Adventurer of Orario
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Narutox ?
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Up to chapter 7 is currently on ptreon and chapters 8 and 9 will be posted sometime today or tomorrow. Several new stories not posted here yet and updates for other chapters will also be early on there before coming here.
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Story Start
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It was well into the evening when Naruto Uzumaki found himself wandering Orario's dimly lit back alleys.
Suddenly, a sharp cry pierced the quiet. Naruto froze, heart pounding. He sprinted toward the source, rounding a corner to see two disheveled thugs hovering over a petite figure. One brandished a small knife; the other sneered cruelly. Their victim looked cornered and terrified.
"Hand over that pouch, brat," the taller thug growled, extending his blade.
"Hey!" Naruto shouted, stepping between them before he even had time to think. "Leave her alone!"
The men turned, eyes narrowing at the sight of a scruffy blond in tattered clothes. One lunged without warning. Naruto shifted back with practiced ease, hooking his foot behind the attacker's ankle. With a quick twist, he sent the man sprawling to the ground. The other thug snarled and charged, only for Naruto to block and deliver a precise elbow strike to the ribs. Both men cursed, staggering away. They shot Naruto dark glances, then bolted into the shadows.
The alley fell silent once more, save for the panting of the small figure behind him.
"Are you okay?" Naruto asked, turning around.
She nodded, trembling slightly. "Yes, thank you," came her soft voice. "I-I thought they were going to—" Her words trailed off. Relief shone in her wide blue eyes.
It took him a moment to note her features in the dim light. She stood only about 140 centimeters tall—about four feet seven inches—and had the kind of petite, youthful appearance that made her look a few years younger than she likely was. Her midnight-black hair was tied into twin-tails trailing all the way down to her mid-thighs, adorned with dainty hair ornaments shaped like blue-and-white petals. Tiny bell-shaped charms tinkled quietly at the tips, a whimsical counterpoint to her fearful trembling.
Naruto also couldn't help but notice her attire: a white mini-dress with a bold blue ribbon looped around her neck, under her generous bust, and around her slender arms. She wore white gloves that reached past her wrists, and on her feet—bare skin meeting the cold alley floor. A goddess? he remembered hearing that gods sometimes took mortal form, and this girl's presence exuded a certain…aura.
"Thank you," she repeated, voice shaking. "I'm so grateful you arrived."
"Don't worry about it," Naruto said gently. "My name's Naruto. I'm, uh…new around here."
She swallowed, trying to regain composure. Despite her small stature, her chest seemed notably large, accentuated by the tight ribbon. It was no wonder unscrupulous types threw around nicknames like "Loli Big-Boobs," though Naruto found such jeers crude. Right now, the only thing he cared about was that she'd been cornered.
"My name is Hestia," she managed, pressing a hand to her racing heart. "I'm…a goddess."
Naruto blinked in surprise. Even in the gloom, Hestia's blue eyes shone with earnestness that belied her earlier fright. "So you're one of the deities people keep talking about," he said. "Are you hurt anywhere?"
She shook her head. "No, I'm fine. Those men just wanted my valis." A faint blush crept across her cheeks. "I was trying to gather enough money to get by. I don't have a proper home or Familia yet."
A flicker of sorrow dimmed her eyes. "Most people want to join powerful, well-known Familias. A…nobody goddess like me doesn't stand a chance." She lowered her gaze. "I'm living in an abandoned church at the edge of town. It's all I can afford."
Naruto took a slow breath. He knew what it felt like to be overlooked. In his old village, he'd been a pariah—nobody believed in him until he fought tooth and nail for recognition. This goddess, dwarfed by other deities, radiated an earnestness he found instantly endearing.
"Look," he said, voice quiet, "I don't have a place to stay either. And, to be honest, I'm interested in this Falna thing I keep hearing about. Maybe we can help each other."
Her eyes widened. For a moment, her expression glowed with hope, but then she bit her lip. "You…you'd join my Familia?"
Naruto scratched the back of his neck, a lopsided grin forming. "I'm not exactly adventurer material right now, but I need a fresh start. And you look like you need someone to watch your back, too. I…figure this might be fate."
Tears of relief glossed her eyes. Without warning, she lunged forward, hugging him around the waist. Naruto reeled, cheeks warming at the feeling of her soft hair and slight frame. "Thank you," Hestia whispered. "Truly…thank you."
He patted her head gently, mindful of the bell accessories. "Let's get you somewhere safe, okay?"
Ten minutes later, Naruto followed Hestia through a tangle of deserted streets until they reached a dilapidated old church. The roof sagged. Several windows were boarded. Yet the place had a forlorn charm under the moonlight.
"This is where I've been staying," Hestia murmured as she led him inside. The pews were broken, and dust coated the floor. Farther in, she revealed a hidden door that led down stone steps into a cramped undercroft. It was sparsely furnished—a rickety table, a small pallet for sleeping, and a single lantern.
"It's not much," she admitted, fidgeting. Her hair ribbons and bells swayed with her nervous energy. "But it's home…for now."
Naruto glanced around, then flashed a grin. "I've slept in worse."
A shy smile touched her lips before she squared her shoulders, turning to face him. "Naruto, if you really want to join my Familia, I can give you my Falna right away. That is…if you're sure."
He didn't hesitate. "I'm sure."
That was how Naruto ended up lying face-down on the thin pallet while Hestia gently pinned his tattered shirt up and pricked her finger with a small needle. She let a drop of her divine blood fall onto his bare back.
A sudden, searing warmth flooded Naruto's body. It reminded him of the strongest chakra rushes he used to experience, yet also felt entirely new—less violent, more…hopeful. He gasped, sweat beading on his forehead. Faint blue symbols glowed across his skin, shifting and rearranging themselves in patterns only Hestia's eyes could interpret.
Finally, the light faded. Hestia peered down at the inscription, her cheeks flushed with excitement. "We did it!" she said, voice trembling. "Your stats have formed, and…oh! You have a rare skill—something about 'Evolution'?"
Naruto sat up, dizzy from the aftereffects. "Evolution?"
She nodded, reading from the luminous runes before they sank into his back. "It mentions you can 'consume essence or magic stones to develop traits and gifts.' I've never seen something like it!" Her eyes sparkled with curiosity and delight. "Naruto, this could be amazing."
He didn't fully grasp it, but her excitement was contagious. "Then let's figure it out together."
Her petite form practically bounced with enthusiasm, and for the first time, Naruto saw just how exuberant Hestia could be. Though she was small, her energy filled the entire room. Her hair ribbons fluttered as she moved, accentuating the lively glint in her eyes.
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They shared a humble meal of bread and leftover stew. Naruto insisted on adding his few earned valis to Hestia's pouch, so they could buy something more substantial in the future. She beamed as they sat on a broken pew, shoulders nearly touching, talking about tomorrow's plans.
"I'll introduce you at the Guild, so you can officially register as an adventurer in my Familia," she explained, tucking a stray lock of black hair behind one ear. The action made the bells on her twin-tails jingle softly. "We'll get you some cheap armor, maybe a halfway decent weapon."
He couldn't help but grin. "Sounds like a start."
Hestia exhaled, a mix of relief and anticipation. "I know we don't have much. But I promise you—once I set my heart on something, I'll do everything I can. Even if it means kneeling in front of a blacksmith for three days until they give in," she added with a playful wink.
Naruto's grin widened. "I can believe it."
The flickering lantern light danced across her features, highlighting her small frame and bright eyes. Something about her made Naruto feel lighter, despite the weight of a new world on his shoulders.
They turned in for the night, Naruto taking a corner near the stairs while Hestia arranged blankets on the pallet. The last thing he saw as he drifted off was the small goddess's silhouette framed against the lantern glow, the gentle curve of her arms around her knees, and the quiet hum of a lullaby in her throat.
For once, Naruto slept without the haunting dreams of his past life. The rickety walls of that abandoned church—tucked in the far reaches of Orario—felt more like home than he'd known in a long time. He couldn't say what trials lay ahead in the Dungeon, nor how this bond with Hestia would shape his future. But as dawn arrived, casting the first rays of sunlight through the broken windows, a flicker of hope pulsed in his chest.
Naruto stretched on his makeshift bedding, feeling the dull ache in his arms from the previous day's Dungeon dive. His body still moved with muscle memory, with the traces of his once endless reserves were still out of his reach. At first, he felt like a fledgling academy student but now the rich energy was more reminiscent of his early genin days. Had the awakening awoken his dormant power?
Even so, that small taste of combat had reignited the fire in his heart. I can still protect people, he thought, rising to his feet. And Hestia's counting on me.
He turned to see his goddess curled up on the pallet a few feet away, the ends of her twin-tails draping over her shoulders. A faint mumble escaped her lips as she dreamed—perhaps about turning this derelict church into a grand headquarters for their new Familia.
"Morning," Hestia murmured, rubbing her eyes. She sat up, stifling a yawn. The white mini-dress she wore was slightly wrinkled from sleep, but she still radiated a gentle charm.
Naruto smiled. "Ready to visit the Guild?"
Her eyes lit up, a mixture of excitement and nerves. "Yes!" she exclaimed. "I mean… we're a proper Familia now, and you're my first official child. We need to register, talk to the receptionist about your progress, all of it."
Naruto nodded. "And maybe learn more about the Dungeon, the floors, the best time for a newbie like me to go. Plus, we want to avoid stepping on the toes of more established Familia, right?"
Hestia puffed out her chest, which further drew attention to her ample bosom. "I'm not afraid of them," she said, though her cheeks colored slightly. "But yes, we should be careful. We don't want to make enemies. Especially when it's just the two of us."
Her earnest bravado made Naruto chuckle. He ruffled her hair gently—though mindful of the small bell ornaments. "Let's eat first," he said, producing a couple of small bread rolls he'd purchased with leftover valis from the previous evening. They were a bit hard, but neither he nor Hestia complained.
When they finished the meager meal, Hestia grabbed a small pouch of coins from the table. "This is all we have," she admitted, eyes downcast for a moment. "But we'll make it work."
Naruto slung a cheap, secondhand sword over his shoulder, a simple steel blade that had seen better days. "Let's do this," he said, grin unwavering. "Guild first, then maybe we can snag a decent quest or find a better path in the Dungeon."
They stepped out into Orario's bustling streets, the early morning crowd already thick with adventurers and townsfolk. The sweet smell of freshly baked pastries mingled with the sharper scent of the forge-fires coming from the blacksmith district. Hestia kept close to Naruto, partly to avoid being jostled by the taller pedestrians.
Though the pair walked among gods and mortals, nobody paid them much mind. The large Familia banners that sometimes graced the main roads—emblems of Loki Familia, Ganesha Familia, or Freya Familia—barely registered to passersby accustomed to the city's busy routine. Hestia's status as a lesser-known deity meant no one recognized her on sight.
But Naruto felt only gratitude for the anonymity. Less pressure, he told himself. We can figure out what we're doing without a spotlight on us.
Soon, the grand building of the Guild came into view, flanked by tall pillars and inscribed with runes. Adventurers streamed in and out, some carrying sacks of monster stones to exchange, others sporting fresh wounds or battered armor. The swirl of activity made the place feel simultaneously official and chaotic.
Hestia visibly tensed. "I haven't come here much," she admitted softly. "Gods usually register their Familias with the Guild, but… I was sort of avoiding it because, well…"
Naruto gently touched her arm. "It's okay," he said. "We're here now, right?"
She mustered a determined nod. Together, they walked up the wide steps to the entrance. The polished floors inside gleamed under high windows, and the hum of voices echoed throughout the vast hall. Rows of reception counters lined one side, each manned by an employee in the crisp blue-and-white Guild uniform.
The question was: which receptionist to approach?
"Wait here," Hestia whispered, scanning the counters. Some lines were packed with rowdy adventurers waiting to trade in their monster stones for valis. Others were quieter, manned by stern-looking clerks seemingly immersed in paperwork.
They eventually joined a relatively shorter queue at a booth staffed by a woman with long red hair, the tips reaching past her waist. She wore the classic Guild uniform with neat precision, a tight vest over a white shirt, and a serious expression that seemed to ward off any unnecessary chatter.
The nameplate on the counter read: Rose Fannett.
Rose was in the middle of conversing with a burly dwarf adventurer who seemed intent on convincing her of something. "Come on, Rose," he was saying, a flirtatious grin twisting his thick beard. "How 'bout a drink after my next delve? I'll treat ya!"
Rose's face remained impassive—so neutral it was almost intimidating. "I've told you before, I don't date adventurers," she said, voice firm. "You'll be diving into the Dungeon tomorrow, and the next day, and the next. Adventurers die all the time."
The dwarf's face fell. "Aw, don't be like that—"
"Next," Rose cut him off, stamping a form. The dwarf grumbled but stepped aside, holding up his hands in mock surrender.
Naruto watched the entire exchange, eyebrows raised. Hestia fidgeted by his side, clearing her throat politely. "Guess we're up," Naruto muttered.
They stepped forward, and Rose's gaze flicked over them. If she was relieved to have a break from the dwarf's persistent flirting, she didn't show it. She merely arched a brow. "Name and Familia?"
Hestia drew a breath. "Hestia Familia," she said with as much poise as she could muster, though her voice still quivered slightly. "I'm the goddess, and this is my adventurer—Naruto Uzumaki."
Rose's steely eyes narrowed. "Hestia Familia? I'm not familiar with it." She paused, flipping through some internal Guild records on her desk. "So you're registering him officially?"
"That's right," Hestia replied, a hint of pride creeping in. "We formed only recently."
The receptionist studied Naruto, then. He offered a friendly grin, though her chilly demeanor didn't thaw. "You look…competent," she said at last, in a businesslike tone. "But I can't recall seeing you around the Guild."
"I came in once to get my license card updated," Naruto explained, remembering the hurried process a few days prior. "That was with another clerk."
Rose nodded, punching data into a ledger. "Right. Name: Naruto Uzumaki, Level: still 1, correct?"
Naruto affirmed it.
Behind them, a small line was forming, but Rose didn't rush. She typed carefully, verifying every piece of information. Her eyes darted toward the Falna insignia on Naruto's exposed upper arm—he'd rolled up his sleeves in the morning heat.
When she finished, she glanced at Hestia. "Your deity status means you're the Familia's sole authority, but the Guild still needs more data—like your home location, the number of official members, financial standing, all that."
At the mention of "financial standing," Hestia stiffened. "We, uh…we're living in an abandoned church."
Naruto quickly added, "We'll fix it up eventually. Right now, we're just short on valis."
Rose nodded curtly, but something about her measured gaze suggested she wasn't judging them for being poor. Instead, her expression was reminiscent of resignation. Another pair of starry-eyed newbies, that look seemed to say.
"All right," she continued, passing them a couple of forms. "List your lodging, contact information, next-of-kin—" She paused, scanning Naruto's face. "Do you have any known family in Orario or beyond?"
A pang shot through him. "No," he said quietly. "No one."
Rose's lips pressed into a thin line. She made a quick note. "Goddess Hestia, you are effectively his emergency contact. In the event he…" She hesitated. "In the event something goes wrong in the Dungeon, you'd be notified first."
Hestia swallowed, nodding. Naruto felt a faint chill at the implication—Rose had probably uttered those words countless times to countless adventurers, some of whom hadn't come back.
After they filled out the forms, Rose stamped them with the Guild's official seal. "Now you're fully registered as Hestia Familia. You're free to delve into the Dungeon as you wish. However…" She eyed Naruto sternly. "If you push too deep, too fast, you'll end up another statistic. Focus on leveling up gradually. We don't need more tragedies."
Naruto dipped his head in respect. "Thank you. I'll keep that in mind."
Hestia offered a bright smile. "Thanks for your time, Miss Rose."
Rose glanced at her, a flicker of something soft beneath the tough exterior. "We're done here," she said crisply, moving to wave them off. Then, almost as an afterthought, she added, "If you have questions about the upper floors, the safe points, or resource collection, come back. The Guild is here to help…within reason."
They stepped away from the counter, forms in hand, letting the next adventurer approach. For a moment, Naruto and Hestia found themselves in an awkward hush, each pondering Rose's words.
"That was…" Hestia began, "intense."
Naruto nodded, recalling the faint sadness hidden under Rose's professionalism. "She's clearly strict," he said, "but I guess that's her job. Probably lost a lot of adventurers under her watch."
Hestia pursed her lips. "I heard rumors of a tough receptionist named Rose. People say she's had many suitors, but turns them all down because she doesn't want to get attached to someone who might die in the Dungeon."
Naruto exhaled. "It's a brutal logic, but I get it. The Dungeon claims lives daily."
Feeling the weight of that reality, they lingered near a large notice board that listed available Guild quests—requests for rare herbs on certain Dungeon floors, or bounties for subjugating specific monster threats. Hestia scanned the parchment postings.
"Most of these are for Level 2 or 3 adventurers," she said, sighing. "Way beyond our current means."
Naruto's gaze settled on a simpler quest: "Collect Bronze Rabbit Pelts on the second floor," it read. The reward was modest, but it was the only one labeled as recommended for beginners.
"This might be something," he said, pointing to it.
Before Hestia could reply, a battered group of adventurers shuffled into the Guild Hall behind them, one limping with a bloodied leg. A Guild clerk hurried over to help, directing them toward an in-house medical station. The scene tugged at Naruto's heart—more evidence of the Dungeon's unforgiving nature.
"All right," Hestia said, hooking her arm through Naruto's. "We have our quest. Let's take it easy, okay?"
"Sure," Naruto agreed. "Let's check with Rose first, see if we need to file any paperwork for that quest."
They returned to Rose's counter, waiting patiently until she finished stamping a document for another adventurer. When she spotted them, an eyebrow arched. "Yes?"
Naruto held out the quest parchment. "We'd like to do this one. Collecting Bronze Rabbit Pelts on the second floor?"
Rose took it, giving it a cursory glance. "It's a standard quest. No advanced paperwork required. Just bring the items to the Exchange once you're done."
Hestia ventured a small smile. "Thank you. We'll do our best."
To their surprise, Rose sighed and looked them over a second time. She lowered her voice so the other waiting adventurers wouldn't overhear. "Listen, new adventurers sometimes think second floor is no big deal—but Bronze Rabbits are quick. Their claws can still tear flesh if you're careless."
Naruto's grin softened. "Thanks for the warning."
The red-haired receptionist nodded curtly, placing the parchment aside. "Report back if you manage it. And don't push yourselves."
By mid-morning, Naruto and Hestia arrived at the grand entrance to the Dungeon beneath Babel Tower. The wide arched portal yawned before them, thronged by groups of adventurers—some returning triumphant, others just beginning their dives.
Hestia looked at Naruto, eyes filled with both eagerness and worry. "Be careful," she repeated for the hundredth time, fidgeting with the bells in her twin-tails. "You've only explored the first floor, right?"
He patted the hilt of his sword. "I'll start slow. Just enough to track down those Bronze Rabbits. If it gets too hairy, I'll come back."
"What about me, though?" she asked, biting her lip. "Should I wait for you up here, or…?"
Naruto considered it. Some gods followed their children into the Dungeon, though rarely beyond the first few floors. But Hestia was new to all of this, and Naruto suspected the depths would be too dangerous for someone without a Falna to boost their defenses. "Stay here," he said gently, "or maybe roam around the tower's first level. Keep safe. I'll be back soon."
Her shoulders tensed, but she nodded. "Okay. Just don't do anything reckless."
He offered a mock salute. "Reckless? Who, me?"
They shared a small laugh that eased the tension, then parted ways. Hestia lingered near a group of novices in the lobby, her eyes following Naruto as he descended the broad steps into the labyrinth's dim corridors.
The Dungeon's first floor was just as he remembered: cramped corridors, faintly glowing crystals in the walls, and clusters of goblins and kobolds. Naruto navigated with relative ease, dispatching a few stray goblins using the sword. Each monster dissolved into ash upon death, leaving behind a small magic stone or item drop.
After about half an hour, he found the stairway leading down to the second floor—a place he hadn't yet ventured. His pulse quickened as he descended. The air felt heavier, as if the Dungeon itself were aware of his presence. Torches flickered in recesses carved out by older expeditions, but many corners lay in shadow.
Before long, a trio of high-pitched squeals echoed in the corridor. Naruto pressed himself against a wall, peering around. Ahead, he spotted the creatures he'd come for: Bronze Rabbits, each about the size of a small dog, their fur glimmering faintly in the torchlight. Their eyes were sharp and alert, their oversized ears twitching every time a drop of water fell from the ceiling.
They do look fast, he thought, recalling Rose's warning. He'd have to be cautious.
He edged closer, careful not to spook them. But the nearest rabbit swiveled its ears and locked eyes with him. Its nose twitched, and in a heartbeat, the entire group scattered, hopping away with a startling burst of speed.
"Hey!" Naruto shouted instinctively, sprinting after them. Their quest required collecting the creatures' pelts, which he assumed meant subduing them before the rabbits could disappear into a hidden warren.
The chase led him through winding passages. Twice, he nearly lost sight of the rabbits, only to catch a glimpse of bronze fur slipping around a corner. His footsteps pounded against the stone floor, each breath echoing in the subterranean hush.
Finally, he managed to corner one. The rabbit hissed—an odd, high-pitched sound—then lunged with its front claws. Naruto dodged, the tips of the claws raking sparks off the stone wall. Faster than he expected. Rose wasn't kidding.
He swung the flat of his blade toward the rabbit's flank, aiming to stun rather than simply slice. The creature leaped nimbly, but the edge of Naruto's sword clipped its hind leg. It squealed, falling to the ground in a tumble of fur.
"I'm sorry," Naruto murmured, a pang of guilt in his chest. He remembered how he used to hate harming living creatures back in the Shinobi World, yet the Dungeon's monsters were an ongoing threat. He steeled himself, delivering a swift coup de grâce. The body dissolved like any other monster, leaving behind a pelt with a metallic sheen.
He exhaled shakily, picking up the pelt. The color shimmered in the torchlight, a testament to the creature's name. I'll need at least three or four to complete the quest.
Wiping sweat from his brow, Naruto pressed on. Another half hour of searching yielded two more Bronze Rabbits, each chase just as tense as the first. By then, he was winded, and the illusions of easy prey had vanished. Still, he had enough.
Before climbing back out, Naruto decided to face a couple more goblins on the second floor, hoping for more magic stones to earn extra coin. He felt a flare of pride at how well he was handling himself. Maybe tomorrow, I can push a bit deeper…
But then, one of the goblins managed to blindside him, a jagged blade grazing his forearm. Pain shot through him. He hissed, stepping back, ignoring the blood seeping under his shirt. Don't get cocky. He dispatched the goblin with an angry slash, retrieving its stone, and decided that was enough for one day.
Clutching his prize of Bronze Rabbit pelts—and a stinging cut on his forearm—Naruto retraced his steps. The Dungeon's labyrinth twisted, but he followed the general slope upward until he finally ascended to the first floor and then out into the light.
Hestia was there, pacing near a colonnade. The second she saw him, she dashed over. "Naruto!"
"Hey," he said, sweat-soaked but smiling. "Got the pelts."
Her eyes flicked to his bleeding arm, and her face went pale. "You're hurt!"
"Just a scratch. Goblin got lucky."
She pouted, rummaging in her pouch for a cheap healing potion. "Take this," she insisted, pressing the small vial into his hand.
He drank it, feeling the soothing sensation spread through the wound. He rolled his shoulder, grateful for even the modest relief the potion offered. "Thank you," he breathed. "Let's head back to the Guild."
The walk to the Guild was shorter this time, but each step felt heavier for Naruto. Dungeon fatigue combined with a nagging worry about how meager the quest reward might be. Yet, Hestia accompanied him with unwavering optimism, occasionally sneaking glances to confirm he was indeed okay.
They arrived at the bustling hall, and this time approached the Exchange counters, where adventurers traded monster drops for valis. Hestia insisted on joining him in line, eyes brimming with curious excitement at all the different trades occurring around them.
When their turn came, a tired-looking Guild clerk weighed the Bronze Rabbit pelts, referencing a ledger for the going rate. "Three Bronze Rabbit pelts, plus a bonus for second-floor monsters—" She paused, calculating. "Comes to 3,000 valis total."
Hestia's expression lit up. "That's more than I expected!"
Naruto, too, felt relief. Maybe it wasn't a fortune by Orario standards, but it was enough to cover a couple days' worth of food and basic supplies.
They headed over to Rose's station next, partly to confirm completion of the quest. She acknowledged them with that same cool demeanor. "So, you got the pelts?"
Naruto nodded, holding out the receipt the other clerk had provided. "Took me some time, but we did."
Rose's gaze traveled to the bloodstained tear on Naruto's shirt sleeve. Her lips thinned. "Goblin?" she asked.
He grimaced. "Yeah, second-floor variety."
A faint flicker of concern crossed Rose's face—gone almost as quickly as it appeared. "Congratulations on completing your quest." She stamped his official card, marking the successful job. Then her eyes flicked to Hestia. "Take better care of him. You're the goddess, after all."
Hestia nodded fervently. "I will. I just gave him a potion—"
"That's not what I mean," Rose interjected, gaze cutting like a blade. "Adventurers die in droves. If you want him to survive, push him to train, to upgrade gear, to find a reliable party. Otherwise, you'll be paying funeral costs sooner or later."
The harshness of her words caught Naruto off guard, but he reminded himself that Rose was like this for a reason. Her job demanded a certain detachment, especially after witnessing countless tragedies.
Hestia swallowed. "I understand," she said, quieter now. "I'll do everything I can to make sure Naruto isn't alone."
Rose nodded curtly, flipping through more forms. "That'll be all. Next."
They stepped away, letting the next adventurer approach. Once they were out of earshot, Hestia let out a trembling breath. "She's so…direct."
Naruto put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "She's not wrong," he admitted. "We do need better equipment and maybe some allies. We can't handle everything alone."
Hestia set her jaw. "Then let's save our valis. We'll get you better armor soon, and maybe we can find a support or a fellow fighter. You've been on your own in the Dungeon for too long."
Naruto nodded. "Sounds like a plan."
By the time they returned to the church, the sun was setting, painting the broken stained-glass windows in hues of orange and pink. Naruto set his sword aside and sank onto a rickety bench. Hestia rummaged for a simple dinner—some fresh bread, a bit of cheese, and a handful of fruit purchased earlier.
They ate quietly, each lost in thought. Naruto kept recalling Rose's stark words: Otherwise, you'll be paying funeral costs sooner or later. He knew from his past life how quickly a seemingly mundane mission could turn fatal.
Halfway through the meal, Hestia asked, "Do you think we should ask around for possible party members? Maybe a support? Or a mage?"
He considered. "Yeah. But we need to find someone who shares our ideals. I don't want a reckless ally who'll drag us into deeper floors we're not ready for."
She nodded, swirling a piece of fruit around her bowl. "There might be other novices in Orario who can't join big Familias. If we can convince them we're worth it…"
Naruto smiled. "We will be. With your determination, we can accomplish anything."
That brought a light blush to Hestia's cheeks, and she cleared her throat. "We, uh, also need to check on your Falna later. See if your stats have gone up from the day's efforts."
"Sure," Naruto said, rolling his stiff shoulder. "Think we can afford a new shirt for me first?"
She giggled, eyes darting to the tear in his sleeve. "Yes, definitely. We can't have you walking around with that constant reminder of your battle scars."
The conversation meandered, drifting toward small, hopeful plans for the future—maybe repairing the church's roof, or setting up a real training area behind the altar. Eventually, the conversation touched on Rose again.
"She must have lost so many adventurers she was assigned to," Hestia murmured. "I wonder if that's why she's so cold."
Naruto shrugged. "Can't really blame her for being guarded. The Dungeon…isn't kind."
Hestia's gaze turned somber. "I'll do everything I can," she repeated, more to herself than to him. Naruto recognized that determined spark. The same flame that had led her to endure humiliating, desperate acts—like begging on her knees for days—if it meant saving someone dear to her.
They finished dinner in companionable silence, the church's main hall lit only by a single lantern. Outside, the faint bustle of Orario at night drifted through the cracked windows. Naruto felt a sense of belonging here, despite the hardships. He had a goddess who cared deeply, and the stirrings of real progress.
After they tidied up, Hestia produced her small Falna ritual kit: a needle, paper, and ink. Naruto lay face-down on a scrap of blanket near the altar. He felt the cool air against his back as Hestia's hand hovered over him.
"Just a drop," she whispered, pricking her finger. The goddess's blood glowed faintly, activating the Falna. Warmth spread across Naruto's skin like a ripple. He shivered as mystical energy shifted along his spine.
Hestia's soft gasp told him something had changed. "Your stats went up a bit," she said. "Your agility, especially—and your strength by a small margin." She paused, reading carefully. "Your skill 'Evolution' is tracking more of those partial essences: you consumed more Kobold energy, plus the Bronze Rabbit trace you picked up. Nothing's fully integrated yet, but it's growing."
Naruto sat up, pulling his shirt back down. "So eventually I might gain aspects from the Bronze Rabbits? Like speed or jumping ability?"
She shrugged, clearly uncertain. "It's possible. There's a note that you're starting to refine 'Bronze Rabbit Aspect (Minor).' No guarantee how it'll manifest, but if you keep encountering them, maybe it'll become more."
He pondered this new skill. The notion of absorbing pieces of monster essence seemed bizarre, but in a world without chakra, it might be the key to forging unique power. "We'll keep an eye on it," he decided, rolling his shoulders. "No rush."
Hestia agreed, though he could see the excitement lurking behind her thoughtful gaze. After a moment, she gently touched his newly healed forearm. "Promise me tomorrow you'll slow down if you feel overwhelmed?"
He smiled, placing a hand over hers. "I promise."
Early the next day, they headed back to the Guild. Hestia insisted on verifying more newbie-friendly quests before Naruto ventured underground again. They had a bit of money now—enough to purchase at least a padded arm-guard and a fresh shirt.
Outside the Guild, they spotted a small crowd gathered near the doors. Hushed voices carried alarm. Naruto recognized the battered dwarf from yesterday, who had been pestering Rose for a date. The dwarf's face was ashen. "I… I don't know what to do," he muttered, fists trembling at his sides.
Hestia's curiosity piqued. "What happened?"
Another adventurer, a tall elf woman with finely braided hair, lowered her voice. "One of the dwarf's party members was killed in the Dungeon last night. He just got the news."
Naruto's breath caught. It was one thing to hear about casualties, but another to witness the raw fallout. A Guild clerk stood beside the dwarf, patting his shoulder awkwardly. "There's nothing you could have done," the clerk said gently. "Her body was lost on the lower floors. I'm sorry."
Hestia's expression twisted in sympathy. She clutched Naruto's arm as if seeking reassurance that he was still here. He squeezed her hand back. A pang of worry seared his heart: We just started, but every day could be our last if we're not careful.
They made their way inside. Rose Fannett was behind her usual counter, stamping forms with grim efficiency. Her eyes flicked to the dwarf near the entrance, and though her face remained composed, Naruto caught a fleeting shadow of pain in her expression. No doubt she recognized him. She had turned down the dwarf's invitation, after all, possibly guessing the risk of heartbreak.
Naruto and Hestia approached once more, their moods dampened by the tragedy. Rose finished her stamping, glancing up. "You again," she said, not unkindly. "Something else you need?"
Hestia cleared her throat. "We…we wanted to check if there are more low-level quests. And maybe ask about recommended gear shops?"
Rose leaned back, her red hair swaying. "Gear shops? If you're on a tight budget, most novices go to the cheaper forges around West Main. They'll outfit you with secondhand armor."
Naruto nodded. "We can do that."
The receptionist thumbed through a small index of requests. "As for quests, there's one from an apothecary for certain mushrooms that grow on the third floor. Another for collecting crystals from immobile slimes on the first floor—though that pay is minimal."
Hestia perked up at the mention of mushrooms. "Third floor might be too deep right now."
Naruto gave her a confident smile. "Maybe not. Let's keep it in mind."
Rose handed them the details. "The reward is 5,000 valis if you can bring back enough mushrooms. They're called 'Silky Caps,' found near watery sections of the third floor. Just watch for Lizardmen."
"Lizardmen?" Naruto repeated, eyes narrowing. He hadn't encountered those yet.
"They're a bit tougher than goblins," Rose explained. "They carry crude weapons and can coordinate attacks. If you're alone, be cautious."
Hestia's earlier bravado waned, but Naruto still felt that spark of determination. "We'll train a bit more on the second floor, then we'll see about those mushrooms. Thank you, Rose."
Seeing that the conversation was nearly over, Naruto ventured to address the obvious sorrow gripping the Guild Hall. "That dwarf out front," he said softly, "his party member was killed, right?"
Rose's expression hardened, though sadness flickered in her eyes. "Yes," she said bluntly, tapping her pen on the desk. "They ventured to the ninth floor, encountered a pack of Killer Ants. She was stung and paralyzed. The rest of the party had to retreat, leaving her behind."
Hestia inhaled sharply, tears threatening at the corners of her eyes. Naruto's jaw tightened. "That's…"
"Tragic? Yes," Rose finished, her tone edged with resignation. "It happens more often than you'd think. That's the Dungeon's reality." She paused, then spoke more softly, "She was a sweet girl, used to bring me ridiculous love letters for her party's sake, bragging how they'd one day earn enough valis to retire. Now she's gone, and her family can't even retrieve her body for a proper funeral."
The weight of her words settled heavily around them. Naruto felt the pit of his stomach churn, recalling how Shinobi wars claimed lives daily. The difference here was that the Dungeon was an ongoing hazard, forever spawning new monsters, never truly tamed.
Rose sighed, closing her ledger. "Take heed. Don't let that happen to you. And as for romantic confessions…well, I don't indulge them because I'm not prepared to love someone who might never come back."
Hestia tried to speak, but the lump in her throat blocked her words. Naruto managed a soft nod. "I understand," he said. "Thank you for the warning, Rose."
She waved them off. "Go. Be careful."
They exited, hearts heavy with the knowledge of death's looming presence. Outside, the dwarf had moved on, either to drown his sorrows or to pray to whatever deity might help him find closure.
Hestia sniffled. "Naruto… I'm so scared. What if—"
He turned, placing his hands firmly on her shoulders. "That won't happen," he said resolutely. "I've lost friends before. I know the pain of leaving someone behind. I won't let that happen again, not on my watch."
Tears glittered in her eyes, but she nodded, letting out a shaky breath. "We'll be strong together, right?"
He mustered a grin. "Always."
The rest of the day was spent preparing for the possibility of tackling the third floor soon. They located a modest armory run by a retired adventurer named Gus, a stooped older man with a scar across his cheek. He sold them a pair of bracers and knee guards—both worn but serviceable—for a bargain price once he realized they were new, struggling folks.
Naruto tested the fit, practicing a few swings. He felt marginally safer, even if the gear wasn't top-notch. Every bit of protection could mean the difference between life and death in the Dungeon. Hestia, for her part, insisted they reserve some valis to buy potions as well.
By the time they returned to the church, evening had fallen again, painting the sky in deep purples. They shared a quiet meal. Once more, Hestia performed the nightly Falna update, though Naruto hadn't dived that day, so the changes were minimal.
They lingered by the altar afterward, Hestia's small form leaning against Naruto as they sat on the edge of a broken pew. Her usual spunk was tempered by the realities they'd witnessed at the Guild. "I guess this is how it'll be from now on," she murmured. "Walking that tightrope between progress and risk."
Naruto nodded, slipping an arm around her shoulders. "We just have to remain mindful. Work with the Falna, build our strength carefully, and find allies who share our convictions."
Hestia looked up at him, her blue eyes reflecting the dim lamplight. "I'll always support you. No matter what."
He gave her a crooked smile. "Same here, Goddess."
A week passed. Naruto spent most days on the second floor, gathering small monster stones and improving his reflexes. He occasionally encountered Bronze Rabbits again, absorbing fragments of their essence to feed his mysterious "Evolution" skill. Hestia hovered near the Dungeon's entrance each time, greeting him with relieved hugs whenever he emerged unscathed.
They also scoured the notice boards for potential recruits. Not many novices were keen on joining an unknown Familia with limited resources, but they had a few nibbles—adventurers who promised to think about it and return if they were interested.
On the seventh day, Naruto braced himself for a deeper dive. It was time to try the third floor quest for Silky Cap mushrooms. With Hestia by his side, he approached the Guild once more to confirm the job.
Rose Fannett was, as usual, manning her station with professional detachment. When Naruto handed over the quest slip, she looked it over, then paused to give him a once-over. "You're going for the third floor mushrooms?"
He nodded. "I feel ready. I've improved a bit since last time."
Rose's gaze flicked briefly at Hestia, who offered a polite nod. "We purchased some better gear," the goddess explained. "Naruto has potions, bracers, a decent sword."
The receptionist pressed her lips together. "All right. Just remember, you'll likely run into Lizardmen. Don't let them surround you." She shuffled her papers, returning his slip. "May fortune favor you."
Naruto blinked. That was the kindest well-wish he'd heard from her. "Thank you, Rose. We'll do our best."
Rose dipped her head, though her crimson hair obscured her expression for a moment. Then she looked up, her voice low. "You seem more serious than most novices. I can respect that."
A faint warmth spread in Naruto's chest at the compliment. "We'll prove we're serious."
With that, they left the Guild. Outside, Hestia flashed him a grin. "She can be nice, in her own way, huh?"
He laughed softly, tucking the quest slip into his pouch. "Yeah, looks like we're earning a bit of trust."
That afternoon found Naruto carefully descending past the second floor's tunnels and into the gloom of the third floor. Flickering crystals provided minimal light, and the walls dripped with moisture. A faint, musty smell clung to the air.
He clutched a small cloth bag meant for collecting mushrooms, courtesy of the Guild. The instructions were clear: find moist alcoves near water sources, pick only the fully grown Silky Caps, avoid trampling immature ones.
The first half hour was uneventful—just a handful of goblins easy enough to dispatch. Naruto moved with measured caution, occasionally stopping to mark his path with a piece of chalk to ensure he wouldn't get lost.
Then he reached a cavern that echoed with trickling water. A narrow stream cut across the stone floor, and in its damp corners, he spotted clusters of mushrooms with slender white stems and wide, silken caps. Silky Caps, he thought, relief flooding him. Carefully, he knelt to collect them, using the cloth bag to keep them intact.
He'd gathered about half the required amount when a low growl reverberated behind him. Slowly, Naruto stood, turning to see three tall silhouettes skulking in the gloom. Lizardmen.
Each one resembled a bipedal reptile, brandishing rusted blades. Their yellow eyes glowed with malice in the Dungeon's half-light. Don't let them surround you, Rose had advised. Right now, they formed a loose semicircle around him, tails flicking impatiently.
Naruto brandished his sword, heart hammering. Focus.
With a hiss, one Lizardman lunged. Naruto sidestepped, countering with a diagonal slash. Sparks flew as the reptile's own blade parried, but Naruto twisted, hooking the hilt beneath the monster's guard. He followed with a swift kick to its midsection. The Lizardman stumbled, giving Naruto an opening to slash across its torso. Green-tinged blood splattered the stone.
The other two Lizardmen snarled in unison, rushing from opposite flanks. Naruto cursed under his breath, pivoting to intercept their blades. A clang echoed as steel met steel. He blocked one strike but felt the second monster's weapon slice across his bracer, denting the metal. Pain jolted up his forearm.
He needed to break their formation. With a wild yell, Naruto lunged forward instead of retreating, slamming into one Lizardman's chest. They tumbled, but Naruto forced the blade away from his throat, delivering a savage elbow to the creature's snout. It screeched, dissolving into a swirl of black dust once his sword found its heart.
Only one remained, but Naruto's breathing was ragged, and a stinging cut marred his left bicep. He tightened his grip on the sword. The Lizardman circled, flicking its tail, hissing.
"Come on," Naruto growled, ignoring the blood trickling down his arm.
The monster feigned a thrust, then slashed low. Naruto jumped back, cursing the narrow space. He retaliated with a downward cleave, which the Lizardman partially evaded—his blade bit into its shoulder but missed a killing blow. The creature howled, staggering.
Sensing its faltering stance, Naruto mustered a final burst of energy, stepping in with a quick combination of sword strikes. The Lizardman collapsed, dissolving like the others, leaving behind a battered blade and a magic stone. Naruto slumped against the cavern wall, panting. That was close.
He rummaged for a healing potion, gulping it down. The sting in his arm eased, though not completely. Adrenaline still surged in his veins, and his head spun.
Yet he still needed more mushrooms. Gritting his teeth, Naruto pushed off the wall and carefully resumed picking the Silky Caps. Once he had enough, he retreated, mindful not to push his luck. He took the chalk-marked path back, inching past a few more roaming goblins, until daylight greeted him at the surface.
Hestia stood near the entrance, anxiety etched into her features. When she saw him—slightly injured but alive—she ran forward. "Thank the gods!" she exclaimed, hugging him tight. "What happened?"
He gave her a weary smile. "Lizardmen. Three of them. But I got the mushrooms."
She quickly fetched another potion for him. "You're so stubborn," she scolded gently, even as relief shimmered in her eyes. "Let's get you to the Guild."
Back at the Guild's exchange, the same bored-looking clerk weighed the mushrooms. "All in good condition," she noted, handing over a small sack of valis. "5,000, as promised."
Hestia beamed. "That's our biggest payday yet!"
Naruto, still nursing his bruises, smiled tiredly. "It'll help a lot."
They navigated toward Rose's station, though it wasn't an official requirement. Something compelled Naruto to show the tough receptionist that he'd succeeded without losing his life—or the quest items.
She was free, stamping another stack of papers, so they approached. Naruto set the cloth bag—now empty of mushrooms—on the counter. "We made it," he said simply.
Rose glanced at the bag, then at the cuts on Naruto's arms and the fresh scuff on his bracer. "Seems you did." She scribbled a note on her ledger. "Third floor. Lizardmen or War Shadows?"
"Lizardmen," Naruto answered. "A group of three."
She stilled for a moment, meeting his gaze. "Impressive for a novice."
Hestia stepped forward, brimming with excitement. "Naruto's Falna is improving, too. He—"
Rose cut her off gently. "Good. But you still need to watch your back. The deeper you go, the more lethal the monsters become."
She paused, exhaling softly. "I see too many adventurers get overconfident after a small success. Don't let that be you."
Naruto offered a respectful nod. "I won't."
Their eyes locked in mutual understanding—Rose knew the weight of loss, and Naruto was determined not to add to that burden.
With the conversation concluded, Naruto and Hestia stepped aside, letting others approach the desk.
"That's…almost like encouragement," Naruto murmured as they walked away.
Hestia giggled. "I think she respects you—just a little. Maybe you'll be the first adventurer she doesn't mind acknowledging."
Naruto's cheeks warmed. "I'm not trying to impress her. But if she sees I'm serious, maybe she'll trust that I won't just throw my life away."
Hestia nodded, hooking an arm through his. "Come on, let's see about new armor. We can afford something slightly better now, maybe lighten your burdens."