Adventurer of Orario

by Kyuubi16

Waking up in a new world of dungeons, monsters, and adventurers Naruto seeks to reestablish himself and pursue his ideals. A Familia based on becoming a true family and protecting the people doesn't sound too bad.

4. Level 2

Adventurer of Orario

0

Naruto x ?

0

Story Start

0

Naruto's eyes fluttered open to the gentle morning light spilling through a makeshift window in the old church. The repairs they'd funded had made a significant difference: the worst leaks had been patched, and some new glass panes let in beams of sunlight that illuminated the worn pews.

He gingerly sat up from his pallet, feeling the lingering ache in his shoulder where the infant dragon's flames had scorched him just a week prior. Beneath his bandaged skin, the burn still twinged, but it was mostly healed thanks to Hestia's doting care, and the potions they could now afford.

Memories of that fight flooded his mind: the dragon's roar, the blistering heat of its fire breath, and the exhilaration of delivering the final charged slash. Even now, he sensed the Draconic Seed lying dormant within his Falna. His friend—and sometimes mentor—Sophia Rall had parted ways a few days back, wanting to sell her share of the loot and handle her own business. They had agreed to team up again soon.

Across the chamber, near the repaired altar, Hestia was already awake, tidying up a few scattered books. The petite goddess wore an apron over her usual white mini-dress, her twin-tails swishing across her back. The improvements in their base of operations had done wonders for her spirits. She noticed his stirring and offered a bright smile.

"Good morning, Naruto," she said warmly, pushing aside a small crate of supplies. "How's the shoulder?"

He rolled it experimentally. "It still stings a bit, but I'm fine."

"Glad to hear it," she replied, relief evident in her soft voice. "We've had so much success lately—it's almost too good to be true."

Naruto rose, stretching his arms. "Well, we've earned it."

Hestia set her hands on her hips. "Your stats are nearing the cap for Level 1, too. Maybe you'll level soon. The Guild says that once an adventurer performs a 'feat' recognized by their Falna, it's possible to rank up. Beating that dragon might be the catalyst."

He nodded, recalling how monstrous that fight had been. A sense of pride mingled with caution. "If I can keep pushing, I might see that jump. And once I'm Level 2, our Familia name will spread."

Hestia's eyes shone with hope. "Then let's keep up the momentum—carefully. Promise me you won't take on more dragons alone, at least for now."

Naruto chuckled. "Okay, okay. No solo dragons for me."

Their laughter filled the quiet space. Each day reaffirmed the trust between them—a goddess who'd placed her faith in a single determined adventurer, and an otherworldly ninja who saw in her a kindred spirit.

As he fastened a crude leather pauldron over his bandaged shoulder. A faint echo of an energy he once knew intimately in a distant life. Chakra. It was nearly imperceptible, a ghostly sensation that vanished as soon as he tried to grasp it. Shaking off the odd feeling, Naruto refocused on the day ahead, unaware of the destiny that was about to unfold.

0000000000000

At midday, Naruto and Hestia made their way to the Guild. The building's tall columns and bustling interior had become a familiar sight. A swirl of voices filled the massive hall, clerks calling out adventurers' names, the clink of armor echoing against marble floors. Naruto's eyes swept across the crowd, half hoping he'd see Sophia's tall figure or the red hair of Rose Fannett. But there was no sign of either at the moment.

They approached a side counter where a clerk, a small-framed human man with round spectacles, greeted them. "How can I help you today?"

Hestia offered a polite bow. "We'd like to review the posted expeditions or job offers—particularly around floors ten to twelve."

The clerk's eyebrows rose. "That's an ambitious range for a new Familia."

Naruto flashed a confident grin. "We've been handling it so far. We're looking to form or join an expedition, maybe recruit a supporter or two. Any leads?"

The clerk pulled out a ledger, flipping pages. "We do have a notice from the Nox Familia seeking extra hands on a resource-gathering expedition to the eleventh floor. They plan to gather glowstone shards from a cave system rumored to be near a hive of Killer Ants. It's next week, though."

Hestia frowned slightly. "Killer Ants can be nasty. But having more people around might help."

Naruto nodded, remembering the dwarven adventurer who'd lost a party member to a swarm of those creatures. "Risky, but maybe worth it."

The clerk continued, "Alternatively, you could do private runs. The Guild is also offering a special quest to subjugate orcs on floor twelve—there've been reports of a large orc presence. The pay's decent, but it's recommended for parties with at least one Level 2 adventurer. Is that you?"

Naruto hesitated. Not yet. "We're not quite there. But maybe we can tackle it if we find allies."

"Then good luck," the clerk said, finalizing a note in the ledger.

As they stepped away from the counter, Hestia tugged at Naruto's sleeve. "The orc quest is too big for us alone. The Nox Familia expedition might be safer. Or we do more personal farming until you level."

Naruto shrugged. "If we keep farming the tenth or eleventh floor, it might take weeks to get that final push I need. We could do it, but the Nox Familia expedition could be a chance to prove ourselves—and speed up my growth with higher-risk enemies."

Just then, they spotted Rose Fannett behind her usual desk, reviewing forms. Hestia nudged Naruto. "Let's get her opinion. She's bound to know which is better for you right now."

They joined the short line at Rose's station. When their turn came, the receptionist raised a brow. "I see you two are still in one piece. Heard rumors about an infant dragon kill last week. You truly are a glutton for punishment, Naruto."

He grinned sheepishly. "It wasn't exactly planned."

Hestia explained their quandary: "Should we join an expedition with Nox Familia on the eleventh floor or take a private quest on the twelfth for orc subjugation?"

Rose's expression turned contemplative. "Nox Familia is mid-tier. They can be… overconfident. Killer Ants swarm quickly, and if the Nox leaders are incompetent, you could get caught in a bad situation. The orc subjugation on the twelfth floor is also quite dangerous without a confirmed Level 2."

She tapped her pen on the desk. "If you insist on risky ventures, I'd advise gleaning more details about Nox's leaders first. The orc quest is best tackled with a solid party. If you do form a strong team, that mission might be your best shot at a recognized 'feat.'"

Naruto and Hestia exchanged a glance. Both recognized the logic: a 'feat' recognized by the gods could help him trigger Level 2.

"Thanks, Rose," Naruto said, rolling back on his heels. "We'll think about it."

She gave a curt nod, turning to the next adventurer. The duo left the Guild, weighed down by decisions. As they walked the cobblestone streets, a plan slowly crystallized in Naruto's mind: If he could gather a reliable party to handle the orc subjugation, the challenge might be exactly what he needed to push into Level 2.

0000000000000000

They returned to the church, the midday sun casting long beams across the newly repaired ceiling. Hestia immediately cleared a spot on the battered altar and spread out a large parchment map of the Dungeon's upper levels. The circled "Orc Subjugation Quest" glowed in bold red ink near the twelfth floor.

"Let's list who we can invite," she suggested, plucking a quill pen from a box. "We know Sophia is an option—she's skilled, but is she free? Also, do we have enough funds to pay a dedicated supporter?"

Naruto scratched his cheek. "We've got some spare valis from the infant dragon loot. Enough to hire or entice a supporter, maybe an extra fighter. We can front some gear or potions as a signing bonus. But we need to be selective."

Hestia scribbled notes. "Sophia is first. She's proven reliable. Next, do we consider** Lili** from the Soma Familia? I've heard she sometimes works as a supporter for new adventurers."

Naruto paused. "Lili… I've seen her around. She's good at carrying loot, but she's got a reputation for scamming. Doesn't she also have a tough relationship with her Familia? We might want someone less complicated."

Hestia frowned. "True. We can ask around, but we have to be cautious about trust. Let's see if any smaller Familias have posted notices for extra manpower."

They spent the afternoon making discreet inquiries among local shops and acquaintances. A blacksmith they knew introduced them to Geoff, a traveling swordsman who was between parties. Geoff had mild experience in the eighth and ninth floors, a dependable sort but not an outstanding fighter. The risk was that the twelfth floor might be out of his league.

Next, a chance conversation with an apothecary led them to meet Rhea, a timid but competent healer who had parted ways with her old Familia after a dispute. She was searching for a group that would treat her fairly. "I'm not strong in direct combat," she admitted, "but I can handle injuries and brew potions on the go."

Naruto's eyes lit up. "That's perfect, Rhea. We've been short on healing support. We'll pay you a fair share."

Hestia beamed, her sweet nature quickly putting Rhea at ease. "Welcome to our temporary team, if you'll have us."

By late afternoon, they'd managed to gather a potential roster: Sophia (if she agreed), Geoff, and Rhea. Just enough to attempt the quest. But everything hinged on whether Sophia, the strongest among them, would come along. Without her, tackling a horde of orcs seemed too big a stretch.

That evening, as the sun dipped below Orario's skyline, Naruto ventured to Sophia's usual haunt—a small tavern near the Guild. The place was dimly lit, rowdy with off-duty adventurers. He found her in a corner booth, nursing a mug of ale and talking to a cat-eared demi-human about some completed job.

She lifted an eyebrow upon spotting him. "Naruto? You tracking me down for another gig?"

He slid into the opposite seat, ignoring the pungent smell of stale beer. "Possibly. There's a quest to subjugate orcs on floor twelve. We want to form a stable party and tackle it in about a week."

Sophia took a drink, studying him over the rim of her mug. "Orcs on twelve, huh? Not easy. My rapier does well on single targets, but a whole group might be tricky. What's the payoff?"

He laid out the quest details: potential for big bounties on orc hide, tusks, and a direct Guild reward for clearing out the nest. He also hinted at the intangible reward of performing a heroic feat that might help him level.

She snorted. "Always pushing your limits, huh?"

"Yup," he replied with a sheepish grin. "We can bring in a few more people—one swordsman, a healer. That plus me and you should be enough if we coordinate."

Sophia mulled it over, drumming her fingertips on the table. Finally, she shrugged. "Alright, I'm in. But I want the usual deal: half of my kills' loot and a fair cut of the quest reward."

"Done," Naruto said, relief flooding him. "We'll meet at the church in two days to strategize. Sound good?"

She nodded. "Deal. Just try not to nearly die again, okay?"

He laughed, clapping her shoulder. "No promises."

0000000000000000000

The following morning, Naruto woke from a dream that left him breathless. He had been standing in a familiar training field, the scarred wooden posts reminding him of Konoha's old practice grounds. Distant voices—Sakura's, Sasuke's, and Kakashi-sensei's—echoed in the background. And in his hands, he'd been forming a hand seal, channeling a surge of chakra that flared bright and potent. Then, as a wave of nostalgia crashed over him, he'd jolted awake in the quiet of the church.

He pressed a palm to his chest, heart pounding. It had been so long since he felt chakra in that dreamlike manner. The faint sensations from the day before suggested it might be real.

Before he could dwell on it, Hestia peeked around the corner of the altar, sporting her usual bright expression. "You're up early, Naruto. Did you sleep well?"

He forced a smile. "Mostly. Had some…memories. It's nothing to worry about."

She studied him, concern flickering in her blue eyes. "If you say so. By the way, our new friends are coming later to discuss the orc quest. Are you ready?"

"Yeah," he said, pushing aside the dream. "Let's finalize the plan."

By midday, Geoff and Rhea arrived, each carrying their gear. Geoff, a lean adventurer with auburn hair, wore plain leather armor and carried a longsword. Rhea, shorter and dressed in a simple robe, clutched a staff topped with a small crystal. Hestia welcomed them warmly, offering tea in mismatched cups. Soon after, Sophia strode in, greeting them with a quick nod.

"All here?" Sophia said, glancing around the church's ragged interior. "So, what's the strategy?"

Naruto unrolled a detailed sketch of the twelfth floor's rumored layout. "We know orcs cluster in this region here," he pointed to a wide corridor marked with question marks. "The quest says there's a nest. Probably at least a dozen orcs, maybe more if they have a leader."

"That's a lot," Rhea murmured, fidgeting. "But if we coordinate, I can handle healing, keep you guys from bleeding out."

Geoff looked uneasy but swallowed hard. "I can hold the line with my longsword if they come in a wave. My style is mostly defensive. If I do that, Sophia and Naruto can flank."

Sophia leaned over the map. "I'll target orcs on the edge with my rapier. Naruto can use crossbow fire or get in for synergy-based finishers. Then we collect all the materials—and hopefully survive."

Hestia tapped the map. "We also have potions. Everyone gets at least two healing potions. Naruto's earlier plan with vantage points might help, if we find an elevated area or narrow corridor."

They hashed out details for an hour. How to lure orcs, how to retreat if cornered, how to handle an orc leader if one appeared. Naruto listened intently, occasionally adding gleaned insights from his prior Dungeon runs.

"Once we deal with the nest," Naruto concluded, "we bring proof of subjugation—like orc tusks or hide—back to the Guild for the reward. If it's a major success, it might be recognized as a 'feat.'" His gaze flicked to Hestia, who gave a small encouraging nod. He dared not mention leveling in front of the others, though they likely guessed.

"All set, then," Sophia said, standing. "We leave the day after tomorrow at dawn. Sound good?"

They agreed. Rhea and Geoff headed out, promising to gather personal supplies. Sophia left last, after trading a few final remarks with Naruto about caution and synergy.

When the church finally fell quiet, Naruto sank onto a bench, mind reeling with the complexities of leading a party. He felt the slightest tingle in his core again, that ephemeral sense of chakra. It was getting stronger.

"This is it," he whispered. "Between Evolution, leveling up, and…whatever's happening with my chakra, I'm on the verge of something big." Hestia approached from behind, resting a gentle hand on his shoulder.

0000000

Dawn broke crisp and clear. Naruto, Hestia, Sophia, Geoff, and Rhea gathered at Babel Tower's entrance. The morning crowd of adventurers hustled around them—some returning from overnight delves, others just starting their day's expedition. After a quick gear check, Hestia gave Naruto a tight hug.

"I won't be going down," she said, eyes flicking anxiously between them all. "Be careful."

He offered a reassuring grin. "We'll be back soon, Goddess."

Then, with purposeful strides, the four adventurers descended into the Dungeon's depths. The stone corridors of the first few floors were by now routine to Naruto and Sophia, though Geoff and Rhea took everything in with tense alertness. Occasional clashes with goblins or kobolds tested their synergy, but they moved swiftly, saving energy for the real threat below.

By the time they reached the tenth floor, Naruto felt beads of sweat gathering under his armor. The memory of how he'd once farmed Frog Shooters here made him nostalgic, but there was no time to indulge. They pressed onward, the corridors widening as they ventured deeper. The air grew cooler, dank with the smell of moss and something more ominous.

The shift between the eleventh and twelfth floors was marked by a heavier atmosphere. Even the light crystals embedded in the walls seemed fewer and farther between. Geoff gripped his sword hilt nervously, Rhea clenched her staff, and Sophia's rapier hovered close to her side. Naruto led, crossbow in hand.

Stepping into the twelfth floor corridor, they found signs of orc presence almost immediately: large footprints embedded in the moist ground, half-gnawed carcasses of lesser monsters, and a rancid smell that turned Rhea pale.

"Definitely orcs," Sophia muttered. "I smell them."

Naruto motioned for them to proceed carefully. Harvest Crest tingled within him, as if anticipating new prey. This time, though, it wasn't just about materials. They had an actual mission: subjugate an orc nest rumored to be terrorizing the deeper nooks of this floor.

It didn't take long to find the first sentries. Two orcs, each nearly two meters tall, armed with crude clubs. They grunted to each other in guttural tones, patrolling near a branching passage.

"Move quietly," Naruto whispered, taking aim with his crossbow. Sophia readied her rapier, and Geoff positioned himself behind a stalagmite. Rhea stood at the rear, staff trembling in her grip.

Naruto loosed a bolt, striking one orc in the shoulder. It roared in shock. Instantly, Sophia dashed forward, plunging her blade into the beast's side. Geoff rushed the second orc, raising his longsword to parry a downward club strike. The clang reverberated.

Rhea's voice cut through the chaos. "Light Heal!" A soft glow enveloped Sophia, boosting her vigor as she danced around the orc's flailing arms. Naruto reloaded, firing again. This time, the bolt lodged in the orc's thigh, staggering it. With a savage slash, Sophia finished it off. Black dust swirled, leaving behind a decent-sized magic stone and a thick hide scrap.

Meanwhile, Geoff's orc forced him back with raw power. Naruto darted in, sword drawn. He timed a synergy-charged finishing blow, feeling War-Frog integration surge through him. The orc disintegrated, leaving behind an extra chunk of hide courtesy of Harvest Crest.

Breathing heavily, they regrouped. "Two down," Sophia said, wiping sweat from her brow. "No telling how many remain."

Geoff gave a shaky nod, adjusting his battered sword. "We can handle them if they come in pairs. But if a whole group attacks…"

"We stick to the plan," Naruto said firmly. "Find a choke point or corner, use Rhea's healing as support, keep synergy kills going. If we see a large nest, we go all out."

Deeper into the twelfth floor, the corridors began to warp, curving into semi-circular arches of rough stone. Strange echoes bounced around them—growls, distant roars, and the heavy thud of orcish footsteps. The tension mounted with every step. Rhea's knuckles were white around her staff, and even Sophia's usual bravado took on a cautious edge.

"Up ahead," Geoff whispered, pointing with the tip of his longsword. The passage opened into a broad cavern, partially illuminated by clusters of dull glowing crystals. Shadows flickered across the jagged rock walls.

The stench intensified, thick and revolting. Naruto peered around a corner to glimpse a disturbing sight: a cluster of orcs, at least five or six, lounging in a wide clearing. Some gnawed on raw meat, others dozed or snarled at each other. At the far side, a large orc—possibly a variant—loomed, scratching at the ground with claw-like nails. Its eyes glowed red in the dim.

"This must be the nest," Naruto breathed, heart pounding. Indeed, scattered around were bones, tattered monster hides, and half-eaten carcasses. The orcs grunted and bickered among themselves, oblivious to the approaching threat.

Sophia's jaw clenched. "That's more than half a dozen. If we don't do this right, we'll be overrun."

Rhea swallowed hard. "I can maintain a healing field for a short time if we cluster, but not if we get separated."

Geoff glanced at Naruto. "What's the plan?"

Naruto gathered them in a tight huddle, voice low. "We can try a pincer approach. Geoff and I will draw their attention from the front. Sophia, you circle around to snipe them with rapier strikes, or we can soften them with crossbow shots. Rhea, hang back near the entrance, ready to heal or buff as needed. Once we whittle them down, I'll go for synergy kills."

Sophia nodded. "Sounds good, but watch that big orc. He looks bigger than the rest. Might be their leader."

They inched closer, hugging the cavern wall. Naruto loaded the crossbow, heart thrumming in his ears. The memory of the infant dragon fight flashed through his mind—this was different, but no less dangerous. If they could handle an infant dragon, maybe they could handle an orc nest. He steeled himself, took aim at one of the smaller orcs near the perimeter, and fired.

The bolt struck its target with a wet thump, eliciting a guttural roar. Instantly, the other orcs jerked upright, brandishing clubs and axes. Geoff lunged forward, parrying a savage swing from a furious orc. Sophia dashed to the flank, landing a quick series of precise jabs into another's exposed back. Rhea chanted from behind them, a faint glow enveloping the party.

Naruto swapped the crossbow for his sword, meeting an orc's overhead blow with his shield. The impact rattled his bones, but he held firm. Slipping under its guard, he slashed across its torso. Dust and black mist swirled as Harvest Crest flared, leaving behind an orc hide. Another beast roared from the left; he barely managed to pivot, parrying the club with a clang of steel.

Chaos ensued: the orcs, enraged and outnumbering them, pressed their advantage. Geoff took a club to the shoulder and stumbled, wincing, but Rhea's quick incantation mended the bruises. Sophia danced among them with lethal grace, though each thrust brought her dangerously close to an orc's massive fists. Naruto tried to keep track of all angles, repeatedly blocking or weaving around blows. The synergy in his Falna surged with each kill—War-Frog aspects fueling his reflexes, letting him slip into positions to finish off wounded orcs.

Then the leader lumbered forward. Nearly a head taller than the rest, with bulging muscles and a ridge of spines along its arms, it bellowed a command. The remaining orcs rallied, forming a wall of flesh. Sophia lunged in to stab the leader's flank, but it pivoted with surprising speed, knocking her aside with a brutal backhand. She crashed into a rock formation, gasping for breath.

"Sophia!" Naruto shouted, rushing to intercept the leader before it could stomp her. He flung himself at the orc's legs, sword slicing. The creature roared, smashing down with an oversized club. Naruto leaped back, panting, shield trembling in his grip. Across the cavern, Geoff cut down another lesser orc, but two more lunged at him simultaneously.

Amid this fray, something primal awoke in Naruto's core. The Falna synergy merged with a different energy—one he hadn't felt in so long: chakra. His eyes widened as, for a split second, he felt it flow into his limbs, heightening his speed even more. With a startled cry, he shot forward, evading the next club strike and delivering a savage synergy-laced slash across the orc leader's chest.

Green-tinged blood spattered. The beast howled but didn't go down. Fire lit in Naruto's veins. This is it—the power from my old world. He pressed the advantage, ignoring the swirl of confusion. Chakra, however nascent, responded to his will. He stepped sideways, forming a half-familiar seal with one hand. The motion was awkward, his memories jumbled, but a faint swirl of wind seemed to accompany him.

The orc leader staggered, leaving an opening. Sophia, battered but conscious, forced herself upright. Her rapier flashed, piercing the orc's shoulder. Geoff and Rhea, rallying, charged from the other side. Feeling synergy crest to a zenith, Naruto roared, channeling that ephemeral chakra through his sword arm. Harvest Crest flared brilliantly as he struck the finishing blow.

The orc leader collapsed in a storm of black dust, leaving behind a massive magic stone, tusks, hide, and a monstrous club. With that, the nest's momentum broke. The few surviving orcs wavered in fear, easy pickings for Sophia and Geoff to dispatch. When the final beast fell, the cavern was eerily silent.

Panting, Naruto sank to his knees. His entire body trembled, but not just from exhaustion—it was from the echo of chakra that coursed within him. Rhea rushed over to tend to the worst injuries, her staff glowing with healing magic.

Sophia removed her dented helmet, dropping it to the ground as she slumped against a rock. "We… actually did it. We beat them all."

Geoff, holding a bloodied sword, let out a shaky laugh. "By the gods. That was insane."

Naruto just stared at his open palm, heart thumping. Even as the synergy from his Falna soared with each kill, unlocking more aspects, the stirring of that familiar energy overshadowed everything else. What does this mean?

0000000000

The aftermath was a flurry of collecting loot. Guided by Naruto's Harvest Crest, they salvaged extra tusks and hide from the fallen orcs. They lugged heavy sacks of materials that would fetch a fine sum.

Rhea's voice wavered with relief. "I'll do one more mass-heal for everyone. Just…give me a moment." She exhaled, murmuring incantations. A soothing glow enveloped them, knitting torn muscles and stabilizing bruises.

Geoff wiped sweat from his brow. "We should retreat to the surface soon. No telling if more orcs might wander back."

Sophia nodded, though her gaze lingered on Naruto. She'd caught glimpses of his sudden surge in speed, the faint swirl of an unknown energy. "Naruto, you pulled off some weird moves back there. That last slash was…beyond anything I've seen from you."

He rubbed the back of his neck, cheeks flushing. "It's, uh…my Falna synergy. I think it's combining aspects in new ways."

She stared a moment longer, but let it drop with a slight shrug. "Either way, it saved our hides."

They agreed to begin the long trek back. The journey to the surface was slower than their descent; each of them carried the weight of spoils and the weight of fatigue.

When they finally emerged into Babel Tower's lower gate, the daylight felt surreal. Hestia was waiting in the main lobby, pacing anxiously. At the sight of them, she rushed forward, eyes widening at their ragged states. "You're all alive!" she cried, hugging Naruto tightly, then fussing over Sophia and the others.

"We did it," Sophia confirmed, dropping her loot sack with a thud. "Orc nest, cleared."

Hestia's eyes shimmered with pride as she turned to Naruto. "I'm so glad you're safe." She paused, reading the charged expression on his face. "You look…different."

He swallowed, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "We'll talk later. Let's go to the Guild first."

Near the Exchange counters, they offloaded the orc materials to a startled clerk. The clerk's eyes went wide at the quantity and quality of the hides and tusks. Meanwhile, Hestia and Naruto made their way to the quest counter, presenting proof of subjugation. A hush fell over the surrounding adventurers, some of whom recognized them as the Hestia Familia. Word traveled fast: the new kids on the block had just wiped out an entire orc nest on the twelfth floor.

Rose Fannett stepped over, scanning the evidence. "This is thorough," she admitted, scribbling notes with characteristic efficiency. "The Guild acknowledges your success in clearing that nest. The reward is substantial."

Naruto merely nodded, still half-dazed from the swirling energies in his body. Hestia saw his distant look and guided him by the arm. "We'll finalize the rest tomorrow," she told Rose gently. "He needs rest."

Sophia, Geoff, and Rhea collected their shares, each exchanging quick handshakes with Naruto. "Thanks for letting me join," Rhea said, voice trembling with fatigue. "I've never done anything like this."

Geoff concurred. "It was rough, but we pulled through."

Sophia patted Naruto's shoulder. "Let me know when you want another insane run. For now, I'm off to crash in a nice, soft bed." She smirked. "Congrats, hero."

Once parted from them, Naruto and Hestia hastened home, each step feeling heavier. At the church, Naruto collapsed onto a broken pew, mind swirling with the fight's intensity—and the faint aftertaste of chakra. He barely registered Hestia's gentle words about making dinner.

Eventually, she returned with a simple stew, coaxing him to eat. When they finished, Hestia fetched her Falna kit. "You should update now, right?"

He nodded, swallowing anxiously. "Yes. Something big is happening."

She pricked her finger, letting a droplet of blood glow over the Falna on his back. Instantly, Naruto felt a rush of warmth. Hestia gasped. Her voice quivered as she read the shifting hieroglyphs. "Naruto, your stats…they've maxed out in multiple categories for a Level 1. Strength, agility, endurance—they're all at the upper limit."

He tensed. "Does that mean…?"

She inhaled sharply. "Yes. You can Level Up. Your Falna recognizes the orc nest subjugation as a major feat. You're at the threshold of Level 2."

A wave of emotion crashed over Naruto. He had done it—reached the point where an adventurer advanced in rank, unlocking new potential. "So I just…accept it?"

Hestia nodded, tears brimming in her eyes. "I just need to finalize the update. But—there's also something else." She frowned, deciphering more runes. "Your Falna acknowledges a foreign energy reawakening inside you. 'Chakra Path: Dormant Reservoir Unsealed'. It's forming a separate subscript next to your normal stats, referencing an older memory or life."

Naruto's heart thundered. "Chakra Path…that must be from my past world. The Falna is bridging the gap, unlocking my old power."

Hestia sniffled, half-laughing, half-crying. "You're one of a kind, Naruto. Are you ready? I can finalize your Level 2 right now."

He closed his eyes, exhaling a trembling breath. "Yes. Let's do it."

She pressed her hand over the glowing Falna. The inscriptions shifted, new lines emerging, marking him as Level 2. A surge of searing light enveloped him, and for an instant, he felt two energies converge—Falna synergy and the blossoming well of chakra in his core.

A rush of memories shot through his mind: training with Kakashi-sensei, forming the Kage Bunshin sign, summoning a swirl of wind around his palms. The flicker of a clone jutsu danced at the edge of his consciousness. When he opened his eyes, Hestia was staring, transfixed.

"You're glowing," she breathed. Tiny motes of light drifted from his body, dissolving in the air. With them came a sense of renewed vitality in his muscles—a presence that felt intimately familiar.

Naruto slowly stood, fists clenched. He raised his right hand, willed a tiny swirl of chakra. A faint shimmer appeared, dancing above his palm. "This…this is real. My chakra's back." Not at the colossal levels from the Fourth Great War, nor even enough for advanced jutsu, but reminiscent of the time around the Chūnin Exams. Basic ninjutsu, enhanced stamina, sharper reflexes. Enough to be a formidable edge.

Hestia's face broke into a radiant smile. "Naruto Uzumaki, Level 2."

He laughed, tears burning in his eyes. "Yeah. A new beginning in this world."

000000000000000

By dawn, rumors had spread through Orario: the young Hestia Familia adventurer had leveled up in record time, just days after clearing an orc nest. Even those who doubted the feats were forced to acknowledge the official quest completion. Naruto awoke with a hum of energy pulsing in his limbs, an exhilarating sense that he could truly stand among the city's stronger adventurers.

He slipped out of bed quietly, letting Hestia rest. Outside the church, the early morning light painted the streets in soft gold. Naruto found a small open space behind the building and breathed in the crisp air. His new Falna rank thrummed inside him, but so did chakra—and that was what he yearned to explore.

For the first time since he arrived in this world he confidently formed the Ram seal, focusing on the swirl of energy in his core. A wave of familiarity crashed over him. Back in Konoha, this was second nature. Now, it felt like greeting an old friend. Chakra trickled into his arms, forming a faint blue aura around his fingertips.

He exhaled, heart pounding. Carefully, he molded chakra. The memory of how to shape it was a bit rusty, but the principle remained. "Kagebunshin Jutsu!" he hissed. A puff of smoke erupted—and from it, a single clone emerged. Naruto stared at the doppelganger, which grinned back in equal amazement.

"We did it," the real Naruto whispered, eyes shining. While not the swarm of clones he once produced with ease, creating even one stable clone was a victory. The clone wobbled slightly, reminding him that his reserves were less than he once possessed. But the principle was the same. He'd regained access to ninjutsu.

His mind spun with possibilities. In this world, no one used chakra. At minimum, he had illusions, transformations, clone tactics—tools that would blend with his Falna to create a unique fighting style.

He let the clone dissolve, energy returning to him. Giddiness swelled in his chest. He recalled the frantic, fearful days after arriving in Orario, stripped of all he'd known. Yet, here he stood, a Level 2 adventurer, reclaiming the chakra that once defined him. All thanks to Hestia, the Falna, and his new allies.

Hearing footsteps, he turned to see Hestia peering around the corner. "Naruto? I sensed something. Are you practicing?"

He grinned sheepishly. "Yeah. I… can do some old world stuff again."

Her curious gaze landed on the faint traces of smoke. "That was a…clone? Like, two of you?"

He nodded, cheeks flushing. "Just one so far. It's basically a living copy I control. In my old world, I could create thousands, but my chakra's not even close to what it used to be. My control is completely shot so I'll have to train to get it under control again."

She approached, gently placing a hand on his arm. "This is incredible. Combining Falna powers with abilities no one here has ever seen."

He closed his eyes, letting her warm presence soothe him. "I want to do more than just fight. I want to use these powers to protect our Familia, just like I once protected my friends."

Hestia smiled, her midnight-blue eyes filled with devotion. "Then let's show Orario what we can do. The Hestia Familia is small, but you've proven we can achieve great things."

He nodded, heart surging with determination. "Let's keep going, Goddess—together."

0000000000000

By midday, the church was full of unexpected visitors. Word had spread that Naruto was now Level 2—one of the fastest promotions in recent memory. Curious adventurers stopped by, hoping to glean secrets of his success or to see if rumors of him wielding "strange magic" were true. Hestia tried to handle them gracefully, but the constant influx was overwhelming.

Amid the clamor, a few friends dropped in with heartfelt congratulations. Rhea arrived, eyes bright with excitement. "Naruto! The news is all over the Guild. I'm so happy for you!" She offered a small basket of herbal pastries as a celebratory gift.

Geoff, more subdued, clapped Naruto on the back. "I guess your hunch was right—that orc nest was your stepping stone. Congrats, man. You earned it."

Sophia sauntered in with her usual swagger, a half-smile curling her lip. "Well, color me impressed. Didn't expect you to jump levels so quickly, but I'm not surprised given how crazy you fight. So, you officially overshadow me now, huh?"

Naruto chuckled, "You're strong in your own right, Sophia. This doesn't change anything—except maybe I can carry more of the load next time."

She scoffed but a glint of respect shone in her eyes. "Damn right you will."

During a lull in the commotion, Eirene, a minor goddess known for her role in conflict mediation, stopped by. She'd once encountered Naruto near the slums, drawn by his aura of sincerity. "I heard the news," she said gently, her silver hair swaying. "Congratulations on your level up, Naruto. You continue to surprise Orario."

Naruto bowed politely. "Thank you, Lady Eirene. It's all thanks to Hestia and our allies."

Eirene smiled, then added in a hushed tone, "Be mindful. Rapid ascent often draws the attention of powerful deities. Some might be curious; others might not have good intentions." Her eyes flicked meaningfully at Hestia, who nodded in acknowledgement.

"I'll keep that in mind," Naruto said gravely.

Eventually, evening fell, and the visitors trickled out. Hestia locked the church door with a sigh of relief. "I never expected so much fuss. Then again, you're kind of a big deal now, Naruto."

He stretched, feeling the pleasant ache of newly energized muscles. "I guess so. But I don't want to get complacent. Level 2 is just a step."

Hestia's expression turned thoughtful. "Speaking of steps, the orc quest reward is in, plus the materials we sold. We have enough valis to not only repair the entire church but also expand it. Maybe even create a proper training hall or living quarters for future Familia members."

Naruto's eyes lit up. "That'd be amazing. Let's do it. A real base for the Hestia Familia—somewhere others can join us without living in squalor."

She giggled. "Exactly. We can hire carpenters soon." Then her voice turned gentle. "Also… you should keep practicing your old-world jutsu. If your chakra is stable, we can integrate it into your fighting style. I know you can't conjure armies of clones yet, but even a few can change a battle."

A grin spread across his face. "No argument there. I might need to do some trial-and-error to see how Falna interacts with ninjutsu."

They sat down to a simple dinner, the flickering lanternlight casting dancing shadows on the walls. Naruto told Hestia about his ninjutsu: the Shadow Clone, the Transformation Jutsu, basic wind manipulation. She listened intently, marveling at the strange powers from his old life.

Before bed, Hestia updated his Falna again, verifying his new stats. The carved runes now read "Level 2," accompanied by a swirl of sub-skills referencing expansions and "Chakra Path" integration. Naruto couldn't help but feel a pang of wonder—somehow, part of Konoha lived on within these arcane scripts.

As he drifted off to sleep that night, Naruto's thoughts lingered on Eirene's warning. Leveling quickly could attract both interest and ire. He vowed to protect Hestia and their budding Familia from any who might seek to exploit them. With his Falna's evolution and his rekindled chakra, he believed he could stand up to whatever Orario threw at him next.

00000000000

Over the next week, Naruto's routine transformed. Each dawn, he practiced ninjutsu behind the church, carefully coaxing the reacquired chakra to flow steadily. Though his reserves were modest compared to his old prime, the progress was swift. He could now form two Shadow Clones reliably, each stable enough to scout or assist in basic tasks.

Hestia watched these sessions with fascination, sometimes bringing tea or offering gentle feedback. "Remember to pace yourself," she'd remind him when he showed signs of strain. "You've got enough on your plate with the Dungeon." Yet, her eyes gleamed with pride.

In the afternoons, he delved into the Dungeon—usually with Sophia or occasionally with Geoff and Rhea—testing his newly combined Falna-chakra approach. The synergy was striking. Even the lesser ninjutsu he commanded served as a force multiplier, allowing him to flank monsters or disorient them with a quick Transformation. The Harvest Crest sub-skill continued yielding extra drops, increasing their profits. Hestia channeled those funds into hiring carpenters, who bustled around the church during the day, hammering and sawing, rebuilding the neglected wings.

By day ten, the church was nearly unrecognizable. The roof was fully patched, the main hall repainted, and new living quarters built along one side. A modest training space took shape behind the altar. Hestia glowed with excitement, guiding the carpenters around, pointing out where she wanted a library corner or storage for potions. The Hestia Familia, once scorned as a ragtag group, was becoming a legitimate household.

One morning, Naruto—fresh from a short Dungeon run—returned to find Hestia waiting with a letter in hand. She looked both intrigued and wary. "Naruto, you have mail. A messenger dropped this off."

He blinked. "Mail? For me?" He tore open the seal, scanning the neat handwriting:

To Naruto Uzumaki of the Hestia Familia,

I have taken note of your recent achievements and your swift ascension to Level 2. The brilliance of your feats cannot be denied.

I, Lady Freya, would be honored to make your acquaintance. Should you find it agreeable, come to the Freya Familia mansion at your earliest convenience.

—Freya

Naruto's hands tightened involuntarily. He'd heard stories of Freya Familia—one of the most formidable in all Orario, led by the goddess of beauty known for her intense fascination with powerful or promising adventurers.

Hestia frowned, stepping closer to read over his shoulder. "Freya? That can't be good. She's rumored to…collect interesting mortals, luring them into her Familia with promises of strength or wealth."

A chill ran down Naruto's spine. The memory of Eirene's warning about gods who might take an interest in him loomed large. "What should we do? Ignore it?"

Hestia chewed her lip. "Ignoring Freya might anger her. But responding might lead you into her clutches. If she sets her eyes on you, it could be trouble."

Naruto exhaled, crumpling the letter slightly. "I don't want to cause a feud with a top-tier Familia. But I also won't let her manipulate me. Maybe I could meet her in a public setting—like outside the mansion—and keep it diplomatic?"

Hestia nodded slowly. "That might be wise. Or you can politely decline and see how she reacts. She might simply want to satisfy curiosity. Freya's known for fixating on individuals she deems interesting. If you show you're content and loyal to me, maybe she'll back off."

He grimaced. "I hope so. I have no intention of leaving you or our Familia. But if ignoring her is more dangerous…" He trailed off, mind whirling with possibilities.

Hestia's small hand touched his arm. "We'll handle it together," she said softly. "No matter what. You're not alone, Naruto."

Relief flooded him. The unstoppable momentum of Orario's politics was about to crash into his life. But with Hestia's unwavering support, he felt a renewed confidence. He tucked the letter away, inhaling a slow breath. "First, let's focus on building our Familia's strength. Then we'll decide how to address Freya."

They exchanged resolute nods.