'Thought'

"Speech"

System text

"Book, note, or projected speech"

POV: Dante

Orario, the city of gods, adventurers, and of course the one and only dungeon this world has to offer. Walking down the street towards the guild I can't help but look around at everything with a bit of excitement.

Despite knowing it and living it for the past few months it's just now hitting home that I'm actually here. Just the prospects of joining a familia, diving into the dungeon, and going on untold adventures had me giddy with excitement. Looking to my side it's obvious I'm not the only one, Haruhime had a small smile as well. Of course I was also excited about the quest I received when we stepped foot in the city.

Quest received

Child of the Gods:

Welcome to the city of the gods Orario! Here all your dreams may come true and untold stories wait to be written. Of course you need one crucial element to begin your adventure in this glorious city, a Falna!!

Objectives:

Obtain a falna: ]

Rewards: 200 Xp, 100 GP, 1 familial feat (dependent on deity joined)

Yeah, while the rewards aren't exactly amazing I do get a familial feat. "What is a familial feat?" you might be asking, well according to the system a familial feat is a feat that provides benefits completely reliant on the god or goddess that I join.

Think of it like how familia's were specialized in the original novel and anime. Gods that focused on medicine and healthcare led medical based familia while gods that focused on agriculture led farming familia. The benefits of their familial feats would most likely align with those professions in some way as that's what the head deity is known for.

Anyway I got off track, getting into the city hadn't been much of a problem, all we had to do was identify the caravan we were with and pay the entry fee. Not long after all of the guards were paid our share for the trip which was about eighty thousand valis each.

Now Haruhime and I had separated from Helen and Jasmines party. Even though I wish we could of gone with them one of the guards had mentioned I was expected at the guild. So with that in mind we had set off, though I did promise Helun we would have a date in a few days.

"Is that it?"

Looking over I see that Haruhime was pointing at a rather large building that was intricately decorated. Immediately I recognize it as the guild building or what did they actually name it the...pantheon! Pantheon that was it.

"Yeah that's the place." I replied as we started to make our way inside.

The inside of the building was just as grandiose as it had been in the anime. Looking around I find an open desk that was manned by a silver haired elf, I think her name was Sophie.

Pointing her out to Haruhime we walk over to her as she smiles and speaks in a professional voice.

"Good afternoon and welcome to the guild, my name is Sophie how can I help you?" She asks.

"Ah, good afternoon I was told I was expected, my name is Dante Fenix." I state causing her eyes to light up in recognition.

"Ah of course, Lint described you perfectly. Although I was expecting a pair of white wings as well."

I groan in a mix of embarrassment and slight annoyance as she motions for us to follow her. I swear I'm going to have a talk with Lint about calling me an angel...I have dragon blood goddammit! I hear a light giggle coming from my side and see Haruhime trying to hide her laughter. If she wasn't adorable I'd feel betrayed.

Sophie gave a small laugh at my defeated look as she lead the way.

"It's okay Lint has a habit of doling out nicknames based on a persons aura. It's also why she doesn't care for certain people apparently."

I nod at the explanation already figuring she would do that. "Does Lint do a lot of work for the guild? You seem to speak quite fondly of her."

"Oh yes, Lint does quite a few quests for the guild and acts like our representative towards adventurers. I was working here before she started so I guess you could say I'm sort of her big sister." She explained with a smile before she stopped at a set of doors. Opening the doors revealed a set of stairs that descended under the guild with a path only lit by torches. "Here we are, Lord Ouranos is waiting for you inside."

I nodded as I entered first with Haruhime behind me. As we walked down the stairwell we soon entered a large room lacking anything but a single throne in the center. The dimly lit room held an almost eerie atmosphere as it was barely lit by the torches and braziers that lined the room.

In the center of the room sitting upon the throne was the god they had come to see, Ouranos. Beside his throne stood Lint cheerfully waving at the pair, a gesture that Haruhime hesitantly returned.

When they reached the foot of the throne Ouranos addressed them. "Dante Fenix, I've been expecting you."

"It's an honor to meet you lord Ouranos, Lint said that you wished to speak with me?"

The god nodded slightly. "I do, however I wish to do so in private. Lint, take Haruhime Sanjouno and wait outside my chamber."

Lint gave a salute as she jumped off the steps to the throne and used her wings to land beside Haruhime.

"Come on Haru, let's give the old man time to talk with Mr. Angel."

Of course Haruhime wasn't allowed time to respond before Lint was dragging her up the steps they had just descended and out of the room.

With the sound of the door shutting at the top of the stairwell Ouranos looked towards me. "Dante Fenix, I see now why Lint found you so special. You are the inheritor of D.I.C.E."

I sighed as I realized this might be more of a headache than I originally thought.

"I have D.I.C.E. yeah, but I have absolutely no idea what you mean by inheritor." I stated figuring that I couldn't lie to a god anyways so I might as well spill the beans.

Ouranos hummed for a few moments before he nodded. "I see, were you not granted this...system at birth?"

I shook my head. "No I was...well I guess you could say reborn with it."

Ouranos' brow furrowed. "Explain."

And so I did, I told him about my death and eventual rebirth including how I had all my memories of this world right up until D.I.C.E. dropped me off here. When I was finished Ouranos was silent as he thought over all that I had told him.

Figuring that now might be my best shot at answers I cleared my throat getting his attention. "Now that I answered your questions maybe you could answer mine?" I asked hopefully to which he nodded. "Alright let's start off with why you called me an inheritor."

"There was another before you who had the same system. He was a member the Zeus familia and while I had great hopes for him, he was quite...incompetent." He stated.

I stared at him for several moments before I spoke again. "This guy, can you describe him or what made him incompetent?" I asked. Seriously you get the ultimate fantasy system in a literal fantasy world, how could you seriously be incompetent.

"He was weak, cowardly, and only managed to become a supporter while a member of one of Orario's strongest familia. As for personality, he was Zeus' favorite for the single fact that he was as much a pervert as Zeus. His only real achievement was that he bedded Hera's favorite child and managed to live." Ouranos stated showing emotion for the first time since we spoke with his exasperated expression.

I however was too busy reading between the lines as several facts clicked together for me. The old user of D.I.C.E. was Zeus' favorite child and he slept with Hera's favorite child. That would mean the previous user was...

"Fuck all kinds of ducks..." I looked up to see Ouranos raise an eyebrow questioningly. "I'm not the kid of the previous user, but I know who is and damn if it doesn't make things more complicated."

"I would ask you to explain yourself." the god stated.

"Where I'm from, in my original life I mean, your world is a fictional story. It centers around this kid Bell who, long story short, develops a crazy skill that lets him become a first class adventurer in under a year." I explain causing his eyes to widen slightly. "Here's the thing though, this word is different than the one I read about. Certain people like Lint, Jasmine, and Helen shouldn't exist in it. Now none of this should be a problem, the problem is that there's no telling if D.I.C.E. affected Bell in any way."

Ouranos closed his eyes for a few moments before letting out a deep sigh. God's I hope I didn't just break him. "I see." Oh nope he's good. "Unfortunately that means you may know when certain events could have happened, but are unable to know if anyone that was involved still will be as well." He stated.

I nodded before pausing. "You were thinking about Evilus right?" He nodded with a grim frown at the mention of the terrorist organization. "Yeah, I'm not a fan of those guys and you're right. My knowledge about world events will probably be useless now, so it's best if we forget about that." I sighed in annoyance at not having realized it sooner.

Since I was in an alternate world I had no idea how much behind the scenes would have changed. The best I could hope for now would be to use my knowledge of the characters to play things by ear going forward.

"So where does that leave us?" I asked causing Ouranos to look at me. "Most of my knowledge just got rendered inert, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to give this second life of mine one hell of a run. The only question is what do you want with me."

Ouranos pondered the question for several moments before he finally spoke. "I will have you join a familia of my choosing and have you consult with me regularly. You're correct, while your knowledge of events is useless, your knowledge of people is invaluable."

I snapped by fingers in frustration, I knew he would want my help, but I didn't think he'd directly interfere in what familia I join.

I sighed as I realized I was stuck. "So who am I joining?" I asked. No sooner than I asked did I hear the door open upstairs. Looking towards the stairway I blinked as I recognized who had just entered.

Walking down the stairs was a goddess that I recognized almost instantly. She had long walnut brown hair and deep indigo eyes. She wore a simple white and blue kirtle with a long skirt of matching color. My eyes widened slightly as I realized that this was who Ouranos wanted me to join and I looked to him for confirmation. When the deity nodded I had to clamp my jaw to keep it from dropping.

I figured he was gonna stick me with some familia that would keep me out of harms way as much as possible. Hell I was half expecting it to be a farming familia like Demeter, but Astraea!?

The goddess gave me a kind smile as she took note of my presence before she turned to Ouranos. "I have come as requested Ouranos, how may I help you?" She asked in a firm but no less kind voice.

Okay I was officially confused, what the hell was Astraea doing in Orario? I know her familia died in the dungeon and not long after Ryuu went on to slaughter what remained of the Rudra familia. So why in the hell was she still in Orario? Did someone convince her to stay?

I was taken from my thoughts as Ouranos spoke. "Astraea, I know in recent years you have suffered greatly. With the loss of most of your familia to the juggernaut and your sole remaining member to her revenge, you have already sacrificed much for Orario." He stated causing the goddess to look away with a small frown.

"Orario must now call upon you once again. I would like you to officially reform the Astraea familia." He stated causing the goddess to look at him seriously.

"I see, you would have me rebuild my familia from nothing?" She asked with a look in her eyes that I didn't quite recognize. It wasn't resignation or sadness, but at the same time it wasn't happiness.

"Woah, woah, are you sure about this?" I asked looking at Astraea causing the two to turn to me.

"Pardon me young man, but we haven't been introduced." She stated with a small friendly smile.

"Dante Fenex, lady Astraea, but are you sure about this? He would have told you anyways..." I jerked a thumb towards Ouranos. "But I know what you're familia went through, what you experienced and how much your girls sacrificed. I could never in good conscious sit back and agree with you reforming your familia if it's not what you want." I stated.

Truthfully I meant it too, a lot of deities in this world were out for fame, fortune, and their own greedy desires. Astraea on the other hand is one of the good ones. She wanted nothing more than to truly help the people of Orario and make the city a better place and I respected the hell out of that. So if by some chance she was being coerced into this then I was gonna put my fucking foot down, consequences be damned.

There was silence for a few moments that seemed to stretch into eternity before Astraea smiled and looked back to Ouranos. "He passes." She stated simply much to my confusion.

"I'm sorry what?" I ask.

"I already had my suspicions about you when Lint described your use of spells and other mannerisms. For that reason I needed to decide if you would truly be an asset to Orario or a danger." Ouranos began only to have Astraea continue for him.

"It was then that he sent for me, as a goddess of justice I am more capable than most of my fellow deities at discerning the true character of a person. Ouranos already explained his theories about your special condition to me and I agreed that should you pass a little test that I would welcome you to my familia." She explained.

I paused as I realized they had been acting the whole time. "So you're not being forced into this?" I asked.

She shook her head with a sad smile. "No, I miss my children dearly, but I have allowed myself to wallow in misery for too long. My children would have wanted me to continue with protecting truth and justice in this city and I have failed them. I believe it is time to begin again." She stated with eyes shining in determination.

I smiled slightly, happy to see the goddess was prepared to start fresh. "I guess the only question I have left is if it'll be a problem that I'm a man?" I asked.

The goddess chuckled slightly as she answered. "No of course not, truthfully I never prohibited men from joining my familia. It was simply that all the men that tried to join wanted to do so for all the wrong reasons." She explained.

I nodded in understanding, I mean I could certainly understand feeling attraction to the former members of Astraea's familia, but come on! Deciding what familia to join is not a decision to be made while thinking with your dick! I'm looking at you Freya Familia!

"Okay so what now?" I ask not entirely sure if we were done here or not.

Astraea smiled once again, "Now I will grant you my blessing, normally this is a private matter between adventurer and deity. However, this one time Ouranos would like to observe your status as well and I have decide to allow it." She stated motioning for me to walk over to which I did.

"Alright remove your shirt and sit on the steps in front of me."

Doing as I was told I quickly turned around and sat down. Not long after I felt a drop of liquid hit my back and soon a dim blue glow followed it. It was quiet for several minutes causing me to become worried when Astraea spoke.

"Just a moment I need more paper there is quite a lot." She stated before she stood up and hurried to Ouranos throne where he presumably had more paper on hand as she returned soon after.

It was quiet once again for several more minutes before Astraea let out a sigh. "Okay and finished, welcome to my Familia Dante."

I was about to respond when I received a notification my quest was completed. I was about to ignore it when I saw Astraea flinch slightly at the sudden noise.

"Um...what just happened?" I asked confused until I saw a small square screen floating in front of Astraea.

For her part Astraea looked just as confused as she looked to the screen and read it aloud. "Quest completed...child of the gods?"

"What is wrong?" Ouranos questioned aloud causing Astraea and myself to turn to him.

"Do you not see this Ouranos?" She asked waving at the small screen.

The elder god simply shook his head as he answered. "I see nothing."

"I think...I think Astraea can see the quest notifications D.I.C.E is giving me." I stated in realization. "Lady Astraea slide your finger across the screen." I instruct wondering if that was all that she could see.

It was not, as soon as Astraea swiped her finger she began listing off all the sections the system provided and some I didn't even know about.

"Status, Quests, store, auction, and...spouses and offspring?" The last one she looked at me questioningly to which I shrugged in confusion.

The system only showed me the options to check my status, my quests, or browse through the store. It never said anything about an auction and definitely didn't have a section about any possible kids or wives

.

"Okay this is weird, D.I.C.E. what's going on?" I ask aloud causing a singular screen to appear between both Astraea and myself.

By receiving the blessing of a deity the player forms a special connection with said deity allowing their new patron to view the system as well as have a access to additional features. Additional feature information below:

1) Auction: Available once the player has reached level two, the auction allows the player to bid on items from across all of the multiverse. *Disclaimer* Auctions are conducted using Ep or Electrum pieces the exchange for which is as follows. One gold piece is worth two Electrum pieces.

2) The patron deity may see various or singular relationships of the player. Spouses are those that are recognized as legal spouses, while offspring refers to any child that shares the same genetics as the player. Note: Offspring do not need to be the legal children of a spouse to be listed.

I sighed as I put my shirt back on before rubbing the bridge of my nose. Astraea nodded as she understood that it was like looking into a regular falna only with a few extra steps.

"Okay so that's a thing, I guess I should let you know that technically I am legally married, at least in elven customs." I stated causing Astraea to blink before checking the corresponding screen.

"Hmm, I see, well at least I won't have to worry about you doing something silly like trying to find love in the dungeon." She stated with a small laugh causing me to sweatdrop, the irony was not lost on me.

"You should also know she's trying to set me up with another member of her familia...oh and my companion Haruhime too I think." I stated nonchalantly causing her laugh to turn into choked coughing.

"Those matters aside..." Ouranos started indicating he didn't wish to hear anymore of the conversation. Astraea gave me a look that said it would be discussed later when she took my status sheet and gave it to him.

As he read over the pages I opened the notification I had received to look over my quest or more specifically the feat I received by completing it.

Duality of Justice: As a child of Justice you understand that one must have a sharp mind to solve situations peacefully. You also understand that some situations may only be resolved with force. Gain 1 towards the skills insight and investigation. Also gain proficiency in the use of longswords.

"Dante?"

I'm shaken from looking over my new feat when I hear Astraea address me. Looking back towards her and Ouranos I realize that I must have zoned out.

"I'm sorry did you say something?" I asked slightly embarrassed.

"Yes, we're finished for now and are free to leave. Of course we still need to see if your friend would like to join my familia as well, convert Lint to our familia, and register you at the guild." She informed me as she started leading me out of the room.

"Wait, Lint is joining us as well?" I asked in confusion.

"Yes, Ouranos, despite what he appears, is a very busy person so he doesn't have as much free time as you may think for managing a familia. That is why after discussing it with Lint they have decided she should transfer into my familia." She explained as we neared the door.

"I see." I replied keeping my skepticism to myself. Even as busy as Ouranos might be it still didn't seem like he wouldn't have enough time to watch over a single person.

Astraea stopped just before she opened the doors and turned to look at me with a gentle and assuring smile. "I know you don't believe what I'm saying, but know that as my child we now must rely on each other. I don't know if you trust me, but I promise that I will always have your best interest at heart." She stated earnestly.

Before I could respond she turned and opened the doors proceeding through them. Geez that sucked...and made me feel like an ass.

It's not like I don't trust Astraea, I do. I just don't fully trust the guild nor Ouranos at the moment. The guild is for rather obvious reasons, cough, cough, fat elf, cough. As for Ouranos...well I can trust him to have the city's best interest in mind and until I can prove to be an asset I need to keep an eye out.

I sighed as I walked through the door only to smile slightly as I saw Haruhime who's tail was moving back and forth smiling at Astraea. Lint was beside her with her usual cheerful grin which widened when our eyes met.

She walked over though it almost looked like a skip. "It looks like we're gonna be in the same familia now Mr. Angel". She stated excitedly causing me to sigh.

"Lint for the love of the gods please call me Dante." I practically begged.

"Nope!" She cheerfully chirped.

"You two." Astraea spoke getting our attention. "I'm going to take Haruhime into this room to give her my blessing. Please wait here and I'll do you next Lint." She instructed causing us to nod.

"No problem lady Astraea." Lint replied

As Astraea and Haruhime entered Lint and I stood in comfortable silence outside the door. I was about to speak when she beat me to it.

"You don't trust me."

It wasn't a question and I knew it causing me to sigh. I forgot that Lint wasn't an airhead and could be quite intuitive. I looked over at her and noticed her smile was slightly dimmer.

"It's not that Lint."

"Then what is it?"

"I'm sort of an unknown for Ouranos, placing me with Astraea, having you join us, it sorta feels like he's sliding a noose around my neck. Meanwhile I'm just waiting. Waiting to see if he's gonna kick the chair out from under me or cut the rope." I explained.

"Hmmm I guess I can see how it feels like that... if you didn't know the old man. I mean I definitely didn't know what to think when he first took me in." She stated with a far away look.

I sighed, I really didn't want to act like I was waiting for a death sentence or be a depressing ass. "Then how should I look at it Lint?" I asked earnestly.

She looked at me and then smiled a bit brighter. "Like it's a sign of his support?" She offered helpfully causing me to raise an eyebrow. "Think about it, he's placed you into a familia with a goddess that wouldn't have the slightest thought of misusing your crazy skill. In fact he's kinda done you a favor if you really think about it."

"How's that?" I asked before realizing what she meant. "Ahhh I see now, instead of dumping me into a familia like Loki of Freya where I would be watched all the time he's giving me some freedom." I stated aloud to which she nodded. "Then what about you joining us?"

Lint waved a hand dismissively. "Oh that, we've been working on that for a while now. As I am, I'm pretty much an errand girl for the guild, but for a while now I just wanted to be part of a normal familia you know. Go on quests, dive the dungeon, and get stronger. After all...there's someone I need to beat one day." She explained, however towards the end I could see her gaze grow harsh for a brief moment.

"Who do you need to beat?" I asked in confusion. I don't remember all that much about Lint's backstory other than her abilities so hearing she had a grudge felt a little out of character for her.

Just then the door behind us opened and out stepped Haruhime. Lint quickly stepped inside but not before turning back to me and giving a quick smile and a cocky grin. "Tell you some other time, maybe."

With that she shut the door leaving me in the hall with a confused Haruhime.

"What was that about?"

"Nothing important, how did things go with Astraea?" I asked causing her to smile brightly.

"It was wonderful, lady Astraea is incredibly nice and now I'm a member of her familia. Although she did ask what my reason was for coming to Orario." She explained as she stood beside me slightly closer than what most would consider personal space.

"Oh, now that I think about it I never did ask you that." Truthfully I hadn't thought to ask Haruhime what she wanted to do now that she was in Orario. I know she was dead set on joining me, but I never thought to ask what other ambitions she might have.

"Well I explained how we met and that I wanted to support you going forward, but..." she strained off with a conflicted expression.

"Haruhime?"

"She clarified and asked what I as a person want to achieve from my time here." She explained as her tail curled around her body letting her stroke it. "Truthfully I'm not really sure what I want."

"That's not something you need to decide now you know?"

"Hmm?" She looked to me questioningly.

"Everyone asks themselves at some point "what do I want" and it can take a while before they find the answer to that question." I explain as my memories of this world started flooding through my mind. "For the longest time I thought I was content to stay in the Fenix forest as a hunter, but after a while I realized it wasn't. I still don't know what I want, but that's part of the journey, finding out what you want out of life."

Just then the doors once again opened revealing Astraea and Lint who was once again excited.

"Come on let's get registered so we can finish up here!" She stated excitedly as she practically skipped towards the reception area.

Haruhime was about to follow her when I placed a hand on her shoulder causing her to look back at me.

"When you do find out what you want let me know, I'll be there for you every step of the way." I assure her causing her to smile and blush slightly before she followed after Lint.

"I see why she has taken a liking to you." Astraea states with a small smile.

"Yeah, you can say the feelings mutual." I state while shuffling a bit awkwardly. "About before...I'm sorry and for the record I do trust you." I state causing Astraea to smile.

"I'm glad and I promise to not betray that trust." She stated before she pulls out a piece of paper I recognize as a status sheet. "Now perhaps you could clarify this." She states while showing it to me.

Taking a closer look I realize the sheet is Haruhime's and...oh wow.

"Haruhime Sanjouno"

Strength: I 10

Endurance: I 3

Dexterity: I 5

Agility: I 15

Magic: I 22

Magic:

Uchide no Kozuchi: Level boost magic that can only be used on a single target, after which an interval occurs before it can be cast again. It cannot be used on the caster.

Grow. That power and that vessel. Breadth of wealth and breadth of wishes. Until the bell tolls, bring forth glory and illusion. -Grow. Confine divine offerings within this body. This golden light bestowed from above. Into the hammer and into the ground, may it bestow good fortune upon you. -Grow

Skills:

Hi no Kitsune: The user is granted the ability to create and manipulate the great flames of the Kyuubi, known as the Kitsunebi.

Akuma no chi no noroi: Awakening the great demons blood requires a penance when skill is fully charged the penance must be paid. Effects are temporary lasting twelve hours.

Current charge: 0%

'Damn it what did you give her Lilith.'

"Dante." Astraea states clearly expecting an answer.

"Damn it." I feed just enough mind into the tattoo hidden on my hand to make it visible causing Astraea to take a sharp breath. Before there can be any misunderstandings I quickly explain how I got it and my deal with Lilith causing Astraea to frown.

"A demon, I had once thought other gods had cleansed the world of their influence. I cannot possibly express how dangerous having contact with such a creature is." She states while looking at me seriously.

I nod. "I know, I wouldn't have used the spell at all if I thought there was another way to help Haruhime. That was the only time I've summoned her and will remain the only time unless we get into a very severe life or death scenario." I state seriously.

"Good, now come we need to register you three with the guild and then I will show you where we will be staying for the time being." She stated as she started to lead me towards the reception area.

I simply nod as I cut the feed to the tattoo and follow beside Astraea.

A/n: Sorry it's been a long time since I've updated this story. I've been busy with a lot of stuff and even though I kept making plans for this story I just haven't been writing for it. That's changed now as I intend to make this one of my regularly updated stories. In fact after this chapter goes up I plan on starting the next one almost immediately.

I do also want to address the use of crossover elements as I know not everyone cares for them. I plan on keeping it mainly based around series that have a similar aesthetic or theme as Danmachi.

What that means is you can expect to see elements from series like Goblin Slayer or RE: Zero. I also fully welcome ideas from any of my readers all that I ask is that you be somewhat respectful to each other. For certain series I may also be a little flexible on my no main character rule. This is literally being treated like a dnd campaign in certain areas. For instance I was trying to decide what familia to have Dante join so I assigned Loki, Freya, Ouranos, and Astraea a number one through four and rolled a D4, it landed on four by the way.