Danmachi : Ashen Knight

The city of Orario stood tall against the fading twilight, its streets bustling with adventurers preparing for another day of delving into the Dungeon. At its center, Babel Tower loomed, casting its long shadow over the city.

A lone figure moved through the crowd, unnoticed by most. His armor was dull, scarred from countless battles, and his helmet obscured his face. He carried a sword at his side and a backpack filled with supplies.

To those who spared him a glance, he was just another adventurer.

They were wrong.

His name, if anyone asked, was Orcbolg. But none had asked. He had only arrived in Orario that morning.

And he had come for one reason.

To hunt.

The shrine was small, tucked away in a forgotten part of the city. A single lantern flickered outside, illuminating a worn wooden sign.

Hestia Familia.

Orcbolg knocked once.

Silence.

He knocked again. This time, hurried footsteps sounded from within, followed by the creak of a door being thrown open.

A small goddess peeked out. She had long black hair, bright blue eyes, and an apron over her simple dress. She blinked up at him in surprise.

"Eh? A visitor?"

Orcbolg nodded. "Are you Hestia?"

The goddess tilted her head. "Yeah, that's me! Who are you?"

"I need a Familia," he said simply. "I was told you have none."

Hestia's eyes widened, and for a moment, she just stared.

A new member? Someone actually wanted to join her Familia?

She had dreamed of this moment—of recruiting her first adventurer, of finally stepping out of the shadow of her divine peers. She had imagined a young, hopeful adventurer, eager to grow stronger. Maybe someone a little shy, someone she could nurture into a great warrior.

Instead, she got… this guy.

His voice was cold, his armor battered. There was no eagerness, no excitement—just certainty.

Hestia gulped. "Uhh… yeah! Yeah, I don't have any members yet. But—um—why me?"

"The Guild said you had space," he said simply.

That's it?!

Hestia opened her mouth, then shut it.

She wanted to be offended, but… at the same time, she couldn't turn him away. She needed an adventurer.

"...You're serious?" she asked.

Orcbolg nodded once. "If you accept me, I'll join."

Hestia hesitated. Something about him was… off.

Still…

She took a deep breath, then smiled. "Alright then! Let's do it!"

The shrine's interior was modest—barely enough room for a bed and a small table. Hestia gestured for him to sit on the floor while she climbed onto the couch behind him.

"Okay, this might feel a little weird," she said, pressing her thumb against his back. "Just relax."

Divine energy shimmered, forming the Falna on his skin. Hestia concentrated, marking down the newly granted blessing.

She expected nothing unusual. After all, a newly inducted adventurer always started at zero. No exceptions.

But then, something formed.

A skill.

Already? That was rare. Most adventurers only unlocked skills after facing significant experiences in the Dungeon.

But for Orcbolg, the moment he received his Falna, a skill had appeared—as if it had always been waiting for him.

[Relentless Pursuer]

Increases stamina and focus when chasing a target. Strengthens perception and reaction speed when pursuing humanoid monsters.

Hestia's breath hitched.

Why did it specifically mention pursuing?

She looked down at him, about to ask—but then stopped.

Even with his back turned, she could feel something. A presence. A weight. It wasn't ambition or arrogance. It was something… darker.

Not evil. Not hatred.

Something more terrifying.

Purpose.

A man who lived for only one thing.

Hestia forced a smile. "...All done!"

Orcbolg stood up, fastening his armor back into place. "Good."

Hestia hesitated. "Um… you know, normally new adventurers take time to adjust before heading into the Dungeon."

"I start tomorrow."

She blinked. "Wha—wait, you don't even have a party! Or a supporter! And you're just Level 1—"

"I've hunted alone before," he said.

Hestia's mouth hung open. "But—!"

He turned to her. "Do you accept me?"

Hestia froze.

The way he asked… It wasn't arrogance. It wasn't pride. It was certainty. He wasn't asking for permission. He was simply confirming.

She swallowed.

"...Yeah," she said. "I do."

He nodded. "Then I hunt."

With that, he walked to the door.

Hestia, still stunned, barely managed to speak before he left.

"...Wait!"

He stopped.

She hesitated. "...Be careful."

Orcbolg didn't respond.

He stepped outside, disappearing into the streets.

Hestia sat back, exhaling slowly.

Somehow… she had the feeling her Familia's journey was going to be very different from what she had imagined.