DanMachi Fanfic - Chapter 5: Exhaustion
Six hours later, Kira was completely exhausted—and this time it wasn't an act. Allen had taken him around the fifth floor non-stop, forcing him to fight against various monsters in increasingly larger numbers.
"That's enough for today," Allen finally said, as Kira collapsed to the floor after defeating a group of kobolds. "You lasted longer than I expected."
"Thank... you..." Kira panted, sweat soaking his entire body. The Magic Stone pouch at his waist felt heavy—the result of dozens of monsters he had killed throughout the day.
"Freya-sama was right about you," Allen commented while helping Kira stand. "There's potential behind that annoying attitude of yours."
"Is that... a compliment?" Kira smiled weakly.
"Take it as you will," Allen turned around. "Let's head back. You need rest and a status update."
They walked back to the surface in silence. Kira was too tired to joke around, and Allen didn't seem like the type who enjoyed chatting without purpose.
When they reached the first floor, Allen suddenly stopped.
"What's wrong?" asked Kira.
Allen didn't answer, his eyes focused on a corner of the corridor. From the darkness emerged a group of adventurers with unfriendly expressions.
"Allen Fromel," greeted the leader of the group, a muscular man with a scar on his face. "Didn't expect to meet you here."
"Mord," Allen greeted coldly. "Move aside. We want to pass."
"In such a hurry," Mord grinned, his eyes shifting to Kira. "Freya Familia's new kid? Doesn't look special."
"Seems like everyone's saying the same thing about me today," Kira complained.
"He's none of your business," Allen stepped forward, slightly covering Kira. "You five, move aside, or I'll force you to move."
Despite Allen being alone against five people, the intimidating aura he emitted made the five adventurers slowly back away.
"We just wanted to say hello," Mord raised his hands. "No need to be harsh."
"Your greetings aren't needed," Allen replied coldly. "Come on, Kira."
They continued their journey, passing Mord's group who still stared with displeased looks.
"Who were they?" asked Kira when they were far enough.
"Soma Familia," Allen answered briefly. "Most of them are low-level 1 adventurers obsessed with Soma—a divine drink specially made by their god."
"They seemed to dislike you."
"Freya Familia isn't liked by many other Familias," Allen glanced at Kira. "You should get used to it. And if you meet them when you're alone, be careful. They won't hesitate to attack you."
"Noted," Kira nodded. "Thanks for the warning."
Allen just snorted, but Kira could see that the senior adventurer's attitude toward him had softened slightly.
---
The sun was almost setting when they returned to Folkvangr. Ottar was already waiting at the front gate.
"How was it?" Ottar asked Allen briefly.
"There's potential," Allen replied. "But still needs a lot of training."
"I'll report to Freya-sama," Ottar nodded. "Kira, come with me. Freya-sama wants to see your progress and update your status."
Kira bowed respectfully to Allen. "Thank you for your guidance today, Allen-senpai."
Allen seemed slightly surprised by Kira's sudden formality but only nodded briefly before walking away.
Kira followed Ottar to Freya's room, his heart pounding nervously. The first day in the dungeon was exhausting, but what was more nerve-wracking was the upcoming meeting with the beautiful yet dangerous goddess.
In front of Freya's room, Ottar stopped. "She's waiting for you. Go in alone."
Kira took a deep breath before knocking on the door.
"Come in," Freya's melodious voice sounded from inside.
Kira opened the door and stepped in. Freya sat on her usual sofa, wearing a thin, almost transparent gown, making Kira try hard to keep his gaze fixed on the goddess's face.
"Kira," Freya smiled enticingly. "How was your first day in the dungeon?"
"Exhausting, but beneficial, Freya-sama," Kira replied politely.
"Allen reported to me that you have talent," Freya patted the sofa beside her. "Sit down. Let's update your status."
Kira obeyed, sitting next to Freya with a pounding heart.
"Take off your clothes," Freya commanded with a seductive tone.
With slightly trembling hands, Kira removed the upper part of his clothing, exposing his back to the goddess. Freya dropped a drop of her blood onto Kira's back, and the same warm sensation as yesterday spread across his skin.
"Hmm," Freya murmured as she examined Kira's status. "Good progress for one day."
She pressed a paper to Kira's back, then handed it to him.
Kira
Level 1
Strength: I 19 (+4)
Endurance: I 38 (+8)
Dexterity: I 15 (+4)
Agility: I 22 (+5)
Magic: I 0
Magic:
[None]
Skills:
[Abnormal Resistance] - Resistance to abnormal statuses such as poison, paralysis, etc.
[?????] - This skill still appears blurry, not clearly readable.
"Abnormal Resistance?" Kira raised an eyebrow. "I didn't know I had such a skill."
"Skills sometimes appear after experiencing certain things," Freya explained. "You might have obtained it after being affected by the Needle Rabbit's poison."
Kira nodded, but his attention was more focused on the second mysterious skill that was still unreadable. "And the other one is still unclear."
"Some skills take time to fully reveal themselves," Freya smiled mysteriously. "But what's interesting is the speed of your status development. For one day in the dungeon, the increase is very significant."
"Really?" Kira feigned surprise.
"Yes," Freya nodded. "The normal increase for a full day in the dungeon is usually only 1-2 points for each status. You gained much more."
Kira smiled slightly. "Perhaps I am talented."
"Or perhaps there's something special about you," Freya looked at him intensely. "Something that even you yourself aren't fully aware of."
Kira felt cold sweat running down his back. Did Freya suspect his true identity? Did this goddess know about his reincarnation?
"Starting tomorrow, you'll train with Hedin," said Freya, changing the topic. "He's another level 6 adventurer in our Familia, more... friendly than Allen."
"Thank you, Freya-sama," Kira bowed respectfully.
"And after training, you will join me for dinner," Freya added in a tone that couldn't be refused. "There are many things I want to know about you."
Kira swallowed. "Of course, Freya-sama. That's... a great honor."
"Good," Freya smiled with satisfaction. "You may go now. Get enough rest for tomorrow."
Kira put his clothes back on and bowed once more before leaving the room. Once the door closed behind him, he let out a long sigh.
"A private dinner with Freya?" he muttered. "Don't know if this is a blessing or a curse."
He walked back to his room with troubled thoughts. The first day in the dungeon might have ended well, but Kira knew this was just the beginning of the adventure—and danger—that awaited him.
Behind the window of his room, Kira stared at the stars that had begun to appear in the night sky of Orario.
"Bell Cranel," he murmured. "I wonder when you'll appear... and how my presence will change your fate."
With a mysterious smile, Kira lay down on his bed. His status was developing rapidly, new skills were beginning to emerge, and the most beautiful goddess in Orario seemed interested in him.
Not bad for the second day in this orario.