Chapter IX: Who Am I?

Kano felt his consciousness return to him and for the life of him, he hoped it was a dream. A dream that was now his reality. He didn't want this. He wanted normalcy. He was getting closer to Mikoto, an adventurer yes but…

…there was no sugarcoating it, he knew that she would risk her life for her friends and Familia. What could he offer her? Kano felt himself frowning, raising a hand to his head, only for it to be gently grabbed, "Ara, you're awake, Kano."

"F-Freya?" Kano stuttered, eyes open but blackness coating his vision. "Where…" the memories came back, "…oh…right…"

"Is he awake?" Ouranos' voice boomed in the room.

"I AM GANESHA! Yes, he is. Thankfully, it was not a long time," The elephant god said. "Young Kano, understand that it was not our intention…however, I'm surprised to see you two not arguing."

Kano was confused as to what he meant when he felt another hand on his chest, the rings on the hand narrowed it down to one choice, "Dare I ask where my head is currently laying?"

Ganesha took the opportunity to answer with a wise sage-like tone, "In a place that many would covet." He would admit that he wished to feel that once…but alas, his love left the city years ago due to the loss of her Familia.

"Just because they can flaunt their stuff doesn't mean they should do it in front of everyone else," Kano heard Loki's irritated—and extremely jealous—voice.

"Jealous? Whatever do you mean?" Both Beauty Goddesses said in unison, for once agreeing that messing with Loki was fun. Freya continued, "Kano, darling…you remember what we were just talking about?"

"Shame that he woke up, I was prepared to cuddle him for the night…" Ishtar purred. She would very much like to explore his body and no further. She, like Freya, had noted he would minutely twitch when they would touch him. It's not that he was against their touch…more like, he was slightly afraid of where it would lead. He doesn't notice it but they do.

"Like I would let you," Freya countered, also noting the same thing. Another layer revealed that only added more questions.

Ishtar raised an eyebrow at her one-sided rival, "Oh? Have you finally found your Odr?"

"I am not her Odr, nor anyone's fated individual. I'm just Kano Yamabe…Orario's resident blind kid," Kano sighed, the weariness not lost on the deities present. "As for your previous inquiry; I do…me being an Oracle to the Dungeon…but…I don't know what that entails. W-Wait…what am I supposed to tell Mikoto?" The thought of lying to her was a rough situation to think about. Kano does not like lying. Omitting the details was skirting the line…but it still felt too close to a lie for him to be comfortable. "I p-presume I am about to learn what this means?" His tone was slightly frantic, now scrambling to get up but both goddesses held him in place.

Ouranos nodded as he spoke, "Indeed, young Kano. Oracles are few and far between, each one unique in appearance, personality, and willingness. I sense your curiosity about this. For now, let me finish."

Kano closed his mouth at that, not wanting to disrespect the deity before him. He was helped up by Freya and Ishtar, nodding when he was stable enough. However, Freya wrapped herself around his arm for a brief moment to kiss him on the cheek. The blush came soon after and it only intensified when Ishtar copied her. Swiftly but gently, he shrugged them off. Not out of malice but to give himself a clear head.

"Oracles often are unaware of their significance to Gekai. Only through certain, yet random events, do they realize who they represent. One might think it was the monsters of the Dungeon or the people…but it is both yet neither," Ouranos said.

Kano put the small riddle through his mind, rolling his tongue in his mouth, "…Oracles represent…life?"

The smile was heard, not seen, "Very good." Kano stood just a tad straighter at the praise. "Life is precious to mortals, and Oracles have understood this."

Ganesha chimed in, "And there are a couple who have not." Ouranos turned to stare at the God of the Masses, "I will not lie to him, Ouranos. There are examples of Oracl-"

"Something that does not pertain to the current conversation," Ouranos' voice boomed with authority. Kano wanted to know…but that would most likely be a later conversation. "Apologies, young one. Now, Oracles are special beings that can interact with the Dungeon and the monsters within. They communicate with them and can calm the Dungeon if something occurs within. As a result, the Dungeon does not intend to harm the current or past—if still alive—Oracle."

Loki interjected, "Bossman, are there any references to these Oracles and why am I just hearing about them?" She was admittedly frustrated that something else had popped up. The Trickster never expected something like this and her thoughts showed on her face.

Kano dryly replied with a mumble, "Ah yes, let me just have my mother unbirth me…" Sadly, he forgot it slightly echoed in the room, meaning they all heard it.

"Not what I meant, kid," Loki defended herself.

"Clearly."

"As for the lack of information, sadly, I'm afraid there is not much to tell about the personal lives of the previous Oracles. The only one the Guild knows of is the First."

Kano started to shift in place, feeling an unseen weight being gently placed on his shoulders as if someone's hands were resting there. He knew no one was touching him but it still felt real. "The First Oracle known to gods and mortals alike was regaled as a prophet. They were able to understand the monsters that poured out from the hole that we know as Babel before Orario was even a thought in our eyes. However, some come to regard Oracles as people who can see the future with vague visions…as morbidly ironic as that is." Ouranos whispered the last part to himself. If Kano heard him, he made no notion that he did, still within the confines of his mind, trying to rationalize himself.

Freya, Loki, Ishtar, and Ganesha paid rapt attention, since Ouranos was not one for many words, preferring to get to the point. "Many regarded her as delusional and called her many names, mainly equivalent to a monster lover. However, despite all this, she continued to do her duties, calming what would be the Dungeon so that monsters did not flood Gekai. Sadly, the information we have on the First is limited, we do not even know her name. Furthermore, we do know her appearance, race, and even the village she was born in." What went unsaid for Ouranos was some Oracles may have had their personal effects on them at the time of their deaths or wished for information to not be revealed.

At the time of the Age of the Gods, deities would often try to find relatives of the current Oracle to…strongarm them. Ouranos recalls times when that has backfired. The Oracle was not someone anyone could control but guiding them on a proper path was not out of the question.

"Well, I wouldn't be able to read it without help…" Kano mumbled, rubbing near his eyes. The cloudiness around his eyes prevented that. "…maybe I could make…hmmm thoughts for later."

While the deities were interested in his mumbling—Freya most of all because she saw his soul shine bright for a brief moment—they had business to attend to. She would ask him later.

"Do we know anything about Oracles? Aside from what you've already said…I feel as if there is something more," Kano said, the pressure in the room subtly rising, the weight now causing a strain. Incomprehensible mumblings reached his ears but he chose not to focus on them.

Ganesha chose to answer this query, "Oracles are protected by the Dungeon, as mentioned previously, meaning that you can enter the Dungeon and understand what it desires. No doubt you've heard the rumors and speculations that the Dungeon is considered alive?"

"I have," Kano said softly, finally being able to sit up. "But what does that have to do with me? If you think about it, why me? How are Oracles chosen, or found? Wouldn't something like this be passed down to a specific bloodline?" Kano was freaking out. He might now show it but him asking these questions was his small prayer that this was an elaborate prank the Gods were pulling on him.

"Oracles, in our observations, are chosen based on their souls before they are born. As divine beings do not influence this process, possibly the ones who manage the Well."

'The Well? What is that?' Kano's thoughts sprung to the forefront. Something from Tenkai? Something important to Gekai?

"In truth, it is random…as much as I despise the word. However, there is one caveat to each Oracle in recent years…for deities that is," Kano frowned at the tone, as it was filled with pity.

"What is it?" His voice showed Freya that he noticed the tone.

Like ripping off a bandage, "…Oracles are known to be born blind…as was the case with the last seven Oracles in these last five hundred years," Ouranos said. "All because the eighth previous Oracle crossed a line, and now they are cursed to be blind. As to what that curse entails…I'm afraid that no one has found out how to reverse it if that is possible at all."

Kano felt his heart stop. He thought he was blind from birth because of a complication with his mother's pregnancy. But to find out that he was cursed? It aggravated him. He was suffering for something that happened centuries ago! Something he didn't do! Life was inherently unfair but this was just another level of unfairness! "Did my parents know?" No one answered him. "Your silence makes me believe that they did. I hear no evidence of the contrary." The mumbles became small whispers of comfort, to stop Kano's rising emotions.

The Dungeon stirred at the distress, which was noticed by Ouranos, and calmly sent a prayer to be still for just a bit longer.

Once that was done, the God looked up, "I cannot answer what I do not know, young Kano. Do you wish to take a minute to…process what you've learned?" Ouranos was offering Kano an out. One he could or could not take. It was entirely dependent on him.

"…"

"We would not think of you differently if you left," Loki said, being serious. Kano noticed that…and appreciated the notion. "While I don't know much about this, I will say…you are special." Kano felt the notion was…soft in nature.

"As for why I believe Oracles are now born blind, think of it as a lesson, one that I firmly believe that the ones of the future should not have to pay for the sins of another. This lesson I allude to is a lesson in judgment. With our eyes, we judge people, everyone, and everything no matter who it is, consciously and subconsciously. While one may not say the thought in their minds, the fact that it was thought at all makes all the difference. Without sight, that barrier is gone, forcing one to rely on their other senses. This would also apply to any monster you happen to meet. You know not what they look like but can grasp who they are from their voice alone." Ouranos was factual in delivering his speech but Kano did minutely relax. He wanted to be mad at saying how he should be blind because of the past, making this all a test.

Kano knew he shouldn't think that way, and he silently had to accept that this was how life was going to be from now on. Repenting for sins that weren't originally his. He doesn't even know what those sins are, so how can he obtain forgiveness?

"…" Kano was silent, making them think he passed out again. The grip on his aid was firm. His knuckles were white, despite the calmness his face portrayed. Freya and Ishtar had thought of approaching him but decided that it was not a good idea based on the look from Ouranos. "Will the Dungeon attempt to…persuade me like it tried to before?" He had put together the pieces. The reason why he was so antsy. The reason he shouted so loud before was because the memory came back. The one where he cried to the heavens to make it stop.

"No," Ouranos said, his eyes closing and sighing, "When the First Oracle warned us of what was to come, even though she was regarded as a people person, she was treated with scorn after telling people what they detested the most: The Truth. Some Oracles may have journals or some important item that has a large significance to them. I've had my contacts searching for them when they have time. They have managed to find a few peculiar items that seemed abnormal as such items are things that many would disregard. I believe that just like your aid, these items were something the previous Oracles regarded as their most prized possession."

"Would I be able to touch them…possibly gain a sense of what they were and their significance?" He muttered under his breath, thinking of the possibilities. Soon after, Kano began to pace the room slowly, feeling all eyes on him. He wanted to ask more but there was something else he needed to ask, something he genuinely wondered about. He would have to departmentalize another time. His body was filled with adrenaline, learning all this new information and making mental notes. "Would my body accept a Falna?"

This caught the goddesses off-guard except for Ganesha and Ouranos, since they already knew the answer. "I am GANESHA!" Ganesha cleared his throat and lowered his voice, "Ahem, young Kano. Anyone attempting to mark an Oracle is tantamount to the likes of a divine being entering the Dungeon. You are meant to be a neutral entity. From one previous account, the last time someone intended to mark the Oracle, their entire Familia suffered the wrath of the Dungeon. In short, no you cannot."

"Is that why my senses are sharper than those already with a Falna?" Kano then asked, now doubting everything about himself.

Loki clicked her tongue, "No, actually. I believe you mentioned a theory around someone some time ago and I had Momma look into it-"

"Momma?" Kano asked with deadpan confusion.

"Riveria."

"Ah, her Majesty…"

Freya raised an eyebrow, "Ara? Are you flirting with other women?"

Kano turned his blind gaze to the silver-haired Goddess, "No. I've deduced that her speech patterns indicate she is of royal blood, it shows in her voice, steps, and general demeanor."

The Trickster huffed, "You're not allowed near my girls if that is how you're going to act…all smooth-like."

"No offense, Lady Loki, but I believe many would be off-put to my blunt way of speaking. I would not be surprised if I asked them what they thought of the Sword Princess and all that came out was vulgar undertones."

"I'd toss them to Hades himself," Loki answered seriously. When she got four blank looks—Ganesha's body language did that for him—she sighed, "Not like you have a favorite child…hypocrites."

"I would advise keeping silent unless you want me to call you out," Kano muttered. Nothing wrong with having favorites.

"Anyway, that theory," Loki corrected herself, "There have been studies on the brain and the one you presented us with was mostly correct. Some scholars argue that it does not affect everyone the same, depending on when they lost the sense and which one, for you, your sight and since birth. They have grown a lot more accustomed without it…at least that's what Momma was sayin'," Loki finished. Kano was slightly surprised to hear such a thing exit Loki's mouth.

Maybe he underestimated her, as it would not be the first person this happened to. "I understand. Pass my regards to Her Majesty when you are able." Unknown to himself, Kano's aid tapped the floor of the hall with increasing intensity, his face expressed nothing, eyes staring at nothing. "Last thing: Are there…other caveats that I should know about?" Kano was trying to take this well but from the glances he was feeling from the deities, he was failing miserably. In retrospect, his entire life as he knew it was changing before his very being.

"Yes, this is one of the most important points. Upon entering the Dungeon for the first time, Oracles may feel a sense of belonging, as if one was walking into a home that they knew all their life," Ouranos said. "Do not be surprised if Monsters spawn from the walls and start attempting to communicate with you or if they approach you. They will not know of your blindness but the Dungeon has surprised us before."

"Would I even be able to understand them?" The blind boy asked then, feeling from the Primordial God's words that there was more to that statement but didn't find a reason to pry yet. Kano knew this Q&A session would go on for a bit longer, and he would take this opportunity to the best of his abilities. The answer he got wasn't exactly a confirmation but it wasn't a denial either. "Would I be able to tell anyone about this?"

Freya and Ishtar smiled knowing that he was referring to the young Far Eastern girl. The latter had heard of her in passing but thought nothing of it. That means she would have to investigate her.

Ouranos regarded the blind boy before him, and Kano turned to meet his eyes. The feeling of being stared at by the Founding Father himself sent shivers over his body. However, he stood his ground. Kano felt those eyes had seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. He has seen or heard of almost everything.

"Only if you fully trust them, and even then, they may not believe you," He answered honestly.

"One more question," Kano started, "What if a God tries to force a Falna on me?"

Ganesha stepped forward, "Then we will step in…and the Dungeon will eventually take care of them." Kano turned in surprise at the Masses God's answer. It sounded cruel coming from him. Even though he had already gotten that type of answer from a few questions ago.

"Are you expecting someone to try?" Loki asked, subtly looking at the two Beauty Goddesses, who hadn't been at each other's throats. "Oi color me curious, kid. What do you think of the two who are nearly hanging off you?"

Ishtar and Freya raised an eyebrow at the Trickster's question. Ganesha just sighed and stood close to Ouranos' throne. The latter watched inquisitively.

Kano was put on the spot. He sighed, "They both fill a different type of fantasy. One elegant. One wild. It depends on preference. Nothing wrong with either and both could be the opposite at any time, Lady Loki." Feeling the intense stares from the two aforementioned Goddesses, and ignoring them, he turned to Ouranos, "…is there anything else I should absolutely know? Or am I going to have to take risks to get answers?" Kano asked but paused as he felt somethi-

No, someone spoke to him, "Answers…in time, Oracle. descend…depths…will not harm."

Kano dropped his aid upon hearing the voice, sucking in a breath. His hands shook, stumbling. Loki, being the closest to him, put a hand on his shoulder, "Hey kid, you good?"

"…spoke…"

Ouranos hummed, dedicating his prayers to the Dungeon to ascertain what he sought. "It seems the Dungeon wishes to meet its new Oracle. Furthermore, if anyone accompanies him, they will be harmed."

"Ahh hahaha…haaah," Kano nervously chuckled. His right hand grasped at nothing, realizing his aid was no longer in his hand. Loki quickly scooped up the aid, frowning as it felt heavy.

"Why is this so heavy?" Loki couldn't help but ask.

Freya perked up at this, "Speaking of…my lovely Captain mentioned how he tried to pick up sweet Kano's aid and it felt heavier than some magic stones. I believe this is not the first time this happened…" She adopted her thinking posing, crossing one arm over her waist and her other hand under her chin, oozing sensuality. Unintentional it may be but that's just a part of Freya's charm.

Loki quickly put it in his flexing hand and his posture relaxed instantly. "Is this some relic?"

Kano responded with his honest answer, "It was my first 'toy' but also a means of my independence…" he whispered. Still shaken by what that voice said, he closed his eyes and held his aid to his chest like a child would their favorite possession. "I couldn't rely on my parents forever to travel and I remember that I wanted to help them with their daily lives, not just becoming a burden to them…is that why they left?"

Before any deity could comfort him, he turned toward the staircase, "If that is all…" he paused, waiting to see if there was something more. "…If I have more questions, Lord Ouranos, then may I enter?"

Ouranos nodded, "Yes, I shall talk with Royman and have a special pass that would allow you entrance to my chamber at any time."

Kano started up the stairs, "I wish to be alone for the time being, I shall be at the Hostess if you wish to talk but I cannot say if I will be receptive…"

What they all noticed but never pointed out…

…were the tears that trickled down his face during the entire meeting and yet he never rubbed them away.

Kano had his eyes closed as he walked the streets once more. Nevertheless, his ears heard everything. People wondered why he was crying. Why was he moving at a snail's pace? How he was able to move to avoid the crowd. All this was white noise to him. He slowly made his way off the streets, having recognized where he was. After all, his memory wouldn't erode so easily.

"Mister Yamabe?"

Even hearing the stoic voice of Ryuu, he did not react, merely taking the three steps up into the Tavern. Ignoring her entirely, he attempted to walk by. Unfortunately, Ryuu put her arm across the doorframe. He stopped before he made contact with her, knowing elves do not like being touched in any capacity except by their chosen, "Lady Ryuu…" He heard no other customers inside, so he was free to express himself.

The elf paused at the downtrodden tone of the blind boy, "What happened?"

"Life-changing events that I honestly wish never happened," he explained bluntly, with a weary sigh. "Does Lady May need help with tonight's service?"

"Mister Yamabe…"

"Kano…it is my name Lady Ryuu, use it please?" He asked with exhaustion coating his voice. He still was looking straight ahead, tears still falling.

Chloe and Lunoire took notice of the commotion and went over the shoulders of Ryuu, "Kano…are you alright? After…"

"Me silencing the Dungeon?"

"….yea…" Chloe mumbled, not exactly keen on bringing it up, even if he did.

Kano ducked under Ryuu's arm and entered the establishment, "Something I cannot speak of yet…not until I fully trust you." He continued walking but had paused at hearing their intakes of breath. No matter how silent it was, Kano's ears heard it correctly. "Do not mistake my words, I trust you all…but there are some things I'm not ready to say…please forgive me…"

He was about to walk upstairs but a large hand clamped down on his shoulder. "Kid…"

"Let go…" he whispered, his voice catching. Mia must have given the girls a signal because he heard their footsteps moving upstairs past him, as the staircase creaked with their weight.

"Tell me what's gotten into you," Mia's voice came out stern but Kano interpreted a motherly tone that crumbled his defenses.

He turned and without hesitation buried his head into Mia's chest and started crying. Mia, momentarily shocked, gently embraced him and rubbed his head. "Let it out. In here, no one will judge you."

Kano let all of his tears out. All the frustration. All the sorrow. All the pain. Everything that has plagued him for years has finally come to fruition. His life was simple. Now he's supposedly the newest generation of an Oracle. Such a drastic change would be shocking to anyone. Some might have flat-out rejected the reality before them. Kano wasn't one for deluding himself into that mindset. Something was different about him, more so now than ever before.

Minutes passed, and his tears continued. This shouldn't be affecting him so much but he was human, and he had limits. Those were reached, strained, and broken in the span of a few hours. Mia quietly whispered, "Is it something you can tell me?"

Kano hiccupped a few times, "S-Sorry about the shirt…" He inhaled and exhaled. "Do you happen…" he paused as he truly contemplated telling her. Mia was there two years ago when he needed someone. He would never admit it but Mia being in his life was like having that reliable member of one's family in their corner.

"Out with it, kid," Mia demanded, her soft interior going away.

"…what do you know about a legend referring to Oracles…?" From the way Mia stiffened before him, feeling and hearing her do so, Kano knew that she knew something. "Of course, you're aware…or had a clue…or Freya had mentioned it."

Mia gently guided him to the bar counter, "You're one of them, aren't ya?"

"Apparently…did you know that Oracles are born blind due to something a previous one did? Why must I suffer for the actions of the distant past?" He asked softly but Mia's enhanced hearing picked up on his distress and anger.

The owner of the Hostess of Fertility could only sigh, "No, I did not. However, you never let your blindness get to you before, so what changed? Don't tell me you're getting soft."

Kano, despite all that's happened, scoffed, "You fucking wish." Sniffing to keep his nose from leaking, he reached for a napkin, knowing she kept them on the bar top. "I just…it's going to take a few days for it to sink in. I'm aware of it but I'm not affected by this just yet. Even so, I'm sure the girls will understand…it's just…"

"The one you fancy," Mia teased lightly, getting the bar ready for tonight. "You are unsure. Wondering if she would still accept you…" Mia's tone softened but still carried an even presence.

Kano leaned on the counter, clutching his aid—as he hadn't let go of it since entering the establishment—and groaned, "Yes? No? I have no goddamn clue! I even have the stupid idea to enter the Dungeon to see if this is true! Tell me, Mia…have I finally lost it?"

"No. I do not believe so," The dwarf responded. She could sense his seriousness when he mentioned entering the Dungeon. Normally, she would dissuade him from doing so. Yet him bringing up that Oracle legend leads her to believe that he may just be onto something. "However, if you feel like it, I cannot stop you. I generally would urge you to reconsider, otherwise I would lose a valuable cook."

"Very funny, no wonder you kept me around," Kano deadpanned, feeling slightly better now that he was able to joke around. Probably not the best way to cope with this new information but stressing too much about it would cause problems. Perhaps that's what Mia was trying to do: keeping his mind off it. He admitted to himself later that night it worked. "So, do you still need help? Don't you have a large reservation for tonight? And are they going to stop hiding?"

Mia straight up guffawed at his blank tone before she scolded all the girls for the breach of trust. At that point, Kano couldn't care less, he had told the one person he should tell.

That night, Kano did not allow himself to be seen, but the only reason people knew he was there was because the regulars at the Hostess could differentiate the flavor in the dishes. While Mia's version of food was top-tier, Kano's offered a different spin on the same dish. When they inquired about him, Mia shut them down, saying today was rough and he was taking time to shift his focus. Any tips they left for him were collected by Mia and would be handed to him later.

That was all he allowed her to say. He could feel many of the gazes from the door anytime he walked close to it. None were brave enough to enter to see him, one because no one aside from employees was allowed in back; two because it was merely a set of doors one would find in those cliché western movies. Something the gods often got a kick out of.

Syr was present at the Hostess that night and she quickly picked up that something was wrong with Kano, so she opted to ask him how he was. His answer was unsurprisingly curt but lacked the usual bite it had when he was teasing her. It only raised Kano's suspicions of Syr even more. He didn't tell her but was able to deduce that something was off.

Meanwhile, the one present in Syr sighed, knowing that it was affecting him more than he said it was. She nearly shed her disguise there and embraced him. How she wanted to take that pain away.

The one good thing about tonight was that Mikoto had not arrived. If she had, Kano would hide from her…probably. She would easily pick up on his mood. She was getting better at that. Since he often doesn't express himself through facial expressions, he often uses body language. Just by shifting his body could he accurately discern which emotion he wanted to convey, even if he couldn't see it.

Nevertheless, dinner service ended with Kano getting the most tips, again, despite barely being seen the entire night. When it was over, he was already cleaning the dishes; having recognized the kitchen's layout, he helped May clean up. The cat girl knew that talking to him tonight was out of the question.

"I would like to apologize for my behavior, Lady May," he had whispered to her. "I don't mean to be distant…"

"Nyat a problem…I understand that nya had a rough day…" May attempted to comfort him but her nervousness shined through. He found no fault in it.

Kano finished his last dish before grabbing his aid, "If you need me again, I'm sure one of the lovely ladies outside can help track me down. After all, I don't go far." What he didn't expect was for May to hug him, getting an audible 'oof' from him. "L-Lady May?"

"Don't retreat into yourself…or you won't recover…do not make the same mistake I almost did," May warned him. Her lack of accent made Kano take that advice seriously, even if her tone expressed that already.

Hearing such a declaration from her, Kano sighed and gently wrapped his free arm around her, "If that is what you wish, Lady May…"

Mere minutes before the world knew.

Mikoto was at odds with herself. The Far Eastern warrior had not seen Kano after what Orario had dubbed an abnormal occurrence with the Dungeon. It fell silent. Monsters did not spawn for an entire day. While many adventurers wanted to know what happened, nothing major happened in Orario, as far as magic stone-powered items were concerned. They weren't scheduled to be changed for a few weeks now. The biggest stone they usually needed was from Minotaurs, anything bigger was usually something major.

She wanted to check in at the Hostess to see if Kano was there but her instincts told her that something else was happening. Normally, at this time, she would be sleeping or preparing to sleep after getting into her nightwear. Yet something told her that she would not be sleeping tonight. While her Familia did not go into the Dungeon today, as the monsters do not seem to be spawning at their proper rates, Ouka recommended that they take the day off to strategize and get insight on their next dive.

Still, Mikoto could not help but think of her…boyfriend. 'Yes, boyfriend,' Mikoto decided with a blush. She never thought she would find a partner, especially one as considerate as Kano. Chisuga wanted to ask how their dates have been going, and to ask if she could help her get with Ouka…

…but the world had other plans.

She got up from her bed, wrapped her robe around her, and decided to speak with Takemikazuchi. As a young maiden falling, she had some questions. Who better to ask than the one she had considered she loved? She was true in her convictions at the prospect but after taking a step back, she realized that she would pass away in the blink of an eye to him. She would still love Takemikazuchi but as a father figure.

She paused in her walk, thinking of what Kano's parents were like. She doesn't recall if he had mentioned them to her, and perhaps some higher power didn't want her to know but she still wondered all the same.

Mikoto was lost in her thoughts as she looked up, spooked, as Takemikazuchi stopped her from walking into a wall, "Ah, Mikoto, are you alright? Usually, you don't space out like that."

Blushing in embarrassment, she fiddled with her hair, "My sincerest apologies, Lord Take…I have been…thinking…"

"About the one who has…caught your fancy?"

The blush deepened, "Y-Yes…I want to know more about him…but I feel as if…I would cross a line too soon."

"Ah…" Take hummed. He wasn't the best to act on feelings, being primarily a War God, and asking a Goddess of Love or Beauty was difficult since their ways of acting were…dangerous. Hestia was of the Hearth and Flame…so no dice. Miach might be a good choice. "Let me tell you about how guys usually operate. We don't often share our feelings unless it is with someone we trust and pray that they never use it against us."

"What?" Mikoto was appalled that someone would do that to another person. Of course, being the honor-bound person she was, this was a shock to her. She would never do that.

Take nodded, "I know you would never do that. Yet I've seen it happen plenty of times in all my years. I find it abhorrent. However, from what I have heard through gossip-"

"Pardon my interruption, Lord Take, but you do not seem to be the type to listen to such gossip," Mikoto said gently.

He nodded at his daughter—as gods do refer to their Familias as their children—guiding her to the main living room of their small home. "Sometimes I hear things. As for this young man…" he paused, looking at Mikoto to gauge her reaction, "He has been the hot topic for entertainment recently, due to all the abnormal things that are happening, and that's not including the new Record Holder. Getting back on topic, the truth is that not many know much about him." Mikoto's shoulders dropped a little. "To be fair, he has been living in Orario all of his life but no one knew who he was until a month and some days ago, yourself included. So tell me, what did you think when you first saw him?"

"I…" Mikoto blushed again—a common theme for tonight it seems—for the umpteenth time, "remember him asking who this angel was. It led to us talking and I started to see him more and more often…and every time I did I-"

"Wanted to know him more," Take nodded, seeing the line of thought she had. However, he needed to know if her feelings were true and not superficial. "But why?"

"Huh?"

"I want to know why you wanted to get to know him better," Take said. "Was it because he was blind? Called you a nickname? Or something else?"

"I would never-!" Mikoto started to raise her voice but calmed quickly, "I would never think like that about him. For some reason, I feel as if I knew him…before."

Take quickly caught on to what his child was inferring. Such things were not impossible but they certainly were not common. The Gods had a name for these but sharing now would not help her, "I see."

Mikoto thought Takemikazuchi would call her out for lying or bringing something else up that did not pertain to the conversation. "Wait, you believe me?"

"Why wouldn't I?" Take raised an eyebrow, "I know you would not lie on your honor. However, what you described… is something I cannot share with you just yet. I would like to meet this boy, Yamabe Kano, was it?"

Mikoto nodded, "Yes…I haven't had the chance to talk to him in recent days…but my instincts feel like something is going to happen."

No sooner than when she said that…

…the Dungeon rumbled.

The Dungeon was not as active at night than in the day. To clarify, many adventurers are early risers and not night owls. Not many are so keen to go into the Dungeon after the late evening. However, one was bold enough to do it, knowing damn well what could happen.

That 'one' happened to be Kano. He was well aware that he was risking an awful lot but he also needed some answers. He needed to know, a deep desire to obtain an answer that he didn't even know he was asking. The blind boy did not sneak out of the Hostess. They just…let him go. Of course, he felt eyes watching his every move but what caused butterflies to clutter his stomach was how he thought he felt eyes coming from the direction of the Dungeon.

It was not a normal stare, that much was confirmed.

As he approached the Dungeon, someone called out to him, "Halt!"

"Hmm?"

Kano inclined his head and paused his stride. The person who called out to him quickly reached his side, "Sorry, just wanted to make sure that you weren't going to walk straight into the pit and fall to your death."

It seemed that the cover of night helped him in this case, since there weren't a lot of lights around, as Kano could feel their warmth as he passed them by. "Apologies, my vision is adjusting and I was lost in thought, I've been inside with bright lights all night. Thank you for stopping me."

"Ha ha, not a problem, I know the feeling. Are you heading in for a quick dive…without armor?"

Kano shook his head, turning to face this person, sensing the bewilderment and suspicion in their voice, "Just need to confirm something. The stairs are over there?" Kano pointed in a direction, honestly not knowing where they were.

"…okay…are you an adventurer?"

"…No. I have something to confirm for myself…" Kano did not lie to this person as he knew the rule that non-adventurers could not enter the Dungeon. So, he does not wish to resort to this, channeling the need to make them listen, to just get past this one hurdle, "Tell me where the stairs are and do not raise suspicion…"

The Dungeon reacted to Kano's voice, as he was still unsure why he was able to produce such a thing. "…what? What did you do?"

"You won't be able to do much else unless you tell me what I need to know. I'm not a God, I'm not with Evilus, and I'm most certainly not doing this out of malicious intent," Kano said, his tone apologetic to the person he was affecting.

"B-But…"

"The stairs…show me." His voice boomed again without the need to channel that emotion, the feeling.

Kano grabbed onto the person's arm and they guided him to the top of the stairs that led to Beginner's Road, "J-Just follow the wall, i-it goes in a circle all the way around."

The blind boy turned after descending several steps, "Thank you, and I apologize for having to coerce you in that manner…makes me regret having to open my mouth those weeks ago…"

"Y-You!" The person had a realization of who they were talking to, "You're-"

"No one of importance, good sir…just someone looking into a tale of misfortune…" Kano mumbled softly, taking it step by step, going as slow as he wanted.

The descent was both exciting and terrifying. Both emotions sent waves of adrenaline through his veins. The grip on his aid increased to the point where he could swear that he was bleeding. His muscles were tense the entire way down, hearing only the echoes and the slight breeze. 'Odd, a breeze? Is it coming from the Dungeon?' He thought to himself.

As he was still new in the area, he found himself brushing the wall until he felt his hand slip away from it. A wave of fear washed over him, making Kano audibly gulp. "Haah…This was such a bad idea. Why did I go alone? Oh…because no one would believe me…and now you're talking aloud to yourself…"

Not uncommon for people to do but Kano rarely did so, not finding the need to. As he faced the entrance to the Dungeon, he could feel the stares of the walls boring into him, welcoming him. Eerie. "Am I really about to step into a place riddled with monsters just to satisfy a childish curiosity?" A nervous laugh escaped him, "Of course I am…"

Shakily exhaling, he raised his left foot and took the first step…

…and so, the Dungeon acknowledged its new Oracle with a gut-wrenching roar and all went silent once more.

…

There is an extremely—by all means to the furthest extremes—vague undertone I've presented with this chapter. Some might have noticed if one is a deep diver into anything they read but if you have not, fret not. It is not overly important but it will make sense eventually. Who knows? The Dungeon hasn't been explored much by me in this story. In this instance, some things will be different.

I mentioned there were other Oracles, and their willingness. Also a part of this little thing I'm trying to build up. Not saying it will pan out but nothing I can't try…after all, writing is trying new things. Am I cruel to do this to Kano? Perhaps but all authors make characters suffer because it can build, break, and rebuild them.

The thing about DanMachi is how humans, and all other species, are eventually reincarnated through this thing I believe to be called the Well of Souls—perhaps its a fanon thing but I like it—and its how Freya can tell the color of souls, she knows these colors represent past lives. So…it's not a far leap in logic for what I've presented before you.

Simply put, The Dungeon will be making its first grand appearance, and Mikoto will be at the forefront. After all, she still has to get him to meet the 'father' (Takemikazuchi).

Oh, and the last two sections of this chapter was going to be flipped but I really wanted to end on a cliffhanger type thing. Much more fun that way.

That's all from me, until next time.

Now, let's see how long it takes me to get a Tales Chapter written lmao.