even if the people of this place did not know about the Slane Theocracy and the Empire, that did not mean the said countries not stationed their informants, spies, or even assassins around. As he experienced, the two mentioned countries want his elimination the most. Giving away his name would alert their spies, informants, or assassins around.
They might know his face, but he doubted anyone around could say the same. On the contrary, if he gave away his real name, that would alert them right away. Thus, the man decided to use the name "Zeff" until time being, laying low a little bit until he confirms his situation.
Looking around, walking around in the city and inspecting the scenery beyond the walls also made him doubt he is dead. That theory about the underworld started to fade away moment by moment.
"Thinking of it, I need to conceal Razor Edge; this sword is quite flashy…" Glancing back above his shoulder, he right away recognized the prying eyes of the strangers. Mostly watching his clothes covered with monster blood and the golden handle of the sword on his back.
Even with the specialized, enchanted scabbard that kept the sword's edge at bay — making it able to contain the blade that cut everyone and everything — the handle was quite flashy. If he pulled it out in the open, the news of it would spread right away. "Well, I am a little bit late with that… the boy and those two surely saw my blade… hopefully, their tale will be disregarded as exaggeration…"
"So, what do you order? I hope you are hungry! My girls need the coin, and I need to run a business!" Mischievous, the tall lady winked at the man, rubbing her fingers expecting — the motion Gazef right away recognized. Indeed, he needs to be aware, this woman quite expectant when it came to tipping.
"Hmm, what do you off…" Gazef stopped his tongue, remembering something important.
"Something wrong?" The unnaturally tall dwarf watched him confused, tilting her head. She right away recognized, something was not right, her eyes slightly squinted.
"In truth, before ordering, I would like to ask a few things…"
"Shoot…" Mia huffed indignantly. "Thought, if it's that kind of information, I need to charge extra!" Cleaning the mug, she looked slightly huffish. She has better things to do than answering questions. Time is money; wasting her time with questions kinda little offensive. No matter the handsomeness of this man, information must be paid.
Gazef raised his leather purse, taking out a few bronze and silver coins, raising a random one. "Do you recognize this coin? Can I pay with this?"
The tall dwarf grabbed the coin from his hand, inspecting the deformed bronze. It looked quite old, as well unwell made on top of that. If she would have to guess, a ten Valis coin worth more than this coin. Taking a silver one up, she would appraise it around a hundred, or two, maximum… naturally, if it comes to the market price.
"Hmm, sorry, I am not an appraiser. But you can't buy notch with this. The coins quite unwell made but looks old, maybe an appraiser or a collector can give you a better price for them."
Giving a look once more, the dwarf boss recognized several more things. One side of the coin was adorned with the symbol of the merchant guild, the other with a wheel, which symbolized the god of business — in the New World, at least.
"I see…" Gazef sighed somewhat disappointed. But what did he expected? The coins the kingdom pressed — moreover simple bronze and silver coins — carried little to none artistic value. The gold and platinum chips they used for high-value trade earned more care from their coiner masters.
As he heard, in the Empire the coins are a lot better made, shaping them mostly with magic which made it easier to shape them perfectly round, on top of that doing it cheap! The kingdom can't really compete with such giant…
"Look, if you don't have the coin, there is nothing more to speak about." she was strict, but she has the right to do so, Gazef completely understood her reason. Unfortunately, at night, he will not likely find any appraiser open. Thus, he only had one option remained.
"In that case…" he recovered a few magic stones. Some of them were only as big as a nail, some bigger with a fair amount.
"Those black monsters and a few bigger thing early on at least dropped quite big stones, and left more parts." Indeed, those creatures tried to ambush him several times while heading upward. They were slightly stronger than the rest was but dropped bigger stones. Those black variants usually appeared when his sword sliced the walls, cleaving a piece from them, or when in several rooms, he killed a large batch of creatures. The man still wondered if that was the only difference between them.
"Magic stones? What do I do with them?"
"Can they be used to pay?"
"Hmm?" Mia watched the man once more, long ago recognizing his simple blood-soaked clothes and the quality golden handle peeking behind his back. "Aren't you an adventurer? Why not exchange the stones to Valis in the guild?"
"Valis? Guild?" Gazef blinked a few times. His face spoke about his cluelessness about the situation.
"Huh… so you are a newbie, arriving in the city recently, no? Valis is the currency here. I wonder how far you come from not encountering with it until now…"
Gazef just nodded slightly sheepish. "Is that easy to read from me?" he asked himself before regaining his composure and confident stature, bowing his head apologetic.
"I just arrived in the city this morning. Please forgive my cluelessness." He smiled awkwardly, earning a strange look from the woman.
"I see…" the woman watched him strict for long moments, dissecting him with her brown eyes.
"But revealing what happened would not have made it better… no, it would be made all worse…"
Naturally, he could have said; he woke up in that damp, dark place, and had no clue where he is. But who would have believed that? Also, even if they considered that option as true, it would raise too much attention for his liking.
A man, who woke up who knows where having little clue how he gets there… it screamed for exposure! Lying low, and slowly building his knowledge was much more secure, at least for the time he will figure a way to return Re-Estize.
"Finding a way to oppose Ainz-dono and build my strength also important. It was shameful how easily he took care of me…"
It was just a flash, but Gazef remembered his shameful defeat. Indeed, his pride as a warrior was utterly crushed that day — more precisely, this day… — He needs to get himself together, train harder to reach closer to Ainz. Even if he could never match a monster like him, he needs to do his best, or remain ashamed in the remainder of his days!
"And you didn't even register in the local guild, but right away dive in the dungeon?" for this, Mia furrowed her brows. "Are you an idiot, or what?"
Touché! This lady was a cruel hostess, but he did not blame her, his appearance was indeed strange, as well his actions might make no sense in the eyes of these people. He somewhat understands their feeling.
"Ups! Yeah… I kinda forgot about that. Wanting to try myself in the famous Dungeon!" scratching the back of his head, Gazef did his best to offer his best awkward, apologetic smile.
Even if it was not that convincing… it was this or the actual truth… and as said, who would believe that?
"Hmm, I see…" the woman still watched him suspicious. "In that case, I accept the stones, but you pay double… for the inconvenience, and because one of my girls had to visit the guild to exchange the stones."
"One and two-fold…" Even tired, thirsty and hungry, Gazef refused to pay twice as much just because he pays with a different currency. It was insane! Is he paying twice as much just because of that? He refused to do so! In the worst case of scenario, he will spend his night in the open, bearing with his hunger, he was sure he could find simple water somewhere to soothe his thirst.
Tomorrow, he will visit that "guild" and exchange his stones. It was not his first time spending his nights in the open and starving. And as he suspected it, it wouldn't be his last… he still remembered a winter campaign he participated when he was a mercenary. He almost died due to the enemy poisoned their food and water supply. "I almost died back then…"
"One and eight…" Mia crossed her arms, looking strict.
"One three…"
"One four…"
"One and a half fold… I pay that much, not more, not less!" Gazef leaned closer, staring deep in the woman's eyes.
"Hmph!" the woman's mouth twitched angrily for a moment. Then… "Fine then… Tch! I see you are not entirely stupid." now, a fox-like a smile formed on Mia's face, nodding accepting. It cannot be helped, as a mercenary, Gazef had his fair share of deals, often forced to haggle better pay from an unfair position. He felt he would get this! The woman before him already got a good deal. One and a half fold for a small trip was good pay.
"Thank you…" Gazef sighed. He should have bartered the cut lower, but he felt he already dancing on the goodwill of the owner, any more, and he will be sent away. "If you allow me one more question?"
"Yes?"
"Do you offer rooms for the night?"
"We offer no rooms…" came the answer right away. Yet, Gazef somehow suspected this answer was not entirely straight. Seeing all the employees around are girls, he somehow suspected the owner only rent it for women.
"I see, then just the food and the drink, please. Maybe some basic information about the city and the surrounding, if you can spare…"
"That, I can offer for a newcomer. But any specific information cost…"
"Fine…" Gazef prepared a few stones, pushing before Mia. "What can you give for this?"
Once more, the woman measured the stones, taking them in her hands and rubbing them, measuring their weight, and making quick calculations. Even as a retired adventurer, she kept the exchange rate under check. It cannot be helped; she loved money! Knowing how much a gram of magic stone worth just filled her with peace. In truth, since she retired, the exchange rate barely changed.
"Hmm, it is enough for a filling meal and a few jugs of beer. You can get back some spare…"
"Oh, that's good. What do you offer?"
Her impish smile appeared on her face once more. "I will take care of it, don't worry…" seeing that expression, Gazef started to worry. "A menu B in order!"
"Yes, Mama!" came the answer right away. Gazef already felt he draw the short straw.
"I had a bad feeling about this…" he gulped, sighing as the burly woman continued her work, served the other customers near the bar.
Glancing once more around, the shop atmosphere was extremely bright. The shop employees were filled with energy, and sounds of laughter could be heard everywhere. Although there were many adventurer customers that viewed the shop employees with perverted eyes, basically everyone was simply drinking and laughing, the cooking seemed to look very tasty as well — as much Gazef could depict from his place.
As for the interior of the bar; it was very stylish compared to the other stores Gazef usually used to hang around, yet, even despite this, the peculiar impression of a bar still exists. From the point that there was a café shop next to the entrance, it could be seen that this shop followed the fashion carefully.
"Hahhh!" shaking his head, Gazef recovered a stone, until now he did not really inspect them better.
The stone was strange, almost like a crystal made from a barely transparent, dark material. In the middle of it, it was like an orange light flickered like a living organism or a small fire burned in the middle of the thing.
Gazef was not a mage, in truth, he never had the talent to become one — that old man from the Empire also confirmed this sad fact: "You are strong, Gazef Stronof, too strong even as a simple warrior. We are lucky you lack the talent…"
They only meet a few times when their king and the Emperor meet. But under that few occasions, he experienced it firsthand. The old man was rather blunt and too honest for his own good. Even telling Gazef about his honest opinion, caressing his long beard and measuring him like a good steak.
"Yeah… That's Fluder Paradyne for you…" Gazef muttered, turning the stone amidst his fingers.
Even a person who lacked the talent for magi craft, he was sure, the stone was magical in origin.
"[Magic Sense]!" His eyes flashed for a moment as his Martial Art activated.
Many considered this martial art inferior, and useless when it came to all other purely combat, and defensive technique, never learning it. But this minor thing often separated death and life under the battle; the ability to distinct magic weapons, enchanted items, and armor early on allowing the user to plan their movement and tactic according.
"Not once this thing saved my life…"
True, this martial art was a lot inferior compared to the famous innate ability of Fluder — as it can't tell in itself the exact potential of the enemy's magic — still, it served its purpose. With it, the user can find distinct items with magical origin or enchantments at ease. Combining it with the [Danger Sense], or similar martial arts, it even allowed Gazef to distinct the rough factor of the enemy's magical equipment, or assess the enemy magic caster itself.
"Hmm, interesting…"
As his senses extended, a new filter of reality opened. Looking at the stone, it emitted a faint bluish aura, radiating some ill intent. Looking around once more, his senses picked up the same glow from the lamps, and several other items in his vicinity.
"Most likely they use these stones as energy source… I see. It is almost the same than back home where the magical association enchant lamps with [Continual Light]." Those items with enchantments were actually quite expensive. Not everyone can allow buying one; it was strange to see so many similar lamps around. Strangely, most street lamps of the capital and the bigger cities lit with such magic.
"It is either cheap here, or this bar is quite famous and earns well for the boss." Seeing how many customers are around, it was a stupid question. Of course, this bar earned its fair coin for the owners.
"Here you are!" 'Smack!' "Bon appetite!" The lady boss smiled, smacking on the table a wooden bowl filled with steaming pasta, some roasted fish and some kind of stew with different vegetables and sliced meat. All tree was quite a big portion.
"Ah, thank you…"
The boss said nothing, but nodded, turning away and tapped some beer for the man. "If you are out, just say the word. I calculated your meal that way so you can have several more drinks… you look as dry as a rock."
"I appreciate it…"
Mia huffed once more, leaving Gazef alone in peace. Eating and drinking his heart content.
The food was not bad! No, it was especially good compared to his homemade meals, and the rations he usually eats. The meat in the stew almost melt in his mouth, the bread freshly baked, the dish-gravy on the pasta tasty. As for the fish… he was never really the fan of fish meals, but this one was especially good. It may come to that he will like this food.
Drinking his drink, once more the boss stepped before him.
"So…"
"So…?"
"Care to tell where you came from, "Zeff"?" still that suspicious gaze… that kind of expression that woman gave him. "It is not every day a man head down in the dungeon at the moment they arrive."
"Is that so?"
"Hmm, indeed. Most have more in their head than try their luck. That tower not accidentally built on top of that place."
"I see your point…" he was aware, it was a stupid excuse. But as said, he had no better. It is not likely anyone will believe he just woke up there. Not anyone without proper magical knowledge about teleportation magic or something similar. "Carne… I came from Carne." he gave his answer finally, sipping his beer.
"Carne? Never heard of it? Where is it?"
"Just a remote village in a faraway kingdom, not likely anyone not from here heard from that place…" indeed, Gazef considered his answer. Carne was the last settlement he and his men approached, pursuing the clues about the rampaging soldiers of the empire — the same place where they encountered Ainz for the first time.
Coming from there was a half-truth, as he was there once, and came back to the capital afterward.
"Hmm, I see… so that the bad quality of money is from "that" Kingdom?"
"Yes, that's our official currency. Unfortunately, we can't make better ones…" This was a half-truth, officially, they could make better. But in the case of lower grade currency like copper and silver, it is not worth the effort and investment.
"Hmm…" Mia fondled his chin, tilting her head. "It is still strange you did not encounter Valis until now. Passing the nearby regions, it is the official currency."
Now, the woman was uncomfortably close, inspecting him barely a few centimeters away.
"Tha… That's because I mostly traveled in the woods. Hunting my meals myself. Bartering the leathers and furs I hunted, exchanging them for the necessary items."
"Hmm…" Mia hummed once more before crossing her arms, nodding with a calm smile. "That makes sense. So, how long are you traveling? From your clothes, you must have come very far…"
Gazef breathed a sigh relief, appreciating his bluff succeeded. Previous inspecting the surrounding regions from the walls, he knows well a forest surrounded this city. Saying he proceeded that way was a good excuse. Not peerless, but good enough.
"What's wrong with my clothes…?" he blinked confused in the next moment.
"A little bit old-fashioned, if you allow me to say this. Even the peasants in the fields wear better…"
"Is that so…?" Now, as she is saying this, indeed Gazef recognized many people watched him with strange eyes as he passed the city. Most likely, not just because of his clothes were blood covered, but because of how odd he looked in those "old-fashioned" clothes.
"Hmm. Yes, that's the case…" For a moment, Mia watched the golden handle that peeked behind his back but said nothing about it; every adventurer had their own weapons. She suspected it is the same with this "Zeff" guy too. Thought, she still found it strange how a stranger who only had a few coppers and silvers, wearing such simple clothes owned such a fancy weapon. Yet, asking about it now, she somehow suspected she would not get a straight answer. Thus, she remained silent about it. When the time comes, everything will be revealed.
"Then, if you would allow me, I would like to ask a few things about the city."
"Sure, but as said, only the basics are free. I will charge you if you ask anything else…"
"Umu, then, my first question…"
And thus, Gazef stated his questions. Asking about the city in general, leisurely chatting with the owner to lower the tension.
As he gets to know, the town named Orario. The home of the "famous" dungeon. These strange "magic stones" alone in the world can only be found here and mostly used to fuel devices and the technology around. The adventurers — banded into familias — dived this underground construct day by day, defeating monsters and recovering the magic stones, magical stones the guild buys from them for currency, currency named Valis.
"Interesting…" inspecting the coin Mia gave him, it was surprising. From the touch at least some part of this coin contained gold, the other was some different metal. "Definitely not pure gold…"
From the feel and the weight, he could only say that much. He was not an appraiser, after all.
But even so, even if not pure gold, from this coin alone, a peasant family could eat almost a week in the Kingdom, and he got several more as a change from this woman. Definitely, the people of this region assessed the value of different precious metals strangely.
He doesn't even ask why the woman called "gods" the leader of these "familias." "It is most likely a simple mistranslation…" he mused on this.
There was no way a god would lead a mercenary or adventurer group. It was laughable, even thinking of such things it sounded quite ridiculous! Remembering the legends — the ones he knows — gods were beings of absolute power. With a flinch of their wrist, these creatures could destroy whole armies or even nations.
"Just like Ainz-dono did so… is that mean? Is he a god too?"
Remembering what Ainz did with the army, it was enough to make a comparison, and remember the stories about the evil deities, the greed kings or even the six great gods — and many more stories not often mentioned by the people. Recognizing this, he was able to place beings called "gods" in the charts. Realizing right away, those who lead the familias was not likely real "gods."
"Most likely a title of these leaders used is "god"… strange. Maybe translation issue." Being Gazef, and every people of his world possessed the peculiar ability to understand and speak every spoken language, it was a possibility.
Neither of them knows where this skill came from. Just an old story mentioned — once a long time ago, someone fed the people some kind of "translation cognac," and since then they can speak and understand every language. Unfortunately, this strange ability did not affect the written word.
"Hmm, thank you…" Gazef fondled the beard on his chin, recognizing it is somewhat less dense than it used to be. "Strange…"
"Hmph! No problem. It is still strange you don't know all of this. After all, you are an adventurer. Or not?" Once more, Mia furrowed her brow, giving him a strange look.
"…" the man remained silent, looking away for a moment.
"Look, if you don't want to speak about it, I will not force you. I only ask to stay out of the trouble. You were lucky you survived down there. But don't risk your hide once more. I suspect you don't even have blessing… knowing not even about familias and gods..." Mia now watched him angry, some pity and worry mixing with her expression. It was almost like a mother glared at her child when the said kid did something stupid.
"Well…" indeed, it was since some time Gazef visited the church. True, a priest prayed for most nobles before each battle, (Even for him…) blessing their equipment. But aside from a few positive effects coming from faith-based magic, he never felt any positive thing after praying; thus, after a few times he did so as a kid, he stopped doing it. He was a man who relied on his instinct, skill, and power, not praying for the sky people. He still gave them the required respect, true, but worshipping them, not likely.
"I see…" Mia sighed and shook her head. "Look, I don't know why you came here. But if you want to be adventurer, or dive the dungeon, join a familia, and get a blessing. Or you will die a horrible death…"
"I will think about it. Thank you…"
"Is there anything else you want to ask about?"
"That's all, for now…"
"Umu, good. If you need anything else, we open in the morning. But now, we are close to the closing hour." Indeed, looking around, it was quite late. Most of the adventurers already left. Only a few drunkards remained, their companions slowly dragging them outside.
"That much time passed?" Gazef was surprised at how fast the time passed. Just by eating, drinking, and chatting with this boss lady a few hours already leaked away. Of course, he managed to gather several useful Intel, satiating his thirst and hunger.
"Next time, bring some Valis, ok? Register in the Guild and exchange those stones." she winked at him mischievously. "It would be a shame for a handsome man like you, and I like the returning customers."
"I keep that in mind." with that, Gazef nodded appreciating, and stood up, heading outside.
"Hey! Don't you need a place to sleep?"
Remembering he still had no place to sleep, Gazef stopped for a moment. But also knowing he surely has no money to rent a room, he pondered what to do.
"I slept under the open skies before; it will be no different…"
"I will solve it. Thank you for your hospitality. I will surely come again once my budget allows it…"
Bowing to the strange elf who passed, and the other employees, Gazef left. Disappearing in the night.
"Mama, who was that man?" asked the gray-haired girl, blinking a few times.
"Humph! Just a stranger who arrived in the city just today. Asking his strange questions."
"I see…"
Just now, Mia realized, she did not even ask how many floors he managed to conquer alone. Yet, seeing the handful of stones he left behind — and the ones in his purse — she can somehow judge the depth, this immediately raised the question: "Just how the hell he went that deep without a blessing?"
She was aware, in the tales of old, before the gods descended, adventurers adventured without the blessing of Falna, using their own power, or making a contract with spirits to conquer the challenges and monsters. Even so, their power was limited, only in groups could defeat a monster above a certain level. They cannot compare the adventurers of today generation.
"Strange…" she muttered, then right away shrugged. It was not her problem; people die every day, if he survives, she can always ask him later. If not, then one less customer. Another one will always take his place.
"Ryuu!"
"Yes…" came the elf with blonde hair and sky blue eyes right away, her expression passive, carrying the beauty and elegance that was her race's own.
"Tomorrow, go to the guild, and exchange these stones."
"Where are they from?" her expression did not even change asking this.
"A guy who just left paid with them. Some newbie who just arrived in the city. That idiot right away dived in the dungeon. Tch! Most likely without blessing…" Mia huffed annoyed, handing the stones to the elf named Ryuu.
"How deep?"
"Figure it out yourself; the stones say it all…"
"…" Ryuu's passive expression twitched for a moment, her eyes losing their calm luster as she inspected the stones. Only for a moment, before returning to her usual passive self. "Interesting…" she only muttered as much before nodding. "Very well…"
And thus, the last adventures leaked away from the shop, the employees finally closing the doors, cleaning up and went to sleep. Their shift ended! For today at least.
…
In the next morning, Gazef woke up. He had a rough night, spending it in the streets, yet, his back ached less than one may expect after pulling such an all-nighter. As usual, he woke up early in the morning — as he did so since his childhood.
"At least I could sleep a little bit… it was less chilly than expected." As a former mercenary, and soldier he long ago got used to sleeping under the open skies.
Techniques existed to ignore most elements, and weathers Mother Nature can throw against him. Learning how to fall asleep everywhere, taking the best position to rest was only a necessity he learned under the years.
"But where to go first? The bookstore to inspect the maps or the guild?" Unfortunately, Mia did not mention the guild also has a library which may contain the information he needs — Being Gazef not asked it directly, the boss woman did not say. Yet, he suspected the thing.
"The guild may have a few maps about the surrounding. But I doubt they keep more detailed ones around. Even in the kingdom, those things were rather costly and rare…"
Indeed, remembering the best maps the kingdom had, he only hoped the ones here would contain the information he needs. Naturally, he doubted not that the guild also had the necessary papers, he only doubted those maps detailed, or covered enough area for his needs.
To have maps contained not one, but multiple continents that needed a specialized shop, a shop he asked Mia, and a few individuals on his way last day. He only hoped they have the necessary items he needs.
"Such maps usually cost a hefty sum, most of the times even inspecting them cost money… and I never saw one which contained our whole continent, not speaking multiple ones. Hopefully, here I can find one. This city quite prosperous after all."
Just remembering his home's magical association was enough to remember; those greedy mages cheated on you whenever they could. Asking coin even for the smallest effort.
"Still, the recommendations point towards a few selected shops. The one Mia recommended being a rather small, but specialized shop, just what I need. That burly boss woman also confirmed it, recommending one exact shop. According to her, the owner is quite understanding and knowledgeable about many things — as for his/her personality, that leaves things to be desired."
Gazef shrugged, making his final decision. "I can think of this later. First, I exchange my stones and ask around in the guild, inspecting their maps is a plus. That shop is rather far from here. It would be better to go prepared, with some money in my pouch."
After all, why he would make an unnecessary trip? He was still confused about this world; the information Mia shared was the bare minimum. And thus, based on this reason, Gazef took his way to the guild. Asking around, he found it under less than an hour.
A/N:
The third chapter ready!
Soon comes the fourth!
(The third and the fourth originally was one chapter. But I split it two. Hopefully, it will be more readable this way… :P)
As for why Gazef suspicious about the Empire and the Theocracy presence…
Basically, those guys (and not only them but even the nobles of his own country schemed against him) always hunted him, sending assassins against him time to time because he was a threat to their nation!
(More so to the Empire than the Theocracy, the second maybe only thought of him as a wasted opportunity, an annoyance... with the Black Scripture and Zesshi in their arsenal it is highly possible.)
Also, even if the people know not about a few countries, that did not mean the other country can't station their informants there. Gazef was not stupid to risk this and unnecessarily reveal himself for his enemies.
Tell me your opinion!
Ask, and you shall gain the answer!
RnR!
Send PM if you have further questions.
oblivon2991 out!
