Emerging from the Dungeon, Felis felt the weight of his battles settle in—not exhaustion, but the lingering tension of his first real dive. His body wasn't sore thanks to Numen Aquae, yet the grime and faint traces of monster dust clinging to him were enough to make him sigh.
'First stop, the Guild's shower rooms.'
Unlike a traditional bathhouse, the Guild provided small, individual shower stalls for adventurers fresh out of the Dungeon. A simple system: pay a small fee, step inside, wash off the day's filth, and come out feeling human—or feline, in his case—again.
Felis paid the fee and entered one of the stalls. The warm water cascaded down, rinsing away sweat and monster dust. His feline ears flicked slightly as droplets ran over them, the sensation oddly relaxing. He let out a slow breath, closing his eyes for a moment, allowing the warmth to seep into his muscles and ease his mind
'Now, about my system…'
A translucent window flickered into view.
---
[Job]
[Swordsman]
[Level: 1 (0/100)]
[Skill]
•Basic Swordsmanship Lv. 1 (0/100)
Foundational stance, strikes, and parries
•Weapon Handling Lv. 1 (0/100) Unlocks at Job Level 5
Proficient use of different types of swords.
•Footwork Mastery Lv. 1 (0/100) Unlocks at Job Level 10
Improves movement for offense and defense.
•Guard Break Lv. 1 (0/100) Unlocks at Job Level 15
A technique to weaken an opponent's defense.
•Endurance Training Lv. 1 (0/100) Unlocks at Job Level 20
Enhances stamina for prolonged combat.
[Growth Rate Buff ]
Strength: 4
Endurance: 2
Dexterity: 2
Agility: 2
Magic: 0
[EXP: 418]
Felis rubbed his chin, considering his options.
'Not bad for a first dive, but how do I spend these points?'
Basic Swordsmanship had been incredibly useful, guiding his movements in battle. But leveling up his Swordsman job was also important—higher-level jobs were a prerequisite for unlocking new skill and advancing the job rank in the future, though he would still need to obtain them through rewards.
He recalled that reaching Job Level 5 would improve his Growth Rate, making every battle more rewarding. On the other hand, Basic Swordsmanship can make his understanding and application of foundational stance, strikes, and parries better.
'No rush… but I should invest wisely.'
After some thought, he allocated 300 EXP to his Swordsman job, leveling it up to 4.
[Job: Swordsman Lv.4 (0/100)]
Then, he spent the remaining EXP on Basic Swordsmanship, leveling it up to 2 with 18 points excess.
[Basic Swordsmanship Lv.2 (18/100)]
A small but noticeable improvement. Satisfied, Felis closed the window and let out a breath.
'Alright. Time to cash in my spoils.'
---
Dressed and refreshed, he exited the Guild's shower area and made his way to the exchange counter.
After waiting in line, Felis stepped forward, his small bag slung over one shoulder, weighted with magic stones and monster drops. The Guild's exchange area was a well-organized space, with clerks efficiently handling transactions for a steady stream of adventurers.
A young male clerk with short brown hair noticed Felis's approach and offered a polite nod. "Welcome. Please place your items here."
Felis untied the bag's strap and carefully emptied its contents onto the counter. A small pile of magic stones glowed faintly under the Guild's lighting, accompanied by neatly bundled Goblin Fangs, Kobold Nails, Fanged Rat Pelts, and Lizard Scales—all common yet valuable materials.
The clerk gave a practiced nod and began the assessment, measuring the five Dungeon Lizard magic stones first, their faint glow indicating their superior value compared to the others. He then moved on to the smaller stones from goblins, kobolds, and fanged rats, sorting them with experienced hands.
After finishing the stones, he examined the additional monster drops—Goblin Fangs, Kobold Nails, Fanged Rat Pelts, and Lizard Scales—before noting down their worth. Felis leaned against the counter, watching as the numbers came together.
Minutes later, the clerk tallied the total. "For everything, that comes to 7,800 Valis."
Felis gave a small nod. 'Not bad for a first dive.'
Felis' 7,800 Valis earnings are significantly higher than what most new adventurers make, showing his combat ability, efficiency, support by better decision when buying gear (of course with Eina help)
The clerk handed him the Valis in small coin bags, and Felis tucked them into his bag for easier carrying. He had earned a decent amount, but more importantly, he had gained experience.
With his business at the Guild done, he turned to leave—only to pause when he spotted a familiar pair of green eyes scanning the crowd.
Eina.
She hadn't noticed him yet, but it didn't take long before her gaze locked onto his. Felis smirked slightly as he saw her expression shift—a mix of surprise, mild concern, and the ever-present professionalism she maintained at work.
'Well, well… looks like my day isn't over just yet.'
---
Eina approached swiftly, her sharp eyes scanning Felis up and down. "Felis-san, you're back already? And…" She glanced at the exchange counter behind him. "You've already sold your loot?"
Felis rubbed the back of his neck, offering a small grin. "Yeah, didn't see a reason to hang around covered in monster dust."
She sighed, arms crossing. "Most new adventurers take longer to adjust, especially on their first real dive. You sure you didn't push yourself too hard?"
"Well… I took things slow at first," he admitted. "Had to get used to the idea of fighting for real. But after a few battles, it started feeling more natural."
Eina studied him carefully. "So you didn't force yourself through the fear? That's good. Rushing past that step can be dangerous."
Felis shrugged. "It wasn't easy, but I didn't want to freeze up either. Figured it was better to adapt now than hesitate later when it really matters."
She gave a small nod, seeming satisfied with his answer. "That's a good mindset. But let's go over everything properly—come with me."
She led him to a quieter section of the Guild, where a few tables were set aside for adventurers and their advisors. As they sat, she adjusted her glasses.
"Alright, Felis-san. How far did you go?"
"Fourth floor," he replied, placing his small bag beside him.
Eina blinked in surprise. "Already?"
Felis tilted his head. "Is that bad?"
"Not necessarily," she admitted, "but most rookies don't reach that far on their first dive. Did you struggle at all?"
He leaned back slightly, recalling his battles. "At first, yeah. Killing something for the first time isn't exactly easy. But after a few fights, I started focusing more on surviving than overthinking it."
Eina's expression softened slightly. "That's normal. The first step is always the hardest. But if you've reached the fourth floor, that means your combat skills are decent."
She folded her arms, tilting her head slightly. "So, what did you bring back?"
Felis leaned back slightly. "Sold everything already, but here's the breakdown—five Goblins, twelve Kobolds, four Fanged Rats, and five Dungeon Lizards."
Eina's brow lifted slightly. "Dungeon Lizards? On your first day?"
"Yeah, ran into a few deeper in," he admitted. "Not exactly easy, but manageable."
She tapped a finger against the table. "And how much did you make?"
"I got lucky with some monster byproducts, so I made 7,800 Valis."
Eina blinked, then let out a small hum. "That's quite a bit for a first dive. Most beginners barely scrape past 5,000 Valis."
Felis gave a casual shrug. "Guess I was efficient."
"Efficiency is good," she noted, adjusting her glasses, "but don't let it get to your head. The Dungeon punishes overconfidence."
Felis smirked. "You keep saying that, Eina-san. Starting to think you don't trust me."
She shot him a flat look. "I don't trust the Dungeon."
"You fought Goblins and Kobolds on the upper floors… and Fanged Rats and Dungeon Lizards deeper down?"
"Yeah. Goblins and Kobolds were easy enough, though I learned quick that Kobolds get annoying in groups. Fanged Rats were fast, but I managed. Dungeon Lizards, though… those things hit hard."
Eina gave him an approving nod. "Dungeon Lizards are a step above the usual Upper Floor monsters. The fact that you handled them on your first day means your instincts aren't bad."
she warned. "The Dungeon isn't a game. Your efficiency is good, but mistakes can still kill you."
Felis gave a wry smile. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. Don't get cocky."
She studied him for a moment before speaking again. "So, what's your plan for tomorrow?"
"Probably another dive. Get more experience, improve my combat instincts. Maybe check out the fifth floor if I feel ready."
Eina frowned slightly. "Be careful not to rush. It's better to build a solid foundation than push forward too fast."
Felis nodded. "I know. I'll pace myself."
Her expression softened just a little. "Good. Then let's go over some pointers for your next dive."
As she started explaining, Felis listened carefully. Despite her strict nature, she genuinely wanted him to be safe. And honestly… it was nice having someone looking out for him.
'Maybe having an advisor isn't so bad after all.'
Felis leaned forward slightly, resting his chin on his hand as Eina went into detail about strategies for tackling the upper floors of the Dungeon. She explained the common movement patterns of monsters, how to predict their attacks, and even minor details like the best routes to avoid getting surrounded.
"—and most importantly," she continued, "don't get complacent. Overconfidence is what gets new adventurers killed. Always assume something can go wrong."
Felis let out a short chuckle. "You make it sound like the Dungeon is waiting for me to slip up."
"It is," she said flatly, fixing him with a stern look. "The Dungeon isn't kind, Felis-san. It doesn't care how talented you are. The moment you let your guard down, it will punish you for it."
Her words held weight, and Felis could tell she'd likely seen adventurers learn that lesson the hard way. His smirk faded slightly. "I'll keep that in mind."
Eina gave a small nod. "Good."
She glanced at the clock on the wall, then adjusted her glasses. "Alright, I think that covers the basics for today. If you have any questions later, feel free to ask me at the Guild."
"Got it." Felis stretched, rolling his shoulders. "Guess I should head back, then."
As he stood up, Eina hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Felis-san… make sure to get some rest. Training is important, but exhaustion leads to mistakes."
Felis blinked, then gave her a small grin. "Worried about me, Eina-san?"
She scoffed lightly, turning her gaze away. "You're my responsibility as an adventurer under my guidance. Of course I'd be concerned."
"Mm, sure," he hummed, slinging his small bag over his shoulder. "Well, I appreciate it."
Eina sighed but didn't argue. "Just be careful out there, alright?"
Felis gave her a casual wave before heading for the exit. As he stepped outside, the cool evening air greeted him, a contrast to the warmth of the Guild. The city of Orario was still lively, the streets illuminated by the glow of lanterns and shop signs.
'Feels like it's been a long day.'
His body wasn't sore, but the weight of his first real Dungeon dive lingered in his mind. The thrill of battle, the tension of facing monsters, the rush of adapting to a new way of life—it was a lot to take in.
Still, there was a certain satisfaction in it.
With a deep breath, he adjusted his bag and started toward home.
The Hestia Familia home.
A crumbling church.
…And a waiting goddess.
----
Back at the Familia home, Felis pushed open the worn wooden door, stepping into the dimly lit interior of the crumbling church. The scent of old stone and faint traces of Hestia's presence greeted him—a mix of warmth and something vaguely sweet, like lingering candle wax.
Before he could take more than a few steps inside, a small figure peeked out from behind a doorway. Hestia's deep blue eyes locked onto him, lighting up instantly.
"Felis! You're back!"
Her bare feet barely made a sound as she rushed over, her twintails bouncing with each step. Without hesitation, she stopped just in front of him, tilting her head up with an eager smile.
"So? How was it? Was it scary?"
Her excitement was clear, but beneath it, Felis could sense a genuine curiosity—and maybe even a bit of concern.
He exhaled softly, setting his bag down beside him. "It was… an experience."
Hestia puffed her cheeks. "That's too vague! C'mon, tell me more. How did it feel? Was it exciting? Did you struggle? And—oh! How much did you earn?"
Felis smirked at her enthusiasm. "One thing at a time, Hestia."
She pouted but stayed close, clearly waiting for details.
He leaned against the nearest support beam, thinking back to his dive. "At first, it was a little nerve-wracking. The monsters weren't exactly tough, but getting used to fighting them was different from just swinging a sword at practice dummies."
Hestia nodded eagerly, urging him to continue.
"I hesitated at first," he admitted, his tone growing quieter. "The first time I killed one… I wasn't sure how to feel about it."
His words lingered in the air, heavier than before. He hadn't noticed it earlier, but saying it aloud brought back that moment—the sharp cry, the flickering of its form as it dissolved into ash. It was fast, but the image stuck with him.
Before he could dwell on it further, something soft pressed against his side.
Hestia had stepped closer, her small arms wrapping around his waist in a loose but firm embrace. She didn't say anything right away, simply resting her forehead against his chest.
Felis stiffened slightly, caught off guard. He wasn't used to this kind of warmth—quiet, steady, and completely undemanding. A warmth that asked for nothing yet gave everything.
His fingers twitched at his sides, unsure whether to return the gesture or simply let it be. The scent of hearth and faint embers clung to her, grounding him in a way he hadn't expected.
"…It must've been hard," she murmured, her voice softer than usual. "I'm sorry you had to go through that."
Her hands, small but comforting, patted his back in slow, soothing motions—almost instinctively, as if she were trying to ease away a burden he hadn't realized he was carrying.
Felis swallowed, his ears twitching. A strange tightness settled in his chest, unfamiliar but not unwelcome. He exhaled, slow and measured, letting the moment sink in before finally murmuring, "…I'll get used to it."
Hestia pulled back slightly to look up at him, her blue eyes filled with quiet understanding. "Maybe. But you don't have to rush."
She lifted a hand, placing it gently against his cheek. Her palm was warm—warmer than he expected. "You're kind, Felis. It's okay to feel this way."
Something about the way she said it, so full of certainty, made the lingering unease in his chest loosen just a little. He exhaled, feeling some of the tension from the day melt away. Hesitation, uncertainty, the weight of his first kills—they were still there, lingering in the back of his mind. But right now, with Hestia holding onto him like this, they felt a little easier to carry.
"…Thanks," he muttered.
Hestia's lips curved into a soft smile, and she gave his cheek a light pat before pulling away completely.
She lingered for a second, her blue eyes searching his face—gentle, as if making sure he was truly alright. Then, with a small nod, the warmth in her gaze shifted, and a familiar spark returned.
She grinned. "Alright! Now, tell me how much you made!"
Felis chuckled. "7.800 Valis."
Her eyes widened. "That much already?! Felis, you're amazing!"
Just like that, the weight in the air lifted, replaced by the warmth of her excitement. Felis let out a slow breath. His first dive wasn't perfect, but… it was a step forward.
And knowing someone cared made that step feel a little easier.