Is it wrong to try to meet someone in a dungeon?

"It's no longer necessary. I've already heard what I wanted to confirm..."

"...Since you came here, you haven't asked anyone any questions, have you?"

Hephaestus, who had been with her since the beginning of the banquet, could not hide the surprise on her face.

Freya didn't answer her, but looked down at Hestia and smiled in a way that was different from before.

Hestia's eyes widened in surprise, and she blinked a few times.

"...Besides, I'm tired of all the men here."

"Thank you."

"..."

"..."

"Then I'm leaving," she said, before disappearing into the throng of gods.

Hestia and Hephaestus, who had been left behind, looked puzzled and exchanged bewildered glances with their neighbors.

"Freya really is a 'goddess'... How shameless!"

"There's no other way. Even if Freya and the others don't manage love and desire, someone else has to manage them..."

"Even so, she still has the stance of a [Family], how utterly shameless! To do that kind of thing with a god who could potentially become an enemy... the children will despise her!"

"But I think if Freya just smiles, we can probably add more members..."

Hephaestus sighed softly and scratched the eye patch over her right eye with her slender fingers.

This was one of her little quirks. She might say it, but if she couldn't accept something or felt dissatisfied, she'd often do it. Seeing this, Hestia snorted in response.

"So, what are your plans next? I'd like to wander around a bit more, see how everyone's doing, are you going back?"

Hestia's shoulders trembled.

Because she remembered her original purpose.

"If you're staying a little longer, how about we grab a drink? It's been a while since we've had a drink together, hasn't it?"

"Uh, well..."

Seeing Hestia suddenly become hesitant, Hephaestus tilted his head.

Hestia's gaze lingered on the red hair that fell across her slender neck, and finally she made up her mind and let out a "gulp".

"Um... I have something I'd like to ask Hephaestus for..."

"..."

Her red left eye narrowed.

The normally approachable atmosphere suddenly changed, and a stern aura began to emanate from it.

Just like my attitude when I asserted that I would never borrow money.

"At this point, you still need to ask me for a favor? Think carefully about what you just said."

"Uh, well, I forgot...?"

"Didn't you say you wouldn't be a freeloader anymore?"

Ah, I did say that, Hestia forced a smile.

Hestia felt an urge to take back what she had just said when her best friend treated her like dirt, but she gritted her teeth and held back. She thought of Bell's face and rallied herself.

Hestia was already aware that doing so might make her best friend lose heart, but she still began to carry out her purpose of attending this "feast of the gods".

"...I'll listen to what you have to say. What is it you need to ask me for a favor?"

Standing before her like a mighty warrior was the red-haired, red-eyed goddess Hephaestus.

The Hephaestus Familia, which she organized and is known as the Goddess of Fire in the heavens, is the only Familia in Orario that does not operate on the income of adventurers.

The Hephaestus Familia, an unusual organization that doesn't rely on dungeons for its livelihood in the labyrinth city, is a large Familia that is known to every adventurer in the city.

We can call it a "brand".

It is a large [Family] that possesses and cultivates a large number of talents and is known for its products that are among the best in the industry. It is popular even in cities outside of Orario—all over the world.

Yes, her "familia" is the same as the "blacksmith's" "familia".

Hestia loudly proclaimed her wish to the current permanent president of the Hephaestus Familia.

"I want you to help Bell... to make weapons for my [Family] children!"

Book 1, Chapter 5: The Goddess's Prank

"Oh my god!"

"!"

I dodged the claws that lunged at me with a large movement. The hostile attack passed safely before my eyes.

In the dungeon with its pale blue walls, the goblins' voices sounded exceptionally loud.

I observed the excited monster, and I made its arm swing miss two or three times in a row.

(Right side, left side... diagonally!)

Step to the side to dodge and retreat.

In the spacious floor, where narrow passages connected to form a regular square structure, I focused on avoiding being cornered against the wall while simultaneously dodging attacks. The warm, uniquely underground air licked my skin.

The goblin, waving its short arms and legs, stubbornly and simply chased after me. I dodged the arms reaching towards me, avoiding any physical confrontation. I constantly paid attention to the feel of my feet and knees on the ground, and danced an asymmetrical dance with the goblin.

"Chirp chirp...quack!"

"!"

Just as the goblin was getting impatient because it couldn't catch its opponent, its big eyes emitted a strange light.

An alarm went off in a corner of my mind.

Beware of goblins that are letting out even louder roars—no.

It was a monster positioned diagonally above my field of vision, pressed against the wall, ready to pounce on me at any moment.

"quack!"

A shadow, huge enough to cover my head, descended rapidly!

"Uh-huh!"

At the last second, I turned around and dodged the surprise attack.

With four legs, its lizard-like silhouette passed through my swaying vision.

It had rough, brown skin, and a thin tongue that darted out from its horizontally split mouth. If you included its long tail, its total length was probably about the same as my height.

The gecko monster "Dungeon Lizard".

This is a type of monster that appears on floors 2 through 4, and is classified as a low-level monster, similar to goblins or earth spirits.

"--snort!"

I've been waiting for this moment for a long time. I left the goblin aside and charged towards the dungeon lizard that had landed on the ground.

Dungeon lizards use the suction cups on their limbs to truly roam freely across walls and ceilings. To defeat this troublesome monster that moves in inaccessible places, you must patiently wait for it to land on the ground.

To avoid a surprise attack, I dared not retaliate and had been dodging the goblin's attacks until now, accumulating a bellyful of resentment. I chose this moment to unleash it.

I transformed into a bullet.

“Aaaaaaaaa!”

"Gurgle!"

The dungeon lizard, with its back to me, sensed the impending danger and frantically tried to escape, but I was faster than it.

I gripped the short sword in reverse, took a large step, and leaped forward as if to jump to the ground, plunging the dagger into the monster's back. The blade easily pierced the scales.

With a clang, I felt a hard texture on my hand. My strike must have damaged the magic stone; the dungeon lizard, pierced through, shuddered, its upper body arched backward, and then it collapsed to the ground, powerless.

Although it hasn't turned to dust, it's no longer moving.

"Chirp!"

The sound of goblins. The enemy hasn't been completely eliminated yet.

I pulled the dagger from the lizard's corpse in the dungeon, and then took a daring step. My eyes were glued to the goblin, and in this state, I pulled my arm out from the backpack strap on my back.

Then, I threw the backpack at the enemy with all my might.

"!"

The large luggage turned into substandard artillery shells. The monster's eyes widened.

I swung my arm hard, watching the backpack fly through the air and hit the terrified goblin squarely.

"Hee hee!"

A heavy thud was heard, and the goblin flew backward as if it had been knocked away.

Boosted by the "Strength" ability, my throw, delivered with all my might, combined with the weight of my backpack full of dropped items, was powerful enough to knock away the small monster.

The goblin rolled backwards, clutching its backpack.

"...Goo-hoo."

After the goblin finally stopped rolling, it first convulsed, then its neck snapped, and it passed out.

I cautiously stared at the silent monster for a long time, making sure the battle was over, before relaxing my shoulders and exhaling.

I put down the dagger and returned to my usual posture.

"……good."

I did some light bending and stretching exercises on the spot. My knees... well, not bad.

The injured leg has regained normal movement. It can be said that it has fully recovered.

I smiled with relief.

"...I do. Let's get stronger!"

I'm currently on the 4th floor of the dungeon. After confirming that there were no monsters around, I reviewed the battle I had just fought.

Even in unavoidable encounters like two against one, I was able to easily deal with the dungeon lizards and goblins. My body reacted remarkably well, and I even had extra mental energy to focus on my injuries.

In other words, my abilities as an adventurer have reached this level.

I actually felt the change in my [ability stats]. Just like the deity said, I have grown significantly compared to before.

...I feel uneasy, unsure if I am getting closer to my ideal.

At the same time, I sincerely hoped to get closer to, and even overcome, my unease.

Even if it's an unrealistic and delusional hope, I still want to catch up with that person I admire in the distance, and quietly let this feeling burn. I asked myself to control my excitement, but I still clenched my fists tightly.

Next, I collected the magic stone fragments from the defeated dungeon lizards and goblins, concluding today's dungeon exploration. Considering the battles on the way back, it was about time to call it a day. Since I always return to the surface to exchange my luggage for money when it's full, this was my fourth trip home today.

Following the route I remembered, I went from the 4th floor to the 1st floor, climbing a total of three flights of stairs.

While easily dealing with the earth spirits and goblins I encountered along the way, I drew the orange sky above my head, which was probably nearing dusk.

After traversing nearly half of the first level, I gradually began to see other adventurers besides myself. Since there was only one entrance and exit to the dungeon, it was only natural to encounter other adventurers upon returning to the surface.

Seeing so many dwarves or elves wearing superior gear that far surpassed my meager equipment filled me with a sense of defeat. With an almost timid feeling, I quickened my pace.

(By the way, is the fairy still not back today...?)

It's been two days since Shenxian went to a friend's party. She herself said she wouldn't be home for a few days, and I know I shouldn't worry too much about her, but...

Perhaps it's the inability to see the immortals that makes me feel uneasy.

The gods are probably doing something now...

"Ah, we've arrived."

After walking through the entire first-level passageway, also known as the "Road to Beginnings" and with an infinitely wide banner, you will see a large hole leading to the ground.

It is approximately 10 meters high. Its diameter is also roughly the same, forming a thick cylindrical shape. Gentle steps run along its circumference, outlining a huge spiral.

Several groups of adventurers were climbing the silver staircase, and I followed behind. Soon, after crossing the last step, the view suddenly opened up, and the cool, artificial scent filled my nostrils.

This is the Tower of Babel, a colossal white-walled tower built directly above the underground city, on the first basement level.