Chapter 1: Rejection and Ignition
The seventh goddess gave the same answer as the previous six.
"I'm sorry," Hestia said, her blue eyes genuinely apologetic as she looked up at the young man standing before her modest shrine. "Something about your spirit feels... incompatible with my blessing."
Kaito Asterius stood perfectly still, his unusual golden eyes reflecting the flickering lamplight. Unlike the other deities who had dismissed him with casual indifference or outright mockery, this small goddess with her childlike appearance seemed truly regretful.
"May I ask why?" His voice remained calm, betraying none of the desperation that came from seven days without food, from sleeping in alleyways, from watching adventurers stride confidently through Orario while he remained powerless.
Hestia tilted her head, black twin-tails swaying as she studied him. "Your soul... it's like trying to ignite a fire in a room already filled with smoke. There's something already burning inside you, something that would reject my flames." She hesitated. "I've never felt anything quite like it before."
Kaito absorbed this silently. Every god had given a different explanation, yet all reached the same conclusion—he was unfit for divine blessing.
"I understand," he said finally, giving a slight bow. "Thank you for your time, Lady Hestia."
As he turned to leave the small church basement that served as her shrine, Hestia called after him. "Wait! Where will you go? Do you have somewhere to stay tonight?"
The genuine concern in her voice almost made him falter. Almost.
"I'll manage," he replied without looking back. "I always do."
The cool evening air greeted him as he emerged onto the street. In the distance loomed Babel Tower—the massive structure built over the Dungeon's main entrance, its upper levels gleaming with divine light, a monument to the gods' fascination with mortal adventure.
Kaito's stomach growled painfully. His last coin had purchased the offering required to approach Hestia—a small bottle of sweet wine that had probably cost more than the goddess's entire shabby dwelling. Now he had nothing.
The central districts of Orario, with their clean streets and well-lit establishments, gradually gave way to narrower alleys and dimmer pathways as Kaito walked. The buildings grew shabbier, the faces more desperate. This was the Lower Outer District—the slums pressed against the Dungeon's outer wall, home to failed adventurers, criminals, and those whom the gods had forgotten.
Or never noticed at all.
Kaito found a crumbling section of wall overlooking a small, trash-filled courtyard and sat, watching the last light fade from the sky. Below, a group of ragged children fought over scraps from a tavern's waste bin. Above, the first stars began to appear—distant, cold, indifferent.
Just like the gods of this city.
"Planning to enter the Dungeon, boy?" The voice belonged to an old man who materialized from the shadows, leaning heavily on a makeshift crutch. His left arm ended at the elbow, the stump wrapped in dirty bandages. "Without a Falna? The monsters will use your bones as toothpicks."
Kaito had been considering exactly that. Without a god's blessing—the sacred Falna etched into an adventurer's back—no human could hope to survive the Dungeon's dangers. But without money, without food, without allies, what choice remained?
"Better than starving," Kaito replied.
The old man laughed harshly. "There are cheaper ways to die." He settled beside Kaito, retrieving a clay bottle from his ragged clothes. "But if you're determined to feed the monsters, there's a service entrance near the eastern wall. Guild workers use it to dispose of waste. No guards." He took a long swallow from his bottle, then extended it to Kaito. "Last drink of the doomed?"
Kaito accepted the bottle, the cheap wine burning his throat. "You're former Guild?"
"Former everything." The old man gestured to his missing arm. "Floor 17. Hellhound got me. My goddess released me from her Familia the next day—useless adventurers don't earn her any prestige, you see." His rheumy eyes focused on Kaito with sudden intensity. "What's your story, boy? Those eyes of yours aren't common."
"No story," Kaito said, returning the bottle. "Just bad luck."
"Those eyes tell differently," the old man insisted. "Gold like freshly minted valis, but with something burning behind them. You're not from Orario originally, are you?"
"No."
"Where, then?"
"I don't know." It wasn't a lie. Kaito's earliest memory was wandering along a mountain road at age eight or nine, with no recollection of parents or home. For years afterward, he'd traveled with merchant caravans, worked odd jobs, slept in stables and barns. Always moving, always alone, always feeling as if he were searching for something he couldn't name.
Until whispers of Orario reached him—a city where mortals could gain power through divine blessing, where the Dungeon's treasures could make a pauper into a prince. A place where someone like him might finally belong.
What cruel irony, to travel so far only to discover that even the most obscure gods found him unworthy.
The old man studied him before nodding slowly, as if confirming something to himself. "Listen, boy. If you're really going in there tomorrow, take this." He reached into his filthy coat and withdrew a rusted iron dagger with a cracked leather handle. "Won't do much against anything past the first couple floors, but better than bare hands."
Kaito hesitated before accepting the weapon. "Why help me?"
"Maybe I'm betting on you being the one-in-a-thousand who makes it," the old man grinned, revealing several missing teeth. "Or maybe I'm just tired of watching young fools die without even trying to fight back."
With that, he rose shakily and hobbled away, disappearing into the warren of alleyways without another word.
Kaito examined the dagger in the dim starlight. It was barely serviceable—the blade pitted with rust, the edge dull—but the old man was right. It was better than nothing.
He tucked it into his belt and leaned back against the wall, gazing upward at the stars. If tomorrow was to be his last day, at least he would face it armed.
As weariness overtook him, one particularly bright star caught his attention. Unlike the others, it seemed to pulse with a golden light similar to his own eyes. Kaito stared at it until his eyelids grew too heavy to keep open, the strange star seeming to burn brighter the longer he looked.
His dreams that night were filled with fire—not the destructive flames of nightmares, but a warm, golden radiance that flowed through his veins like liquid light.
Dawn found Kaito at the eastern service entrance the old man had mentioned. It was exactly as described—a narrow passage built into the Dungeon's outer wall, designed for Guild workers to dispose of waste without disrupting the main entrance's operations. Two bored-looking men in Guild uniforms were unloading a cart of trash, paying no attention to their surroundings.
Kaito waited in the shadows until they finished, then slipped inside as soon as they departed. The passage was damp and smelled of rot—clearly not maintained with the same care as the main entrance through Babel Tower.
After several minutes of careful navigation through narrow tunnels, the passage opened into what was unmistakably a Dungeon corridor. Glowing moss on the walls provided dim illumination, revealing roughly hewn stone passages that branched in multiple directions.
The First Floor.
Kaito drew the rusted dagger, every sense alert. According to the stories, the Dungeon's upper floors were populated primarily by goblins and kobolds—the weakest monsters, but still deadly to an unblessed human.
He moved cautiously, listening for any sounds beyond his own careful footsteps. The air was cool and damp, with an earthy scent that seemed oddly alive—as if the Dungeon itself were breathing.
The first goblin appeared without warning—a small, green-skinned creature with yellow eyes and a crude wooden club. It snarled upon seeing Kaito, baring jagged teeth.
Time seemed to slow as the monster charged. Kaito sidestepped its wild swing, the movement feeling strangely natural, as if his body remembered training his mind could not recall. The dagger slashed out, catching the goblin's arm and drawing black ichor.
The creature howled, spinning to attack again. That's when Kaito felt it—a warmth in his chest, spreading outward. Not fear or exertion, but something else. Something... awake.
As the goblin lunged again, Kaito's body moved instinctively. His fist shot forward, connecting with the monster's chest.
Light erupted from the impact point—golden-white and searing. The goblin flew backward, a smoking hole where Kaito's fist had connected. It hit the wall and disintegrated into ash, leaving behind a small crystal that glinted in the dim light.
Kaito stared at his hand in shock. Wisps of golden energy curled around his fingers like smoke, fading even as he watched.
"What the—"
Before he could complete the thought, the sound of shuffling feet and angry grunts echoed from a nearby passage. More goblins, drawn by the commotion.
The warmth in his chest intensified, radiating outward through his limbs. Something ancient stirred within him—knowledge unlocking, power awakening. As if a door had finally opened to reveal what had always been waiting inside.
Three goblins rounded the corner, then five, then eight—surrounding him, their yellow eyes gleaming with hungry anticipation.
Kaito felt no fear. Only a strange, exhilarating certainty. He raised the rusted dagger, which now glowed faintly with the same golden energy that emanated from his hand.
The first goblin charged. Kaito moved with newfound grace, his blade leaving trails of golden light as it sliced through monster flesh. Each strike felt guided, as if his body were remembering moves it had performed countless times before.
A goblin leapt at him from behind. Without looking, Kaito thrust his free hand backward. A pulse of golden energy erupted from his palm, sending the creature flying into the wall with bone-crushing force.
"Solar Pulse," he whispered, the term rising unbidden to his lips.
In minutes, it was over. Twelve goblin crystals lay scattered around him, and Kaito stood unharmed, breathing hard, his body humming with energy he couldn't explain.
He pressed a hand to his chest, feeling the warmth pulsing there like a second heartbeat. "What is this?"
The first awakening of your true self, a voice seemed to whisper—not in his ears, but in his blood, his bones, the spaces between thoughts. Solar Pulse Ignition. Your inner star begins to burn.
Kaito collected the crystals with trembling hands. They were worth little individually, but twelve would buy food for several days. Yet food was suddenly the least of his concerns.
The power flowing through him felt right in a way nothing in his life ever had—as if he'd been living in a state of half-sleep until now, and had finally begun to wake.
As he knelt to retrieve the last crystal, a distant rumbling caught his attention. The tunnel floor trembled slightly. Something was coming—something much larger than goblins.
The massive form of an Infant Dragon rounded the corner, its scales gleaming like polished copper in the dim light, smoke curling from its nostrils. A monster that should never appear on the First Floor—a creature that seasoned adventurers approached with caution.
Kaito should have run. Any rational person would have.
Instead, he smiled, the warmth in his chest expanding into a bonfire of golden energy.
"Come then," he whispered, dagger raised, golden eyes blazing. "Let's see what I'm becoming."
Chapter 2: The First Star
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] Solar Pulse Ignition: Complete Core Status: Active Current Cultivation: Solar Pulse Initiate, Level 1 Available Techniques:
Solar Edge Strike (Attack)
Solar Flare Shield (Defense) Energy Reserve: 15%
Kaito stared at the translucent golden text hovering in his vision, visible only to him. It had appeared the moment he'd emerged from the Dungeon, bloodied and triumphant, with an Infant Dragon's crystal among his spoils.
The system, whatever it was, seemed to be a manifestation of the knowledge unlocking within him—a framework for understanding the power that had awakened in the Dungeon. With each passing hour, more information filtered into his consciousness, terminology and techniques appearing in his mind as if remembered rather than learned.
Now, three days after his first expedition, Kaito sat in a small room he'd rented with his crystal earnings. Nothing fancy—just four walls, a bed, and a rickety table—but it was a significant improvement over sleeping in alleyways.
He held out his palm, concentrating on the warmth in his chest. Golden energy gathered in his hand, forming a small, pulsing sphere of light.
Solar Qi, his inner knowledge named it. The raw essence of a living star, a searing force of creation and destruction.
According to the system notifications, he was a "Solar Pulse Initiate"—the first stage in what appeared to be a vast cultivation path. Each successful battle in the Dungeon strengthened his core, allowing him to gather and refine more energy.
But he needed more than just power. He needed information.
Kaito extinguished the energy sphere and reached for the thin book he'd purchased from a street vendor that morning—"The Adventurer's Guide to Orario," a basic text sold to newcomers. Not comprehensive by any means, but it contained essential information about the Guild, major Familias, and the Dungeon's upper floors.
Most importantly, it detailed the process for registering with the Guild as an adventurer.
Technically, registration required Familia affiliation. But the book mentioned exceptions for supporter roles—non-combatants who assisted adventurers with carrying supplies and crystals. If he could register as a supporter while actually venturing solo, it would give him access to official crystal exchanges and equipment shops without drawing too much attention.
A knock at his door interrupted his reading. Kaito tensed—he'd told no one where he was staying.
"Who is it?" he called, hand moving to the new dagger he'd purchased—a proper steel weapon, vastly superior to the rusted iron one.
"Message delivery," came the reply. "From the Hostess of Fertility."
Kaito frowned. He hadn't visited that particular tavern yet. Cautiously, he opened the door to find a young boy holding a sealed note.
"For Mister Asterius," the boy said, extending the note. "Lady Mia said to deliver it directly."
Kaito accepted the note and flipped the boy a small coin, which he caught with practiced ease before scampering off.
The note was written in a neat, precise hand:
Your recent activities have drawn attention. If you wish to discuss mutual interests, come to the Hostess of Fertility tonight after closing. Enter through the back door. —M
No explanation of how this "M" knew his name or location. No indication of their intentions. Just an invitation that felt more like a summons.
It could be a trap. Several possibilities crossed Kaito's mind: Guild officials investigating his unregistered status, Familia members seeking to eliminate potential competition, or opportunists hoping to steal the crystals he'd collected.
The safest option would be to ignore it, perhaps even change lodgings.
But safety had never been Kaito's priority. And curiosity had always been his weakness.
The Hostess of Fertility was among Orario's most popular taverns—a large, half-timbered building always bustling with adventurers celebrating their Dungeon victories or drowning their defeats. By day and early evening, it served excellent food and drink. By late night, it became the heart of adventurer social life, with deals made, rivalries inflamed, and romances kindled over flowing mugs of ale.
Kaito watched from across the street as the last customers staggered out shortly after midnight. Staff began extinguishing lamps, and within twenty minutes, the building stood dark and seemingly deserted.
Circling to the back, he found a narrow alley leading to the tavern's service entrance. A single lamp burned beside the door, casting weak yellow light that did little to dispel the alley's shadows.
Kaito approached cautiously, his Solar Qi stirring in readiness beneath his skin. If this was an ambush, they would find him far from helpless.
He knocked once. Almost immediately, the door swung open to reveal a massive woman with purple hair tied in a practical bun. Her muscular arms and severe expression gave her the appearance of a retired warrior rather than a tavern keeper.
"Right on time," she said gruffly. "I'm Mia Grand. Get in before someone sees you."
The kitchen was warm and fragrant with lingering cooking scents. Mia led him through to a small private dining room in the back, where a single person waited.
Kaito stopped in the doorway, surprised. A girl—no, a young woman—sat at the table. She couldn't have been more than sixteen or seventeen, with short brown hair and intelligent green eyes. She wore the uniform of a Guild advisor, complete with the signature half-rim glasses.
"Eina Tulle," she introduced herself, extending a hand. "Junior Guild Advisor, Monster Research Division."
Kaito hesitated before shaking her hand. "Guild? Is this an official meeting?"
"Absolutely not," Mia interjected, closing the door behind them. "Which is why you're here after hours, through the back door. Sit down, both of you. I'll keep watch."
Once they were alone, Eina leaned forward. "Mr. Asterius—or do you prefer Kaito?"
"Just Kaito is fine." He studied her carefully. "Why am I here, Miss Tulle?"
"Please, call me Eina." She adjusted her glasses in what seemed to be a nervous habit. "I'll be direct. Three days ago, you entered the Dungeon through an unauthorized access point. Without a Falna. Without Guild registration. Without proper equipment." Her green eyes fixed on his. "And not only did you survive, but you killed an Infant Dragon. Solo."
Kaito maintained a neutral expression. "And how would the Guild know this?"
"We have monitoring systems throughout the Dungeon, especially near unauthorized entry points. Magic items that detect significant monster deaths and energy fluctuations." She hesitated. "There was... quite a fluctuation during your battle with the dragon."
Maintaining his silence, Kaito waited for her to continue.
"Normally," Eina said, "this information would be reported immediately. Unregistered adventuring is strictly prohibited—both for the individual's safety and to maintain order. But I..." She fidgeted with a napkin. "I intercepted the report."
That was unexpected. "Why?"
"Because I've been studying anomalies in the Dungeon for two years, and nothing in our records matches what the monitoring items recorded from you." Her voice lowered. "Golden energy with solar properties. Not magic, not a skill, nothing produced by any known Falna."
"And this interests you... professionally?"
"Academically," she corrected. "My family has a long tradition of monster research. Understanding new phenomena is... a passion." She straightened. "But more immediately, I'm concerned for your safety."
Kaito raised an eyebrow. "My safety?"
"If my superiors learn about you, best case scenario, you'll be banned from the Dungeon and possibly expelled from Orario. Worst case?" She glanced toward the door. "Some Guild officials have close ties to certain Familias. Familias who might view an independent power source as a threat—or an opportunity to be exploited."
"So this meeting is... what? A warning?"
"A proposal," Eina said. "I can help you register with the Guild under a special classification. There are precedents for... unusual cases. Mia has agreed to officially employ you as staff here, which gives you legitimate status in the city. In return..."
"You want to study me," Kaito finished.
Eina had the grace to look slightly embarrassed. "I want to understand what's happening to you. Both to expand our knowledge and to help you navigate what's clearly an evolving ability."
Kaito considered her offer. Guild registration would make his life considerably easier, allowing legitimate crystal exchanges and equipment purchases. And having an ally within the Guild structure could prove invaluable.
But trust didn't come easily to him.
"What's your real angle, Eina Tulle? Guild advisors don't typically risk their positions to help strangers."
Something flickered across her face—a mixture of surprise and perhaps respect at his directness.
"Two reasons," she said after a moment. "First, I genuinely believe in helping adventurers survive. It's why I became an advisor. And whatever you are, however you're doing what you do, you're still an adventurer facing the Dungeon's dangers."
"And the second reason?"
Eina's expression grew solemn. "The Dungeon has been... changing. Monsters appearing on floors where they shouldn't be. Energy fluctuations unlike anything in our records. Something's happening down there, and the Guild's official position is to maintain the status quo while collecting data." She leaned forward intently. "But I think we need to understand these changes more urgently. And you, Kaito Asterius, with your impossible golden energy, might be connected to whatever's happening."
Before Kaito could respond, the door opened and Mia stuck her head in. "Wrap it up. Guild patrol passing by outside."
Eina stood quickly. "Think about my offer. If you're interested, come to the Guild tomorrow and ask for me. If not..." She shrugged. "Be careful. Many eyes are watching for unusual events in Orario."
As she slipped past Mia toward the back exit, the tavern keeper gave Kaito an appraising look. "For what it's worth, boy, I've known Eina since she started at the Guild. She's straight as an arrow—unusual in this city." She gestured toward a different door. "Now out with you. Use the side exit and stick to the shadows."
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] Solar Pulse Cultivation Progress: 27% New Technique Available: Solar Pulse Wave (Area Attack) Recommended Action: Continue energy refinement through combat
The Guild headquarters was imposing—a massive stone building with high windows and official banners, situated near the central plaza. As Kaito approached the main entrance, he noted the guards stationed on either side, their armor bearing the Guild's emblem.
Inside, the main hall buzzed with activity. Adventurers lined up at various counters to register quests, exchange crystals, or consult with advisors. Massive bulletin boards displayed wanted posters for monsters, maps of recently explored Dungeon areas, and announcements of Familia achievements.
It was Kaito's first time inside the official heart of Orario's adventuring world, and despite his intention to remain detached, he couldn't help feeling a surge of belonging. This was the world he had traveled so far to join.
He approached the reception desk, where a pink-haired girl was enthusiastically stamping documents.
"Excuse me," he said. "I'm looking for Eina Tulle."
The girl looked up, blue eyes blinking rapidly. "Oh! Do you have an appointment? Miss Tulle is usually very busy with her assigned Familias."
"She asked me to come. Kaito Asterius."
Recognition flashed across her face. "Oh! You're—" She lowered her voice dramatically. "You're him. The one she's been—" She caught herself. "I mean, yes! Please wait here. I'll get her right away!"
As the receptionist scurried off, Kaito became aware of curious glances from nearby adventurers. He kept his expression neutral, but inwardly he cursed the girl's lack of discretion. The last thing he needed was attention.
Eina appeared moments later, professional smile firmly in place. "Mr. Asterius, thank you for coming. Please follow me to my office for your registration consultation."
She led him through the Guild's maze of corridors to a small but tidy office lined with bookshelves. Monster encyclopedias, Dungeon maps, and what appeared to be research journals filled the space.
Once the door closed behind them, Eina's professional demeanor relaxed slightly. "I wasn't sure you'd come."
"Neither was I," Kaito admitted. "But your arguments were compelling."
"So you'll accept my help with registration?"
"On one condition." Kaito met her gaze directly. "Complete honesty between us. No Guild politics, no hidden agendas. If I sense you're withholding information or manipulating me, our arrangement ends immediately."
Eina studied him for a long moment before nodding. "Agreed. Though I'll need the same from you—especially regarding your abilities and Dungeon experiences."
"Fair enough."
She gestured to a chair before retrieving several forms from her desk. "We'll register you under a special classification—'Independent Researcher.' It's typically used for scholars studying the Dungeon without Familia affiliation, but it will work for your situation."
"Won't that require explanation of my research?"
"Already handled. Officially, you're documenting monster behavior patterns on upper floors for a private collection." She smiled slightly. "The Guild processes dozens of eccentric researchers every year. No one looks too closely as long as the paperwork is correct."
As Eina prepared the forms, Kaito observed her with growing curiosity. She was young for her position—perhaps only a year or two older than himself—yet she navigated Guild bureaucracy with practiced ease. And she was taking a significant risk helping him.
"Why monster research?" he asked suddenly.
Eina looked up, surprised by the personal question. "My family has studied monsters for generations. My grandfather wrote three volumes on upper-floor ecology before a Hellhound killed him on Floor 12." She adjusted her glasses. "I was raised on his field notes and illustrations. Understanding the Dungeon isn't just a job for me—it's heritage."
There was genuine passion in her voice, and Kaito found himself warming to her slightly. Passion he understood. It was calculation and manipulation he distrusted.
"Your turn," Eina said, handing him a form to sign. "What exactly happened in the Dungeon? The energy readings were unlike anything in our records."
Kaito considered how much to reveal. Complete honesty had been his condition, but that didn't mean complete disclosure was necessary.
"I've always been... different," he began carefully. "Stronger than I should be, faster reflexes, unusual intuition. But it was dormant, unfocused. When the goblin attacked me in the Dungeon, something awakened. Energy I can feel and direct." He raised his hand, allowing a small flicker of golden light to dance across his fingertips. "Solar Qi."
Eina's eyes widened at the display. "Not magic?"
"Different. No chants, no circles. It comes from within—a core of energy that grows stronger with each battle."
"Like a Falna skill, but without a Falna." Eina's expression was fascinated rather than skeptical. "And the Infant Dragon? The report indicated an enormous energy surge."
"A technique called Solar Edge Strike. Concentrating the energy into cutting force." He decided not to mention the system notifications or the knowledge that seemed to download directly into his mind. Some things were too strange to explain before he understood them himself.
Eina made rapid notes, her enthusiasm evident. "Fascinating. And has it continued to develop since that first day?"
"Yes. More energy capacity, better control, new techniques." He hesitated before adding, "It feels like I'm remembering rather than learning—as if this power was always mine, just dormant until now."
"Any physical changes? Side effects?"
Kaito thought of the system notifications, the golden text visible only to him. "Increased awareness. Better instincts. And my eyes..."
"Yes, I noticed them immediately," Eina said. "Gold isn't a natural eye color for humans or demi-humans. Were they always that color?"
"As long as I can remember. But they seem to... glow... when I use the energy."
Eina finished her notes and set them aside. "I've prepared your registration documents. As an Independent Researcher, you'll have access to monster crystal exchanges, basic Guild resources, and legal status within Orario." She slid the papers across her desk. "But there are limitations. You'll be restricted to Dungeon Floors 1-10 without escort, and you'll need to file regular reports on your 'research.'"
"Reports I assume you'll help fabricate?"
She smiled. "Let's just say I'll ensure they meet Guild standards while incorporating your actual experiences in a... scientifically appropriate format."
As Kaito signed the documents, Eina produced a small bronze badge engraved with his name and a unique identification number.
"Your official Guild ID," she explained. "Keep it with you at all times, especially when entering the Dungeon or conducting transactions. And while it grants you legal status, remember that most adventurers consider the Falna sacred. Your... alternative methods... could provoke hostility if flaunted."
"I'm not looking to make enemies."
"In Orario, you don't always have to look for them," Eina said dryly. "They tend to find you regardless."
The Hostess of Fertility was packed that evening, adventurers from various Familias crowding the tables as serving girls navigated the chaos with practiced efficiency. Kaito sat alone in a corner, nursing a mug of ale while observing the room. His new status as an employee—however fictional—entitled him to meals and a small stipend, according to Mia. An arrangement he found suspicious in its generosity but wasn't about to refuse.
Two days had passed since his Guild registration, during which he'd made three more expeditions into the Dungeon. Each venture pushed him deeper and strengthened his Solar Qi further. According to his latest system notification, he was approaching "Solar Pulse Refinement Phase"—the second stage of his initial cultivation realm.
"Mind if I join you?"
Kaito looked up to find a young man with white hair and red eyes standing beside his table, an amiable smile on his face. Despite his casual demeanor, something about him radiated competence.
"Free country," Kaito replied with a shrug.
The stranger sat, placing his own mug on the table. "Bell Cranel," he introduced himself. "Hestia Familia."
That caught Kaito's attention. "Hestia? I thought she didn't have a Familia."
"Just me, actually. Newest Familia in Orario." Bell laughed sheepishly. "Probably the smallest too."
"Kaito Asterius." He decided against mentioning his own rejection by the goddess.
"I know who you are," Bell said, lowering his voice. "The unblessed adventurer. The one they're calling the Burning Stray."
Kaito tensed. "How—"
"Eina mentioned you. She's my advisor too." Bell raised his hands placatingly. "Don't worry! She didn't reveal any secrets. Just said you were... unique... and might appreciate meeting someone else who's a bit of an outsider."
Studying the younger man—for Bell did seem younger, despite them likely being close in age—Kaito detected no deception. Only earnest openness that seemed jarringly out of place in cynical Orario.
"An outsider with a goddess," Kaito pointed out.
Bell rubbed the back of his neck. "True. But Hestia's... different. No grand manor, no powerful allies. We operate out of an abandoned church basement." He grinned. "She works at a food stand to pay our expenses."
Despite himself, Kaito found his hostility fading. There was something disarmingly genuine about Bell Cranel—a quality rarely encountered in a city built on divine politics and adventurer rivalries.
"How long have you been in Orario?" Kaito asked.
"Just a few weeks. You?"
"About the same. Been busy?"
Bell's face lit up. "The Dungeon is amazing! Terrifying too, of course. I'm still only comfortable on the upper floors, but every day brings new discoveries." His enthusiasm was palpable. "How about you? I heard you took down an Infant Dragon solo. That's incredible!"
Before Kaito could respond, a commotion erupted near the entrance. A group of adventurers had arrived—their equipment marking them as members of a high-tier Familia. At their center stood a tall, lean man with wolf-like features and an arrogant sneer.
"Loki Familia," Bell whispered unnecessarily. "That's Bete Loga, one of their upper-tier adventurers."
Kaito had heard of Loki Familia—one of Orario's most powerful groups, led by the trickster goddess herself. Their members frequently tackled the Dungeon's most dangerous depths, returning with rare items and substantial wealth.
His attention was drawn to a figure entering behind Bete—a golden-haired young woman whose beauty was matched only by the aura of quiet power that surrounded her. Even without being told, Kaito would have recognized her as exceptional.
"Ais Wallenstein," Bell breathed, a touch of color rising to his cheeks. "The Sword Princess."
Something about her called to Kaito—not her beauty, though that was undeniable, but a resonance he felt on a deeper level. As if whatever burned within him recognized something similar in her.
The feeling must have been mutual, for her amber eyes scanned the room and locked directly onto his. For a moment, they simply stared at each other across the crowded tavern, an unspoken recognition passing between them.
Then Bete Loga noticed Kaito, his lip curling
Chapter 2: The Burning Stray (continued)
Bete's eyes narrowed as he recognized Kaito. "Well, well. If it isn't the fraud," he called out loudly, silencing nearby conversations. "The so-called adventurer without a blessing."
Bell tensed beside Kaito. "Maybe we should—"
"It's fine," Kaito said calmly, taking another sip of his ale.
Bete, perhaps irritated by Kaito's lack of reaction, sauntered over to their table. The werewolf loomed over them, his posture deliberately intimidating.
"I heard an interesting rumor today," Bete announced, voice pitched to carry across the tavern. "That our unblessed friend here has been registered as a 'researcher.' What exactly are you researching? Ways to lie about killing monsters you couldn't possibly defeat?"
Several Loki Familia members snickered behind him. Ais Wallenstein remained expressionless, observing from a distance.
Kaito set his mug down slowly. "I don't recall seeking your opinion on my activities, Loga."
"That's the problem with frauds," Bete continued as if Kaito hadn't spoken. "They don't know their place. The Dungeon is for real adventurers—those chosen by the gods. Not pretenders playing at greatness."
The tavern had gone completely silent, patrons watching the confrontation with eager anticipation. Mia Grand stood behind the bar, her expression stern but making no move to intervene—yet.
"If you've finished," Kaito said, his golden eyes steady, "I'd like to return to my conversation."
Bete slammed a hand on the table, making the mugs jump. "I'm not finished. I want to know what makes a weakling without Falna think he belongs in our world."
"Bete," Ais's quiet voice carried from across the room. "Enough."
The werewolf's ears twitched in irritation. "Stay out of this, Ais. I'm just educating the newcomers about Orario's proper hierarchy."
"What's proper about it?" Kaito asked suddenly, an edge entering his voice. "A system where gods play favorites and adventurers grovel for blessings? Where your worth is determined by which deity finds you amusing?"
A ripple of shocked whispers spread through the tavern. Such talk bordered on blasphemy in Orario.
Bete's expression darkened. "Watch your tongue, human. The gods—"
"The gods are playing a game," Kaito interrupted, rising to his feet. Though not as tall as Bete, something in his posture radiated a quiet intensity that made the werewolf take an unconscious step back. "And you're just a favored piece on their board. But I'm not playing their game."
Golden light flickered briefly in his eyes, an unmistakable manifestation of power that wasn't divine blessing. The tavern's whispers grew louder.
"You dare—" Bete began, hand moving to his weapon.
"That's enough!" Mia's commanding voice cut through the tension. She stepped from behind the bar, massive arms folded across her chest. "No fights in my establishment. Take it outside or put it away."
For a moment, it seemed Bete might challenge even her authority. Then a slender hand touched his arm.
"We came to eat, not fight," Ais said quietly, having approached unnoticed during the confrontation. Up close, Kaito could see her eyes were a striking amber color, assessing him with curiosity rather than hostility.
Bete growled low in his throat but relented. "This isn't over," he warned Kaito before allowing Ais to lead him back to their table.
As the tavern's normal buzz of conversation gradually resumed, Bell released a breath he'd been holding. "That was... intense. Bete Loga is a Level 5 adventurer. Not someone to make an enemy of lightly."
"I didn't start it," Kaito pointed out, sitting back down.
"No, but..." Bell glanced toward the Loki Familia table, where Bete was now loudly complaining to his companions. "In Orario, power matters more than who's right or wrong. And Familias protect their own."
Kaito followed his gaze, finding Ais Wallenstein watching them. When their eyes met, she gave an almost imperceptible nod before turning her attention back to her companions.
"What was that about?" Bell asked, noticing the exchange.
"I'm not entirely sure," Kaito admitted. "Recognition, maybe."
Before their conversation could continue, a new figure approached their table—a tall, slender man with green hair and pointed ears. Unlike Bete's aggressive stance, this elf carried himself with elegant composure.
"Riveria Ljos Alf," he introduced himself with a slight bow. "Vice Captain of Loki Familia. May I join you briefly?"
Bell looked stunned at being approached by such a high-ranking adventurer. Kaito gestured to an empty chair, curious despite his wariness.
"Thank you." Riveria sat gracefully. "First, allow me to apologize for Bete's behavior. He can be... territorial... about adventuring traditions."
"Is that the official apology of Loki Familia?" Kaito asked.
A hint of amusement flickered in Riveria's eyes. "Hardly official. Let's call it a personal diplomatic initiative." He studied Kaito with open interest. "Your situation has created quite a stir among the upper Familias."
"I'm not looking for attention."
"Few who find themselves at the center of Orario's politics ever are," Riveria replied. "Yet here you are—an adventurer without Falna, registered as an independent, displaying energy signatures that have caught even the gods' curiosity."
Kaito tensed. "How much do you know?"
"Only what our goddess has shared. Loki has... sources... within various city institutions." Riveria glanced meaningfully toward the Guild building visible through the window. "But that's not why I'm here."
"Why, then?"
The elf leaned forward slightly. "To satisfy my own curiosity. I've studied magical theory for over seventy years, and what witnesses described seeing from you during that dragon encounter defies conventional understanding."
Kaito measured his words carefully. "Not everything follows conventional understanding."
"Clearly." Riveria's keen eyes noted Bell's expression. "Ah, but I've interrupted your conversation. My apologies, Mister Cranel. Hestia's new protégé, correct? She must see great potential in you."
Bell flushed with embarrassment at being recognized. "I'm just trying to become a proper adventurer, sir."
"A worthy ambition." Riveria rose. "Well, I should return to my companions before they cause further disruption. Mister Asterius, if you ever wish to discuss magical theory—or alternative energy sources—please consider me a resource rather than an adversary." He bowed again before departing.
Bell stared after him in awe. "Riveria Ljos Alf just spoke to us. The Nine Hell. The legendary mage of Loki Familia!"
"Is that significant?" Kaito asked, watching Riveria rejoin his group.
"Significant? He's one of the most powerful adventurers in Orario! Level 6, master of concurrent casting, rumored to know ancient elven magic no one else can perform." Bell shook his head in disbelief. "And he approached you."
"To gather information," Kaito pointed out.
"Maybe. But still, that's..." Bell trailed off, looking past Kaito with sudden alarm. "Um, don't look now, but I think you've drawn even more attention."
Approaching their table was perhaps the most beautiful woman Kaito had ever seen—silver hair flowing to her waist, porcelain skin, and eyes of such deep blue they seemed to contain entire oceans. Her elegant dress accentuated a figure that would make goddesses envious.
The entire tavern went silent as she stopped before them, a slight smile playing on her perfect lips.
"So here he is," she said, her voice melodious. "The mortal who burns with inner starlight."
Bell seemed frozen in place, mouth slightly open. Even Kaito found himself momentarily captivated before recovering his composure.
"And you are?" he asked.
A collective gasp went through the tavern at what was perceived as rudeness to this obviously important figure.
The woman's smile widened. "How refreshing. Someone who doesn't recognize me." She offered a hand with the grace of royalty. "Freya. Goddess of Love."
Kaito had heard of Freya even before coming to Orario—the divine beauty whose Familia rivaled Loki's in power and wealth. What he hadn't expected was her personal interest.
He stood and bowed slightly, ignoring her extended hand in a small act of defiance. "Goddess. What brings you to speak with an unblessed adventurer?"
If his subtle rejection bothered her, she showed no sign. "Curiosity. Your soul shines differently from any I've seen before. Not blessed by gods, yet radiant with potential." Her gaze intensified, seeming to look through rather than at him. "How fascinating."
The way she studied him made Kaito deeply uncomfortable—not as a person evaluating another, but as a collector examining a rare specimen.
"My soul is my own," he said quietly.
"For now, perhaps." Freya's perfect lips curved into an enigmatic smile. "But nothing truly valuable remains unclaimed in Orario for long." With that cryptic statement, she turned and glided toward the exit, her silent escort of armored adventurers forming around her.
As the door closed behind her, the tavern erupted into excited chatter.
Bell was practically vibrating with nervous energy. "Freya herself! Do you understand what this means? She never appears in public taverns! She never personally addresses low-level adventurers!"
"I'm beginning to think I should have eaten elsewhere tonight," Kaito muttered.
A new voice joined their conversation—deep, amused, and distinctly masculine. "When three major Familias take notice of you in one evening, eating elsewhere won't help much."
The speaker was a handsome man with swept-back hair and a mischievous grin. He wore traveling clothes of exceptional quality and carried himself with easy confidence.
"Hermes," he introduced himself casually. "Just thought I'd complete your collection of divine attention for the evening."
Kaito's patience was wearing thin. "Another god? Is there a line forming outside?"
Hermes laughed. "I like you! Direct, borderline disrespectful, yet somehow charming." He claimed Riveria's recently vacated chair without invitation. "And no, there's no line. The others are simply watching from afar, weighing whether to approach the curious mortal with starfire in his veins."
"How do you all know about that?" Kaito demanded, lowering his voice. "I've been discreet."
"Gods see differently," Hermes explained, helping himself to a sip from Kaito's mug. "Freya sees souls. Loki notices inconsistencies in her carefully monitored city. Others have their own methods." He winked. "I simply have excellent sources of information."
"What do you want?"
"Want? Nothing specific." Hermes leaned back comfortably. "Consider this friendly advice from someone who enjoys watching interesting events unfold. You've been noticed, Kaito Asterius. Not just by gods and Familias, but by the Dungeon itself."
That caught Kaito's attention. "What do you mean?"
"Haven't you wondered why an Infant Dragon appeared on Floor 1 during your first visit? Why monsters seem drawn to you specifically?" Hermes studied him with suddenly serious eyes. "The Dungeon responds to threats, adapts to challenges. And whatever burns within you registers as... significant."
Bell looked between them, clearly struggling to follow the conversation's undercurrents.
"If this is a warning," Kaito said carefully, "I appreciate it. But I'm not stopping my expeditions."
"Of course not! That would be far less entertaining." Hermes' grin returned. "Just be prepared. The deeper you go, the more directly the Dungeon will respond to your particular... signature." He stood abruptly. "Well, this has been delightful. Bell, always a pleasure to see Hestia's protégé thriving. Kaito..." His eyes twinkled with genuine amusement. "Try not to cause a divine war before the month's end, hmm?"
With a jaunty wave, the god sauntered out, leaving stunned silence in his wake.
"Is it always like this?" Kaito asked finally.
Bell shook his head. "I've been here weeks and barely spoken to any gods besides Hestia. You've had four major encounters in one evening." He looked at Kaito with new respect. "Whatever you are, whatever you're doing... it's changing things."
Before Kaito could respond, a small figure slipped into the recently vacated chair—a girl with flowing black hair and striking red eyes, dressed in a simple white dress with blue ribbons.
"If you're done attracting every major power in Orario," Hestia said dryly, "I'd appreciate a moment with my child."
Bell straightened immediately. "Goddess! I was just—"
"Making friends with the most talked-about person in the city?" Hestia finished, giving Kaito an appraising look. "I can't decide if that's incredibly brave or foolishly dangerous."
Kaito met her gaze evenly. "We've met before."
"Yes. I turned you down." Hestia's bluntness was refreshing after the veiled conversations with the other deities. "A decision I'm still not sure was right, given what's awakened in you since then."
Bell looked between them in confusion. "You two know each other?"
"Kaito sought my blessing when he first arrived in Orario," Hestia explained. "I felt something... incompatible... with my divine grace. Now I understand why." She turned back to Kaito. "Solar Qi. Ancient stellar energy cultivation. Something gods haven't seen manifested in mortals for... millennia."
Kaito stiffened. "How do you—"
"Gods retain echoes of knowledge from their divine realm, even while incarnated here," Hestia explained. "Most have forgotten the old ways, but seeing you tonight sparked my memory." Her expression grew serious. "You're in danger, Kaito Asterius. Not just from jealous Familias or curious gods, but from what you're becoming. That energy system wasn't designed for modern mortals."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning it could consume you from within if improperly cultivated." Hestia glanced around before leaning closer. "The records speak of cultivators burning out like dying stars, their bodies unable to contain the power they channeled."
For the first time since his abilities had awakened, Kaito felt a flicker of genuine concern. "How can I prevent that?"
"I don't know," Hestia admitted. "This predates even my divine knowledge. But perhaps..." She hesitated. "Perhaps there are answers in the Dungeon itself. The deeper levels contain ruins from civilizations that existed before the gods descended. Before we established the Falna system."
Bell was listening with wide-eyed fascination. "Goddess, are you saying there were adventurers before the gods came to Orario?"
"Not adventurers as we define them now," Hestia corrected. "But yes, mortals found ways to strengthen themselves through various cultivation methods. Most were lost when the Falna system proved more efficient and reliable." She looked troubled. "But efficiency isn't always better. Just... safer."
"And you think information about Solar Qi might exist in these ruins?" Kaito asked.
"It's possible. The Dungeon preserves many secrets in its depths." Hestia stood, placing a hand on Bell's shoulder. "We should go. I've said more than I intended already." She fixed Kaito with a penetrating stare. "Be careful who you trust, Kaito Asterius. Some will see you as a threat to the established order. Others will view you as a curiosity to be studied. And a few..." her voice lowered, "will recognize what you represent—the potential for mortals to grow without divine blessing. A dangerous idea in a city ruled by gods."
With that ominous warning, she guided Bell toward the exit, the young adventurer giving Kaito an apologetic wave as they departed.
Left alone at his table, Kaito contemplated the evening's revelations. He'd drawn the attention of three major Familias and their deities, learned his power might be more dangerous than he'd realized, and discovered the possibility of ancient knowledge hidden in the Dungeon's depths.
All this, and he was still only at the first stage of Solar Pulse cultivation.
As the tavern gradually emptied for the night, Kaito remained, lost in thought. He barely noticed when someone slid into the seat across from him until a soft voice spoke.
"You handle divine attention well for someone new to Orario."
Ais Wallenstein sat before him, her golden hair catching the lamplight. Without her Familia members surrounding her, she seemed smaller somehow, though no less formidable.
"The Sword Princess," Kaito acknowledged. "Come to finish what Bete started?"
"No." Her reply was simple, direct. "I came to see you closer."
"Why?"
Ais tilted her head slightly, studying him with those penetrating amber eyes. "Because you feel familiar. Like a wind I've encountered before, but can't remember where."
The poetic description surprised him. "We've never met."
"Not in this life, perhaps." She touched her chest, just over her heart. "But something in me recognizes something in you. It's... unsettling."
Kaito felt it too—a resonance between them, as if their energies vibrated at harmonious frequencies. "What is your power, Ais Wallenstein? Beyond your Falna?"
She seemed surprised by the question. "Aerial. Wind manipulation."
"Elementally opposed to fire," Kaito mused. "Yet complementary. Wind can extinguish fire, or make it burn brighter."
"Is that what you control? Fire?"
"Solar energy. Stellar fire. More than just flames—the essence of burning creation." He wasn't sure why he was being so forthcoming with her, except that the resonance between them demanded honesty.
Ais nodded as if this confirmed something she'd suspected. "The Dungeon has been changing since you arrived. Monsters on upper floors showing evolutionary traits normally seen only deeper. Energy fluctuations affecting even experienced adventurers' magic." Her eyes locked with his. "Do you understand what you're awakening?"
"Not entirely," Kaito admitted. "But I intend to find out."
"Be careful." Coming from her, it didn't sound like a platitude but a warrior's genuine caution. "The Dungeon adapts to threats. And whatever you're becoming, it sees you as a significant one."
"So I've been told."
Ais stood, graceful as a sudden breeze. "We'll meet again, Kaito Asterius. Perhaps as allies, perhaps as..." She didn't finish the thought. "Riveria believes you represent a rediscovery of pre-Falna cultivation arts. If true, many will seek to help you. Many more will seek to stop you."
"And you? Which group are you in?"
A ghost of a smile touched her lips—perhaps the first genuine emotion he'd seen from her. "I haven't decided yet."
With that, she was gone, moving through the nearly empty tavern with silent grace.
Mia approached as Kaito finally prepared to leave. "Eventful evening," she commented dryly. "Three gods and Orario's Sword Princess, all at your table in one night. You're either extremely important or extremely doomed."
"Why not both?" Kaito replied with a wry smile.
The tavern keeper snorted. "Just remember, important or doomed, your shift starts at noon tomorrow. Fame doesn't wash dishes."
As Kaito made his way back to his small rented room, he felt eyes watching from rooftops and shadows—the various Familias keeping track of his movements. Word would spread quickly after tonight. His period of relative anonymity was over.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] Solar Pulse Refinement: 48% Complete Battle Potential: Upper Floor (1-7) Competency Achieved Warning: Energy Core Stability Fluctuating Recommended Action: Stabilize core through meditation before next Dungeon expedition
The golden text hovering in his vision confirmed what he'd felt throughout the evening—his power was growing, but so were the risks. Hestia's warning about cultivators burning out echoed in his mind.
Tomorrow he would need to speak with Eina about deeper floor exploration. If answers about his awakening power lay in ancient ruins, he needed to find them before his core's instability became critical.
The gods had their game. The Dungeon had its response. But Kaito Asterius would forge his own path, guided by the burning star within.
Chapter 3: Solar Refinement
Dawn found Kaito seated in meditation atop the small building where he rented his room. Cross-legged on the flat roof, facing east as the sun's first rays broke over Orario's skyline, he focused on the energy core in his chest.
Golden light pulsed beneath his skin, following pathways through his body that grew more defined with each session. According to the knowledge that continued to unlock within his mind, these were meridians—energy channels that, once fully opened, would allow Solar Qi to circulate freely throughout his system.
But something was wrong. As the system notification had warned, his core showed signs of instability—flares of uncontrolled energy, momentary surges that strained his meridians. Like a star threatening to go nova before it had fully formed.
Breathe. Focus. Draw in the dawn light.
He extended his awareness outward, feeling the solar energy in the morning rays. Unlike his internal Qi, this energy was diffuse, gentle—perfect for stabilizing his volatile core.
As he drew this energy inward, directed it to reinforce his meridians, Kaito felt a momentary connection to something vast and ancient. A network of stellar power that extended far beyond Orario, beyond the world itself, into the infinite cosmos.
For just an instant, he sensed others drawing on this network—distant cultivators following similar paths, their energies flaring like distant stars in his awareness.
Then the connection faded, leaving him grounded once more on the rooftop, but with his core noticeably stabilized. The erratic energy pulses had calmed, falling into a steady rhythm that matched his heartbeat.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] Core Stabilization: Successful Solar Pulse Refinement: 52% Complete New Technique Available: Solar Meridian Reinforcement (Defensive) Cultivation Insight: Core stability depends on balance between internal generation and external absorption
Kaito opened his eyes, the golden text fading from his vision. The insight about balance confirmed what he'd instinctively discovered—relying solely on energy generated through combat would lead to instability. He needed regular meditation to absorb and integrate external stellar sources.
As he stood, stretching muscles stiff from hours of stillness, he noticed a figure watching from a nearby rooftop—a small silhouette with distinctive twin-tails.
Hestia.
The goddess made no attempt to hide when spotted, instead giving a small wave before disappearing over the roofline. Had she been observing his meditation? Studying his energy flow? The thought was unsettling, but not as threatening as attention from other deities might have been.
Regardless, he needed to be more cautious about where and when he practiced. Privacy in Orario was becoming a scarce commodity.
The Guild headquarters was less crowded than during his previous visit, allowing Kaito to reach Eina's office without drawing undue attention. He knocked lightly on her door.
"Come in!" her voice called.
He found her surrounded by stacks of books and scrolls, glasses perched on her nose as she made notes in a journal. Upon seeing him, she quickly closed the book.
"Kaito! I wasn't expecting you until this afternoon."
"Something came up," he said, closing the door behind him. "I need information about deeper floors. Specifically, ancient ruins."
Eina's eyebrows rose. "That's... specific. Any particular reason?"
"Information about my abilities may be stored there. Pre-Falna cultivation techniques."
Her eyes widened. "How do you know this?"
Kaito hesitated before deciding honesty served him best with Eina. "Hestia mentioned it last night. Apparently, what I'm developing is something gods recognize from before they established the Falna system."
"Fascinating!" Eina leapt up, immediately scanning her bookshelves. "Pre-Falna cultivation arts are mostly considered theoretical by Guild scholars. Records exist, but they're fragmentary." She pulled several volumes down. "But if Hestia herself confirmed their existence..."
"Can you help me access deeper floors? There might be answers I need urgently."
Eina paused, studying him with concern. "Is something wrong with your abilities?"
"Potential instability," Kaito admitted. "According to Hestia, cultivators using this system could burn out if their bodies couldn't contain the energy."
"That sounds dangerous." Eina set the books on her desk, suddenly serious. "Kaito, the deeper floors are restricted for good reason. Even Level 2 adventurers struggle below Floor 13. Without a party—"
"I'm not a normal Level 1," he pointed out.
"No, but you're not invincible either." She sighed, removing her glasses to rub the bridge of her nose. "Look, I can authorize temporary access to Floor 13 for research purposes, but not beyond. And I'd strongly advise against going alone."
"I don't exactly have a party available."
Eina pursed her lips in thought. "Actually, you might. Bell Cranel mentioned meeting you last night. He's officially Level 1, but..." she lowered her voice, "his growth rate is exceptional. Almost abnormal."
"The kid with white hair? He seems inexperienced."
"He is, but he's learning rapidly. And he has a genuine skill for survival." Eina tapped her fingers on the desk. "More importantly, he has a supporter—a young prum girl named Lili who's experienced with deeper floors."
Kaito considered this. Bell had seemed earnest if naive. And having someone familiar with deeper floor navigation would be valuable.
"Would he agree to this? His goddess might not approve of him associating with me after last night."
"Hestia's protective, but she respects Bell's decisions." Eina began writing on an official form. "I'll prepare the authorization for Floor 13 access. If you can convince Bell and Lili to join you, bring them here to register formally as a temporary party."
As she wrote, Kaito browsed the books she'd selected. One caught his attention—"Ancient Cultivation Methods: Theoretical Approaches to Pre-Divine Enhancement." He opened it to find detailed illustrations of energy meridians remarkably similar to what he'd experienced during meditation.
"Can I borrow this?" he asked, holding up the book.
"Of course. Most of it is scholarly speculation, but if what Hestia suggested is true..." Eina's eyes gleamed with academic excitement. "You might be the living confirmation of theories scholars have debated for centuries."
"I'd rather be a living cultivator than a dead confirmation," Kaito said dryly.
Eina's expression sobered. "Which is exactly why you need to be careful. If these ruins do contain information about your cultivation method, they've remained hidden for thousands of years. That suggests either the knowledge was deliberately concealed, or..."
"Or something prevents people from retrieving it," Kaito finished.
"Precisely." She handed him the completed authorization form. "This grants temporary research access to Floors 11-13 for you and up to two companions. Valid for three days only."
"Thank you, Eina."
As he turned to leave, she called after him. "Kaito? Whatever you find down there... promise you'll share it with me? For research purposes," she added quickly.
He nodded. "For research purposes."
Finding Bell Cranel proved easier than expected. The white-haired adventurer was in the Guild's main hall, consulting a quest board with a small, hooded figure beside him—presumably the supporter Eina had mentioned.
"Bell," Kaito called, approaching them.
Bell turned with a smile. "Kaito! Good morning. This is Liliruca Arde, my supporter. Lili, this is Kaito Asterius, the, um..."
"The unblessed adventurer," the small figure finished, pushing back her hood to reveal a young prum girl with chestnut hair and suspicious eyes. "Lili has heard the rumors."
"A pleasure," Kaito said, though her wariness was evident. "Could we speak privately? I have a proposal."
Bell looked intrigued, while Lili's suspicion visibly deepened. Nevertheless, they followed him to a quiet corner of the hall.
"I need to access Floor 13," Kaito explained without preamble. "Eina suggested you two might be willing to form a temporary party for the expedition."
Bell's eyes widened. "Floor 13? That's middle floors territory. What's down there?"
"Ancient ruins that might contain information about my abilities." Kaito produced the authorization form. "I have Guild permission for a research expedition, but they won't let me go alone."
Lili frowned. "Master Bell is only Level 1. Middle floors are dangerous even for Level 2 adventurers."
"I can handle combat," Kaito assured her. "What I need is navigation expertise and someone familiar with deeper floor environmental hazards."
"Which Lili certainly has," the prum admitted, her use of third-person seeming to be a habitual speech pattern. "But why should we risk our safety for your research?"
A fair question. Kaito considered what he could offer that would appeal to them.
"Crystal shares," he proposed. "Equal three-way split of all monster crystals collected. Plus, I'll handle major combat, allowing you both to focus on safer targets."
Bell looked tempted but still hesitant. "What does Eina think about this?"
"She suggested you specifically," Kaito replied. "Mentioned your rapid growth rate."
This seemed to surprise both Bell and Lili.
"Is that true, Master Bell?" Lili asked. "Has your status been increasing quickly?"
Bell rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed. "Goddess Hestia says it's unusual, but I'm still just a beginner."
"Modest too," Kaito observed. "Look, this expedition benefits all of us. You gain middle floor experience with reduced risk, plus better crystal income than upper floors provide. I get the information I need."
Bell and Lili exchanged looks, seemingly communicating silently.
"When would we go?" Bell finally asked.
"Tomorrow morning. Early." Kaito needed time to prepare both physically and mentally. "We'd use the main Babel entrance, fully supplied for a full day expedition."
Lili crossed her small arms. "Lili requires payment in advance. Half day's crystal average, as security."
"Half now, half on completion," Kaito countered. He respected her business acumen but had limits.
"Deal," the prum nodded, extending her tiny hand. "But Lili expects Master Bell's safety to be priority if danger exceeds expectations."
"Agreed." Kaito shook her hand, then Bell's. "Meet at Babel entrance, one hour before opening. We'll want to avoid crowds."
As Bell and Lili departed to prepare, Kaito wondered if he'd made the right decision involving others. His cultivation journey had been solitary by necessity and preference. But deeper floors posed challenges even his growing powers might struggle with alone.
More concerning was the potential danger he might be exposing them to—not just from typical Dungeon threats, but from whatever his presence stirred within the ancient labyrinth. Hermes' warning about the Dungeon responding directly to his energy signature lingered in his mind.
Tomorrow would bring answers, he hoped. But likely new questions as well.
The Hostess of Fertility's kitchen was sweltering as Kaito scrubbed a seemingly endless pile of dishes. His shift had started at noon as promised, and Mia worked him hard—perhaps testing his commitment to their arrangement.
"So you're really going through with this middle floor expedition?" Mia asked, expertly chopping vegetables nearby. "With Hestia's boy, no less."
News traveled quickly in Orario. "You disapprove?"
"Not my place to approve or disapprove," she replied, tossing sliced onions into a sizzling pan. "Just surprised the kid agreed. Hestia guards him like a mother hen."
"Eina suggested him."
Mia snorted. "That girl sees potential everywhere. Always trying to create the perfect adventurer teams." She pointed her knife at Kaito. "Just remember, if anything happens to Bell Cranel, you'll have more than Hestia to answer to. That boy has friends in surprising places."
"I'll protect him," Kaito promised, scrubbing harder at a particularly stubborn pot. "This expedition isn't about combat—it's research."
"In the Dungeon, everything becomes about combat eventually." Mia expertly flipped the contents of her pan. "What are you looking for down there anyway? Most researchers focus on monster biology or mineral deposits."
Kaito hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. Mia had been surprisingly helpful so far, but her motivations remained unclear.
She interpreted his silence correctly. "Fine, keep your secrets. Just know that expedition teams work best when everyone understands the true objective."
"You sound experienced," Kaito observed.
A shadow crossed Mia's face. "I've seen my share of Dungeon expeditions. Before this tavern, before Orario even."
That was unexpected. "You were an adventurer?"
"Something like that." She changed the subject