The Labyrinth City, Oraria, stood out as a jewel among the metropolises of the world, a unique place where the coexistence of civilization and mystery was part of daily life. Located in the heart of a vast plain, surrounded by mountains that seemed like silent guardians, Oraria was renowned for housing the only dungeon known to humanity, a place as dangerous as it was fascinating.
The dungeon was not merely a hole in the ground filled with monsters and treasures; it was a living enigma, a place with endless and hostile levels that seemed to defy the laws of the world, its origins shrouded in legends.
The city, born around the dungeon's entrance, grew into a bustling hub of activity. Adventurers from all corners of the world migrated to Oraria, drawn by the promise of fame, wealth, and power. The streets were an organized chaos, where stalls and shops crowded the sidewalks, displaying essential goods for the brave souls who dared to enter the dungeon.
Shining armors, forged with rare metals and enchanted with mysterious runes, shared space with sharp weapons that seemed to pulse with latent energy. Healing potions, stored in glass vials with tightly sealed lids, gleamed in shades of green and red, promising to save lives in moments of dire need.
The merchants knew how to exploit the ambitions and fears of adventurers, turning basic needs into profitable businesses. Inns and taverns also thrived, offering not only shelter and meals but also a temporary refuge from constant danger.
It was common to hear tales of heroic deeds, tragic failures, and epic battles shared between gulps of beer and the sounds of musical instruments. Oraria, however, was not just a haven for the brave; it was also a meeting point for scholars, artisans, and all those who saw the dungeon as an opportunity for growth, whether through research or exploration.
It was in this vibrant setting that Altair appeared. The light of the setting sun cast golden hues over the city's stone buildings as he found himself in the center of a bustling square, unsure of how he had arrived there.
His gaze was confused, but he quickly realized that the environment around him was unlike anything he had ever known. The voices around him sounded strange, as if each person was immersed in their own world, yet connected by a common purpose: survival and ambition.
Altair was a transmigrant.
A stranger torn from his own world and thrown into Oraria without explanations or preparation. He carried with him only the clothes on his back and a handful of memories from his previous life.
Altair's POV
Saying this world isn't cool would be a complete lie. Let's be honest: a world full of monsters, magic, gods, and epic adventures was, at the very least, fascinating. Of course, it all depended on how you looked at things. But to speak plainly, Danmachi was an amazing world. Fun, exciting, and at the same time, absolutely dangerous. Here, any misstep could mean the end.
On the other hand, let's not pretend that this reality was only interesting because of the fights or magic. There were also… the waifus.
Yes, that's right. This world had some of the most incredible characters I had ever seen — and that wasn't something I could ignore. Names like Ryuu, Ais, Mikoto, Haruhime, Riveria, Lefiya, Tiona, Tione… and the list went on. Perhaps I went a bit overboard with the number of names, but honestly, who could blame me?
Of them all, though, my favorite had always been Ryuu. There was no doubt about that. Her serious demeanor, her determination, the weight of her story… everything about her fascinated me. If I had to live here, then at least I'd have the chance to see her in action, right? But for now, it was better to set those thoughts aside. After all, the most important thing wasn't daydreaming but surviving.
That's when something unexpected happened. Before my eyes, a familiar, shimmering screen appeared.
The System screen.
==========================
「Basic Information」
Name: Altair
Race: Human
Nicknames: None
Level: 1
Family/Falna: None
==========================
「Status」
Strength: I 60
Endurance: I 60
Dexterity: I 60
Agility: I 60
Magic: I 60
==========================
「Skills」
Spatial Mark
Allows the user to mark objects or locations with an invisible mark. They can then teleport anything marked to their hand or nearby.
Mana Drain
A skill that allows the user to absorb mana from a target by touching them. While the contact is maintained, the absorption continues at a steady and considerable pace.
Counter-Guardian
(???????)
Eye of the Mind (True)
An invaluable ability that grants clarity even in desperate situations. It allows the user to analyze an enemy's strength, as well as the surrounding conditions, to deduce available means of survival. Even if the chances of success are minimal, this ability makes it possible to create and execute a strategy. The more experience and discipline, the more effective it becomes.
==========================
「Inventário do Sistema」
Kanshou and Bakuya
The legendary "married swords" of Chinese origin. They are extremely powerful anti-monster weapons, capable of easily slaying creatures such as the Gorgon or the Nemean Lion.
Counter-Guardian Suit
An advanced and durable equipment that absorbs much of the physical and magical damage received. This attire, in addition to its protection, can automatically restore itself through the System.
==========================
Staring at the screen, a mix of relief and excitement washed over me. I wasn't just anyone in this world; the System had equipped me with skills and tools worthy of an adventurer. Still, that didn't mean everything would be easy. Each line of that interface reminded me that, although I had potential, it was only the beginning.
I looked around. The bustling streets of Oraria were alive with activity. Experienced adventurers chatted, laughed, and bartered supplies. Other novices, like me, seemed just as lost as I felt. A chill ran down my spine as I thought about the dungeon just below the city. It was the final destination for everyone there. A place where dreams and nightmares coexisted.
I took a deep breath. This was my starting point. The dungeon awaited me, but first, I needed a Familia. And who knows, maybe a chance encounter with my favorite waifu.
Is this luck? Maybe. But I'm not entirely sure. What I do know is that my arrival in this world didn't come with a manual or guarantees. All I had was a handful of information up front and a newly discovered determination to survive.
Above all, the biggest problem now was not the dungeon itself, but the fact that I needed a Familia to enter it. No adventurer, no matter how skilled, could venture into the dungeon without the support of a god or goddess who provided a Falna. It was an unbreakable rule.
Of course, there were several familias available in Orario. Some of them, like the Loki Familia or the Ganesha Familia, were large and renowned. However, there was one option that stood out as the best for me at the moment: the Hestia Familia.
Why? Simple. It was the easiest Familia to be accepted into. Hestia, at the current time, still didn't have a large number of followers or a solid reputation. In fact, she barely had a Familia. Moreover, it was advantageous to avoid the spotlight for now, especially since I knew what the future held. The Hestia Familia was about to shine brightly, thanks to Bell Cranel, the main protagonist of Danmachi.
Another advantage was starting from the bottom. It would be a good experience to grow alongside a humble Familia and work to reach the top. However, my goal was clear: I wasn't here just to participate — I wanted to leave my mark.
Without further delay, I headed toward Hestia's current home, an old and worn-down abandoned church. By luck (or perhaps, once again, due to the influence of the System), it wasn't that difficult to find. I just had to ask a few locals. The description of the place was peculiar enough that everyone knew which church I was talking about.
As I got closer, I felt a shiver of excitement. The church had something special about it, almost as if it carried a hidden story. In fact, I knew that this place had been a gift from Hephaestus to Hestia, a gesture of friendship between the two goddesses. There were also rumors that, in the past, this church had been frequented by a certain member of the Hera Family before it fell into neglect.
Finally, there I was, standing in front of the building. The abandoned church looked even lonelier up close. The walls were worn, covered in moss in some areas, and the stained-glass windows were opaque and dusty. I took a deep breath and knocked on the door.
Toc! Toc! Toc!
I waited. One minute passed. Two. Three. There was no response. Perhaps Hestia was out or simply hadn't heard.
Without giving up, I pushed the door just enough to check the interior. To my surprise, the church was completely empty. The atmosphere inside was silent, almost oppressive, as if time had stopped. The wooden pews were dusty, many damaged or broken, but some still held up against the wear. The air smelled of mold mixed with the faint scent of old wood.
As I walked carefully through the main hall, I noticed a detail that caught my attention. In the corner of the church, there was a wooden door leading to the basement.
The soft, decaying light filtering through the opaque stained glass windows seemed to make the atmosphere even quieter. The echo of my footsteps had disappeared, and the sound of my breath was the only thing filling the empty space. With nothing else to do, I approached the altar, feeling the weight of the journey and the fatigue that was finally starting to accumulate.
I sat there, at the altar, with my body relaxed but my mind still racing. I ran my hand through my white hair, trying to organize my thoughts. I had already seen my appearance in a quick reflection in a mirror, and couldn't help but compare it to someone I knew. My white hair, messy and falling over my forehead, the gray eyes, and the tanned skin—all of it reminded me of EMIYA (Archer), especially in his Second Stage from Fate Grand Order.
[Insert image here]
However, my attire contrasted somewhat with the imposing figure that EMIYA represented. Currently, I was dressed in nothing more than a basic black shirt, white pants, and black shoes—the same clothes I had received upon arriving in this world. They were suitable for basic needs, but they were not worthy of someone who carried a system and such a promising inventory.
I gazed into the void ahead of me, contemplating.
'Should I equip the Counter-Guardian Suit now?' The idea made sense, after all, it was the only reliable protection I had at the moment. 'It would be the best course of action.'
Without hesitation, I recited the command that had been on my mind: 'Equip Counter-Guardian Suit.'
Almost immediately, I felt the clothes I was wearing vanish, dissolving into bluish particles that scattered into the air, replaced by something far more imposing.
The Counter-Guardian Suit adjusted to my body with an unnerving perfection. The tight black sleeveless shirt outlined the muscles of my torso, with silver details along it adding a sleek and functional touch. There was a metal plate on the collar, reinforcing the sense of protection without sacrificing mobility. The black pants, with straps attached to my thighs and calves, seemed made to withstand the harsh environment of a dungeon, while the metal shoes, perfectly integrated with the rest of the suit, ensured a solid and reinforced foundation.
[Insert image here]
It was an outfit that blended practicality with simplicity. The mere feeling of wearing it seemed to boost my confidence.
I let my body relax again and closed my eyes, leaning against the worn statue behind the altar. The coldness of the material against my back brought me an unexpected calm. The silence of the church, once oppressive, now seemed like an invitation to rest.
Narrator POV
Hestia, the Goddess of the Hearth and the Eternal Flame, was a figure of delicate and enchanting beauty. Her youthful face radiated a gentle glow, while her blue eyes, as deep as the sky at dusk, reflected her purity and compassion. Her long black hair, gracefully falling to her thighs, swayed gently with each movement. Dressed in a simple white dress adorned with blue ribbons, she seemed like a personification of kindness and hope.
On that day, Hestia's joy was palpable. She had finally found a child to welcome into her small but warm family: Bell Cranel, a young man with a pure heart and determined eyes. He was a novice adventurer, but his courage and determination had already won the Goddess's heart. With a radiant smile and contagious energy, she led Bell to the old abandoned church that served as her home and base.
"Come on, Bell! Hurry!" exclaimed Hestia, her voice full of enthusiasm as she decisively opened the worn doors of the church. The place, though humble and marked by time, was welcoming, as if the very presence of the Goddess filled every corner with warmth and life.
"Yes, Goddess!" Bell replied, nodding as he rushed to keep up with her. He carried with him a mix of nervousness and excitement. It was the beginning of something grand: the moment he would receive his Falna, the divine bond that would officially mark his entry into the Hestia Familia.
However, as soon as the doors of the church creaked open, an unexpected sound caught both of their attention. From the back of the hall came a movement, as if someone had just woken up from a deep sleep. Bell stopped abruptly, instinctively positioning himself in front of Hestia, while the Goddess narrowed her eyes towards the shadow emerging from the interior.
A tall and imposing figure appeared, walking with steady steps. It was a man with messy white hair falling over his forehead, wearing a particularly expensive outfit, which seemed to have been forged outside of Orario. His posture was upright and confident, and his eyes held a mix of determination and mystery. The presence of the stranger immediately filled the room with an aura of power and respect.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Goddess Hestia," he said, his voice deep and courteous as he gave a slight bow. "I am Altair, and I am here to join your family."
Hestia blinked, surprised and wary. She glanced briefly at Bell, who looked just as confused as she did, and then turned her attention back to the man before them. Altair was clearly someone important, perhaps even connected to one of the great families of Orario. His high-quality equipment was not something an ordinary adventurer could afford. Perhaps he was a messenger, or worse, a spy sent by another deity. After all, the Apollo Familia was known for meddling where they weren't invited.
"Join my family?" Hestia repeated, trying to hide her confusion. "Why would someone like you, with that equipment, choose my small family? We've barely just begun."
Altair gave a slight smile but didn't answer immediately. He seemed to be analyzing the Goddess, as if evaluating something beyond her words.
Altair lifted his gaze, looking at Hestia with an expression that blended honesty and determination. He didn't seem to hesitate in his words, as if each one had been carefully chosen to convey the truth of his heart.
"Simple, I am weak," he declared, direct and straightforward, his voice firm echoing in the empty church. "A weak person would never be accepted into another family. That's why I came to you, Goddess Hestia. I know your family needs to grow, needs people to become strong. And I... need to be strong. It's a fair exchange, don't you think?"
Hestia fell silent for a moment, surprised by the man's unusual honesty. His admission of weakness seemed almost theatrical, as if it had come from a stage drama or a story told in a tavern. Still, there was something in his eyes that indicated sincerity.
Beside Hestia, Bell watched cautiously, his gaze shifting between Altair and the Goddess, worried. He knew Hestia had always dreamed of expanding her family, but this situation was unexpected. A stranger appearing out of nowhere and asking to join them? It seemed too good to be true, and it made him uneasy.
"And if you don't trust me," Altair continued, noticing the hesitation in Hestia's blue eyes, "give me the chance to prove my worth. Allow me to earn your trust. Please, Goddess Hestia." He took a step forward, slightly bowing his head in a gesture of respect.
Despite the strength her presence conveyed, there was a vulnerability in her words that was hard to ignore.
Hestia bit her lower lip, her fingers idly playing with a strand of her long black hair. Her emotions were conflicted. On one hand, this was exactly what she needed: more members for her family, more people willing to share her cause.
But on the other hand, how could she trust someone she had just met so easily? Altair's imposing appearance didn't help. He seemed more connected to influential families like Apollo's or Loki's, which made her even more suspicious.
"You're right, Altair," she finally said, her voice low but heavy with meaning. "My family needs to grow. But trust is not something given freely. It's something earned."
Altair raised his gaze, a spark of determination in his eyes. He knew he had found an opening, and now it was up to him to prove he was serious.
"I promise I will earn your trust, Goddess," he said, the intensity in his voice almost tangible. "I'll prove I'm worthy of being part of your family."
Hestia took a deep breath, her heart torn between the desire to believe and the caution to protect herself from potential disappointments. Bell, noticing his Goddess's struggle, took a small step forward.
"Goddess Hestia," he began, his voice gentle yet firm. "Maybe it's a good idea to give him a chance. If he wants to prove he can be part of the family, let's give him the opportunity. After all, isn't that what we always say? That everyone deserves a chance?"
Bell's words seemed to ease some of the tension in the air. Hestia gave him a grateful glance before finally turning her attention back to Altair.
"Alright," she said with a small smile. "You'll have your chance, Altair. But remember: once you join my family, there's no room for ulterior motives or lies. We are few, but we are sincere. Are you ready for that?"
"Yes, Goddess Hestia," Altair replied promptly, the conviction in his voice clear. "I am ready."
Altair made an important mental note: he needed to thank Bell for convincing Hestia to let him join the Hestia Familia. That act of trust was something he would be eternally grateful for. Bell didn't just open the doors for him, but also introduced him to a new chapter of his life, something Altair recognized as a rare privilege in Orario.
After being accepted, Hestia directed Altair to wait in the small abandoned church that served as the Familia's base. The environment was simple and somewhat precarious, but it exuded a peculiar charm. The walls, though worn by time, boasted a rustic beauty, and the sunlight that filtered through the broken stained glass windows cast colorful patterns on the stone floor, as if the place were still blessed by a divine force.
While Hestia was performing the ritual to grant Bell his Falna, Altair found a wooden chair in a corner of the room. It was a modest chair, with signs of wear that told stories of better times, but to him, it was perfect. He settled into it with a light sigh, feeling the weight of his past journeys finally find a moment of rest.
Altair rested his arms on the backrest of the chair, leaning slightly backward in a relaxed posture. His right leg was bent, with his foot resting on his left knee, creating a figure that exuded relaxed confidence. He looked around, observing the details of the surroundings as his mind wandered.
The faintly woody scent of the place, mixed with the aroma of old incense, seemed to soothe his senses. Altair let his thoughts flow, wondering what life within the Hestia Familia would be like. He knew challenges awaited him, but he also felt that he was about to be part of something greater than himself.
With a subtle smile, he murmured to himself, almost like a promise: "I'll repay this. Somehow, I'll repay this."
After Bell received his Falna and the ritual was completed, it was Altair's turn. He felt his heart race slightly, not from nervousness, but from the anticipation of the moment that would officially mark his entry into the Hestia Familia.
Hestia called him to the room in the basement of the church, which served as her private space. The environment was simple, with a small wooden bed, an improvised nightstand, and dim lighting from a magical lantern in the corner. The room had a cozy touch, reflecting the warm personality of the goddess. Bell, already settled on the nearby couch, observed in silence, respecting the significance of this moment for Altair.
Altair approached the bed and, with a swift and efficient motion, removed the top part of his outfit. His bronzed torso reflected the soft light of the room, highlighting subtle scars that told stories of past battles. He carefully folded the piece of clothing and placed it on a chair before lying down on his stomach on the bed, resting his arms under his chin.
Hestia approached with light steps, holding a small, delicate needle. With a careful movement, she pricked her finger, letting a drop of blood fall onto Altair's back. The divine blood touched his warm skin, spreading in an ethereal glow that seemed alive. Altair felt a slight pulse at the spot, as if something were awakening inside him.
Soon, the Falna appeared, taking shape on Altair's back. The script inscribed was something he could not comprehend; it was hieroglyphs, the sacred language of the Gods, an impenetrable code for mortals. This system had been carefully developed by the Gods to protect the valuable content of the Falna, ensuring that only the divine patron of the person could access and update their status.
Hestia observed closely, her expression serious and focused as she translated the inscribed information. Only the Gods had the power to decipher and understand the recorded status, and even among them, specific methods were created to ensure the security and privacy of their family members.
As soon as Altair's Falna was recorded, Hestia focused on translating the information that appeared before her eyes. A soft light surrounded the hieroglyphs on his back, and as the translation progressed, the data began to reveal itself. However, when she saw what was recorded, her eyes widened in a mix of surprise and disbelief.
「Basic Information」
Name: Altair
Race: Human
Level: 1
==========================
「Status」
Strength: I 60
Endurance: I 60
Dexterity: I 60
Agility: I 60
Magic: I 60
==========================
「Skills」
Spatial Mark
Mana Drain
Counter-Guardian
Eye of the Mind (True)
Subspace Inventory
==========================
Hestia stood still for a few seconds, her chin slightly dropped. Her mind raced to try to process what was before her.
"Five skills... at level 1? That's... impossible," she murmured, almost to herself. The tone of her voice was laden with astonishment.
She carefully observed each ability, analyzing the names and the potential implied in each one. Some were intriguing, but others made it clear that Altair was far beyond the ordinary, even by Orario standards.
[Counter-Guardian], in particular, was a complete mystery. There was no description or indication of how it worked, which made it all the more intriguing. What could this ability be? Something so obscure that even the Gods themselves couldn't identify it.
The [Subspace Inventory], on the other hand, was extraordinary. An unlimited space where anything could be stored? This was something Hestia knew many adventurers would sacrifice everything to possess. It was an ability of incalculable utility, especially for someone intending to venture into the depths of the dungeon.
Her gaze returned to the stats. All of Altair's attributes were leveled, something unusual but not impossible. However, when combined with his abilities, the set was terrifying. She realized that Altair was not just a promising adventurer; he was an anomaly, an unparalleled potential that was only beginning to be shaped.
"Incredible... I never expected something like this," Hestia thought, still trying to recover from the shock. She looked at Altair, who had already gotten up and was putting on his shirt. He seemed calm, perhaps even oblivious to the magnitude of what had just been revealed.
As she stored the Falna information, Hestia pondered what this meant for her family. With Bell already showing to be exceptional, now there were two extraordinary individuals under her care. She pressed her lips together, a smile beginning to form on her face.
"Altair," she called, her voice a mix of pride and expectation. "You are truly... special. I'll take good care of you, so get ready, because I expect great things."
Altair smiled back, unaware of the weight of her words. For him, this was just the beginning.
Meanwhile, Hestia thought, barely able to contain her excitement: "My family is about to make an impact on Orario that no one expects. And I can't wait to see it."