"That will be 25 Valis."
I offered the shopkeeper a nod and placed a single coin on the wooden counter between us, all while carefully balancing the ice cream cone in my other hand.
The man's brow lifted as his gaze dropped to the coin.
"That's a generous tip," he said drily.
I snorted and nudged the 100 Valis toward him.
"Don't worry about it."
The man's eyes narrowed slightly as he studied me more carefully than he did before.
"Are you an adventurer?"
"Yes."
My chin lifted, a slow smile forming on my lips.
"Captain of the Hestia Familia."
The shopkeeper hummed in contemplation as he stroked his beard.
"Never heard of you."
His eyes flickered to the towering cone in my hand.
"Though I suppose I just did." His expression warmed as he picked up the coin. "Feel free to come again."
"I will."
I turned my back on the stall and brought the ice cream to my mouth as I stepped back into the marketplace in search for a place to sit.
A quiet hum slipped from my lips as I savoured the sweet taste, further enhanced by the recently returned hunger.
Even Morsalis could only replace food for so long.
My pace picked up as I wove through the crowd and headed toward a nearby stone bench.
By the time I reached it, the cone had shrunk to a quarter of its original size.
Nothing could replace the pleasure granted by my Blessing, but sugar came closer than most.
I leaned back against the bench and bit into the cone, allowing my gaze to drift.
The afternoon sun cast its golden light over a city unrecognizable to the one I'd grown used to seeing.
Gone were the drunken adventurers celebrating their victories. In their place, civilians moved through the streets with quiet purpose.
My idle state of mind was broken by a familiar sound.
Screams.
I quickly leapt to my feet and snapped toward the uproar.
An armored renard stood at the center of a crowd, people of all races pressing in with pens and paper, their eyes wide with excitement.
I tilted my head and stifled a snorted.
Seeing really was believing.
The man's smile grew strained as his admirers surged closer, nearly tripping over themselves in their desperation to receive his signature.
According to Rose, first-class adventurers were less like people and more like idols.
Each of them a champion of their race.
Finn Deimne's ascent to the top of the Loki Familia had single-handedly flipped the public perception of Pallums on its head.
Ottar's decade-long reign as the most powerful adventurer was the main reason why the Boaz usurped the tiger demihumans—also known as Vyaghra—as the most physically dominant race.
The crowd parted like chickens before a fox as the renard stepped forward and left them behind without a second glance.
A strange feeling coiled in my chest as I brushed my sleeve across my mouth, wiping away the last trace of my meal.
I used to dream of fame like that, of becoming a legend even greater than the heroes of old.
My gaze shifted toward the sky as I joined the flow of pedestrians.
Even after hours of explored the city, I had barely managed to see a fraction of a single district.
Orario was even harder to navigate than the Labyrinth it was built atop of.
If it wasn't for the kind amazon woman who had guided me on the first day, I likely would've wandered for days before I found the Guild.
A faint smile tugged at my lips a set of twinkling purple eyes flashed through my mind.
I wonder how she's do—
The first thing I noticed was something hot and wet splashing against my chest.
Then my attention fell on the loudly yelping girl as she stumbled backward.
Acting on reflex, I stepped forward and caught her before she hit the ground, one hand settling on her shoulder, the other on her waist.
My breath caught as our eyes met.
Beautiful.
"Sorry!"
"My apologies."
I blinked, my brows knitting together slightly as I processed her words.
I suppose she did walk into me.
"Ah," the girl muttered, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. "You can let go of me now."
I blinked again, my gaze dropping from her grey eyes to the dark stain spreading across her dress.
An empty coffee bottle lay shattered at our feet, its contents spilled over both of us.
I suppressed a sigh as I pulled my arms back and straightened upward.
There went my last clean shirt.
"I'm sorry," the girl repeated, glancing down at the damp spot on my own clothes, a small, awkward smile pulling at her lips. "I should've been more careful."
"It's fine," I muttered absentmindedly, fruitlessly trying to wring as much liquid out of the wet fabric as I could. "I was in need of a new wardrobe anyway."
The girl brows twitched slightly as her smile tightened.
My fingers stilled against the shirt as I met her gaze again.
What's her deal?
"My name is Cain," I offered. Following a sudden instinct, I wiped my hand on my pants and extended it toward her.
"I wasn't paying attention either. It happens."
"It does."
Her face brightened as she accepted the handshake.
"My name is Syr Flova."
Something felt off.
Wavy grey hair. Unblemished skin. Cute smile.
There was nothing visibly wrong about her, but I had long learned to trust my instincts over my senses.
"It was nice meeting you, Syr," I said, shooting her a quick smile as I turned away. "If you'll excuse me."
"Wait!"
I paused, releasing a slow breath as I cast her a sidelong glance.
"Yes?"
Syr bit down on her lower lip and fiddled with her hands as she met my gaze.
"You're an adventurer, aren't you?"
She could not have known that. I wasn't wearing armor, nor was I carrying my sword.
"Why would you think that?"
She pointed to the bag at my hip.
"That's from the Guild's Rookie collection," she explained. "I meet a lot of adventurers at work, so I recognized it right away!"
"… You were right. I am an adventurer."
My shoulders eased as I turned back to her.
"What's it to you?"
"You're not the only one who could use new clothes."
A slow smile spread across her face as she trailed a finger over the stain on her dress.
"Let's go together!"
For a moment, I was lost for words.
Neither Rose's lectures nor Hestia's stories had prepared me for whether inviting a stranger on a shopping trip was considered socially acceptable in this world.
"I'm afraid I'll have to dec—"
"I'll get you a discount!"
I blinked, my lips parting slightly.
"Come again?"
For a split second, Syr's eyes appeared silver as a playful glint entered them.
"A friend of mine owns a clothing store," she said. "I can have her charge you by civilian rates."
"And why would you do that?" I raised a brow. "We only just me."
A gentle smile curved her lips as she stepped even closer and looked up at me.
"I bumped into you." Her soft voice hovered just a note above a whisper. "It's the least I can do."
Her rose-scented breath brushed against my cheek as I held her gaze.
"Apology accepted."
My voice lowered as I mirrored her expression.
"Lead the way… Syr Flova."
—————-
A faint frown twisted my features as I studied my reflection in the mirror.
Dark pants and a simple white shirt, half covered by a black jacket embellished with golden highlights and crimson lining.
As was to be expected from a store situated in the Tower of Babel, everything was ridiculously expensive.
Even Worse, their products were worth every Valis.
The material felt ridiculously soft against my skin.
The silk was harvested from tamed Arachnes. The leather tanned from Minotaurs. And the buttons and accessories weren't just gilded—they were actual gold.
Not once had I ever imagined myself wearing something as luxurious as this.
I straightened my sleeves and pulled the cream-colored curtain aside.
"Oh," Syr whistled as she looked me up and down, sprawled across one of the grey couches in our private changing room.
"That's my favorite yet!"
My brows twitched as I stared at the grinning girl.
"Every time I come out here, you somehow manage to make yourself even more comfortable."
I shook my head. "Aren't you taking advantage of your friend a little bit too much?"
Syr's chuckles were utterly unrepentant as she crossed one leg over the other.
Then, as if to prove a point, she sank even further into the couch.
"Are they really your friends if you don't take advantage of them from time to time?"
"… You're unbelievable."
She winked and lifted her chin as she regarded me with half-lidded eyes.
"Praise me more."
A sudden laugh caught in my throat as I shook my head.
"You're aware that that friend of yours is a level 4 adventurer, right?" I asked, strolling toward the twin piles of clothes to drop off my previous outfit.
"Oh please," Sry scoffed. "That sheep has been out of the game for over a decade."
I arched a brow, turning back just in time to catch her gaze flick up from where it had lingered on my waist.
"Dark colors suit you," she offered quickly. "Whoever told you to wear red did not have your best interests at heart."
"I do tend to get in my own way sometimes," I muttered, shifting through the second pile of clothes. "But that wasn't one of those times. There's no washing machines where I live. Sticking to red just made sense."
Syr hummed quietly as she tapped a finger against her lips.
"Why's that?"
Right.
Civilian.
"It makes the blood less visible," I explained, glancing back at her over my shoulder. "So I didn't have to wash them as often."
She covered her mouth, releasing a gasp that was just a bit too theatrical to be natural.
"How barbaric," she breathed. "These aren't the dark ages anymore, Cain. For shame."
I scoffed and assembled the next outfit. A white dress with gold rimming along the sleeves and neckline. All of it tied together with a back belt.
"Take it up with the monsters that keep spilling their guts all over me."
As soon I turned, Syr's eyes locked onto the clothes I had picked for her.
"It really was time you bought some quality clothes," she muttered. "These all have cosmetic enchantments. As long as those hold, they won't get dirty."
"You know it's ridiculous that she lets us buy this at a ninety percent discount, right?" I asked, handing her the outfit. "This is a Babel store. Civilians clearly aren't the intended customers."
"If you really think that, you need better friends," Syr scoffed, sauntering toward the adjacent changing stall. "She only makes me pay at all so her regulars don't get jealous."
The corner of my mouth lifted as she closed the curtain behind her, my gaze drifting across the room.
It was large enough to fit the church basement I called home twice over.
"What Familia does she belong to anyway? I can't imagine any god allowing a level 4 to just walk away."
The sound of clothes rustling to the floor echoed from the stall.
"The Freya Familia," Syr responded. "Their goddess allows her children a lot of freedom."
She lingered for a moment.
"She's a very generous woman."
My eyes narrowed as one of Rose's lessons surfaced in my mind.
It was no secret that the goddess Freya gave her followers just enough rope to hang themselves with. An adventure's standing in her Familia depended entirely on how persistent—and effective—they were in earning her favor.
"I see…" I responded. "How come you know so much about—"
The curtain snapped open, and a different version of Syr stepped out.
How strange.
I hummed thoughtfully as she struck a pose.
"My apologies," I muttered. "I could've sworn that would look great on you."
Syr's movements froze.
"Are you saying it doesn't?"
"Your beauty leans more toward the cute side," I responded with a nod. "I don't know what I was thinking. That last one suited you far better."
For the first time since we met, Syr looked lost for words.
"You don't have much experience with women, do you?"
I tilted my head slightly as two sets of golden and azure eyes flashed through my mind.
"It's been a learning—"
The curtain shut close behind her as she stomped her foot.
"Never mind!" Syr called, releasing an audible sigh. "Where are you from, Cain? How long have you been an adventurer?"
I thought she'd never ask.
My career as an adventurer was the only topic she had refrained from drilling me about.
"I'm from a land far from here. I arrived in Orario a little over a week ago, then registered at the Guild the following day."
"All by yourself?"
"Yes."
Syr stepped out of the stall with the latest outfit I had picked for her hanging off her arm.
"That must've been difficult," she offered as she headed toward her pile of clothes. "I'm surprised you managed to figure things out so quickly."
"I didn't do it alone."
A warm smile spread across my face.
"Both my goddess and my advisor have been doing their best to support me."
Syr glanced at me from the corner of her eye as she sorted through the clothes.
"You got lucky. It's rare for those Guild women to take a personal interest in an adventurer."
My smile deepened.
"I did."
My gaze drifted as a striking face surfaced in my mind.
"Rose is great."
Syr turned toward me with a raised brow.
"Are you in love with her?"
I choked.
"What?"
Her expression didn't so much as twitch as she tilted her head.
"Are you?"
I clicked my tongue and stepped forward to take the formal black suit from her hands.
"You're very forward," I chastised, pushing her head back by tapping two fingers against her forehead. "Has anyone ever told you that?"
Syr stuck out her tongue and peered up at me with bright, amused eyes.
"All the time! Ryuu loves to remind me of it daily."
"Is Ryuu one of your colleagues?" I asked, walking back toward my stall.
"Yes."
Her softened with an audible smile.
"She's my best friend."
I undressed, stacking the clothes neatly on the chair next to the mirror.
"I'm glad there's someone looking out for you."
I paused for a moment as my gaze linger on the immaculate suite.
"This might be a strange question," I began, my voice slightly hesitant, "but do you ever feel… unsafe, walking around this city?"
"Not really," Syr responded without missing a beat. "Adventurers keep the monsters away, and the people are lovely!"
My brows drew together as I stepped into the trousers.
How Syr had managed to figure out my exact size was still a mystery to me.
"I'm not surprised to hear you say that," I huffed. "Who would want to pick a fight with the girl who spends her spare time taking care of orphanage children?"
"My reputation is indeed quite stellar," Syr chuckled. "Why do you ask?"
I fastened the last button and glanced at my reflection.
Not bad.
"I can't really prove it…" my eyes locked onto her as I opened the curtain, "but sometimes I feel as though something's watching me when I'm walking through the city. In the Dungeon too, but that's a given."
Syr gaze dipped slightly, before snapping back up.
"That does sound unusual," she said. "Have you seen a healer about it? Maybe you hit your head."
I rolled my eyes, bending down to store my previous outfit in the empty bag.
"I'm not crazy."
Syr nodded indulgently.
"Of course not… Though it is a well known fact that it takes a certain kind of person to become an adventurer."
A faint smile played on her lips.
"There's no shame in that."
An ember of annoyance sparked in my chest as I turned toward her.
"Make fun of me—"
The words died in my throat as our eyes met.
There was barely a breath separating us.
"What are you doing?"
"Do you want to come to my restaurant tonight?" Syr asked. "I'll introduce you to my friends. And we can spend some more time together."
Hestia said she wanted to speak with me once I returned.
I was already running late.
"No."
An indecipherable emotion flickered across Syr's face.
It was gone before I could place it.
"No?" she repeated.
I took a step back.
"I already have plans for tonight," I added, watching her expression closely. "But I wouldn't mind visiting sometime in the future. What is it called?"
An earnest smile returned to her face as she made to answer.
"The Hostess of Fertility."
"I'll remember it."
My eyes narrowed slightly as she turned and headed back toward the couch.
My instincts were never wrong.
There was something off about this girl.
The corners of my mouth lifted slowly as I picked out the next outfit for her.
There was never a boring day in this world.
———————-
The door to the church basement shut close behind me as I stepped inside.
A small smile tugged at my lips as my gaze immediately locked onto Hestia, lying prone on the bed.
She was sleeping, snoring lightly as she chewed on a few strands of hair that had fallen into her mouth.
My goddess was adorable.
I moved quietly to the closet and leaned the two clothes-filled bags against the wall.
They would still be there tomorrow, waiting to be properly stored.
A savory smell spread across the room as I opened the bag in my other hand.
It was filled with an assortment of fried potato snacks.
A street food called Jagamarukun.
They truly were nothing special. But for some reason, Hestia craved them even more than I craved sugar.
So I did my best to enjoy them too.
Hestia's nose twitched as she mumbled something inaudible in her sleep.
My expression softened as I studied her face.
I had spent the vast majority of my life alone, so I still found it difficult to believe at times just how attached I had grown to both her and my advisor in such a short time.
The two of them could not be more different.
Rose was a puzzle. Knowing what went on inside her head at any given moment was nearly impossible.
Her every thought was concealed by an ever-present mask.
It was that uncertainty that made the rare moments when she allowed me a glimpse into her mind feel all the more exhilarating.
Hestia was the opposite.
She never masked her thoughts, nor her intentions.
She wanted to become my home—and so she did.
She wanted to form a bond with me—and so she did.
I set the plate on the table and wrapped one of the potatoes in a napkin.
Hestia yawned quietly as I nudged her awake, her eyes fluttering open.
"Cain?" she muttered. "You're late."
"I know." I offered her the treat. "I brought you this as an apology."
The goddess's pupils widened, eyes locking onto the Jagamarukun.
"Apology accepted!"
Her face lit up as she snatched the snack from my hand and bit into it.
A faint smile touched my lips as she devoured it in a few bites. Her cheeks bulged, making her look like a stuffed squirrel as she looked at me again.
"You have new—"
She swallowed.
"You have new clothes," she repeated. "They look nice."
I followed her gaze down to my outfit.
Syr had a good eye for fashion.
"Did you buy them today? Is that what took you so long?"
"In a way," I responded. "I ran into someone on my way home a few hours ago. We ruined our clothes, so we decided to buy new ones."
Hestia paused her nibbling and glanced up at me with flat blue eyes.
"Was it a woman?"
"Yes."
She just stared at me, then exhaled slowly and took a larger bite.
"I should put a collar on you…"
I suppressed a chuckle as she chewed loudly.
"A collar? Why would you do that?"
"Because they keep mistaking you for a stray! Whose mark do they think you have inscribed on your back?"
On any other day, that would've left me stunned.
Today was not that day.
Thinking quickly, I reached into my pocket and pulled out a necklace. A golden pendant in the form of a delicate flame set within a circular frame hung from it.
"It's a hearth," I explained, lifting it slightly. "I bought it for you."
Hestia stilled as her gaze locked onto it.
"But, if you prefer it that way… I wouldn't mind wearing it myself."
My hand closed around the pendant as I brought it to my chest.
"That way, you'll always be by my side. Even when I'm somewhere you can't follow."
Hestia lips parting slightly as a bright blush spread across her face.
A few moments passed before she inhaled deeply and looked away.
"Yes," she answered quietly. "I would like that."
"Then I'll wear it."
Silence settled between as Hestia kept looking to the side.
"What did you want to talk about?" I asked once I had tied the necklace behind my head.
Her shoulders loosened as she met my gaze.
"I told you about the old friend from Tenkai I visited yesterday, right?"
"You did."
Her friend, the god of war from the Far East.
"His name is Takemikazuchi, if I remember correctly… Did something happen to him?"
Hestia quickly shook her head, her twin pigtails swaying rapidly.
"That's not it! It's the opposite! I met him again today, and …"
Her voice trailed off.
"Ah!" She snapped her fingers. "We both want to see our children get along as well as we do… so we thought we'd ask some of you to go into the Dungeon together!"
My brow arched as a pleased expression formed on her face.
She was definitely hiding something.
I exhaled quietly and allowed the day to replay in my mind.
I had chosen not to question Syr and her oddness. Whatever secret Hestia was hiding could only be harmless in comparison.
"It doesn't have to be a permanent party!" she added. "You can just try it once and see if you get along."
Her lower lip trembled as she looked up at me with wide blue eyes.
"Please?"
I cupped her cheeks with my hands and gently stilled her trembling lip with my thumb.
I really have grown attached.
"If that's what you want… then of course I'll go."