Guild Headquarters – The Next Day
The Guild was bustling with activity, adventurers lining up to exchange magic stones, file reports, and gather information for their next Dungeon dives.
Orcbolg stepped inside without hesitation, moving past the crowd toward the reception desk. He had no reason to linger.
"Ah! You must be Orcbolg."
A female voice called out before he reached the counter.
He turned.
A half-elf with short brown hair and glasses stood there, arms crossed, giving him an unreadable expression.
"I was expecting you," she continued. "I'm Eina Tulle, one of the Guild's advisors. And you—" she adjusted her glasses, eyes narrowing slightly, "—are the new reckless rookie who went into the Dungeon alone on his first day."
Orcbolg said nothing.
Eina sighed, rubbing her temples. "Hestia told me you were experienced, but adventuring alone is still dangerous, especially at Level 1. You should at least consider joining a party."
"I work alone," he said simply.
Eina's eye twitched. "That's exactly the kind of attitude that gets adventurers killed."
"I survived."
"That's not the point!" She groaned. "Listen, I don't know where you got your experience, but Orario's Dungeon isn't like normal caves or hunting grounds. You can't afford to underestimate it."
Orcbolg remained silent, his gaze unwavering.
Eina took a deep breath. "Alright, fine. Let's start with basics. How much did you earn yesterday?"
He reached into his bag and placed a handful of magic stones on the counter.
Eina blinked. "That's… actually decent for a first-day solo adventurer." She hesitated, then muttered, "Maybe he really does know what he's doing…"
She quickly composed herself. "Regardless, you need gear, potions, and supplies. I assume you haven't bought any yet?"
Orcbolg shook his head. "I use what I have."
Eina glanced at his armor. Worn, scratched, but functional. The sword at his side was sturdy, well-maintained despite its use.
She sighed again. "At least let me introduce you to some good shops. You'll need better equipment once you go deeper."
"Understood."
"Good. And one more thing."
She leaned forward slightly, her green eyes sharp.
"You're strong for a rookie. But don't get overconfident. The Dungeon doesn't care how much experience you have—it only takes one mistake to end everything."
Orcbolg didn't react. He simply gave a short nod.
Eina exhaled, running a hand through her hair.
"...Honestly, you remind me of another problem child I know," she muttered.
Adventurer's Shop – Babel Tower
The shop was filled with all kinds of weapons and armor, displayed neatly along the walls. The shopkeeper, a burly dwarf, grunted as Orcbolg stepped inside.
"New face. Looking to buy?"
Orcbolg scanned the wares. Swords, daggers, spears—too many choices.
"Something practical," he said. "Durable."
The dwarf nodded, pulling out a sheathed blade. "This one's good for rookies. Solid iron, easy to maintain."
Orcbolg tested the weight. Well-balanced. But…
"Too light."
The dwarf raised an eyebrow. "Hah! You're not like most new adventurers. Here—try this."
He handed over a heavier blade, its edge reinforced with silver.
Orcbolg gave it a few test swings. It was closer to what he was used to.
"I'll take it."
"Good choice," the dwarf said. "And armor? Yours looks like it's seen better days."
Orcbolg shook his head. "I'll keep mine."
Eina, who had been watching silently, finally sighed. "You really don't like changing your equipment, do you?"
He didn't answer.
The dwarf chuckled. "He's got his own way of doing things. Reminds me of the old warriors."
Eina frowned but let it go. "Fine. But at least buy potions. And don't tell me you don't need them."
Orcbolg nodded. That was reasonable.
They finished the purchases, and Eina led him outside.
"...So? What's your plan?" she asked.
"Return to the Dungeon."
Eina sighed. "Of course it is."
Dungeon – Second Floor
The second floor was slightly darker than the first, the corridors winding and irregular.
Monsters here were stronger—more kobolds, dungeon lizards, and goblins moving in small groups.
Orcbolg advanced cautiously, testing his limits.
Strike. Dodge. Kill. Move on.
Each fight confirmed the same truth.
These goblins weren't like the ones from his world.
No tricks. No traps. No malice.
Just monsters.
His blade cut through another kobold, and he watched as it vanished into dust.
For a long moment, he simply stood there.
If they're not the same…
Then what am I really hunting?
The thought lingered. But he had no answer.
Not yet.
And so, he pressed on.
Hestia's Shrine – That Night
Hestia was waiting again when he returned.
This time, she didn't scold him.
Instead, she smiled. "Welcome back."
He paused. Then nodded.
"...I see."
And for the second night in a row, he allowed himself to breathe.
Even if only for a moment.