Chapter 5: Intuned
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John exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair, frustration building. "Fuck, this is gonna give me a headache…"
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Chapter 5
John pushed forward through the forest, the air thick with the hum of insects and the rustling of leaves.
He sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"Now, where the hell is Orario?" he muttered to himself, frustration bubbling.
"Unknown. No direct coordinates available," his nanomachines replied, their monotone voice adding to his irritation.
John stopped in his tracks, glancing upward through the canopy of trees. "Alright, let's do this the hard way." He bent his knees, activating his enhanced muscles. With a powerful leap, he shot into the air, breaking through the treetops in an instant.
The forest stretched out in every direction like a sea of green, but what grabbed his attention was the city in the distance. Even from here, it was impossible to miss—the massive walls encircling it like a fortress and, at its heart, a towering spire that screamed "Dungeon".
There you are," John said with a faint smirk.
"Target coordinates acquired. Capturing visual data," the nanomachines chimed. A faint holographic map appeared in his vision, marking Orario's location.
"Good. Keep that visual and pinpoint the best spot to land outside the city."
"Calculating… Optimal location found. Discreet landing point selected one kilometer south of the city walls."
John rolled his shoulders, his fingers twitching with anticipation. "Alright, let's see if this works."
With a thought, the energy within him flared to life, and the world around him blurred. In an instant, he was no longer standing in the forest.
Instead, he found himself in a clearing surrounded by tall grass, the towering walls of Orario now looming in the near distance. He staggered slightly, the disorienting sensation of his Jumper ability still something he was getting used to.
"Still makes my head spin," John muttered, glancing back to ensure no one had seen him, Satisfied that he was alone.
"Note: Maintain discretion regarding Jumper ability. Unusual powers may draw unwanted attention," his nanomachines reminded him.
"Yeah, no kidding," John replied. He wasn't about to let anyone know what he was capable of—not yet.
"Nanomachines, list current objectives," John commanded.
"Current objectives: 1) Reach Orario. 2) Assess the threat level of the dungeon. 3) Investigate potential familias for integration."
John narrowed his eyes at the list. "Potential familias, huh? I'll need to figure out who's worth my time." He knew from Bell's brief explanation that a god's blessing—Falna—was essential to gaining power, but the idea of pledging loyalty to anyone, divine or not, didn't sit well with him.
His nanomachines chimed in. "Suggestion: Acquire information regarding familias and dungeon access points discreetly. Avoid unnecessary attention."
"Yeah, yeah, I get it," John whispered back.
As he prepared to head toward the city, a sudden thought froze him mid-step. He glanced down at himself—bare chest, and worse, no pants.
"Shit," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "Almost walked into town looking like a damn lunatic."
"Observation: Current attire insufficient for social norms in Orario. Entering in such a state may result in unwanted attention or hostility," the nanomachines chimed in.
"No kidding," John grumbled, looking around for a solution. "Suggestions?"
"Scanning… Based on previously captured visual data of Bell Cranel, basic clothing construction is possible using natural materials and available resources."
John raised an eyebrow. "You're telling me you can make me clothes out of sticks and leaves?"
"Correction: Primitive yet secure attire can be fashioned using durable plant fibers and basic weaving techniques."
John sighed. "Fine. Let's get to it."
Following his nanomachines' guidance, John scoured the area. He tore strips of bark from sturdy trees and found long, flexible vines to weave together. The process was tedious—stripping, twisting, and knotting the fibers—but his nanomachines provided constant instructions, overlaying diagrams and step-by-step guides in his vision.
"At least you're good for something," he muttered under his breath.
After about twenty minutes of trial and error, John stepped back to examine his handiwork. His new "clothing" was primitive but functional—a sleeveless tunic of woven bark and vines that covered his chest and shoulders, with a reinforced wrap around his waist and legs. It wasn't much, but it was secure, and most importantly, it provided the coverage he needed to blend in.
"Not exactly a fashion statement," he said, tying a final knot. "But it'll do."
"Attire meets minimum acceptable standards for discretion and mobility. Efficiency rating: 62%," the nanomachines reported.
John scoffed. "Great. Barely passable."
"Suggestion: Proceed toward Orario while maintaining a low profile."
"Yeah, yeah, I'm on it," John muttered, adjusting his makeshift tunic to make sure it wouldn't fall apart.
John took a deep breath, his mind racing through his options. He had made it to the city's outskirts, but now he needed to be smart. The last thing he wanted was to draw attention to himself—he wasn't here to make a splash. Not yet. His main goal was to collect as much information as possible, find a way to earn some money, and then figure out how to approach the Adventurers' Guild without drawing any unwanted eyes.
"Nanomachines," he murmured, his voice barely a whisper. "Can you use the data from when I jumped earlier—when I got a view of Orario? I need you to pinpoint a discreet location inside the city, somewhere quiet and far from the main paths. Something out of sight. We can't risk anyone noticing us."
"Data from previous jump analyzed… Location selected based on visual data from your previous observation point. Optimal entry point identified: small, narrow alleyway near the central district, minimal foot traffic, ideal for discrete entry. Coordinates set."
John exhaled in relief. "Good. Let's keep it low-key."
He took another breath, focusing as he readied himself to jump. A burst of energy flared inside him, and in an instant, the world around him blurred.
When everything snapped back into focus, he was standing in the shadow of a narrow alleyway, tucked away between two tall, crumbling stone buildings. The air smelled faintly of old wood and rain-soaked pavement, a stark contrast to the bustling sounds of the main streets just beyond. This place was perfect—quiet, secluded, and far enough from the eyes of any potential onlookers.
John leaned back against the rough stone wall and closed his eyes for a moment, trying to calm himself. He needed a plan, but it wouldn't do to rush. It was still daylight, and wandering around now would be too risky. He had to wait.
A sudden thought crossed his mind. He wasn't exactly blending in—not as much as he'd like. He wasn't exactly a "normal" sight, especially with his muscles, height, and that damn tunic. He needed a way to seem less… obvious.
"Nanomachines," he said, "I want you to change my appearance. Make me look like a homeless bum or something. Skinny, dirty, out of place—whatever fits. I need to blend in better."
"Warning: Transformation requires significant energy expenditure. The amount of mass to be compacted and changed will consume stamina and energy. Estimated time for continued transformation: low endurance may cause collapse."
John grimaced. "I don't care. Do it anyway."
There was a slight pause before the nanomachines complied. John could feel a strange sensation washing over him—his muscles compacting, skin darkening, and his features shifting. His once broad chest and strong arms shrank, his face growing leaner and his body adapting to a thinner, unkempt appearance. His tunic, which had seemed somewhat functional before, now hung loosely on his new frame, dirty and ragged.
After a moment, he took a breath and stood up, glancing at his reflection in the alley's puddle. It wasn't pretty, but it was effective. He now looked like someone who had been sleeping in the streets for weeks, barely holding it together.
"Better. But you said this'll take a toll, right?"
"Correct. Sustaining this transformation will continue to consume stamina and energy," the nanomachines reminded him.
"Fine. But I'm not staying in here forever. I'll wait 'til nightfall, then head out and sit somewhere obvious but not too obvious. Just enough so people can see me, but not enough for them to care."
"Affirmative. Proceed when ready."
John leaned against the wall again, watching the sun inch closer to the horizon. He would wait, watch, and when the time was right, he would make his move.
Time skip: 2 hours
John lay motionless against the cold stone wall, his body deliberately still. His clothes were ragged, his appearance disheveled—he looked just like any other homeless person. But inside, his mind was alert, every sense sharp and waiting. The alley was quiet, except for the occasional distant voices and clatter of footsteps, but John knew they were getting closer.
The familiar sound of stumbling feet and slurred voices reached his ears. He didn't need to look—he could hear enough. Three men. Drunk. Looking for trouble.
"Oi, look at this guy," one of them muttered, slurring his words. "You think he's got anything worth taking?"
"Probably not," another replied, his voice thick with alcohol. "But he's here, and we're here. Might as well check."
John kept his breathing steady, his posture slouched just right. His face remained calm and passive, but inside he was already calculating. Just a little closer.
The men crowded around him, one of them reaching out to shake John's shoulder. "Hey, you awake, old man?" he slurred.
John's lips twitched slightly, but he remained still. He could feel the men closing in, their intentions obvious. They were looking for an easy target—someone they could intimidate.
Lady Luck is smiling on me today, John thought with a faint grin.
The men muttered back and forth, their words getting more and more obnoxious.
"You think he's got something?" one asked.
"Probably just scraps," the other replied, "but let's see. We could use a good laugh."
John didn't move. Not yet. His nanomachines hummed in the background. "Unknown energy detected. Consumption recommended."
John whispered under his breath, almost too quietly for them to hear, "Yeah, I know."
The men froze at the soft sound, glancing at each other in confusion. "What was that?" one of them asked, peering down at John.
Without any further hesitation, John's tail shot out from underneath his tattered clothes. It was a blur of motion, too fast for any of them to react. In a single instant, it struck with pinpoint accuracy, coiling tightly around the first man's neck. He never had a chance to scream. The tail tightened, and his body dropped like a ragdoll.
Before the other two could even process what had happened, John was already on them. His tail flicked out again, slicing the second man's throat in a smooth motion. Blood sprayed, but there was no time for panic. The third man tried to step back, but John was already right in front of him, his hand snapping out with the force of a hammer. The man's face collided with John's palm, his body crumpling to the ground, lifeless before he hit the floor.
John took a moment to stand over them, eyes cold and indifferent. His body was already moving, scanning the bodies for anything useful. Coins. A few trinkets. Nothing of real value.
His work was quick, clean, efficient, machine like—like the rest of his life.
John stood over the three lifeless bodies, his breath steady as his nanomachines continued their quiet hum. He hadn't just killed them for survival; he was calculating the potential benefits. The process of absorption was already beginning to kick in, but before it proceeded, he needed to confirm something.
He reached down and flipped each of the bodies around, searching for any signs of special markings, but there was nothing obvious. That didn't matter, though. He didn't need to know the details right now. The nanomachines would handle that.
"Nanomachines," John murmured, his voice low. "Absorb these bodies and process them for any potential materials I can use. Check if there's anything unusual in them or any enhancements."
The nanomachines processed the request instantly. "Affirmative. Commencing absorption of bodies and attire. Scanning for potential sources of enhancement or unusual energy."
As the nanomachines began their work, John felt his clothes dissolve seamlessly into his body, absorbed along with the bodies of the men. The organic materials they had absorbed were quickly repurposed, converting into something more suitable—clothing that would fit his enhanced physique. His body shivered for a moment as his clothes transformed, the fabric melding into a new set that was stronger and more durable.
"Unusual energy detected," the nanomachine reported, its voice steady. "Energy signature recognized. Initial analysis indicates that it is most likely a tool of empowerment, possibly related to a source known as Falna based on surrounding environmental data and recorded information from Bell's database."
John's brow furrowed as the nanomachines continued to analyze the energy. He hadn't expected this, but the idea made sense. Bell had described something similar—a divine blessing of sorts that enhanced physical abilities. The fact that the energy was emanating from the bodies made it all the more likely.
"Analyzing further," the nanomachine continued. "Based on surrounding data and analysis of slightly stronger humans in the area, the energy likely corresponds to the Falna, a form of divine empowerment bestowed by gods to enhance physical capabilities."
John's curiosity piqued, but he didn't have time to dwell on it. His muscles tensed as the energy surged through his body, and he could already feel the enhancement taking hold. The nanomachines quickly compiled the results:
"Absorption complete. Host gains the following:
• Body: +200 kg
• Strength: +300 kg
• Flexibility: +0.3
• Speed: +4 km/h
This energy has caused an increase in all physical attributes. The energy has been processed and is now enhancing the host beyond the base state of the original individuals."
John's muscles flexed with newfound strength, and his movements became smoother. He could feel his enhanced stamina, his body more attuned to the increased physical demands he now faced. His clothes, now reinforced and tailored to his body, seemed to adapt perfectly to the changes.
"Processing complete. Energy absorption successful. Host has gained the Falna Intuned trait, allowing the host to benefit from Falna more efficiently. This trait enables smoother energy flow and increased physical enhancements."
John flexed his fingers, feeling the heightened power coursing through him. The Falna Intuned trait seemed to be working well, further amplifying the benefits from the absorption process.
However, a faint trace of blood lingered in the air, sharp and unmistakable. He froze, the scent of blood could attract attention. He couldn't afford to stay in one place for long.
"I can't stay here," John muttered to himself, eyes scanning the area. He knew the city of Orario could be full of threats—adventurers or even other denizens of the area who might take notice of the blood trail.
"Nanomachines, scan the area for any approaching individuals," John commanded. "We need to leave quickly."
The nanomachines immediately processed the request. "Scanning. No immediate threats detected. However, the scent of blood may attract attention from individuals nearby."
John nodded. The area seemed clear for now, but it was always better to err on the side of caution. His new abilities had boosted his physical capabilities, but there was no need to draw attention unnecessarily.
With a swift motion, he started moving. His enhanced body allowed him to blend seamlessly into the shadows, moving with a fluid grace.
"Let's see what this city has to offer," John muttered, his eyes gleaming with anticipation as he moved further into the bustling streets of Orario, ready for whatever came next.
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(AN)
sorry for the lack of uploads. kinda got lost on what to do so I've decided to start rewatching danmachi and trying to get more into power scaling and I kinda got a little side tracked.
but regardless, I am back and I believe that after the brainstorming I've been doing for awhile the mc being in danmachi will most likely NOT be long and this will most likely turn into a multiversal far quicker than I expected, but I shall still make sure you guys get you fulfillment of danmachi.
And yes, I won't be having MC leave without make sure his presence is known in this world since it is his first and might be considered his "Home Planet" for awhile idk yet..all in all, enjoy and please give criticism, harsh or not I will happily accept it all.