In silence, we followed the men ahead. The path through the forest was calm, with birds chirping in the distance. Nothing hinted at what had happened just a few minutes earlier.
"Astrea, Cronos, Typhon, cursed weapons, the world of Danmachi... I don't know what to make of it, but one thing I know for sure: I'll live life to the fullest, without regrets. Just like you wanted, Monika," Luke said to himself.
The following minutes passed in the same direction, still along the narrow forest path. We walked behind the four men when suddenly they stopped and said, "We're here."
"This is where we found the weapons, right at the entrance to the cave," they told us.
"Thanks for escorting us. Now get lost. I hope you'll be more careful in the future, and when you see similar weapons, don't touch them, so that what happened doesn't repeat," Luke said.
The men nodded, turned without a word, and began running away. Luke thought to himself that it was probably no surprise.
"Okay, Astrea, before we go any further, I think it's time we had a talk," Luke said, leaning against a tree, calm, with a smile on his face.
"Great! I probably have a million questions, but for now, let's start with the simplest one. You're really not from this world?" Astrea asked, staring at him intently.
"Well, unless I've just moved backward or forward in time, then yes, I'm not from this world. My world was completely different from this one," Luke replied.
"So it's just like Cronos said. I saw it in your status, but I had to make sure. Which leads me to my second question: do you know why and how you ended up here?"
Luke paused for a moment. "I've been wondering about that question the whole time I've been here, and honestly, I have no idea. I was lying in bed, reading a book, feeling my eyes getting heavy with tiredness, and when I opened them again, I was here," he answered with a laugh.
Astrea rolled her eyes and added, "I don't know what's so funny about that. Ending up in an unknown place where you don't know anything, almost dying the moment you arrive... You're weird."
Luke laughed. "I wouldn't say it's an unknown place, and I wouldn't say it's funny either. I'm just full of joy that I can start over somewhere where no one knows me. Live my life to the fullest. And I didn't die, I'm still here, strong and healthy."
Astrea just shook her head and sighed. "By the way, how do you know my name? We haven't even been introduced. My name is Astrea, the goddess of justice, the goddess who gave you her blessing and is now wondering if she made the right choice," she added with a smirk. "All things considered, it seems like I didn't make a mistake. You seem like a good guy. A bit wild, but calm, kind, and after the next question, hopefully, with a good heart."
Astrea became serious, looked at Luke, and said: "I have one last question for you. What is justice?"
Luke looked at her, still smiling. Then he sat down on the ground, leaning against the tree, and looked up at the sky. His cheerful demeanor turned serious. "Before I answer your question, my name is Luke. Nice to meet you." Astrea just nodded, waiting for his answer.
Luke continued to gaze at the sky, feeling her gaze waiting for an explanation. "What is justice?" he repeated. "Honestly, I have no idea. There could be a million interpretations, but I don't know. I don't know justice."
Astrea looked at Luke and saw the sadness in his eyes. "Let me tell you a story from my world. What happened in my life, and then you can decide if I'm worthy of your blessing, or if you'll take it back," Luke said.
Astrea sat down across from him, leaning against a tree, hugged her knees, and gave him a kind look, signaling that he could continue.
Luke took a deep breath. "In my world, it was just me and my younger sister Monika. When I was seven and she was three, our parents died in an accident. There was no one to take care of us, so we ended up in an orphanage..." A year had passed since we lost our parents. We still couldn't accept that we would never see them again, but we believed that as long as we had each other, everything would turn out for the better. I closed my eyes for a moment and remembered those happy times full of laughter.
Even back then, I knew my sister was exceptional. She was my little genius. By the age of three, she could read, write, count, and do many things that other children her age couldn't. That's when I started asking the orphanage attendants if they could help her get a better education. Their answer was clear: yes, she could go to school, but just an ordinary one. Better schools were expensive, and the orphanage couldn't afford them.
At eight years old, I decided that I would take care of it myself. I started looking for ways to make money so I could provide my sister with a better education. I took on various odd jobs and saved every penny. The years passed, and I did everything I could to one day send her to a prestigious high school.
I, myself, was nowhere near as smart as she was. I didn't have problems at school, but I never absorbed knowledge as easily. However, I was physically capable. That's how I discovered combat sports, where others told me I had talent. I started earning money by wrestling. I won district, regional, and even state tournaments. By the time I was eighteen, I made it to the international stage, where I earned my first big money. I knew this was my path to help Monika get an education and a better life.
But Monika wasn't thrilled about it. When I came home all bruised, she tried not to show it, always greeting me with a smile. When I was eighteen, I managed to buy us a small house where we lived happily. Everything seemed fine... until that day came.
Monika was very popular at school. She was smart, beautiful, and kind. She helped her classmates, the children from the street, and the orphanage where we grew up. But that very kindness drew the attention of envious girls from the higher grades. They started bullying her. They poured water on her, locked her in the bathrooms, stole her shoes, or destroyed her notes.
She couldn't go to the teachers—those girls' parents were influential and financially supported the school. She didn't come to me either, because she saw how tired I was from training. If she had told me, I would've tried to do something. But she kept it all to herself.
One day, I had a day off and decided to surprise her. I wanted to wait for her outside the school. I arrived five minutes early, but Monika wasn't there. I stopped one of her classmates and asked where she was. At first, she was scared, but then another one came and told me the truth. About half an hour ago, the girls had dragged Monika away somewhere.
I immediately started acting. Using my phone, I tracked her location. The map showed she was about ten minutes away from the school. I ran there.
When I arrived, I found myself standing in front of a hotel. Inside, I aggressively demanded information from the receptionist until he finally gave in. He told me she was supposed to be in room 203. Without hesitation, I charged through the door. What I saw took my breath away.
Monika was lying on the bed, bound, a gag in her mouth, tears in her eyes. Two men stood over her, preparing to hurt her. Beside them stood her classmates, recording everything on their phones. In that moment, something inside me snapped.
Everything went dark before my eyes, and I attacked. I threw both men to the ground. I held one and beat him with my fists, while the other fled. When the security finally stopped me, I realized the man under my hands was no longer breathing.
But that wasn't the end. The security didn't belong to the hotel, but to one of those attackers. Their leader told me he would punish me. Right in front of me—right before my eyes—he raped my sister while I was helplessly held to the ground. Her crying, her screams... I couldn't protect her.
Later, the police arrived. I hoped for justice, but nothing like that came. The police were bribed. I was sentenced to twenty years for murder. Monika was at home, but no one told me how she was doing.
It wasn't until I was in prison that I found out she had hanged herself the day of my sentencing. She couldn't bear the trauma or our loss. She left me a farewell letter in which she wrote how much she loved me and that I had been the best brother she could have ever wished for. She begged me to live on without regret. But I know I'll never be the same... Every time I remember her last words, something inside me breaks all over again. And eventually, tears begin to fall down my face. Even now, it hurts as if it happened yesterday.
As I tried to calm down and handle it, suddenly I felt something moving around me. It was Astrea, she came to me, hugged me, and said, "It must have been so hard for you, let it go, release it."
And in that moment, as I felt her warmth, everything that had been bubbling inside me since that horrible event just poured out. I cried like a little boy on her chest, all of it came out of me. The anger, the sadness, everything I had inside, went into those tears.
We stayed like this for a while, and when I started to recover a bit, it suddenly hit me where I actually was. I quickly pulled Astrea away from me, looked at her, all red in the face, and said, "Thank you so much, I really needed that. And sorry, your shirt is totally soaked."
In that moment, I noticed that my tears were starting to soak through her shirt, so I quickly took off my jacket and offered it to her.
Astrea smiled, blushing a bit, thanked me, and put the jacket on.
After a moment of awkward silence, I looked at Astrea with a smile and said, "Now I could continue with the story, but before I do, I have one more important question. How much time has passed since your family died?" Before you ask how I know this, you'll find out when I continue.
Astrea, taken aback, with a tear in her eye and wondering how I knew all this, replied, "It's been about a month."
"Hm, so we still have about 5 years," I muttered to myself.
"Alright, now I'll continue, you'll find out everything," I said to Astrea, giving her the kindest smile.
My time in prison was something I wouldn't wish on anyone. Devastated by the news of my sister's death, constant attacks from fellow inmates, and the guards ignoring it all. It was hell for me. But because I had practiced martial arts before, I somehow managed to defend myself, even though in my thoughts, I wished I could end it all and meet my sister again. But every time that thought crossed my mind, another thought would slip in – my sister's last words: "Live life to the fullest." Thanks to those words, I somehow survived, half alive, half broken.
That's how I survived for about five years in prison. After some time, I became an avid reader, and I liked to hide in books. After those five years, I came across a set of books called Is it wrong to try to pick up girls in a dungeon, or simply Danmachi.
"Yeah, I know, terrible title," I said to Astrea with a smirk when I saw her looking at me. "Yeah, obviously, Virgin Goddess," I added to myself in my mind.
The book told the story of a young adventurer named Bell and his adventures in a city called Orario. I said that with a laugh and looked at Astrea, who couldn't believe her ears.
"Orario? Wait, how is that possible?" Astrea said in disbelief.
"It's exactly as you hear it. It's unbelievable, but over those five years, I read a total of 20 books about what happened in Orario. Because of them, I know what happened to your family, I know what will happen in the future in five years, and I also have some information from previous years. But to continue, I fell in love with the books, and then in the seventh year of my sentence, I was reading one evening, and boom – I was here. And the rest, you already know.
So here's your answer to your question. I understand if you no longer want anything to do with me. After all, I killed someone cold-bloodedly without a second thought. I understand if that doesn't meet your idea of justice. I don't even know what to imagine when I think of that word. Sure, if someone needs help, I'll gladly offer it. If someone wants to kill me, I'll defend myself. But don't get me wrong, I also believe in second chances if the person wants to make things right."
With my head lowered, I waited for Astrea's response, who came closer and placed her hand on my cheek. I lifted my head, looked into her eyes, and saw only a loving gaze, full of understanding.
"I won't take my blessing back. You deserve a chance to be who you want to be, and I would like to be there for that. But remember, my pain hasn't disappeared, and I'm not ready to return to Orario," Astrea replied with a smile, but also sadness in her eyes.
"And that's perfectly fine. I'll try to help ease your pain a little. Even though I'm not sure how, I'll be here for you. And Orario? It can wait. We've got five years before the main story starts, and I'd love to explore the world first," I replied with a laugh.
"And thank you for letting me stay with you. I'll try not to disappoint you, Asti!"
"Aaaa, again with the name… What does 'Asti' even mean? Why 'Asti'? You know my name!" Astrea said, frustrated, her face all red.
"Hmm, judging by her expression, I wouldn't say she minds it. Maybe I've got a shy one with me," I thought to myself, laughing.
"It's a nickname for your name, and I think it's cute. But if you don't like it, I won't call you that, Astrea."
"No, it's fine, it just took me by surprise," Astrea said, turning her back to me.
With a deep laugh, I just said, "Asti!"
We both laughed, looked at each other, and said, "To our new life!"
"Before we look at what's behind us and how those weapons ended up here, I've got one question for you, Asti," I said, motioning behind my back.
"What is it?" Astrea replied.
"What does my status look like? It seems to me that I'm disproportionately strong for someone starting at level 1. And also, I'd like to ask: Do you think it's okay to try to change the future I know from the books? Or should I just let the story flow the way it's meant to?" I asked her, looking intently into her eyes.
Astrea laughed and replied, "True, we've been dealing with important things, and before that, it was a question of life and death, so I forgot to mention your status. Well, to put it simply, thanks to the blessing from someone whose name I don't know because it's blurry in your status, you've skipped 5 levels and you're at level 5. Plus, you have two skills: Dual Swordsman, which boosts your status when you use two swords, and depends on your Swordsman trait. Right now, you have a 25% bonus. The second is Punisher, which increases your strength and agility with every hit to the enemy. And your inherent traits are Abnormal Endurance, Swordsman, Luck, Explorer, and Willpower. Your Willpower is at max level S, which is why I think you resisted the curse from those weapons. Your experience and suffering from your previous life have something to do with that."
I looked at Astrea in disbelief, as if I couldn't believe my own ears. But I couldn't help it, and I burst out laughing, replying, "This is amazing! Let the adventure begin!"
Astrea chuckled and added, "To answer your second question, I'll respond with a question of my own: If you know what will happen, and if there are bad things that will take place, can you live with the fact that you didn't stop them?"
In my head, I had a clear answer: "No, I couldn't."
"Then here's your answer. I don't think it was a coincidence that you ended up here. Clearly, someone planned this, and those books were written with a purpose, specifically for you. So, live in this world as you see fit and do what your heart tells you to. That's my answer."
"Thank you, that's exactly what I needed to hear! But for now, let's explore that cave behind us," I said with a laugh in my voice, eager to start my adventure in this new world.
Astrea just nodded and we both turned and entered the cave.
What jumped out at us upon entering surprised us both. There were some murals on the walls that meant nothing to me, and in front of us, a gate surrounded by two monster statues. My adventurer's spirit began to awaken, and I couldn't help but laugh at the thought of what might be waiting for us beyond the gate. But one glance at Asti made me realize that it probably wouldn't be as simple as it looked. But oh well. I wanted an adventure, and an adventure without a little danger wouldn't be the same.
With my eyes bright, a smile on my face, and one look at Asti—my goddess already knew I wouldn't be deterred.
"Don't look at me like that. I'm not stopping you, I know you want to explore. Oh, but I feel like I've taken a problem child under my wing," Astrea sighed.
"Don't say it like that, Asti. Look at this adventure before us. It's going to be fun," I replied, laughing.
To which Astrea responded, "I'm not sure it will be fun, but beyond that gate is Hades' temple, or should I say, something like a stronghold. I don't know what's waiting for us inside, but it definitely won't be pretty. These murals on the walls depict Hades' reign over the dead, and the statues by the gate are Furies. I'm afraid that once we get closer, they'll come to life."
"Great, amazing, what a start to our new life. Let's do this, Asti! Let's explore what lies ahead!" I said, laughing and full of energy for the adventure.
Astrea took a deep breath and, with a slight smile on her face that hid her concerns, she looked at the gate before us. "Alright, let's do this. But keep in mind, it won't be easy."
"Don't worry, Asti, I'm ready for anything!" I replied, and with full determination, we took our first step toward the gate.
As we passed the statues, they had a strange, terrifying expression. It was obvious those Furies meant to guard the entrance. Their stone eyes, still as though they were watching us, gave the unsettling feeling that we were in no way safe. The air around us was heavy, as though it was being squeezed under the pressure of some ancient magic.
"We need to be cautious. This temple is an ancient stronghold of Hades, and if it is truly under his influence, it could mean danger at every turn," Astrea said quietly, almost as if speaking more to herself than to me.
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. And we've got a bit of luck on our side," I replied with a laugh, trying to ease her worries.
As we approached the gate, it seemed larger than I had expected. Its height and massive metal doors gave the impression they were built not only to withstand time, but also the greatest of forces. I was ready for whatever might be lurking behind it.
"Get ready, this is going to be a hell of an adventure," I said, placing my hand on the large wrought-iron doors, ready for the first step into the unknown.