"Hmm. How interesting."

Sat atop her throne in the highest spot available in Orario Freya smiled as she looked down at the people below. She swirled the glass of wine in her hand before taking another sip.

"To think that someone is capable of such things." She giggled, her voice akin to a melodic symphony to anyone's ears if they were to hear it. "You truly are a unique one, aren't you, Sasuke Uchiha."

The name of a handsome man with a peculiar eye that she had met completely by chance at the Hostess of Fertility under the guise of Syr Flova, a normal human waitress to anyone that knew her. The moment she had laid her eyes on him, she was captivated. She had never seen such a unique and contradicting soul before in her eternal life as a Goddess.

A burning dark flame filled with hatred rages on lies within him. A hatred so strong that she fears that she might get burned if she were to come too close. Yes, it was hatred in its purest form. But she could see that beneath all that hatred lies a profound feeling of love.

A warm and soothing sensation. A love that's akin to a gentle campfire in the middle of a cold, dark, and desolate forest that's keeping you warm and safe. This love is hidden beneath all that hate. No. It wasn't hidden, rather, it was the source of the hatred inside him.

A hatred born from love.

The revelation surprised her. No mortal had ever possessed two different colors, aspects of the soul. For every mortal life that is born, they will always have a single color, representing their soul, and while it is possible for a soul to change its color through certain experiences that they might face in their life, no soul could have two colors in a single body.

Until now that is.

However, the surprises didn't end there, what truly caught her attention, was despite the love and hatred inside of him, they both felt untainted. Pure, in fact.

Pure hatred. Pure love.

There was nothing contaminating the two, usually, there would be lingering emotions attached to one's soul, but she saw nothing. Nothing in hate and nothing in love. It felt as if the soul underwent a cleansing. Did something or someone interfere with his soul perhaps? Made it the way it is now?

From then on she suspected that there was more than meets the eye with Sasuke Uchiha, so she had sent Allen to spy on him, watching his every move after their meeting. When she heard Allen's first report she was surprised to hear that in the following days, Allen discovered that not only Sasuke was fast enough to briefly escape Allen, but also strong enough to take on the monsters on the lower floors despite only being recorded as a Level 1.

Was there a trick? Did Sasuke Uchiha lie about his level to the Guild?

The answer would be no. She found out that the Guild had originally suspected that first and had concluded that he wasn't lying as he has shown proof in the past. So if that wasn't it, then how?

As she had Allen continue watching over him, something strange had occurred. On the seventh day she had him watch Sasuke, Allen came back reporting that he hadn't encountered him for the entire day. But not only that, it seems that he had misplaced his precious silver spear on the same day. He was quite displeased at that, so much so that he tore apart every nook and cranny in Folkvangr looking for it.

It didn't help that he was being egged on by some of the other members.

When Freya asked Allen about the details of what happened that day, he would have a sudden burst of migraines, and no amount of potions and antidotes could cure him of this rendering any attempt at collecting info null.

Freya took another sip of her wine before addressing the second person in the room. "What do you think, Ottar? Did nothing really happen that day?"

The other occupant stayed silent for a moment, his mind gathering all that he knew about the raven-haired man. From the moment he had gazed upon such an individual, all of his instincts, honed from countless years of battle against powerful adversaries, told him that Sasuke Uchiha was strong.

The only Level 7 left in the entire world, the man who holds the title of King, the one who fought and felled The Gluttony of the Zeus Familia felt that if he were to come to blows with Sasuke Uchiha, he would would lose.

He didn't know why he had felt such a thing, perhaps it was simply a warrior's intuition that told him so, or perhaps something more... primal.

"I believe that he had come to blows with Allen. Though, I have no evidence that would prove it so. It is simply my intuition, my Lady."

"Hmm? Is that so?" Freya smiled as she looked back to her Champion, standing still as a statue, ready to fulfill her every desire. "How interesting. If what you say is true, then Sasuke must have done something to Allen that would make him forget what happened that day." Freya speculated as she played with some locks of her hair. "Perhaps a unique form of Magic? One that can alter the minds of its target, similarly to my own Charm?"

Freya giggled at the thought, that a mortal wielding the same power equivalent to an ability unique to certain Gods and Goddesses would be interesting.

"But it's all just speculation," Freya said, putting down her wine glass before standing up and walking to the window, getting a better view of the people milling about down below. "With Allen indisposed at the moment looking for his spear..." Freya trailed off as her eyes spotted the very individual that caught her interest. The raven-haired man was wearing his dirty poncho walking to a wagon carrying multiple people at the western gates. He appears to be speaking to the stagecoach about something.

She saw him talking to the elderly man, who nodded and left to man the wagon. Sasuke was also walking to the rear of the wagon preparing to board it. When he was about to get on, he froze. Freya was curious about what could have happened when suddenly he turned around a locked eyes with her, his onyx eye turning red.

Freya resided in one of the suites at the top of Babel Tower, it was close to impossible for a Level 1 adventurer to be able to see her, let alone make eye contact at this distance. She felt a shiver down her spine, but rather than the usual sense of pleasure she would feel when others would gaze upon her, it was more akin to a sense of impending doom. She recalled that the Far Eastern term for this was called... a Bad Omen.

She smiled and took a step back until she no longer could see him. She was breathing heavily, a pleasant tingle coursed through her. "How interesting. This is the first time I've felt such a thing in the lower world. And his eye," She sat back down and picked up her wine glass, holding it up in the air as Ottar filled it back up. "His beautiful onyx eye turned into an equally beautiful red." She licked her lip and swallowed a lump in delight. "How captivating."

"Ottar. Would you watch over him in the Dungeon for me?"

Ottar, face betraying no emotion, lowered his head.

"By your will, my Lady."

"Achoo!"

"Heh? Are you sick, Sasuke?"

"No. Someone unpleasant was just talking about me."

He rubbed the head of the little girl who asked him that question. Her mother giggled as her daughter blushed and retreated back to her arms, burying her on her mother's stomach.

Sasuke paid her no mind as he sat quietly in the wagon he was riding in. He was taking one of the many quests that would take the Quest Taker outside of Orario. It was a simple escort mission that required a caravan of merchants, who were also ferrying people from nearby villages, to the city to buy, sell, and stock up on some supplies, as well as for the passengers to sell their own products.

The pay wasn't that good, in fact, it was less than what a Level 1 farming on the First Floor would make. Which is why it wasn't popular all the much with adventurers. But he didn't take the quest to make money anyway, he just wanted to see what life outside the city was like in this world, it just so happens that he liked doing it.

The worst he encountered while doing this quest was fighting off against bandits and thieves who weren't even blessed by any Deities. Safe to say that no one is ever going to disturb this caravan anymore with him around.

He continued to enjoy the fresh air and relative silence that was only broken by the occasional chatter by the other passengers. The little girl that was periodically stealing glances at him was something he'd gotten used to over the course of the last couple of weeks he'd met her during this quest.

The mother-daughter duo became his regular acquaintances since their family owns a farm that specializes in growing and processing an assortment of spices. Since spices in general are highly valuable they need to oversee the shipment to prevent their products from suddenly disappearing during transport.

It also serves as an excuse for them to visit the city.

"What's wrong, Carol?" Sasuke suddenly spoke up, spooking the little girl. "Do you have something to say to me?"

Nervously, the girl didn't make eye contact. "N-No." She denied it even though it was an obvious lie.

He deadpanned. "Then why do you keep looking at me?"

"W-who's looking? No one's looking. Stupid! Idiot!"

Now Sasuke wasn't the type to get mad at children for calling him names, but if it happens that she would call him that almost every time they meet, it tends to get on his nerves.

Sasuke helplessly looked toward the mother, Amelia Alvine, for help. He was never good with kids, he didn't know how to deal with them and would just end up treating them like someone his age.

"Sorry about her," Amelia giggled in her hand. "She's just really happy that her favorite adventurer came by again."

"MOOOOOOM! Don't tell him thaaaat!"

Sasuke watched that dynamic play out. He suspected that might be the case. 'So even children aren't spared by this face.' He pulled something out of his pocket and handed it to Carol.

"Here," He held up a bag of sweets to the little girl. "I got it just in case I ran into you again."

The girl gingerly accepted the bag, opening it, she smiled as an assortment of candies were inside. She began digging into them without restraint, preening at the sweetness.

"Share some with your mother," Sasuke sighed as he saw that the girl wasn't listening to him anymore before pulling out another bag for the mother. "Here, cookies that I purchased as well. Gratitude for giving me some of your spices. Please share them with your husband."

"Ufufu. Thank you, Sasuke. You're such a sweet boy." Amelia gratefully accepted, taking one of the cookies and eating it herself.

The ride continued until they made it to their destination, a nearby village home to the mother and daughter. There wasn't any trouble here just like last time. Sasuke exited the wagon first and then helped Amelia and Carol get down, they then bid him farewell as they headed back to their home.

Everyone began unloading their purchases, Sasuke would have offered to help but the last time he did, they were vehemently against it, so instead of just standing around he decided to visit the local bakery and purchase some sweet bread and sit in the shade, waiting for them to finish.

"What do you think he's thinking about?" One of the female passengers asked her friend.

"I don't know. Probably just enjoying the scenery." Her friend replied, watching him.

"Yeah, maybe."

"..."

"..."

"Do you think he's single?"

"Impossible. Look at him. I wouldn't be surprised if he had multiple girlfriends."

"Yeah, I mean who wouldn't want a piece of him."

The two continued to giggle and gossip before being called by an angry stagecoach for not helping offload their share of purchases. Meanwhile, Sasuke just stared off into the distance, munching on his piece of bread while enjoying the fresh air and basking in the gentle breeze. He allowed his mind to wander a bit, thinking of nonsensical things.

'I can blow up that mountain. A single swipe from a Complete Body Susanoo would do the trick.' He continued munching, already halfway finished, as his gaze went to the forest. 'I can also burn that entire forest down to the ground with Great Fire Annihilation. I know the signs to use it.' Once he finished his snack, Sasuke stood up and dusted away the crumbs off his poncho. He turned and looked back to the wagon. Over in the distance, he can see Orario. 'A single Chibaku Tensei (Planetary Devastation) at a high elevation would be enough to wipe out everyone in the city. I doubt any adventurer could survive that.'

Morbid thoughts aside, Sasuke couldn't really imagine anyone being able to stop him if he were to get serious. Granted, he hadn't seen what the Level 7 was capable of, so maybe he could fight toe-to-toe against him, but he seriously doubted anyone was capable of destroying a moon-sized rock falling from the sky.

"Oy! Mister Uchiha! We finished unloading," Sasuke turned to the stagecoach waving at him, getting his attention. "All of the packages have been unloaded. Your quest is finished. Here, let me sign the documents."

Sasuke handed him the document pertaining to the completion of said quest. Stuff like this needs proof for the Guild to assess. They needed proof of completion if he wanted to receive the rewards.

After the old man finished signing he handed it back to Sasuke who pocketed it. "We'll be heading out now, but I can still drop you off in Orario. Do you need a lift?"

"No, it's fine." Sasuke rejected the offer and the old man nodded, returning back to his wagon along with everyone else.

Sasuke then vanished and ran into an empty forest. After making sure no one was around he gathered chakra in his left eye. A swirling black and purple portal appeared. A space-time ninjutsu that his predecessor was working on. An unnamed jutsu that can cross dimensions.

"A shame it can't take me to earth," Sasuke muttered as he stepped into the portal. He felt a slight tingling sensation as he passed by it. He disappeared from the forest and reappeared in an abandoned building in the Ruined District in Orario, near the Hestia Familia home. "But at least it can send me here." Double-checking to make sure no one was present, he exited the abandoned building and walked the streets of Orario, making his way to the Guild to finish his report.

As he got closer to the Guild he could spot a couple of the Guild's staff outside talking to some people carrying crates.

"Thank you for your hard work," Eina smiled. She signed some papers before handing them back to the workers. "We'll take it from here. Thank you again and have a nice day."

After bidding the workers farewell Eina spotted Sasuke walking up to them. "Ah! Mis- Er, Sasuke, you're back," Eina managed to correct herself just in time to spare herself from his glare. "I heard from Rose that you took an escort quest outside of Orario. Have you finished it already?"

"Hn."

"I see. Well, Rose is inside if you're wondering," Eina smiled, gesturing inside the Guild. "She'll be glad to know that you're back already."

"Hn." Sasuke nodded before looking at the crates on the ground. "Supplies?"

Eina looked at him, following his line of sight. "Oh, yes! It's just some supplies that the Guild needs. Papers, ink, and other miscellaneous items."

"I see. Do you need help?"

"Oh no. We have people in the Guild who can do the heavy lifting, but thank you for offering." Eina explained as Sasuke nodded his head. He was about to head inside when they both heard someone yelling out her name.

"Miss Eina!"

Sasuke and Eina looked back to see a blood-soaked boy running towards them with a massive grin on his face.

"Miss Eina! Can you tell about, Ais Wallenstein."

"Bell?!"

Sasuke blinked at the weirdly familiar sight.

'I guess this means that the series is starting.'

"I didn't know the Guild had a shower."

"The Guild is well equipped for almost any scenario."

Sasuke watched in fascination as Bell was scolded by an irate Eina. This was the first time he'd ever seen the Half-Elf this angry before, he'd heard from Rose and Misha that Eina could be strict if she wanted. She always greeted him with a pleasant smile along with a welcoming aura. The dichotomy between the kind Eina and the Eina he's witnessing now was, as he said, fascinating.

Standing in front of Rose's desk, he handed her the proof of completion, and she then proceeded to finalize it. "Finished. Here, this is your reward," Rose handed him the small bag of coins. "Was there any trouble?"

Sasuke took the bag. "No, it was quiet as usual."

"I see." Rose hummed, tucking away a stray strand of hair.

Come to think of it, Sasuke noticed that there was something different about Rose today. He could tell from her body language alone that she was nervous, seeing as she hadn't stopped fidgeting with her pen for a while. And now that he was paying attention to her, he noticed that she had her hair tied up in a ponytail. He remembered making a passing comment about liking the particular hairstyle. Though at the time he was trying to imply that it would look good on him.

"Your hair," Sasuke said, getting Rose's attention. "This is the first time I've seen you style your hair." He pointed out, unaware of the impact of the following words he'll say next. "It suits you. You look even more beautiful."

CLACK

Rose suddenly froze in place and the pen she fidgeting with fell to the floor, rolling underneath her desk. Before he could ask what was wrong she quickly ducked down to go get it. Sophie, who was standing right next to her the entire time, was grinning ear-to-ear, a fact he ignored in favor of Rose.

"Rose? You okay?" Sasuke asked, leaning forward to check but was stopped when she held out her hand.

"Y-Yes! I j-just dropped my pen. I-It's nothing."

Beneath her desk, Rose was kneeling on the ground with her face red as her hair, desperately trying to maintain her composure as a dumb smile threatened to spread across her face. How could a simple compliment from him reduce her to some a dainty maiden? She receives more flattering compliments from other adventurers almost on a daily basis but a single compliment from him had more impact than all of those combined! She cupped her face trying to compose herself but failing miserably. And what's worse is that her heart was beating so loud that she feared that Sasuke might hear it.

Sophie was looking down at Rose with a perverse smile as she watched her freaking out. Her tail was wagging so fast that she thought she was sweeping the floor. She looked back at Sasuke and gave him a thumbs up.

"Nice one, Sasuke! I knew you had it in you!"

Sasuke huffed. "Why don't you help your coworker out instead of just standing there talking nonsense?"

"Of course, of course," Sophie grinned as she knelt down next to Rose. "Congratulations on receiving a compliment from him. I think that's an accomplishment in and of itself. Come to think of it, I think this is the first time I've heard him give a compliment to anyone."

Rose groaned. "Sophie... not now."

"C'mon girl, what are you doing? At this rate, he might just up and leave if you stay down here." She whispered into her ear causing Rose to slowly come back to her senses. "Didn't you say you wanted to go out with him? You even thought long and hard about it. So get up. He's waiting."

Rose allowed Sophie to grab her by the arm and help her up. She has her head down, unable to face Sasuke at the moment. Still feel the embarrassment a few moments ago.

Sasuke looked at her with slight concern. "Are you sure you're okay, Rose?" The werewolf nodded. "Okay, then I'll be going no-"

"Sasuke," Rose called out to him. He stopped and faced her. "Do you... have any free time three days from now?"

"Three days? Why?" He asked. Rose took a breath, she looked up at him with her usual composed look, though with a tad bit more nervousness in it.

"I... was wondering if you'd like to accompany me during Monsterphilia."

"Accompany? Like an escort mission," Sasuke blinked before shaking his head. "Actually, before that. Monsterphilia? What's that?"

"It's a festival that's held in Orario once a year," Rose explained, secretly hoping that he'd agree.

"I see," Sasuke said, frowning a little. "That does sound interesting," Rose's hopes went up as a smile slowly began to form. "But I'm sorry. I can't go with you."

Rose froze, she remained still, unable to reply. She had rejected plenty of adventurers before who were just going after her because of her appearance. So, to be on the receiving end of that rejection felt life-shattering.

Sophie quickly butted in the conversation, "What?! Why not?!" Her eyes were glaring at him, scorching hot in self-righteous anger that promised death should she not be satisfied with his answer.

"Miach told me to free up my schedule for that day," Sasuke explained. "He said that he will need my help with something."

Sophie internally winced, she couldn't say anything back. If it was an order from his God then there was nothing she could say or do.

"Can't you like, ask your God to-" She stopped when Rose placed a hand on her shoulder, shaking her head.

"It involves his Familia, Sophie, we have no right to interfere," Rose said, her face stoic making her think that she wasn't that affected, if not for the tiny amount of sadness hinted in her voice. She looked back at Sasuke who was still standing there. "We've kept you long enough, you can go now."

"...Okay. See you."

Sasuke turned to leave, but once he was gone Rose collapsed on her chair.

"This must be my karma," Rose said, rubbing her eyes, getting rid of the tears that threatened to fall. It hurt when he rejected her like that and she didn't even know why. It was frustrating that she was feeling this way. "I've rejected many people's advances before only to be rejected in return when I finally tried again."

"It's not your fault, Rose, it was just bad timing," Sophie consoled her friend before giving her some encouragement. "You can ask him out again when there's another chance! Don't give up because of one little setback! There will be plenty of opportunities to ask him out like the Holy Winter Festival! Or even Valentines!"

Sophie's encouraging words helped. Rose smiled, thanking her friend. "Thank you, Sophie." She sat up straighter, her confidence returning.

She's right. She'll try again. For the first time in forever, she is willing to open up her heart once more. She didn't know why she decided to do so, only knowing that her heart wanted this. Even if her mind told her that it wasn't worth the risk, her heart kept telling her otherwise.

So, she was willing to try again.

"I'm back."

Sasuke returned home just in time to spot a familiar head of long brown hair.

"Iris?" Sasuke asked, seeing the girl talking to both Miach and Naaza.

"Ah! Sasuke, welcome back," Miach greeted him with a smile. "Come here! We have a new member joining today!"

"Oh? That was faster than I thought," Sasuke said, walking up to them, standing next to Iris. "It hasn't even been a week, but seeing you here means that you must have made up your mind, right?"

"Ah! Yes!" Iris replied. "After you left Sas- Er, Vice-Captain, it was always on been on my mind. So much so that I couldn't really concentrate on my work in the café. My Boss actually reprimanded me for the first time and sat me down for a chat. Ah, but she was really nice about it so don't worry. Anyways we talked about about my dream and convinced me to chase after it." Iris laughed a bit at the memory. "It took a little more effort to push me to make the decision to join. So when the opportunity came I quickly took it."

Everyone blinked at the lengthy explanation but that didn't dampen Miach's mood. Rather, he looked at Sasuke with gratitude for suggesting this place for new members. Naaza was okay with it, despite Iris being a girl, she knew the Familia needed more members anyway.

"So," Sasuke began. "Have you registered in the Guild yet?"

"Yes! I went with Miss Naaz- I mean, with the Captain," She corrected herself as excitedly explained. "She helped me get registered this morning while you were away!"

"I see."

Sasuke looked at her and noticed that she still wore the same clothes the day that they met. "Do you have any gear? And have you been in the Dungeon yet?"

"Not yet," Naaza interjected. "I wanted you to be the one to take her to do all that." Naaza yawned. Seems like she did another all-nighter. "I heard from Bell that you were helping him train. So I guess you might know your stuff with combat and weapons better than I can anyway. Between the two of us, you're much more qualified."

"You were helping Bell train, Sasuke?" Miach asked.

"Yes. I ran into him a couple of days ago and offered to teach him a few things. I hope you don't mind."

Miach shook his head, "No no. It's fine. Rather, I'm thankful for that and I'm sure Hestia would appreciate it too."

"Bell? Hestia?" Iris asked, completely out of the loop.

Naaza tiredly explained. "Lady Hestia is a Goddess that Lord Miach is friends with and Bell is her adventurer who is also a regular here."

Iris nodded as Sasuke approached Miach.

"Miach, do you need me after Monsterphilia?"

"Hmm? You know about Monsterphilia?" Miach asked. "I was trying to keep it a surprise too."

"My advisor told me about it," Sasuke said. "So, do you need me afterward?"

"Hmm? Not really. Why do you ask?" Miach replied, taking a sip from his cup of water.

"Earlier today my Advisor asked me out to go on a date that day," Sasuke said, making Miach's eyes widen. But that's not all, Naaza was now wide awake after hearing that and Iris was just lost. "But I rejected her."

Que Miach performing a spit take in front of Sasuke.

Miach, who was coughing and wheezing, put down his glass of water, got up, and grabbed his shoulders asking, "Why?!" Before freezing, realizing what he's done.

Sasuke was now soaking wet, but that didn't deter him from answering. "Because you told me to make time that day since you needed me." His right eye twitched and turned red for a moment. "Remember?"

Miach took a moment to process that answer.

"Shit."

Before cursing under his breath. Sasuke who heard that could only raise a brow.

Miach knew Sasuke was quite popular with the ladies, as much as he was, no matter how much they both disliked it. But he noticed that Sasuke held zero interest in forming a romantic relationship with anyone. Now while Miach respected his decision he couldn't help but root for a certain someone.

Rose Fannett, Sasuke's guild advisor. He had only met her once when he went to the Guild to take down all the Quests he posted before he joined, but from that one meeting alone he could tell that they were a good match. He couldn't explain it properly but it felt like they just resonated the same energy.

It also helped that Rose was discreetly inquiring about Sasuke's likes and dislikes, disguising her questions as making small talk. Well, it didn't help that her silver-haired Elven colleague working next to her was snickering whenever she would ask about Sasuke.

From then on Miach began secretly supporting her.

'Do your best, Miss Rose! I'll be supporting you every step of the way!'

So when he heard from Sasuke that Rose finally asked him out he was internally celebrating, happy that she finally made her move... only to feel like he got punched in the gut when he heard that he rejected her. Which was made worse when the reason he rejected her was because of him!

-iach?

Miach wanted to cry. He was really rooting for Rose.

-iach!

'I'm so sorry, Miss Rose! It's all my fault!'

SLAP

Miach felt his face snap in another direction. He blinked only to realize that his cheek was stinging in pain.

"Miach! Earth to Miach! Can you hear me? Did you even listen to a word I said?" Miach blinked, and he saw an irritated Sasuke with his hand raised. "Are you done daydreaming?"

"I-I'm sorry, Sasuke. I wasn't paying attention." Miach said, rubbing his cheeks. Sasuke just snorted, lowering his hand.

"I asked if you need me for the entire day of Monsterphilia?"

"Eh? Why?"

Sasuke sighed. "I was thinking of asking Rose out if that was the case. If not, then I'll just ask her out another time. She helped out a lot, it's the least I can do for her."

"Yes!" Miach screamed, surprising him and everyone else. "I changed my mind! I don't need you that day, you can go on your date!"

"What?" Sasuke was bewildered. "Why? Actually, no. Don't answer. Just tell me what were you planning for me that day?"

"Well," Miach poked his index fingers together, slightly abashed. "I was hoping we all could go out as a Familia again since this will be your first Monsterphilia," Miach admitted. "I was keeping it a secret until the very end because I was afraid Naaza would refuse to go and I might need your help trying to convince her since she's been very busy lately."

Naaza quietly grumbled, confirming that indeed she wouldn't want to go. Now that she has plenty of resources courtesy of Sasuke, she had been holed up in her room experimenting and doing research trying to create another new potion. It was the only other thing she liked doing aside from spending time with Miach.

"I see. Now I understand," Sasuke nodded, understanding Miach's intention. "But I won't go. The Familia comes first, in my opinion, and besides," he gestured to Iris. "We have a new member now. It would be best if we give her a warm welcome, right?"

Miach was conflicted, on one hand, he really wanted to support Rose, but on the other hand, what Sasuke said was correct. The Familia should come first. Especially when they just got a new member.

"I have never been to a festival or any kind of event similar to Monsterphila that I can recall, so I want to spend the first festival I experience in Orario with my Familia, if that's okay," Sasuke confessed.

Whatever argument he had against that disappeared. Miach began tearing up and tried to hug the still-wet Sasuke only to be stopped when he placed his hand on his face.

"Sasuke!"

"Please don't."

Naaza what the men with a smile on her face. "That was kinda sappy, Sasuke. It was quite out of character of you." She snickered when she saw him roll his eyes, missing the quiet mutter he uttered.

"Well... he and I aren't the same person, after all. Just similar."

Iris on the other hand thought otherwise. "I-I think it was really sweet of you, Vice-Captain!"

"Thank you, Iris. Keep that up and you'll end up on my good side." Sasuke said, causing her to blush in response.

"No flirting with your Juniors, Vice-Captain~" Naaza playfully teased causing Iris to blush harder.

Seeing all this Sasuke couldn't help but let out another sigh. Miach was trying to embrace him (No-Homo), Naaza was teasing him, and Iris was already being bullied by the Captain.

"What a troublesome Familia I have."

And yet... Despite all that he still smiled, he was truly fortunate to be here.

In the late afternoon, the loud hammering of steel can be all around them. The heat, sweat, and spirit of the forge were palpable on one of the floors in Babel that the Hephaestus Familia used to sell their wares.

Sasuke and Iris were walking along trying to find a suitable shop for them to buy Iris her gear. Looking around Sasuke inspected some of the products on display, checking to see how suitable their quality is for a beginner.

"Here," Sasuke said. The two stop in front of a store that sells both weapons and armor for relatively cheap. "We'll go and check this place out and see if there's anything you like."

"Yes!"

They entered the store and began browsing its selection. Iris was looking for a good weapon for herself while Sasuke was offering his input. From swords to spears, daggers to axes, they checked out everything.

"I'd like to go with these two."

Iris chose a sword and shield set. Sasuke had refrained from making any comment that might influence her choice since this was meant for Iris to decide. If she believes that this is what she wants then so be it. He only checked the quality of the weapon making sure it was at the right level for her.

Also, the excited look on her face dissuaded him from making any comment. Seeing the girl's eyes sparkle as an excited grin spread across he face made Sasuke smile at her enthusiasm. In any case, if she was going to pick those weapons then he going to have to teach her how to use them. He wasn't a big fan of the 'trial by fire' method for regular newbies.

After they bought her weapon they moved on to buying armor. However, there was something that needed to be addressed first.

"My clothes?" Iris asked, looking at him questioningly. They were browsing for armor when Sasuke brought up the topic. "What do you mean, Vice-Captain."

Sasuke sighed and ran his index finger all the way down her exposed back, stopping at her lower back. Iris yelled and blushed hard, she quickly turned her head to Sasuke for answers. "Your back is painfully exposed. It's a glaring weakness that can easily take you out." He then placed his palm on her back, causing her to shiver. "The spine is what supports our entire body, it is the lifeline of every fighter. So leaving it exposed is the same as asking for death."

The severity of Sasuke's explanation managed to get through to Iris who nodded her head, understanding what he meant.

"You are neither strong enough nor skilled enough to forgo wearing armor. So up until that, you see fit that you won't need it anymore, we'll need to cover up your back." Sasuke then reached out and grabbed a leather breastplate and handed it to Iris. "In addition to this, we'll get you some proper adventurer garbs. They're similar in design to regular clothes but were made to be worn over armor. They're tough enought withstand the harsh environments of the Dungeon aand then some."

Iris nodded her head, happy to hear that her Vice-Captain was taking such good care of her. As she was about to try on the leather breastplate, she noticed that Sasuke had been staring at her face for quite a while now.

The attention of her super attractive Vice-Captain made her blush as her heart began beating faster. "Is something the matter, Vice-Captain?"

Sasuke let out a hum, rubbing his chin in thought. "You're very beautiful, Iris."

Which resulted in Iris' face going nuclear red.

"W-What do you mean, Vice-Captain?" Iris stuttered out. The sudden complement came out of nowhere, her eyes started swirling in embarrassment. "D-Does that m-mean that you l-l-like-"

"I meant it objectively," Sasuke clarified, his face still focused on hers. "I'm simply stating it as pure fact. You are attention grabbingly beautiful, Iris. I'm you turned some heads on the way here." Sasuke leaned closer, frowning in complete focus.

At this point Iris's face was so red that steam was coming out of her ears, her tail swaying excitedly. The fact that her Vice-Captain's face was so close to hers was making her feel lightheaded.

"I-I-I..." Iris' eyes started swirling as she immediately ran to the changing room. "I'M GOING TO GO CHANGE NOW!"

A trail of dust was left after Iris ran to the changing room. The man at the counter yelled for no running in his shop but was ignored by both of them. While Iris was still reeling in the fact that her handsome Vice-Captain called her beautiful, Sasuke on the other hand was dealing with his own sudden revelation.

"Do I have a... Demi-Human fetish?"

Sasuke wouldn't lie, he did find Naaza, Rose, and Iris quite attractive, but does that warrant this unusual feeling in him? It felt like a compulsion that made him pay more attention to them. But he felt the same thing towards Airmid and Shakti, and they were both human.

Wait a minute, come to think of it, he felt the same thing with both Bell, who is a guy by the way, and Eina, but not so much for Misha and Sophie. He also felt the same thing at the two waitresses in The Hostess of Fertility. Syr and the green-haired elf, Ryuu.

He knew Ryuu from the fandom. Seeing her on Reddit being called the best waifu in Danmachi with many of the fans going bat-shit crazy for her. He doesn't know much about the elf aside from what he could remember from season one. He heard that she became relevant in the late seasons though. Gotta keep an eye on her, just in case.

So what did all of these people have in common?

Was it because they were all part of the main story? But he hasn't heard of Iris before, and he also didn't think Airmid made an appearance in season one. Maybe they both appeared in the later seasons?

Wait a minute. Wasn't there a spin-off or something? Yes, he remembered. There was this spin-off staring the Loki Familia. Sword-something something. He remembered only watching the first two episodes before dropping it. Was the protagonist the Sword Princess? No, it was an orange-haired elf called... he doesn't remember.

What should he do in this situation? His body is reacting to important people in the Danmachi story. Why does he have this ability? What is it meant for?

...

"Eh, I don't really care." Sasuke chalks it up as a transmigrator thing. It was probably a function that was supposed to lead him to them unconsciously or something. Danmachi is a harem anime after all. "Well, at least it's easy to ignore. Besides, I'm already swapped. My schedule is jam-packed with work. From ninjutsu training and fuinjutsu studies, my Familia's debt, and now mentoring my new junior. I don't have time to deal with this mysterious ability." Sasuke sighed and rubbed his forehead.

There was no need to overthink this. It is what it is.

Iris came out of the changing room with the leather breastplate on. It perfectly covered her upper body, as well as her back too. Although, it's a bit tight on her chest. Her breast was being pushed up with how tight it was.

"How is it?"

Sasuke asked as he approached her. Iris couldn't even feel embarrassed as she was much more focused on her breathing.

Sasuke walked up to her and lightly chopped her head. "If it's tight then say so," He then pushed her back in the changing room, closing the door. "It wouldn't help if you were to die of asphyxiations before you could make it down in the Dungeon. Stay there and take it off, I'll get you another one that's more your size."

She heard him walk away before she could give him a reply. She removed the breastplate and sucked in a breath of air. It was really tight. She held out the leather armor in front of her, lamenting that it couldn't fit.

"I really like this one too." She pouted as she put it down. She looked up at the mirror inside the changing room to see that taking off the armor had messed up her shirt, exposing her bare breasts. She quickly fixed herself back up again. "Vice-Captain was right. I really do need a change of outfit." She chuckled to herself, feeling slightly embarrased.

The shirt was more or less forced on her by a sales clerk, saying that it suited her. She was then pressured to buy it. At first, she was a bit embarrassed that her back was showing so much skin, but over time she had gotten used to it, to the point that it became her favorite top.

"I guess I'll have to change it."

"Iris! Here," She jumped a bit when she heard Sasuke's voice from the other side of the door. "This one should fit you, this one is adjustable with straps."

Iris opened the door to see Sasuke holding a leather breastplate that was similar to the one she was wearing.

"Hand me the one you were wearing before, I'll return it back to where I found it."

Iris handed him the armor and quickly tried on the new one he got for her. Unlike the one before, this one felt much better on her person. She could breathe and move properly without much trouble.

She exited the changing room just in time for Sasuke to check up on her.

"What do you think, Vice-Captain?" Iris unconsciously twirled in place as if showing off a new dress to him.

"It suits you." Sasuke automatically replied causing her to blush. "If you don't have any problems with it then let's go and purchase it. Don't bother taking it off just yet."

"Eh? Why?"

"Because I'll be teaching you the basics on how to wield a sword when we get back home. I won't let my junior brave the Dungeon without knowing how to wield her own weapon."

Naaza let out a loud yawn as she fought hard trying to stay awake.

Her research on making new and better potions had completely messed up her sleeping schedule lately. Thanks to Sasuke for constantly providing an abundant amount of Drop Items the Naaza wouldn't be able to get her hands on, she was able to freely experiment far more than what she could in the past.

Noticing her new zeal for potion crafting, she had to promise to both Miach and Sasuke to not overwork herself. They were very concerned and in the end, Naaza gave in to their demands, but she still tended to lose her sense of time and would sometimes continue her research until one of them would ask what time she started, only to be surprised that she'd been researching for over sixteen hours.

Right now she couldn't help but get excited. She brought out something Sasuke had given to her. Wrapped in a white piece of cloth were brown pills that were roughly the size of a marble. Sasuke called it Military Ration Pills. He said that these pills nourish the body and can replenish one's stamina. According to him, it was made up of powerful stimulants and nutrients that are near-instantly absorbed into the body and are said to allow the user to keep fighting for three days and three nights without rest. At the end of the three days effect, the user is brought to the point of complete and utter exhaustion.

Sasuke said that these are best used in emergencies and as a last resort since the aftereffects are dangerous. He also said that taking more than one at a time can be lethal. He gave them to her so that she could recreate them and sell them in the future, with the condition to try to weaken the effects of the pills and reduce the aftereffects so they can be safer to consume.

Naaza was excited at the discovery of this new product and had been working tirelessly on studying the pills. She tried asking him how they made them but Sasuke said he doesn't know how since only medical specialists are allowed to make them. Which is understandable. But that didn't deter her in the slightest, in fact, it motivated her to work even more.

"Naaza! It's almost time for dinner, can you call Sasuke and Iris?"

Naaza was brought out of her thoughts when Miach suddenly called her from the kitchen. It was already late and they had already closed up shop for today. She pocketed the pills then got up from the living room and went to the back door that leads to a small, yet spacious, area in the back of their Familia Home.

"Good. Don't forget that feeling. Ever."

"Okay~"

Naaza froze in her steps when she heard Sasuke and Iris' voices. Though she wondered why Iris let out a moan.

"Don't loosen your grip. Hold it tighter."

"I-I'm trying~"

"Try harder."

Sasuke sounded like he was pressuring Iris. And what did he mean by tighter? Before she could ponder more she heard a soft thud, the sound of someone falling down.

"P-Please~ No more~"

"This is for your own good. Now get up."

"No~"

Naaza's face slowly began turning red. Perhaps it was her sleep-deprived playing tricks on her, but it seemed like Sasuke was taking advantage of their newest member. But that's impossible, she knows Sasuke isn't like that. He didn't even show interest in the girls who would throw themselves at him.

Then again, neither would she is she was in his position.

She decided to bite the bullet and take a peek.

Sasuke was standing over a fallen Iris with his hand wielding his sword. Iris was lying on her back, spread eagle, breathing heavily holding her newly purchased sword and shield.

"You won't survive in the Dungeon with that kind of attitude," Sasuke said, sheathing his sword. "If you want to be an adventurer then get back up." He then picked her up by the scruff of her armor, lifting her up off the ground, then placed her back on her feet.

Phew~

Naaza breathed out a sigh of relief. It seems that it was all a misunderstanding on her part.

"I really need to sleep more," Naaza sighed as she approached the two. "Sasuke, Iris! Lord Miach said dinner is ready!"

"Captain!" Iris tearfully ran towards her, hugging her for dear life. "The Vice-Captain is a monster! He hasn't let me rest since we got back. He didn't even give me a break and just kept forcing me to do the same moves over and over again!"

"It's for your own good. I won't allow you to half-ass fighting." Sasuke said as he approached the two. "You will never know what can happen in the Dungeon so it's best to be as prepared as you could."

Naaza let out a tired sigh, not having the energy to deal with this. "Well, for now, how about we all head inside and have dinner."

The trio went back inside and convened at the dining table where a modest feast was displayed. Miach certainly outdid himself tonight, Naaza remembered that he also did this for Sasuke when he first joined. How time flies.

"Alright everyone, a toast to our newest member!" Miach raised a glass as did everyone else.

"""CHEERS!"""

With the clinking of glass, everyone began digging. Sasuke was enjoying his soup in silence, while Miach was happily conversing with Iris, and Naaza was just watching the scene with a small, yet pleased, smile on her face.

Her Familia was steadily growing again.

Author's Note

I'm back again. I'm on a roll here. Anyways, the POV of Freya. I hope I managed to properly convey her character right. Or at least what was shown in the first season. My knowledge on Freya is limited to the Wiki and the few post I see in Reddit. Oh and the Freya Chronicles manga. From what I gathered she's a bit of a complex character in my opinion, but that's what I kinda like about. If anyone could give me a TLDR of her personality that would be greatly appreciated but if not then I'll go with my interpretation of her.

The internet may not exist in Orario but that won't stop the shippers from rising from the shadows, and one of them is Miach! The Gods naturally would want to seek entertainment and Miach is no exception. He unconsciously projected this desire unto Sasuke and Rose, but unlike other Deities he know how to restrain himself. So look forwards to Miach cheering them on in future.

Also! Honkai Star Rail 2.1 just dropped. I'll be taking some time to thoroughly play it so expect the next update to be a little late. I'll be pulling for Mei- I mean, Acheron. Wish me luck!

Anyways that's all for this chapter. This fic was spell-checked by Grammarly.