2 Chapter 2

"Though not advisable, as long as you're registered, then yeah. Don't tell me you're--"

"Well, yeah. I intend to do just that.", with a sheepish smile, I butted in. "I can, right?"

However, just as Miss Flott heard the words out of my mouth, a judging glare went my way.

I'm not too sure why, but I seem to get the feeling that her look says 'another suicidal fool'.

"I won't repeat myself since I'm pretty sure you heard me just fine. But hey, it's your choice."

With a nonchalant shrug, she sighed and proceeded with the paperwork for my registration.

"Not to worry though. I don't intend to die this early. I may not look like it, but I'm strong."

And I'm not bragging, really, thanks to the training I got from a particular bloodthirsty woman.

Okay, it's not all thanks to her since it was only made possible due to a freebie from ROB.

'Only if I could even call that training, that is-- urgh!'

I don't want to reminisce about how many times I got impaled and crushed by her spear.

Not to mention, the other horrific abominations that she made-- no, forced me to fight.

'Goodness, talk about child abuse. I get nauseous every time I try to recall those moments.'

Just as I suddenly found myself walking down the unpleasant memory lane, she spoke.

"You have no idea how popular that statement is. Only for those people to die in the end."

With an impassive tone after a frustrated groan, I could smile wryly as she chastised me.

"And it's not our job to worry about what you do.", she added. "We're only advisors after all..."

----

~~~Underground Labyrinth~~~

~~~Upper Floor-1~~~

Fwoompoof!

"And, another one."

Surrounded by eerie bluish walls was a lengthy and wide hallway-like passage.

"Oh, I got about a dozen already?"

It was the place I found myself in as soon as delved down to my very own, first adventure.

"These should be worth at least a couple hundred Valis already."

The beginning road, they call it, at least according to Miss Flott's prior briefing at the guild.

"Well, not enough for a birthday feast but I'll get there somehow."

Since it's where aspiring youths who have just started adventuring gain their experience...

"And since there are no more spawning at the moment, it's time to move on, I guess."

Dealing with the goblins was without a sweat. I easily tore through them without much effort.

Although, I did find that they were a bit stronger and more resilient than people like me.

Nonetheless, with the approach I painstakingly learned, all it took was but a few minutes.

Honestly, with the kind of training I had, anyone would be forced to learn a thing or two.

"Now, where should I start?"

And by the time the last goblin turned, my feet were already moving forward for more.

So, with a confident gait, I trekked through, reaching the multiple, cavernous entrances.

『Kree!』

And almost immediately, as I stepped foot into one of the openings, I was greeted rowdily.

"Here I was, wondering where you've all gone to."

Drawing the shabby dagger offered by the guild, I rushed toward the nearest goblin.

"Well, that just means there's more money for me!"

Dodging its brandished talon-like fingernails, I crouched down low and swiftly evaded.

『Kree--』

Fwoompoof!

And all it took was a deep, diagonal slash on its chest before it fell with a thud and vanished.

However, I didn't relax just yet. I may have had it easy for now but I didn't let my guard down.

『Kree!』『Kree!』

A couple of its friends tried to jump on me by surprise. But I was agile enough and evaded.

Swift as the fleeting breeze, nimble and acrobatic-like movements proved far too much.

At least for the likes of them. They could only dart their heads around my movements.

"Right then, I bid you farewell, my dear friends! I got a party to prepare."

Landing unnoticed in between them, my dagger cut through their necks unimpeded.

One circular slash, swift and direct, and they all fell tumbling before disappearing with a poof.

And what was left, instead of their flesh, was the same purplish, glowing, fragmented crystal.

"Sweet, another hundred Valis--"

I was about to collect them into my pouch when my senses picked up a disturbance.

"Hmm? A newly spawned one?"

From the eerie walls was a gradually widening crevice. Spitting out one more goblin.

"But why is it alone though?"

Did I kill them too quickly that the dungeon itself couldn't keep up its spawn time?

"Meh, just a fine addition. Bye!"

Its legs didn't even land when I threw my dagger toward it. An instantaneous killing.

Fwoompoof...

----

~~~Guild~~~

"I'd like to exchange this, please."

It was already dusk by the time I decided to call it a day and hurried back to the surface.

"Right away. Deposit your loot in that counter, please."

Although a bit tired, I was with all smiles, satisfied with a bountiful haul from the upper floors.

"Right, thanks!"

Only from the first three floors though. I wasn't stupid enough to proceed even deeper...

"Ah, there you are. You didn't die after all. Good job!"

While waiting for the money at the exchange counter, Miss Misha's voice caught my ear.

"Oh, Miss Misha-- wait, that sounds unpleasant. As if you've already expected me to die."

Well, judging by her expression when we parted earlier, I couldn't have it in me to blame her.

"Well, I've had my fair share of people like you who didn't manage to come back afterward."

Of course, she already made that point when I was still just registering as an adventurer.

"I know-- hmm, 12,200 Valis? Not bad, me."

However, just before I could respond, the counter compartment opened with my money.

"My, you got that much from your first day, even without having a falna?"

Seeing her surprised look as I made my way toward her, I puffed out my chest and smiled.

"So-so.", I told her and asked. "Not bad, right?"

Shaking herself from her own stupor, she offered her congratulations and gestured.

"Anyway, follow me.", she said and turned. "I already found you a Deity to serve."

And just as she mentioned it, I couldn't help but feel elated. Oh, the excitement!

'Finally! Mystery Box System Restrictions?', I shouted in my mind. 'Be gone!'

My steps quickened at that as unrestrained enthusiasm came pouring out of my mouth.

"So, who is it?", I asked curiously. "A God or a Goddess? What about the familia?"

Seemingly enjoying my overly enthusiastic blabbering, she couldn't help but show a smile.

"Well, she's a Goddess.", she told me. "She just came down from heaven a few months ago..."

A thought suddenly struck me when I remembered about the phenomenon a while back.

Well, it wasn't an unusual occurrence. It has been happening a lot, especially recently.

Gods and Goddesses with their grand entrance. Special effects, nothing much.

"Here we are. In that cubicle is Lady Dia-- well, actually, her official name is Goddess Hebe."