No Danmachi owner present in this chapter!
"SWWSSSHHHHH*
I give a quick glance behind me, checking if we are being followed or any monsters have recently spawned.
"YEAH! That's what I'm talkin' about!"
After checking the coast is clear, I turn back around and quickly catch up to Brant. He has just decapitated a bunch of War Shadows. We've been in the dungeon for about 2 hours now, well an extra two hours on top of what I did this morning/last night.
"Woo!" Brant hollers as the monsters turn to dust, their purple gemstones falling to the dungeon floor. I start crushing them under my foot as I don't have my magic stone bag with me. I didn't get chance to take it back to my place so I hid it in my alleyway where I started out in for a month.
Brant either understands my reasoning or doesn't even care. His sword, a Claymore he called it, is dripping with blood. War Shadows don't even bleed but ever since we've entered the dungeon, Brant has been on a rampage.
It was almost as if he were possessed. As a Level 2, since I am on also and know this, he has no problem with dealing with the monsters on the upper floors. Things don't start coming on issue until floor 12 where the fog is thick and you can get swarmed fairly easily.
But Brant didn't even hold back on the goblins and Kobolds. Rushing them and bringing down his Claymore with all his strength, splitting them in two. It was kind of scary with how happy he seemed from murdering so many monsters.
I wasn't bothered though. I knew adventurers could get like this; I've even experienced it to some degree but Brant is an exception. 6 years with the inability to do anything is now being released onto any poor monster that gets in his way.
I'd thought of joining in a few times but we are too high up to even be in danger and also I'm still tired from my 12 hour stint earlier so I'm resting. From what I remember from Brant's quick lessons, I'm acting as a mix between supporter and rearguard. Yes, I'm dealing with the magic stones but I'm not exactly pocketing them. But it's not like I've dealt with many monsters trying to sneak up on us. When one appears, Brant has heard it and before I get chance, he rushes past me and slices it up.
Even though we were on a high floor and Brant was tinkering on deranged, I could tell he was an experienced adventurer. The way he walked and scanned rooms. He knew the way monsters attacked and how they defended. He knew the routes of the floors and he heard monsters spawning before me.
I might have to correct myself. Brant was just going on a killing spree; he was completely in the Zone. It is an awesome feeling; I remember it when I faced those Minotaurs. It's as if the rest of the world doesn't exist and the only thing that matters is right now. That's why I'm not telling Brant to cool down.
The weirdest part for me in all this is the other adventurers. I'm not used to the dungeon being this busy but we've come into the dungeon just after midday and the top floors are packed, especially the main routes.
I've seen casual level 1 parties, rookies taking a go at their first monster and what I presume to be an experienced adventurer training a younger member of their Familia. While nowhere near as young as me, unless they had a massive growth spurt, they stilled looked kind of young.
Brant didn't seem to care. I hung close by as he curtly nodded to them as we passed by before he went off into another room.
That's another thing. While Brant goes all out when facing monsters; on our walks between sections and even floors, we are just walking. No rushing to get ahead or go deeper. I'm not sure if it is Brant doing it intentionally, knowing he shouldn't push it too far on his first trip back in over half a decade, or he just wants to kill every monster in every part of the dungeon. Either way, it means we are only on the 6th floor in the same amount of time it takes me to get to the middle floors.
"Right! That's enough pissin' about up 'ere. Let's get goin', keep up lad!"
"...huh?"
"I shouldn't have complained," I murmur as Brant practically bounces down the steps to floor 12. It's almost as if he heard what I was thinking and he decided to screw with me. In the time it took him to do the first 6 floors, he's halved that to make it to floor 12. At some points, I was struggling to keep up and I've had to take on a few more monsters, like an ant horde surprising us. It still wasn't much of a threat but it seemed Brant got a bit reckless.
I was shocked with how quick you can get to this floor. Since I usually avoid the main routes, I understand I add on a few more minutes but seriously, I'd almost forgotten how direct of a route it is. Not even the Astrea Familia were this direct.
"h-hey... Brant, could we... stop just for a sec," I manage, feeling the fatigue beginning to set in. My muscles have started to ache and I haven't had anything to eat or drink in ages. I know I've gone through worse, my initial trip to the middle floors won't be beaten any time soon, but even I know this is getting too much for me and I get scolded for apparently working too hard.
Unfortunately, I wasn't loud enough to release Brant from the Zone as he just reaches the bottom of the steps and starts making his way into the fog.
"errrgh," I groan as I'm left with no choice but to follow.
Brant was loving this. It had been so long, so so long. 6 years he had waited for this. 6 fucking excruciating years and oh by the Gods, he didn't realise how much he had missed this. To be able to walk into the dungeon and just kill. To swing his Claymore about with no consequences as he tore through flesh and blood.
Maybe those stuck-up elves were right. Maybe us adventurers are just a bunch of psychopaths but he didn't care, he had 6 years of pent up stress and emotions to let out.
He leapt at an Orc that had just spawned, a notorious monster and one of the strongest in the whole upper floors section. He jumped with a roar and slammed his blade onto the bald, sickly green scalp. The next second, Brant's claymore clattered with the dead grass and dirt as the giant monster evaporated into ash.
He had forgotten just how strong he was. His leg had hampered him so much, he struggled to walk. Now he was able to leap over 10ft into the air and take out a giant in a single swing. It was invigorating, his blood coursing with adrenaline as he looked around for a new enemy.
"I'd forgotten how dense the fog got down 'ere," Brant muttered as he lowered his claymore. He did a full spin, not spotting a thing moving. He had just entered the floor, if he pushed further inwards he would have more experiences.
"Hey kid, ya think I can find one of them monkey's ya fought, Ha!" Brant joked. He waited for a response. Then another second went by, and then a third. Not even the slight shuffling of the boots.
'That stealth skill of his is lethal.'
"Yo Kid, get closer, I can't see ya through this thick fog."
Brant didn't shout, knowing Percy didn't like loud noise. But after another second of a lack of response it finally dawned on the man.
"Oh shit," He mumbled before he stumbled back into the fog. "Hey Kid, where ya run off to! Thought I told ya to stay close?"
Had he? Did Brant actually tell the young lad to stay near or had he been to wrapped up in his return to the dungeon. Brant only increased the speed.
Brant continued to run through the fog, calling out for the young boy, not bothering if other adventurers heard him. He still didn't shout loud as he made his way back to the main stairs. Percy was a level 2, most likely stronger than himself by now so Brant wasn't too worried but this was the dungeon. Never underestimate the dungeon.
After almost a minute of walking Brant, finally caught sight of the stairs. He was shocked it had taken this long, not realising how far out he'd actually gone just to hunt some easy prey. He quickly climbed the steps, taking a quick scan of the land.
"Yo, Percy!" He called out once more, cupping his hands around his mouth as he projected his voice. His level 2 hearing picked up various sounds. Some monsters spawning off in the distance to his left while to his right was the sound of distant fighting. He knew it wasn't Percy as the clear sound of metal clanging rang in his ears.
All of a sudden, an imp flew out of the dense fog, crashing onto the stairs. It exploded into ash on impact. It was clear that it had not been killed by a blade but blunt force. That was more like the young black-haired kid.
Brant leapt down and started jogging through the fog. It didn't take long before the sound of punching and the screeches of monsters got louder. It seemed the boy hadn't strayed too far from the main steps as within no time, Brant walked into the small clearing of dead foliage as he observed Percy's fight.
There was already a couple of ash piles scattered around as Percy added another one by one shotting a hard armoured, it's shell cracking instantly at the power. Brant couldn't help but be impressed, even he was unsure if he could do that.
After finally taking care of the last imp that had tried to escape, Brant watched on with curiosity at Percy's behaviour. He was surprised by how sluggish the boy seemed to move and that he was breathing heavily. It was clear signs of tiredness but Brant knew that a level 2 should allow the boy to deal with his level, especially since Brant has done most of the work since they first entered...
'I'm a fuckin' idiot.'
How could he forget. Percy had already been in the dungeon earlier. He was probably knackered, his body ready to crumple into his bed. Had the boy even eaten since he left? Brant mentally slapped himself as he walked over to the boy.
"Hey lad."
Percy swivelled around; the man having taken him by surprise. Brant crouched down to face the boy in the eyes before giving him a quick flick to the forehead.
"-ugh"
"Ya should've said something. If ya tired, don't just go waltzing back into the dungeon. Ya haven't even asked for a break!"
Brant finished admonishing his young partner as Percy rubbed his head, letting out a groan.
"Sorry, I didn't want to get in your way," he mumbled out an apology. Brant could only sigh, how had the lad made him feel even worse about himself. Brant was pretty sure hanging around the boy was an ever constant reminder on how pitiful he is.
"That ain't good enough. Ya gonna need to learn to speak up for ya'self at some point or else the world will trample over ya like a stick."
Percy let out a tired sigh as he rubbed his eyes slightly. Brant stood back up and scanned the area. After a couple of seconds he saw what he wanted.
"Oi, stick close this time and follow me."
As I sat down with Brant, taking a mandatory break, I listened to the sounds of the dungeon. I'd never been here when it was busy, the closest I got was when I came down here with Alise and the others. It was weird. It felt empty but also more alive than I'd ever seen it.
Normally at the time I'm here, I've got an entire part of the floor to myself, meaning I get all the monsters. Now that there are more adventurers, the monster population is spread out. But it also felt cramped, with all these day-time adventurers being here, it felt like there was little place to fight comfortably in. It all felt strange.
I've done this before a few times with the Astrea Familia whenever we team-up but this feels different. I don't why, maybe it's because of how long I've known Brant compared to Alise and the others.
Alise, Lyon, Lyra, Kaguya, Neze and now the others. I've only known them as a level 2 adventurer and perceived them as fellow adventurers. Brant... he is much more than that. While I love the Astrea Familia, this comfortable silence I'm experiencing with Brant is something I feel I can only experience with him, or Reg whenever I just watch him working at his forge.
'Maybe it's a boy thing?' I question to myself. I reach to my belt and unstrap my leather book from the left side. I had asked Reg for a compartment for my book and a pencil to make it easier to map out the floors. It is a strong but light square pouch that houses my journal perfectly.
While Brant was sharpening his large sword, a calming grating sound tickling my ears I thought I should make use of this time as well. I didn't have chance to document my new routes that I discovered on floor 14. I have already adventured to floor 15, well technically I've been on floor 16 but that doesn't count, and it wasn't much different. I found out that was the level that a large cat-like creature called a liger fang spawned. I remembered seeing that in the mass monster party from before.
As I begin to doodle my new findings, I smiled seeing I was about to finish another page. My maps were made in a way only me and people who think like me can understand it. Each floor has a set of designated pages, the lower the floor equals more pages. I then have an index on the first duel pages which has the main routes. This tells me where to flip to for the next part of the dungeon that I'm exploring.
This is actually my second map book, since I'd finished most of my last one on floor 12, I decided to get a new one for the middle floors, since they would be even bigger and it felt nice having a map book only for the upper floors and then for middle floors.
The part I'm finishing off is what I'm calling part D of floor 14, which connects to both part C and a bit of Part A. The only one I've shown my maps to whose understood it is Lyra and one of the newer Astrea Members, Noin. She's nice to talk to you.
I smile slightly as I remember Alise and Neze's reaction to my maps, they looked completely dumbfounded. Lyra said it was because they were muscle-brained and Noin said that I was already smarter than them.
For a while, the only noise around us is the sound of my pencil on paper accompanied by the comforting sound of a whetstone on steel. After a few minutes, the scraping sound stops.
"Hey, what ya doin'?"
I stop my pencil as I look to my left. Brant is peering over at me, his Claymore resting on the small log we are leaning against. I make my journal a bit clearer by tilting it in his direction, making him nod his head as he realised.
"Still keepin' up on the whole mapping thing?"
"Yeah, thought it was a good way to past the time when I'm not fighting or healing," I say casually, earning a small snort from the man. He looks back over the foggy grassland, almost as if he was reminiscing.
"I get it. I didn't realise how much these past 6 years have killed me, ha." He gives a small laugh before he looks back at me. "I know I said it before but seriously kid... thanks."
I give a small smile back to. I'm still not good at dealing with praise or appreciation but I much prefer it when it's subtle and simple.
"You mind if I take a look?"
I raise my small eyebrow at him, questioning his motives for a second. After a second, I shrug my shoulders and hand him my book. Just as I let go of my journal though, I suddenly become very self-conscious of my work.
When showing it to the Astrea Familia, I didn't feel bothered by what they thought because I know they wouldn't judge. And while I don't think Brant will judge me, for some reason I want him to understand my maps.
For almost a minute of silence, only broken by a few hums and the crinkling of paper being delicately flipped over, Brant flicks through my diary of the dungeon. He keeps going back and forth, following my notes and key that says where to go. While I can't see which page he is on, I know where he is because I know what every page number correlates to.
I'm twiddling with my fingers in anticipation, waiting for his judgement. As I see him reach the page I was working on before flipping back to the main route of floor 14, he pauses.
He glances at me, closes my book and hands it back to me.
"Not bad kid. That rivals the Guild issued stuff. Hell, it's easier to follow in some parts. Not bad at all."
With his simple statement, he grabs his Claymore and stands up. He stretches his arms and back slightly, letting out some grunts. He slaps his sword over his shoulder, holding the giant sword with one hand before looking down at me.
"Come on then, let's get headin' back, foods on me." He mutters as he rubs my hair. With a faint smile, I put my book back in its satchel, flex my fingers and shake my wrist before slipping my Galva-Knuckles back on.
We begin making our way back to the main stairs. They aren't that far, only a couple minutes away. However, my sensitive ears pick up on sudden noise.
"Hey, Brant."
"Hmm?"
"I think I hear... screaming?"
Brant turned back to face me and raised his eyebrow. I point in the direction of where I'm hearing it.
"And?" Brant questioned but I just stare at him before he sighs in defeat. "I guess ya want to go help them. Thought ya would've learnt ya lesson by now."
I pick up speed, racing off towards where the adventurers were screaming. Brant manages to keep up. I already knew, if wasn't tired and hungry, my stats are probably higher than his now but that doesn't mean Brant is a basic level 2.
By now, he has heard it, along with the large thumps shaking into the ground. I could feel the vibrations from here, I wonder what kind of monster it is.
It didn't take long until the set of white marble looking stairs appeared. I immediately spotted the source of all the yelling as a party of adventurers were booking it up, taking 3 steps at a time.
I don't spot any monster right behind them but the loud thuds only increase. I turn to face the oncoming monster, preparing to meet whatever comes through the fog.
"Oi!" Brant shouts up at the adventurers, getting their attention. I hear their footsteps suddenly stop.
"HEY! YOU NEED TO MOVE, NOW!" A man screams down. I wince at the screeching in my ear but shake my head, making sure I stay focus. I wish people learnt they didn't need to yell everything.
"What's going on and why ya screaming so damn loud?" Brant asks. I don't know whether it was his calm voice or his laxed demeanour but the adventurer seemed to get annoyed.
"Fine, suit ya'self and die!"
With that, the party just continues to run away. I roll my eyes, typical adventurers right there.
"Well that wasn't much help. Have ya snuffed out what it is yet?" Brant asks as he turns to face the same direction as me.
"Yeah, I think so."
"Only thinking so ain't much good down here. Either ya know, or ya die."
"Fine, I know what it is."
"And what is it then?"
Before I had chance to speak, the answer to the question appears, and I definitely knew it was this anyway.
A giant, grey-scaled monster with blood red eyes races out of the smoke. It's 4 legs crashing into the ground as it brings up rock and dirt. It's giant Lizard-like tail smashes into a nearby tree, shattering it to pieces.
"Thought so," Brant mumbles as he watches the infant dragon storm towards us. I see its nostrils flare as it tries to pick up the scent of presumably the adventurers that had hightailed it to floor 11. That meant it now had new targets.
I flex my arm, ready to end this quickly. I've already dealt with a few infant dragons now. The first was with the Astrea Familia, which I easily took care of with my level 2 strength. Everything after that was fairly easy. They might be big and strong for a level 1, and apparently for some level 2, but they aren't that fast and I just get beneath it and punch it in its gut. That normally does it.
"Hey, hey, slow down a sec would ya," Brant says, putting his hand on my shoulder. I look up at him, puzzled at why he is stopping me. After giving the monster that was currently charging towards us with the intention of eating us alive, he looks down at me with a sly smile.
"Wanna see something cool?"
I just continue to look puzzled as I slowly turn my head back to face the infant dragon. Then Brant extends his free arm, his hand raised and open.
"By my name, I command you to stop. Force Hand!"
All of a sudden, the infant dragon has stopped. It's body squirming in the same spot as it tries to struggle free. I just stare on, wide-eyed, as it seems whatever Brant has done to control the Infant Dragon has stunned it in place.
'Force hand,' I think to myself.
"What ya think, cool magic aye?" Brant says with a cheeky smile.
"You didn't tell me you had magic?" I mumble; annoyed Brant kept this a secret.
"Have you shown your magic?
"I've told you I have magic."
"Yeah well I'm an adult, and that means I'm allowed to have secrets," Brant says, his arm still raised out, pointed at the large monster. However, I can see that his smile has become somewhat strained.
"Oi lad, ya mind dealing with this thing. Been a while since I've used me magic and I know that ya would like some excelia, ya basically drooling at the thought of killing it."
"Already killed harder things," I mumble out. I kind of wanted to refuse, punishing Brant for not telling me about his magic by making him deal with this issue. But I realise he probably wouldn't have much issue with it and he is right, they do give some nice XP.
I get down low and bolt towards it, leaving a trail of dust behind me. The dragon see's me rushing towards it, it's struggle only increasing as it thrashes about under Brant's invisible grip. Normally I'd get down low and hit from underneath but since it isn't much of a threat, I get behind it and jump.
I perfectly predict my jump, reaching just above its head and with a quick swivel to build extra momentum, I land my left gauntlet on the back of its skull.
By the time I drop to the ground, the giant monster has turned to ash. The giant purple gemstone stuck out of the pile as I dust myself off.
I look over, seeing Brant has dropped his arm and starts walking towards me. He whistles as he picks up the magic stone, examining it with Valis in his eyes.
"Not bad kid, taking one of them down with a single hit."
"Reg's gauntlets does most of it," I mumble as I kick the remaining bits of ash off my boots.
"Aye, those things might be solid pieces of equipment but they are only as good as those wielding them. Don't sell ya self-short, not many level 2s could kill an Infant Dragon on their own, let alone with one punch."
I just look at Brant with a faint smile.
"Alright then, no more distractions and no more jumping off to help a bunch of ungrateful twats, got it," Brant remarks, jabbing a finger at me at the end to enforce his point. I mumble out a "fine," before we start making our way back to the surface.
"So, how has your week been?"
Syr watched as the young boy sipped on his apple juice as he began to think. She followed suit, sipping her coffee. It slightly stung her tongue but she didn't mind. She enjoyed the waves of the late spring sunshine cracking through the window. She liked winter but the spring and summer months were just better. Longer and warmer days allowed for more time to listen to interesting stories.
"I guess the big thing was that Brant took me to the 18th floor for the first time."
"Oh really, how was it?" Syr asked. She knew of the safe zone of the 18th floor and how it was a massive stepping stone in an adventurer's journey. She had known the boy had been agitated for a while now. He had been ordered to stay on the 17th floor for over a month. Syr had giggled when Percy showed her he had already completely mapped out the entire floor and he still wasn't allowed to go further. She always enjoyed the reminders of his young age when he pouted in frustration.
Syr had known about the man Brant for a while. He was in the pub the first time she met Percy and she had quickly prodded the boy on who the man and the dwarf were. She found it endearing on how much the two men had helped the young boy, silently thanking them for what they did as it meant she could indulge in her fun game with Perseus.
"It was... weird," Percy responded. Syr tilted her head in confusion at that. That wasn't the normal reaction.
"What do you mean by weird?"
"Don't get me wrong, I thought the town was really cool and the crystals on the ceiling were nice to look out, especially when it got dark..."
"But?" Syr prodded. She knew there would be a but.
"...but it felt strange. Why is there a safe spot in a place that is trying to kill us? What benefit does the dungeon get out of giving us a place to rest and recover?"
This is what Freya loved the most. Week in, week out, Perseus always managed to show why he was special. Whether it was how he dealt with some monsters, or how he helped some parties in secret. Every time she saw his maps; she was blown away by how extraordinary detailed they were. Even Mama Mia was impressed. And now, the way his young mind thought of things, the way it perceived the dungeon and how he had come up with this all on his own.
From what she gathered, both Brant and the Astrea Familia taught him basic stuff and dungeon dived with him occasionally, Brant more so as of recently, but the boy was still a solo adventurer and it was mesmerizing seeing someone experience things for the first time and try and make sense of it.
"Anyway, it's good that you've finally made it there. Now I suppose you are only thinking of going to floor 19."
Perseus had the decency to blush slightly as Syr instantly knew what the boy's next idea was. She gotten to know him very well over the time they had known each other.
They continued to talk about the 18th floor for a bit more. Perseus mentioned how Brant took him to the outskirts of Riveria, pointing at the hotels and market place. Even though he had described it as weird, Syr saw the gleam in Percy's eyes as he talked about the adventurers that lived down there and the life they lead.
By the time Percy had finished talking about the 18th floor, their conversations was given an interruption.
"Here ya go kiddo, get that down ya," Mia said in a calm voice. The hostess had learnt of the boy's sensitive ears and always lowered her usual booming voice to a softer tone when talking to the young adventurer.
"Thank you Mama Mia," Percy said with a smile as he quickly picked up a fork. The two woman smiled as they watched him basically shovel the cooked breakfast into his mouth. They had tried a few times to teach him proper table etiquette and he was getting better but they always knew when he had been in the dungeon for a long time as he dropped his manners when he was especially hungry.
Syr let the boy finish his food, already knowing he had a tendency to speak with his mouth stuffed with food. After a couple of minutes and gulp of apple juice to finish off the glass, they got back to the conversation.
"Where are you taking me Brant?"
We are trudging through the eastern street of Orario, the other side of the city. We had gone into the dungeon yesterday. I was just about to clear the 19th floor and Brant wanted to come with me. Apparently his lowest floor was floor 24, just before something called the Water Capital. Apparently, even though they are both part of the middle floors, 13-17 are nothing compared to floor 19-24. Brant called that section of the dungeon the Great Tree Labyrinth.
If I'm being honest, these names sound really cool and they only make me want to explore the dungeon even further. I had made a deal with the Astrea Familia to have them accompany me whenever I reach a new floor but since they have been caught up in helping Orario, I've relied more on Brant.
They suggested a meeting for both sides to meet but Brant quickly refused.
"I don't need to know them, they don't need to know me. End."
I shrugged when he said that, accepting it easily as that was just who Brant was. I understood not wanting to be known by too many people. I was still sneaking into the dungeon every night after all, only going in the day time when I was with others and even then we were careful about it.
"Are ya planning on going into the Great Tree Labyrinth further?"
I look up at Brant. I knew it was rhetorical question, both of us knew the answer to this. Brant didn't look back at me, instead pointing me to a small park. We headed over and sat down on a bench that over-looked a river that flowed through the city.
"Listen kid, I'm being serious now. Going into the dungeon to begin with, with no experience or help is stupid but ya did it and ya beat it. Jumping into the middle floors after being warned not to by those that know better is almost suicidal but ya managed to survive... barely."
I sit in numb silence as I take in what Brant is saying. It is rare that he gets serious, usually he is talking with an accent and acts casually and with little regard of what others think. These moments don't happen much and when they do, there is a reason.
"Each and every time, you run head first into things, hoping you can deal with it through sheer will and determination. It is an admirable quality and it has worked out so far for you but it won't continue. If you do what you have done before on floor 20, it won't be almost suicidal, it will be suicidal. You've seen what floor 19 is like and I've seen what you look like after coming from there."
I don't argue. It was only a month ago when I first went down on my own and I instantly ran into a group of Bugbears. They were harder than Minotaurs, their speed really took me by surprise. And their sharp claws shredded through my top so bad that I was forced to go clothes shopping.
"When I first went there, I was told Floor 19 is a trial run. A trial run to show adventurers what the floors below would be like. Let me tell you something, it doesn't do those levels justice. Floor 19 and floor 20 shouldn't be linked together if you asked me. The monsters are bigger, faster and stronger. They come in more abundance; you know the basic stuff you expect when you go down an extra floor. That is what floor 19 prepares you for... what it doesn't do is everything else.
"Everything else?"
"You asked where I'm taking you?"
I nod my head, trying to remain serious and concentrate.
"I'm talking you to a place that sells potions, you know the ones that heal you. This place also specialises in de-toxification potions, a must for going further into the Tree Labyrinth."
I mumble out the long word Brant just said, not understanding what it meant. Brant seemed to recognise my ignorance.
"Let me tell you of my first experience on floor 20. Sort of like you, I raced through floor 19, wanting to explore further in this cool looking place. Not even 10 minutes later I was running, scared for my life, you want to know why?"
I nod once more, shocked at Brant's bluntness.
"Poison. Nothing like I've experienced before. It was pure death, one breath in the wrong area and you're suddenly a corpse. There are monsters that blow out poison, monsters' that throw poison spikes at you, monsters that had poison tipped stingers. Monsters that explode into a poisonous gas when they die. You think you can imagine it but you can't, it's nothing like you've seen it."
Brant looks down at me.
"I have the abnormal resistance ability, and I struggle on those floors, you don't have that luxury. You have had no exposure to it, your body is a sitting duck to all that toxic shit down there. If you go head first into that, you ain't coming back, that I can guarantee. The only reason I was allowed to do what I did is because I had abnormal resistance, I had something protecting me."
"But you can just come down with me and help," I say. I understand what Brant is saying but he can just coach me through it. But I notice a sad look in the man's eyes.
"Lad... the lowest floor I've been is floor 24 and that was in my prime. Yes, you got my leg healed and I'm still grateful for that but that didn't fix 6 years of doing nothing. I can handle up to floor 17 but I struggled on floor 19 the other day. I managed but I know I can't go much further."
I look down, upset as I understand what Brant means.
"I might be able to handle floor 20, barely... but after that I know I'll just be a liability to you."
"No-"
Brant stops me from interrupting. "It hurts just saying it but I need to know my place and to know that I have to help ya in other ways now."
I purse my lips, waiting for Brant to continue.
"Today and tomorrow are breaks for you, understand. I'm taking ya to Reg and we are drillin' all that we know into that brain of yours. I've already told Reg of this and he said he will get ya some stuff to help ya as well. But now, ya are going back to being a fully-fledged solo adventurer."
I look back, making eye contact. I want to show my appreciation to the man who has done so much for me up until now. I've enjoyed the past 2 months where we've been dungeon diving together, maybe I had hoped it would stay that way. I still needed to get stronger and faster and Brant knew this.
"Come on then, let me show ya this place. Now, I don't expect ya to go here constantly, I'll buy most of the potions and give them to you but I still think ya should know."
I jumped off the bench and followed Brant as we continued down east street to a place called the Blue Pharmacy.
I groan as the almost midday sun hits my eyes as I enter Daedalus Street. Ever since entering the Great Tree Labyrinth, I have had to enter the dungeon earlier and have been coming out later. The added time of getting to floor 21 is almost double what it took to get to floor 17.
Brant had still been with me when I entered the 20th floor for the first time, telling me what to watch out for but he was right, I couldn't possibly prepare for what was waiting for me.
I'd already fought all the monsters I was going to face but then I came across it. A large wall of fungi that was spraying poison everywhere. I had wanted to purposely deal with a bit of poison to hopefully build up a tolerance to it over-time but before it even got close, I felt me lungs burn. It was horrifying. And the dungeon gave me no rest, sending a hoard of Lizard men after me. I even had to fight a Vouivre, a large half woman, half snake monster with a distinct red-gem embedded into its forehead. I made it back to the 18th floor where I met up with Brant over 4 hours later.
Whenever we go into the dungeon together, Brant stays on the 18th floor waiting for me before we make our way back up, in which he helps getting back to the surface.
I start making my way through Daedalus, taking the back streets, which involves me vaulting over dead-ends and scaling some houses. Seriously, the guy who made this place must have been crazy, it's worse than the dungeon in some parts.
Tomorrow is my rest day. After much deliberation and a lot of fingers being wagged towards me, I've finally accepted taking a rest day in the week. Because of how long I spend in the dungeon, I don't get much time to do anything else, including a decent night's sleep. So I caved and now, every Saturday I take a break. I use this day to do all my chores or visit people.
I start off with my trip to Penia to get an update and a small chat. Then I go to the Hostess for breakfast. Syr didn't mind the arrangement but Mia wasn't too happy as she had been able to open earlier due to more customers and now I was taking away one of her staff during the early rush hour.
After that, I go and meet with Brant who exchanges my magic stones and then we head over to Reg to get my gear checked. He had given me protective cloth that is tight on my skin and slides under my armour but doesn't restrict my movements. It is specially designed with a bit of spiritual protection that stops poison and other toxins from attacking my usually exposed skin. It helps a lot. After that, we go and re-stock my potions from the Miach Familia. They seem nice, especially the God. I still don't like lying to nice people about what I really am.
Brant joins me in the dungeon on the Sunday and Friday, the day after and before my rest day so he keeps the potions stored in his place and gives them to me on the Sunday. We then get some quick lunch before we leave each other.
Afterwards, I pop into the Stardust Garden to say hi and check-in. It's more for them to check on me as it's something Goddess Astrea has made mandatory ever since I started entering floor 19. Apparently, I've almost caught up to the Astrea Familia in the dungeon but I know they are planning an expedition in which they will pull away again.
I've gotten used to the new faces and they have gotten used to me. It was quite a shock to some of them, especially Celty the elf, when they found out about me but after a small bit of time, they seemingly aren't bothered. I like it as it just means I have more friends to talk about the dungeon with.
Finally, I head back into Daedalus Street and go to my old home, where I have dinner with Mother Maria and my brothers and Sisters. Yes, finally Maria has adopted some new children. Human twins who are a year younger than me, about the same age as Carla. Matthew and Kailey are the definition of twins, they look identical. A few times they have pranked me by switching clothes and pretending to act as the other. I find it funny but Maria finds it unnerving, whatever that means.
Jacob always asks me how my week was. I know of the promise Maria gave him and Carla after I visited on my 6th birthday and it seems Jacob is counting down the days. I don't mind telling him but I tone it down a lot, not mentioning the bad parts. If he does become an adventurer someday, then I'll properly tell him.
I'm still having trouble with Carla but it has gotten better. I once stayed over one night and whether she was sleep walking or she knew what she was doing, she slipped next to me one cold winter night, her black tail wrapping around my arm. It made me nostalgic and also sad, knowing how many cold nights she would've been alone.
Thankfully the money I've been bringing in has been going a long way and Maria has been able to afford some decent bedding to keep them warm and even a new bed that she can have to herself, though usually it is shared by at least one of her children every night.
If I don't stay over, I head back home and finish off my day storing my money, cleaning my armour and Galva-Knuckles before checking if I need to stitch any of my clothes. Then I go to bed early and wake up a couple of hours later and head to the dungeon while the moon is still high in the night sky.
This was my routine for almost 3 months and for the first time, the world felt right.
"Hey, have ya head the news?"
Perseus looks over at the man, currently lying on the grass of floor 18. The man had his eyes closed with a blade of grass sticking out of his mouth. Brant liked to do that recently, apparently it was to help kick his tobacco addiction.
"What news?" Perseus asks, he was sitting up, his back facing the man as the boy didn't stop drawing his outline of the first steps into floor 22. The boy was slightly frustrated at how he had only made it to floor 22 but he was quickly informed that the Guild only issued parties of at least 4 upper-class adventurers to enter the Great Tree Labyrinth, meaning he was doing 4 times the work of a normal party. It would explain his status and also the looks from the Astrea Familia, except Neze who just laughed.
"Apparently the record for the quickest level-up has been beaten."
That got Percy's attention. He stopped his drawing and spun around in the grass to face Brant. The man opened his eye closest to the boy and smiled.
"Yep, a young girl part of the Loki Familia. She did it in just 1 year and apparently she's only 7."
Perseus just looked confused. Brant snorted as he examined the boy's reaction.
"The adventurers and big Familia's are going wild over such an unheard of feat by someone so young. Levelling up in a single year... what a feat, aye?" Brant said, finishing with a laugh. "-told ya you are a freak kiddo."
Perseus couldn't help but smile at that. He wondered how the city would've reacted to him. He had been getting some weird looks around Daedalus whenever he accidently bumped into people. From what he could tell, some people already knew of him, like his existence was an open secret.
"I ain't spittin' around but I ain't denying it either."
That was what Penia had said. It did make Percy worry but it had been a couple months since then and no one has come to arrest him yet. It made him slightly curious but he chose not to press the matter and enjoy a small bit of rare fortune in his life.
"What's her name?"
"Aye?"
"What's the girl's name?" Percy asked again.
"Why, ya wanna go lookin' for a fight to prove who's the best suicidal child out of the two of ya?"
Percy pouted slightly at that. "Just wanna know," He said with his arms dropping to his sides, supporting his slouch.
"Pfffffft, it was a weird name... something like Eis."
"Ais?"
"Yeah, that... wait, thought ya didn't know?"
Percy just turned back around, earning a grunt from Brant before the man went back to bathing under the crystal's lights. As for the black-haired boy, he remembered the time he had helped a young blonde girl from a pack of Kobolds. It was just after he escaped the middle floors. She had seen him but she had also helped him when the Vice-Captain of the Loki Familia rushed in and admonished her.
"So she's getting stronger too?" The boy murmured to himself. He looked over at where the entrance to floor 19 was. He looked down at what would soon be a detailed map of floor 22. He'd make sure to improve his growth rate. It had been 10 months since he levelled-up, longer than level 1. He had expected this but he refused to wait any longer.
He felt wrong thinking this, especially now that the city is praising someone for getting to level 2 in a year but if he stays level 2 for over a year, he will feel like a failure.
"See ya in a couple days lad," Brant says as he and Perseus exit the dungeon, the midday sun high in the sky. It was another hard fought day for both of them. Perseus had delved into floor 22, fighting a Mammoth Fowl for the first time.
Brant, unknowingly to the young boy, had been carving his way through floor 19. While he knew he couldn't keep up with the boy, he wouldn't be left sitting around for 8 hours doing nothing. But there was another reason as to why Brant was doing this.
He made his way over to his Familia's home. He met with the captain, someone he hadn't seen in over a year and handed him a bag brimming with Valis. This granted him an audience with his current God.
As Brant checked his status sheet, his eyes remained focused and gave little away.
"Thank you Lord Soma."
And with that, Brant left the mansion as quickly as he could. He had sweated himself off the horrid, heavenly drink of the Gods after realising how pathetic he was. He still liked to drink; nothing was going to tear Brant away from a refreshing cold beer but he refused the wine of Soma.
After Brant disposed of his status sheet with his lighter, he started heading towards the industrial district. As he made his way there, he remembered why he was doing this.
"Fire, in the industrial district! Someone alert the Ganesha Familia!"
"HELP! There's been a break in at the education district!"
"Crime has been growing recently, can't ya feel it in the air, something ain't right."
Brant felt it. He felt the atmosphere over the city he had lived in his entire life. He knew something was happening; what it was he didn't know. He had gathered some stuff from Percy, hearing how the Astrea Familia had been growing more and more busy over the past months. It made Brant nervous.
His old Familia had helped guard and police the city before the incident almost 7 years ago. Brant knew where to look and what to listen out for, and what he was seeing and hearing didn't look promising.
He had already discussed this with Reg a few weeks ago and the old dwarf had felt the same. His old Vice-captain trusted him, Reg knowing this was Brant's true expertise but that didn't mean the blacksmith didn't have his wits about him. Brant could see it in his amber eyes that he felt the same way.
"Finally, all of them above D. I know Reg's are easily good enough as well."
Brant quietly mumbled to himself as he made his way towards the Blacksmith's workshop, ready to put their plan in action.
I sat in my little hiding hole, the one I usually use sit in when I wait for Brant to show up. Even if it is in the middle of the night, there is still the guards. I still wonder what made the Ganesha Familia start posting 2 guards instead of one, are they scared someone is trying to break into the dungeon.
I start to grow impatient after another 10 minutes. I don't think I turned up early, as a matter of fact, I know I turned up at my usual time. It's just Brant being late, again.
But just as I'm about to curse the drunken man, I see him appear from the south street. Strange? Brant lives in the eastern part of Orario... but the person joining him doesn't.
I jump out of my hiding spot, making sure to stay out of sight from the guards and race over to where Brant and Reg are standing.
I see Reg yawn and stretch, making me giggle as it reminded me of Brant when he had to get used to my dungeon diving times. I can't wait, I've always wanted to dungeon dive with Reg as well, this will be awesome.
As I make my way across, I see Reg looks like a proper adventurer. He has a large, metal shield covering his left arm but even cooler is a War Hammer slung over his right shoulder. He has padded leather and steel armour scattered all over his body, some of it looks new while some looks old and worn.
His ginger hair and beard have clearly been trimmed as I notice a helmet hanging down his back, a small piece of string circling around his neck. He looks just like all those cool dwarven heroes I imagined in the Dungeon Oratorio.
'Wait a second... why is Reg coming?'
Before I let my excitement completely control my emotions, I slow down and think. As I'm waiting for the right opportunity to quickly dart across the main square, I try and remember if Brant mentioned it before. Only a few seconds of thinking tells me that nothing was mentioned to me and I trust my memory. I then notice that both of them have a large rucksack on their backs, clearly full of supplies.
'Something's happening.'
That is all I can conclude now but I trust that Brant and Reg will tell me and I know it isn't just because Reg feels like it, I can see it in their eyes.
"Hey Brant... hey Reg."
I appear next to them. Before, both would've jumped but they have gotten used to my stealth skill by now and know I can appear out of anywhere.
"Hey Percy," Brant says, his tone stiff. Yeah, something's definitely up.
"Hey kiddo, thought I'd join ya this time."
I raise my eyebrows at Reg. The dwarf and Brant look at each other before Reg lets out a snort, ruffling up my hair as he does so.
"Ya a sharp one."
"What's happening. Is it to do with why everyone is acting weird."
At that, it's the two men's turn to look puzzled.
"What do ya mean by that lad?" Brant asks, caution in his voice.
"Like you seem more attentive and I've noticed people are acting more nervous, not to mention Alise and the others seem concerned about something, even if they don't try and show it."
Brant and Reg just look at me. I think they look a mixture between impressed and astonishment. Reg quickly breaks as he barks out a laugh.
"Like I said, a sharp one."
"Maybe too sharp," Brant muttered before he wore a serious expression once more, which Reg quickly followed. His voice lowers into a hushed whisper, an order to keep this conversation just between us.
"Yes Percy, it's cause of the city feeling weird. Me 'n' Reg have been talkin' bout this for a couple of weeks now. Something's gonna happen soon."
"Happen? What's going to happen?"
"We don't know but something's brewing and at some point it'll boil over and then who knows what," Reg explained.
"So, what does that have to do with you coming tonight. Do you want to start dungeon diving to get stronger to get ready."
"Something like that but I only fancy comin' this one night. We are gonna make sure that we make this one count."
"This is a stupid question, but are ya stats good enough?"
I go wide-eyed. I understand what Brant means as I look between him and Reg.
"Y-yes... are yours?"
"Cheeky lad," Reg says as he shuffles his body, his new armour and cool weapon finally being explained.
"Why ya think I've been joining ya?" Brant says.
I nod my head. I finally understand what is happening, what is going to happen tonight. What the result will be after we leave the dungeon.
"We've brought enough supplies to last us a couple of days, let's make this count."
As Brant's statement hung in the air, I slightly tense my fingers, feeling my Galva-Knuckles on my skin. It's different than last time. Last time it just happened out of nowhere, no planning or even the know-how on how to do it. This time is different. I'm a different person than I was almost a year ago and this time I know I'm ready.
The three of us begin to head towards the entrance of the dungeon, the determination in our steps to make sure that by the time we leave the dungeon, we will all be level 3.
Name: Perseus
Age: 6
Lvl: 2
Warrior - I
Str: A879
Def: A856
Dex: A826
Agi: A815
Mag: B719
Skill:
Stealth – Allows the user to go undetected when out of eye-line. Passive
Pain tolerance – Dulls pain. Activates after a threshold of pain is reached
Magic:
Chant:
- - Bestow upon me the strength to beat my foes
- - Gift me the power to withstand their attacks
- - Absorb their strength and make it my own
Name: Brant
Age: 28
Lvl: 2
Abnormal Resistance: - I
Str: C689
Def: C621
Dex: D512
Agi: D541
Mag: G281
Skill:
Sword Flay – User is granted a strength buff when using a bladed weapon
Magic:
Chant:
By my name, I command you to stop, Force Hand!
Name: Dyregn Sturgart
Age: 56
Lvl: 2
Strong Defence - I
Str: B725
Def: B701
Dex: D504
Agi: E459
Mag: E422
Skill:
Now You See Me – All monsters in a certain area will be focused on the user.
Ardigalea – Raises the users defence stats by a large amount and raises resistance against attack magic.
Magic:
Chant:
Make me stand strong and face the flame. Burn away all impurities as I am placed on the Forge. Set my soul ablaze, Ignite!
Explanation – Puts on a fire enchantment on whatever Reg is holding, presumably his shield. If he isn't holding anything, then they warp around his fists like gauntlets.
Astrea Familia:
Ryuu Lion – 13, level 3 (Vanguard)
Alsie Lovell – 14, level 3 (Captain, Vanguard)
Gojouno Kaguya – 14, level 3 (Vice-captain, Vanguard)
Lyra – 13 (month of 14), level 3 (Commander, support)
Neze Rankett – just turned 15, level 3 (Brawler, Vanguard/rearguard)
Iska Bra(amazon) – 14, level 2 (Brawler, Vanguard/Rearguard)
Maryuu Reage – 15, level 2 (Healer)
Noin Unic – 13, level 3(Vanguard)
Asta Knox(dwarf) – 14, level 2 (Tank/support)
Ryana Lietz – 14, level 2 (Mage/support)
Celty Srowa (elf)– 16, level 2 (Mage/healer/support)
Long Ahh chapter this one but it was needed. This is a combination on my mixed feelings with this story that I share with you guys. Yes, I love writing and seeing Percy's fist-hand experiences in the dungeon but I don't need to write about every single one. I want to move on and get to the juicy part of the story that I know a lot of people are looking forward to and that is the Dark days with Evilus and as I you read, stuffs getting shifty in Orario now. Still not exactly there but things are being put into place.
If I wanted to talk about floor 19, it would've taken a full chapter and while I would've written about Brant as well, we will see both the Great Tree labyrinth, Brant and now Reg in the next chapter, maybe two on their attempt to level up. As for floor 18, let's be real it doesn't need a full or even half a chapter really. Yes, Bell gets a whole book about it but Percy had the normal experience, he came, he saw and he shrugged his shoulders and only cared about going further... you know usual 6 year old stuff. This don't mean I'll ignore floor 18, it still holds great story potential, just not right now.
I needed to start pushing the story forward time wise anyway, so here we are, on the brink of the next level up, wonder how it will go. They always go smoothly...
Review time:
Jose Blas - Father and Son, I like that too.
Roland Tepes - Considering what is coming up in the boy's life, it is good that he willl be getting some new sparring partners.
FrigidPandaz - Much appreciated! Shall do my best.
alex882 - Yeah,, Percy and Airmid can be cute. We will se Brant in full glory next chapter/s. Brant should live through the dungeon, even if he makes a mistake he has our big guy Reg there to help him.
Devotee - I very much like being called an almigthy chap. (Brought out my inner warrior for this reviews review)
wardak - I do like the heartwarming moments in this story. Bell gets a lot of those moments and sometimes I think it overshadows the griimy and dark parts of Danmachi, the parts I want to express. This makes those moments feel more earnt when I write them as I don't plan them, they just happen as I feel like it has been deserved. As for Brant and Percy dungeon diving, the chapter is already under production.
As always, thanks for reading. I'll see ya next time, Peace!