From Amid's perspective, this likely represented the typical struggle of low-class familias in Orario. However, she didn't hold such thoughts. In fact, she felt a certain empathy for the slender young man before her.
He was walking the same path she herself had traveled.
Seven years ago, when the dark faction attacked Orario and sparked war, the Dian Cecht familia suffered the heaviest casualties among survivors. Their previous leader was killed, and most members perished in the massacre.
It was Amid who, during the familia's most turbulent times, fought to maintain and administer it. Thanks to her efforts, the Dian Cecht familia now enjoyed prosperity.
The key difference was that back then, she could only rely on herself. Akihiro, however, had his goddess.
Though she knew free assistance wasn't an option, Amid hesitated upon seeing Akihiro's spectral hand. Eventually, she stood and retrieved a pouch of healing medicine from the clinic.
"This is a small dose of healing medicine," she said in a neutral tone, "as compensation for documenting your special case. Should treatment advances occur, I'd appreciate your cooperation for future research."
"Thank you." Akihiro understood that any promises made in moments of weakness merely served to soothe wounded pride. Still, he expressed genuine gratitude, storing Amid's kindness deep in his heart.
Upon leaving the Dian Cecht familia residence, Akihiro noticed Hestia's sudden silence. Clearly, the final conclusion had deeply moved her.
The next step was clear: preparing to venture into the Dungeon!
"Lady Hestia, I'm ready for the dungeon adventure. I won't gamble with my life," Akihiro assured, taking the goddess's delicate hands. He could sense her concern, and his attitude was completely serious.
He clearly distinguished between games and reality. In Arad, characters could resurrect with coins, but in Orario's underground world, death would be permanent.
The "Sword Soul Template" he possessed had opened a unique path. Unlike Asura's fluctuating power, Devil May Cry's ghosts, or Berserker's blood frenzy, the Sword Soul's path represented the ultimate essence of swordsmanship.
To walk this path, it was crucial to renounce dependence on demonic or divine powers, master pure swordsmanship, and transcend personal limits. This evolution couldn't be achieved through training alone—it required real battles.
Akihiro was mentally prepared to face dangers, but also acutely aware of his current limitations.
"Since Akihiro-kun already has clear ideas, as your goddess, I'll definitely support you," Hestia affirmed. "But it would be wise to consult with the Adventurer's Guild staff about the current situation before setting out."
The goddess wasn't sure what else to advise. She looked up at Akihiro, who demonstrated a sensibility she sometimes lacked herself. Finally, she could only pat the back of his hand in relief: "I trust you."
"Let's celebrate that Akihiro-kun's condition isn't serious. After exploring the Dungeon, we'll return home for a grand dinner tonight."
"Understood."
With final permission obtained, Akihiro followed the memorized route, guided by visible street signs toward the Adventurer's Guild. Hestia would part ways with him at North Street to tend her food stall for the afternoon.
In Orario's bustling center, Akihiro blended inconspicuously among adventurers, his gray-brown cloak helping him merge with the crowd.
Soon they reached the imposing Guild building: the Pantheon, its white columns and stone bricks emanating a sacred, solemn aura.
Though it was just past noon, the place buzzed with adventurers coming and going, some teams debating where to eat. However, inside the Guild headquarters, an unusual silence prevailed, with conversations maintained in whispers.
Akihiro scanned the reception area, where young female staff—some with orc or elf features—attended to visitors.
"No wonder even basic Dungeon information comes at a cost," he mused. "It's essentially premium consulting service."
He pulled out the valis Hestia had tucked into his pocket and, after surveying the area, focused on the central counter. There, a young woman with round glasses and chestnut hair cut shoulder-length exuded professionalism in her Guild uniform.
Most striking were her delicate pointed half-elf ears.
Eina Tulle, known for her diligence, kindness, and consideration. With her sweet appearance and slender figure, she was undoubtedly the Adventurer's Guild's poster girl.
"If I need a reliable assistant, better choose someone experienced," Akihiro thought, approaching her.
Noticing his approach, Eina adjusted her glasses with a finger and offered a professional yet warm smile: "How may I assist you today?"
"I need to register my adventurer information and learn about the current situation in the upper floors," Akihiro replied, sitting relaxed before the counter.
The registration process proved simple: just requiring basic information like name, familia, and patron deity. Once completed, he'd be officially authorized to dungeon dive.
Eina collected some documents and guided him to the library area within Guild headquarters. As his assigned advisor now, she needed to provide thorough orientation about Dungeon dangers.
"Akihiro, may I call you that?" Eina began seriously after serving him hot tea. "What I'll explain next is crucial for your safety."
She meticulously detailed the zones: from the "Starting Path"—the safe area connecting to the descending spiral into caverns—to Floors 1-5, inhabited by low-threat goblins, kobolds, and underground lizards.
But she warned about the "War Shadow," a genuine novice killer appearing in deeper floors. As one descended, dangers increased exponentially: killer ants with nearly indestructible shells that could summon reinforcements, triggering monster frenzies; poisonous blue butterflies, purple demons, and other deadly creatures.
Compared to the superficial explanations he remembered from the original work, Eina's briefing was notably more detailed and practical.
"Thank you, Miss Eina. This information is more than enough to start," Akihiro politely interrupted when he deemed he had what he needed. He didn't plan to venture beyond initial floors at his current level.
"It's my duty," Eina replied with a slight smile, impressed by his manners. "The Dungeon is extremely dangerous. Please don't overestimate yourself."
"Of course. Survival is the priority."
Akihiro nodded seriously. Upon leaving the Guild, there was still time before nightfall—enough for an initial exploratory incursion.
Rather than immediately returning to the familia residence, he decided to better acquaint himself with Orario's labyrinthine city. The outer districts teemed with commercial activity, but near Babel Tower, buildings were noticeably shorter—likely precaution against potential monster raids.
After an involuntary pilgrimage passing the "Shop of Plenty" and "Hephaestus Familia Branch," he finally returned to the abandoned church serving as home.
The basement, contrasting with the street bustle, seemed even more desolate. On an old table they'd salvaged somewhere rested new equipment: a sword with its scabbard, evidently higher quality than training iron.
What truly caught his attention was the kraft paper scroll. He immediately recognized its purpose: it would display his updated stats after receiving divine blessing.
*Akihiro*
*Level: 1*
*Strength: I0*
*Endurance: I0*
*Dexterity: I0*
*Agility: I0*
*Magic: I0*
*Development Skills: None*
*Spells: None*
*Abilities: Ghostblade*
In the margins, Hestia had scribbled a message in her characteristic frugal style:
"Akihiro-kun, this weapon is for your adventure. Use the money on the table to dine out tonight and celebrate. A friend invited me to a banquet, so I can't join you!"
Akihiro smirked wryly while inspecting the sword. It was a single-edged weapon, approximately one meter total length, with a slight curve to the blade. Clearly, Hestia had selected it carefully considering Dungeon environments.
Drawing it, the fine steel reflected light with a cold, deadly gleam.
"A banquet, huh?" he murmured skeptically. He knew full well his goddess was likely working overtime at Hephaestus's forge to pay for this sword.
His eyes fell on the 1,500 valis left on the table. A wave of emotion washed over him. To him, the Hestia Familia wasn't just a foothold in this world—it was a true home.
Though circumstances were modest, the idea of prospering together through their own efforts felt infinitely more satisfying than completely depending on his goddess.
Before he could articulate these thoughts, he left the scroll on the table. This gesture symbolized his tacit agreement with Hestia.
"I hope Lady Hestia can attend the real celebration feast," he murmured, promising himself that day would come soon.