DanMachi, My Members Are From Slice-of-Life Anime

“But…” Xia Jia frowned, “If this is the case as I’m speculating, then it doesn’t have much to do with the remnants of the dark faction that I’m investigating for creating the [Enhanced Species], does it?”

Was my lead wrong?

It's important to know that although Ikelos has close ties with the Dark Faction, they are not the ones who cause trouble in the long run. They seem to care more about making money than causing trouble.

The Daedalus family are the owners of the artificial labyrinth. Their purpose is to collect materials to build the labyrinth, both to help the dark faction and to profit from it.

Seeing Xia Jia's worried expression, Lulu couldn't help but pat him on the shoulder:

"It's okay. Even if the two are unrelated, since you helped me, I'll stay and help you too."

"Oh?" Xia Jia asked suspiciously, "What are you planning?"

"It's nothing, that thing escaped, and the mastermind behind it has disappeared without a trace."

Lulu said helplessly, "My task was only to confirm what the goods were. Now that I know the truth, I have no reason to continue."

"As for what trouble that escaped monster will cause, I'll leave it to the Astrea Familia. Aren't you a righteous guard? You shouldn't let innocent civilians be put in danger, right?"

Is it really that shameless?

Shaga's eyes widened: "You're just dumping this trouble on me like this? Don't forget, I've only been an adventurer for a week!"

Lulu squinted her eyes: "That's why I said I would stay and help out a little. Besides, seeing your skills just now, you don't seem like a newbie."

"That is……"

"I know, I know. It's a clan secret." Lulu waved her hand to interrupt.

Xia Jia was silent for a few seconds, then asked, "So... what you mean by 'helping'?"

Lulu pinched: "Watch the house."

"Huh?"

"Literal meaning." Lulu said with a grin, "I'll help you guard Lady Astrea, so you can go about your business without worry."

"you……"

"Don't be so quick to object. Besides, even if you were to guard Lady Astrea yourself, could you guarantee that nothing unexpected would happen?" Lulu reminded her.

Even when injured, that feline monster was no slower than a level 2 creature. Caught off guard, it could even knock Lulu, a level 3 monster, back several steps.

In addition to the potential for curse properties...

Most importantly, the gods' 'safe mode' only works for children in the mortal realm; it can't protect against monsters!

Shaga said in a heavy tone, "I understand. Until the culprit is found, I'm entrusting this to you, Goddess."

"Hey, shouldn't it be before finding the cat demon?"

"If that's the case, I'll prioritize dealing with abnormal monster incidents outside the city."

"Fine, you cunning little brat." Lulu stuck out her tongue, looking completely unconcerned.

……

Sword-wielding city

The midday sun shone on the street, and the bustling crowds chatted noisily. In stark contrast to the brightly lit, dark alleyway opposite this main street, the vibrant atmosphere created a striking visual impact.

A dark figure trembled and collapsed in the shadows, slowly opening its scarlet eyes.

"Hmph, foolish humans, you didn't expect it, did you? You still managed to let Master Meow escape! Hiss—"

The shadowy figure thought to itself, its body covered in bloody wounds causing it to gasp involuntarily.

Time passed second by second, and the dark shadow gradually wriggled, transforming into a small, jet-black cat. Around its neck was a collar resembling an octopus with tentacles, and the pearl emitted a crimson glow.

"Those foolish humans would never have imagined that Lord Meow could use a curse to fight their curse!"

The cat licked its wound and lay quietly on the spot.

Although those humans were foolish, defeating them still took a lot of effort from Meow Meow, and one of them even caused her considerable damage.

"Cool, cool, cool. When we get to the underworld, I'll spread the word about how great I am. Anything that can hurt me is a feat worth boasting about for a lifetime!"

"If you ask why, it's because I am the Shadow of Despair, who bears the power of the supreme being—the Earth Overlord Behemoth—and is about to rule the earth!"

"Cool, cool, cool! Unlike those foolish fellow cats, I, Meow, am born with the wisdom of a king and will surely reign supreme on the earth! I will fulfill Mother's long-cherished wish! Meow hahaha!"

The black cat looked at the earth scorched by the blazing sun and let out a soul-stirring cry: "Just wait, one day, I will make the night shroud the sky!"

“Meow~meow~meow!”

Thinking of this, Master Meow let out an excited roar.

"Ah, there's a kitten!"

Just then, a child passing by saw Master Miao and took the adult's hand as they walked over.

"What are you doing? Foolish humans, stop your rude behavior! If you come any closer, I'll curse you!"

The cat looked terrified, arched its back, its fur stood on end, and let out a hissing cry: "Down!"

"Mom, it looks like it's hurt," the little boy said with a hint of sympathy.

"Hey, don't touch it, it's dirty. This kind of injured cat is unsafe; it will get sick," the mother stopped her child.

"But it looks so pitiful."

"Well then, let's give it some food and leave. It'll get better once it's full," the mother said, taking out some dried fish and placing it in front of the cat.

The cat's eyes lit up: "Wow, this rich, magical aroma is the devil's finest sustenance!"

Then he suddenly realized something and shook his head frantically: "No, no, foolish human, do you think I'll fall for it again if you use the same methods?"

"I, the wise Meow Meow, will not fall for the same trap!"

Recalling the experience of being lured by mere dried fish, captured, and locked in a cage, Meow Meow became wary.

"But... ah~ this rich aroma, this golden color~ I really want to eat it..."

Chapter 33 News from the School District

After investigating the wine cellar, the two did not leave immediately. After the store manager woke up, Xia Jia obtained another clue.

“Beck wasn’t among the bodies; he must have left the city with his guards overnight.”

Could this be because of me?

Since they came from Orario, their subordinates must have offended the Astrea Familia, which should have made the Familia wary. It seems reasonable for them to simply withdraw and avoid getting involved.

"He seems like a very cautious person."

Before leaving, the two summoned the city's guards. So many people had died in the city, and a dangerous magical beast lurked within. Shaga also hoped for more help; anyone who could assist in the search for their target would be invaluable.

After watching the shopkeeper and guards leave, Shaka suggested, "Let's go back to the base first. I'm a little worried about Lady Leah."

Lulune couldn't deny that the two quickly returned to Cecil's blacksmith shop.

Pushing open the door, I saw Tokishori slurping a bowl of noodles. In the corner was a large pile of supplies Tokishori had acquired for free.

"Oh, it's Old Xia."

"What Old Xia?"

Astraea stood at the door, seemingly having been waiting for Shaga's return.

"Welcome back? We have guests?"

"Lady Astraea," Lulune greeted.

The three entered the house, and Xia Jia looked around and asked, "Where's the black cat? Isn't it mealtime?"

"Ruri-chan went out, saying that there wasn't enough material to weave the formal attire."

"out?"

Cecil said nonchalantly, "It's the business district, no problem."

Commercial area? There are too many people there, she can't be that unlucky as to run into the black cat, right? She can revive, she can't die.

Xia Jia was relieved.

"Xia-chan, how's your investigation going? And this is [Mud Dog], right? How did you two end up together?" Astraea pulled Xia-chan down to sit and brought her a bowl of noodles.

Xia Jia glanced at the noodles, but had no appetite for them. She simply recounted what she had learned in the morning.

"Our trail has gone cold. If we want to continue the investigation, we may have to confront the monsters outside the city."

Lulune, without any hesitation, slurped up a bowl of noodles for herself and took the opportunity to interject:

"Don't worry. Huru, I'll stay here to protect you for the next few days. Besides, the school district is coming soon, so we'll have them send people to help. It's not a big deal."

Astrea nodded. She had also received news that the "school district" would arrive in the nearby port city tomorrow. Not to mention the level 7 "Dark Knights" on it, even if they just sent a few students to do internships, it might be enough to quell this little storm.

only……

"You've worked so hard, Shaka. I've only just joined the clan, and you're already doing all this for me." The goddess's eyes were full of affection, and she gently stroked him with her hand.

"It's okay. To be honest, I really enjoy the feeling of being welcomed home."

Dekomori was slurping his noodles when suddenly a large face came close to his:

"School district? What's a school district? Is it some kind of evil organization called Death that restricts freedom?"