"Shirou, you want to increase your dexterity, meow?" Anya asked.
"Yea!" Shirou crossed his arms, barely managing to block one of Anya's heavy punches. "Captain Tsubaki said that to become a strong adventurer, you need to increase your basic abilities as evenly as possible, but also have at least one stat that stands out from the rest. For me, that's dexterity."
"That makes sense, meow. Those who rush to level up after barely getting one or two basic abilities to D rank (500) and by some miracle completed an achievement ... well, that's as far as they'll go in life. As for Anya, Anya always upgrade her agility to at least A rank before leveling up!" the catgirl proudly declared.
"No wonder..." Shirou said as he sidestepped one of Anya's attacks. "Anya you felt a lot stronger than Raul."
"Raul? You mean *High Novice*?" Anya said. "Well, he's the perfect example of someone without a standout basic ability. In the Loki Familia, he can level up just by joining expeditions and slowly racking up achievements, but his stats had a balance spread, all around C rank, that's probably the reason why he could never obtain any skills or magic."
"I see." Shirou took a few steps back, already feeling out of breath.
"Shirou's endurance still needs work, meow." Anya grinned mischievously. "Watch out, Anya getting serious."
Shirou braced himself, and suddenly, Anya opened her mouth and began a high speed incantation.
"Oh no!" Syr, who had been watching from the side, turned to Ryuu. "Quick, cover your ears!"
"Huh?" Ryuu instinctively followed Syr's advice, and then—
"MEOWWWW!!!~~"
Anya's magic, [Remiste Felis(Lost Kitten)], was unleashed.
"Ugh..."
By the time Shirou realized he should've cover his ears, it was too late.
A sharp, ear-piercing sound echoed around him, like a cat's screech mixed with the worst off-key melody imaginable. It was as if his head had been struck by a sledgehammer, instantly robbing him of his ability to think and sense of balance, causing him to drop to his knees.(ORZ)
[Remiste Felis(Lost Kitten)], an ultra-wide-area sonic magic that lowers the status of anyone who hears it. Though it doesn't lower one's stats as much as one level, it's one of the strongest debuff magics, able to weaken dozens/hundreds of targets at the same time, even capable of affecting development abilities, skills, and magic.
"If you listen to Anya's song every single day, you might increase your chances of obtaining the development ability [Magic Resistance], meow!" Anya boasted, as if this was something to be proud of.
"Dumb cat! Why the hell are you screaming in the middle of the night!!!"
A slipper came flying out of the tavern window, hitting Anya square on the head and knocking her down.
"Anya always does stuff without thinking. Let's get out of here before we get caught in the crossfire." Syr quickly grabbed Ryuu and the still-dizzy Shirou, abandoning Anya, as they made their quick escape.
"By the way, Shirou~" Syr suddenly shifted her tone, acting as if she was casually mentioning something. "I noticed you had quite an enjoyable time with a certain elf mage today~"
She narrowed her eyes, carefully observing him.
"Oh, you mean Lefiya? She's a good girl." Shirou replied honestly after a moment's thought.
Syr opened her mouth, only to find herself not knowing what to say. "...He just calmly admitt it? Is it because he didn't have any ulterior thought, or that he didn't felt guilty? It's hard to figure out what this boy thinking."
"How did you know, Syr?"Shirou asked confused.
"Oh, that? Earlier this evening, a certain *High Novice* came by for dinner. After I flattered him a little, he spilled the beans. You hadn't come back yet at that time." Syr smiled while glancing at Ryuu with a hint of frustration.
Ryuu, after thinking for a moment, sincerely said, "Shirou, I'm happy that you're willing to protect others!"
Shirou, seem like someone who can replace her, and inherit the justice of the Astraea Familia... Ryuu thought with relief. But why did she also feel a sense of unease in her heart?
Hearing Ryuu's words, Syr couldn't help but palm her face.:What are you happy about, Ryuu? This useless elf hasn't even realized what's happening! Even now, you're still reminiscing about your 'legacy of justice'?"
Syr clenched her tiny fists in frustration. If things keep going on like this, your future will only lead to the dreaded "losing heroine" ending, where you'll end up as the pitiful heroine, running away in defeat, crying in bed.(TN:Losing heroine in anime are given the nickname "loser dog" in the Chinese communities due to how some of them run away after being rejected resembling dog running away with their tails tucked between their legs after being defeated.)
As the leader of the "Shirou-Ryuu Ship"in the *Hostess of Fertility* tavern, Syr was growing increasingly concerned. With Shirou becoming an adventurer, he was bound to meet more and more girls, while this useless elf was none the wiser….
Syr Flova: This useless elf is completely hopeless. Looks like I'll have to step in myself!
Syr is Ryuu's most loyal supporter.
At least, for now.
The young girl clenched her small fists."Shirou-kun, I'll protect Ryuu's Happiness."Shirou, completely confused, replied,"Uh, good luck?"
.....
At the Twilight Manor, the home of the Loki Familia:
"Raul, you're finally back. What took you so long?" A black-haired catgirl narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "You didn't go to the Entertainment District again, did you?"
The girl's name was Anakitty Autumn, a second-class Lv4 adventurer, a leading member of the Loki Familia's second squad. Her companions affectionately called her "Aki."
She had joined the Familia around the same time as Raul, which led her to assist him as the commander of the second squad. Anakitty's physical strength and mental toughness placed her at the top among the Level 4 adventurers. Her graceful yet fierce combat style earned her the alias Alchat.(Noble Cat).
It's worth mentioning that Anakitty had a strong sense of responsibility and discipline. She found the carefree attitude of other catgirls annoying, so much so that she had trained herself to stop ending her sentences with "meow."
"I didn't go to the Entertainment District!" Raul protested loudly. "I just took a detour to the Hostess of Fertility for dinner."
After hearing people talk about how good the food at the Hostess of Fertility was, Raul couldn't resist any longer. He went to the tavern and even got lucky—a cute waitress struck up a conversation with him!
He couldn't help but boast about his many adventures, receiving the adoring gaze of the waitress… Could it be? Has I, the High Novice(Super Ordinary Guy), finally met my love.
"Tch, look at that lovestruck face. You definitely went to the Entertainment District." Anakitty crossed her arms, her tone icy cold.
"I told you, I didn't! And besides, if I really did went, I wouldn't be back so soon, even 'placing an order' takes quite a bit of time!" Raul objected.
"Oh? So you're quite knowledgeable about the Entertainment District, aren't you, Raul?" Anakitty's voice grew even colder. "Why don't you explain exactly what you mean by 'placing an order'?"
"Uh… well… I, uh…" Raul stammered, realizing his mistake.
Anakitty shook her head. "Idiot. The captain is looking for you. Go to the office."
"Oh, oh, okay, thanks, Aki."
Raul followed Anakitty, and together, they made their way to the Familia captain's office.
"Ah, Raul, you're back. Good work on today's mission. Aki, take a seat as well." A young Pallum man with blonde hair, put down his paperwork and said with a gentle voice.
Though he had the appearance of a young boy, he was actually the respected captain of the Loki Familia, trusted by all his comrades.
Finn Deimne, a Level 6 adventurer whose alias was Braver, despite his youthful appearance, he's a veteran adventurer that had been active in Orario for decades, even serving as a supporter for the Zeus and Hera Familias raid against Behemoth, thanks to the divine blessings and the unique traits of the Pallum race, his appearance remained that of a boy even after all this times.
Also in the room was a tall woman with jade-green hair that reached her waist tied into a long ponytail, having a matching eyes color, along with pointed ears, and exceptional beauty that surpassed numerous goddess. She wore a green outfit with yellow borders, a white cloak, black leggings, and long brown boots.
She was Riveria Ljos Alf, the vice-captain of the Loki Familia. A royal elf and Orario's strongest mage, she too was a Level 6 adventurer.
Together with Finn, she was one of the Loki Familia's "Big Three," with only the dwarven warrior Elgarm(Heavy Champion)Gareth Landrock missing, as he was training in the dungeon. Both were awaiting Raul's report.
What they were particularly concerned about was the conditions of a certain elven mage prodigy. To Finn, Lefiya was the future pillar of the Loki Familia, and to Riveria, she was a cherished disciple.
Raul understood his task, meticulously reporting every detail of Lefiya's first dungeon adventure since joining the Loki Familia.
"I see. So, he tried to help Lefiya reduce her fear of monsters by helping her 'adapt' and 'get used to' them. That boy certainly came up with a good idea." Finn nodded.
Riveria, however, was concerned. "But this is only a temporary solution. I hope Lefiya can find the courage to face her fears head-on, instead of just relying on others for protection."
Although mages are typically protected within a party, anything can happen in the dungeon. No one can guarantee that there will always be a reliable vanguard to shield her.
"I know it's not foolproof, but it's at least better than doing nothing." Finn replied. "Let's be optimistic. I believe in that child; she has the potential to overcome her fears."
"Just like Ais—she caused us a lot of trouble at first, didn't she? And now she's grown into a fine adventurer."
But at the first mention of Ais, Riveria's face immediately darkened. "No, that little brat is still causing us many troubles!"
"Last expedition, she went berserk the moment we encountered a strengthened black dragon monster. She disobeyed orders and charged in recklessly, nearly causing a disaster and forcing us to cut the expedition short."
Ais had rushed ahead so quickly that the veteran adventurers had no choice but to quickly follow, causing the squad to become disjointed. As a result, monsters spawning around the squad couldn't be immediately dealt with and destroyed most of the expedition's supplies.
Fortunately, [Elgarm]Gareth had stayed behind to guard the rear, preventing any casualties. Although Ais did manage to slay the strengthened black dragon and obtain a rare high-grade magic stone and a drop item, the rewards didn't make up for the losses. The expedition was essentially a complete failure, and Ais's reckless actions had clearly ignited Riveria's fury.
"Ah, well…" Finn scratched his head. "Lefiya's problems are still smaller compared to Ais's…"
"From now on, without my permission, Ais is not allowed to enter the Deep Floors of the dungeon. No, not even the Lower Floors," Riveria declared. "For now, let her followed the example of that child from the Hephaestus Familia and have her help Lefiya get accustomed to fighting monsters."
"Will Lefiya be joining the second squad?" Anakitty asked. As a Lv2 adventurer, Lefiya might be expected to join the second squad, under her and Raul's leadership.
"No, she'll go directly to the first squad. That child has a unique talent; at Lv3, she can unleash firepower that rivals a first-class adventurer," Finn explained. "We'll need her strength for future expeditions."
"And—" Finn shifted topics, "I'm curious about that boy from the Hephaestus Familia. His name is 'Shirou Emiya,' correct?"
"Yes, that boy is truly remarkable," Raul praised.
Finn narrowed his eyes, sensing that Raul's admiration wasn't just from a veteran recognizing a newcomer's potential but was also tinged with genuine respect for a strong individual. Many saw "High Novice" Raul as a man lacking in talent. However, Finn knew that this second squad leader he had chosen possessed a unique gift, especially in the area of command. Raul might not have Finn's ability to oversee everything, but he had a knack for identifying the most important person in the team in any given situation and doing everything in his power to help them succeed, without complaints or holding any grudge.
Being fully aware of his own lack of talent and accepting it, while wholeheartedly supporting those with ability, was, in Finn's eyes, an admirable quality in its own right.
"Projection magic, powerful archery, and 'miracle' swordsmanship..." Finn went into deep thought. "Raul, how do you evaluate his combat strength and potential?"
"Though he's only a Lv 1 rookie, his strength is nearing that of a Lv 2, much like Ais was at the start. In terms of swordsmanship, he's even more talented and skilled than Ais." Raul said seriously. "I believe his potential is no less than hers."
"Potential equal to Ais, and even better swordsmanship… That's quite a high evaluation.." Finn remarked. "In that case, have Lefiya maintain a good relationship with him. Our Familia might need his help in the future."
"That boy likely possesses a rare skill, possibly more than one," Riveria calmly analyzed. "Just like Ais and Lefiya."
For ordinary adventurers, having a magic or a skill was already impressive. But rare or unique skills were something few could ever dream of. However, for the top executives of the Loki Familia, skills were not so rare anymore. Except for Raul, who was seen as less talented, every single executives of the Loki Familia had their own set of extraordinary abilities.
Finn had two magics, five skills, and five development abilities. Riveria had three magic each with three different stage of power, two rare skills, and five development abilities. These once-renowned geniuses had long grown accustomed to the presence of other prodigies.
"It's a shame he's already joined the Hephaestus Familia. We missed our chance with him." Finn sighed. "With Ais, Lefiya, and now Emiya, these formidable newcomers keep appearing one after another. Sometimes it feels like I'm falling behind the times."
"You're already an 'old man'."Riveria said
"Riveria, we're adventurers from the same generation," Finn replied.
"Too bad. By the time you're bald and can't walk anymore, left reminiscing about the good old days, I'll probably still be leading the charge on the front lines of an expedition."
"Is this the luxury of being an elf? That's totally cheating."
Riveria chuckled, "Just kidding. By the time you and Gareth are too old to be adventurers, Ais and the others will have surely grown. I think I'll take advantage of my 'youth' and travel the world."
Finn shook his head, exasperated. "The way you elves define 'youth' has always been beyond me." He then turned to Raul.
"Oh, and don't mention anything about that kid's 'swordsmanship' to Ais."
"If Ais finds out, she's bound to cause trouble," Finn sighed, rubbing his temples.
The Sword Princess, Ais, had an extreme obsession with growing stronger. If she learned that the boy from the Hephaestus Familia might have better sword skills than her, she would likely do something reckless—like challenging him to a duel, demanding to know how he became so strong, or even begging him to teach her his techniques.
It wasn't the Familia's reputation that Finn was worried about; he was more concerned about damaging their relationship with the Hephaestus Familia.
Raul scratched his head. "Shouldn't we… also tell Lefiya?"
Finn's expression froze, and then he felt a sudden pain in his thumb.
This was his gift—whenever something bad was about to happen, his right thumb would hurt.
Finn smiled bitterly, "It's probably too late. Riveria, please keep Ais under control…"
Riveria massaged her forehead. "Sigh, understood."
The Sword Princess Ais Wallenstein, Lv5, was currently in her most rebellious age, age thirteen.
—————
(Fun Fact:Eriri from Saenai was given the nickname golden hair loser dog due to the fact she still lost while being a childhood friend of the MC(I know is more of a debuff), having foreign blood, being an otaku just like the MC, and even having golden hair. Anime where the golden hair heroine is the main love interest Danmachi, Oreimo, Sakura-sou, Your Lie in April, SAO, and Fate/Stay Night(some more orange than golden but you get the point).
Anakitty
https://danmachi.fandom.com/wiki/Anakitty_Autumn
Loki Familia Big Three
https://danmachi.fandom.com/wiki/Finn_Deimne/Image_Gallery?file=Sword_Oratoria_BD_4_Cover.jpg
https://danmachi.fandom.com/wiki/Finn_Deimne/Image_Gallery?file=Sword_Oratoria_Volume_14_LE_Cover.jpg#SO_Light_Novel