Is it wrong to try to pick up girls in a dungeon?
You know, an endless labyrinth divided into multiple floors and filled with scary monsters?
Expectation:Join a group of fearless adventurers seeking wealth and fame. Go off to battle as soon as guild registration is a beautiful girl and protect her from an onslaught of monsters with only a sword and the air fills with her echoing screams, the monsters' roars, and the clash of my sword as we face certain the end, all that remains is her sitting on the floor beside my cool, heroic self standing over the remains of all the monsters I cheeks blush as she looks upon me with beautiful, sparkling eyes. Love is about to sometimes I'd go to the local watering hole to boast about my day's adventures to the cute barmaids, make some new I'd protect a young elf from a few monsters, I'd help a struggling Amazonian warrior by letting her join I might be seen getting friendly with other girls, causing some drama and jealousy.
Sometimes this, sometimes that, sometimes… I want to grow up a bit, become the kind of hero men dream about in tales of adventure. I want to be more than friends with cute girls. I want to meet the ladies of all the different races. Isn't having these slightly corrupt and naïve thoughts part of being a young man?
Is trying to meet girls in a dungeon, no… a harem, really that wrong?
Conclusion: I was wrong.
"Urrrroooooarrrrrrr!"
"Aiiiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeee?!"
I'm about to die courtesy of these slightly corrupt and naïve thoughts. Basically, I'm being chased by the bull-headed man-beast, the Minotaur. I'm going to be devoured by a monster that my measly Level One attacks can't even scratch.
I'm dead. So, so dead.
Where did my dumb, despicable delusions get me? To the Minotaur's dinner plate, that's where. I'm such an idiot…
I was stupid to think I was destined to find my dream girl in a dungeon. Striking gold in here—the golden locks of a beautiful maiden, that is—was nothing more than a hopeless fantasy.
Come to think of it, I was doomed the moment I decided to look for my dream girl in a dungeon where hundreds of adventurers die every day. Ahh, what would I give to go back in time? To go back to that moment when I came of age and registered at the guild, eyes sparkling, and punch myself in the face. That would be so nice…
But that's not possible, physically or otherwise.
"Uughunnnnn!"
"Daaahhh!"
The Minotaur's hoof comes crashing down behind me.
Ha-ha! It missed! Eh? When did that crack get there?
Not the most graceful face-plant… Here comes that hoof again! Roll! Now! "Hoo-hooo…!"
"Waaahhhhhhhh!"
All I can do now is scoot my sorry butt back.
All the cute girls would laugh for sure if they saw me like this. From the start, guess I never had what it takes to be a beloved hero.
My back hits the wall. Now there really is nowhere to run.
I sprinted all that way, hall after hall, just to get trapped in a wide, square room. And now I'm cornered.
This really is the end…I think to myself, my teeth chattering and tears rolling down my cheeks.
The Minotaur's nose is so close, its putrid breath pounding my skin. I look up at its ridiculously muscular body. It has to be at least twice my size. What's worse, it's gloating over me with a clumsy, broken smile. In the end, I didn't meet any girls at all. The same fantasies that got me in this mess are running through my head for the last time. Oh look, the Minotaur's hoof is above my head… It raised it's axe and swung at me... i moved my head a little and avoided the axe... the axe destroyed the wall...and.. there was a hole connecting to the next room, i Immediately crawled inside while the minotaur was busy trying to remove it's axe, the minotaur turn it's attention to me but i already manage to reach the other side.
"ha..ha..ha.."
I leaned my back on a rock...panting...sweating...from that almost death experience. I looked around the room that i was in.. monsters doesn't seem to spawn here... 'It's a safe zone' then... I said in my head.. that's good... i can rest here for a while..I looked to my left and saw a young girl, no… goddess sleeping in the floor. Her thin body is decorated with light blue clothing. Even in armor, she radiates feminine beauty. despite her petite frame. Her bulging twins are packed tightly into a breastplate engraved with a silver emblem. The same emblem graces her wrists and saber. The saber was stuck to the ground beside her. The blond hair hanging down to her waist shines so brightly, I could swear it's made of real gold. Atop a body that any woman would call delicate perches the face of a sweet, young girl.
"hey...are.. you..ok?"
I asked her, but she did not respond so i went closer and noticed that she was...
"wha-!? a puppet!?"
A humanoid size puppet... Is that even possible..? I heard that a human sized puppet are impossible to make...due to how much mana it takes at the user... who controls the puppet... Which is rare and almost everyone who has a job like puppeteer quit dungeon diving and choose a different profession, I myself am a puppeteer with a huge mana pool but... i don't have a puppet with me because i could not buy one and i am broke...It's also the same reason why i could not create them because i lacked the resources to create one... and i could not buy the said resources because i am broke.
Oh yeah jobs they are something we received when we reach the age of 14, we go to the church to pray to the gods and received what kind of jobs we have... though just because i am a puppeteer doesn't mean i can't do well with a sword. for example if this other dude's job was sage(a person who specialise in magic) doesn't mean they are the only one who can use magic, everyone can used magic but someone who has a job like sage is just exceptionally more better at using magic, and producing more powerful magic than me who is not a sage.
but out of that topic... i wonder if i could control this puppet... they said that it is impossible but is that really true?
"Well we won't know until we try right..?"
I kneel in front of the girl-errr... puppet... ' god she is beautiful' and grabbed her hand pulling the hand towards my forehead.
"By thread and string, by craft and art,
I summon life where none shall start.
Rise, my servant, from still and mute,
Obey my will, your master's root.
Through this pact, our fates entwine,
Puppet of shadow, your soul is mine!"
A bright light enveloped my vision no... the entire room.
"Ugh... did it work..?"
One of the ways to know if a puppet is in your service and control is if there is a collar on their neck and if there is a glow in their eyes. and in my case right now there is both... but...
"What the..."
The girl had life like eyes and she is showing emotions, puppets can't show emotions because they are... well.. puppets... but right now she is showing emotions... and she is just moving on her own without me commanding her. It's fascinating... and the most fascinating of all is that...
"Hey, master…"
Her voice was soft, like the whisper of wind through golden wheat, but there was an undertone of steel that sent shivers racing up my spine. She was looking directly at me, those impossibly lifelike eyes brimming with curiosity—and something else I couldn't quite place.
I gulped, my throat dry as desert sand. "Y-you can talk?"
She tilted her head, a delicate motion that made her golden hair cascade over her shoulder. "Well, you did awaken me, didn't you? It's only natural I speak to my master." Her lips curved into a slight smile, as if my confusion was the most amusing thing she'd seen.
Awakened her? That… wasn't supposed to happen. Puppets were tools—empty husks meant to follow commands. They weren't supposed to think, let alone chat like they'd been awake for years.
"I… I didn't think it would actually work," I admitted, scratching the back of my head awkwardly.
Her smile widened. "Clearly, you underestimate yourself. Or overestimate the limits of puppetry." She paused, her gaze flickering across the room, assessing our surroundings with sharp precision. "Tell me, Master. Why are we in this dungeon? And why were you… panting like a beast caught in a storm?"
Heat crept up my face. "I wasn't panting. I was just… uh… strategizing!" A total lie, of course. I'd been running for my life from a monster that would've turned me into mincemeat if not for dumb luck and a convenient wall. But I wasn't about to admit that to my puppet!
She arched a delicate brow. "I see. A wise strategy, then. Fleeing into a safe zone to… strategize further. Commendable."
Was she teasing me? Did puppets tease?
"Okay, okay," I said, waving my hands defensively. "Maybe I got a little carried away, but that's not the point! The point is… you. How are you even functioning like this? You're not supposed to have emotions—or free will—or a voice! Puppets can't—"
"Perhaps I'm no ordinary puppet," she interrupted, folding her arms across her chest. Her movements were so fluid, so human, it was downright unnerving.
"Yeah, no kidding," I muttered.
She tilted her head again, her golden hair shimmering in the faint light of the safe zone. "So, Master, what's next? Do you intend to continue running, or shall we confront whatever beast has you so… breathless?"
A pit formed in my stomach. Confront the Minotaur? At Level One? Even with her, that was basically suicide. Still, I couldn't exactly just sit here forever. Not with a monster like that roaming the dungeon halls, waiting for me to poke my head out like a clueless rabbit.
"Uh… what's your name?" I blurted out, desperate to stall for time.
She blinked, seemingly caught off guard for the first time. "My name?"
"Yeah, you've got to have one, right? I mean, every great hero names their weapon, and you're… kind of like my ultimate weapon now, aren't you?"
Her cheeks—wait, did puppets have cheeks that could blush?—tinted the faintest shade of pink. "A name… Yes, I suppose I should have one. Very well, Master. You may name me."
"Me?!"
"Of course. It's a master's privilege."
Okay, no pressure. Just come up with the perfect name for the most extraordinary puppet in existence. Something elegant yet strong. Unique but not weird. Something that said, I'm totally in control here and not just some rookie floundering in a dungeon.
"How about…" I paused, racking my brain. "Ais?"
She tilted her head thoughtfully. "Ais.. It's… lovely." Her smile softened, and for a moment, the tension in my chest eased.
"Great! Ais it is." I grinned, feeling oddly proud of myself.
But before I could savor the moment, the ground beneath us trembled. A distant roar echoed through the dungeon, rattling my very bones.
Ais expression turned serious. "It seems your strategizing time is up, Master." She reached for her saber, pulling it from the ground with an ease that made my jaw drop. The blade gleamed with a faint, otherworldly light.
I swallowed hard, my fingers tightening around the hilt of my own sword. "So, uh… how good are you in a fight?"
Ais smirked. "Why don't we find out?"
And just like that, the Minotaur burst through the ruined wall, its blood-red eyes locked on me. My heart stopped.
"Master," Ais said, stepping forward with an elegance that belied her petite frame. She glanced over her shoulder, her gaze steady and unflinching. "Stay close. I'll handle this."
"Handle it?! That thing's huge!"
Her smirk widened. "Trust me."
And for the first time in my life, staring down certain death, I felt a flicker of Minotaur charged, its massive hooves shaking the ground like thunderclaps. Each step it took was a drumbeat pounding out my doom. I gripped my sword so tightly my knuckles turned white, but my brain screamed at me to run. Meanwhile, Ais stood her ground, her saber gleaming as if it were daring the beast to make its move.
"Ais, you sure about this?" I squeaked, edging toward the nearest rock for some semblance of cover.
She glanced at me briefly, her golden eyes shimmering with confidence. "Master, I am your puppet. It's my purpose to protect you."
"Yeah, but—"
Whatever protest I had was drowned out by the Minotaur's deafening roar. It lowered its head, horns gleaming wickedly in the dim dungeon light, and charged.
Ais moved.
No, moved is too weak a word. She flowed, faster than my eyes could track. One moment she was standing in front of me, the next she was right under the Minotaur's chin, her saber arcing upward in a flash of silver. There was a sickening crunch as the blade bit deep into the beast's thick hide, and for the first time, the Minotaur hesitated.
I gawked, my jaw practically hitting the floor. "You… you actually hurt it?"
Ais didn't reply. She was too busy dodging the Minotaur's massive fist as it swung at her in a wild fury. She leapt and twirled, her movements almost… beautiful. It was like watching a dancer in the middle of a deadly performance. Every step, every swing of her blade, was precise and purposeful.
Meanwhile, I just stood there like an idiot.
"Master," she called over her shoulder, her voice calm despite the chaos. "I could use some support."
"Support?" I blinked. "What kind of support? Emotional? Moral? I'm great at cheering from a distance!"
She gave me a look—one of those Really? looks that could melt stone. "Your magic, Master. Use it."
"Oh, right. Magic. Of course." My heart was pounding so hard it was a miracle I could even think straight, but I fumbled my free hand into the air and muttered the incantation for a basic mana bolt.
"By the light of my will, I summon the—uh, spark of the arcane! Mana Bolt!"
A tiny orb of light zipped from my palm and smacked into the Minotaur's side. It didn't even flinch. Instead, it turned its attention to me, its blood-red eyes narrowing like I'd just insulted its mother.
"Uh-oh."
The Minotaur snorted, pawing the ground. My legs were already halfway to jelly, but before I could embarrass myself by fleeing, Ais stepped between us again, her saber raised.
"Master," she said, her tone sharper now. "Concentrate. If you're going to cast magic, focus. I can handle the rest."
I nodded frantically. "Right. Focus. Got it."
While Ais kept the Minotaur busy, I took a deep breath and tried again. This time, I poured everything I had into the spell, channeling my mana with as much concentration as my rattled brain could muster.
"By thread unseen, by power unbound, grant me a spear to strike my foe! Arcane Lance!"
A glowing lance of pure energy materialized in the air, its tip crackling with power. I hurled it at the Minotaur with all the force I could manage, and this time, it worked. The lance struck the beast square in the shoulder, making it stumble and roar in pain.
Ais seized the opportunity. With a burst of speed, she leapt onto the Minotaur's arm, her saber slicing through its thick muscles like they were paper. The beast bellowed, thrashing wildly, but Ais was relentless. She drove her blade into its neck, twisting it with a ferocity that made even me wince.
The Minotaur swayed, its massive body trembling. Then, with one final roar, it collapsed to the ground, its bulk shaking the entire room.
Silence.
For a moment, I just stood there, staring at the fallen beast and the golden-haired puppet standing triumphantly atop it. Then reality hit me like a ton of bricks, and my legs gave out beneath me.
"We… we did it," I mumbled, half laughing, half crying. "We actually did it."
Ais hopped down from the Minotaur's corpse, her expression as serene as ever. "Correction: you did it, Master. Your magic was the key to our victory."
"Oh, please," I groaned, flopping onto my back. "That thing would've turned me into paste if it weren't for you. I mean, did you see the way it looked at me?"
Ais knelt beside me, her golden eyes soft. "And yet you stood your ground. For a puppeteer with no puppet… you're surprisingly brave."
Was that… a compliment? From a puppet? My cheeks burned, but before I could reply, a notification window popped up in my vision.
[Congratulations! You have leveled up to Level 2!]
"Oh, thank the gods," I muttered, relief washing over me. "At least something good came out of this nightmare."
The status for Leveling up is way more easier now compared to the falna the gods used when they were here at the lower world , but it is way way weaker compared to the gods falna i heard that you need to be at least a level 25 adventurer to keep up with a level 2 adventurer in the past, man they were crazy strong... oh yeah the status the Guild/The Adventurer's Guild invented this system so we could fight against the monsters, so yes this system was human made.
Ais tilted her head, a small smile playing at her lips. "Perhaps this is only the beginning, Master."
The beginning? Of what? Adventure? Danger? A partnership with a puppet that was more human than she had any right to be?
Whatever it was, I had a feeling my life was about to get a whole lot more complicated.
"Well anyway...Let's get out of the dungeon for now...im pretty sure it's near 4 now..."
"Near 4?" Ais questioned, her tone light yet inquisitive as she adjusted her grip on the saber. "What does that mean, Master?"
I glanced at her, realizing she had no idea about something as basic as time. Of course, why would she? Puppets weren't typically concerned with schedules. Scratching the back of my head awkwardly, I explained, "It means it's probably close to sunset. The guild locks up the dungeon entrances when it gets dark. You know… to prevent idiots like me from wandering in and dying when it's pitch-black."
Though the dungeon does have natural lights it's still dangerous to wander around especially if it's night, because monster activities are usually high at night time.
"Ah," she replied, nodding in understanding. "A logical precaution."
"Yeah, logical. And also terrifying, because if we don't get out in time, we'll be stuck in here overnight. With more monsters." My voice cracked just a little at the end, and I cleared my throat to cover it up. "So, uh, let's get moving, shall we?"
Ais offered me a hand, and I hesitated for just a moment before taking it. Her grip was surprisingly firm, yet gentle, as she helped me to my feet. Once I was standing, I adjusted my sword belt and glanced toward the path ahead—the same path the Minotaur had charged through earlier.
The walls were jagged, the stone crumbling from where the beast's axe had collided. Beyond that, the corridor stretched into darkness. Not exactly inviting, but it was the only way out.
"Do you remember how to retrace our steps?" Ais asked, her voice breaking through the silence.
"Uh… yeah, I think so," I lied. Truthfully, I'd been running so blindly I barely remembered which direction I'd come from. But admitting that to her seemed… embarrassing. "Let's just follow the trail of destruction. It's got to lead back to where we started."
She didn't question my logic, simply falling into step beside me. Her presence was oddly comforting, even though the situation was anything but. With every cautious step we took, the dungeon seemed to grow quieter, the oppressive weight of the stone walls pressing in around us.
"You know," I said after a while, trying to break the tension, "you're way more impressive than I expected for a… uh… puppet."
Ais glanced at me, her expression unreadable. "Is that so?"
"Yeah, I mean… you fight better than any adventurer I've ever seen. And you talk and think like a real person. It's… kind of amazing."
Her lips curved into a faint smile. "You flatter me, Master. But I am simply fulfilling my purpose. Protecting you is what I was created to do."
"Still," I muttered, feeling a little sheepish under her steady gaze. "It's not every day you meet a puppet who can do all that and still crack jokes about their master's terrible battle tactics."
"Ah, so you admit your tactics were terrible," she teased, her golden eyes glinting with amusement.
I groaned. "Don't remind me. I swear, one day I'll be a tactical genius. You'll see."
"I look forward to it," she said, her tone gentle but sincere.
We walked in silence for a while after that, the tension slowly easing as we put more distance between ourselves and the Minotaur's corpse. The dungeon's oppressive air didn't seem quite as suffocating with Ais by my side. Even so, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was watching us. Every shadow seemed to move, every distant sound made me jump.
"Master," Ais said suddenly, stopping in her tracks.
"What is it?" I asked, my hand instinctively going to the hilt of my sword.
Her gaze swept the corridor ahead, her expression sharpening. "We're not alone."
As if on cue, the air was filled with a low growl, followed by the sound of claws scraping against stone. My heart leapt into my throat as a pack of wolf-like monsters emerged from the shadows, their glowing red eyes locking onto us.
"Great," I muttered, drawing my sword. "More monsters. Just what I needed."
Ais stepped in front of me, her saber glinting in the dim light. "Stay behind me, Master. I'll handle this."
"No way," I protested, surprising even myself. "I'm not letting you fight them all alone. We're a team now, remember?"
She glanced back at me, her expression softening for just a moment before she nodded. "Very well, Master. Let's face them together."
The wolves circled us, their growls echoing off the stone walls. My grip tightened on my sword as I muttered another incantation under my breath, summoning a shield of shimmering energy around us.
"Ready?" I asked, my voice steadier than I expected.
"Always," Ais replied, a determined smile on her lips.
And with that, the wolves lunged.
"Miiiiisssssssssssssss Shina!"
"Hm?"
Shina Tulle, a receptionist for the "guild" that manages all dungeon activities, looked up from the book she held loosely in one hand.
Her long, pointed ears twitched as her transparent emerald eyes tore themselves away from the pages. Her long brown hair shone in the early afternoon sunlight. Despite her good looks, she was not quite as "perfect" as the elves. It was as if her beauty had been glued on, but a corner was sticking up. The guild uniform, black jacket and pants, suited her thin frame very well.
Known as the young Miss Congeniality within the guild, Shina was half human, half elf.
Adventurers were usually out in a dungeon at this time of day, so Shina had decided to read to pass the time. She responded quickly to the voice that had called her name.
He made it back safely again today…
What had it been, two weeks?
Since this bright-eyed kid came in to register with the guild?
It had fallen on her to become this fourteen-year-old's dungeon adviser and coach.
He was an adventurer, a job that anyone, regardless of age or gender, could secure. But so many people died doing it. He was still a child, and she hated sending him into such a dangerous place.
The only reason she worried for the boy's, Bell Cranell's, safety was that he was in her charge. She smiled, happy to hear his voice and relieved that he had returned safely.
She hurried to fix her glasses and straighten her clothes before he came
through the door.
"MMMMMIIIISSSSSSSSSSS SHINA!"
Someone covered in black blood flew into the guild?! Is that him?!
"EEEEEKKKKKKKKKK!"
"You know, Bell, after getting covered in blood, you should at least take a shower before coming in here…"
"Sorry about that…"
I can only hang my head and listen as she speaks.
We are in a small room set up in the lobby of Guild headquarters. Sitting in chairs across from each other, there's only a table between us. I'm clean at this point, but that doesn't stop her from making an overly dramatic sigh.
"I can't believe you walked through the city as such a revolting mess! It makes me question your sanity."
"B… but…"
Hearing someone as pretty as Shina say something that harsh so directly cuts really deep. Tears are welling up in the corners of my eyes.
Shina cracks a painful smile and gently pushes my nose with her finger. "Be careful next time, okay?" she asks, giving me a big smile. I nod up and down as fast as I can.
"By the way...who is this?"
Shina ask as she looked at the person beside me...
"Ah this...is Ais.. she is my puppet."
Shina looked at me in shocked like it's the end of the world.
"Eh..? She-? a...puppet..!?"
"Yeah that was my reaction too..."
I said as i scratched my head. While Shina pointed at Ais who was sitting there confused.
The room fell silent for a moment, as Shina's expression flickered between disbelief and sheer confusion. Her eyes darted between me and Ais, her mouth slightly agape.
"A...puppet?" Shina repeated, her voice wavering in a mix of incredulity and curiosity. "But...she's... so lifelike."
"Yeah, that's what I thought too," I muttered, still scratching the back of my head nervously. "I kind of... woke her up by accident. I didn't think it would work, but here we are."
Shina's gaze moved from Ais' golden hair to her flawless features, clearly trying to make sense of the situation. "So... you're telling me, this... puppet can talk, think, and move on her own?"
I nodded, a sheepish grin tugging at my lips. "Pretty much. She's more of a... companion than a tool, if that makes sense."
Ais, sitting calmly beside me, turned her head slightly at Shina's questioning stare. Her eyes, so impossibly real, met Shina's, and for a brief moment, I could see the faintest flicker of curiosity in Ais' gaze. "Is something wrong?" she asked softly, her voice still carrying that ethereal quality. "Do I... seem out of place?"
Shina blinked, visibly caught off guard by Ais' polite tone. Her eyes flickered to me before returning to Ais. "I... I don't know what to think about this," Shina admitted, running a hand through her brown hair. "Puppets like you aren't supposed to be able to think or speak. This is... unnatural."
I couldn't help but chuckle a little. "Yeah, I know. That's why I'm just as confused as you are. I don't know what happened or how this works, but... she's here now. And she's pretty amazing, to be honest."
Ais tilted her head, her golden hair shining in the light, as she processed Shina's reaction. "If I am... 'unnatural,' then what does that make you, Miss Shina? I have no memories, no history, yet I stand before you, alive. Tell me, what is the difference between a being made of flesh and bone and one made of thread and craft?"
Shina faltered for a moment, taken aback by the profundity of Ais' question. "I... I suppose... you're right," Shina murmured, before flashing me a knowing look. "You certainly have a way of getting into strange situations, don't you, Bell?"
I grinned sheepishly, feeling a mix of embarrassment and pride. "It's not my fault! It just... kind of happened."
Shina shook her head, but her expression softened. "Well, Bell, if she's going to be your companion, you need to be careful. Puppets like this are not common, and there are dangers that come with controlling something so... powerful." Her tone became more serious, her emerald eyes narrowing slightly. "If you don't understand what you're dealing with, it could be dangerous for both you and... Ais."
I nodded quickly, already understanding the weight of her words. "I know. I'm taking it one step at a time. It's just... I didn't expect any of this. I thought she'd just be a normal puppet, but she's... different."
Shina sighed deeply and gave me a pointed look. "Well, Bell, if she's truly more than just a puppet, then you need to think carefully about what you're going to do next. Things could get messy—especially if the guild or others find out about her."
I could feel the gravity of her warning, but at the same time, I couldn't shake the feeling that Ais was going to be a game-changer for me. A companion like her? It was almost too good to be true.
Ais, however, was unfazed. She looked at Shina with calm, calculating eyes. "I do not wish to cause harm to anyone," she said softly. "I only wish to serve my master... and protect him, as I was created to do."
Shina studied Ais for a moment, her suspicion still lingering, but her expression softened as she realized the sincerity in Ais' voice. "I can see that," she admitted, though her eyes still held caution. "But... Bell, I'm not sure if I should be worried, or impressed."
I shot Shina a wink, trying to lighten the mood. "Impressed, obviously. Who wouldn't be impressed with such an amazing puppet?"
Shina smirked despite herself. "You're impossible," she muttered, but her tone was affectionate. "Just... be careful, Bell. And keep him out of trouble, alright?"
Ais nodded. "Of course, Miss Shina. I will do my best."
"hey...now..."
As the conversation calmed down, I couldn't help but feel a little lighter. I was still processing the whole situation with Ais, but having Shina's support—albeit a bit cautious—made things feel a little more manageable.
"Thanks, Shina," I said sincerely, my voice more earnest than usual. "I'll be careful. Promise."
Shina gave me a small, knowing smile before returning to her seat behind the desk. "Good. Now go. And Bell? Take better care of yourself next time."
"Right!" I grinned, nodding before turning to leave with Ais by my side.
"Bell remember what i always say-"
"Yeah i know! -Adventurers shouldn't go on an Adventure"
I swear on my soul that I'll never forget another word out of Shina's mouth. "Sounds to me like you've got some weird fantasy about dungeons, and that was the reason for today's events. Am I right?"
"Ha-ha, ha-ha-haaaaaa…"
Yep, she was right. But if I admitted that I went on an adventure to meet girls, she'd clobber me right here.
It's true, the main reason that I wanted to become an adventurer in the first place was the not-so-pure goal of meeting as many pretty girls and beautiful ladies as I could, just like the heroes in tales of adventure. Shina probably saw it written all over my face when I registered for the Guild. Even though she doesn't try to control me, she always looks at me like I'm up to something.
But from today on, I'm turning over a new leaf. All of those dirty daydreams are out the window. From today, I'll be going into the dungeons with a purer purpose.
All because I met this girl. I looked to my right and saw Ais munching on a...Jagamarukun? where did she get that?
"Are you going to get some money?"
Shina asked.
"… Well, yeah. I slew a few monsters before meeting the Minotaur, so that's something."
"Then let's go to the Exchange. I'll walk you there."
Now I feel bad because she's going out of her way. Sure, left and right don't seem all that different to me right now, but she's already done so much. I still feel okay talking to her, but there is no way I'll be able to look her in the eyes after today.
The Exchange is within headquarters itself. We go there, and I pick up my pay for today.
I trade in some magic stone shards I got for killing mostly goblins and kobolds. Everything comes out to about 1,200 vals worth of money. Less than usual, but considering I ran away from Ms. Wallenstein, I didn't spend as much time as I usually do in the Dungeon.
Let's see… Weapon repairs, food for me and Oh yeah ais as well…wait a minute can puppets eat?... i don't think so but Ais is so lifelike and she was munching on a Jagamarukun just now so i guess she needs to it too...
"Bell?"
"Oh… yes? What is it?"
Shina had walked with me almost out the door, but she stopped just before leaving headquarters.
"I am worried about you, you know? so please be careful at the dungeon... even if Ais here is with you..."
Energy and hope flood in as I step out onto the street. Just because I feel like it, I turn on my heel and yell back at her:
"Miss Shina! I love you!"
"… What?"
"Thank you!"
Shina's bright-red face makes me laugh as I set out into the busy streets of the city.
The Labyrinth City, Orario.
There is a labyrinth known as the Dungeon beneath the city. It might be better to say that the massive city was built on top of it.
The Guild oversees everyone who goes below the surface at the core of the city. It's not just humans, either; there are many kinds of demi-humans living in this flourishing metropolis alongside us.
That's about all I know about Orario. Books and studying have never really been my thing. I know that much about the city because I live here.
People who make a living in the Dungeon are all called "adventurers," like me.
I grew up in a small town not far from here. Looking back, I was a really sheltered kid. My grandfather brought me up, but he died about a year ago. There was nothing left for me there, so I packed up what money was left and moved to the city.
I don't think I have to say it at this point, but I came to Orario to meet girls in the Dungeon.
"—Real men try to make a harem!"
How many times did Gramps say that? I can still remember his smile, so full of life.
Gramps read tales of adventure to me for as long as I can remember. I loved the heroes of those stories. They slew the monsters, saved people from certain death, rescued the princess from anything, and looked awesome while doing it. Every time I heard Gramps tell me those stories, I saw myself as the hero. My head was filled with dreams of being one of them.
Gramps let me in on the best part about being the hero.
"The hero's greatest taste of glory is not from slaying the monsters; it's meeting the girls."
It didn't take long for visions of cute girls by my side after a dangerous adventure to saturate my brain. Gramps taught me about being "a man's man." I was well on my way.
As I got older, part of me accepted the fact that I would never become the hero from the tales, but on the other hand, Gramps built me up so much that the girls became my new goal.
The book that he swore by, his bible if you will, was Dungeon Oratoria. It's filled with stories about various heroes and their adventures. I think I bought into his enthusiasm.
If I can be in a place where heroes' stories are made… If I can get to Orario… If I can get into the Dungeon…
If I could just do that, then the girl of my dreams would show up any day. Gramps passed on, but the determination he left behind pushed me out the door, all the way to Orario and the Dungeon.
I admit that I was winging it when I first got here. But now, after a brush with death, I feel really stupid for going into the Dungeon just for the ladies. I'm probably the only idiot who went in like that. Well, I'm pretty sure that the adventurers seeking money and fame are basically the same as me, maybe.
Today made me realize just living is hard.
I will never take the Dungeon lightly again.
I slip into the multiracial crowd on Main Street with Ais just beside.
Dwarves, gnomes, animal people, prums… Some look like normal townsfolk, and some look a lot more dangerous. A human country boy like me is so out of place here. Even in this crowd, everything looks so new and interesting. The constant noise of the city is so invigorating, even though others complain it's too loud. I'll never get tired of this city!
I work my way through the crowd, catching a few glimpses of some really cute and dignified elves along the way.
There's the street I'm looking for. I make my way out of the crowd, off of Main Street, and into a smaller back road. There are so many twists and turns back here I'm surprised I don't get lost more often.
As the noise of Main Street fades, I arrive at a dead end.
"…"
I crane my neck back to look up at an old, rundown church in this cul-de-sac. I don't think anyone has been here in years.
To think, this two-story building was built to be a place to worship the gods. Now it's not much more than ruin. There are pieces of walls missing. Well, actually, they're in piles on the ground where they fell. There's a hint of sadness about this place, left over from the people who stopped coming here who knows how many years ago. There was some old rumours that the Goddess hestia used to live here so i keep it clean every day to pay respect.
"Master... this place is...?"
Ah...right... i forgot to tell her...
"ah yes this is where i live..."
"..."
Ais stared at the old church, her gaze tracing the worn walls and the overgrown vines that clung to the structure. Her expression was unreadable, but I could feel the weight of her silence. She wasn't used to places like this, I could tell.
"This is where you... live?" she asked, her voice soft, almost uncertain.
I nodded, scratching the back of my head. "Yeah, it's not much, but it's home for now." I pushed open the door, which creaked in protest, revealing the interior—a sparse room with just the essentials. The wooden beams creaked underfoot, and the scent of old incense still lingered faintly in the air. The floor was a little dusty, but it was nothing I couldn't clean up. There was a certain peace to it, despite its dilapidated state.
Ais stepped inside, her delicate movements betraying no discomfort, though I noticed her eyes carefully scanning the room. "It feels... different. Not like the places I've seen before."
"Yeah, I guess it's a bit... rough around the edges," I admitted with a sheepish grin. "But it works for me. It's quiet here, and I've got enough space to think."
Ais walked over to a corner where some scattered books and a small bed lay, taking it all in. She didn't touch anything, just observing. "It's... humble, but it feels like it holds a lot of memories."
I smiled. "Yeah. I've been keeping it clean, though. It's the least I can do, considering it used to be the home of a goddess."
Her head snapped toward me, her golden eyes wide with curiosity. "A goddess?"
I chuckled lightly, sitting down on the floor with my legs crossed. "Well, that's the rumor, at least. Goddess Hestia used to live here, or so they say. That's why I try to respect it. You never know if something miraculous could happen."
Ais walked over to me, kneeling down next to me. "Do you believe in miracles, Master?"
The question caught me off guard. For a moment, I had to think about it. I had always been skeptical, practical even. But when I looked at her—at the way she seemed so real, so full of life despite being something out of the ordinary—I couldn't help but wonder.
"I think," I began, "sometimes the world has a funny way of surprising you. I mean, look at you. I never expected to find a puppet like you... someone who feels like they have a mind of their own."
Ais blinked slowly, processing my words. "I see... You believe I am a miracle then?"
"I guess you could say that. I mean, you're definitely different from anything I've ever known."
She gave me a small smile, her expression softening. "Then I will do my best to be the miracle you never expected. To help you, Master."
I felt a strange warmth in my chest as I looked at her. "Thanks, Ais. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Ais didn't say anything more, but she nodded, sitting beside me as if she were content simply being in the moment. It was almost as if she didn't need to speak to show she understood me, and that was a comfort I hadn't realized I needed.
The quiet moments stretched on for a while, with nothing but the distant sounds of the city beyond the walls and the soft rustling of Ais' movements. It felt... peaceful. For the first time in a long while, I wasn't thinking about the Dungeon, the Guild, or anything else that usually weighed on my mind. It was just me and her, here in this place that felt like it was waiting for something new.
"Master..." Ais's voice broke through the silence again, a slight hesitation in her tone.
I looked at her, meeting her gaze. "Yeah?"
She seemed to gather her thoughts for a moment, as if carefully choosing her words. "If you want... I could help you with your... dreams."
I blinked, surprised by her offer. "You'd help me with that?"
Ais nodded, her golden eyes filled with sincerity. "I exist to serve you. I will help you become the hero you wish to be, however you need."
I felt a pang of guilt. All my life, I'd been chasing a certain dream, one that wasn't exactly noble. And yet, here she was, offering to help me achieve something that was rooted in selfishness and daydreams. But then, I remembered Gramps' words. The idea of being a hero wasn't just about fighting monsters; it was about doing something worthwhile. And maybe, just maybe, this was my chance to do something different.
"Alright," I said, with a new resolve forming within me. "Let's do it, Ais. We'll figure this out together. But I'll make sure that the next time I go into the Dungeon, I'm doing it for the right reasons."
Ais gave me a small, approving smile. "I believe in you, Master."
And for the first time in a long while, I started to believe in myself, too. I stood up, brushing off the dust from my pants, and looked around the small church that I had come to call home. For all its faults—its cracked walls, its decaying beams—it was mine. And now, with Ais by my side, it felt less like a forgotten relic of the past and more like a place that could shape a future. A future that, despite all the unknowns, felt a little less uncertain with her here.
"Alright," I said, snapping myself out of my reverie. "I've been thinking… I need to get better at what I do. If I'm going to make something of myself here, I can't keep going about it half-heartedly."
Ais turned her head slightly, looking at me with quiet attentiveness. "What will you do, Master?"
"I don't know yet," I admitted, rubbing my chin thoughtfully. "But I need to get stronger, and I need to understand the Dungeon better. There's so much I don't know. But you, Ais… maybe you can help me with that."
Her golden eyes glowed slightly in the dim light, as if her very presence held a quiet promise. "I will help you however I can."
I gave her a grin, though I could still feel the weight of my responsibilities pressing down. It wasn't just about surviving the Dungeon anymore. It wasn't even just about meeting girls. There was something bigger on the horizon, something that had to do with making my grandfather proud, with fulfilling the purpose that I had set out for. Maybe that's what being a hero was all about—finding something to fight for, even if it wasn't what I'd originally expected.
"You know, I've been meaning to ask," I said, changing the subject. "You don't exactly seem like a normal puppet. If you have all these abilities, where did you come from? How were you made?"
Ais looked up at me, her expression contemplative. "I was created for a purpose. But that purpose… is not clear to me yet." She paused, as though the question had triggered something in her. "I have no memories of my origin, only my role. To serve, to protect."
That left me wondering even more. If Ais had no memories of her own creation, then who—or what—had made her? And why? The mystery only deepened, and it was almost overwhelming.
"Maybe we'll figure that out too," I muttered to myself. "But first things first—we should probably get to know this city better. Learn where we can get useful supplies and maybe some allies along the way."
Ais nodded without hesitation. "I will stay by your side, Master. Together, we will learn and grow stronger."
I felt a surge of gratitude. Despite all the uncertainties swirling in my mind, Ais had a way of grounding me. She didn't question me, she didn't judge me—she was just there, ready to help in whatever way she could. It was... reassuring. Not something I was used to, but something I appreciated more than I could express.
We left the church, stepping back into the bustling streets of Orario. The city was a mix of chaos and order, people hurrying about with their own purposes, adventurers and common folk alike all sharing the same space. It was a place where anyone could carve out a future, whether by sword, by magic, or by sheer will.
As we moved through the streets, I couldn't help but notice that Ais attracted a fair amount of attention. It wasn't anything too obvious, but her beauty and the way she moved—like a doll brought to life—didn't go unnoticed. Some passersby glanced at her curiously, but no one dared approach. It made me feel a little protective, but at the same time, I realized just how strange things could get if people found out what she really was.
"Let's keep a low profile for now," I said quietly, pulling Ais a little closer as we walked.
Ais didn't seem to mind, her soft footsteps in sync with mine. "Understood."
We spent the rest of the afternoon walking through the markets, picking up supplies where we could, and learning the lay of the land. There were stalls selling everything from weapons to rare ingredients for potions. It was a lot to take in, and I could already feel the weight of the decisions I'd have to make soon. The Dungeon called to me, but now, it felt like there was more to consider than just gaining strength. There were risks, both to myself and to Ais.
By evening, we'd gathered enough to last us a while, and we made our way back to the church. I was exhausted, but my mind was buzzing with possibilities. Tomorrow, I'd venture into the Dungeon again, but this time I wouldn't be going in blindly.
The fire of determination that had sparked inside me earlier was still burning strong. I had a long way to go, and I knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy. But I had Ais by my side, and I wasn't about to let this strange, new chapter of my life pass me by.
I turned to Ais as we entered the church. "Tomorrow, we'll start our training. I'll need your help to get stronger to face the Dungeon."
She gave a soft nod, her eyes filled with quiet trust. "I will do my best, Master."
As I settled down for the night, I couldn't shake the feeling that everything was about to change. Whether for better or worse, I didn't know. But one thing was certain: I wasn't alone anymore. And that made all the difference.
I closed my eyes, trying to silence the whirlwind of thoughts in my head. Tomorrow would be a new day—one where I would push forward, not just for myself, but for Ais, for the future, and maybe, just maybe, to find out what it truly meant to be a hero.
"By the way ais..."
"Hm? What's wrong master?"
"uhm...you know how you are...like this even though you are a puppet.. are there even more like you? if so are you able to locate them?"
"Others... like me?" Ais repeated, her voice barely above a whisper, as if she were trying to wrap her mind around the concept. Her golden eyes narrowed slightly as she processed the question, the faintest flicker of curiosity passing across her face. "I… I feel a similar presence in the Dungeon. Sometimes, when I focus, I can sense something… strange, something almost like myself. But it is faint, fleeting, like a shadow that disappears when I try to get closer."
I blinked, surprised by her answer. "So, you can actually sense them? But they're… not like you? Or are they?" My heart skipped a beat. Was there some sort of hidden society of beings like Ais? Or was she the only one of her kind?
Ais turned her gaze to the floor for a moment, lost in thought. Her fingers twitched slightly, as if she were unconsciously thinking through the implications of her own words. "I don't know," she finally admitted, her voice softer than usual. "It's not as though I can speak to them or communicate. But sometimes, in the deeper levels of the Dungeon, I sense something… a faint connection. It's hard to explain, Master. It could be nothing more than the magic of the Dungeon itself playing tricks on me."
I shook my head. No, this wasn't just a trick. Ais was far too precise to be imagining things, and I knew there had to be some truth to what she was saying. The very idea that there might be more beings like Ais, hidden somewhere within the vast, mysterious expanse of the Dungeon, sent a shiver down my spine. But at the same time, it opened up a whole new realm of possibilities—both terrifying and intriguing.
"So you're telling me," I said, my voice low and cautious, "that you've felt something similar to yourself down there, in the Dungeon? But you don't know what it is, or if it's even another puppet like you?"
"Yes," Ais answered, her tone a little more resolved now. "I believe there could be others like me, but I cannot be certain. The presence I feel is not always the same, and it doesn't come with any clear answers. I only know that it feels… familiar, but distant."
I thought about it for a moment. Could this be the key to unlocking Ais's past? Could finding these other beings—whatever they were—reveal the truth about her origins, about why she was created and what her true purpose was? A flood of questions filled my mind, but there was one thing I was sure of: I needed to help Ais find out more. She didn't deserve to live in the shadows of her own existence, not when there might be answers just beyond our reach.
"Do you think… do you think we could find them?" I asked, looking at Ais, hoping for an answer that might bring us closer to the truth.
Ais didn't immediately respond. Instead, she stood still for a long moment, as if weighing my question carefully. When she finally spoke, her voice was calm but resolute. "If they are there, Master, then we will find them. But we must be careful. The deeper we go into the Dungeon, the more dangerous it becomes. If there are others like me, I sense they may not all be the same. Some could be... hostile."
"Hostile?" I echoed, my eyebrows knitting together. The thought of more puppets like Ais, but with a completely different nature, unsettled me. Could they be created for other purposes? Could there be others out there who were made to serve darker goals?
Ais turned to face me, her expression steady. "I cannot be certain. But I will not let anything happen to you, Master. If we find others like me, I will protect you. I promise."
Her words were simple, but the sincerity behind them was undeniable.
"Thanks, Ais," I said softly, my voice full of gratitude. "I trust you. And I'll help you find the answers you need. We'll figure this out, together."
Ais nodded, the faintest of smiles tugging at the corners of her lips.
The day had been long and almost losing my life at the dungeon was really something... well as of right now i was serving both me and ais a bowl of stew.
I glanced over at her as she sat across from me at the small table, her golden eyes focused on the steaming bowl of stew in front of her. She was silent, as usual, her expressions as unreadable as ever. But I could tell she was thinking about The presence of others like her in the Dungeon—what did it all mean? Were they truly like her? Or were they something entirely different?
We ate in silence for a while, the only sounds filling the room were the clink of spoons against bowls and the occasional yawns from Ais. But as I picked up my spoon, another thought crossed my mind. It wasn't about the Dungeon or the mysteries that lay within it. It was something simpler, something more personal—our living situation.
"Hey, Ais," I began, looking up from my bowl. "About... sleeping arrangements."
Ais looked up at me, her golden eyes blinking as though the topic had caught her off guard. "Sleeping arrangements?" she repeated.
"Yeah," I said, shifting uncomfortably in my seat. "I've been thinking about it. We've got a bed, and it's just the two of us. But… I don't think we've figured out who sleeps where." I couldn't quite meet her gaze, feeling awkward as the words left my mouth.
Ais tilted her head, her brow furrowing slightly. "I thought we would sleep in the same place," she said, her tone matter-of-fact. "That's how it is, isn't it? We are… companions."
I blinked, not sure how to respond. "Yeah, but, uh… I mean, the bed's kind of small for two people. I just thought it might be better if—"
Ais cut me off with a soft, almost teasing smile. "Then you will sleep on the couch, and I will sleep in the bed."
I froze, my hand halfway to my bowl. "Wait, what?"
"I'll take the bed," Ais repeated, the faintest amusement in her voice. "You'll sleep on the couch."
I stared at her for a moment, trying to process what she had just said. "No, wait, I didn't mean that! I wasn't suggesting that you sleep on the couch! I just thought… maybe we could figure something out. Like, you know, take turns?"
Ais looked at me with a calm, unwavering gaze, as though this was a perfectly logical conclusion. "But I would prefer to sleep in the bed. You are smaller than me, Master. The bed is fine for both of us."
I shook my head, feeling an odd sense of helplessness rise within me. "Ais, seriously. The bed might be big enough for both of us, but it's still... awkward. We've got to think about it. We can't just—"
Ais tilted her head, her expression growing more curious as she studied me. "Is it... awkward for you, Master?" she asked, her voice soft, almost teasing.
I opened my mouth to protest but found no words coming out. The reality was that yes, it was a little awkward. But I couldn't explain that to her without sounding ridiculous. Ais was... well, Ais. She was different. She didn't have the same understanding of personal space that most people did. But that didn't mean I was ready to share a bed with her, even if it seemed to make sense to her.
I sighed, rubbing my temples in frustration. "You're really insistent on this, aren't you?"
Ais didn't respond at first. Instead, she simply set down her bowl and stood up, walking over to the small couch where I had been sitting earlier. She sat down with an almost casual grace, as though she were testing the space out for herself. "This is uncomfortable," she said after a moment, her voice tinged with disappointment. "There isn't enough space here. I would rather sleep in the bed with you."
"That's not the issue, Ais," I said, my voice strained. "It's just... look, we need some boundaries. I can't just—"
Ais's gaze softened, her expression shifting from playful to something more sincere. She stood up and walked over to me, her footsteps light on the floor. Standing beside me, she placed a hand gently on my shoulder, looking down at me with those golden eyes.
"I understand, Master," she said, her voice calm and reassuring. "But I am not... like you. I don't need the same things as a normal person. I don't need space like you do. I just want to be close to you. Is that... a problem?"
Her words hit me harder than I expected. It wasn't just about sleeping arrangements anymore—it was about how different she was, how she didn't understand what most people took for granted. She was a creation, a being that didn't fit into the mold of normal human interaction, and sometimes that difference was painfully clear.
I looked up at her, seeing the vulnerability in her expression. She wasn't trying to be difficult; she was simply acting on her instincts. She wanted to be close.
I sighed, feeling defeated. "Fine," I muttered. "You win. I'll sleep on the bed with you."
Ais's face lit up instantly, her golden eyes sparkling with something that looked almost like relief. "Really, Master? You'll sleep with me?" she asked, her voice almost childlike in its excitement.
I nodded reluctantly, even though the thought of sharing such close quarters with her still made my stomach twist. But it was clear that Ais wasn't going to let this go, and the last thing I wanted was to upset her further.
Ais beamed at me, her earlier teasing nature replaced with genuine happiness. "Thank you, Master," she said softly, her hand lingering on my shoulder for a moment longer before she stepped back. "I promise you won't regret it."
The rest of the evening passed quietly. After finishing our meal, Ais helped me tidy up the small living space before we both settled into the bed. As I lay down, I couldn't help but feel the awkwardness between us. Ais was already lying beside me, her back to me as she settled into a position that was surprisingly relaxed for someone who had never slept like a human before. Her golden hair glowed faintly in the moonlight that filtered through the window, casting soft shadows across her face.
"Goodnight, Master," she said softly, her voice almost a whisper.
I hesitated for a moment, unsure how to respond. But eventually, I simply mumbled, "Goodnight, Ais."
The night stretched on in silence, the only sounds the soft rustling of the sheets and the distant hum of the city beyond our walls. As I lay there, trying to find sleep, I couldn't shake the strange feeling that lingered between us. Ais was unlike anyone I had ever known, and tonight, as we shared the same bed for the first time, I realized just how much I had come to rely on her. Whether I was ready for it or not, our bond was growing stronger, and with it, the weight of the mystery that surrounded her.
Finally, sleep began to take me. And though my mind was still filled with questions, I felt a strange peace settle over me.
And that thought was enough to help me drift into a deep, dreamless sleep.